SimplyMarie

I like JBJ.. I saw him when he was with the Spinners. Couldn't hit his weight...but he was exciting to watch in the field. I know..I know..offense is so sexy..but his strength will always be in his defense.

Well Said!!

Agreed...I hope for him he can make it work. I saw him play back in Single A and he's always been a pretty exciting player to watch. Just hope he finds his swing.

At this point I doubt Lester returns. I am not sure what the FO was thinking with the original low ball offer. It's never good to start negotiations by insulting the other party. I'd like to say it's hard to believe they botched this one so badly...but then again....

He's very popular with the Boston media..and the ESPN guys. Rest of baseball media..? Not so much. I could not predict whether he makes it in or not. The PED cloud hanging over his head will be a factor. He won't get in first round for sure, but second round...maybe.

I doubt we see Jacoby back next year. I would not go more than 5/20..but it will be interesting to see what the Sox do.

I don't know. I wouldn't retire his number based on the fact that he has 2000 hits. So..then do you retire based on the fact that he is a team player and a team leader? I don't know. I give him props for being a great DH..but his actions as of late have jaded me somewhat to Ortiz. Now..do I think the Red Sox will retire his number? Yes, I do. Regardless of what I or any other critics think, Ortiz is a fan favorite. People love him.

Agreed! I think he has actually exceeded the expectations of a lot of naysayers at the beginning of the season. There's been talk that his back is bothering him. No talk about his Achilles so I think he is probably over that for good.

I agree that the guys behind him have to step up and it seems they are doing that for the most part. Hopefully Ortiz broke the slump last night. The team is only better when he is hot and I still have memories of last year's epic September collapse.

While doing commentary for tonight's game, Orsillo stated that Ortiz was going through a "tough stretch" ( read..slump) and that the Sox have reason to be concerned. For his part, Ortiz states that he is not concerned. His timing is a bit off as is his perception of the strike zone. That his numbers aren't lower in spite of this is a testament to how good a first half season he had. But..should we be concerned? We are going knocking on the door of September. Sox are doing okay without his bat..but it would be good if he could work out this issue.