Lately, articles have appeared in print predicting that the Red Sox-despite a number of free agent signings- still have a good chance of staying in the AL East cellar in 2013.
To me as a fan, however, their place in the standings is less important than showing significant improvement both on and off the field. We must remember that Bobby Valentine's 2012 disaster had a 69-93 mark, 24 games under .500. It was not only worse than any of "Daddy Butch" Hobson's clubs of the early 90's, but the worst since a 62-100 mark in 1965.
The team does play in a tough division-even Toronto has the makings of a contender. But unlike many Sox followers, I would be satisfied with an 81-81 record. A .500 mark would mean a 12-game improvement over last year. Since the team has opted for a rebuilding route-something no Bosox team has done in decades- change for the better should be more important than standings. Say that the Blue Jays had lost 100 games in 2012- putting the Sox in fourth place- would that have made last season less disastrous?
More important than standings is the question: Can John Farrell get the team to play like one worthy of our support, something lacking since September 2011? It would be a squad with no backstabbers, no player-owner gripe sessions, no meltdown by pitchers in the bullpen like crybaby Alfredo Aceves. It goes on and on.
I am not looking for a playoff team-not even necessarily a contending team, though it would be nice to see..All I am seeking is a team I can be proud to root for, no matter where they finish in the division.
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