Sox: Go Get The Wild Card
By Ian Haan
A week ago, Boston’s hometown favorite Nomar Garciaparra was shipped off to Chicago in exchange for shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Expos, and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz from the Twins. Sentimental though we are, it seems Red Sox nation generally approves, but only time will tell if the BoSox made a deal that was worthwhile. As the month of August gets underway, we can see fall and the playoffs approaching on the horizon. It’s time to focus on the goal for the Red Sox – and this can be “The Year.”
Are the Sox looking at first place in the AL East? Don’t count on it. The Sox are 8.0 games out behind the Evil Empire — and their batters are still doing what they’re making the big buck to do: bringing home the bacon. Still, let’s reassure ourselves by remembering last year: The Sox finished 6.0 games behind the Yankees, but took the Wild Card. I don’t believe I need to remind you that the Red Sox walked into the ALCS after beating the Oakland A’and were one game away from the World Series. So let’s get our priorities straight here. As fellow YankeesSuck blogger Alex Sherman had predicted, it’s all about the Wild Card now.
And we’re looking good. If you watched the Sox in Tampa Bay, you can easily see the improved defense. Manny had a few nice catches in the warning track, Cabrera handled a few good ground balls, and Mienkiewicz showed his abilities as well. Gold Glovers Cabrera and Mientkiewicz were are looking like worthy pick ups. With key players out of the lineup such as Nixon, Ortiz and more recently Mark Bellhorn, the Sox will have to step up their offense. The Tampa game proved that the Sox can keep winning without the powerhouse of Ortiz in the lineup, so this bodes well Boston especially after his return from suspension. If the Sox hittters can provide for their pitching staff by knocking in a substantial amount of runs per game, we can look at the Wild Card as Red Sox property. The Sox are only 0.5 games behind the Texas Rangers now.
So keep the focus, keep the faith and Go Sox!
Sources www.mlb.com www.redsox.com www.boston.com
