Watch CBS News

Tracy's Take: As Opening Day Nears, Red Sox Fans Remain Skeptical

BOSTON (CBS) - With opening day just a few days away, let's take a quick look at the Red Sox by the numbers.

1 - player the Sox need to officially add to their roster --Jackie Bradley Jr.

2- the number of hot dogs you can get for the price of one in April at Fenway!

3 - days until Opening day

4 - the number of bad ways to try to fill your ball park; as in offer temporary discounts on a smaller serving of beer (12 oz. vs. 16 oz.), free hot dogs, half price hot chocolate, and free kids meals

Now, who's excited for Monday?

The Red Sox brass probably felt their hearts were in the right place when they made their April offers, but fans know better. With their cushy view, management assumed fans would perceive these discounted concessions as a "thank you" given what they've put us through the past few years.

But, if you've listened to local sports radio lately, you already know their gesture backfired. Sox fans aren't stupid; they see this offer as transparent. To me, it sounded like Sox die-hards would rather the front office do nothing then try and "buy" us back. I have to give them credit though; at least they're trying to do something, even if it is a futile attempt.

Sure, they'll tell us the sellout streak is still intact, though it will probably come to an end this year. After a 69-93 season, they made the executive decision not to raise ticket prices this season, which was a wise move since seats at Fenway are already among the highest priced in Major League baseball.  Maybe they should have offered a different promotion during the month of April-- like one that included discounts on tickets or merchandise.

Thankfully, the Sox brass didn't go as low as offering a Groupon deal like the Marlins did.

As a Sox fan -- not a pink hat -- these April promotions certainly aren't going to persuade me to buy tickets. But the chance to cheer for a more watchable, likeable team will.

Here's what we know about the 2013 Boston Red Sox so far. Jon Lester will take the mound Monday in his third straight Opening Day start for the Red Sox, and the official roster will be finalized sometime on Sunday. On paper, the team already seems more likable than the group they trotted out the last two seasons. Of the names on the $160-million roster, most aren't very exciting, but maybe that's OK.  They're a team of underdogs-- and what do underdogs typically do? Lose. But I think the new-look Red Sox actually have a chance to sneak up on teams in the American League East.

McAdam On Gresh & Zo: Will Bradley Make Opening Day Roster?

I mean they can't be much worse than last 2 years, can they?

Starting Monday, the Red Sox have 162 chances to restore the faith in 2013. Hopefully the joke's not on us April 1st.

Tracy Clements is a weekend producer on 98.5 The Sports Hub. You can follow her on twitter at @clementine_12.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.