Keller @ Large: Feeling Optimistic About The Red Sox
BOSTON (CBS) -- The modern-day, post-apocalyptic Boston Red Sox are like New England weather – if you don't like it, just wait a minute.
The Sox have their home opener today, starting at 3 p.m. for reasons that escape me, so watch out if your evening commute takes you anywhere near the ballpark. And it appears that the lucky few with tickets will enjoy beautiful weather, not always the case on opening day, which can just as easily be 30 degrees as 70.
The same is true of the Sox themselves. They can be a beautiful thing to behold, as they were in 2013, or a torturous test of fan loyalty, like last year or the Bobby Valentine year from hell.
But I'm happy to report that based on my inexpert opinion and a definitive sample of six games played, I believe this could be one of those beautiful seasons.
They say pitching and defense are what win championships, but as we saw last year, you've got to hit to compete. And this year's Sox can hit.
They are back to being patient at the plate again, wearing down pitchers and waiting for a pitch they can hit. They have a new Ramirez, Hanley this time, but I call him Manny just to make it easier, and his swing looks every bit as sweet as Manny's once was.
They have Panda, and I'm sorry for those who detest pre-fabricated nicknames, but the man does look just like a Panda, and looks like a heckuva hitter to me. Dustin Pedroia is back to form, Bogaerts and Betts look great, and you know Napoli and Big Papi will come around.
So put me down as an optimist about this year's Sox.
And let's face it – after what we went through this winter, just the fact that they're playing baseball again is enough to make us happy.
Listen To Jon's Commentary:
You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.
