C'mon Get Happy!

Rereading our last two posts, I can understand why people are beginning to think that Kevin and I are head cheerleaders for the next depression. We have taken the phrase "cautious optimism" to stupefying levels. Enough of that. Sweeping the Tigers today and taking two of three from the defending pennant winners should dispel any unfounded worries.

Why should we stop to smell the roses? Let me count the ways.

Here then, in the interest of lifting the clouds, are ten reasons why the Sox will continue to roll through the summer.

1. Pitching
Good pitching wins games and ultimately championships and the Sox moundmen have been outstanding. They have the best ERA in the league (second in the majors) at 3.25 and have allowed the fewest runs and total bases in the majors. The starting staff has been phenomenal with even fifth starter Julian Tavarez putting together some great effors, including today's gem against the Bengals. Even with Beckett going on the DL and missing two starts, the Sox are still okay. Waiting in the wings is Jon Lester, playing the role of the thoroughbred being held back by a wise jockey just waiting to be let go. They also have some good arms on the farm in Devern Hansack, Kasson Gabbard and even phenom Clay Bucholtz in Portland should thing really unravel. The relief corps has been relentless with the surprising OkeDokie and Paps shutting things down at the end of games. Hitting can evaporate quickly (see Yankees, New York), but good pitching is more predictable over the long haul. They say momentum in baseball is only as good as the next day's starter, and the Sox can roll out a solid starter day after day.

2. Depth
Give Theo credit. He has put together one of the deepest Sox teams in years, probably the most versatile since the 04 championship squad. Today's nightcap win against the Tigers is a good example. They won 4-2 with David Ortiz, JD Drew and Julio Lugo on the bench and with Curt Schilling having nothing on the mound. Eric Hinkse makes the great catch and hits the game winning homer, Alex Cora moves the runner over which leads to another run and even Wily Mo walks three times. Brendan Donnelly, Javier Lopez and Oki pick up Schill and viola, another Sox win.

3. Manny will be Manny
The Sox have roared out to a 9 1/2 game lead in the AL east and are 16 games over .500 while possibly the best right handed hitter in baseball history has hit .255 with only six homers. You know he is going to end up around .300 with 30 homers so a hot streak is imminent.

4. JD Drew
The $14 million man started out like a house afire but has cooled considerably. He currently is hitting .250 with 13 RBI's hitting behind Youk, Ortiz and Manny. There was never any question about his ability. If he stays in the lineup, eventually he will be productive.

5. Julio Lugo
Theo traded the defense of Alex Gonzales for the offense of Julio Lugo, but so far hasn't gotten either. Lugo will not hit .252 all year so again look forward to a surge from him.

6. The Blue Jays
As Kevin from New York has said, we hope the Jays enjoyed their second place finish last year when the Sox were decimated by injuries. It's Toronto's turn now and it will make things a lot easier for the Sox to have this perennial pain in the butt team become a non factor. Looking forward to J.P.'s fire sale coming to the Rogers Centre soon.

7. Interleague play
The Sox feasted on the AAAA National League last year going 16-3. This year they play Atlanta, one of the better teams in the Major Minors, but then get to play 12 games against Arizona, Colorado, San Francisco and San Diego. Those juggernauts have a combined 80-84 record. I think we can survive a few games with Big Papi at first.

8. Sam Perlazzo
The Sox get to play the Boy Genius and his Orioles 13 more times. Can't wait. You can always count on Sammy boy to make the right move (taking out the hot, unhittable starter) to allow the Sox to steal a few more games.

9. The Schedule
The amazing thing about the Sox run is they have done it without the benefit of a home heavy schedule. After today's double header, the Sox have played 40 games, an even 20 each on the road and at home. They have a couple of tough road trips in June, but come September the schedule tips heavily to Fenway. 17 of their final 27 games are in Boston, and the road games are against Baltimore, Toronto and Tampa Bay. Advantage: Red Sox

10. The numbers game
While it is way to early to bury the Yankmees, the numbers are starting to become daunting. The Sox currently sit at 28-12. If they play two games over .500 each of the last four months, they will finish wiith 97 wins. For the Yanks to finish with 98 wins, they would have to go 80-53 in their final games. Not impossible, but do you really expect that from a team that is currently 3 games under .500 and is pinning all their hopes on a 45 year old six inning pitcher and a kid in Triple A that is currently on the DL?

Okay. Is that better? Time to take off the shackles and celebrate. We are rolling!