Not as bad as it seems for Red Sox... Really

The Boston Globe sports page these days is looking very eschatological. You would think the Boston Red Sox were just mathematically eliminated and are in the cellar.

"It's true. The Red Sox are put on this earth to torture and test the faith of their fans," wrote Dan Shaughnessy Friday. New Englanders are calling for Terry Francona's head and wouldn't mind seeing Nomar go in a trade.

This isn't surprising considering Red Sox fans are the most cynical sports fans in the world and their team just lost four games in a row and seven of their last ten (through Friday), including a three-game sweep by the arch-rival New York Yankees. And their team is now 8-1/2 games behind the Yankees in the AL East race.

However, it's not that bad. It's really not. Sure the Red Sox, barring a miracle, won't win the AL East, but let's put things in perspective here. Boston is still has the fifth-best record in the American League. They are tied with Oakland as the fourth-best team in the league according to expected win-loss record based on runs scored and runs allowed. Sure they're going through a rough stretch right now, but there's still reason for even Red Sox fans to be optimistic.

Okay, so the Sox won't catch the Yankees. Remember last year? The Red Sox were the Wild Card and came six outs away from defeating the Yankees and earning a trip to their first World Series since 1986.

Let's remember the season isn't even half over yet. Every team goes through rough spells. Boston just has to make sure this is the lowest point of the season. If it is, there's no reason to panic. They're still in an excellent position to dominate the Wild Card race and that means getting into the playoffs. We all know that it really doesn't matter if you ride to the dance in a limo or a pinto, as long as you're there.

Let's not forget what the Red Sox did in the offseason. The Red Sox Nation is chattering about missing out on Alex Rodriguez.

Let's also not forget the Red Sox have a pretty awesome shortstop that could still become a factor in the post-season three months from now. They also have a closer that, although he's struggled somewhat lately, is one of the best pitchers in the game. They also still have one of the most consistent hitters in the game in Manny Ramirez. They also have an MVP-type player at first base/DH in David Ortiz. They also have a workhorse starting pitcher who will definitely would be fired up for the post-season. Finally, they have quite possibly the most dominating weapon in the game today -- Pedro.

Thomas Boswell once wrote, "when the Big Games arrive in the fall, baseball is just like every other sport. Talent and stage presence count for everything." The Sox aren't lacking either. Maybe there will be injuries, maybe there will be clubhouse quarrels, maybe the closer will have a bad two or three weeks, but autumn is a long way away.