Maybe it's the cap? (Photo courtesy of Kelly O'Connor and used with permission)
For the most part, I’m pleased with the All Star picks so I’m not going to complain about Derek Jeter. Â You’re welcome.
I’m so happy for the Sox who got in and, thanks largely to Big Papi, I’m even looking forward to the Home Run Derby. Â All I ask is that the team goes into the break on a high note, which means I’d prefer if we didn’t see John Lackey anywhere near the mound for at least the next week. Â He’s scheduled to pitch against the Orioles on Saturday and, if I’m being honest, I think I’d rather see Dustin Pedroia on the mound.
There has probably been no one who took up defending John Lackey more than I did. Â And, still, I have much sympathy for all the personal issues he’s dealing with. Â I will never boo him and I will never write the nasty things other folks feel comfortable writing. Â Having written all of that, Â aside from his salary, I can’t think of one reason anyone would want to see him take the mound. Â I don’t care if they have to make up an ailment or if they get Youk to take a bat to his ankles, there has to be a way to get Lackey on a backburner and let him straighten out whatever the hell it is (whether physical or mental) and get him back on track. Â But let him get back on track away from Fenway Park. Â It breaks my heart to write this but, yes, I’m finally on the “Please God take him off the roster even just for a little while” bandwagon.
Game and a half back on July 5th is a good place to be. Â I just fear keeping Lackey in the rotation right now will widen that gap much too soon.