Upcoming Francona Book

I think that's a return to reality, right there. As I've written endless times since I started posting on this site eight years ago, the insane expectations of Boston media provide a strong feedback loop to anyone who roots or works for the team, and probably for ownership as well. It isn't healthy in the least. After the two championships, those misguided expectations seemed to lead to mass psychosis.

I felt the Crawford deal was an overpay in the extreme, yet it seemed almost a foregone conclusion that he'd end up with the Sox once the buzz got going. Why? As wonderful a ballplayer as Crawford was, his game was speed, some power - I felt he might develop a little more of that pop as he aged - and very little in the way of patience. Why pay such an exorbitant amount for a player who had probably peaked and who's skill set might quickly start to erode?

I'm glad the team is refocusing on the fundamental aspect of the game, moving players around the bases with good OBP and getting enough pop in the lineup to drive a few of those runners in. There's speed in there also, but without the lock-in of long-term high-priced contracts that will never pan out.

I don't think we can separate Epstein's decisions from the front office's push. And much of that push comes about thanks to the endless drama provided by 24x7 sports programming. Combine that with the lack of focus on the job at hand at the end of 2011, and the string of injuries that carried over from that year to 2012, and the result was a popped balloon. The Nick Puntos and Pedro Ciriacos of the world weren't about to re-inflate it.

This team looks like it's been built with some depth. There are guys who can slide in, in a pinch, and depth in the minor league system from acquisitions and new talent. There are still holes, but the off-season isn't over yet so I'm hanging in there.

The Cleveland games, with Francona facing his old pitching coach should provide solid entertainment this year. Maybe Farrell can have a chapter on that in his book after he moves on.

E: 60 Interview from Francona.