FredLynn

So you also think he is "disgusting", a "piece of s***" and an "*******" as well? You are blaming Wakefield for Tito sending him out there? You are blaming Wakefield for the RedSox incompetence and not putting a better product on the field? Since when was that Wakefield's problem? If Wakefield wants to pitch, and the Redsox are stupid enough to offer a contract, thats on the Redsox, not Wakefield. I think his PERFORMANCE is a piece of s***, disgusting, selfish...and whatever other colorful names you want to ascribe to it. I don't know Tim Wakefield, so I assume that off the field he is a fine gentleman. He COULD have told Francona not to march his sorry ass out to the mound to start a game after failing to win #200 after five or six tries. That selfish quest contributed significantly to the Red Sox failing to make the playoffs last year. There was justification. I am critical of the team as well, but you sawxhead guys are friggin brutal, no wonder those guys over there hate you guys and drove you out. First of all, no one drove us out. ALL OF US are still posting over there, and we all get along just fine, as a general rule, "over there". Yes, some of us are brutal in our criticism at times here. But we do not call other posters here idiots without first being attacked PERSONALLY- yes, it is personal, and thats why its considered bad behavior in an internet forum. I was a moderator over there for a time, and I know that I had to ban people because of just this sort of thing. Call out the team however you like, within the boundaries of decency, but you do not have the right to attack other posters. Allowing that nonsense would turn this board into something very unpleasant, a "free for all", as 700 mentioned. Calling another poster an idiot is simply inappropriate.

Players are public figures, like politicians. It comes with the territory that they get called names. Public figures understand that. Calling other posters names is in a totally different category. Thats personal, and its behavior that doesn't belong here. So "wipe the sand from YOUR &^&%^ (I won't repeat the sexist comment you made)" and wake the f up.

Good post that totally misses the point. All of the names we are giving Wakefield relate EXCLUSIVELY to his performance on the field. He IS selfish. He once said that the fans here "deserve" to see him go for the record number of wins by a Sox pitcher. Screw the team, if necessary, but he is going for that personal mark, come hell or high water. And how many times did he trot out there trying to win #200 instead of telling the manager that enough is enough for the benefit of THE TEAM? Was it 10 times? Wakefield could be Jesus Christ himself when he is in street clothes, but his selfish incompetent performance on the field dictates that his time is long long past.

I agree that winning is the only thing that is important. I also believe that Beckett's attitude negatively impacts our ability to win games. Thats why he should be traded-if he cannot change.

This is the year to correct the problems in the clubhouse, and Beckett IS a problem in the clubhouse. Did you listen to the interview he did with Mazz and Fegler on the radio? He rationalized the crap that went on during games as "stuff that happens in the clubhouse should stay in the clubhouse". Way to take responsibility for mistakes there, big guy. I don't think we can get equal value for him, but we should be able to come close. His ERA is over 4 in Boston, and his attitude sucks. Maybe we could trade him for someone with a better attitude whose ERA is similar. But for now, I would give him a little more time with Bobby V, who might be able to fix the problem.

I could see giving him a little time to think about his crappy attitude. But if he hasn't changed by midseason, if we are not in the running for a playoff spot, I would certainly try to get rid of him. Clubhouse cameraderie is not to be underestimated, and if Beckett still thinks that no apologies are due for the BS that went on there, he should take his talents elsewhere.

Agreed. He and Beckett are cancers on the team and it would be best if neither put on the Sox uniform again. We are going to be stuck with Ortiz but we could trade Beckett and hi$ contract for someone who could fill his shoes. His career ERA with the Red Sox is over 4 and right now his value is as high as its going to be for a while. If this is the year we spend fixing the team, we jettison Josh Beckett and his spoiled recalcitrant unapologetic BS attitude. Make an example of him and others on the team will realize that the FO means business.

What? Give up Lars? One of our top prospects? :thumbdown

I am not sure that will be possible if your application to become the GM is accepted.

It is a well known fact that some of the sports writers and radio hosts get some of their material from us. And frankly, its getting old. Muggah and I have been considering patenting our stuff so that its not stolen and reproduced for free on a regular basis.

Or perhaps the reverse is true. My guess is that Oswalt could very well retire rather than pitch here for the Red Sox.

Maybe you two could continue this in the form of private messages....just a suggestion.

Obviously you are of the opinion that how much of a fan you are can be measured in the number of years you have been following the team. I think that is ridiculous. Fred follows the team around the country to take in games. Do you? I don't, and I have been a Sox fan since the late 1950s. I do not consider myself to be a better fan of the team than SBF, and you shouldn't either.

And reminding me of my pre Red Sox fanhood is getting a little old, don't you think? Seems a lot of people have that problem Fred. You zeal quotient as a Sox fan is measured by some by the number of years that you have been on board with the team. Seems absurd to me.

No copout. If you ask me where I think the team will finish, I would also say third place. If you ask if they have any chance to compete for second place, I would answer in the affirmative. I would not have them favored to finish second, but its possible. Hard to believe you are having trouble with this concept.

I think Muggah is perfectly capable of responding to the question of whether we have a chance at competing for second place all by himself, without your help. If its all the same to you, I'll wait to hear from him.