Back to the Future or Back to the Few Cure?

The Red Sox had a flawed team. They took action. They now add insult to injury, at best disingenuous and at worst guilty of the 'Big Lie' - public relations over substance.

First, how do the Red Sox see it?

• The team is reeling, having been annihilated by the Tigers. 
• Thanks to the mediocrity of the AL East, the Sox are still "in the hunt". 
• The Sox struggle against right-handed pitching. Overall, the offense is pathetic.
• The infield defense has been below average to average at best. 
• Fans are getting restless. 

Second, what is the Sox "solution-focused" approach? 

• Stephen Drew improves the infield defense. 
• The addition of Drew eventually will likely slightly increase the offense. 
• The Sox stabilize the third base carousel by moving Bogaerts to third. 

Third, what's the big picture or what's the harm?

• The Sox are seen as jerking the kids around. Telling Bogaerts that he's the 'future shortstop' is likely not true, as defensively, that's more likely to be Marrero. I thought I saw John Farrell's nose growing during his presser today. 
• The Sox have looked old and ineffective in the outfield, as Sizemore is literally not the Sizemore Farrell remembers and Victorino has been injured or underachieving. 
• Bradley Jr. can't have any confidence, not that he's been dramatically worse than anyone else. 
• Daniel Nava has been tossed aside like last year's magazine subscription. #FreeDanielNava
• Farrell is looking more like the "old-time baseball guy" playing small ball with the bottom of the lineup and playing favorites (Drew and Sizemore), rather than being seen as forward-looking. 

Here's a chart from baseball-reference.com, look at the Boomer, George Scott. Although he hit at or near .300 several times, he also hit .171 and .233 in extended duty as well. Many successful ballplayers show varying degrees of inconsistency during their careers. 

The sad, simple reality is that the Sox overachieved last year and have woefully underperformed this season. The belief that you can catch "lightning in a bottle" every year with bargain basement and/or reclamation projects is "fool's gold." Bottom line? Jordan's is going to have to put furniture on sale, as they're not 'giving away' free furniture unless the Tigers change their stripes.