You can put your hand down, Felix, you've been chosen! Photo courtesy of Kelly O'Connor/sittingstill.net and used with permission.
The last two days have been fabulous baseball days. While the Red Sox were sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Braves and Phillies were taking it to the Rays and Yankees. This morning, with both the Rays and Yanks losing their series, the Red Sox sit two games out of first place. Two games. All of you who called the season over in early May can go jump in a lake now, thank you.
Daniel Nava has 18 major league at-bats and is hitting .444 with a .474 OBP and a slugging percentage of .833. His OPS is 1.307 and he has six RBI, four doubles and a home run under his belt. THIS is the way you make your major league debut. Tonight, Red Sox fans get to enjoy another MLB debut, that of starting pitcher Felix Doubront.   Felix is a 22 year-old, left-handed pitcher from Venezuela who has been in the Red Sox organization since he was 17 years old. He started this season in Double A Portland and worked his way up from Pawtucket to Boston tonight.  Much luck being sent out Felix’ way and here’s hoping he gets a K or two against Manny Ramirez!
This season hasn’t been easy on the Sox. Currently they’re playing without two of their three starting outfielders (well, Cameron is back but, really only part-time) and without two of their five starting pitchers. For them to be in the position they’re in (two games out of first…have I mentioned that?) with all they’ve had to deal with is a testament to their talent and will. If they can be successful with their starters hurting and bringing in some young blood that makes it all the more enjoyable to watch them.
I am full of mixed emotions over Manny’s return tonight. There is no doubt I want him to fail but I am still not comfortable with the idea of booing him. I’m also extremely uncomfortable with his getting an ovation the likes of Pedro Martinez or Nomar Garciaparra. I wish for silence but know that won’t happen either. All I really know is that I want this weekend to be over quickly and I want the Red Sox to sweep the damn Dodgers.
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