Jay Bay A Hit, Lowrie Too As Sox Sweep A's

Jason Bay collects another hit as the Red Sox go on to Sweep the A's. (AP Photo)

It was only last Wednesday that our beloved Boston Red Sox lost to the Angels in what was their worse loss of the season by a long shot. The Angels dominated us again and the Sox committed four errors in the field, gave up nine runs, and looked absolutely dead and unmotivated in every aspect of the game. The next day we traded a guy who may be the best right handed power hitter in the organizations history (and a certified quitter and gold digger) along with prospects and money for a solid "dirt dog" type player who has no history of quitting on his teammates, and who's going to grind it everyday. In short the Red Sox traded in their fancy gas guzzling and obnoxious SUV for a reliable and dependable hybrid that's not very flashy, but it more then gets the job done every day in an efficient and non-intrusive way.

In the end the one who truly needed mental peace was the Red Sox clubhouse and it really showed this weekend starting off with their dramatic 12 inning win Friday night, and ending with another great effort by Dice-K, Jay Bay, and some kid named Lowrie. Three games without Manny, three wins without Manny. Yeah Manny's still going to get his numbers in L.A, but you have to remember he's playing for his next contract, not the Dodgers, and there's nothing admirable about that. On the other side of the coin you have Jason Bay who's never been in a pennant race and seem to absolutely be relishing the opportunity to be just one part, not the whole, of a finely tuned baseball machine. His numbers over the weekend speak volumes:

.364 AVG, 6 Runs Scored, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 3 BB

Remember all of that was done in his first three days, and you're already starting to see other people step it up. As I stated yesterday Youk is picking up his power game this year, J.D. and his Posse are living up to his salary and now some kid name Lowrie is going to put Lugo on the DL for the rest of his Red Sox career.

I guess what I'm trying to say by this post is that the Red Sox truly look like a cohesive team, and not just a good team (which they were earlier in the year) for the first time this season. Winning is without a doubt the final goal for them all and I think Mr. Jason Bay is going to be a pivotal part in that, not the pivotal piece in that. There's a big difference there, and it's one that I hope pushes the Sox to the playoffs and beyond.

Welcome to August people, it's just going to get more and more fun each day that passes.

Comments

[thegthang]

even though i'm not a sox fan, i've been a bay fan for a while. he's going to put up some good numbers for you guys, and keep that batting average up.

on a manny note, there is no end to the jubilation here in LA. people are acting as if the favorite son has returned. it's a constant manny watch here. there are a lot more dodger fans coming out of the woodwork now. even Vin Scully (the legend) is all about saying "manny being manny," ugh... even if the numbers continue here (8-13, 2hr, 5rbi, 4r) at this pace, it was a MUCH better deal for the sox. i'm sure the real manny will show up soon. get ready for "the manny" dodger fans.

[Derek Hixon]

What up G-Spot! And good to hear your thoughts on Jay Bay. I've been a fan but obviously being an AL fan probably aren't as aware of his past as you are.

Manny will most likely be a stud for L.A. the rest of the year, but unless they're the highest bidders in the off-season he's outtie 5000. (haven't used that in about a decade!)

Keep me up to date, you and XXX Flex are my L.A. sources :-)

[Melissa]

As usual Derek you are right on with this blog. I am so much happier with our hybrid, it's not even funny. What a weekend in a Red Sox uniform Bay!!! We welcome you!!!

[Derek Hixon]

You know what the other great thing about Hybrids are?

A) They save you money
B) They're a hell of a lot quieter!

[Boston Knucklehead]

He is off to a great start. I think he is going to fit in just fine in Boston