Boston Red Sox fans have been up in arms about John Henry's recent comments about the club, and justifiably so.
The owner has exhibited indifference toward his baseball team in favor of his other investments in the past few seasons. He also called out Boston fans for their expectations for the club, which he believes are too high each year.
But Red Sox fans have had it with his indifference and the front office's broken promises. Alex Cora publicly defended Red Sox Nation and declared that the team is trying as hard as they can to make their dream of winning a World Series come true.
Henry's indifference also affects his players. Years of players' careers have been wasted by the front office's apathy — Rafael Devers is having the best season of his career on a perpetually .500 team. But Kenley Jansen, a 15-year MLB veteran, gave his teammates some key advice to overcome their feelings about Henry's comments.
Kenley Jansen motivates Red Sox in the wake of John Henry's recent interview
John Henry said he has no plans to sell the Red Sox and suggested fans have unrealistic expectations for his team in a lengthy (and rare) recent interview.@jtomase has more 🔽https://t.co/p1m1K8aRmK
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) June 7, 2024
“We’ve got to make ourselves a winner,” Jansen said. “Hopefully, that put a fire under all of these guys in this clubhouse. Be pissed if you want to be pissed about a comment like that and use it to your advantage to be a winner."
The Red Sox shouldn't need to prove their worth to Henry, but if Jansen's words stir up some motivation in the clubhouse, it just might work. Boston has been a .500 team all season, but if it can break in a positive direction toward a playoff run, ownership may be convinced to add at the trade deadline.
Jansen understands that baseball is, first and foremost, a business, and he's addressed trade rumors about him with class. His veteran perspective could bring stability and electricity on and off the field, the Sox will just have to take his advice.