An Open Letter to Red Sox Management

Dear Tom, Larry, John, and Theo:

I speak for all of the Red Sox faithful when I implore you with every ounce of the red, white and blue blood that flows through our veins, not to drink the Boras Kool-aid and even waste one moment considering Alex Rodriguez (hereinafter, A-rod). First off, let's assume you forget the fact that he tried to upstage your World Series title with his own douchebaggery. Look at your model of success, seems strangely familiar to the 1996 Yankees, an infusion of young talent with the cagey vets providing leadership and CHARACTER guidance. We have Pedroia playing the part of Jeter, Papelbon the role of Mariano, Lowell as Brosius and Tito as a younger Joe Torre. Like it or not, that's the original blueprint for a dynasty in the modern era. Also learn from their mistakes, overpaying for one guy is always more detrimental to your team than beneficial.

Let's get this out of the way as well, the guy is a tremendous player, his stats and abilities are uncanny. But they are just that, individual achievements. Step back and reflect on your own interactions with A-rod. There was the altercation with Tek, your own captain, for crying after Arroyo hit him with a pitch. There was the infamous slap that helped propel you to the greatest comeback ever. He tried to take out rookie of the year and World Series hero Dustin Pedroia with a cheap slide this season. How would your team feel about signing him. Do you think the clubhouse that has won you two World Series would welcome him? Or will he tear it apart like every other team he has been on. Honestly, how long before Tek or Beckett punches this guy in the face after a game?

Please, I am begging at this point because I know John had an infatuation with him even after he signed with the Yankees. It's bad enough I have to think about this the morning after the third greatest moment of my sports life (your '04 team and '01 Pats being the top two). Look at your MVP, that's the kind of guy you win championships with, throw him some extra cash and years, its still less than you will waste on this egomaniac and his pain in the ass agent. Let's not confuse ourselves with what the Patriots have done with Corey Dillon or Randy Moss, they have shown a willingness to win at all costs, A-rod has shown a willingness to be paid at all costs. He can't even help but create a divide between himself and consummate professional Derek Jeter. If you do sign him, I will reluctantly have to cheer and hope he does well, because let's face it, what else will my options be at that point, but it will burn my soul to its very core and I know I share this feeling with the vast majority of Red Sox fans.

Perhaps as best put by Peter Gammons:



Let's move on, forget wanting to stick it to the Yankees at every turn, we have moved past them, they are in "transition", you have the new model for success, be the bigger men and move on. Thank you for your understanding.