You may think I am crazy, but I think this Sox team is going to be better than most expect. I don’t think they’re are going to win 100 games, but I do believe they will compete for the Central Division title.

I am basing that on nothing. It wasn’t like the players went through drills, or showed anything today. I am basing my prediction on the coaching changes. Ozzie Guillen put the Sox on the map, on and off the field. However, his hellfire personality is only good for short period of time. That time is now past, and the guy that I saw today, new manager Robin Ventura, appears to be the
perfect addition to the team.

I think 100% that the team will thrive under Ventura’s firm, but less demonstrative hand. He may not call out players, and I can tell you first hand, that Ozzie’s media talks will be missed, but Ventura is a leader in the truest sense of the word.

I say all this because I was, and am, an Ozzie fan. I just got a real good feeling about Ventura today. Maybe by August he’ll be pulling his hair out, and completely gray, but right now, I like what I hear.

First few day’s at camp are always fun. Optimism abounds, and most every player is approachable.

Talking about players, 3rd baseman Brent Morel looks like a different guy. Confident and self-assured. I’m not saying that last year he wasn’t, I am saying that I can tell this year that he knows he belongs. Morel stands to gain the most from Ventura being the manager.

Talked with Zack Stewart for awhile. Stewart is from Wichita Falls, or Holliday, but I used to live in tiny W-F, so we have been to many of the same places. And like any Falls guy, he is a good kid. Like me though, he is upset that that the Chik-fil-a left the Sikes Center Mall (Or as Stewart said, the Sikes Center S-mall).

The Sox have gone younger, young player bring enthusiasm. I am not saying that last year’s squad wasn’t enthused, but there is just a different feeling.

In no way am I telling you to drink the kool-aid that I apparently drank, I am just saying forget about prognosticators, or what moves the Sox did or didn’t make this off-season, just give them a chance.

Sox Start playing spring games in less than 2 weeks. I am sure by then, we’ll start seeing if they are for real, or a team most are picking to be in the lower 3rd of the Central Division.

Go Sox!