New Account: State of the Nation

This is an unfamiliar time for the bandwagoners fans who became aware of the Red Sox during or after 2004. While 2006 was frustrating, of course, it wasn't as agonizing an affair as this 2009 season has turned out to be. The team is telling the fans to relax, but now there's a rally cry that has been put into print by the Herald's Michael Silverman: "Faith is good. Talk is cheap."

What it comes down to is the need for a win. We're in good position, given that Josh Beckett is slated to be on the mound in Toronto tonight and he's one of the few stable spots on the roster. Otherwise, we need the team to start hitting well, pitching well and getting the job done defensively, mmmkay?

Taking an approach that we wish we could utilize to knock some sense into the Sox, Bill Belichick has been pushing his Patriots to the limit during camp--using full pads for 18 out of 26 practices and prompting flashbacks of two-a-day hell for anyone who played a fall sport in high school or college. Our money's on Matt Light being the one who brings the orange slices.

Finally, Bostonist wishes to mark an end of an era: the John Smoltz Red Sox Days. When Smoltzy enters the Hall of Fame one day, we know he'll contemplate donning a Red Sox cap for his induction.