Season Over
Who would have thought the guy who had gone 27 postseason innings without surrendering an earned run would be the one to blow it for the Red Sox? Jonathan Papelbon was entirely ineffective, giving up three runs in the top of the ninth, as the Angels finally got some postseason revenge on the Red Sox, completing a three-game sweep as the Red Sox lost at Fenway, 7-6.The Angels surprised me in this series. I think they'll give the Yankees a good challenge (sorry, Twins) and it seems clear that either the Yanks or the Angels will win the World Series. Those National League teams just don't seem to compare.
So what's next for Boston? This team needs to make some adjustments. Have we seen the last of Jason Bay, Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell? Will the Sox go after Carl Crawford or Matt Holliday? Will the Red Sox make a major play for King Felix? Is Dice-K a goner? Will Jonathan Papelbon's name come up in trade talks?
It's not quite hot stove season yet, but it's clear the 2010 Red Sox will make some major changes before Opening Day.
"Who would have thought the guy who had gone 27 postseason innings without surrendering an earned run would be the one to blow it for the Red Sox?"
This really does not come as a shock to me. Papelbon has been inconsistent all season long. He is not the infamous closer of seasons past. He does not locate as well anymore and gets men on base.
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Isn't it astonishing how fast the season comes to an end once that final out is recorded? It's like a splash of cold water. No fun to be eliminated. But Holliday? I'd take Crawford any day.
- http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
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The off-season will be wild and crazy and hey - the second guessing has already begun! lol!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
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The latest Leader's List is out - with a twist - it comes the whole regular season from 4/4-10/4 and congrats - you are #14!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
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I really wonder if the Sox will make any major changes in 2010. I know this was a terrible way to end the season with a sweep, but 2010 might be a lost year. We have some untradeable players at the twilight of their careers and some young players still developing. The fact is also that we have no AAA talent on the offensive side ready to make an impact. I think the front office will see what is available this offseason but if the price is wrong, they won't go crazy just for 2010. It has to make sense beyond once the talent in the minors gets more experienced and we jettison some of those older players and their contracts!
Also, check out some great Boston Red Sox merchandise from my client, Steiner Sports. Getting paid to blog, LOVE IT! GO SOX in 2010!!! OR 2011???
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Hey, Steve, this is Greg, greg1969 on Brownie Points. Are you going to continue to blog in the offseason? I've checked in on your blog from time to time, esp. when you've left a comment with us. I'd be interested to see what you think as the off-season progresses.
As for Pap, I am not that surprised that Pap blew that game. He has not been quite the same pitcher he was in 07, and he had given us several tight-rope acts over the course of the season., far more than his surface numbers would show. I hope he rebounds next year. We'll see.
How about this Matsui to Boston story? I sure hope not! :/
I am glad Wake is back, and that he has determined that he'll pitch these next 2 years and then retire. I hope he will be healthy enough to pitch, though I am not sure he will be able to hold up as a starter.
I also hope Lowell returns, even if only as a DH. His hip has diminished his 3B range, but he can still hit. I hope he does so for us next year.
I hope J-Bay and A-Gonz both return, but I'd be open to other options. I think ultimately J-Bay will return. I am not sold on Holliday, esp. in Fenway. Even though it would have been a bit of a financial pinch at SS, I would have liked A-Gonz' option to have been picked up. I hope we can sign him, as we are not likely to get anyone for less $$. (If we do, with Scutaro or anyone else, we'd be up for larceny!)
I am not quite as pessimistic as TMPalomino about 2010, but I don't think we are in a very strong position if we don't make some significant moves. I'd like to see some things change significantly for next year, starting with moving Dice-K (no, I am not holding my breath on that!). We'll see.
I will be continuing to see if you are blogging in the off-season. We at Brownie Points expect to be quite active on our blog, so I hope you'd check us out from time to time, at least! Take care, Steve. GO SOX!
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