They are better than a lot of people think. Run differential, in my opinion, is a wonky stat. It places too heavy of a emphasis on blow outs, and doesnt consider the actual record. I have read so much on this board about flukes, and being lucky. Flukes and luck aren't actual things in the everyday real world. A teams record should have heavier emphasis.
About a month ago I said that the Blue Jays are exactly what their record states they are, a slightly above average team with great power hitting, bad pitching, and sub par defense, that would flip flop with the Yankees for 3rd place the entire year unless they got better pitching. To date that hasnt changed. The Red Sox are a well coached team, with consistent hitting, good pitching and good defense. They are one of the best 5 teams in the league, and deserve a little more respect than "Hey they get lucky"