I think you are way off base here. It is not the leaving that generates the ire of Red Sox Nation it is listening to millionaires whine about money while saying it is about respect. The difference between the Red Sox offer and the Mets offer was a guarenteed fourth year. According to Pedro respect is defined as a four year contract. I wonder what his definition of loyalty is? We have paid him over 90 million for his last seven years of work. While I don't blame him for getting all he can, PLEASE don't say it is about respect. Pedro had the most loyal and adoring fan base since Larry Bird.
If Veritek or Lowe leave I'm sure you will (mostly) hear respectful conversation. They are not prima-donas and they don't whine about money.
I agree about Veritek, but with Lowe I think there will be two reactions. The public: thanks for everything. The private: quiet snickering and wishing his new team the best in dealing with that headcase.
What it boils down to with people like Pedro and Lowe is that you aren't just getting a pitcher. The Mets are effectively paying for the privilege of dealing with Pedro's antics; some other team might do the same for Lowe's meltdowns. The 2004 Red Sox were a special team in that they could play SO loosely that they could get past a lot of that. I strongly suspect that will not be the case in most places, and especially not in New York.
They'll trash their beloved 'Tek' should he leave... with Lowe, it'll be quicker.
I had an uncle who lived and breathed for the Sox. 'Ya know what he called Yaz? 'Yasbumski'.
I disagree. Look at how the Red Sox front office started the whispering campaign about Lowe partying too much. Yet Boston just signed David Wells, of all people! And if Varitek goes, he'll get trashed as well. That's what happens to anybody who leaves the Red Sox -- they get trashed by the media and the ownership.