Some Thoughts on the Red Sox

I apologize that I discuss the Bosox on this blog much, much more than any other team, but hey, they're the team I follow and they lend themselves to some rather interesting discussion. At least in comparison to, say, the Baltimore Orioles. Sorry O's fans.

Anyway, first of all, while I was correct in assuming that Okajima would be overlooked in the All-Star roster selection, what I didn't foresee was that he'd be placed on the final fans' choice ballot. Boston fans have stuffed these ballots in years past, so I won't be surprised if he makes it.

Can anyone explain to me why the hell Manny Ramirez made the AL team over Kevin Youkilis? Why wasn't Youk selected, or even placed on the final ballot? Youkilis is batting .329 to Ramirez's .288. Youk's slugging percentage is .505; Ramirez is slugging .488. They both have 44 RBI. Youkilis has more hits, doubles, runs scored, and is going to be in the running for a Gold Glove award this season.

Let's milk this a little further. On the NL side, Tony La Russa realized he had a crowded field of worthy candidates at first base. Ever since I was a kid, this seems to always be the case. So, La Russa did the right thing--he selected three back-up first basemen in addition to his starter (Prince Fielder). On the AL side? One backup first baseman, reigning MVP Justin Morneau, and five reserve outfielders.

Two first basemen. Eight outfielders.

Why the hell is Ramirez going instead of Youkilis? Can't Jim Leyland appreciate value? For superior offensive numbers and amazing glovework the Sox are only paying Youkilis a salary 1/35th that of Manny's. This is about star power, nothing more. And Manny usually stays home even when he's selected to start.

Could've picked Orlando Cabrera, too. That would've been a good one.

Anyway, I digress. A couple more Sox-related notes:

*Julio Lugo is batting now 0 for his last 33 and is batting .189--yet he's on pace for 42 steals and, somehow, 71 RBI (only 16 less than what all-star Ramirez is on pace for). Almost worth his $9 million.

*Speaking of expensive, does anyone realize Boston is paying JD Drew almost $1.5 million more annually than David Ortiz?

*And speaking of really fast, have you seen Jacoby Ellsbury motoring around the bases yet? Holy shit! Is he the next coming of Otis Nixon?

*Lastly, as of today the Red Sox are 50-31. Exactly one year ago their record was...50-31. Just something to think about. Sox fans, don't get too confident just yet.