Ease Up on the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have it all. All the reasons to claim why this is a lost season. All the excuses as to why they might not make the postseason. All of the the explanations as to why this year wasn't meant to be.

That being said, this team has something most Red Sox teams don't have. Spunk. We're talking beyond dirt dog status here. SPUNK! Players who were called up from the minors - not expected to do anything. Players who have outperformed expectations. Players who have offered a glimpse of the future.

For those who are down on the Sox, those who think this is a lost season, those who think that this season has been less than expected, ease up. This team, based on what has happened to it, has exceeded all expectations.

First, let's go back to winter. Many people thought the Sox would easily be a 3rd place team WITH the players they had. But, without most of them for prolonged periods of the season, no one would have given them a chance.

No, this team has spunk.

Think back to July, when the Sox were close to 1st. Expectations exceeded. Everything clicked. There was reason for optimism. Then the injuries hit. They mounted. They snowballed. There was trouble in paradise.

But, through it all, they have fought, clawed, and dug in. They are a true team.

Sure, they've lost many of their position players for chunks of the year. A lesser team would have mailed it in. This team has not.

There is reason to be optimistic. Perhaps not this season - though I am not ready to wave the flag yet (it is close, though). But, it is set up great for the future. The rotation is solid. Some of the younger position players are signed for a while. The bench is good. With some money to spend this off season, this team is ready to strike. Go on the rise.

So for the rest of this season, ease up. Watch how Doubront and Bowden work in the bullpen. Watch how Kalish plays. See how Nava and McDonald can perform for long stretches. Then, think about next year. The Sox are no longer playing for the championship...they are playing for next year.

And next year looks pretty darn good....thanks to SPUNK!