YANKS ARE IN COMPETITION FOR GERRIT COLE

Photo: New York Daily News

It looks like the Yankees may have some competition for Gerrit Cole if they are still interested. The Pirates are asking for a king's ransom worth of prospects if they deal him and the Yankees haven't pulled the trigger. Theo Epstein on the other hand is quite trigger happy and has proven he likes to spend money in the past. Will he give the green light to do it again?

I'm glad Cashman has kept that poker face and hopefully he continues to. According to CBS Chicago baseball writer Bruce Levine HERE the Cubs are a new potential trade partner with the Pirates. Starting pitching is the team's primary focus as they try to replace rotation spots that Jake Arrieta and John Lackey threw last season but likely won't return since they are now free agents.

Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune

The Cubs have already signed Tyler Chatwood to a three-year deal that oddly enough may have to be reworked but still have a greater need to fill in their rotation as compared to the Yankees. While Epstein may no longer be a GM and now has a bigger role with the Cubs he has been known to pull some big trades or sign players to expensive deals. He also helped break the so-called "Curse of the billy goat" and help improve what was a depleted farm before he got there. So will Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer make the Pirates an offer they cant refuse and sign Cole instead?

Maybe. This is the first connection between the Cubs and the Pirates. Talks between the Yankees and the Pirates were heated just before Christmas but have since fizzled out. Cashman may be playing chicken and the Cubs may be ready to up the ante and make a surprise move.

The Yankees sent a nice haul to Oakland last season in the trade for cost controlled starter Sonny Gray, but still managed to hold on top higher level prospects. Cashman is still looking for that cost controlled starter to help boost the rotation without giving up the big names the Pirates are asking for.

I'm sure that starter Cashman wants is still out there somewhere, but at a better price. Could things change and talks with the Pirates heat up again? Maybe, who knows but in the event that it doesn't and the Cubs want to pay the hefty price for Cole I'm okay with that.

I guess I am like Cashman, I am a bargain hunter. Theo, if your Cubbies want to overpay for Cole I'm okay with that. You can have him.

--Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj

BEANTOWN FIRE SALE: LACKEY GETS DUMPED

The Red Sox are dumping their stars.  First it was Jon Lester for Yoenis Cespedes, now the latest is John Lackey has been traded to the Cardinals. Details are still emerging but Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.com tweeted it just a few minutes ago:

Cards getting lackey
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 31, 2014

Peter Gammons says the Sox got pitcher Joe Kelly and first baseman Allen Craig:

Sox get Kelly, Craig for Lackey
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) July 31, 2014

And what have the Yankees done? Well, to be honest, I don't expect much. Truth be told, we have a solid lineup. They just don't know how to play together. Well, they better figure it out.

So there you have it... the chicken and beer crew is finally broken up.

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GETTING TO THE CORE OF BIG PAPI'S TRUTH

Truth hurts. 

There is something to be said about a guy that is easily angered by something that’s said about him. Because, let’s face it, David Ortiz is Selig’s Golden Boy and over time, even Papi thinks he's untouchable. 

He’s the unofficial Ambassador of Major League Baseball.  He can say the “F” word on National Television and people think it’s hysterical.   

He can disrespect pitchers and walk out of the batter’s box because “he knew it was gonna be a ball.”  He can give opinions on the Cubs and how they're terrible because they play day games.  He can give thoughts on PEDs users… Oh yeah, and he can show up on a leaked list of failed PEDs users in 2003 and side step it, vowing to find out why he showed up on that list... only to not.  Let me tell you something; David Ortiz is a liar and it’s time for a breakdown of Bud Selig’s Super hero.  The truth hurts David, and that’s why you’re upset with members of the MLB Network suggesting you got a “free pass” on the PEDs stuff.  You know what? You did! Get over yourself.

