Fireside Chats #43: Where we talk Yankees, Ortiz, and Wake with Chad Finn and April MVP

Chad Finn, not scared away after our first conversation, graces the MVN airwaves for a second time as he recaps his reactions to the dramatic weekend with the Yankees at Fenway Park. Like many of us, Chad's starting to get a little worried about David Ortiz.

After Chad leaves, Paul and I give out our awards for April Most Valuable Player and look forward to a big week ahead on the road.

All that and more on Episode #43 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Concern for Papelbon?

Jonathan Papelbon is one of, if not the best closer in baseball. Of that there is no doubt. You don't have to look much farther than his 89% save rate (118 out of 133 since 2006), 1.84 career ERA, and 4.79 K/BB rate to make that assessment. Throw in the fact that he's not allowed a run in 25 career postseason innings over 16 appearances and his name stands alone with Mariano Rivera at the top of a long list of closers you would take with you to the end without reservation.

At the surface, 2009 has been more of the same for Papelbon. He's closed the door in save situations five times in five opportunities while amassing a 1.94 ERA. But a deeper look should give you pause to think twice about thinking that 2009 Papelbon has been as effective as previous years' versions.

Does early season success against the Yankees matter?

For Red Sox fans, there is a "second Opening Day" to the season; the first time their familiar foes from New York line up across the diamond. The first series of the season against the New York Yankees takes on a heightened feeling as if New England takes a collective breath and bears down saying, "Baseball season is officially in full swing."

The rest of the nation may be sick of the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, but the beauty of it for New Englanders is, that through all the hype, these games still matter and more often than not, live up to the anticipation that proceeds them.

Poll: Early Season Series

Fireside Chats #42: Where we bask in the glory of the sweep and welcome back our cranky friend Frank

It's a marathon, not a sprint. You've got to stay in for the long haul. Everything will regress to the mean. Water seeks its own level. The cream will rise to the top. You get my point...All is right with the world this week coming off a series sweep against Baltimore.

Paul and I welcome back our longest standing guest of Fireside Chats, Cranky Frankie the Yankee in advance of this weekends renewal of "the rivalry".

We close the show discussing the greatest moments in Red Sox Nation history. Our vote, cast for Dave Roberts and the steal. How about you?

All that and more on Episode #42 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Poll: “Short” handed Red Sox

Vintage Lester

"Vintage Lester dominates Orioles" read the headline after Sunday's 2-1 Red Sox victory over Baltimore. While headlines are known for hyperbole, by definition, Jon Lester's third and best start of 2009 was vintage.

Poll: What early season situation most concerns you?

Fireside Chats #41: Where we find ourselves in the cellar looking up at the Os

The season certainly has taken a turn since we last talked with you all after an Opening Day win and that turn was not a good one. In fact, it was so bad, we now find ourselves in last place in the bizzaro world that is the American League East. But neither Paul nor I are ready to press the panic button, yet.

In today's show, we lament the loss of Lowrie, blame the WBC for all things Matsuzaka, and Paul explains why he believes Josh Beckett did throw at Bobby Abreu and why a suspension is in order. We also look forward to the week ahead and talk a little O's with Anthony Amobi of MVN's Oriole Magic.

Poll: Are You Worried??

So the Red Sox start hasn't been what we all hoped for.  I think it's fair to consider this team in a bit of an early season funk.  That said, are you worried about the start in the context of the full season?  Has the 2-5 run out of the gate caused you to reconsider your lofty expectations of this club in 2009?  Vote away!