It's Jeff Passan's turn to weigh in on The Beckett Affair, and he done it good. Passan's big finish:

What his actions suggest, though, and what the responses have shown, is that if you're a Red Sox player – or at least one with a great arm – common sense, decency and responsibility aren't among the necessary tenets. They might as well set up a KFC window and tap a keg in the clubhouse. The asylum is broken, and inmate No. 1, Josh Beckett, has no intention of letting the reins go anytime soon.

One thing I haven't seen anyone mention today: Bobby Valentine was ostensibly hired to change the tone in the clubhouse, which supposedly had gotten out of control under Terry Francona.

Which seems to be working out really, really well.

Okay, so it's early. But is Bobby Valentine built for the long haul? With a losing team?

As the Zen master might say, "We'll see."