Dear Red Sox Nation, do not panic just yet

Ian Vescera (@Ian_Vescera)
Contributing Writer
Photo via weei.com
As Red Sox fans, I know we all like to nitpick. We focus on every little thing that occurs with this baseball team. That is one of the many reasons why the Sox have the best fan base around. We are all passionate and only want the best product out on the field. That is why we get angry when we hear reports that Hanley isn't bending over for throws. That is why we get upset when Pablo Sandoval comes to camp overweight. We simply demand the best. Nothing else.

While it is easy to get on these players, Sox fans need to take a step back. We are all acting as if the team is off to an 0-6 start and acting as if Hanley and Pablo are worse than they were last year. Granted a team that has finished in last place 3 of the last 4 years shouldn't get a break, but we need to evaluate this team from a practical stand point.

This group has it's core players (Betts, Bogaerts, Ortiz, Pedroia) healthy and ready to go. They also have added arguably the best starting pitcher in the American League (Price), a top 3 closer in the game (Kimbrel), and a steady 4th outfielder (Young). In the process, these 3 moves have addressed key needs for the team.

Most importantly, they have not even played an inning of baseball yet. It is 2016. Everyone gets a clean slate. The records are 0-0. So before we get on Hanley, Pablo, or any member of the team, let's at least wait until they play an inning of regular season baseball first. Am I skeptical that either player will actually play well? Yup. Do I think this team could end up in last place again? It is a possibility. Am I willing to at least wait and see first? Of course. Remember, baseball is a marathon, not a sprint.

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