Surprise, surprise: Red Sox Nation has found something to be up in arms about. Is that group ever content with the state of affairs other than when there's a World Series going on? That's a rhetorical question, munecas, obviously.

Their point of contention right now regards the Sox's admittedly tough upcoming schedule. Wednesday marked the beginning of nearly three weeks of grueling travel, including a long plane ride to Japan (sidenote: I went to Australia last year, a 13 hour flight, and let me tell you: I actually really enjoyed the journey. It was like a forced relaxation period with free sodas and snacks). However, I've got to disagree with those crazy Nation-ers (as usual...). They should actually be happy about this scenario. If we take a look at other teams that have had similar non-stop action to start the season, such a schedule actually seemed to prove to be a boon to their season.

In 2000, the Mets traveled to the far east to play the Cubs to start the season, and what happened to that team? They ended up going to the World Series. A few years later, the Yankees also flew to Japan for their first games, and they too wound up in the post-season (forget about what happened in the ALCS. Impossible to do so, but try. I'm trying everyday. It's why I'm in therapy).

I'm not saying it's a hard and fast law of baseball science that such a season start will prove to be an indicator of success, but the Nation - and the Sox themselves - should at the very least remember those past experiences and be more optimistic about what it could do for the team. Man up, kiddos. Enjoy the opportunity to promote your team in another country, soak up the excitement, and ride the momentum. Don't ride it too far though... not past the Yankees, por favor.

Sidenote: the A's, who are playing the Sox in Japan, don't seem too upset.