Sure, they’re only 5 games back; they still have a 12.5% chance of making the playoffs per the ESPN MLB standings. There are still 34 games left, plenty of time right? Well, after seeing the Sox get swept at home this weekend BY ARIZONA, I think it’s safe to turn out the lights on the 2022 season.
They have 4 games left against Cleveland; they have 9 games left against Minnesota. Does it really matter? In a season where expectations were sky high… 100 win season… World Series Champs… the Sox have absolutely face planted. This makes me feel a bit of happiness, because, you know, misery loves company. As a Cub fan, I don’t care if the Sox win or lose; I care about the Cubs winning. Yet, in a season of hopelessness for the Cubs, to see our crosstown brethren come up way, WAY short of expectations… yeah, I can’t lie… it feels good.
It appears Sox fans are ready to turn the page too. I was tuned into the Score earlier on Monday; they’re ready for the funeral proceedings. I saw on Twitter a bit ago; “Sox should go after Ohtani and Trout”. The writing is on the wall unfortunately. For every intentional walk with 2 strikes, for every postgame interview from LaRussa, the hope is sapped out. I still can’t believe they hired that dude. Certainly not all his fault, but man… felt like another guy, any other guy would have been better for this up and coming team, who at this point, peaked during last year’s Field of Dreams game. To give the keys to the team to someone old enough to be their grandfather, feels like putting a scooter engine in a Cadillac. Don’t know much about cars… hope that makes sense.
Injuries have certainly played a part. Missing Tim Anderson during this stretch definitely has an impact. The most surprising thing about the Sox is that they can’t hit. Looking at this lineup on paper before the season, you couldn’t have been blamed for thinking big things. They looked pretty stacked. If that was the one thing you could count on, it was that they could mash. Well, I guess other stuff, like baserunning and defense matter too… stuff I hear that isn’t exactly the Sox strong suit. What about their pitching? Cease has been ridiculous; he’s certainly doing his part. Not sure about the other guys…
The game against Baltimore the other night was certainly a bad omen, in a season full of them. This weekend’s sweep at the hands of the pitiful Diamondbacks in their home park felt like a wave of the white flag. Changes that should have already been made, will be made this offseason… hopefully… and maybe things can be reset next year, but man… hate to waste a year of opportunity… a year in the middle of the Sox “championship window”. OR, maybe I’m just writing all of this to reverse jinx the Sox… by typing these words, by putting them out there, I have ensured a Sox miraculous turn around down the stretch; we will now see them finish on a roll, and enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the MLB. You’re welcome Sox fans… first Eloy and Cease, and now this… you’re all welcome!
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