Rantings and ravings from an admitted fan (as in fanatic!) of the Boston Red Sox. Updated only occasionally, but with my take on recent developments in Red Sox Nation. Updated more frequently during the end of the regular season and playoffs (hopefully).

Friday, December 24, 2004

Varitek signs

'Twas the night before Christmas,
And one thought's on my mind,
There is joy in New England,
For Mighty Varitek has signed.

Indeed, an early Christmas present from the Sox, as the stud catcher and center of the clubhouse universe has re-signed for 4 years. That sound you heard across Red Sox Nation was a collective sigh of relief. This signing is huge, and I'm really glad it's done with.

When do pitchers and catchers report???

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Hasta la Pedro

I should probably be a bit more upset about losing Pedro Martinez to the Mets, but I'm really not, and there's a couple of reasons for that.

1. I woke up Wednesday morning to the news that Pedro had signed, and once it settled in (come on, this is human nature) I thought that the Mets overpaid and probably risked a lot by giving him a 4-year guarantee. I never would have thought this (or at least admitted it) when he was still wearing a Sox uniform, but now all of a sudden I see Pedro as vulnerable, breaking down, and succumbing to shoulder troubles that have always kind of been there under the surface with him. I know, I know, I defended him (and would have continued to do so) when he was with the Sox, but now it's easier to admit this.

2. He didn't leave with very much class. Pedro has always been one to speak his mind, but what's to be gained by blasting the Sox on his way out of town. Is it really a news flash that Theo Epstein is arrogant (I probably would be, too, if I was a GM in my early 30s), and it just didn't seem to serve any purpose. It's a helluva lot easier to dismiss this stuff as "Pedro just being Pedro" when he's your guy, but when he's wearing another uniform you don't have any incentive to let this stuff go.

I will always have a special place in my heart for Pedro, but the way he left town really left a sour taste.

3. Finally, and this is the biggest thing -- nothing ... I mean NOTHING ... could upset me now. We are still basking in the glow of the first world championship in most people's lifetimes, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let anything spoil the celebration. I know that's probably short-sighted and stupid, but it's what I feel. Now, if we can just sign Varitek...