Adam Eaton just needed LOVE!

Two nights ago Dave Trembley stood up in front of the assembled Baltimore media, who were clamoring for Adam Eaton to be run out of town. Trembley said "NO!" He stood up for his pitcher, saying that he was a veteran who only needed some innings. Adam Eaton, after years of being booed silly in Philly, stood up straighter, held his chin up high and went out to face the Sox determined to earn his manager's confidence. He and catcher Chad Moeller had a new strategy. Throw strikes! So he reared back and threw with all his might! And the first batter singled to left.

In the past, that's all it would have taken to cause a collapse. Not last night! Basking in the glow of his manager's love, Eaton returned to the mound with a clenched jaw and a small manly tear in the corner of his eye. He wasn't letting the skipper down! Gritting his teeth so hard that the muscles in his jaw quivered, Eaton threw again and again, striking out the side. Fans (who started drinking early) blinked their bleary eyes in disbelief and roared their approval. It was a love-in and Adam Eaton was at the center!

Buoyed by the love in the three-quarters empty park, Eaton threw seven shutout innings, striking out nine. He had a little trouble in the eighth but left to a standing 'O' from the crowd. So am I going to write about "what a great pitcher he is" as Trembley suggested? No, but I will concede he isn't as bad as the 11.25 ERA he was sporting before yesterday's effort. That's all I'm saying, because Adam Eaton needs love.

He struggled in front of the infamous Philadelphia fans because they didn't show him love. The Fenway "faithful" hurt Adam's feelings last week. But on a day when his manager and the fans were behind him, Adam came through. From now on, no more bashing Adam Eaton for me. Nothing but love! Until he has another bad start or two. But don't tell Adam about that last bit.

By the way, another whipping boy, Felix Pie, went 2 for 4.