Random Thoughts (August 14, 2008)

The economy sucks, gas prices have "dropped" to around $3.70 for regular unleaded in the Boston area and money is tight for the majority of people but if you have even $5 to spare, think about donating it to the Jimmy Fund through midnight tomorrow during the 7th annual Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon hosted by Boston's top sports talk radio station. There is no better cause to give what you can to, everyone is touched by cancer. Visit WEEI's new website, call 877-738-1234 or stop by Fenway Park to make a donation... Even the biggest Manny Ramirez basher wouldn't give Jason Bay all the credit but it has to be said that in the 13 games since the blockbuster trade on July 31, the Red Sox are 10-3... Kevin Youkilis is a legitimate A.L. MVP candidate. He produces at the plate (.320 BA, 22 HR, 83 RBI, 32 2B, .387 OBP, 1.060 OPS heading into Thursday nights game), he hits in the clutch (game winning home run during Tuesday's dramatic 19-17 win) and is a Gold Glove first baseman who also plays third base as well as anybody. The A.L. has no dominant player walking away with the award. Josh Hamilton is a great story for the Rangers and has driven in 112 runs but Texas is miles away from contention. Carlos Quentin of the White Sox has hit 32 home runs but he is not as complete a player or hitter as Youkilis. If Youk keeps up the hitting and defense -- which will be mostly at third base with Mike Lowell on the disabled list -- and the Red Sox keep winning, Youk may capture the MVP before his more celebrated teammate, David Ortiz, who has been close three times in recent years... Theo Epstein's track record in signing big money free agents is shaky (Edgar Renteria, Matt Clement, Julio Lugo) but under his watch, the Red Sox have drafted and developed an incredible amount of major league talent. Jed Lowrie, filling in at shortstop for the injured Lugo, has joined Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Manny Delcarmen, Clay Buchholz and Justin Masterson as players drafted during the Epstein years who have made contributions in Boston... I am very interested in the Patriots signing of veteran safety John Lynch. Lynch will be brought in to add depth to the secondary and linebacking corps on passing downs. In spite of the Pats Super Bowl drought being three years old, veterans still want to come to New England, knowing it is there best bet to win a championship. As we learned last year, there are no guarantees in the NFL, even the greatest team ever assembled can lose on any given Sunday. But come on, John Lynch isn't coming to Foxboro because he thinks his children will like the schools or because his wife likes the shops at the new Patriot Place, he's coming because he wants to party like a legend after winning Super Bowl XLIII... Enjoy Paul Byrd tomorrow night...