When Ban Johnson and Albert Goodwill Spalding signed what some consider to be a "peace treaty" in 1903, they established the notion of two "separate but equal leagues". This alliance inspired the first "World Series" between the Boston Pilgrims of the American League, and the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League at Boston's Huntington Avenue Grounds. So much has happened since then. The Red Sox were the dynasty of the first quarter of the century, winning five titles between 1903-1918, not to mention the fact that they moved to Fenway Park in 1912. The Pirates haven't won a World Series since 1971, but they have had their place in history as well.

            

As a baseball fan, it has always perplexed me as to why it was named the "World Series" when it was merely a series between to American teams only 650 miles from each other. Not to mention the fact that both teams were comprised of white, American men. This series may have featured two of baseball's best players facing off against each other (Boston's Cy Young and Pittsburgh's Honus Wagner), but there was really no reason for the series to be classified as a World Series. However, this name has endured for more than one hundred years, so there has to be come justifications. I think there are two main aspects to consider: the internal diversities that are intrinsic in baseball today, and the implicit meanings of the word 'world'. I'll start with the former.

Baseball may have been an equating institution from a socio-economic point of view in 1903, but it certainly was not the cultural melting pot that it is today. Neither players nor spectators needed to be concerned with their economic background during the game. Anyone could play--as long as he was white. Before leading the country in the civil rights crusade, baseball was one of the most viciously racist institutions in America. Contrary to popular (and seemingly unanimous) belief, Jackie Robinson was not the first African-American to take the field. It was Moses Fleetwood Walker, who played for the short-lived American Association's Toledo Blue Stockings until his expulsion from baseball in 1887 when Cap Anson refused to play with an African American on the field. 

It is remarkable to see how far baseball has come. Despite its previous racist tendencies, baseball was the leader and catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. Jackie Robinson's courage and bravery when he took the field in 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers paved the way for not only African American players, but also players from all over the world to write their pages in the eternal textbook of baseball.

 

What would baseball be today without the legacies of Jackie Robinson stealing home 19 times, Willie Mays' famous catch in the 1954 World Series, Bob Gibson's 17 strikeouts in Game 1 of the 1968 World Series, the tragic story of Roy Campanella's paralysis, or Satchel Paige's ability to devestate hitters at the age of 60? Baseball's history would certainly be less colorful without these timeless stories.

Had baseball's color barrier not been broken, we would also lack the spice that Latin American players have brought upon baseball. No one will forget the tragic legacy of Roberto Clemente, Pedro Martinez's record setting 1999 season, or Luis Tiant's crazy windup. No one will forget watching Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer of all time, pitch, or "Manny being Manny" or David Ortiz's former knack for hitting walk-off home runs.

 Despite this internal cultural diversity, the World Baseball Classic is still more qualified to be called the World Series than the World Series is! The World Baseball Classic is what the World Series theoretically should be: a series in which two different countries play against each other. So why do we insist on calling this event the World Series? An interesting point to consider is who makes up a significant portion of the rosters for each country in the World Baseball Classic: Major League Baseball players. Many MLB players are asked by their home countries to play in the Classic, which is quite an honor for them. In effect, Major League Baseball represents many different countries, so perhaps it is justifiable to call baseball's most important series the World Series.

Take the 2009 World Series for example, the Philadelphia Phillies roster included Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Martinez, Raul Ibañez, Chan Ho Park, and Shane Victorino. The Yankees World Series roster included Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Robinson Cano, Hideki Matsui, and Joba Chamberlain. Baseball has truly evolved into a World Series, but the remarkable thing is that despite their cultural differences, each team comes together to form one, cohesive team with one, collective goal: to win the World Series.

 Another point to investigate is that perhaps Mr. Johnson and Mr. Spalding did not intend the explicit meaning of the word 'World'. When we think of the World, we think of the Earth, and all the countries, which is why it may seem that the World Baseball Classic is more qualified to be called a World Series. However, as an adjective, 'world' can denote the most important or influential thing of its class, or social interaction. The World Series is the most important series in baseball, and it certainly promotes social interaction. Every game is sold out, and everyone in attendance shares a collective love of the game. Perhaps the most important role that the World Series serves is that it unites.

 The 105^th World Series was nothing short of these characteristics. The matchup between Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia was enthralling. The matchup was more than two aces pitted against each other; it was two former teammates, and two Cy Young recipients fighting to the finish. Despite the historical stature of game one, the most captivating moment for me was when Pedro Martinez took the hill at the new Yankee Stadium. The second game of the series was the first time he had taken the hill against the Yankees in a postseason game since he did it in a Red Sox uniform in 2004. Martinez's history against the Yankees is one of the most fascinating in baseball's rich history. Martinez's 1999 season is considered by many to be the best of all time, and he won back-to-back Cy Young awards in 1999 and 2000. His mere presence provokes the Yankees and their fans alike considering that Martinez has instigated some of the most famous brawls in Red Sox vs. Yankees history. Yankee fans love to chant "Who's Your Daddy" while Martinez is on the mound, and he loves to hear it. Perhaps the most remarkable matchup was the sixth game and final game when Pedro Martinez and Andy Petite faced off. It was Martinez's 40th career start against the Yankees, and Petite's 40^th postseason start, and perhaps the final starts of each of their careers. MLB Network did this beautiful montage before Game 6 of all of the famous Pedro moments, and it was so emotional for me. There is something about Pedro's eloquence during his press conferences, and his smile as he walked off the field that continually give me chills. Watching him pitch is something that I will always cherish in my heart.

