But we’re not. Because most Sox fans I know actually read or listened to all of his comments, and appreciate his rational line of thinking and his ability to not let the stress consume his life.

If ballplayers stressed out about the game like we did, they’d never survive. They’d be a ball of shivering goo in the corner of the clubhouse. They have to disengage and step back and keep it in perspective. Doesn’t mean they’re not busting their butts. Doesn’t mean they don’t really, really want to win. They just can’t make it a life and death matter, or they’d go insane.