Roche: Red Sox Opening Day Thoughts
NEW YORK CITY (CBS) - After a solid 8-2 Opening Day romp over the Yankees Monday in New York, here's a few thoughts:
--Nice to see John Farrell get his first win in his first game as Red Sox manager. It's easy to notice just how thrilled he is to be at the helm of this team. Seems to like the mix of players, coaches, management the Sox have put together. I also think he has a nice touch of swagger that's needed and a good presence. Not saying that translates into 90-plus wins, but he appears to be exactly where he wants to be at this point in his life.....
--Aggressive. That word was bandied about quite a bit post game on Monday. Jonny Gomes talked how John Farrell has instilled that theme into his players and it started on Day One of Spring Training. With a top three of Ellsbury-Victorino-Pedroia that should definitely be an attitude they carry. The trio had 7 hits and 6 RBI Monday and they should also steal a ton of bases.....
--I loved the "hustle play" of Gomes in the 9th inning when he scored from second on a ground ball to the second base hole that was bobbled by Robinson Cano. The reaction in the dugout right after and then in the clubhouse postgame was one of total exuberance. Ellsbury told me he made a point to come in and vi ad Gomes in the video room to tell him how great a play it was. That's a tone-setter type of play that could go a long way. Remember that play if this team exceeds expectations this year......
--Felt bad for Will Middlebrooks. What he thought was a cold Sunday turned into the flu Monday and he was hurting. Was looking forward to the off day Tuesday to sleep it off......
--Jon Lester was good Monday. Battled and did what he needed to do to get a win. Something to build off of.......
--We've said it over and over again.....the strength of the 2013 is the bullpen. Lots of good arms and we saw a glimpse of that Monday. Impressive to watch Uehara, Miller, Tazawa, Bailey, and Hanrahan allow just 1 hit over 4 scoreless innings......
--Andrew Bailey continues to throw the ball well. Give him credit for accepting a set-up role after being acquired to be the closer....
--The Red Sox defense has a chance to be very good with the likes of three center fielders in the outfield.....plus Jose Iglesias and Dustin Pedroia up the middle.....
--Great to have the game back, isn't it? Enjoy being undefeated......
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.