  Johnson and Spalding were both visionary men, but it is hard to imagine that they would have predicted that baseball would become as culturally diverse as it is. So why did they choose to call it the World Series? Besides the fact that it is baseball's most important series, and its constant tendency to promote social interaction and unite baseball fans everywhere, I think there is one more thing. Baseball is a world in and of itself: it is survival of the fittest (or perhaps the richest), the best team wins. There is a central governing body that makes and maintains the rules, and there are umpires delegated to keep order in the games. Each game is a battle, which is part of an intricate war to win the World Series, and during the offseason, the teams are trading their cultivated players in hopes of becoming stronger for next year's war. I think that it is perfectly justifiable to call the most important series in baseball the World Series. It's culturally diverse, it promotes social interaction, it unites, and most importantly? It sure as hell means the world to me. 

I was completely surprised that the Dodgers lost in only five games. To be honest, I didn't think they would get past the powerhouse of the Cardinals, let alone sweep them. With guys like Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Matt Holliday, and Albert Pujols, I thought that the Cardinals would have gone a lot further than they actually did. They had the caliber to be in and to win the World Series, but fate just didn't have it that way. I thought they had Game 2 (I think it was?) in the bag when there were two outs and an easy fly ball was hit to Matt Holliday, but instead of catching it to win the ball game (and perhaps instill some confidence in the Cardinals), it hit him right in the crotch. 

The Dodgers seemed to have luck on their side, and it was a 2008 NLCS re-match. The Phillies may have an emerging postseason legend in Cliff Lee and the ego-maniacal Cole Hamels whose pride from winning the World Series last season seemed to cloud his ability to pitch well, but the Dodgers have a deep lineup, a good starting five and a fabulous bullpen. I really wanted the Dodgers to advance to the World Series as well because I knew that regardless of whomever won the ALCS, the World Series would be enticing as long as the Dodgers were there. 

Had the Dodgers advanced, they would have played either the Angels or the Yankees. If it was a matchup between the Dodgers and Angels, we would have had the first "subway series" since the one in New York in 2000. This subway series would have meant that I would have been up until roughly 2 am every morning, sleepwalking my way through school. Yet the intensity that arises from a series like this is so alluring, that a lack of sleep would have been well worth it. It's almost like a civil war, and it will augment the rivalry between the two teams like nothing else can. 

Not that I would ever root for the Yankees, but if the Dodgers were representing the National League, I can't say I would have minded too much if the Yankees were to advance. It would have been Joe Torre vs Joe Girardi. The Yankee manager that was fired for his supposed inability to advance the Yankees to the World Series despite their winning four World Championships under his leadership. 

I'd like to talk about that for a second. I thought that whole scenario was completely ridiculous. I may be a Red Sox fan, but I have no problem admitting that Joe Torre is one hell of a manager. The same way that I can admit that I cheered for Derek Jeter when he surpassed Lou Gehrig, and the way that I consider Mariano Rivera a God; I consider Joe Torre a superb manager. I understand when managers are fired because their teams play miserably and are in last place, but I don't understand when managers are fired despite their team getting to the postseason. Getting to the postseason is an honor--only 8 teams out of 30 do it a year--and a manager should be honored for that (most of the time) not scolded for their team's failings. *Note: the whole Grady Little leaving Pedro in is another story*

Anyway, the Dodgers vs Yankees would have been a great matchup, and of course I would have been rooting for the Dodgers even though it hurts me to see Manny Ramirez's postseason heroics. 

Instead of dwelling over what could have been, I suppose it's best to look at what we have at hand: the Phillies advanced to the World Series, and Game 6 between the Angels and the Yankees is tonight. I don't like the Phillies. I root for the Marlins because I live in South Florida, and the Phillies are the Marlins' division rivals. I may be a bit jealous because the Phillies did what the Red Sox failed to do last year--advance to the World Series for the second year in a row (please don't hate me Phillies fans, I respect your team nonetheless). They could be the first team since the Yankees to repeat World Series victories, and the second team this decade to have two World Series victories (the first, of course, was the Red Sox). I guess it's just that having the Phillies in the World Series doesn't excite me as much as the Dodgers would have. 

Tonight, I'm rooting for the Angels--just like I have been for the entire ALCS. Although it's hard to admit, they played better baseball than the Red Sox did. I know that they are a good team, and I know that they have what it takes to beat the Yankees. It is so foreign to me to be rooting for Bobby Abreu since I've always had something against him for taking Juan Pierre's spot in the All-Star game a couple of years ago (the fact that he played for the Yankees only augmented this feeling). Torii Hunter's ego may bother me, but I know that he's a fabulous center fielder, and a great team leader. Lackey pitched his heart out in Game 5, and Mike Scoscia made a huge mistake in taking him out (for the record Scoscia is probably my least favorite manager in the Majors). Out of the teams that remain, I want the Angels to win. I want them to win it for Nick Adenhart, because that would be beyond baseball. 

