It’s a question on the minds of many.
The answer depends on how a person views the world.
The optimist looks at the AL East standings, sees the Red Sox 7 1/2 games behind the Yankees for first place and 5 1/2 games behind the Rays for the wild card and says, “The Red Sox also trailed the Yankees by 7 1/2 games on July 30, 2004. That season turned out pretty well.”
The pessimist says, “This isn’t 2004.”
The optimist looks at the M.A.S.H. unit masquerading as the Red Sox and thinks, “The fill-ins have kept us within striking distance, and the starters are getting healthy. Victor Martinez, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz are back. When Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jason Varitek get healthy, anything is possible.”
The pessimist unloads a barrage of expletives and mutters, “Gustavo Molina and Kevin Cash behind the dish in July? Bill Hall playing second full-time? Call the Red Cross. This season is a disaster.”
The optimist looks at starting rotation and says, “Jon Lester could win the Cy Young. John Lackey has added 3-5 mph on his fastball, and found his command. Beckett can carry a team through the dog days, and his arm will be fresh after sitting out for two months. Buchholz has matured into a true ace, and hasn’t been overworked. And Daisuke Matsuzaka actually might be worth all that yen. This staff could lead the team to October.”
The pessimist gripes, “Dice-K stinks. Lackey’s overpaid. Buchholz could crumble. And Beckett’s best days are behind him. Pray for rain whenever Lester isn’t starting.”
The optimist looks at the bullpen and says, “Somehow, someway — either via the non-waiver trade deadline before July 31, a waiver trade in August or black magic — Theo Epstein will find another reliable reliever or two.”
The pessimist looks at the ‘pen and says, “My grandma has a better shot of getting outs than Hideki Okajima. I’d rather have Curious George and Bugs Bunny throwing Eephus pitches in the sixth and seventh innings.”
The optimist looks at the offense and says, “When everyone is healthy, there isn’t a better lineup in baseball. David Ortiz still has some heroic hits left, J.D. Drew is underappreciated and Mike Lowell will produce when given the opportunity.”
The pessimist looks at the bats and says, “They still can’t hit first-rate pitching. Is it Patriots season yet?”
The optimist looks at the 2010 Red Sox and says, “There’s no quit in Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro or anyone in the organization. Go ahead and underestimate the Red Sox.”
The pessimist looks at the team and says, “Watching snails race is more exciting than watching these bums play nine innings. This isn’t Boston’s year.”
The Red Sox have 60 games to play. Ten of those are against the Yankees, and six are against the Rays. A lot can happen between now and Oct. 3.
Players could be added to the roster. Ellsbury will return to the top of the lineup. And the Laser Show will start hitting lasers again.
It’s easy to be down on the hand the Red Sox have been dealt this year, but look on the bright side.
Boston isn’t Baltimore.
