Keeping Watch
If you wonder whether players pay attention to other games around the American League while their game is going on, the answer is a resounding yes. All game long guys will be looking at the scoreboard - which they do all season, not just now. Honestly, most guys know their stats, they know who is doing what in the league, and they get motivated by what they see, especially now. Anybody who says they don't - uh, no, don't believe'em.
There is also a keen realization of the schedule - who we are playing right now and the other matchups around the league. You can't be looking at the record of your opponent and adjust your intensity accordingly. The times you see what looks to be a cozy homestand and count on winning six in a row, before you know it, it's 3-3. It's a cliche, but so true right now, that it's important to focus on every single night.
It's also important to know what's coming up. Right now the Sox are on a homestand against sub-.500 clubs for six games and they aren't playing well on the road. We have to turn it up a notch and beat these teams not only because we have the ability to do it, but also because of what's ahead. Going to Boston is not going to be easy, plus we have Anaheim and Oakland coming up so we can't afford to let games on this homestand slide away. No, they are not guaranteed wins and that's why the effort and intensity have to be turned way up.
DJ