Where Does the Time Go?

Hey there, Hi there, Ho there! Since the last time I've posted the Red Sox have literally been to hell and back (2-10 anyone?), Osama bin Laden got shot (IN THE FACE), and I got married (women's fantasies and dreams just died everywhere). But this here is a baseball blog so, 'tis what we're going to discuss.

It is said that you take the first 2 months to evaluate your team, the second 2 months to improve your team, and the final 2 months to reap what you've sewn. Well, what Theo Epstein has created here is a machine, with the best record in baseball and currently riding a 9-game "Back up off my shit" winning streak. Not just beating opponents but embarrassing them. Outscoring Toronto 36-5 in a 3 game series. Making the Yankees lack of pitching staff look like a Little League squad. And taking one of the Top 3 pitching staffs in baseball and sweeping them at home to start the streak off.

All this being said the first two months of the season have come and gone and it's time to ponder what the Red Sox need, going into the playoff stretch. Theo Epstein, during his tenure, has made it a habit of making a blockbuster, pulling the wool over everyone's eyes, or slinging a bunch of shit up against a wall and hoping some of it sticks. I personally think he's about to do a little bit of all of them. Right now the Sox have a few issues on their team: the skeleton that is JD Drew in Right Field, their SS defense, and one more arm in the bullpen because Bobby Jenks right now can't be counted on to be healthy and he's a question mark when he is healthy.

1. JD Drew is an issue. His defense has been OK, but he is definitely not getting the jumps on balls in the outfield that he used to and that is part of what makes his lack of consistency at the plate at least palatable. If he doesn't pick it up, he needs to go. Insert Carlos Beltran. The Mets are obviously in disarray financially from their previous owner and any salary relief would probably be welcomed. What do you think it would take to get him? Glad you asked! I think if you give them an expiring contract in JD Drew (14 mil) and Jed Lowrie (450K) the Amazins' would be foolish not to take the deal with Beltran at 17.5 million. Beltran who is finally healthy and swinging the bat with authority once again provides the Sox with flexibility (switch-hitter) and ability to play Right Field, and a proven track record of producing in the playoffs. Get him Theo, make it happen!
   
2. You may be thinking, you just gave away our starting shortstop, surely you don't think we should make Marco Scutaro our new 6. You are correct I don't think that. It's time to call up "The Kid". In a move reminiscent to the 2004 uber-blockbuster, getting rid of a past his prime shortstop for a defensive whiz to sure up your defense it's time to call up Jose Iglesias. For everyone that says, "He doesn't have enough seasoning as a hitter in the minor leagues". I DON'T CARE. Look at the juggernaut this offense is when it's clicking. If you don't make an error from July 31 until November and you can manage to hit .225, WINNING. That's when it's time to call him up. This lineup became a force when Jason Varitek, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Carl Crawford became viable with the sticks. When they are not automatic outs in the lineup, one through nine it's scary the productivity they can create.
   
3. The Bobby Jenks move was a GREAT signing, in theory. Get another power arm to shut down guys in the late innings on days when Daniel Bard is unavailable. That is the EXACT thing that they should be doing, the Red Sox need to find someone. If Reddick can continue to rake down in AAA he's going to build himself some SERIOUS trade value and will get himself a chance to play on a major league team elsewhere because he's not going to play here with this outfield core and Kalish in the wings. Look for someone such as Matt Capps, Joakim Soria, or Evan Meek IF AND ONLY IF Bobby Jenks can't come back healthy and be effective. Also, put me in the camp that thinks Franklin Morales is going to play a HUGE role down the stretch for the Boston Red Sox. Curt Young has a history of turning projects and young pitchers into successful, strike-throwing machines.
   

On the off chance, and I mean VERY OFF CHANCE, you think I'm wrong or I'm missing something let me know what you think. I'd gladly hear and give you my two-cents on the 2011 Boston Red Sox.

Just a couple un-related side notes:

• Dwayne Wade is the best player on the Heat, not LeBron James. He has the killer instinct of a Jordan and a Kobe, where LeBron is just Origami, folds under pressure.
  
• You can call it "Heat-Hating" if you want but honestly I've never seen a bigger pussy than Chris Bosh. His emotional collapse at the end of GAME 6, not even a game 7, was literally the lamest thing I've ever seen from a professional athlete.
  
• Dirk Nowitzki, wow.
  
• Up until the past year, I've never been much of a hockey fan. It's been all baseball all the time. But the Bruins and the entire 2011 playoff run has been one of the most compelling things I've seen since the "4 Nights in October" that the Red Sox took 4 in a row from the Yankees.
  
• Tim Thomas is one of the most unintentionally funny guys I've ever heard interviewed.
  
• Saw The Hangover: Part II, my expert opinion says, Wait until it comes out on video, unless you really like Chicks with Dicks.
  
• Justin Timberlake is STILL the best host on SNL in the last 10 years.
  

Stay Tuned

Norton