Now, for any of you living under a rock, on the MLB Network the other day, a few of the commentators, namely Joe Magrane, gave some analysis on the Biogenesis investigation.  Magrane was suggesting that Ortiz may have gotten away with PED use, showing up on that 2003 PEDs list. In other words, they thought Ortiz skated while others were punished.  Ortiz walks freely and does whatever the hell he wants, including hugging Bud Selig after the 2013 World Series.  Back then, I was disgusted and tweeted this:

Selig is presenting a guy who was on a leaked PEDs list with AROD in 2003 the MVP award, yet, Selig's suspending ARod for Roids. Seriously?
— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) October 31, 2013

It was popular on Twitter, and that’s because it was true. 

Now let me go back for a moment to put this whole thing into context. It started with John Lackey taking a shot at Nelson Cruz, a guy who played well in the O's, Red Sox doubleheader this past weekend, and a guy who was suspended for PEDs, but now back playing for the O’s. Lackey said to the media after the game:  "You guys forget pretty conveniently about stuff", meaning Cruz was suspended for PEDs, and insinuated that perhaps he's still guilty, I guess. Interesting.   

Buck Showalter then shot back and said: "everybody needs to make sure that their own backyard is clean."  Nice comeback... and true.

That’s when the MLB Network and Magrane brought up Papi. And now Ortiz has fired back at MLB Network. Ortiz telling WEEI:

“In this country, nobody gets a free pass… he wants to make it sound like I got a free pass because nobody can point fingers at me directly. But the reason why I got that fake [expletive] free pass that he's saying is because they pointed fingers at me with no proof.  It's easier to do it that way than having something that they can say, 'Yes, you did this, you did that.' My [expletive], I call straight-up bull. Let me tell you. You don't get no free pass here, especially a guy like me. I don't get no free pass. That free-pass B.S. that they want to talk about over there, they can shove it up their [expletive]." 

Now look, there are plenty of things wrong with this statement.  Besides the fact that Ortiz sounds uneducated, once again, he fired expletives like they’re going out of style. Will he get heat for that? No, but he should.

Next, his tone. Abrasive, and let me state for the record that there were other names on that survey test list in 2003 that were listed as a positive test, and eventually, some of them WERE suspended.  For some reason, Papi is the Golden Boy, and I'm not so sure why.  

But here’s the thing; and I’m not defending Alex Rodriguez, or Manny Ramirez or Ryan Braun or any of these guys… the whole thing is despicable. All I’m suggesting is, if you’re on a list for testing positive for a PED, I'm 90% sure you used it just like the rest of them.

Ortiz can walk the earth like he’s squeaky clean all he wants, we know he’s not. And hey, that’s my opinion, just like it was Magrane's opinion suggesting Ortiz got a “free pass.”  It’s also my opinion that Ortiz is guilty.  

Papi can cry all he wants, but that list existed… and David was on it.  Ortiz said this of the MLB commentators:   "What pisses me off is the whole thing about, why does my name got to be mentioned in that?”   

WHY? Why does your name have to be mentioned? Well, because you were on the list, Golden Boy, that's why!  The MLB community knows this, David. Baseball fans know this.  Even Red Sox fans know this and while they don’t want to openly admit it, they know it’s true. In fact, the only person who doesn’t accept it is you!  

I remember the last time a baseball player denied using after a test came back positive. He eventually turned around and admitted guilt... and was suspended.  His name was Ryan Braun. I’m not calling you Braun, Papi, but I am telling you, you know what you were on the list for, sir.

When John Farrell came out backing Ortiz this week, I practically fell out of my chair. He said, "...It's unfortunate that the innuendo continues to follow him."

It may be unfortunate, but the word innuendo means "an allusive or oblique remark or hint". Correct, we're "hinting" about Ortiz showing up on that 2003 PEDs list, because the list "hinted" there was some truth to his positive test.  In fact, this is how the report on that 2003 list went down. This report is from Deadspin:

" In 2003, MLB conducted survey testing to determine the extent of PED use in baseball. Among those who tested positive (though we wouldn't learn it for another six years) was David Ortiz..."