The one interesting thing about having the Phillies in the World Series is that whoever wins from among the three teams that remain, that team will have two World Series victories in this decade. The Yankees won it in 2000, the Angels won it in 2002, and the Phillies won it last year. The question is, who will it be? And it is that unanswered question that keeps me watching baseball. 

At first, I masochistically sat in my room and cried. I could not believe we had lost that game. It didn't seem possible; I was so sure of a victory. Even when the Angels were right on our tails, I was thinking: "Hey, our closer is in. There are two outs and two strikes. We got this!". That thought went through my head twice. Then Vladmir Guerrero shattered that thought and replaced it with a single emotion: disbelief. 

Anyway, I felt it wasn't proper to write when I was crying simply because I could barely see the screen and plus, no one is really coherent when they're in that state of mind. Then I transitioned to anger, which blinded me for a little while because I was angry at only Jonathan Papelbon, and that's not fair. I was scapegoating him for the entire series, not just the game, and that's really not fair. 

Finally, the empty feeling pervades, and that's the one that sticks. The Red Sox season is over, and without them, well my life is kind of empty. This feeling of emptiness was accompanied with disbelief again, and heartbreak: the same old song and dance. So I feel like I've done myself, and you guys a favor by not writing about this until today. 

I tend to scapegoat a lot when the Red Sox lose. Normally, I blame myself for choosing the wrong couch cushion to sit on, or something along those lines. And what some would call "obsessive compulsive disorder" severely augments during the playoffs. 

I'm sure many of you can guess whom I decided to scapegoat during Game 1: CB Bucknor, the first base umpire--I was absolutely livid. However, regardless of how erroneous his calls were, it didn't significantly effect the outcome of the game. The offense was dead, practically immobile; we were shutout for the first time since the 1995 ALDS. Our bats simply did not show up that day, similar to the absence of our bats during the first few weeks following the All-Star break. 

I went on to blame the Yankees for choosing Wednesday night instead of Thursday night to begin their playoff crusade. Obviously, they wanted to sabotage us by giving us an extra day off so that we would be rusty. I do think that the Yankees had a similar mentality in choosing which day to begin on, but I don't think it was as intricately planned as I thought it was. Nevertheless, we were rusty. We hadn't played a game since Sunday, so there wasn't a lot of momentum going into the playoffs. Regardless of the outcome of Game 1, it is still ironic and cruel humor to have an umpire whose last name is 'Bucknor' umpiring first base. 

The beginning of Game 2 rendered me hopeful when Jacoby Ellsbury hit a triple, and Victor Martinez drove him in. That turned out to be the most amount of scoring we would be doing for that game. Another night in which the lackluster Red Sox offense barely did anything. Both Beckett and Lester had decent outings, but they were out dueled by the stellar pitching from Lackey and Weaver. 

So what was wrong with the Red Sox? We had gotten ourselves in to a do or die situation. Not completely unfamiliar territory, but not the most pleasant to be in either. What had been the remedy in the years past when the Red Sox had their backs against the wall in say 2004 or 2007? To be honest, I think players only meetings were a significant aspect in rejuvenating the team. 

As far as I know, there were no players only meetings this year. But think about who led those players only meetings in years past: Jason Varitek, our captain. It's no wonder there were no meetings this year while our captain was sitting on the bench. When Terry Francona took him out of the last game of the season to a standing ovation at Fenway Park, I did not know that it may have been the last time I would have ever seen Varitek in a Red Sox uniform. 

The Victor Martinez pickup was brilliant; it was the perfect remedy when our offense was lackluster after the All-Star break, and I think he was a major player in helping the Red Sox get to the postseason. However, it seems to me like we kicked Jason Varitek to the curb. 

I know I lobbied relentlessly for his return in the offseason, and there hasn't been a single moment this season in which I have regretted that. Sure his offensive numbers are subpar, but as I've said countless times, his mere presence on the field is invaluable. I know Victor Martinez's bat is one of the most formidable in all of Major League Baseball, but we can't just throw our captain under the bus because of his weak offensive numbers. We didn't even do that to Big Papi during his horrendous slump. 

Take a look at our pitchers' second half numbers. Guys like Josh Beckett, Ramon Ramirez, Manny Delcarmen (among others) struggled the second half of the season. By no means do I want to blame their numbers on Victor Martinez, but I do think that familiarity with a catcher has a significant impact on their numbers. With a guy like Jason Varitek, a man who calls the game like no other (who else has four no-hitters on their resume?), pitchers don't even have to think. Jason Varitek probably tells them when to breathe and when to blink, but he slowly drifted out of the picture by the end of the season. 

He didn't even see a minute of postseason action--a time when the comfort of the pitchers is essential to success. Varitek is the true leader of the Red Sox, so I wonder how the team feels when they see their captain on the bench. I'm not saying bench Victor Martinez, but I know that there is another lineup where both Varitek and Martinez are present. If we were sitting Varitek because of his lack of offense, than I think it is perfectly justifiable to sit Big Papi. 

One more thing before I progress to the truly heartbreaking game. What about respect? Did the Red Sox treat Jimmie Foxx, Carl Yastrzemski, or Jim Rice like this? I don't think so. I think we have seen Jason Varitek's last moment in a Red Sox uniform. 

