How important is leadership? The Red Sox fired John Farrell and brought in Alex Cora with “clubhouse” often mention. Was it the idiotic behaviors of David Price that brought “clubhouse” to the forefront? You can’t fire Price, so Farrell makes an obvious scapegoat.
But leadership is more than just the manager as players often have their own internal SWAT units to patrol the clubhouse and keep order – meaning internal squabbles do not end up for the rapacious Boston media. In 2013 the Red Sox had more than a few who would most assuredly have taken the petulant Price aside for a heart to heart discussion.
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The veterans on this current team seem to be just the opposite. Dustin Pedroia had a unique reaction to a kerfuffle with the Orioles. In baseball, there is no right or wrong with your teammates and their actions. You simply stand by them in confrontations with opponents.
Ortiz was a leader by both actions on the field and in the clubhouse sanctuary. Was the replaced? This team seemed passive at times and about as exciting as a library presentation on the mating rituals of the fruit fly. Ah…excitement!
I have heard fans toss about terms such as “boring” or “robotic.” A happy dance after a victory is generally not construed as ultimate in public excitement.
The Red Sox excitement quotient can also be traced to that ingredient Red Sox fans consider like a vampire considers a tasty dose of blood – the home run and a pant load of runs. Get a bonified slugger in the fold and that can get the buzz on at Fenway Park.