OT: New season, new drama for Sox

[Raps in 4]

The fact apparently NOBODY on the team like Ellsbury, and that Jacoby already has one foot out the door to the Giants, doesn't help.

Where did you read this?

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2011/10/12/red_sox_unity_dedication_dissolved_during_epic_late_season_collapse/?page=5

Nor was Youkilis willing to talk after a second straight injury-marred year in which his production suffered. Youkilis, by nearly all accounts, grew more detached and short-tempered as he tried to play through his ailments. He also factored in a divisive clubhouse issue as the only player last year who publicly criticized Jacoby Ellsbury - several others privately chided the outfielder - when Ellsbury missed all but 18 games with rib injuries.


The episode chilled Ellsbury’s relationship with the team. As joyful as Ellsbury’s MVP-caliber season was to many fans, his interaction in the Sox clubhouse was limited mostly to his friend Jed Lowrie. Ellsbury produced one of the most sensational seasons for a leadoff hitter in franchise history - he also ranked with Pedroia, Aceves, and Jonathan Papelbon among the team’s hardest workers - but he contributed little to the clubhouse culture.

Then they punted Lowrie for nothing.

What a bunch of clowns.

[Dr Positivity]

I don't know what they were thinking to hire Bobby V. after a collapse with that much drama

[whysoserious]

I honestly don't even understand why they hired Valentine to begin with. If anything, based on what happened you would think they'd go with someone like Piniella, that type of person as a manager or someone that is calm but commands respect, maybe a Felipe Alou-type.

Valentine is severely over-rated, a guy who loves a bunch of trickery and really hasn't been a success for a long time in MLB circles.

[Brinbe]

I love it... a return to the drama-filled pre-04 Red Sox of old. And it's not gonna get any better any time soon, which only favors us.

[KayJay_02]

They need a lot of different player personal. IMO, thats the only way they can change this feel in their club house

[Attonitus]

It does certainly seem to be more of a systemic problem rather than one coach who lost control but I still don't know that cleaning house is the right move. I have a feeling it's one or two guys causing most of the problem leading to a perceived lack of control from other players and loss of respect for the coaching staff. Maybe make a move or two but I don't think they have to blow it up.

I think the problem is still coaching, they needed a manager (and GM for that matter) who could come in and immediately demand respect and clean up that clubhouse and they haven't gotten it.

[LLJ]

It does certainly seem to be more of a systemic problem rather than one coach who lost control but I still don't know that cleaning house is the right move. I have a feeling it's one or two guys causing most of the problem leading to a perceived lack of control from other players and loss of respect for the coaching staff. Maybe make a move or two but I don't think they have to blow it up.
.

Yeah, but what if one of those problem guys is Pedroia, the heart and soul of the team? That's what the media is afraid to touch right now. Sox fans love him. The Boston media loves him. The organization has too much respect for him. Yet if he's the big problem, getting rid of him is akin to blowing it up in most fans' eyes.

[BasketballAbyss]

The fact apparently NOBODY on the team like Ellsbury, and that Jacoby already has one foot out the door to the Giants, doesn't help.

Where did you read this?

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2011/10/12/red_sox_unity_dedication_dissolved_during_epic_late_season_collapse/?page=5

Nor was Youkilis willing to talk after a second straight injury-marred year in which his production suffered. Youkilis, by nearly all accounts, grew more detached and short-tempered as he tried to play through his ailments. He also factored in a divisive clubhouse issue as the only player last year who publicly criticized Jacoby Ellsbury - several others privately chided the outfielder - when Ellsbury missed all but 18 games with rib injuries.


The episode chilled Ellsbury’s relationship with the team. As joyful as Ellsbury’s MVP-caliber season was to many fans, his interaction in the Sox clubhouse was limited mostly to his friend Jed Lowrie. Ellsbury produced one of the most sensational seasons for a leadoff hitter in franchise history - he also ranked with Pedroia, Aceves, and Jonathan Papelbon among the team’s hardest workers - but he contributed little to the clubhouse culture.

Then they punted Lowrie for nothing.

We'll gladly take Ellsbury off their hands. I'm thinking we trade them Thames, a pitcher of beer, and a bucket of chicken. Actually, they'd probably do it just for the beer and chicken.

[Relentless88]

Youkilis goes 0-4 with 4 strikeouts today. Yikes.

[Randle McMurphy]

Loving this blowout tonight.

[flatjacket1]

Youkilis goes 0-4 with 4 strikeouts today. Yikes.

Lets ask the manager what's wrong with him

[Randle McMurphy]

If Youk isn't emotionally into the games anymore, I wonder what he'll say about Lester tonight.

[vaff87]

If Youk isn't emotionally into the games anymore, I wonder what he'll say about Lester tonight.

He was too bloated from fried chicken and beer?