Opening Day Thoughts and Ramblings

Opening day was yesterday and before anyone thinks this is one of those “The Red Sox stink!” posts they’re wrong. I was pretty happy with the game yesterday; it’s basically what I had expected. Lester is never good in April, he usually picks up his form in May, but to expect him to throw a no hitter in his first start is out of the question. The offense was good as expected. Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Youk made me forge the injury ridden season last year and look forward to a bright season. Gonzalez showed us why he could possibly be one of the best hitters of our generation as he went 2-3 (against a lefty no less!) after having a limited Spring Training. Who knows, it could be Ted Williams all over again (although that may be a stretch, I’d put Gonzo at .320-.330 avg). The only worry I have is Carl Crawford. This is not because he went 0-4, but then again it is related to that. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe noted that Crawford looks like he’s trying too hard to earn his (very high) contract. I agree. Crawford wasn’t focusing on the basics of hitting as he set himself up with this gigantic pull swing aiming to hit a home run at every at bat to prove he is worth $20 million per year. All I can say is look to Gonzalez and Ortiz (homer to left), drive the ball up the middle or to the opposite field instead of pulling way out in front. C.J. Wilson saw this and threw curve ball after curve ball only for Crawford to wave helplessly unable to make contact. I’m sure Crawford will pick up the pace soon, but in order to hit the way the fans expect him he needs to relax and focus on driving the ball up the middle, then the homers will come. Well there’s some Sox analysis and baseball advice and ramblings thrown in, it’s going to be a long and interesting season, can’t wait for game 2.