Jurr
04-13-2004, 12:02 AM
Well, what do you think, people? Does this team have a shot?
The Twins and Royals aren't that potent, especially considering the Twinks don't have a pen. Detroit isn't going to be a top dog most likely, so that leaves the Sox.
1.We hung with the Yankees in an emotional home opener for the so-called New Murderer's Row, and we could've won them all if a couple of things would've gone differently.
2.We've shown a good resilience to two situations that would've killed the Sox last year. The first one is the big meltdown on opening day, followed by getting shut down by a good pitcher to open the Yanks game. How many times in the last two or three years have the Sox turned either of these situation into a one week malaise? It seems like Ozzie's taking hold.
3. The starting pitching has been surprisingly good. Hopefully that continues. It has to help the confidence of Schoeneweis and Garland to be able to pitch to the best hitters they'll see all year and put up strong innings. Plus, it seems like the bullpen has calmed down a tad since the opening day problem.
4. We've actually got bats to begin this year! Magglio's been very hot, and Jose's starting to find his stroke. We're still waiting on Frank to heat up, but you know he'll be okay. Willie Harris is getting his act together, and PK isn't clamming up to begin his year.
5. We're aggressive on the basepaths. We're trying to move runners, we're getting runs based on hustle, and players can actually drop a bunt down this year!
Now, don't get me wrong. This is going to be a fight for the AL Central. However, I've got that MLB extra innings package, and I've been watching our competition. They all look much more flawed than the Sox. I think we'll be in good position to make a run at the crown by the all star break, where we'll be in the market for a little extra help. Plus, if we make the playoffs and God willing, have a spike in attendance, I don't think keeping our talent will be a colossal problem. Maybe the Ozzie Guillen project will turn out well for us. Like Hawk said, it's an exciting time for the fans.
The Twins and Royals aren't that potent, especially considering the Twinks don't have a pen. Detroit isn't going to be a top dog most likely, so that leaves the Sox.
1.We hung with the Yankees in an emotional home opener for the so-called New Murderer's Row, and we could've won them all if a couple of things would've gone differently.
2.We've shown a good resilience to two situations that would've killed the Sox last year. The first one is the big meltdown on opening day, followed by getting shut down by a good pitcher to open the Yanks game. How many times in the last two or three years have the Sox turned either of these situation into a one week malaise? It seems like Ozzie's taking hold.
3. The starting pitching has been surprisingly good. Hopefully that continues. It has to help the confidence of Schoeneweis and Garland to be able to pitch to the best hitters they'll see all year and put up strong innings. Plus, it seems like the bullpen has calmed down a tad since the opening day problem.
4. We've actually got bats to begin this year! Magglio's been very hot, and Jose's starting to find his stroke. We're still waiting on Frank to heat up, but you know he'll be okay. Willie Harris is getting his act together, and PK isn't clamming up to begin his year.
5. We're aggressive on the basepaths. We're trying to move runners, we're getting runs based on hustle, and players can actually drop a bunt down this year!
Now, don't get me wrong. This is going to be a fight for the AL Central. However, I've got that MLB extra innings package, and I've been watching our competition. They all look much more flawed than the Sox. I think we'll be in good position to make a run at the crown by the all star break, where we'll be in the market for a little extra help. Plus, if we make the playoffs and God willing, have a spike in attendance, I don't think keeping our talent will be a colossal problem. Maybe the Ozzie Guillen project will turn out well for us. Like Hawk said, it's an exciting time for the fans.