Let's be realistic, folks. The Red Sox have the same number of wins (29) as the Astros, Mets, Reds, Rockies and Diamondbacks. All of these clubs are pretty much regarded as "also-rans" for 2014. Unless your
Carmine Hose win tonight and rattle off seven more wins on the upcoming home-stand (which would only get them to two games over .500), then we should consider them also-rans as well. So, for the balance of the season, the
'Yawkey Way Braintrust' should hand out playing time based on merit—i.e.,
results and results only. For example, if
Stephen Drew is going 0 for June,
Deven Marrero should be brought up to play short ($10 million or no $10 million). If
Jackie Bradley, Jr. can't hit the side of a barn door,
Mookie Betts should be brought up to play center. And, if
Felix Doubront continues to play the role of
'Hamlet By The Charles', then
Brandon Workman should be in the starting rotation. And, as long as
Brock Holt performs his lead-off magic, he should start
every day through the end of the season—at any position he wants. The only players who should be exempt from this
Merit Rule are
Dustin Pedroia,
David Ortiz,
Mike Napoli,
Xander Bogaerts,
Jon Lester and
John Lackey. Everybody else needs to perform or ride the pine. If a miracle happens and they make the post-season—fine and dandy. Otherwise, see you next year.