Now, while the PED wasn't considered illegal at the time of testing, he still showed up on that list! My thinking is simple; if Ortiz was truly hell bent about testing positive, he should have spent his Red Sox money and done an investigation to get to the bottom of it!  But instead, he vowed to find out WHY he tested positive.  Well, that hasn't happened. Now it's 2014 and we're still waiting.

But the best part is, now others, besides BYB have come out suggesting Ortiz got a "free ride", and somehow, Ortiz thinks that's wrong.  Hey David, we didn't make up history, you were on that list. Deal with it, admit it.  And hey, it's not like I dislike you and want to embarrass you. I'm annoyed because what’s right is right… you’re as guilty as the rest of them!

It’s clear we’ve reached Papi’s core and the truth is there somewhere. I'm tired of Bud Selig holding this guy on a pedestal while the others suffer. The whole thing is despicable. Every single part of it. 

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ARE YOU DUMB, OR JUST STUPID?

Look, I'm the first to admit that I love the doctoring of the ball. And just so you know, everyone does it and everyone used to do it. Look, I'm a child of the Gaylord Perry era and no one did it better than him. I also understand it's cheating, which makes the whole thing seem like a big contradiction because I also know that PED use is cheating... and I hate that.  OK, so sue me...

Tonight, in front of the world, just 2 starts later, Michael Pineda used pine tar on this person after the same team he used pine tar on the last time... and this time, he got caught.  Now, I know that John Farrell wasn't realizing all of this in the dugout tonight.  Farrell had it in his head last night that Pineda was most likely going to get checked in today's game, and that's a smart manager.  You break up the game with alittle examination of the opposing pitcher and even if Pineda doesn't have an illegal substance, you hope the pitcher is thrown off, rattled and distracted a bit. It also wakes up your own club.  Tonight, John Farrell played the odds and won...so did the Red Sox.

But not only does Michael Pineda have pine tar on his neck and screws himself in the process... he also screws the Yankees and with it, changes the whole landscape of the game.  More importantly, and I'm saying this because it's very important... write this down...

If you really need an illegal substance and aren't smart enough to hide it, you clearly have no confidence in your own abilities.  Pineda failed miserably tonight.  It's disappointing. There is no comeback story anymore. Pineda has let his team down and it's pathetic. 

But believe it or not, there was a game tonight. It didn't matter much to the Yankees, because the moment Pineda left the game, the Yankees didn't show up anyway. There were errors and a lack of run scoring.  The wind was out of the sails. It was over in the 2nd. 

The Yankees scored 1 run tonight. Alfonso Soriano had a sacrifice fly and Carlos Beltran was able to score.  That's it. Again, the Yankees had 3 errors. The Yankee bullpen did a good job of holding the Red Sox to only 5 runs, but you also have to understand, John Lackey pitched really good tonight.  I hate saying that, but it's true. You have to wonder... if Pineda was actually dealing and not screwing around, could the Yankees have had a chance?

We have more about this incident in MICHAEL PINEDUH!, but it was clear, the game was lost in that second inning when Pineda was ejected.  It sucks, but we need to move on.  Sadly, the New York media will crucify Pineda tomorrow, and they should. He deserves it.  What a dummy.

Final: Red Sox 5 - Yankees 1

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BANG BROTHERS!

I love the home run.  I mean, I love small ball, but we are the Bronx Bombers... we should be hitting home runs.  Today, Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, Alfonso Soriano and Kelly Johnson all went yard.   It was a gorgeous day in the Bronx because of it!

We scored 7 runs and we looked damn good.  Combine that with a dominant Hiroki Kuroda and we can pretty much beat anyone.  Luckily for us, it was the Red Sox today.

Kuroda went 6.1 innings, allowed 6 hits and 4 runs.  He was followed by Matt Thornton, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren and Shawn Kelley. A good showing all around. Look, anytime you beat John Lackey, it's a good day... I am NO Lackey fan.

