Deep Red Sox Thoughts

This space has been quiet on the Red Sox front during their August swoon, but Bostonist is back in full force. While lamenting the last 2 wins against the defending World Champion Chicago White Sox, a few thoughts are on Bostonist’s brain.

Kevin “Town Crier” Youkilis. Geesh, just another guy who doesn’t get it. Earlier in the year Kevin was quoted saying “every game is game 7 of the World Series, every night.” How quickly things change here in Beantown, as not even half a season later, Youk is unhappy with the Fenway boo birds, especially their treatment of Julian Tavarez. What’s the problem Youk? Why don’t you get it, and why is this so difficult for players in this market to understand? Bostonians boo you, because Bostonians WANT to cheer you.

People quickly forget that Boston is where the American Revolution took place. There’s fire in the belly of Bostonians, and Bostonians expect the very best effort out of people who work and live in this area. The Red Sox included. Bostonians expect success, as we were born and bred on it. So cry me a frickin river, Youk. You’ve got your own cheer for goodness sake!

Speaking of first basemen (loosely), Bostonist was fortunate enough to see Papi in person last night, returning to the lineup for the 1st time since being hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat. David Ortiz received a standing ovation from the home crowd. Nice to see the big guy not only in the lineup, but more importantly, healthy. The Sox additionally received some great news that closer Jonathan Papelbon does not have a tear in his right shoulder. Exhale.

Um, the Sox have won 2 straight on the White Sox. What do you think (this is a shout out to Trot and Tek) about rallying the boys and ripping off 12 straight? You’re dying, but you ain’t dead yet. Anything is possible. There was a team in 2004 that ripped off 8 straight at a critical time, and brought home a very sparkly trophy.

Tip of the cap to Julian Tavarez and Kason Gabbard the last two nights. Both provided very solid pitching performances. But this has to happen consistently Julian, or you will be booed again. What you’ve brought to the table is severely outweighed by what you’ve taken off the table during the ’06 campaign.

Trot Nixon might not still be a $7million / year player, but he sure is a $4million/year player, and hopefully Theo and the boys recognize this. Trot roams RF as well as Dewey did, and he’s a lefty that kills right-handed pitching. Let’s find a place for him for the twilight of his career a la Bernie Williams in New York. The guy contributes when healthy, no doubt about it. And Willy Mo isn’t ready for everyday - as we’ve seen, he has issues staying in the lineup.

The Big Schill is dinged, as we all know, but the front office seems to be acting very cautious with the Sox ace, and the “other Ace”, Josh Beckett. While it is understandable to be cautious with injuries, does anyone else think the Sox might have waived the white flag a tad too soon?

Most importantly, Bostonist's thoughts and prayers are with Sox pitcher Jon Lester who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Get well soon!

Lastly, check back tomorrow for a Patriots Pre-Season post.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.com