A lot of people think the rise in prominence of the shift is what led to all the launch angle stuff and guys swinging for the fences.
I'm comfortable with blaming that jackass Joe Maddon for all of it.
I don't think the Sox will be 'in trouble' if they split. Losing 3 of 4 and giving up piles of runs, however, could really dampen the front office's enthusiasm for our chances.