Keller @ Large: Calm Down Red Sox Fans
BOSTON (CBS) - Red Sox Manager John Farrell is "going to be fired," writes Eric Wilbur of Boston.com.
"The time has come for dramatic measures, which include not only firing the manager, but having serious discussions about the benefits of trading veterans David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia."
Judging from the avalanche of similar outcry I'm hearing on the 98.5 The Sports Hub and at my local Dunkin' Donuts, he is not the only one who wants the manager and the star players gone, as this Red Sox season lurches from disappointing stumble to disastrous fiasco.
But at the risk of ridicule from other fans, may I suggest that there is no good reason to follow any of this overwrought advice.
Let's start with Farrell, who has been a key part of two Red Sox championships in the past eight years. What, exactly, has he done to deserve being fired?
Is the Red Sox poor record so far a consequence of his poor managerial skills? I don't see any evidence of that.
Players like David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval who are underperforming their own track records and injuries to key players like Christian Vasquez and Shane Victorino seem like more relevant reasons.
Is there some obvious replacement out there who could be expected to make better egg salad out of this mess? I don't think there is.
So the calls for Farrell's firing seem more a part of the lynch mob mentality that seems to be such a fixture of the internet era. If someone displeases you, call for their head. No need to consider moderation or redemption – that might require substituting thought for bile.
As far as the players go, Pedroia is having a good year, and if Big Papi doesn't heat up soon, I'll eat my mouse pad.
Get rid of them?
No thanks.
It isn't even the summer solstice yet.
Switch to decaf, and let's talk again in another month.
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.
