David Ortiz: the Silver Lining In the Red Sox Season

David Ortiz (Photo credit: Keith Allison)

The 2012 season for the Boston Red Sox is less than stellar. The addition of Bobby Valentine, as suspected, hasn’t yielded the desired results of making Boston a contender. Granted, we need to factor in the injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, and Carl Crawford. But, the Red Sox are just not the same old Red Sox of the recent past.

There is however, a silver lining to the cloud hanging over Fenway Park: David Ortiz. The perennial designated hitter and only member of the 2004 championship team remaining in Boston.

Ortiz will be the lone representative for the Red Sox in this season’s All-Star Game in Kansas City on July 10th. In the series against Oakland this past week, Ortiz sent home run number 400 into the stands. The question surrounding him now, is David Ortiz, a designated hitter, a future member of the hall of fame?

When David Ortiz completes his career, let’s see what his statistics look like. As a fan and observer of the game, I feel Ortiz specifically would need at least 500 homers, an average closer to .300 (his current career average is .284), and at least 2,500 hits to be considered. The hesitation, he’s a DH. The lack of playing the field hurts his chances.

Ortiz is the one bright spot in an otherwise gloomy season for the Red Sox Nation. The recent trading of Kevin Youkilis to the South Side of Chicago, and the long season 2012 is turning out to be, must be rough for Red Sox fans. Ortiz represents the baseball fan’s love of the long ball. When we think of present-day sluggers, David Ortiz is in the top five of the list.

Congrats to Ortiz for slugging number 400. He now sits 49th all-time in baseball history. Consider that approximately 17,000 men, have put on a major league uniform, Ortiz is a special player. Cooperstown special? Time will tell.

Kevin Youkilis and the trade to the Chicago White Sox

English: Kevin Youkilis is warming up before the Min @ Bos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kevin Youkilis, the fan-favorite third baseman for Boston traded in his red socks for some white ones. The trading of Youkilis to the White Sox is a surprise, but isn’t surprising. Youkilis was a rock at third for the Red Sox through eight seasons and two World Championships. This trade is the right move at the right time for both organizations.

The Red Sox are going through probably one of the rougher transitions in recent sports memory. Terry Francona leaving, the adjustment to Bobby Valentine, the usual competition in the American League East. Youkilis’ numbers are not stellar. It was his time to leave Boston. If David Ortiz departs, the transition will be complete. The addition of Youkilis to the South Side of Chicago was a smart move for the White Sox organization. Youkilis not only brings experience at third, but he brings veteran leadership to the clubhouse. His leadership and experience are the true asset the White Sox acquired.

The Fans

The fans in Chicago always struck me as some of the most passionate. Regardless if they cheer for the ChiSox or the Cubs, Chicagoans know their baseball and expect much from their teams. This is where Youkilis will fit perfectly. Boston is as much a baseball pressure-cooker second maybe to New York (this statement is debatable and may just be a future post). Youkilis is better for having played in the Boston baseball fishbowl. The Chicago fans will adopt him quickly.

The Player

As I still believe it was the right time for Francona, and former Boston GM Theo Epstein to leave, so it goes for Youkilis. Almost all players reach a point where the time has come. In many ways all of us, regardless of profession, reach similar crossroads.

Finally, as a Yankee fan, I can finally feel good about Youkilis being successful. I always respected his play and what he brought to the team. Unfortunately, it was for those pesky Red Sox.

Good luck Youk.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think!

Similar Rivals: Yankee Fans and the Red Sox Nation

Français : Galerie de la presse au Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, USA English: Fenway Park press box, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My wife and I spent a few days in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Located approximately 40 miles south of Boston, we are talking the heart of Red Sox territory. As a lifelong Yankee fan, I tried my best to keep a low profile. Especially on weekends like this where the Yankees are in town and working on a sweep of the dreaded “Sawx.”

This trip was special from a baseball perspective because the Red Sox and their fans were celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park. There are few ballparks like Fenway. Wrigley Field in Chicago comes to mind. The “House that Ruth Built,” well, that no longer exists as a complete stadium. Fenway is truly hallowed baseball ground. I didn’t make it up to Fenway, but the television coverage was practically non-stop. All around it seemed, and maybe this is my Yankee fan paranoia, everywhere I turned Red Sox jerseys, hats, sweatshirts, and bobble-heads were seen.

