My email box is filled today with messages from folks saying it’s over and they’re done with the Sox (not all say both. Some are just acknowledging that they don’t expect to see the Sox in the playoffs). The Red Sox, thanks to their getting swept in a double-header for the first time since 2006, are now 10 games out of first place and 7.5 games out of the Wild Card. Things look grim for the Red Sox to make the playoffs. Doesn’t mean I’m not still interested and won’t still be watching – I am and I will – but it doesn’t hurt to be a little realistic as well.
A friend of mine Tweeted yesterday that she felt like the Red Sox losing the first game of the double-header signified the end of the season. My response was that definitely losing Pedroia for the season was the reality slap I got. Every beat writer in New England can write about how it doesn’t matter that the Sox lost so many to injuries this year, that they still could have won games, but I cannot believe that the team the Sox are currently fielding, if they are fortunate enough to make it to the post-season, will do much damage there.
So if there is to be no last-minute run, if the Sox are destined for third place again like they were in 2006, I’ll be all right with this. I’ll be appreciative to have been able to see things like Daniel Nava’s and Ryan Kalish’s major league debuts (among others) and to have witnessed Mike Lowell’s possible last season in MLB. There is a lot to look back on this season and take joy from and I have no doubt that over the next month they’ll give us a lot to be happy about as well. If that doesn’t include going to the post-season, well, there are worse things that I could have to deal with.
I can’t help think that the lighter the bandwagon gets the easier it will be for me to get more than just single seats next year.
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I am also enjoying the chance to see Lowell play. He is beautiful to watch and one of my favorite players. It is a privilege to watch Tim Wakefield this season. He has pitched well and is a workhorse. I love the way he keeps going out there walking a little bow-legged and creaky and doing whatever the team needs him to do. This year he has been on his game more than off.
I always enjoy Papelbon because he adds so much drama to the end of the game. I’m always holding my breath with him because of the, admittedly few, times he just can’t do it. But when he does, it’s like watching ‘Casey at the Bat’ over and over. That final strike is always dramatic and unexpected. I know to some Papelbon’s drama is annoying and it’s true he’ll never be a serene giant like Mariano Rivera, but he is a sight to see.
After Ellsbury and Youk, I felt losing Pedroia was the tipping point. That’s one third of the starting lineup and, significantly, they are all energizers. Any one of them can manufacture an advantage on offense and regularly does. On the field, they are spectacular and ignite sparks. They’re also within the crucial peak years of their careers right now.
There’s one more injury that, although it didn’t happen this year, I believe has hurt us this year. I don’t think Beckett has come back after his surgery as good as new. I’m hoping another year will find him back on his game but this year he has not quite been there.
But I’m watching every game I can, and collecting recordings for winter and why wouldn’t I? This is my team and they’re still playing.
Do people really jump ship and go off to be a fan of some other team? Unbelievable! How do they even do that unless they were never fans in the first place.
Whatever happens, I’ll be watching and it’s really great to know that you will be here writing and helping me keep up. Thank you for all you do for us.
Posted 05 Sep 2010 at 1:21 pm ¶Do people really jump ship and go off to be a fan of some other team? Unbelievable! How do they even do that unless they were never fans in the first place.
So true!
I can’t help think that the lighter the bandwagon gets the easier it will be for me to get more than just single seats next year.
I keep hoping for this!
Posted 06 Sep 2010 at 8:56 am ¶