The Boston Red Sox begin the second half of the season Friday with a day night doubleheader against the first place Tampa Rays at Fenway Park. Just a few weeks ago, that sentence didn't feel like it meant much. Now it feels like the start of the most important stretch of the season.
The trade deadline is only 18 days away, and Craig Breslow has a decision to make. Buy, sell, or somehow do both. His recent move to acquire outfield depth in Jahmai Jones feels familiar to Red Sox fans. We've seen this movie before, adding inexpensive players and hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. Every now and then it works, but it's not a strategy that consistently builds championship teams. If Breslow truly believes his job is on the line, this deadline has to be different.
Red Sox Nation is as divided as it's been all season. Some fans want to buy. Others want to sell. Many believe the answer is somewhere in the middle. Every trade proposal sparks another debate, and every rumor sends Red Sox X into overdrive. That's what happens when a fan base finally has something worth arguing about again.
The truth is, baseball purgatory isn't where the Red Sox should live. This organization should enter every season expecting to compete for an AL East title, not simply convincing fans that sneaking into the third Wild Card is good enough. Actions speak louder than words, and for too long the actions of the front office and ownership haven't matched the expectations of one of baseball's premier franchises.
The last two weeks have been the most enjoyable baseball Red Sox fans have watched in years. A roster filled with unexpected contributors has done one thing exceptionally well, they've won. Yes, the schedule has been favorable. But good teams beat the opponents they're supposed to beat. Now comes the real test against the Rays and the opportunity to prove this run is more than just a great stretch.
There will never be a dull moment on Red Sox X over the next two weeks. Every game, every rumor and every transaction will feel like it carries the weight of the season.
The first half tested our patience.
The second half is going to test our emotions.