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OK Sox fans, time to vent

Talk about a June swoon. We can't think of two worse back-to-back losses than the ones the Red Sox suffered Tuesday and Wednesday nights, simply dreadful. Terry Francona seems to be making all the wrong decisions and players are fielding like they've got "Chico's Bail Bonds" ironed on the back of their jerseys.

To make matters worse, these losses were to the Yankees, and dropped Boston 7½ games behind New York in the AL East, the largest deficit since Grady Little's crew fell that low last August.

Things don't appear to be getting any better, either. The Sox were 11-14 in the month of June, and may have lost setup man Scott Williamson with an elbow injury Wednesday night.

The doctor isn't in, but feel free to sit on our couch and vent your feelings on the Sox. Can they turn this around? How? What are they doing wrong? Is this Francona's fault, or does the blame lie higher up the chain with Theo and the Trio? Or are the players to blame? Trade Nomar? Acquire a first baseman? Bring back Grady? It's open season ...

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Ok, so people stay Red Sox fans after the Buckner ordeal, but then they lose a couple games and everyone is ready to quit? I mean if it was way later in the season, I could see why everyone was out of control. The big problem is, is that the losses were to the Yankees, and we all HATE the Yankees. It sucks looking stupid in front of them, I just think we're trying to hard. They definitely need some changes, switch players around, whatever. Now's the time to do it! We definitely have the team, we just don't have everyone playing their best, or at their best positions. But, I'm staying on the Sox wagon. Don't bail on them now, or you'll be sorry come October!

Kate, Maine


I can't stand this negativity from RN. Are you kidding me? Pedro is going to go out and mow the Yankees down tonight, as he's done in his previous few starts. Nomar came back a few games ago and admittingly needs to improve-- but he will. Trot has looked good. Schilling and Foulke are still solid, and Lowe and especially Wakefield are pitching pretty well again. Ramirez is still batting well despite some recent underproduction, the Caveman had 2 homers the other night, and Ortiz has been pretty consistent despite a rare error last night. These setbacks happen, but our reaction is what determines whether we are a championship team or not. We lead the season series with the EE 6-3 still. I admit that I only had my heart ripped out last season when I moved to Boston, but I cannot stand the losing mentality that seems to permeate New England whenever the team faces setbacks. I recall listening to talk radio after the fifth game (of the season!) loss to Toronto calling for Francona's job already. Last season as I gave my heart to the team, I was drawn by the passion I saw in this way of life-- seeing a sea of red and blue on the T every home gameday, taking part in overwhelming "Yankees Suck!" chants in the cheap bleacher seats this past April when we were killing them, and heatedly discussing last night's game with fellow fans-- of all walks of life-- daily. Pull yourselves together!-- and insist the team do the same. We have to stick together in these tough times like the family we are. This is our season, and I know the team will pull it together tonight and take this as a wake-up call. I refuse to check the wild card standings. I want the pennant. This city is full of passion for a difficult love, the Sox, but it will be rewarded. One game at a time. I can't stand our recent inability to win games, but we have to wake up and realize these are our games-- this is our season-- and claim them. What was the name of that movie about Red Sox nation again?-- oh, I remember: "And still we believe." Enough is enough. Tonight we get back on track.

Brian, Cambridge


Tell you what I think ... I think you all need some Prozac. It's only a couple of losses you bunch of masochists. It's called a slump. All teams have them. I'm a Yankee fan and I don't even think the Red Sox are done.

RF, New Jersey


ONCE AGAIN WE HAVE A TEAM BUILT FOR THE OVE R 30 SOFTBALL LEAGUE. THEY CANT RUN BUNT OR FIELD. THIS FORMULA HAS NOT WORKED AND WILL NOT WORK. HEY THEO GET SOME PLAYERS WITH GLOVES AND FEET. COACHES THAT KNOW HOW TO TEACH THE BUNT. HOLD RUNNERS LATE IN GAMES TO KEEP DOUBLE PLAYS IN TACT.

BILL


As a Sox fan I have learned to look for the signs of bad things to come. The bases loaded and they could not score off of Felix freakin Heredia? Like these guys were going to pull this game off after that one. Yet another tank job. Are the Yankees tired of busting a foot off in your collective butts. It reminds me of how my father would never let me win when we played one on one. How can this be considered a rivalry if we have never, and I repeat never beat them when it mattered. Think about that...not once. The Red Sox are CURSED.

Jim , Big Rapids, MI


First off, I have been a Red Sox fan 1971 growing up in a rural town in Connecticut. My dad had also been a fan all his life without seeing them win a world series before his death in 1998. And, it may happen to me as well. But that is fine with me. I have watched many great players through the years. Been to Fenway several times and will again soon. The best ballpark in the world as far as I am concerned. Yes, I have had my heart torn out through the years. But I will always come back next season with a deep seeded hope they will win this time. Losing some games to the Yankees because of a few errors isn't the end of the world. The season isn't over. There is plenty of baseball to play and the sox "do" have a chance to catch the Yankees despite the fact the Yankees have never blown a 7 game lead at any point in a season at any time in their history. At least that is what Chris Berman said last night. Who cares? I don't and neither should this year's rendition of the Red Sox. They have been beset by injuries but they do have decent depth. They just need to focus on playing fundamental baseball. Don't worry about what the media reports, what the Yankees are doing, impatient Boston fans, Bill Buckner's error ( don't blame the guy for that WS incidently ), the curse,..., whatever. There is enough talent on this team. They just need to display it.

David , Raleigh, NC (hometown: Monroe, CT)


One glaring problem with this team is it's speed and defense. I remember Tony Womack being in spring training and then traded away. Why was this done? Don't you think he could have helped the ballclub? Also, you have a guy in Pawtucket by the name of Earl Snyder who has some good power numbers. Why not give him a shot with the big club?

Chris , Bristol, CT


Who cares, the sox are like a modified softball team. They should switch to the NL if they will ever have a shot. The only thing worse than there team is there fans.

Rob , Harrison, New York


These are the times that try men's souls. The summer player and the sunshine fan will, in this crisis, shrink from the support of his team; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the thanks of man and woman. Let's go Red Sox!

T. Paine, Las Vegas


I'm a transplanted Red Sox Fan due to service in the military. I've been a Red Sox Fan all my life. The leadership of the Red Sox needs to wake up. It never fails, they alienate talented players and then wonder why we don't win. Roger Clemens sucks doesn't he, good thing he was alienated. Same with Garciaparra now. Red Sox brass doesn't want to spend the money to win. If you were going to piss off Nomar, then the trigger should have been pulled and AROD should be in a Red Sox uniform. Francona couldn't lead himself out of a wet paper bag. And what in the heck is all this talk about luck?! That is ridiculous....Talent, Leadership, giving a crap......that wins games....LUCK!! Are you kidding me?

Stew, El Paso, TX


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