Roche's Opening Day Message: Just Win, Red Sox
BOSTON (CBS) - I love this time of year in Boston.
The Bruins and Celtics are opening up their playoffs, with the B's hoping to repeat as Cup champs. The Boston Marathon is upon us this weekend while the NFL Draft is also on the horizon.
And, oh by the way, the Red Sox return to the friendly confines of Fenway Park.
I am a huge fan of Opening Day(s). They are special -- both home and away. It marks the return of MLB to our lives. I have also pushed for the Red Sox Fenway opener to be declared a holiday in New England. Let the kids out of school to watch. Ok, so maybe just an early dismissal for the young folks.
Read: Dan Roche's Sports Blog
As for this opener? Very cool that Fenway is celebrating its 100th anniversary. I know that Dr. Charles Steinberg, Sarah McKenna and all the good folks over there will put on a great show. Can't wait for that next week.
However, that doesn't really matter right now does it?
The one thing that does at Fenway? Winning. Period. Overstatement of the year, I know. But, it's time.
You have the Tampa Bay Rays coming in with one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball. Price, Hellickson, Moore, and Shields are coming. Some of the most impressive arms in the game.
Read: Have You Skipped School For Opening Day?
Time for the Red Sox rotation, and for that matter, the entire team to step up and match it.
The 1-5 start is done. Time for Josh Beckett to "set the tone" for the season at Fenway. After him, Clay Buchholz, and on and on. However, Beckett is the guy. I feel like Beckett is -- like it or not, his fault or not -- the "poster child" for the 2011 Septamber collapse. And, this 1-5 start may be the only way to erase the collapse of a season ago because this is almost laughable.
Read: Sox Hoping For Fan Support At Home Opener
So, it's time for Josh to forget about his thumb. Time to forget about what he's doing or not doing. Time for him to go out there and pitch his behind off. No excuses. His teammates need him. Beckett has been clutch many times during his career. Time to do it again.
The Sox need to find their way sooner rather than later. You have to be concerned about the chemistry on this team. They don't need to be dealing with the distractions and negativity that comes with losing.
Read: Red Sox-Rays Preview
Time for leaders. Time for guys to step up both on- and off-the-field.
It starts Friday and it starts with Josh Beckett. Get it done.
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on twitter @RochieWBZ