Yankee fans have much to say about the Boston supporters. Those belonging to the Red Sox Nation have much to say about those who prefer the Pinstripes. Regardless of which team you support, all can agree on one thing: passion. The similarities between Yankees and Red Sox fans is rather striking when it comes to supporting our respective ball clubs. So similar in fact, I would suspect no self-respecting Yankee or Red Sox fan would openly admit to how much we all have in common. I’m only discussing it here because I have a blog to write.

Right now, going into Sunday the Red Sox are 4-10. Worst in the East. Apparently Mother Nature is a Red Sox fan, or she simply has pity for the Boston faithful because Sunday’s game is postponed due to rain.  Yet, fans still don the apparel. T-shirts with prints of urinal’s using Yankee logos as aiming guides line souvenir store racks. My personal favorite, “Real women don’t date Yankee fans.” To which my wife quips, “nope, we marry them.” Thanks honey. I digress.

Thos of us who are Yankee faithful have our own t-shirts and sayings. “I root for two teams, the Yankees and anyone that beats the Red Sox,” is one example. The Yankees could be in the midst of a horrible season, but things are OK as long as we beat the BoSox. Rivalries are special. There is a shared history. The games played are that more important. As a Yankee fan visiting Red Sox territory, I became acutely more aware of the passion we all exhibit. The pride is truly in the blood. Regardless of where our loyalties lie, the love of the game and our teams is front and center always.

The current state of affairs in Boston is entertaining or infuriating, depending on perspective in life. Either way, the Yankees and Red Sox never disappoint. Passions run high, but that is what baseball is all about.

The Balance of Power in the American League No Longer Rises in the East

Move over New York. Excuse me Boston. Sorry Tampa Bay. The 2012 season is still relatively new, but let’s face the truth. The American League East Division, once the dominant, most exciting division in the Major Leagues is, well, stale. High payrolls no longer buy what they apparently used to. New York currently sits at .500. The most significant news out of Boston is the hangover from last season, (sorry, no pun intended).

Tampa Bay is a puzzling club at this point. Most expect more from the Rays considering the rotation they field. Yet, Tampa Bay can’t seem to squeeze past .500. With players like BJ Upton on the DL, manager Joe Maddon has work to do.

The dominance of clubs like the Yankees and Boston is beginning to fade. The season is still young, however the troubles in the Boston clubhouse won’t disappear overnight. The aging Yankees need to establish consistency. The addition of pitcher Hiroki Kuroda sparked some hope for the rotation….until this past Wednesday night against Minnesota. Baltimore sits atop the division. Jake Arrieta’s early showings are impressive. However, if recent history teaches us anything, the 162 game season is full of streaks and slumps. Toronto is lying low while holding the number two spot in the division. In short, the AL East is up for grabs.

What should fans do? Look West my friends. Detroit is an early favorite to represent the American League in the Fall Classic. Justin Verlander continues his dominance. His ability to throw hard in late innings is truly something to watch. The Tigers addition of Prince Fielder only made this team more dangerous. The other team to watch, the Texas Rangers. Regardless of what Pujols and C.J. Wilson may bring to the Angels, the Rangers have their eyes set on the AL West crown. Texas already appears set to run away with the West.

The struggles of AL East teams is bad for their fans. The leveling of the field in the American League is good for baseball. I will insert my usual disclaimer here, the season is a long one. Much can happen between now and September. Stay tuned.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think!

The Brew Remains Bad In Boston

Kevin Youkilis is warming up before the Min @ Bos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Red Sox thought there would be significant changes in the clubhouse after Terry Francona left. The Red Sox thought correctly. Is the tit-for-tat between new manager Bobby Valentine and veteran third baseman Kevin Youkilis good? Simple answer, yes.

Bobby is being Bobby. Do I agree with Bobby’s way of talking about players? No. The unwritten rules of sport dictate players keep their issues in the clubhouse. A manager needs to give critical feedback in private too. Valentine, maybe intentionally or maybe not, succeeded in accomplishing one thing: he single-handedly unified the Red Sox players.

