Man Down
Josh Beckett was placed on the DL today with back issues. I really hope that's the reason he has stunk so far in 2010 and that he can get himself health for his sake and the team's sake.
Taking his place is Joe Nelson who had a cup of coffee with Boston in 2004. He can strike you out and he can also walk you.
Given Nelson's promotion, I have to assume Tim Wakefield will step into the rotation.
Speaking of Wakefield, as is normal with scuffling teams, there have been snippy moments in the past few days starting with Wakefield voicing his unhappiness with his role on the team.
Daisuke Matsuzaka and Victor Martinez vaguely criticized one another after Monday's game. It was clear they weren't on the same page all night long and the results back that up.
And Mike Lowell made comments suggesting he and the team would be better of if the Red Sox just released him. Disappointing comments from Lowell and Wakefield as they are always referred to as a perfect gentlemen. Obviously they want to play, who doesn't, but these are "me first" statements, not team first statements.
What will cure general grumpiness? How 'bout a 10-game winning streak.
The positive to take out of things with this team is that they hopefully cannot pitch any worse than they have and hopefully their defense improves with the return of Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron. If the staff can put it together and if the offense keeps going the way it's going, their might be life yet on this team. Lots of "hopes" and "ifs" but what else do I have to work with?
