It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This

This season was supposed to make us forget about last year's injury-riddled season. It was supposed to be a fresh start, with the addition of two all-stars who would more than compensate for the loss of V-Mart and Beltre. Playing left field, after all, just got a lot safer without the hard-charging, rib-cracking Beltre playing third base. While I never bought into the 100+ win, lock for the World Series hype, I was expecting much better than what I've seen so far this season. Sure, I was concerned about the catching situation and how some of last season's underperforming members of the rotation would do, but my wishful thinking said that the improved offense and defense would offset those concerns.

Aside from Papi getting off to a decent start and raking against lefties, Beckett pitching more like his 2007 self, Lester pitching well in April, and Adrian Gonzalez hitting over .300, the rest of the team has been a colossal disappointment so far. By the way, since when did Jed Lowrie become The Ghost of Julio Lugo? He had a game tonight that would make even Dr. Strangeglove cringe. And when did Pedey start looking like a blind squirrel at the plate? Aside from that epic at-bat in Monday night's game, he's been striking out to beat the band and lunging after bad pitches in a way that would be hilarious if he were playing for another team. To think, he used to be one of the hardest guys to strike out.

And then there's Lackey. He's either been lights-out or lit up like a Christmas tree. Not much middle ground there. High-profile bullpen pickups Jenks and Wheeler are both on the DL, Jenks with arm issues and Wheeler with what is being called on the paperwork as a sore calf, but what is really inflammation and swelling of the ERA. Wake is being relied on much more than he should be, as he is effective only in very small doses. Of course, he would also be more effective if the defense behind him did their job. Even the sure-gloved Gonzo let one get by him in the 2nd inning and 2 runs scored. He made up for one of those runs with a solo shot off the Sports Authority sign, but that was one of only two runs the Sox would score tonight. JD Drew went yard in the 2nd for the other one.

There is a lot of talent on this team. The problem is, most of them are playing far below their ability and show flashes of it only occasionally. They don't appear to be on the same page and working as a team. Until they get their act together, they will continue to chase .500, but never get there. The coaching staff needs to take a more active role in getting this team on the same page and if they are unable to do so, it's time to find replacements who can. The lack of leadership is painfully evident in games like tonight's and yesterday's and in their overall inconsistent play. Somebody has to get this team to cowboy up before spring turns into a long, frustrating summer in the American League cellar.