Dustin Pedroia‘s defense of Youkilis shows more than just concern for a teammate. Pedroia is voicing a concern that each player in that clubhouse probably has. If the manager will openly criticize a player like Youkilis, everyone on that team is fair game. Anyone, regardless of profession, will tell you managing by fear is not managing.

The baseball season is a long one. The BoSox are talented and will do some damage as the season progresses. Youkilis already said he’s over it. Valentine will find his way eventually. No one, especially the Red Sox Nation should be surprised about Bobby Valentine. He is but one of many colorful managers in baseball history. At least his club’s owner is not firing him on television. My apologies to Billy Martin and Mr. Steinbrenner.

Lately, the theme in baseball is managers making the headlines. This isn’t what baseball needs. It’s time for these outspoken managers to change their ways and leave the game to the players. Let them play.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think!

Boston, Beer, and Baseball

Image via Wikipedia

No more beer in Boston? I must apologize for not posting in a long while, but of course sometimes life happens. That being said, I decided to jump back in for the time being thanks to a faithful follower of mine. Thanks Bill. Bobby Valentine has dictated no more beer in the Red Sox Clubhouse. Kudos to Bobby V.

Baseball clubhouses are the quintessential fraternity. Once the reporters leave, what happens in the clubhouse, stays in the clubhouse. The Red Sox are not the first professional sports organization to have alcohol in the clubhouse. What then is the problem for Boston? Simple, they are the Red Sox. Just as Babe Ruth was notoriously known for his larger-than-life, off field living, drinking in the Boston clubhouse is news.

To what extent, if any, the drinking contributed to Boston’s collapse in 2011 is mere speculation on my part. The allowance of alcohol speaks to a larger organizational culture issue. In my opinion, the atmosphere was simply too relaxed. The culture today is not that of the 1950’s or 1960’s.

The Red Sox are one of the most high-profile sports organizations in American sports. Alcohol consumption in the clubhouse was bound to get out. This was never a question of if, but when. The days where reporters kept players personal behavior sacred are long gone. Valentine’s action serves another purpose: banning beer in the clubhouse brings the reality of the workplace back to professional sports. To my knowledge, there are few professions that allow alcohol consumption on the premises or during work hours. In one motion, Valentine reminded the players they are there to work….and win.

Like most stories of this nature, this will pass and become old news. The Red Sox team Valentine inherited consists of the most talent he’s ever managed. The culture in Boston has changed. Let’s see what they can do in 2012.

 

Bobby Valentine: Yankee Hater

Image via Wikipedia

Bobby Valentine stated he hates the New York Yankees. Really Bobby? Valentine is famous for his unique personality. I think his hiring as Red Sox manager is a good move for that organization. Of course time will tell how the team performs. For a manager to comment he hates another team is just not necessary.

Valentine’s comments are nothing more than a marketing tool. He knew what he said . Does it spice up the rivalry? Maybe for Boston fans. Yankee fans probably don’t care all that much. I’m only posting about it because I think it speaks to a larger cultural issue. We like fluff. Bobby’s comments are fluff and contain no substance. This doesn’t add to the rivalry. Managers and players should channel their ill-feelings of opposing teams when playing. Leave it out of the press. This is just one more example of our cultural preference, and not just with sport, rewarding sensationalism over substance.

If Valentine really wanted to motivate his players and the Red Sox Nation, say you are going to play the Yanks harder than ever before and leave it there. Hate? Really? I don’t agree with the use of the word when it comes to competition. Call me overly politically correct. Maybe I’m blowing this out of proportion, if so, I apologize. This week of all weeks in baseball, comments such as these are mere moves for attention.

Fans, let’s focus on where Pujols will finally end up. Let’s keep our eyes on Miami as they are holding nothing back with their moves. Prince Fielder anyone? Who heard Jose Reyes comment the Mets didn’t offer him anything? These are far more significant stories in baseball.

Major League Baseball Winter Meetings

The Winter Meetings for Major League Baseball are near. This time of year is truly interesting for us fans. At no time during the year do we truly get to see the business of baseball as much as during the Winter Meetings. Sure we hear of major deals heading towards the in-season trade deadline, but these meetings are the true deal making sessions. The deals GM’s make cause some observers to scratch their heads. Others, are overjoyed to see what their team’s end up with. The usual suspects will be wheeling and dealing.

