Can we keep him??? Please, can we???

I absolutely know better. I understand I am getting swept up in the hysteria. I realize it is a very "pink-hatted" thing to say, but I'm going to say it anyway.

I want Jacoby Ellsbury to stay with the big club.


I know that the flashy rookie was only up for a cup of coffee and is now heading back to Pawtucket. But does he have to leave? Why can't Jacoby stay with us?

As an aside, every time I see Ellsbury's name it brings back memories of a long ago Fantasy Baseball draft. The Cleveland Indians had a third baseman back in the 80's named Brooks Jacoby. We had a...shall we say....confused owner who when realizing he was still available, and evidently reading from a printed sheet that listed players last name first, yelled out when it was his turn to draft, "I'll take Jacoby Brooks!" For the next fifteen years whether it was in our baseball or football fantasy draft, someone would offer at some time during the proceedings, "Jacoby Brooks is still available!" The thought of someone with a first name of Jacoby struck us as amusing.

No one is laughing anymore.

Ellsbury was taken in the first round in 2005 and almost immediately was annointed the next Johnny Damon. Incredibly, he does look like he is heading down that path. Granted it is very early, but everytime he is on the field, something exciting seems to happen.

When was the last time, if ever, you saw a major leaguer, let alone a Red Sox player, score from second on a pass ball like Ellsbury did the other day? So why are we in such a rush to send him back down Route 95? Why can't he stay in Boston and learn about winning a division title and getting into the playoffs? Doesn't he look like a great fourth outfielder?

Oh yes, we already have one of those. His name is Wily Mo Pena. But... how do I put this delicately? Wily Mo is.....useless.

Let's list the pro's and con's of keeping Ellsbury over Pena.

1. Ellsbury can play all three outfield positions. Pena is a butcher in all three outfield positions.
2. Ellsbury can make contact. Pena is hitting .216 and strikes out once every 2.5 at bats.
3. Ellsbury doesn't have long ball power. Pena is big.
4. Ellsbury can pinch run. That might be important at some point. See: Roberts, Dave. Pena is big.
5. Ellsbury is so fast, even a routine ground ball can become a hit. Pena is big.
6. Ellsbury puts pressure on the defense every time he puts the ball in play. Pena is big.

So tell me again why we keep Pena aka "Mr. Potential" around? Let's send him to Pawtucket and if he gets claimed by some sadomasochistic GM that enjoys watching a human windmill, at least Theo's will save the $3 million dollar salary.

I know I'm jumping the gun. My baseball head tells me that Ellsbury needs to go down and play regularly to continue his development. I know that staying in Boston and playing on a part time basis is not the best thing for him. But everytime I see Pena look like a confused little leaguer at the plate or the loser in a three legged race in the outfield I want to throw up.

These two things appear to be unimpeachable. 1. Pena stinks. 2. Ellsbury looks like he will be a star.

What are we waiting for?