I have very happy to see our boys Yangervis Solarte and Dean Anna get hits.  Anna had a nice double. As he was standing up, he took his foot off the base and was tagged.  Clearly he was out, but after the Red Sox had it reviewed, it was decided, he was actually safe. The umps blew the call, but hey, you take those moments when you can. Anna got lucky.  Solarte on the other hand had 2 hits today.  I'm liking these 2 and love their energy. 

Overall, it was a great showing.  You have to be happen with the way this team is gelling right now.  Good work Yanks!

Final Today: Yankees 7 - Red Sox 4

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WELL, THAT'S BASEBALL... I GUESS

For the first time in my life... I watched an opposing team celebrate on the field after winning the World Series.  I sit here annoyed, uncomfortable and irritated. The Red Sox won the World Series and I cannot believe what I'm seeing.  Now, I have to to tell you, the love fest with the media and the Red Sox is amped up and annoying!  I heard it in Joe Buck's voice the entire playoffs. I read the articles, like for instance,  USA Today, the same paper that published my story titled THE JETER EFFECT, write about some 97-year-old woman in Boston named Helen McGonagle who, the last time she saw the Red Sox win in Boston was when she was 2. 

                                                                                                                    (In Photo: Helen McGonagle)
Now, look at this poor woman and tell me that they aren't exploited her for the mere purpose of trying to advance their love fest with the Red Sox... it makes me angry.   I mean, winning away or home... does it really matter at this point? The Sox have won 3 times in 10 years... it doesn't matter if they win in Africa... they still win.

I think about the season, about last season and I'm just lost.  The Red Sox played for a guy last year they had no respect for.  Bobby Valentine, or, Uncle Rico and they stunk up the joint.  But when John Farrell showed up, they went from last to first and made things happen.  It's interesting actually.  Many of the guys the Yankees were looking at, the Red Sox were as well.  But the Sox made the moves and we went on the cheap.  That literally was the difference, not to mention the fact that the Sox love Farrell... it's good to be loved, ain't it?

The Sox had 2 guys in the heart of the "chicken and beer" scandal in Jon Lester and John Lackey... but that didn't matter to the media. They look like heroes in the media.  There were accusations of doctoring the baseball in the World Series by Lester, and obvious offense... but it was ignored. 

Vaseline anyone?

They had a guy who's been accused of using PEDs in David Ortiz.  He even showed up on a 2003 list that wasn't supposed to be made public, but was. Yet he's in the clear and hits well in this year's post-season and Alex Rodriguez is crucified!  I tweeted about it tonight:

Selig is presenting a guy who was on a leaked PEDs list with AROD in 2003 the MVP award, yet, Selig's suspending ARod for Roids. Seriously?
— Bleeding Yankee Blue (@BleednYankeeBlu) October 31, 2013

The media loves the Red Sox, and the fact that Bud Selig is out there presenting the MVP award to Ortiz, yet, this is the same commissioner going after ARod for PEDs use is not only outrageous... it's a fire-able offense.  I mean, can anyone fire Bud Selig? There is clearly a double standard here.  If MLB was smart, they would have kept Selig in a cage until the celebration was over.  Trust me, BYB will be writing more about this outrageous situation... I just can't figure it out.

Now hand it to the Red Sox, they had a balanced club this season. They did good and yes, there's jealousy... I'm a Yankees fan.  You need to tip your cap as horrible as that sounds, that's good sportsmanship and for us Yankee fans, it's the right thing to do. The season's over.... that's all she wrote.  As John Sterling would say... that's baseball Susan... that's baseball.

For all you Yankee fans... think big.  Be bigger than the rest. Understand the importance of this victory. They did it for Boston. In a year of terrorism at the Boston Marathon, it was important for them and I got that.  I was torn because I understood what they were fighting for. I understood why the Sox were fighting so hard, because we were there in New York in 2001 after 9-11 and our Yankees did our best... but we fell short in the World Series.  When we did, we as Americans still rallied and we survived.  In a strange way, I wanted the same for Boston.  I wanted them to lose the series, but I wanted Boston Strong to live on.  Call me human... but call me a baseball fan... it's a difficult feeling to grasp... but I know as Yankee fans... you get it.

