Posts Tagged ‘boston red sox’
Kevin Youkilis has long embodied the very essence of the Boston Red Sox. An underdog, a fighter; these are the things that spring to mind when you hear his name. As of yesterday, he is a member of the BoSox no longer, having been traded to Chicago and the AL Central-leading White Sox.
His tenure in Beantown ended in storybook fashion: a triple, followed by a curtain call and a standing ovation from the Fenway faithful. In the seventh inning manager Bobby Valentine was informed of the trade, and that marked the last inning for Youkilis. He was dealt to the ChiSox in exchange for utility-man Brent Lillibridge and pitcher Zach Stewart.
It didn’t have to end this way.
Ever since his first suspension, California has not been kind to Manny Ramirez. He was exiled from the Dodgers when he was sent to Chicago. His latest comeback was delayed when he failed to show his previous power. Now, his days of basking in the California sunshine are over.
Manny Ramirez has asked for, and been granted release from his minor-league contract with the Oakland A’s. He was playing in Sacramento for the triple-a affiliate and asked that if they weren’t going to promote him soon to just release him. As of yesterday, he is no longer an Athletic.
Yesterday, the baseball gods were merciful to the Boston Red Sox. They opened up the sky, postponing their game. Delaying another loss to the hated Yankees. Preventing a three game sweep. Allowing another day to figure out how to get the first win in the second century of Fenway.
The first century started well, with a World Series win. The first century ended well, with two titles in the past decade. In the middle, there was hardship. The Curse of the Great Bambino held the team in it’s grasp for 86 years. Now the curse is broken, yet the team still finds themselves in a deep struggle.
It all started last September. A September they will always remember. It’s hard to forget such a historic collapse. When the month started, they had a nine game cushion in the wildcard race. By the time the dust had settled, the Tampa Bay Rays were headed to the postseason, and the BoSox were headed home.