A regular observer of the American League East, I’m used to the power struggle between Boston and New York. This year, that game of chess already moved to the Midwest as Cubs GM Theo Epstein is reportedly making a play for Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols. If I were a fan of the Cardinals, I would rest easy. Pujols will not end up in a Cubs uniform. I agree with ESPN’s Buster Olney, this is just a tactic to gain leverage on the part of Epstein and the Cubs. The true target of the Cubs: Prince Fielder. The Cubs should invest in youth. A problem with baseball is too many older stars are signing large contracts that don’t reflect their ability to produce as they age. Then again, these players are brands in their own right and can negotiate what they’re worth.

The Winter Meetings are when the GM’s earn their pay. We can debate good trades versus bad. We can debate what teams are perennial losers and what teams are perennial winners. In the end, serious fans will await news of what their clubs do. Where will Pujols, Fielder, Reyes, C.J.Wison, end up? Time will tell. Will there a be a shift of power in any division based on a particular signing? Who knows. Sit back, and enjoy!

Bobby Valentine As the Red Sox Manager?

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Bobby Valentine and Gene Lamont are the final two candidates for the coveted Boston Red Sox managerial position. The question this blogger has, would Bobby Valentine be a good fit for the BoSox dugout? Probably. Bobby Valentine brings a unique brand of passion to the game. Who else would disguise themselves with a mustache in the dugout after being ejected for arguing a call at home plate? I digress.

Boston needs a manager with a backbone and one who understands the numbers of the game. Valentine is known for his attitude. The Red Sox players will need to adjust to his style. Observers can safely assume not all personalities in the Red Sox clubhouse will mesh with Bobby’s. Red Sox ownership is involved in on-the-field and clubhouse activities, if Valentine can handle an involved ownership remains to be seen. The case for Valentine is strengthened by his managerial time in New York with the Mets. He took the Mets to consecutive National Leauge Championship Series appearances. Losing to the Yankees in the 2000 World Series brought its own pressure in the New York Fishbowl.

I’ve said this before and I will repeat it here, much to the sickening of Red Sox fans, Boston is more like the Yankees when it comes to the organization’s expectations. For this reason alone, Valentine should be the next manager. Gene Lamont lacks the experience Valentine brings. Simply put, Lamont won’t excel in the statistic driven business that Boston is in.

If Bobby Valentine becomes the next manager of the Boston Red Sox, a new chapter in one of baseball’s most storied rivalries will open. The Yankees and their fans will curse his name. Of course, Valentine will need to be able to actually manage the talent he would have. Former BoSox manager Terry Francona appeared quiet and cerebral. Bobby Valentine will be “loud” and unashamed to display his statistical prowess. What 2012 will bring for the Red Sox remains to be seen. From the outside looking in, I think Valentine is the best of the two candidates.

 

The Red Sox Or the Playoffs: Which Is The Better Story?

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The Boston Red Sox are running away with the playoffs. Oh wait, they’re not in the playoffs. The NLCS and the ALCS are proving to be excellent series. Yet, we continue to hear about the Red Sox. Most recently, the departure of GM Theo Epstein for Chicago made headlines. Yet which is the bigger story? Boston’s collapse and subsequent organizational shakeup? Or the actual playoffs?

The answer to these questions depends on your perspective on the world of baseball. Your answers probably depend on whether you are a Red Sox fan or not. The stories coming out of Bean Town are important to baseball and the sports media. Someone must take the blame for the historic implosion. Of course, the media can’t control when and how events will unfold. They do have a responsibility to report the sports news. However, stories like this take away from the play on the field. Do Texas fans care? Tigers fans? Hello St. Louis and Milwaukee, what about you?

Boston fans, much like New Yorker’s and Philadelphians whose favored teams were eliminated, can easily survive the playoffs without hearing about the Red Sox troubles. In fact, many may prefer not to hear about it. The point is off the field issues, whether they impact the on the field performance or not, should take a back seat to the actual playoffs. Let the teams play. Let their fans enjoy the opportunity to see their teams in the playoffs. We can wait to see what’s next with Boston.