The beginning of this season was a deep disappointment for Red Sox fans. Hopes were high following an encouraging spring training season. Returning players and new additions alike performed well during exhibition games and at the World Baseball Classic. The good vibes lasted through the first game of the regular season, when Garrett Crochet lived up to his billing as an absolute ace by shutting down the Cincinnati Reds for 6 innings. The bullpen preserved the shutout, the defense looked good and the bats produced enough offense to earn a 3 to 0 victory. This was the way things were supposed to go, the blueprint for success formulated by the Red Sox front office when they decided to focus on pitching and defense rather than signing a big bat thumper to replace Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman, who now play for other teams.

After that first game, however, the bubble burst. The Red Sox lost the next two games to Cincinnati, then got swept in a three-game series with the Houston Astros. There is no joy in Red Sox Nation. Woe is us! Maybe the headline for this column should read “Wait Until Next Year!” Just kidding. It’s much too early to panic. Although I was displeased when the Sox didn’t sign a star slugger during the off-season, I know that the approach of good pitching and good defense is a winning formula. Both the pitching and the defense have been disappointing so far, but we’ve only just begun. The Major League Baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s plenty of time to right the ship, and I’m cautiously optimistic that the Red Sox will get their act together.

I’m writing this column on Friday morning. Opening Day at Fenway Park is scheduled (weather permitting), for later today. Hopefully the Red Sox will respond well to returning home and begin playing as competently as we desire. If you look at the career numbers posted by the new players added to the roster this year, as well as veterans retained from last year’s squad, it seems almost inevitable that things will improve. Facing an underperforming San Diego Padres team in their first series at Fenway Park this season should help. Young outfielder Wilyer Abreu looks like he’s going to blossom into the star slugger they need, and Roman Anthony also has a bright future. This is our year!

Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889.

Upcoming Gigs:

Jasper's Tavern in Newport on Sunday, April 12 from 4 to 7

Our annual Aries Party to celebrate all Aries birthdays!



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