An Open Letter to JD Drew

Dear David Jonathan (JD) Drew II:

We the fans of the Boston Red Sox, also known as Red Sox Nation, are extremely passionate about our beloved team. We love the Red Sox, our mothers, our spouses, the Red Sox, our children, our pets, and the Red Sox. Essentially in that order.

We are a forgiving sort. Ask the once maligned Bill Buckner.

That said, you, sir, are pressing your luck.

You have no heart. You play without any passion. And you have the guile to wear the number of a recently departed dirt dog, a true Red Sox, Trot Nixon.

If you were actually skilled at the sport of baseball, you could be a deadly, silent assassin. Instead you are a deadly, silent saboteur. You kill the team from within.

Tonight you played in a game against the rival New York Yankees. You probably were aware of the history of the Yankee franchise before receiving this letter. We do not need to make you aware of the intensity of the rivalry or the arrogance of the New York fans.

In the 8th inning of the game tonight you were facing a rookie pitcher still wet behind the ears. You were batting with two men on base with the Red Sox behind by two runs. You had an opportunity to earn your rather sizable paycheck.

Instead you phoned it in.

You watched five pitches to draw a full count, 3-2. Then you decided to take a meager, half-hearted check swing at a pitch in the dirt.

For shame, Mr. Drew, for shame!

Any member of Red Sox Nation could have performed at least as ably in that situation. A ninety-year old grandmother with a stroller and cataracts, recently declared legally blind, could have done the same thing at the plate.

Only she would have been pissed off about striking out.

You, sir, simply turned and walked back to the dugout. You showed no disgust, no anger, no fire or passion.

That behavior will NOT BE TOLERATED. You better get your head together and find a reason to play baseball with passion. We may be a forgiving lot, but you are sinning in the worst way.

If you are not up to the task at hand, may we suggest that you simply donate your entire salary to a charity such as the Jimmy Fund?

You can expected to be booed unmercifully for the rest of your days in Boston if you don't improve your performance. Consider yourself warned.

With best regards,
Red Sox Nation