Doctor, We Have A Pulse

The Red Sox agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Cody Ross today. I am going to tell you why this might be one of the most important moves of the offseason.

What does Red Sox nation want more than anything (world titles notwithstanding)? We want guts. We want to see hearts bleeding on the baseball field. We want to believe our guys wont quit no matter the odds. Basically everything we did NOT get last season. Cody Ross is a World Series winner. He is an NLCS MVP. Statistically 2011 wasn't good to Ross, who batted .241 with only 14 home runs, but I believe he can recapture the post-season power he displayed on the historic San Francisco Giants' run to the championship in 2010.

The Sox will label Ross as a utility guy. Someone they can use in various situations. But more importantly, Ross can bring a spark this team needs. We have Gonzo and Big Papi to provide the power. We have Ellsbury and Pedi to set the table. And if Youkilis and Crawford come back with a vengeance, this team is going to bat like a buzzsaw. At least, that is what we tell ourselves every night before bed.

Red Sox nation wants to believe that the team that trots out on the field every day wants to win and will get dirty in the process. We're not the Yankees. We're the frickin' Red Sox for pete's sake -- let's show some grit! have 2 championships made us soft? Cody Ross is part of that re-invention. He can help inject life.

Oh yeah, welcome aboard, Cody. See, we're tight like that already.

Go Red Sox.

Red "Yawn" Sox Nation

Yawn, nation. Our beloved Red Sox don't need to make nine-figure splashes every off-season. They don't need to be on Sportscenter every night. But, man, why do I feel like I am stuck in a horribly long and awful dream?

Did you know that we re-signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a one-year $8.05 million dollar deal? That's great news, right? It's not a multi-year contract but if the Red Sox are smart, they'll get that done.

Can you tell me who the new Red Sox are? How about at least one name? Anyone?

Did you know that 6' 5" Japanese pitching sensation Yu Darvish just signed a $60 million dollar, 6-year contract with the Texas Rangers? Coupled with the $51.7 million dollar posting fee, the Rangers spent some hefty cash, but what would Darvish look like in a rotation with Lester, Beckett and Buchholz? I shutter to think. And what is an additional $110 mill to John Henry anyway?

So the Red Sox can't spend and spend and spend. I get it. But why am I....excuse me.....yawnnnnnn...just so damned anxious!