'Sox are 4 1/2 games out of first place. Had they gotten off to a 9-2 start instead, I can only imagine the "sky's the limit" musings coming out of the Boston sportswriters. I am not ready to push the panic button yet. Worried and concerned? Yes. Panicking? Not yet. Of course, if the slide continues and they go to 3-17, then I'll panic.
It's not how you start but rather how you finish. I recall many seasons in the 70's in which they would start off hot in April and wilt in May-June or collapse after the All-Star break. In '74, they led most of the season only to collapse and have the Orioles overtake them in September. I still cannot get over the '78 meltdown of blowing a 13-game lead after the All-Star break.
It starts with good starting pitching, manufacturing runs, and getting some confidence and momentum going. They don't need Dice-K or Lackey giving up 6 runs in 3 IP. Tito needs to manage like an NL manager and play some "small ball" and see what happens. Waiting for the big inning, like the 'Sox, of old will only get them so far.
BTW, what's up the contract extension for Gonzales that the Boston Globe kept saying was a luxury tax issues and would have to wait until the season started? Though not what I had expected, I would say the season has indeed started.
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Frustrated, yes. Panicked, no. What good does panicking get us? Panicking implies the need for an immediate solution. It's not going to come that quickly for the Sox. Frustration can sometimes lead to a breakthrough, however. If these guys get angry enough, they just might crack things open. These guys aren't going to get beaten down. They're going to keep at it. It's just that we, as fans, have come to expect first place. It's our right as being a Boston team. If only it were that simple. Still, I'd recommend some chicken bones in some vinegar and a chant. Can't hurt!!
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