PERSONAL THOUGHTS FROM A RED SOX SOUL

We’re six games into the regular season and we’ve already witnessed a horrendous offensive struggle from the Sox as they look to regroup without the power (and idiocy) of Manny.

Currently, the Sox are bottom-dwellers. Two and one-half games behind the pack in the AL East. Will it last? Certainly not. But it does make you sit and wonder why they can’t get it firing on all cylinders. So far, everyone gets some of the blame pie, with more of it being given to the offense (despite Bay’s dual home run effort the other day).

 Pitching (from 5 to 1)

5.  Penny (1-0, 4.50 ERA) Alyssa Milano’s former beau is showing signs of recovery and life on his fastball. It’s not yet up to the 97/98 MPH range, but I think now that he’s had a start under his belt this is one that will pay off for Theo.

4.  Wakfield (0-1, 4.50 ERA) He wasn’t hideous the other night and he’s still getting used to life without Mirabelli, but he’s showing his age (and a double-sized stomach) this year; no doubt because he spent the better part of the last four months trying to get his back ready for the season.

3.  Dice-K (0-1, 6.75 ERA)  Dice-K. Wow, man. Win an MVP and can’t Man-up for the season? Way to get clocked. I am expecting him to barely reach the 13 win mark this year.

2.  Lester (0-1, 9.0 ERA) Holy, Lefties, Batman! This kid got clocked and then got stuffed in the same game. He had such a bad start that you wonder if he was actually awake for most of it. Let’s go, man. You’re going to need to step it up and prove you’re okay.

1.  Beckett (1-1, 3.46 ERA) He’s doing his job. He’s the Ace. No question. In some ways, Beckett is ready for another 20-win season. I still can’t figure out his mental makeup. Will be handle the stress well if everyone behind him tanks (they won’t)? I do expect him to lead the team for most of the year.

On the topic of offense, we’re not ready to start killing people for lack of production, but Papi has got to get it together and show that he’s in the right place or the farm system is going to get a phone call for someone names Lars.

The man with the bloody sock is officially retiring.

Curt Schilling, who won a Co-MVP for Arizona during the World Series and pitched with guts, pain and a really loud mouth for both of Boston’s recent Word Series titles made the announcement on his personal blog: 38pitches.com

The Globe / Boston.com announcement can be read here.

Good-bye, Schil. Thanks for the titles and the entertainment.

During a discussion today, the topics outlined in the blog post title came up a number of times.

My argument: Every sport requires discipline, patience and timing.

But the more I think about it, it’s not just about sports. It’s about life and our ability to get over challenges; regardless of the outcome.

As much as art imitates life, maybe sports imitates process. I know for a fact that I could type the same lines of text on my other blog and still have the same message. Process is a difficult thing to some, not so much to others, but almost unavoidable to all.

To those who need to use process or deal with issues on or off the field, keep in mind that you can do just about anything… with discipline, patience and timing.

Well, I’m sure this wasn’t what Varitek had planned as he headed into free agency.

Varitek had arbitration coming and at least a $10 Million payday for the next year. That’s IF the Sox didn’t give him a little bump (let’s say, $11 M) based on their disgust for any arbitration. As a matter of fact, Theo Epstein has not yet had a player reach an arbitration hearing in his years as General Manager; he intends to keep it that way.

But not only does Varitek miss out on the lucrative salary he probably needs, quite a bit more now that he’s been through a divorce, but he doesn’t even do it with as much dignity. You see, arbitration would not have secured him the multi-year deal he desired, but it would have at least been given to him without having to call John Henry to meet with him in his off-season hometown of Atlanta with his tail between his legs.

Varitek wants to retire as a Red Sox. He wants to get a couple final years to end his career with a little money in the bank.

The Red Sox have apparently given him a formal offer that allows for both the first year (with many, many incentives, I’m sure) and the second year option (who knows what the details are like at this point).

Is he worth it? Who will he work with to transition this incredibly pivotal role? Will it be a trade with Texas? Will it be someone coming from Arizona?

Whatever the case, the Sox caught Varitek with his guard down. Not a horrible place to be if you’re the Red Sox brass trying to ensure you get the best of both worlds.

There is certainly something about left field at Fenway Park that offers not only a left-handed hitters plaything, but a defensive advantage to the home team. The Green Monster has made as many men look stupid as it has hero. And now, the half-century worth of three consecutive left fielders who came into the park and came into our baseball lives are part of the greatest honor baseball can bestow upon its mortals.

Teddy to Yaz to Rice. Like a relay race baton, the Hall called and three consecutive left fielders answered (barely in the case of Rice).

The deal is done. Rice is now a Hall of Fame baseball player. One of the elite. One of the chosen. On paper, his numbers didn’t reflect the same honor as Williams or DiMaggio, but to watch him play and to see the opponents motion to him and stand up in the dugout to watch him hit was intagibly beautiful for the Red Sox fan.

I personally would not have thought he would make it. There’s a chance others like him on that perennial bubble never will. We may be coming to the final years of the veteran voting pool. The guys who relied only on a deadline,  a pad, a pen, a typewriter and their eyes.

There is a lot to be said about Jim Rice, but don’t ask him. He won’t tell you. He’s the guy who wouldn’t say anything; even to his teammates on many occasssions.

What I’ll say is this: Jim Ed Rice is a Hall of Famer. And Red Sox Nation is proud to support the designation. Congratulations, man.