Alan Greenwood

There is no disputing the Red Sox’ great success during the John Henry Administration. Four World Series championships, record attendance and Fenway Park’s renaissance are on the record.

Along the way, Henry has always seemed an honest sort, at least as far as any successful business person can engage in public frankness.

Last week, Henry made an informal State of the Red Sox address on the radio. He claimed that his ballclub is under-achieving, which is indisputable unless the 2018 season was a complete and utter fluke.

He dismissed the notion of trade-deadline blockbusters or other means of adding to baseball’s most bloated player payroll. That also is tough to argue. In expressing the financial issues, Henry slipped in an astounding thought: “It’s not a luxury tax issue, it’s a question of how much money do we want to lose.”

Uhhhh … what?

If that is a reference to his team’s general financial picture – and it is tough to interpret it as anything else – Henry’s train of thought jumped the rails.

Henry’s ownership group ponied up more than $700 million to buy the Red Sox in the winter of 2001-2002. The monthly business opus Forbes, which somehow is able to figure such things, pegged the Red Sox’ value at $3.2 billion.

If the Boston Red Sox are losing money, look for commissioner Rob Manfred to hang the “Out of Business” sign on the front door any day now.

TIME TRAVEL: July 7, 1969 – “Coffey Post No. 3 shook off the effects of a two-game losing streak here yesterday afternoon to gain a split in weekend play, defeating Dover 9-6 behind the hitting and pitching of Rick Fletcher.

“… The Nashuans took to the offensive to rap ut 11 hits, good for nine runs and their sixth victory against four losses. Bishop Guertin products Frank Prevost and Fletcher were the leading batsmen, Prevost having two hits in three trips and scoring twice while Fletcher gathered three hits in four appearances, also scoring twice.”

AND FINALLY: The Celtics, according to the shared wisdom of NBA gurus (self-proclaimed and otherwise), have retained their potential as an offensive force, despite losing Kyrie Irving and his production.

Since the league is considered wide open, with the defending champion Toronto Raptors just a nose ahead of all but the NBA dregs, that is welcome news.

Of course, limiting opponents to one shot per possession is the defensive goal of all basketball teams, and there is little reason to believe that the Celtics will be capable of that on a consistent basis.

Enes Kanter will do some scoring. Unfortunately, the men he is charged with defending my do more.

Contact Alan Greenwood at 594-1248 or agreenwood@nashuatelegraph.com.

Newsletter