Please touch...this team is EXTREMELY mediocre
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by MegECass110
Just a week or two ago, I wrote about how I didn't want the Red Sox to do anything at the deadline. Things weren't looking horrible, they had a double digit lead in the division and they were headed for the All-Star break. They proceed to get swept by the Tigers, split a 4-game series with the Blue Jays, and lose 2 of 3 to the Royals.
Needless to say, I've changed my mind.
Meddled in mediocrity for the past month and a half (20-23 in their last 43), this team needs a swift kick in the ass. A very, very swift kick. I knew they would have a stretch like this; they weren't going to play at a .700 clip all season. But a month and a half? That's unnecessary.
The interesting thing, they're much better than this. They have the rotation (although that Julian Tavarez column from a few days ago is starting to look realistic). They have the bullpen. They have the defense. Shit, they have the offense, just not when they need it.
Clutch hitting is the one BLARING need on this team. Last night, down by 1 run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, Ortiz gets a single to center. Manny goes to the plate and he proceeds to pop up and end the game. The inning before, Coco Crisp hit a triple (missed a home run by no more than 2 FEET) with 2 outs, but, Mr. Clutch himself, Julio Lugo, flew out to end the inning.
The biggest problem, of course, is you can't find a "clutch" hitter. Some people think there's no such thing as being clutch; I believe there is, but you can't just say "We need a clutch guy" like you say "We need a lefty out of the bullpen." They need a bat badly, who will probably end up coming off the bench or platooning the outfield with JD Drew. Or be there full time and just let Drew and his fat-ass contract stew in the dugout (from what I've seen, I have to think JD wouldn't be that upset). That's another problem: it's hard to find a solid bat willing to come off the bench or platoon for half a season.
We'll see what Theo and the gang come up with. For the record, here's the list of guys I'm willing to part with:
Kason Gabbard (it hurts, but he is one of the few guys with trade value)
Coco Crisp (My boy is waiting in the wings)
Wily Mo Pena (I'll be surprised if there are any takers)
Michael Bowden (Second best-pitching prospect in the system behind Buchholz)
