2008 Red Sox, R.I.P.

One regret from this series is Mike Lowell's absence. Kotsay didn't look horrible filling in, but the results were pretty crappy -- no RBI, 20 men left on base. It is safe to assume that Lowell would have performed better than that (hell, he couldn't have been worse). Troubles for next year include centerfield -- Ellsbury isn't ready to lead-off, and Crisp's ceiling is pretty low; catcher -- Varitek had a great career, but is cooked; shortstop -- Lowrie doesn't have the range to be a plus defensive SS, and who knows what Lugo's deal is; DH -- how hurt is Papi, can it be fixed, etc. On the plus side, the Sox have a solid 1-2-3 starting rotation (assuming Beckett's health problem is relatively minor) and a lights-out closer, so the fundamentals of the pitching staff are sound.

Back to politics...