***

I tried to change this up a little for Game 3. I realized that the Manny Ramirez statue I had made in seventh grade was still in my room, so I launched it into my backyard. Then, another brilliant idea crossed my mind: a hunger strike! What if I was to refuse food until the Red Sox scored? I thought that Kevin Youkilis' shot (that ended up being foul) signified my lunch, but I was wrong--and I was getting hungry. Jacoby Ellsbury's spectacular catch almost prompted me to sneak a pretzel, but I refused. Luckily, Dustin Pedroia's two RBI double allowed me to eat. I thought that the hunger strike was brilliant, and I was already planning on doing it again the next day during Game 4 when the Red Sox were still flying high on a 5-1 lead. 

I forgot Yogi Berra's famous aphorism: "It ain't over til it's over". I was so proud of my babies/projects that I forgot that Papelbon is human. Clay Buchholz blew me away in his postseason debut... the fact that he performed the way that he did as a rookie is astounding. Not to mention the fact that Daniel Bard got out of a bases loaded jam with no outs with minimal damage. 

I was so sure we had that game in the bag... just like in years past when Red Sox fans were positive that they had the game won. It was heartbreaking to watch the win slip through our fingers. It was more than just a sweep. In 2005 when the Red Sox got swept by the White Sox, they lost Game 3 3-0. But we had this game. We could have pushed it to Game 4. But as we all know, they break your heart. 

We can't just blame Jonathan Papelbon--it was the offense that failed to score runs in the first two games as well. So as Red Sox fans, we suck it up. The wound will remain open, but we blink back the tears and look forward to next season. 

The Yankees clinched the division on their home turf, against the Sox, which partially fulfills their goal of the 2009 season. With the additions of CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and AJ Burnett, many predicted that the Yankees would win the division, though everyone knew not to count the Red Sox out with what seemed like the best pitching staff in baseball at the start of the season--in fact, many predicted the Red Sox to win it. 

Clinching the division on their home turf would have been satisfying enough, but clinching against the Red Sox? That must have made it even better for them, and I turned off ESPN as soon as Jacoby Ellsbury's soft grounder to Mariano Rivera ended the ninth. 

This final season series sweep by the Yankees made the season series even. After the Red Sox won the first eight of the season, they either got swept, or lost the rest of the series. In what very well could be the American League Championship Series matchup, all Red Sox fans are hoping that we can pull it together, and make every game in that series unforgettable--all fights to the finish. And with the Red Sox and Yankees, it always is. 

I was hoping for a bit of rejuvenation against the Blue Jays. I always like going into the playoffs with lots of momentum, and I wanted to secure a spot already! No such luck Monday night. Josh Beckett was scratched from his start with mild back spasms (but he is pitching tonight, so all is well). When I first heard the story, memories flooded back to me of Spring Training 2008. I was excited to finally see Beckett pitch, because I had never seen him live before (and I still have not). He was even warming up with Jason Varitek down in left field at City of Palms Park--but he didn't make the start. Manny Delcarmen did, and Beckett started that season on the DL, and had a mediocre season according to his standards (as well as my high standards for him). Thankfully, these spasms are nothing to be concerned about. 

I was very excited to see Michael Bowden take the mound, since he is my favorite pitching prospect. To say that he didn't have the best night would be an understatement. He lasted only three innings and was tagged for seven runs. Bowden was obviously very disappointed in himself, but he made no excuses. He said that he could have been told five minutes before the game that he would be starting, and still this outcome would have remained inexcusable. I appreciate the fact that he didn't make up excuses, and I won't make up any for him either. 

The fact of the matter is though, that we can't judge September call-ups simply by their one month of play, that would be unfair. Bowden was missing his spots, and he was getting behind in counts--something that can easily be fixed. Plus, he is not used to Victor Martinez, and practice makes perfect. I would like to see him follow a path similar to Clay Buchholz--because look how effective that extra time in the minors was for him: he is going to be a starting pitcher in our playoff rotation. 

In fact, if Bowden works really hard this winter (I am not sure if he will be pitching in the Arizona Fall League), I think that he could be a legitimate contender for a spot in the starting rotation for 2010. Dustin Richardson has impressed me, and I am very excited to see more of him next year in Spring Training. He is a legitimate contender to be a project next year, as is Fernando Cabrera. I think that what we have to remember is that it is a big transition from the minors to the majors, and it would be unfair to expect anyone to flawlessly make that transition. 

The last two games against the Blue Jays weren't much better. The second game seemed like a recurring dream as Buchholz also gave up seven runs. And if it wasn't for Joey Gathright in the third game, Halladay could have no-hit the Red Sox instead of just pitching a complete game shutout. 

Speaking of Joey Gathright, I want to get to playoff rosters. We are less than a week way from what I like to consider the first day of "Soxtober". While there are many "lock-ins" for the roster, there are still some spots that are up for grabs.

I would like the starting rotation to look like this:

1. Jon Lester

2. Clay Buchholz

3. Josh Beckett

4. Daisuke Matsuzaka

I am so proud of how far Clay Buchholz has come this season. I think that he has truly earned that spot. And who knew that Dice-K would come back and pitch as well as he has? Sometimes, it is worth giving people a second chance. 

