I Really Hate This Team

Dad --

I came to two realizations last night. The first - Marco Scutaro makes me happy. The second - I really, really hate this team. You may be shocked to hear this statement, but don't worry, I'll explain.

Last night during the first inning, Marco Scutaro came to bat. On a 1-1 pitch, Scutaro swung the bat knocking the ball into foul territory and losing his bat as well. It was raining so I guess the pine tar just wasn't sticky enough and his bat went flying up into the seats. Luckily, no one was hurt. Even luckier, a little boy ended up with the stick. Unfortunately, no sooner had the boy staked his claim, than a member of the Fenway security team came and snatched it away.

See, much like a special ball that's hit into the stands whether it be a player's first hit or his 500th home run, usually a member of the park's security comes and takes the ball or bat and replaces it with another. And that's what happened last night. And Dad, Fenway park erupted in boos. Everyone was upset - how could they snatch this great prize from this little boy? And I agreed with them. Well, to my surprise, Scutaro agreed too. When the bat boy presented Scutaro with the retrieved bat, he shooed him away and told him to give it back to the spectator. And believe it or not, that's exactly what the bat boy did. The bat was returned to the excited patron and once again Fenway erupted - only this time it was with resounding cheers. That small act of kindness in a game that's turned into a business, where players agree to autographs for cash, brought a huge smile to my face. I know Scutaro is a brand new member of the Sox, but in my book, that move made him a permanent part of Red Sox Nation.

Now onto my 2nd statement - why I hate this team. Dad, I blame you for this. Out of all the teams in the majors, why oh why did you have to set your eye on this one. It truly is child abuse to turn your son or daughter onto a team with this many highs and lows. For starters, did you know this is the worst start the Sox have had since '97? At the beginning of today's game they were a lowly 4-7.

If that weren't enough, Friday and Saturday's games were further proof. As you know, Friday's game was suspended until Saturday where all the Sox had to do was score one run to end the game and get the win. And the only reason they were even in that position was due to what you mentioned in your last post - the Third Base coach. This guy's a moron. I wonder if he's ever even played this role before. Friday's game should have been over after the Rays got their final out in the top of the 9th. But because the coach at 3rd decided to send Youkilis home on Papi's double in the 6th with no body out, Youk got tagged at the plate and we ended up with the tie going into extra innings. Then in the 10th the Sox had the bases loaded with no one out and once again, they couldn't score. You know the end result - Delcarmen came in in the 11th and gave up a 2 run shot thereby making our team the losers. Again.

Saturday's game was lost by the time the first inning was over. Buccholz gave up 4 runs in first and the Sox never recovered. I don't know what happened to the guy who pitched a no hitter his first time out, but he hasn't produced since. I think it's time for the Sox to give up this ghost. Either trade him to another team or try him out in relief. He's been given every chance in the book. I'm sorry, but he's just not starting material.

The Sox did make a valiant effort late in the game, but as usual, it just wasn't enough to get the win. It's upsetting to see a team spend so much money in the off season to improve and see it go to waste.

Dad, something's gotta change, otherwise this is going to be one hell of a long season.

Jenn