I have plenty of friends that are Red Sox fans. They will razz me big time tomorrow, just like I did when Aaron Boone crushed their dreams.  Again, that's baseball.  As fans of this great game, it's a give and take and right now, us Yankee fans are taking. Accept it, it's where we're at.

Tonight, I know what's happening.  Cashman's cell rang about an hour ago.  Hank was pissed and he told Brian exactly just how pissed he was.  Hal then called and told him that the Yankees "have work to do."  Hey Yankee fans, use this Red Sox victory as a way to motivate you.  I know the Yankees are.  We were humiliated.  We had a team the Steinbrenners rolled the dice on and they were buying time. They hoped their picks would work, but they didn't.  In 2013, we finished in 4th... to you and me, that unacceptable. For Yankee brass... well, they've been exposed and trust me when I tell you... the Yankees are about to go big. Big like they did in 2009.  Big... like as in "I will not be overshadowed by the Red Sox" Big.

Tip your cap to the Sox today, as much as you hate them, as much as you're jealous... tip it... that's baseball, that's respect. Respect for this great game. But know this... it starts all over in 2014... and I'll be in the front row with you... watching a brand new Yankees club...

Go Yankees.

CURSES... YANKEE FANS FOILED AGAIN!

I really wanted to beat the Red Sox today.  I can't stand John Lackey. I think he just needs to get his ass beat.  Hey, whatever the case, the Yankees looked dominant yesterday, and today, well, they just didn't. 

I was expecting big things from Hiroki Kuroda, but even he needs an "off" day.  Today was it. He went 5.2 innings, allowed 11 hits and 5 runs.  He was followed by Adam Warren and Boone Logan, but by the time the Sox scored 5 runs, it was clear the Yankees were out of reach only scoring 1 the entire game.  "Curses... foiled again!"

That's my best Dick Dastardly impersonation!  Just when you thought the Yankees were out of their "offense slump", they're in it again!

The runs went like this: In the 5th inning, Ichiro grounded out but Lyle Overbay scored.  After that, nothing really.  I will say this, Lyle Overbay was 3-4 today with a double and Alfonso Soriano had 2 more hits today.  His average is at .268.  Alex Rodriguez was 0-3 with 1 strikeout.  I often wonder when this guy is actually going to contribute, or are those days over?

Final: Red Sox 6 - Yankees 1

We win tomorrow... we have to! We need to take this series.

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WE SEE WHAT YOU DID ESPN & IT'S DESPICABLE

You know what really ticks me off as a Sports writer? When professional sports journalist writes, or say something, that is completely outlandish, and unnecessary. I call it the "Just for Traffic to the Website News." Because really, that's exactly what it is.

ESPN, I'm looking at you.

They just published an article called "First Pitch: Will Lackey hit A-Rod?" by Andrew Marchand. You can read it HERE, but I encourage you to not. The article isn't much better than that ridiculous title. It's basically about John Lackey being ticked off that ARod is still playing. They cited the Boston Globe article from late last night (HERE). But more importantly... who cares about Lackey not wanting ARod to play? We don't want Lackey playing... anyway, here's what was printed:

"I've got a problem with it. You bet I do," Lackey Said on Thursday. "How is he still playing? He obviously did something and he's playing. I'm not sure that's right... It's pretty evident he's been doing stuff for a lot of years I've been facing him."

Classic Lackey. He all know he opinionated, brash, and 'in your face.' But that isn't the issue here. The problem is that ESPN, which is a reputable sports source, is posting a poll over whether Lackey will bean ARod, or not. Really, ESPN? Is this what you have been reduced to, in order to gain traffic to your website?

