Shortly after the Red Sox completed their historic collapse on the final day of the season, the reports of clubhouse problems emerged. Some Red Sox pitchers were accused of drinking beer during games. Adrian Gonzalez complained about the team’s arduous schedule. David Ortiz said some players probably didn’t care about the team losing. Apparently those were just a taste of the overall problems going on in Boston.
The Boston Globe published a lengthy report early Wednesday morning that detailed many of the team’s issues.
The Globe says pitchers Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, and John Lackey drank beer, played video games, and ate fried chicken during games. While the rest of their teammates were working hard to win games, these guys reportedly were bro’ing out like a bunch of frat boys on spring break. It must be noted that the practice reportedly began in 2010. The team experienced some success despite the pitchers’ careless ways, but it appeared to have burned them late in the year. Beckett managed to have a good season this year, but Lackey was awful again, and Lester struggled in September. They trio also reportedly cut down on their exercise routines this year.
These players clearly weren’t working as hard as they could be, and it makes us wonder how good they could be if they trained the way professional athletes should. It also explains owner John Henry’s “nutritional issues” euphemism regarding the team.
The Globe suggests personal problems for Terry Francona hindered his ability to lead the team. They point to his personal problems — he did not live with his wife for the entire season — as potential distractions. They also suggest he may have had an addiction to pain killers. Francona says the team doctor told him he did not have a problem.
Despite his MVP-type season, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was described as a clubhouse outsider whose only true friend on the team is Jed Lowrie. Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Alfredo Aceves, and Jonathan Papelbon were said to be the team’s hardest workers.
We’ve learned from Joe Maddon’s example that working hard, or working too much, may not be the best thing for a team. But we can all agree that disrespecting your team and teammates by lounging out in the clubhouse during games is not a good approach. Now it makes sense why Theo Epstein wouldn’t want to bring Terry Francona to Boston. The Red Sox were lacking leadership, and their collective talent could no longer mask their problems. They are in need of many changes.
