Red Sox Lost

Red Sox lost to Tampa Bay Rays. Disappointed Yes, Sure It is. But when you look back, it is a season which could give lot of confidence for the years to come for the young blood and fen way fans.

Post-Season this time had limited Beckett, their ace pitcher which helped to kind of rise to occasion ability for Lefty Lester and phenomenon Dice K. Not to forget, Red Sox were without experience Curt Schilling from the start of the season. Red Sox Front Office would have quiet a discussion about Schilling’s Future when it comes to next season. Best case scenario for Red Sox is Beckett, Lester and Dice K healthy for the full season and post season, but planning can not consider the best case scenario and they need to add helping hand in the pitching staff. I thought , not considering SANTANA Deal was a major set back at the start of 2008 season and lets hope that red sox staff doesn’t miss out that kind of golden opportunity at the start of 2009 season. One of that Opportunity available is to grab C.C. Sabathia from Brewers.

Red sox were great to have Papelbon in the bullpen and I hope he would choose to stay there for 2009 season as well. But He definitely needs better support in setting him up. One of the person to let go is Mike Timlin. He blew up many games for Red Sox. First thing first though, they need to re-hire Okajima who was absolutely brilliant entire season and post season. They should try to get someone like Cruz from Arizona or Fuentes from Rockies as they are free agents.

One of the biggest positives from 2008 season was the outfield players from red sox. With Manny out they would definitely struggle to make key plays but their outfield would be strong with Bay, Crisp, Drew and Ellsbury. I would say, Outfield is something where Red Sox needs to stick to this four players. There are many high profile hitters available in the market such as Ramirez, Abreu, Crawford, Dunn, Edmonds, Guerrero, Monroe etc. but I think, Red Sox need to concentrate more to strengthen their pitching staff rather than hitting staff.

Mike Lowell’s departure in the middle of the post season was a huge blow to Red Sox. They missed him dearly but this was one of the mistakes that Red Sox did in the open market last year. When they knew that they are not going to pursue Santana deal on the expense of Lester then they should have went for Cabrera.

Looking at the positives for 2009 is that, Red Sox can take any of the in field capability in the market available. If they can get good first baseman, they can move Youkilis to Third Base and keep Lowrie/Lugo @ short stop. If they can get good third baseman, they can keep Youkilis @ first base. If they can get good Short Stop in place of Lugo deal, they should take it, move Lowrie to Third base and keep Youkilis @ First. So There are lot of options available but they need to get one strong in fielder.

Casey Blake move was heart breaking when red sox knew that Lowell is injured and they did not pursue that deal, they will get the same opportunity in the middle of off season and they should grab it, unless they are eyeing, Joe Crede from White Sox or Chipper Jones from Atlanta. If they can not get the third baseman, there is always an option open for Teixeira from Angels for first base position and he can definitely fill in Ramirez’s shoes at number 4 spot.

There is a sign at the back of many cars, which says, “I support Red Sox and each and every team who hates Yankees” , So, Looking @ the brighter picture of 2009, Lets Wish Rays for their first ever World Series Campaign !!!!

Lets go Red SOX

Bottom of 7th Inning. This is the 5th game of the series. Red Sox are down 3 game to 1. Red Sox are down @ home and rays are about to sweep against Red Sox @ home.

Bottom of 7th Inning. Big Papi has just one hit in 11 @ bat. Team is struggling. Red Sox faithfuls are walking towards their home. But Wait Wait Wait ...Its FENWAY PARK ...How can this Park disappoints and here comes a thriller.

Bottom of 7th Inning. Big Papi gives the hope with 3 run homer and scores are 7-4.

Bottom of 8th Inning: J D Drew homers and scores are 7-6.

Bottom of 8th Inning: Crisp brings Kotsay home by and scores are LEVEL. Spectators are dancing and beer bottles are flowing.

Bottom of 9th .......Are you kidding me...Ofcourse Ofcourse Ofcourse ....RED SOX WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN....We are going to TAMPA BAY !!!!!!!!

Baseball Post Season