Red Sox contributor Cardsox shares his opinion:

about 9 hours ago :: 28 Views

With all of the success that Kason Gabbard has been having in Boston, I can't help but wonder why he hasn't been getting more recognation for his efforts. I mean, doesn't the guy play in Boston, which allegedly has "most sophisticated fans in sports"? The fans in this town usually worship ever positive stat and shun every flaw. This season, however, seems to be somewhat different. It seems Gabbard is getting ignored, while J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo aren't getting ripped apart by the Nation. Odd. Anyway, Gabbard has dished out quality start after quality start since the 2006 season, and somehow is still getting stuck in AAA. Now, I've seen potential in him for a very long time, but as of Monday's complete game shutout performance against the Royals, I can no longer let the indifference in Red Sox Nation continue to reside. In fact, no rookie Sox lefthanders have thrown that well since John Curtis on Sept. 10, 1972.

In reality, "Gabby", as Francona calls the 25 year old southpaw, has been nothing short of stellar for the Sox all season this year, despite having only pitched 5 games (it's hard to get starts when you're in Pawtucket). He's 3-0 and has posted a 3.38 ERA, which is nearly 1.00 less than the league average. He also has a mere 1.19 WHIP and a decent K/BB ratio (about 5/3).

People, it's about time we give credit where credit is due.
 

Finishing up with some quotes from Red Sox and Royals' hitters about Gabbards Monday night outing, if anyone out there's interested: 

"Strike one's huge. And strike one with different pitches is huge. But he's got a lot of movement in the zone with both his changeup and his sinker. And he's got a good change of plane with his curveball. And he's got enough on his fastball to keep hitters honest inside." -- Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek

"As hitters, we were kind of protecting. I know that's kind of a weak statement, but he threw a good game. It was one of those days. He threw his off-speed and threw a lot of it and kept it from getting a lot of the plate, which is kind of tough to do, but he did it." -- Royals 2nd Baseman Mark Grudzielanek

"He didn't make too many mistakes. Actually, he didn't make any mistakes. It was his night. We didn't get too many pitches to do much with. Everything was down in the strike zone with good sink on it." -- Royals DH Billy Butler

 "I think he had good deception. I had trouble picking up motion on the ball, whether it was a fastball or a change. I think it was just one of those days where it's the first time you see a guy. I thought he threw a little harder than that." -- Mark Grudzielanek

 "He's always focused on what he does. He goes out there and battles every time. Man, I love playing with him. I love playing behind him. And, you know, he's a great teammate to, so it's fun to watch him do that." -- Red Sox 2nd Baseman Dustin Pedroia