Pedro Shows Sox What Could Have Been
Disclaimer: This was not written by Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe, it is a parody column for the BSMW “Be Dan Shaughnessy” contest.
Pedro Shows Sox What Could Have Been
Dan Shaughnessy, Globe Staff
That sound you hear across the Commonwealth today is not the thud of Globe subscription rates dropping through the floor. No, it is the sound of the heart beats of members of Red Sox nation everywhere skipping in anticipation of tonight’s arrival of Pedro Martinez.
Pedro, in case you have forgotten, was the ACE in Boston when being an Ace meant more than giving good sound bites and talking tough. Unlike other doughy hurlers who claim to carry the team’s chevron, Pedro was THE MAN for the Red Sox. Need a win to end a losing streak? Pedro could do that. Need to put some respect and, yes, fear, in opposing batters? Pedro could do that.
But the Red Sox chose to move on. They knew they had the top talent, didn’t like the price and decided to let their most valuable asset walk away. They got nothing in return. It’s not just the fact that New York was the Pedro’s ultimate destination that makes everyone in Soxville think of a certain portly slugger from long ago. Much like the eighty six years following the departure of that famed slugger, Boston has not won a world series since it banished Pedro from its local diamond. All of Red Sox nation is left to wonder – will there be a curse of the mango tree? Need to take the media attention of the other players? Pedro could do that. Need a big strike out to win a game? Pedro could do that. Need to carry a mediocre team? Pedro could do that.
So tonight when you drive to Fenway and listen to “Curt in the Car” tell you how all is well in Red Sox Nation, think of the fans who made the trip to Fenway in 1919 and keep telling yourself things will get better. There might be a little hope left, after all Larry Lucchino is still with the team, and he knows baseball better than anyone else. But beyond Larry, it’s ‘Two Tickets for ‘No No Nanette’” for all of Red Sox nation. And the seats should feel comfortable, we’ve all sat there before. For eighty six years. Be sure to leave room for your grandchildren.
Need a big win to clinch a pennant? Pedro did that. Need a Cy Young award? Pedro did that. Need a Hall of Famer? Pedro is that. Need a quote and a radio appearance? Pedro doesn’t do that. But, to these Red Sox, ratings on NESN are like tickets sold on Broadway. “No, No, NESN,” any one?
