All is Not Right in Red Sox Nation

Do these United States of America belong to Red Sox Nation? It would appear so with Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, and other national media outlets saying that Boston will go on to decisively win the American League East. Unfortunately, the people of New England know the truth. Thanks to the local sports media, we know the anxiety that surrounds this team. In fact, the truth is far more grim than the national media previews suggest.

I am concerned about this team. Nay, I am in full-blown panic mode. This Spring Training has local Red Sox fans desperately wanting to believe in the Boston Red Sox, however, we just know too much. And it is not good.

Therefore, I believe the people deserve more than the half-hearted previews that are out on websites and in newspapers across the country.

The National media would have Boston fans believe that the acquisition of David Price will solve all of our problems. Price will lead the rotation, improve morale in the bullpen and clubhouse, but cannot do more than that. Another short-sighted assertion by the national media is an unwavering belief in Boston’s young talent, namely, Brock Holt, Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Travis Shaw. Additionally, the media asserts the misconception that the Red Sox bullpen is improved thanks to the acquisitions of reliever, Carson Smith and closer, Craig Kimbrel. Oh, and finally, the offense will score countless runs leading to a season ending in 90 plus wins.

Oh, what a pretty picture of potential the news paints. If professional were only that simple.

Meanwhile, the New England media personalities are shaking their heads and questioning everything. The season does not look like a good one for the Sox. Truth be told, the Red Sox starting pitching rotation is only better on every fifth day when Price takes the mound. Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello, and Joe Kelly remain. All are scary in their own way. Buchholz is like a live grenade that could combust at any point. While Porcello and Kelly are horrendous, lack accuracy and pitch selection. Both Porcello and Kelly allowed multiple home runs in back-to-back games this week. Porcello has a 9.77 ERA over 15.2 innings pitched during the 2016 spring training.

In the outfield, Boston’s Rusney Castillo has not lived up to high expectations and even higher salary. As of today, super utility player Brock Holt, will be starting the season in left field with Betts in center, and either Jackie Bradley Jr. or Chris Young at right. Looking at the infield personnel, Pablo Sandoval arrived to camp overweight, had trouble fielding balls at third base, got injured fielding a ball last week, and owns a .270 batting average. On the bright side, he is switch-hitting again. One scenario has Travis Shaw slated to open the regular season at third base for the Red Sox. His bat was hot slashing .333/.379/.898 this Spring. Finally, we cannot forget that Allen Craig is just terrible and will play in AAA Pawtucket, Rhode Island for a whopping $9,000,000 this year.

If America is Red Sox Nation, the people have a right to the truth. Hopefully, the facts as they are laid out will allow fans all over the world to adopt my headspace as we begin this new season: to not get too hopeful, nor expect too much from this team. Then, we stand at the ready for both positive and negative outcomes for the Red Sox.

I want to get pumped for 2016, but I just cannot be fooled again.

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About the author

Kara Jackman

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Kara Jackman is an Archivist at Boston University by day and a freelance writer by night. Her work has appeared in a number of regional, Massachusetts newspapers, non-profit newsletters, and Yawkey Way Report. A diehard Boston Red Sox fan since childhood, she contributes to Sports of Boston. Her interests are many and varied thanks to her four years at the College of the Holy Cross. At http://www.karajackman.com, she blogs about music, fitness and self-improvement. Kara resides in a suburb just outside the city of Boston.

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