Meegan’s “HOT” Seat: Bobby Jenks, Please Step Forward

Who would have thought choosing this weeks “Hot” would be so difficult?  Wasn’t it only two short weeks ago that this team was on the path of self destruction?  What a difference a week makes, the Red Sox are now one of the hottest teams in baseball, ripping off five straight wins.  The last four at the expense of the Los Angeles Angels.  The Angels were in first place in the AL West  going into the weekend series with the Sox.  They now find themselves in second place, 2 1/2 games behind the Texas Rangers.  The last time the Boston Red Sox swept the Angels in a four game series was back in 1980.  In other words, whose “Hot?”  Virtually everyone, but this week goes to one of the most criticized player on the team, Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Every starter in this rotation deserves some recognition for their performances this past week.  Some more than others.  Josh Beckett and Jon Lester have been phenomenal.  Lester being the pitcher we expect and Beckett being the pitcher we once knew.  That being said, this week has to go to Daisuke Matsuzaka.  All Dice-K has done is pitched 15 consecutive scoreless innings of 2 hit ball.  His Strikeout to walk ratio was the best I think we have ever seen, 12 strikeouts while allowing only 4 walks.  I have been very vocal about my displeasure with Daisuke over the past few years, it’s only right that I acknowledge his accomplishments when they are warranted.  This week he has earned all the praise tossed his way.

Now to the “Who’s Not.”  A week ago you could make a case for Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury.  But, not today.  Both seem to be getting out of their early season funks.  Crawford should be able to capitalize off his teammates excitement after slugging his first home run of the year yesterday.  I hope the adrenaline rush stays with him on the trip back east to Baltimore.

For me, Bobby Jenks has not lived up to his billing.  This is a man that was supposedly going to make Jonathan Papelbon expendable.  Really?  Do you see that?  The only relievers getting the job done are Daniel Bard and Papelbon.  I wouldn’t trust Jenks to setup Bard at the end of each game or vice versa, Bard setup Jenks.  For someone who did a lot of trash talking against his former team, the Chicago White Sox, for not resigning him, Jenks hasn’t been anything to write home about. 

So, on a team that is red hot, I pick you, Bobby Jenks as the one who is under performing.  Therefore, taking your place in this weeks “Hot Seat.”  The White Sox bullpen is a mess and they are begging to find a closer. I suggest you go kiss and make up with Kenny Williams and Ozzie Guillen.  I hear that the White Sox slow start has put Ozzie Guillen in the “Hot” seat, you two are made for each other.  If the trade deadline were today and it was down to Jenks or Papelbon, is there any question who should go?

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