Meegan’s “Hot Seat” Heading to Opening Day

This week I’m going to salute the Medical Staff of the Red Sox organization.  This staff isn’t the most trusted Medical team in MLB.  Red Sox Players have long had disagreements on how they are being treated by the medical staff.  Nomar Garciaparra once said “Our Doctors are killing us.”  Marty Barrett sued them for misdiagnosing a knee injury and was awarded $1.7 million in damages.  The list continues with such notable players like Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, and Jason Bay and most recently with Jacoby Ellsbury, citing poor medical treatments.  Adrian Gonzalez agent wondered if “these Doctors could be trusted” as they were seeking a long term extension.  That said, this team is heading towards opening day looking healthier than ever.  Did this medical team have anything to do with the player’s health today?  I don’t have the true answer, but I have to believe that they have made some impact.  The rehab programs they put Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury must have worked, since all three are over their inuries.  This was a walking mash unit last year heading into the offseason.  Yet the only real injuries right now is Felix Doubront elbow tightness and Junichi Tazawa’s torn ulnar ligament.   Not to bad considering what it could have been.  Maybe Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury would still be hurting and on the disabled list.  If that was the case, do you still think the Sox would be starting the year off as the early favorites? 

We are all quick to point a finger when they make mistakes, like misdiagnoses of Ellsbury’s broken ribs.   Then we should also be first in line to congratulate them for a job well done.  Therefore, this weeks “HOT” goes to: Dr Thomas Gill and his staff.

With Opening day just a blink away, it is safe to say every player, coach, manager and the ownership is on the “HOT Seat” this week.  No more playing meaningless games.  No more evaluating talent.  No more just trying to get in the groove.  Time to play and more importantly, time to WIN.  That’s what is laying on every one shoulders now.  Enough of the talking and the speculation now is the time to put all their hard work in motion.  This team needs to start out strong.  If there losing ways of spring training rolls over into the regular season, then all they would have accomplished is putting more stress on trying to win.  We all know what happens when players tense up and feel the pressure put on them.  This team is built for success, now it needs to prove it.  it is going to take all 25 players to perform up to there capabilities.

First up, Jon Lester vs. the defending American League Champion, Texas Rangers.  What better way to start the season off.  Well, I much prefer that we start against the Yankees, but we only need to wait until the following weekend for that.

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