Okay, call me an optimist.
Sure, the Sox have had their share of blahhhhs this year. But, I think they might be on the trail of something. And, it might not be so bad after all.
Now, this team might not be in the playoffs this year, but watch what will happen in the next month.
First, expect the starting pitching to round into form. Sure enough, Clay Bucholz is here to stay. His 3.38 and 5 - 3 record are proof enough. But, Lester and Lackey will be rounding into form as well. Look for Dice K to be traded by July to a team that can afford him with something good in return. Beckett and Wake will round out the quintet....which will be a nice rotation for the next four years.
Watch this hitting. Third in the AL. Got great slugging. Hey, some of us thought that having hitters in all spots would help this team, unlike last year. Hopefully Martinez gets it going soon. But, look for Ellsbury and Cameron to add a lift..and with ellsbury on the bases, this offense could become 1 or 2 in the AL really quickly. I love Lowell - and would rather him stay - but perhaps for his own good we can trade him for a good pen guy (or at least a serviceable one).
This will be the year to retool the pen. The Okajima and Ramirez experiments may have to come to an end. It may be time to bring up one or two young horses from the minors and let them build up for next year. With two recruits, Bard, Delcarmen, and Papelbon, we might be able to make some waves to help us to next year.
This year is definitely all about the next four years. Keep afloat. Sign the starters and get them right. Add a bit of pop to the lineup and get ready to see a few young ones come up soon. Then, get this bullpen set.
Soon, I think, we will see some changes....and it will be for the exciting!!!
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