Recent Sox history has seen several instances in which either action or inaction by Sox management or its manager sends such a negative competitive message that it kills the clubhouse spirit for the remainder of the season. Example No. 1 is clearly the White Flag Trade. Example No. 2 is Tori Hunter bowling over Jamie Burke without any real retaliation and the Sox finishing a distant second to the Twins. Example No. 3 is starting Neil Cotts instead of Mark Buehrle in the series finale against the Yankees when a Sox sweep was in the grasp. Is Friday's decision not to challenge the tag at second base Example No. 4? Robin's reasoning is understandable, but what message did it send to the clubhouse, long term? Sure they came back on Saturday, but you have to wonder whether this is a team that will respond to the laid back leadership of #23. The panic move of bringing up Rodon so soon does not inspire confidence.
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