As for the bullpen, Papelbon, Wagner, Okajima, Saito, Bard (whom I refer to as 'Baby Bard' on twitter), and Ramon Ramirez should be locks. With the way that Manny Delcarmen has been pitching as of late, his spot is no longer secure. 

The possibilities for that eleventh spot could range from guys like Byrd and Wakefield, to guys like Bowden, Cabrera and Richardson. I love Tim Wakefield, but I really don't think that he is healthy enough to pitch in the playoffs. And even though the bird is the word, I don't think that Paul Byrd has been consistent enough to earn a spot on the roster. And much as I like Bowden, I don't think that he is ready for the postseason this season. Next season? I have no doubt. 

I know it may sound crazy, but I think it should be between Richardson, Cabrera and Delcarmen. 

As for position players, most of them are locked in. The main question marks are the utility infielder and the reserve outfielder. Alex Gonzalez was hit in the hand last night and he was forced to leave the game. Not good timing at all, and I think we're all praying that he is not injured. I would like to see Gonzalez as the starting shortstop with Lowrie or Woodward as the  backup. 

So the question is: Lowrie or Woodward? This one is the toughest for me to figure out since we have seen so little of both of these guys this season. The second spot to fill is the reserve outfielder, and I think that Joey Gathright has the best shot because of his speed. Think Dave Roberts, 2004 and you'll know why. 

I am working on playoff brackets this weekend, and what I think should be the roster, so I will do my best to get back to you guys by Tuesday as to who should make the roster. 

What happened Monday night against the Royals was simply unacceptable. If that was the small hiccup before the big show, than that's fine, but a solid bullpen is essential during the playoffs, and I think that Manny Delcarmen plays a very important role in our bullpen. This game was obviously not very enjoyable to watch, but it just wasn't the Red Sox's night. A bullpen, no matter how strong it is, always has a meltdown every now and then. 

As the playoffs approach, one has to start wondering what the starting rotation is going to look like, and I think it is getting more and more solidified with every quality start that Dice-K Matsuzaka makes. I think we would have a formidable four man rotation in Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, and Matsuzaka. That is the more obvious part, the more obscure part is how, if at all, Tim Wakefield would fit into the postseason roster. 

As of right now, I do not think that it would be a good idea to have him pitching into October. Every time he goes on the mound, he looks like he is in pain. Wakefield could be in the bullpen as a reserve, but I am not sure if I would put him on the roster. What would you do? 

The next night against the Royals, I almost didn't want to watch. Zack Greinke pitching against anyone is scary, but against Paul Byrd? We might as well forfeit!! Greinke didn't even have to throw a pitch and we were already behind thanks to a beyond shaky first inning by Paul Byrd. 

Greinke pitched absolutely beautifully, so beautifully that he inspired me to write a poem. In my English class, we are learning about Romantic poetry (and we are really mutilating an already dead horse). William Wordsworth described Romantic poetry and the "spontaneous overflow of feelings", so I'm pretty sure that the following poem can fit under that category: 

I am highly considering sending this to him. During the next two games, we were finally able to cool down the Royals, or at least score more runs than them. Beckett gave up 12 hits, but thanks to some well deserved run support, the Sox were able to pull through. Buchholz followed with a stellar outing, and I was getting a bit scared that the bullpen was going to meltdown again when Ram-Ram came in and gave up three runs. 

You know, there was really no better weekend for the Red Sox vs Yankees series than this one. Thanks to my lovely Jewish brothers and sisters, no homework was to be given this weekend since it is Yom Kippour. Yet somehow, I know that I still have to do stuff for English. 

Anyway, the only thing I could think about all of Friday was the game. Plans this weekend? I think not, it is the last regular season series!!! While it would not have decided the division winner if the Red Sox were to have won or swept the series (now we're the ones trying not to get swept), it would have made it a much closer race. Regardless of what happens, this could very well be the preview of the ALCS. 

1999, 2003, and 2004. There couldn't be a better matchup in postseason baseball. It is a series where all of my nails are bitten off by the end of the first inning of the first game. It is virtually impossible to multi-task and do homework. It is stressful, frustrating, exhilarating, and beautiful all at the same time. 

However, my confidence, as well as the Red Sox's confidence was nearly shattered on Friday night in the bottom of the third inning. Melky Cabrera hit a sharp line drive just above Lester's right knee cap. At first I didn't realize what had happened. I wondered how the ball had returned so suddenly to the third base line, and then I saw Lester fall to his back. Horrific memories of an immobile Matt Clement came rushing back, and the stories of Bryce Florie as well (I was not yet a baseball fan when that happened). 

I was almost as petrified as Jon Lester was. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of the potential consequences. The ball ricocheted off of what looked like his knee cap, and it did not sound pretty. It could have been a season ending second, and a season altering one. Lester was not carried off of the field, he limped into the clubhouse as the classy Yankee crowd stood for him, and he could barely make it down the stairs. 

The minutes following the accident were filled with agonizing hypothetical situations. It was impossible for me to imagine the Red Sox pitching staff without our consistent ace in Jon Lester. But when I heard the report that the x-rays were negative and that it was merely a right contusion, I truly breathed a sigh of relief. The fact that he wants to make his next start, albeit a bit unrealistically ambitious, is truly admirable. He is a soldier. The Red Sox may have lost that game, but I think we gained even more from the fact that Lester is okay, and will be able to pitch again this season. 

