The Post Manny Era ... So Far!
August 7, 2008
Enough time has gone by to comment on the post Manny era.
Although it is unlikely that Jason Bay will keep hitting over .400 for the rest of the season, thus far Manny’s bat has not been terribly missed. However, you can expect that at some point it will be. He was too big of a factor in the Red Sox line-up to assume otherwise.
That was well anticipated when the trade was made.
After being in the clubhouse a lot since the trade, and watching the players in the dugout during games, I can tell you for certain that the team’s mood is much more relaxed. If you buy into the idea that team chemistry and unity are important, then I would have to say we are a better team now than we were prior to the trade.
Before the trade the Red Sox were in a state of anxiety. The media was all over the place, the players were being very cautious with their remarks, and management was focused on nothing else but unloading Manny. It was not a pretty picture to say the least. In sharp contrast, the climate now is much calmer, almost boring, and that is a good thing.
If a few key players regain momentum, the Red Sox still have the talent to take them deep into the playoffs. Based on last night’s game, let’s hope that Jacoby is back on track because they are a completely different team with him at the top of the line-up and getting on base. Josh Beckett needs to pitch like he did in his last outing the rest of the season and Jason Bay needs to continue to produce at a reasonable level. If these things fall into place, they are still my pick to take the A.L. East.
In case you haven’t noticed Tampa Bay keeps winning no matter what the situation is. Yesterday the scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth to stun the Indians 10-7. They are not going away!
Now that all of the Manny commotion is over, the Red Sox need to gear it up and now would be a good time to start.
From Chicago,
Jerry
-Jerry Remy
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