Dalton Jones Average Ends '12 In Steep Decline

Although it should come as no surprise, FenwayNation's Dalton Jones Industrial Average dropped 15.2 points in the final September/October reading—finishing the year at 54.8. This is 45.2 points lower than the normalized pre-season reading of 100.0. In this final measurement, DJIA Panel members gave the highest confidence ratings to the team's defense, followed by the offense and relief pitching. Once again, starting pitching got the most negative rating—at a record low 22.6 (12.4 points lower than even August's reading).

FenwayNation offers its readers this monthly reading of "The Mood Of The Nation" through our exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average. Named for the all-time Red Sox pinch-hit leader, the average is a composite index of four key metrics: starting pitching, relief pitching, total offense and total defense. The editors of FenwayNation have selected a panel of readers from throughout the world to weigh in every month on the state of the Carmine Hose. The Index number—and its fluctuation up or down—has proven, over the years, to be an accurate bellwether of actual performance. Looks liked it has worked again.