Yesterday's game truly embodied what each and every Red Sox vs Yankee game is all about. It exemplified the notion of a true pitcher's duel with absolutely stellar performances by both Daisuke Matsuzaka and CC Sabathia. Sabathia stymied the Red Sox offense for seven incredible innings of one hit ball. 

Daisuke Matsuzaka somehow evaded the irrevocable damage of a bases loaded situation with no outs thanks in part to an absolutely stunning play by Victor Martinez. If giving up one run over seven innings is indicative of the type of pitcher that Dice-K has turned to, then I think he truly deserves a spot in the postseason rotation. If he wants to make up for what he has missed, this is the way to do it. 

In one hour, the last regular season of the game will take place. The Yankees can clinch the division with a win, but I think I speak on behalf of all Red Sox fans in the following understatement: I don't want them to. We don't give up here. Even if Paul Byrd is pitching, we can still win. We don't go down with out one hell of a fight. Go Red Sox!! 

That's what the Red Sox did. There are a bunch of Dice-Ks that the fans, as well as the organization are familiar with. There's the 2007 Dice-K, who was synonymous with the Dice-K that the Red Sox saw and signed in Japan. There's the 2008 Dice-K, who had a nice record on paper, and even a nice ERA, but the outings were messy. Then there's the 2009 Dice-K, the one whose luck had finally run out. 

At the beginning of the season, Dice-K was considered by most, including myself, an integral part of the rotation. It was hard to imagine a starting staff without Dice-K heart attacks, as long as we got out of those situations alive. Life without Dice-K not only became imaginable, it became a reality... pretty early on during the 2009 season. 

The Red Sox took an agonizing step this season: essentially sacrificing Dice-K's expensive contract. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be when a player that is worth a lot of money isn't performing up to the standards that are expected of them (hence the reason I prefer incentive contracts). However, it's not like the Red Sox signed him for only one season--they really invested in him. I've never invested in anything really big before, so I'm probably not too qualified to speak on this, but I would think that if you invest in something, you don't just want it for short term, you want it to last a long time. 

So even if the Red Sox sacrificed Dice-K's season, perhaps it will benefit him, and in turn the Red Sox, in the long run. We could use a good Dice-K, the one we scouted in Japan, for the next couple of years. 

When I think of DIce-K's situation, I am subtly reminded of Clay Buchholz's season last year. Clay Buchholz's situation is a bit different because he had a lot of promise from his golden no-hitter in 2007, and a nice spring in 2008. He simply wasn't ready yet, so he was sent back to the minors for some extra work, and as you all can see, it has really paid off during this season. Dice-K didn't even start out on the right foot in 2009, but like Clay, he was sent down for some extra work, and thus far, it has paid off: we took a chance and rolled the dice, and the outcome was worth it. 

Taking a chance is pretty risky in September when the Red Sox are in the middle of what was a pretty tight Wild Card race. Luckily, not only did Dice-K pull through, but the rest of the offense has as well. Almost every single game, a more than sufficient amount of run support has come from a rejuvenated offense (considering everyone decided to go into a collective slump in August). 

Hopefully, this past series against the Angels is indicative of how the American League Division Series might be. Big come-from-behind rallies, and exhilarating ninth inning rallies. Sounds kind of familiar doesn't it? Especially against the Angels. You all do remember how we won that series in 2008 don't you? On a walk-off single, similar to Alex Gonzalez's of this past week. 

'Exhilarating' doesn't even begin to describe walk-off wins, it's an entire atmosphere. You're on the edge of your seat, biting your nails. Your head is pounding, and you're instructing the batter as if he can hear you. And you're hoping with all of your heart that he'll get that little hit that will bring the runner home. And when it happens, it's like Christmas morning. You gasp when the ball hits the bat, and then you jump up from your seat and start jumping around the room screaming like an idiot, but you don't even care because you are so ecstatic. 

There are some teams out there who will clinch their playoff spot early on in September. No competition, no need to really play anymore because they already made it. But what kind of mentality is that to have going into the playoffs? It may be nerve racking, but it's exciting when it goes down to the end. And I think that momentum is important when going into the playoffs. 

Before I end, I want to go back to Dice-K. When he left the mound in June, he left to a chorus of boos. Red Sox fans, and baseball fans, are ruthless, but normally, they aren't wrong when they boo a player. Dice-K deserved the boos, he didn't come into the season ready to play baseball. 

But I think that both Red Sox and baseball fans should appreciate his change in attitude, and obviously the change in the way he is pitching. Both are for the better. Dice-K wants to make up for letting his teammates and the fans down. He knows that he has a responsibility for this team, and he wants to make up for what he couldn't provide early on. So when he left to the chorus of cheers, the complete opposite, it must have been one of the best feelings he had ever had as a baseball player. 

I wonder why it is that Suzuki has only won one MVP award, even though he has had over 200 hits and batted above .300 in all nine of his Major League seasons. In a way, I think baseball fans take advantage of Ichiro's consistent skill. When do we take advantage of things in everyday life? When we know that they're always there. I for one take advantage of electricity. It is always there, I expect it to be there, and I am surprised and annoyed when it is not. Ichiro is the same way for Major League Baseball: He has been around for a while, he is always present, we expect him to be there, and I for one would be surprised and annoyed if he was not. When it comes to MVP voting, I understand that the voters look for outstanding years, it's only natural. But I think that Ichiro needs to be recognized a bit more often for an outstanding career. 

