Sunday Discussion: Not This Again

Hey, all. Everyone happy? I'd have to figure so. Baseball season's started up, the weather's getting warmer, and not a one of us spent most of yesterday afternoon cursing and throwing things at our televisions.

Folks, I got nothing. Yesterday's game sucked. Every last bit of it. Josh Beckett didn't have an answer for the heart of the Tigers' lineup. The Red Sox batters went up hacking again, and looked completely out of rhythm. The bullpen couldn't do much better in containing the damage, and the defense looked awful late in the game. Basically the high point of the afternoon was Ryan Sweeney, who collected two hits and a walk. He's been the best hitter on the team through two games. Ryan Sweeney.

Needless to say, the usual media frenzy has ensued. Twitter yesterday included questions to reporters about whether it was time to bring up Will Middlebrooks to replace a clearly cooked Kevin Youkilis, and whether it was time to consider firing Bobby Valentine. I expect to read at least one "let's see what we can get for Ellsbury before it's too late" column by the end of the week if things don't turn around.

It's all the worse, of course, because of how last season began. The Sox lost their first six games in 2011, and even though it was only a week, even by the third game it started to feel like we'd never see them win again. It was a miserable way to start out a year, and that in a year where expectations were high and confidence abounded. This year's edition has not had that reception.

And that brings us to the simple discussion question: When will things turn around? Could be as early as this afternoon, when Clay Buchholz matches up with Max Scherzer. Or do we think another wondrous stumble out of the gate is under way? Consider this your Sunday morning venting space.