The 2007 World Series Champs played today in two scrimmage games against college teams.
The Boston Red Sox played back-to-back intermural games against Boston College and Northeastern.
Obviously, the BoSox prevailed in both games. But, the manner in which they won is downright blasphemy, in my opinion.
The reigning World Series Champs defeated Boston College, in a one-hitter, 24-0. In the second game, the Sox won 15-0.
Now, I was born and raised in Boston. I bleed Boston and New England colors. But when I caught wind of the exhibition games that took place tonight, I was appalled.
This is the type of thing that give us Bostonians a bad rep. With the Patriots running up the score, along with Spygate, this is no different.
Here we have two college teams so nervous, excited, anxious, and amped up facing their heroes—the almighty Boston Red Sox. Two World Series titles in four years. And they embarrass the college players like this?
Give me a break!
It almost makes me sick to be a Boston fan during times like these.
Granted, I know the Sox played some, if not most, of their bench players. But still—come on!
Isn't there a mercy rule?
Isn't there some unwritten rule where if you get, I don't know, an eight-run lead, you back off?
These kids are so nervous, yet, so excited to be playing against the best team in the world. And to tool on 17- to 21-year-olds is just downright evil.
Try stealing home. Try a bunt with two strikes. Try a hit-and-run when you know it's not going to happen.
This is a scrimmage, for crying out loud!
No need to run up the score.
I'm personally embarrassed to be a Red Sox fan today.
Killing kids 39-0 tonight does not make me any more amped up for this season.
Take it easy on these college kids. Save the assault for the Yankees, please.
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4 months ago
Agreed. The kids don't need to remember their time on the field with the Sawx getting waxed liked that.
Sox repeat in oh-8, though.
4 months ago
Josh Beckett, who was one of the pitchers on the hill for the 2008 Boston (College) Massacre, said in a post game interview that his job is to pitch to the best of his abilities, whether he is facing big league hitters, college players, or his own teammates in split squad games.
"I'm out there trying to do my job and my job right now is to get in shape for the season," he said.
I can't say I totally blame him, but at the same time, a 24-0 loss, no matter who it is to, is tough for any college baseball player to take. Although I bet it was a thrill for the local college kids to play against the World Champions.
4 months ago
I agree with Mark though
4 months ago
Agree with both Mark and Mike (ie. Beckett's comments). On the one hand, there's no need to run up the score against an obviously inferior squad. On the other, I guess if you're a pro, you still play to your best abilities. Tough call there. I think Mark's comment about the mercy rule is valid, when you play against college kids.
Great commentary as always, Mark!
4 months ago
what are you Boston fans talking about. C'mon you should be excited that we're this good. i am a fan too but i don't know what you guys are smoking. Be proud of the best. when you win like they did you need to scream out YES!!!
4 months ago
Mark, I respectfully disagree. Completely. Boston has been playing Boston area colleges for many, many years. John Harrington set this up originally as a favor to his alma mater, Boston College. It would be classless to try stealing home, or hit and run, as you suggested.
Some of these kids have played the Sox before. They get to hob-nob with professionals in a meaningless tune-up for both sides. It gives a chance to air out rosters. Most of the playing time was put in by lesser players and minor leaguers.
It is what it is. Boston is now a first class organization, and played like it. Injuries happen when you go through the motions. I have no problem whatsoever with a team that steps between the lines and competes to the best of their ability. I would have less respect for them if they did anything less.
For the college kids, they got a wake up call. Now they have a clear indication of how much work lies in front of them if they ever hope to compete beyond college. This is professional baseball, for heavens sake. The college teams can always opt out of these arrangements, but you don't see that happening, and you won't anytime soon. You don't get better when you don't compete to the fullest of your abilities.
4 months ago
I think that the Red Sox WERE just doing what they are being paid to do and have trained all offseason to do. I think that the college players are probably expecting to get beaten by a lot, although probably not 20 runs. It must be an amazing experience to play against you heros and the students probably try to just take it all in.
4 months ago
Agree totally with Jethro. Really, what would you expect to happen?
4 months ago
This whole thing ... you've got to be fucking kidding me.
4 months ago
To be honest, I'm not sure how you expect the Sox to handle it differently. To suggest there's some kind of mercy rule in baseball is ridiculous. The Red Sox are better, and both colleges knew that going in. I would understand your complaint and so-called "embarrassment" had they trotted Matsuzaka, Beckett, and Buchholz out there to dominate these kids, or if Manny, Ortiz, and Lowell played the whole game, but none of that happened. You can't be angry at the Red Sox for doing what they're supposed to do, because I guarantee the kids from NE and BC don't see it the same way you do. Hell, they got to play on the same field as the world champs, how many 21-year old can say that? Do you really thing these games is played for the outcome at all? Its not. These games are played to allow 50 college the experience to play with the big leaguers.
2 months ago
they play this game every year. i actually know a kid who is friends with a NU baseball player, and he says it is a lot of fun. I have never watched the game, but I imagine it would be kinda like the time I tried to play soccer with a bunch of italians and hispanic people who were really good. I didn't do much but get beat up and down the field, but i had a blast.
They also aren't as nervous as you think they are, they look forward to the game, they know they are going to lose, but the idea of having a chance to get a hit of daisuke or beckett, or to strikeout papi or manny, or steal a base on varitek is pretty sweet.
It also may give the sox a chance to see where they came from, ground themselves a little bit
2 months ago
if you can't beat these teams by 24, then who can you? it's just an exhibition game. running up the score doesn't matter.
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