{"id":76197,"date":"2024-06-08T14:30:11","date_gmt":"2024-06-08T18:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=76197"},"modified":"2024-06-08T14:06:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-08T18:06:11","slug":"red-sox-owner-read-room","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/06\/08\/red-sox-owner-read-room\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Sox Owner Must Read The Room"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the start of every baseball season, most fans have one thing in mind: winning a World Series. Some of the public knows it\u2019s an unattainable goal for their squad. Others still come into the year grasping hope. The Boston Red Sox entered 2024 with mixed feelings. Small money was spent in the off-season, a strong pitcher was traded away, and unproven talent scattered the roster. Boston has spent the last two campaigns with 78 wins and finished in last place. But that doesn\u2019t mean that fans don\u2019t dream. The current Red Sox ownership group needs to understand just that. The principal owner, John Henry,\u00a0needs to read the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

John Henry Must Read The Room<\/b><\/h2>\n

After not participating in formal media availability since early 2020, The Financial Times interviewed John Henry mid-week. Henry touched on his ownership of the Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins, and English Premier League powerhouse Liverpool, along with his business practices. During the interview, he was open and stark about<\/span>\u00a0how the fans cheer for their teams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFans expect championships almost annually,\u201d Henry told The Financial Times. \u201cThey easily become frustrated and will not buy into the odds: one in 20 or one in 30.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Henry, technically, is correct. There are 30 teams in MLB, and only one can win a championship in any given year. Baseball hasn\u2019t seen a repeat World Series winner since 2000, when the Yankees won their third straight title. There are constant changes, turmoil, and breakouts every year. But although Henry spoke his mind, this isn\u2019t what a fan wants to hear their owner say.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The quote almost sounds like Henry doesn\u2019t expect his team to compete fully every season. In his long-form interview, he continually touched on financial stability and preparing for the future. Henry even said that someone in his position has a hard time being seen in a positive light.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think people in my position can win publicly,\u201d Henry said. \u201cYour words are often used against you, so the less I say, I generally think the better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s fine to think if you are Henry. But if that\u2019s your point of view, why speak at all? Henry\u2019s recent interview did follow his line of thinking. He believes it is difficult for an owner to look strong in public. After his recent interview, he most certainly does not look positive. Henry said that sustainability is more important than a team\u2019s current payroll. And again – that\u2019s what many owners across various sports leagues believe. But should an owner outwardly allude to the fact that his team is not always at full throttle and that fans shouldn\u2019t hope for the best every season? No.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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John Henry: \u201cBecause fans expect championships almost annually, they easily become frustrated and are not going to buy into the odds: one in 20 or one in 30.”<\/p>\n

This guy has done such an incredible job of making everyone hate him. Fans don\u2019t expect championships\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/wiMq8VFRPs<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Steve Perrault (@Steve_Perrault) June 7, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n