COMMENTARY
After a couple of quick exits from the American League Division Series, there were plenty of lingering doubts when the Red Sox started the season with a record of 17-2. Wait-and-see seemed to be the prevailing wisdom from a fan base leery from a pair of 93-win campaigns that were ultimately unfulfilling.
But when the team that opened 17-2 subsequently bookends its torrid start by going 16-3 in its final stretch before the All-Star break, it’s time to put the skepticism aside. At least until October.
The natural skepticism of these parts is a better fit for years like 2012, when Bobby Valentine took over in the wake of the chicken and beer scandal, and this team won 69 games for the entire season.