Look, I don't care how you feel about either Lackey, or ARod. The only purpose of that article is to stir the pot enough, that it will cause massive traffic to the website. The old bait, and hook. "Let's play on the emotions of fans from the greatest sports rivalry in history, and watch them dance." Puppeteering at it's absolute best. I see what you did there, ESPN. I don't like it, I don't respect it, but I see what you did.

 
--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804


 

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THE YANKEES GUIDE TO THE AL EAST

It’s almost time again, Opening Day is around the corner and I can hardly wait! The Yankees made a lot of moves during the off season, and now it is time to see Cashman’s plan put into motion. The AL East is always a tough division, which also makes it so exciting to watch every year. You can find it all here from fierce rivalries to some of the best hitters in the game. This year will be no different, the Yankees aren't the only one to make changes and it is about to get interesting….so let’s break out the scouting report!

Baltimore Orioles

(In Photo: Brian Matusz)
Buck Showalter has a very young team that has a lot of potential but depends heavily on a few key players. Last year, the Orioles young and promising pitching staff did not pan out as they had hoped. This year, Brian Matusz is likely headed back to AAA and and Jake Arrieta is looking for a bounce back year after having shoulder surgery. Showalter has already named Arrieta as his opening day starter, so all eyes are on him. The Orioles are also going to count on Mark Reynolds to make more contact with the ball than he does with thin air since the Orioles do not have a lineup rich in offense. Another key to the offense will be Brian Roberts. Although he is currently on the disabled list with a concussion, he is the best lead-off hitter they have, and if his bat is out of the lineup it is noticeable. Matt Wieters is also crucial to the lineup, and while he is pretty solid defensively he has a hard time batting from the left side. The Orioles are still going through some growing pains, but they have a lot of potential.

Toronto Blue Jays

(In Photo: Ricky Romero)
The Blue Jays become even more dangerous with every year, if the Blue Jays were in the AL Central, they might be division winners. This team has a lot of young talent including a strong starting rotation and two closers. Ricky Romero has turned into the ace of a young staff, who has inexplicably managed to induce ground balls at an amazing ratio but has a higher than average fly ball ratio to go with it. Somehow, he keeps batters guessing and it works for him. The bullpen is also going to be a strength for them with two potential closers Francisco Cordero and Sergio Santos both capable of shutting down the game. Offensively, the Blue Jays have a big question mark with Adam Lind who is very streaky but can hit for power. Of course, Jose Bautista knows how to hit for power. After putting up similar numbers in both 2010 and 2011 there is no reason to think his numbers will be any less impressive.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have one of the strongest starting rotations in the entire league along with a productive offense to back it up. David Price is back again along with James “Big Game” Shields who are one of the most dangerous 1-2 pitching combinations in the game. Last year’s Rookie of the Year award winner Jeremy Hellickson is also back after working on some adjustments. One notable difference this year is Wade Davis transitioning to the bullpen, which will only make the bullpen bridge to Kyle Farnsworth even stronger. Offensively, the Rays may not hit for as much power but BJ Upon, Evan Longoria and newly reunited Carlos Pena (yes, again) can come in and deliver during a clutch situation. One of the biggest strengths that the Rays have is their defense, which is fundamentally sound. It will be interesting to see how the lineup changes without Johnny Damon this year, but make no mistake, this is a dangerous lineup.

Boston Red Sox

Oh can you feel the rivalry? The team has gone through a drastic makeover. Goodbye Theo, Francona, Captain Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, and Jonathon Papelbon….and hello change. After an epic collapse, it is time to see what Bobby Valentine brings out of the announcers box and onto the field. The starting rotation is still a big question mark with Daniel Bard taking on a starting position, Matsuzaka still out and John Lackey missing all of 2012. New closer Andrew Bailey is now dealing with a thumb problem which makes things even more complicated. The Red Sox have options, but they could use some depth. The offense is still as lethal as always, but it will be interesting to see how the lineup changes now that Marco Scutaro is not on the team, can Nick Punto handle a starting role at shortstop? Carl Crawford is still injured and will be looking for a comeback, but the Red Sox still have a lot of power in Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Dustin Pedroia. It’s a new look to an old rivalry and I can’t wait to watch the drama unfold!

