Thursday, July 17, 2014

BenCher: 'We Have Not Conceded 2014 Season'

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington appeared on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show today and stated that the organization "has not conceded 2014". Moreover—in his view at least—the Red Sox are "better" than some of the other teams ahead of them in the AL East.  When he was asked what has gone wrong in 2014, Cherington took full responsibility by saying, "Lack of offensive production, our pitching has been good enough to win. I didn't do a good enough job to build a decent offense." Regarding the Jon Lester situation, Cherington said that "all parties" involved share a recognition of the "strong relationship that goes back 12 years that allows for continued dialogue." He also stated that a "handful" of contending teams are in need of closers—and might be interested in what Boston has to offer. In recalling the role of Red Sox closers in 2004, 2007 and 2013 (Keith Foulke, Jonathan Papelbon, Koji Uehara) he stressed that all were a "huge part of winning those 11 games for a championship." The implication was that Koji might not be available until he determines Boston's 2014 chances ("over the next couple of weeks"). You can hear the full interview HERE.