elsrbueno

I've said it before and I'll say it again: This team doesn't have the DESIRE to win.

Ricky should be a decent backup.....I'm still waiting for the REAL trades...

This team is hopeless.

Nomah, It's just you. Nomar came back in June AFTER the Red Sox had already played .500 ball all May. Truth is (especially now with Reese out) the Sox can't afford to lose Nomar right now. Renteria seems like he may be an option in the offseason (if Nomar leaves, which I still hope he doesn't) but for now, Nomar's our SS.

Wasn't sure where to put it, but that's the story. Bosox put Reese on the DL and replace him with Youk. Not sure how Francona's gunna give Nomar the day off he wants...(Bellhorn @ short?)

From mlb.com There you have it. Wake's gunna start game 2 tomorrow

I read about Posada too, and it made me laugh. Bottom line: The Yankees ARE NOT going to deal Posada for Johnson. George wasn't willing to let Enrique Wilson play third....why would he let Navarro or (gulp) John Flaherty catch?!? Aint gunna happen. I'd be surprised if they even deal Contreras the way he's pitching of late.

Trot, I love your optimism! Maybe its just lifetimes of constant dissapointment that has Red Sox nation so prepared for doom on a daily basis! Anyway, you're right...except I believe this team IS in need of minor adjustments.

Sorry, head to say it. This year's team is just tearing me apart inside with frustration.

Trot/Sara/Redsox24, I have to say that I'm not as confident as Trot, but not as desperate as Sara/Redsox24. What separates playoff/championship caliber teams from those who are playing golf in October are (in my opinion) the following things: Killer instinct: Kicking teams while they're down. Protecting leads: This means don't do what Keith Foulke up did Monday. Desire to win Right now it's hard to believe our Red Sox have any of these qualities. These guys have gone back to the Little League "it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game" mentality, which makes a lot of Sox fans sick to their stomachs (including me some days). I don't think the Red Sox strike fear into ANYONE. Think about how Mariano Rivera/Tom Gordon change the whole game. It's a 7 inning game when playing the Yankees, because you KNOW (with very few exceptions) that if you're losing to the Yankees after 7, its over. Nobody fears the Red Sox like that. Foulke is far from automatic, and the bullpen getting us to Foulke is struggling. Championship teams shouldn't be putting guys like Leskanic, Joe Nelson, etc in tight spots. And it pisses me off that Francona puts in Embree to face lefties even though lefties hit better (statistically) against him. What the hell! I can certainly understand the concern that fans have about this team. While talent-wise, I believe they are as good as most of the other teams, we all know the most talented team doesn't necessarily win.

OK, I created the Thread, and let me defend it: Everyone here realizes that none of us are going to get Theo's job. So, we don't HAVE to be 100% realistic in our posts (although most of the time, with some exceptions, I try to be as realistic and levelheaded as possible). I just saw a bunch of people ragging on Keith, so I made the poll because I like to see people's opinions on stuff (isn't that why we're all here anyway?) I put "Release Keith Foulke" because I like to try to include EVERYTHING. Not that I wanted it to happen obviously, because I made my vote. Keith Foulke is NOT a top 3 closer. Here are the closers that I believe are better than Keith: (in no particular order) Eric Gagne, Mariano Rivera,John Smoltz,Trevor Hoffman,Billy Wagner.

From everything I hear on Bedard, he's a good prospect who looks to be having a good year. Is it me, or do the Sox typically struggle against LHP? Does anyone have any stats to refute/support that theory of mine? Should be a low-scoring game, and Baltimore's a pesky crew.

It's pretty sad but I had a bad feeling about this game even when we were up 8-1.... Barely pulled out the win. Seemed Keith Foulke settled down after starting badly...hopefully this is the start of a turnaround?

Foulke's been stinking it up lately. Although all Francona will do is give him a hug and kiss in the clubhouse, I want fans opinions. I voted setup.

Thou shall bow to the evil empire in embarrasing fashion.

Thou shall not beat up on teams with far less talent. Thou shall not protect a lead

Today's latest: (from boston.com) Sounds like yesterday's except today Shoppach is involved. Makes sense for Houston to make a move (13 games back in the Central, 6 games out of the Wild Card) but I don't think the Red Sox will trade Shoppach, and don't want them to either. Look at Pavano's career numbers....One can't help but wonder if Pavano is another Jeff Suppan....(a pitcher having a good year in the NL who gets traded to the AL and sucks it up). I don't really expect Florida to fall out of it. The NL East is WIDE open, with 4 teams having a shot at the title. Florida's only 3 games back...

I think I speak for all of Red Sox Nation when I say "I'm tired of hearing Francona, Theo, and Johnny Damon say things like this. F-ing DO IT!

Thou shall reward struggling players by playing them daily Thou shall allow star players the freedom to govern themselves Thou shall NOT play up to expectations (breeds higher expectations)

Ortiz, I disagree with you. I'm not sure the bullpen can blow it if Lowe blows it first! Piniero is a struggling pitcher who was regarded as one of it's teams top pitchers...Like Colon, he'll find himself today and dominate us. Lowe is going to be....well....Lowe. I have no confince in Lowe :-(

Agreed. If Monday's game proves ANYTHING, it's that this team cannot count on Keith Foulke as their closer. Theo, it's time you admit you were wrong about him and replace him. 5 blown saves?!? How many does Rivera have? 1. 4 less than Keith Foulke up.... That's half the distance between the Sox and Yanks in the standings... I bet we can blame Kevin Millar for the rest...

horrible news on Nomar. Sox fans...brace yourselves, we are about to be swept by the WORST team in the AL. I have no faith in Lowe at all. Theo -- We need help! Especially if we lose Nomar AND Pokey and the Yankee Series just days away! The bullpen is a train wreck, the rotation is in need of at least 1 arm, and if Nomar goes down....we need OFFENSE! Especially with Manny limping around. Is 2 consecutive road wins too much to ask?!?

Honestly I doubt it'll be as interesting in a Red Sox/Oriole game. We'll see if Garcia starts something....but there to be more hype than action in that one...

Bronson certainly didn't hurt his chances last night with a good outing..... Now if the Sox could only hold leads for him...

I have to admit I couldn't stay up for last night's game. After staying up 3 of 4 anaheim games, and yesterday being Monday.....couldn't do it. Anyway, read the story this morning, and I'm outraged! The Yankmees lose to Tampa Bay and AGAIN the Sox can't pick up ground.....I blame Foulke for this one.