September: the grind of the baseball season. It is considered to be the time where teams really kick it into gear. They try to retain their playoff spot, or they play their hearts out for a spot. It may just be the most enjoyable month of the season. However, when people say, "these are the games that count", that kind of throws me off. Every single game counts just as much as the next one, and they all lead to the one collective goal for every single team: playoff berth. 

Nonetheless, September provides very enjoyable baseball. One of my favorite parts of it is the September call-ups. This is when my projects are called up, I get to see if my scouting reports from way back in March were right. It really warms my heart to see them out there because I know they're excited. This is their chance to prove to the speculative world of Major League Baseball that they are the future, and that they can perform in the demanding September atmosphere. They are playing a part in steering the ship into the harbor, the harbor being the playoffs. 

A couple of my projects have already been called up: Josh Reddick and Michael Bowden. I am really proud of how much Josh Reddick has progressed. I don't think he was one of the original spring training invitees, but he really proved himself when he joined the squad at the beautiful City of Palms Park. He gained confidence in his swing, and as you may have noticed, he's a great hitter. 

I know that Michael Bowden had a pretty terrible outing against the Yankees, but I think he redeemed himself in his last outing of relief. I really enjoy his delivery, and I think he will really grow as a pitcher during this month because he has so much potential. I had such a great time talking to him a few months ago, but I would love to be able to talk to him again, after this experience. 

The Red Sox start their series against the Angels tonight, and Dice-K is on the mound for the first time since June. It has been a while, and I am really hoping that all of his training has paid off. I don't know who to blame for his terrible start to the season. Certainly not the organization, I think that they were quite surprised as well. I think what happened was that Dice-K overestimated the amount of stamina he had. He had just gotten through a rigorous and demanding season with the Red Sox, which included his second year of appearing in the playoffs. However, he was not eased into the season like the rest of the pitchers were. He was thrown into the mix of yet another playoff like atmosphere. The World Baseball Classic may not seem like the playoffs for some fans, but it really is. It was not the way to go into the season. 

Dice-K has had extensive training, and the Red Sox are confident in his abilities. I'm a bit afraid that June Dice-K is going to show up and give up lots of hits and runs. I'm also afraid that 2008 Dice-K is going to show up and be like me when it comes to my homework: inefficient. I think I speak for all Red Sox fans (excluding the masochistic ones) when I say that I'm hoping for the Dice-K that the Red Sox somewhat blindly invested money on. 

After a delightful series against the Rays, I am hoping for a just as delightful one against the Angels. It is essential that the Red Sox use that positive momentum from that series, and carry it over against the Angels, who may be our opponent in the ALDS (again!). I was especially pleased with our pitching staff over the weekend, specifically back to back gems from Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. Clay has really turned it around this season, and I hope that Dice-K can follow in a similar fashion. 

Because both teams have so much history, there are many stories that have been passed down, and players that are glorified by having their numbers retired. Hate and love may be considered opposite feelings, but they are felt with similar passions. I love the Red Sox with all my heart and soul. I indulge in their history, and I revel at the accomplishments that past players have made, I watch history in the making as the present players play, and I dream of the accomplishments that future players will make. 

I hate the Yankees. I hate the fact that they lead the American League East by 9 games even though the Red Sox were in first place for the first half of the season. I hate that they are so good. I hate that they go out and buy the best players on the market every single year, and rub it in our faces, and I hate the fact that they cut the hair and shaved the beard of who used to be one of my favorite players. And when I continue to think about all of these things, I realize something: I love to hate them. 

Just because I hate the Yankees, it doesn't mean I wish they didn't exist. What fun would the AL East be if the Yankees weren't in it? The Red Sox and the Yankees need each other in order to exist in the way that they do. Baseball would not be the same if the Yankees didn't exist, it would be much, much worse. 

Furthermore, just because I hate the Yankees, that doesn't mean that I can't admire some of their players. There are many players that I dislike, such as Alex Rodriguez. But I dislike A-Rod because of how he has cheated the game. Baseball figures like Joe Dimaggio, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Bera, and so many others remind us of the beauty of baseball that is sometimes overshadowed by the scandals that are so evident today. I don't know if anyone is every going to be able to catch Dimaggio's immortal 56 game hit streak. Lou Gehrig's speech at Yankee Stadium is a classic piece of baseball history. 

The fact of the matter is, in order to be a fan of the Red Sox, you have to be a fan of baseball, and this applies for any team. Baseball is a beautiful thing. There is something very tangible and very intangible about it at the same time. Regardless of whom you root for, at the end of the day, we are all baseball fans, and that is why we should admire and respect the great players of the game who write another page in the eternal textbook of baseball. 

That is why I cheered for Derek Jeter when he tied, and broke Lou Gehrig's all-time Yankees hit record. I cheered because I love baseball, and Derek Jeter is one of prototypical players of the game. He is someone that will be remembered forever in baseball history. 

