Opening Day - RED SOX

I wouldn't be much of a fan if I didn't post something about Red Sox' opening day. We kick the season off tonight 8:05pm, at home, against the much hated bombers from the Bronx. This series has a way of setting a precedent for the rest of the season. If we drop all three games, the sportscasters will speculate our lack of offense is a concern. And, if we win, they will sing a very different tune about our much improved defense. What will be the outcome? My prediction is that the Red Sox will take two of three. The third game will be a run-fest, the evil empire coming out on top.

Being part of "Red Sox Nation" is more than wins and loses, its about tradition, fun, and the great American pastime. The players that compile this lineup truly enjoy playing the game. I have never seen a team with such camaraderie and rapport. Many of these players, most notably Youkilus and Pedroia, could have signed with other organizations for larger contracts. They chose to stay with the Red Sox for two reasons, one is that they want to win and the second, the magical atmosphere, that defines Fenway Park. The rustic ballpark, the die hard fans that come out rain or shine, and lets not forget Neil Diamond and Sweet Caroline. A feeling of family consists within this fan base that certainly doesn't exist within the superficial Yankee market.

That being said, anyone who says the Red Sox don't spend a lot on players is lying. We do spend a lot, just no where close to what the Yankees spend. They spent nearly $80 million more than we did last season and we haven't cracked the top three payrolls for years. Each season, the Red Sox make active moves to decrease their annual payroll to avoid excess taxes. Do you have any idea how many super stars you could get per season for 80 million dollars? You could have two more A-Rods with money to spare. What this tells me, is that the Yankees are overspending on talent that is undeserving. Basically, they don't think before they sign players and that their farm system is pretty much garbage. I can't help but rip on a team that I've hated for over twenty years. You rarely see the Yankees having fun when they play, its purely business for them. When the Sox take the field they're smiling, screwing around, basically expressing their keen understanding that baseball is a game to be enjoyed by everyone.

Tonight, the Red Sox will have a re-tooled defense and offense, the offense will rely largely on small ball. They won't be hitting as much for home runs, but for production of runs. This will come as a shock to those that are used to the home run hitting machines that won a World Series in 2004 and 2007. This in no way means that we can't win a championship. Look at what the Rays have done for years. They play small ball, steal bases, and manufacture runs. This type of baseball is highly affective, and hard to prevent unless you have lights out pitching, and even that can't prevent the bunt.

The hype surrounding our predicted run-production this season is overly hyperbolic and premature, lest we forget David Ortiz, JD Drew, and Youkilus, who all can hit for power. You can bet your ass that Cameron and Pedroia will add some HR's to the mix, as well. Jason Bay recently commented on the Red Sox, saying we were going to be fine. This coming after a less than amicable contract negotiation.

I truly believe we'll win more than ninety games this season. We don't need to win a 100 games to impress anyone. The last two times we won the World Series, we only won around ninety five games during the regular season. The Red Sox get things done, it may not be as pretty as the Yankees, but what fun would that be? We'll grind out runs, steal bases and have a great time doing it. The AL East is going to be an all out war zone this season and should prove to be fun to watch. GO RED SOX!!!!!!
No Apologies, I Don't Think Before I Speak