WTF just happened? 

Well: Bye-bye A-Gon, Crawford and Beckett (you bum) – for the sake of our near future as fans of the Boston Red Sox, this team has finally made a commitment to going young. The core of the team now lies within a handful of sub-30 year olds in Dustin Pedroia, Will Middlebrooks, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Clay Buckholz and Jacoby Ellsbury. 

What next?

Well: DAISUKE MATSUZAKA is off of the books at the end of this season as well. Once he’s gone, that only really leaves one problem player on our roster with a mammoth contract that is seriously incapable of performing in Fenway Park – John Lackey. Long story short, we have a lot of money to spend. Hopefully Cherington spends it wiser than Epstein did during the end of his tenure here. NO MORE 100 MILLION DOLLAR MEN! 

Personally, I’m very glad this team is going young. It was about time upper management got the big egos out of the locker room – especially Beckett. Just the mention of his name or the sight of his face has turned into a completely demoralizing thought since the end of last year for me. Surely we’re going to initially miss Adrian’s offensive and defensive prowess, but it also gives us money and a chance to sign what we undoubtedly need more of – pitching. 

I will discuss the future of this team as this season comes to an end. Until then, here are the guys that are performing (or underperforming) right now for the Red Sox. 

Best Hitter: Guess who’s back? Scott Podsednik. Too bad we aren’t completing for a playoff spot so we could use the guy to the best of his ability, because he’s playing like it’s the mid 2000’s and the prime of his career again. 

Best Pitcher: Hothead Vicente Padilla has been admirably consistent over the last week, allowing no runs in four appearances. This guy definitely has a split personality. 

Biggest Surprise: Uh, obviously the crazy trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers! Nothing else surprised me 1/100th as much as that did this past week – hell, even this past year. 

Biggest Disappointment: Alfredo Aceves has looked atrocious. Maybe it’s time for Andrew Bailey to fully resume his designated closer role. 

Unsung Hero: Thank the lord that we still have Dustin Pedroia. If there’s anybody I want to build a team around, it’s him. The only one that stands up to the bullshit media, gives 110% day in and day out, and gets clutch hits like that 8th inning homer against the Royals on Sunday. 

Biggest Bum: This is the last time I’ll probably ever be able to give this award to Texas gunslinger Josh Beckett – but here you go buddy! I used to admire you, but now I just think you’re a loser. Los Angeles lucked out with what they got in that trade except for you: YOU were the extra piece they had to take; the cancer transported aerially from one side of the United States to the other, now infecting another clubhouse for the greater good of New England. You suck. If you ever come back to Boston, get ready to be booed. 

Injuries: Daniel Nava now joins the long list of Red Sox players on the disabled list. I hope we keep this kid for a couple of years, he’s a great on-base guy. 

Coming Up: A lot of people will say the rest of the season means nothing for the Red Sox, but it will definitely be a time where the true character of these players is shown. This week they have one more game against the Royals at home on Monday, followed by a western road trip against the Angels and Athletics.