Imagine my surprise when I found the above mentioned eight episode documentary called "The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox." Apparently, Netflix filmmakers had complete access to the 2024 version of the team. Their cameras were everywhere. From spring training to moments when the manager Alex Cora had to send a player to the minor leagues. Nothing was barred from the camera. How did they miss shortstop Rafael Devers peeing in the shower?
Initially, everybody thought that the Red Sox would be an odd team to follow like this. They were essentially a last place club the several years prior. But, there is frequently a story or two with adversity. And, oddly enough, the 2024 Red Sox turned out to be rather competitive.
There is a lot of drama and pain as you come up close to the individual team players. Take, for instance, rising star Jarred Duran. He is quite candid about some mental health challenges he has had in his life and his world is indeed a fascinating one to watch.
Another is young pitcher Brayan Bello, who throws very inconsistently mainly because his mind is taken up with the fact that he can't get a visa for his wife to join him in America.
Over the course of eight episodes, you learn everything possible you could learn from this team of very distinct individual personalities. It is compelling and you become a fan of each of them. Ironically, former Dodger closer Kenley Jansen was on this team as well and it would have been interesting to see and hear more from him. But, for some reason, he is mostly excluded from it all. Maybe he didn't sign the release form?
Despite that one quibble, I highly recommend "The Clubhouse." And, yes, surprise, surprise, it's on Netflix.
LEN'S RATING: Three-and-a-half stars.
Dinner last night: Leftover Chinese food.
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