So, the Sox battled back from a dreaded three games to one deficit against the upstart Rays, only to lose tonight in the decisive Game 7.

I swear to you, people. 4 years ago, I would be curled in the fetal position, whimpering about why God doesn't love me.

Two championships later, I'm actually typing on a computer when it happens. Now don't get it twisted, I wanted the Red Sox to win. I wanted them to go to the World Series, beat the Phillies, and win back to back World Championships. There's always the basic sports fan's instinctual need for their team to win.

But I'm looking at it differently now. The Sox have a lot of prospects and a good amount of money freed up this offseason. There are a lot of guys that could be picked up to put them over the edge into the realm of "Juggernaut Team".

They need:
-A starting pitcher: this drives me nuts, because I don't know if Beckett's going to come back next year and be Josh Beckett. Lester is a garunteed 15+ game winner. Dice-K just wins baseball games, he could push for 20 next year. And if Tim Wakefield is going to be a starter next year, I will settle for nothing more than the fifth spot in the rotation. I love the man, but it just can't be any other way. So they've got 2 potential aces, a somewhat-washed up ace, and a guy who could never be higher than a team's third starter, who is now in his 40s. And of course, Masterson could start, but if he does, he should be the five over Wakefield, and you still need another pitcher to have a threatening staff.

-A catcher: This kills me to say, but Varitek is getting old. He's got no stick at the plate anymore, and is just good for being the captain. He calls a great game, and is above average defensively, but his offense is just so down and has been for a couple of years now. I like the idea of Taylor Teagarden, currently with the Rangers. 6 home runs in 47 at-bats while maintaining a .319 average this year. Impressive, and I think now's the time to go get that kind of player.

A valid middle reliever: I'm sick and tired of games where the starter just does not have his stuff. And so he gets shelled and within three innings the Sox are trailing their failpen out onto the field. These guys could be good someday, but they get too many innings: Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez, Paul Byrd, Timlin's gotta give it a rest soon, and Bartolo Colon was unforgiveable. Terrible.

But these are just little wishes that probably won't be granted. But, all I can do is say let's go Phillies, and hold out until April for more Red Sox baseball.

Plus, hockey's starting, and basketball's right around the corner, I'll be fine.

Love,
Chris

Sorry, you do not have permission to comment.

If you are a member, try logging in again or accessing this page here.