5 Postgame Thoughts

Dusty may not have been the best offensive player in the series, but he sure was steady at 2nd

1. The New Guys - All of the new guys on the team contributed in their own special way. Bay was a monster all series and had a huge, if not lucky hit in the 9th that could have ended the game on its own if it hadn't bounced into the stands. Lowrie came off an absolutely horrible September at the plate and an error early in Game 1 to have THE game winning hit in the biggest game of his career. Even Kotsay had a huge day with a single and two phenomenal Gold Glove caliber plays at 1st Base. Going into the ALDS I was calling for some Ortiz at 1st. Clearly Tito knows more than me.

2. O Captain, My Captain - The play by Varitek on the botched suicide squeeze was one of the better plays I've ever seen a catcher make. Obviously it took the go ahead and probable winning run off the bases and gave the Sox a huge shot in the arm.

3. Angels Playoff Woes Continue - Being aggressive is one thing, but I think part of the reason the Sox own these guys the way they do over the last four years specificially is that the Sox are wisely aggressive. They take calculated risks and wait to find an opening to try to take advantage. You take an extra base when you can, not when you want to. There were perfect examples of the differing philosophies. Jed Lowrie singled hard off the wall and took an aggressive turn past 1st. He could see the ball in front of him and knew there was a chance a good throw would get him so he pulled up and went back to 1st. Wise decision and he didn't run into an out. The suicide squeeze by the Angels was a joke. When you try so hard to be aggressive and force the issue, you get yourself in trouble. It was the 3rd inning of the Series the Angels had run themselves out of. It just makes no sense to me.

4. Jon Lester the Ace - Jon Lester has reached the point where you don't even hope for good starts, you just know they are coming. I very rarely find myself proud of athletes. Knowing all that Lester has been through and how hard he works, I am proud of him. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow over the past few years. I can't wait to see more.

5. I LOVE THAT DIRTY WATAH!!! OOOH OOOH BOSTON YOU'RE MY HOME!!! Friday feels like a long time from now.