On Friday the long 162 game season starts and I can’t wait to see how the Yankees new roster stacks up against everyone else. The battle for the AL East is always exciting, but this year it is going to be even more intense. It is hard to predict anything, but you can count on one thing…..it will be a fight to the finish. PLAY BALL!

--Jeana Bellezza --BYB Writer and Editor

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WHY JOSH BECKETT'S EGO NEEDS TO TAKE A BACK SEAT

I’ve always believed baseball players were role models and this thinking goes back to my childhood. You know a positive role model when you see him, sometimes it's just by their presence on the field and if you get to be so lucky, in person when they shake your hand and you get the tell them that you’re a huge fan. I had that opportunity with Joe Torre and I see that with Derek Jeter...It sticks with you. Usually players understand the fan pay their salary and the fans are the ones you win for.

There are others besides Jeet too. Like Adrian Gonzalez, a Red Sock of all people, but my buddy who didn’t exactly know what to expect going to meet him, walked away with a new perspective. Gonzalez took the time to chat with baseball fans and it was genuine. My bud likes him now, and he's a huge Yankees fan. The point is fans pay the salary of these athletes and if you ever get a moment to meet one of these guys and are able to peel away their layers of security, it’s a nice moment, which brings me to Josh Beckett.

Now, full disclosure here…I am not a fan of Josh Beckett, but it has nothing to do with the Red Sox and everything to do with the fact that he’s a good pitcher and he beat us in 2003 when he was with the Marlins. But that being said, something needs to be said about respecting the fan. He has no respect. Fans pay his inflated salary and when he was asked Sunday about the Sox “beer and chicken” scandal that "could have" or "may have not" contributed to the Sox demise in 2011, he was quoted as saying that “mistakes” were made but he doesn’t need to apologize for a “lapses in judgement.” Read HERE. That puzzled me.

Lapse means a temporary failure of concentration, memory or judgement. "Lapses" is plural, meaning more than 1 time. If it’s done more than once, then that’s exactly why you SHOULD apologize to the fans that spend their hard earned money in a recession to see you play baseball. This not only shocked me, but it disappointed me. Why? Because Jon Lester just gained my respect tenfold, when addressing the mess, he said "I take complete responsibility for it." Wow, that's nice, but Beckett was with you and so was John Lackey. So, my question is... Who the hell does Josh Beckett think he is? Reports are he was one of the worst offenders of the whole mess. If that's true, but he still wants to diss his fans, it's a shame.

What's even more hilarious is Bobby V, who Sunday said “Attitude filters down... When you see Josh Beckett and Jon Lester here (in camp early), they are at the top of the pyramid as far as pitchers are concerned. They’ve been showing fantastic attitude.” My take on that is simple... you're not fooling anyone Bobby, they're supposed to be there, it's that Pitchers & Catchers time of year. They've already been with the Sox organization for 6 years each. If Lester and Beckett don't know by now they're role models and need to be at Spring Training "early" as you say, I think we have bigger problems.

My point is if Josh Beckett wants to be a leader, than be a leader, don’t sit there like you’re the victim of the media. That's not acceptable and for the record, this goes for every athlete. Do you think if Derek Jeter was involved in a situation like this he wouldn’t come out and take the heat? He would... That’s leadership, not this though, Sox fans should be alittle disappointed.

Now, some will suggest that if Beckett comes out in 2012 and wins 18 game, all is forgotten. I get that because I’m a fan of this great game, but my take on this is simple… you want to be a leader in the clubhouse and you were involved with what many are connecting to the collapse of the Red Sox missed playoff run, then you need to come out and take responsibility... then we move on…plain and simple. The fans deserve it, they pay you to win and it’s exactly what you didn’t do. In my eyes, Jon Lester gets a pass... but not Josh Beckett, not if I'm a Sox fan, no way.

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