It's Just Boston
By Alex Sherman
Recently, newspaper articles in the Lowell Sun and Boston Herald have questioned the attitude surrounding this year's Boston Red Sox squad. Why are fans so pessimistic this year? What's different than last season? If anything, this year's team is more talented...and the Red Sox are right in the thick of the Wild Card Race.
Of course, the simple answer is that expectations are higher this year. But that doesn't really explain the complete dismissal of the Sox's wild card chances. Remember, the last two World Series have been won by the wild card winner.
The real explanation behind this year's pessimism is that this is Boston, and Bostonians revel in pressing the panic button. Let's face it, the atmosphere in Boston after a win is much more dramatic than it is after a loss. To put it mildly, especially after terrible losses (like yesterday's heartbreaker and the debacle at Seattle), all hell breaks loose. Fire Francona! Trade Nomar! Bench Nixon! Why don't we have Randy Johnson yet? Theo, get your ass out of your head!
So that's why the air around the Sox is so negative. It's just Boston...and I love it.
