I like how Boston's dreams were ended in Tampa. Just like how New England's dream of playing football in Tampa in February has also been crushed.
Barring any major injuries to Pierce,KG,Kobe,Gasol, etc the Lakers and Celtics will play in the finals again I think. I can't wait for that, because with a healthy Bynum and them without Posey it should be LA in 6 or 7, but a good series either way.
Garza was a SOB last night. I knew it was over in the 8th when Crisp avoided 2nd base to disrupt the double play THERE WAS NO CHANCE OF GETTING ANYWAYS. So instead of bases juiced with 1 out, it was 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. After they got the bases juiced and proceded to strike out or whatever, I flipped it off and went to sleep. Lester didn't pitch as good as he can this series, obviously. Ortiz needs to either learn how to push the ball, keep it out of the air sometimes or get off the fucking field. He is useless 90% of the time. The Devil Rays played great, can't take that away from them. The bullpen was shaky, but the hitting was clutch and the starters were nay unhittable at times. I think the Phillies take the series. At least I hope so. I don't want all those fake ass fans to get a parade in Tampa. They have a deep deep lineup, an outstanding(at times) bullpen and some nice starting pitching.
Oh well, it was a good season. Hopefully Ortiz gets his wrist fixed and all the other health issues are resolved by spring. Had the Sox been healthy they take this series, but that's the way the game works.
Reverting back to the Red Sox of old, enticing the fans to believe and subsequently crushing those hopes with an exodus.
Congrats to young Tampa fan. And your girl and extended family. Hell of a team you got there, enjoy the WS.
I'm just curious what the Sox will do in the offseason.... I'd imagine Beckett's health would likely have a major effect on what they decided to do but I don't honestly know what they do to get better. You have to think with Youk at 1st and Lowell at 3rd this series takes on a different perspective. I think alot of people like Ellsbury but what good is having a guy with his speed if he hits .228? This could also be a bad sign as well woth Ortiz, was it his wrist or was it something else? My opinion which is worthless BTW is that the Sox and Rays will both be back in the playoffs next year because I think the Yankees have alot more holes to fill and will waste some more money in the offseason. I don't think they get Sabathia or Peavy and Manny is going to stay in LA. That being said there are plenty of stupid GM's that may end up making awful trades like the Pirates did.
I think the main focus will probably be the bullpen and catcher. Varitek, if he's brought back at all, will likely be in a platoon role at most. I'd send a Bowden/Crisp package to Texas for one of their catcher prospects (Salty, Teagarden, or Max Ramirez), and bring Varitek back as a mentor. As for the bullpen, I think it will be mostly depth guys they go after. Timlin will be gone, leaving Papelbon, Okajima, Delcarmen, Aardsma, Masterson, and Lopez. Lugo might be dealt for some end of pen depth, and they might bring up Daniel Bard. I don't think SP will be a main priority, but I do expect them to bring someone in, probably a John Garland type. There have been rumors that Derek Lowe wants to come back, and with the drastic improvement in infield defense since the last time he was here I'd love to see that happen. The Sox still have an excellent core, and assuming everyone can be healthy next year, I don't see them doing anything too drastic.
Seems like a pretty slow offseason but I'd definately agree on the Varitek thing, I wonder if the Sox make the mistake the dopes n the Bronx did with Joe Camel. Then again I think the people running the Sox don't do things on impulse but rather really think things through. The Lowe thing would be a huge boost for you guys as he performs in the playoffs and he has shown he can play in Boston. I'll say this and even though Yankee fans will deny it; I'd rather be a Sox fan today then a Yankee fan.
Given that Manny's contract is now gone, Schillings is gone, and Varitek's is going to be up as well the Sox are going to have some money to spend this off-season. I think they will definitely make a strong run at C.C and/or Tex, if nothing else then to drive up their price. I wouldn't say to expect them to sign either, but don't be surprised if they do.
Teixeria would be an amazing signing. I don't see it happening, but would LOVE it... Ideal offseason would include: *Signing Teixeria (Trading Lowell in the process for a catcher or bullpen help?) *Signing Derek Lowe *Dumping Timlin, DelCarmen, Lugo *Get a young catcher with a good bat, keep Varitek to platoon and mentor(the guys devil mentions all read well, so I suppose they're options) *Extend Bay(longterm), Pedroia(longterm) and Papelbon(short term). *Resign Kotsay, he provided good depth and an adequete bat off the bench. *Take a shot at C.C. If we sign him, great. If not, we drive the price up and potentially price out competitors Again, signing Teix would be awesome, but doubtful. Interesting, quick read on the Varitek situation: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1126826&srvc=home&position=1
Just a few thoughts: Why dump MDC? He's still going to be cost-controlled for a few more years and this team needs all the bullpen help it can get. At this point it appears he won't ever be a dominant set-up man, but he is solid overall. No need to sign Pedroia long term just yet. I'm perfectly content to give him arb. for the next 5 years until he is F.A eligible. If we are going to trade Buchholz, I think it should be for a young catcher. http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/74571 Hmm... If they get any catcher other than Martin I think Varitek sticks around for mentoring and insurance for another year.
I've never been a DelCarmen fan, and his perfomance in the postseason just exacerbated that. He is streaky, and when he hits a low, it's very very low. And I'd get Pedroia locked up long term as more of a cost cutting measure for the future. If he keeps getting better and performing as he does, he's going to become a very expensive asset. But I do see your point, and it's a fair one. And I think Martin would come at a hefty price tag. We have good catchers in the system, they are just 2-4 years from being productive every day guys. Not saying I wouldn't pull the trigger on a deal, just depends what we are giving up, and what else is available. Not to mention, I don't think he is going anywhere.
A couple things. Delcarmen shouldn't go anywhere. He's young, he's cheap, he throws hard, and he's had some success. He's been inconsistent at times, but no one that would be available would be any better. The Sox need to build bullpen depth, not get rid of it. Just say no to Sabathia. Say it as loudly and as many times as possible. He's out of shape, he's been abused two years in a row, this year to a ridiculous level, and he can't pitch in the playoffs. He's not going to be worth half of what he gets.
Pretty much why he was at the bottom of my list. I would be happiest if we pricest out alot of people and forced him on the Yankees or he stayed on the West Coast. The money is negligible, it's Boston. So if we got him, we at the very least, have a workhorse.
lol....You gotta love it! Down 2-1 against the Phillies but @ the same time...Beating the Red Sox in game 7 was simply amazing! Like I've been saying all season long...When you have a team of young players with great talent and potential..."Playoff experience" means nothing because the games are won on the field...Not the past. The better team won the series, the Rays were the AL East Champions for a reason here in 2008, we are the ALCS Champions for a reason. Not only did we take the season series against the Red Sox, but we simply DOMINATED them during the ALCS. The Rays had a melt down during game 5 when we blew the 7 run lead (Shit happens) But the fact of the matter is this...The Rays dominated the Red Sox and SHOULD HAVE took the series in 5 games. But you know what? Winning game 7 was simply amazing. Rays in the World Series baby! Down 2-1! Time to win game 4 tonight baby!