The average age of their pitching staff is 24 years old now. The average age of eight Red Sox pitchers, on the other hand, is 34. (Frank Viola turned 34 yesterday). Still worse, the Sox boast a bunch of old players such as (former Brave) Otis Nixon, Scott Fletcher, Andre Dawson and Dave Valle.
Not a winning formula.
This year, you will see a repeat of last year--an erratic Red Sox team, perhaps with more speed but still plagued by old woes: mediocre defense and pitching and a get-rich-quick attitude at the plate.
Be not deceived by the occasional six-or eight-game win streak. That anomaly occurs because they sometimes hit well and get hot. A six-or eight-game slide will follow hard.
Time was when Clemens could stop a three-game losing streak dead in its tracks. Perhaps he still can, but he can't do it alone. A young phenom, Aaron Sele, shows great promise, but he won't be enough. (Don't even think of Paul Quantrill, Danny Darwin or Viola).
For the 76th straight year, Boston will have no World Series championship.
Have I slipped into generalities? Perhaps I have.
Am I bitter? Maybe so.
Will I be at Fenway come June?
You bet.