State of the Red Sox - August 1

Here is my assessment of the Red Sox as of August 1st (okay, August 3rd - but actually composed August 1st when I couldn't sleep!) - what looks good to me as we start the last half of the season

A Atmosphere - the atmosphere seems suddenly to be positive both for the team and the fans

B Beckett - although not as commanding as last year, he's still our ace. He's still the one who's going to see us through the playoffs

C - Coco - on any other team, he'd be the starting centerfielder. Here he plays off the bench. Is he happy? I hope so because he continues to perform

D - Dustin Pedroia. Last year's Rookie of the year. This year's MVP?

E - Epstein. Is the guy a genius or what??

F - Fun ! The team seems to be having fun again!

G - Gone - the Diva is gone

H - A happy clubhouse = a winning team

I -Insane Jonathan Papelbon. Heaven love him - we need him - he's awesome

J - Jacoby - looks like he's rebounding from his little slump?

K- Ks = strikeouts. And Daisuke is looking sharp in this department

L- Lester! Looking like at least our #2

M - Mikey!

N - New guy = Jason Bay. Yes, this weekend series may have been a fluke. But his premiere with the Sox was VERY successful.

O- Ortiz. As long as this guy has his heart in the game, victory is always possible

P - Pressure - yes it's there. But the core of our team has shown it can handle it.

Q - Questions. Yes, there are still questions about this team. The Bull Pen - specifically, middle relief? How will Bay perform in the stretch?

R - Relievers. See above. Are they rebounding?

S - Sweet Caroline. Just because

T - Tummy Aches. Gone with the departure of Manny. But could reawaken whenever Timlin is called into action.

U - Unlimited possibilities!

V - Varitek seems to be rebounding from his little slump. He's never failed us defensively - all agree is the best catcher working today who can keep his pitching staff on targer - and if can just get going offensively, we'll have our perfect package

W - Wakefield - has he been pitching like crazy or what?

X - Excitement again. I was at those three games vs. the Angels - there was NO energy either from the fans or the team. It seems to be coming back

Y - Youkilis!

Z - Zealous= me! I'm totally stoked for the rest of the season!