For the ailing, it will be a time to heal. For the tired, a time to rest. The long grind that is the Major League season has come to an end for the Fenway faithful and it’s another team’s turn to shine on the big stage.
The Sox gave their all (and then some) this season but in the end came up short. Many will say they didn’t capitalize on opportunities. That they had their chances and blew it. The truth of the matter is the Rays are the better team this year. Their pitching held up through most of the 7 game series and when it counted most. Their batting lineup was merciless against our only-above-average pitching staff. With notable exceptions, our “aces” were anything but.
If it weren’t for that unbelievable comeback in game 5 the Sox would have gone quietly, whimpering away into the cold fall night, licking their wounds and promising things would be different next year. At least we have that to hang our hat on. It was an exciting game to watch if you stayed ’til the end.
The team will have time to reflect on what was a mostly successful season but with many twists and turns (some bad). Without Schilling in the rotation, They started out on the wrong foot right from the beginning of the season.
Manny’s antics, while at times entertaining, was a serious distraction for the team and eventually gave the front office no choice but to trade him.
Big Papi wasn’t at all the same after the trade. He didn’t seem to be in the right frame of mind and then to go on the DL with the wrist injury was probably too much for the team as a whole to bear. The big guy’s shoulders just couldn’t carry them this time. Sure J. D. Drew stepped up to the plate and did a stellar job but the team was never running on all cylinders, the way things seemed in ‘07.
Mike Lowell tried to gut his way through a painful injury but common sense and maybe age won out in the end.
Coco and Ellsbury did a flip flop from last season with the phenom coming up cold in the playoffs and the veteran diligently taking his place in the lineup.
Youuuuk! was a stellar performer both at the plate and in the field. His balancing act between 1st and 3rd was nothing less than spectacular.
As far as Captain Varitek goes, having a solid foundation to call a game is a priceless commodity but it would be great if he brought a bat next season.
Yes the Red Sox were full of could’ves and would’ves this season but couldn’t surmount the injury bug this season and for them and the rest of Red Sox Nation ‘09 will be the year to focus on.
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