When I think about some of the goals I want to accomplish in my life, there is one that is the most important to me. I want to bring a smile to people's faces when I talk and write about baseball. I want to change the minds of those who find baseball boring, and show them how beautiful it really is. My goal is not to convert people to Red Sox fans, my goal is to convert people to baseball fans because that is the essential basis. 

Going further on this goal, I want to create a program for people with disabilities to get into baseball. I want people who are blind to be able to listen to and love the beauty of the game, and I want people who are deaf to see the beauty of the game. Our senses play such an important role in the way we experience the game, that we should give the gift of them to those who are not fortunate enough to experience the game in the same way that we do. We are lucky enough to see the beautiful ballparks, to see unbelievable plays being made, and to see the looks on players' faces when they have won the World Series. We are lucky enough to hear the crack of a baseball bat, and the roar of the crowd after a walk-off shot has been hit. We can taste the different kinds of specialties that are made at each park, and taste the hotdogs that are a staple of every park. We are able to feel the lines and dirt on the foul ball we caught. And we can smell the dirt on the baseball field, and the fresh cut grass. We should share this experience with those who are not fortunate enough

I have a few things that I want to get to on my Red Sox agenda as well. It looks like we are going to be the wildcard team, if we can hold Texas back. The Rays are not as much of a problem considering they have been in a massive slump (and they lost a huge part of their lineup in Carlos Peña). 

There are two main things that the Red Sox need to focus on right now: their starting pitching rotation, and the "best" starting lineup that they can put out there. If Josh Beckett can return to his dominant Cy Young like May-August form, that may just determine how long the Red Sox will last. He has such an impact on postseason teams when he is strong: the 2003 Marlins and the 2007 Red Sox. If Jon Lester can keep up his dominant lefty reputation, and if Clay Buchholz can remain the young phenom that he is, then a three man rotation will be fine for the playoffs. 

However, there is one main lineup thing that I have been having a bit of an issue with as of late. Ever since the brilliant acquisition of Victor Martinez, both Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell's playing time have been limited. Is it really fair that these two are the ones sitting when Big Papi is the one who isn't even batting .230 on the season? I know the impact that Big Papi has had on our recent playoff runs, and I'm not asking anyone to forget that. But if we dwell on the past and hope that it can repeat itself for too long, it may be too late to focus on the problems of the present. I think that Mike Lowell deserves to be in the lineup everyday with the way that he has been hitting since the All-Star break, which is why I would have him as the designated hitter, and have Martinez at first with Jason Varitek catching.I know that Varitek's average is worse than Big Papi's, but he has more of an impact on the game with his defense than Papi does. I think that would be the best offensive lineup that the Red Sox can put out there. 

I want to conclude this by going back to what I said before about Derek Jeter. I have told you that I cheer for him, but I want to know what you guys think. No matter who you root for, did you cheer for him, or didn't you? Why or why not? If you are a Red Sox fan, and you wouldn't cheer for him, do you think I am a bad Red Sox fan for appreciating his accomplishment? Please drop me a comment or an e-mail. 

As the season progresses, many of us have come to realize that many of our offseason acquisitions have not performed in the way that we expected them too. It may be easy to point fingers at our brilliant general manager, Theo Epstein, but before any of us do any such thing, I think it is important to experiment with empathy, travel back in time a bit, and use our imaginations. 

You are now sitting in Theo Epstein's office, sipping some Dunkin' Donuts coffee and constantly making phone calls with agents. It's late December, and you are reflecting over the 2008 season, and looking at areas where you can improve. Clay Buchholz was not quite ready for the 2008 season, so it is evident that the Red Sox need a fifth starter. It is certainly wise to consider the options of signing a high profile free agent such as CC Sabathia or AJ Burnett, but would such an acquisition truly be necessary with aces already in Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Dice-K (remember, we have no idea yet that Dice-K's season would look nothing like 2008's 18-3 record). 

Let me go on a quick tangent on Dice-K before I make any significant phone calls. On paper, his 18-3 record looks stellar, a Cy Young contender if you didn't look at how many innings he pitched per game. Dice-K got really lucky during the 2008 season. He had a knack for loading the bases with no outs, and getting out of it unscathed. In other words, he got really lucky. Sure the Red Sox may have won most of the time, but it is inefficient to have your starter go only five or six innings because he racks up his pitch count early on. Not to mention it puts a massive strain on the bullpen. I think that Dice-K's case is very similar to the "downfall" that Brad Lidge is experiencing in Philadelphia. I'm not trying to take away any credibility from his perfect season, but I think that it is a valid comparison. 

Back to the phone calls. Considering the Red Sox have four quality starters, it is unnecessary to sign a high profile free agent. It would be more wise to sign a "low risk" acquisition in a veteran pitcher that could guarantee a lot of success. The problem with signing high profile free agents is their massive contracts. What if they don't perform? What if AJ Burnett continues his injury woes, and he can't pitch effectively? 

This is why I like incentive contracts so much. Too bad they are mainly used with these low risk acquisitions, and when I think of these, I tend to think of veteran players who are coming back from injuries or bad seasons who are looking for another chance. Obviously, signing them is a gamble, but it could turn out to be very beneficial. And regardless of their contributions on the field, I think that their contributions equate that or even surpass it. Having a veteran voice in the clubhouse for the younger players to talk to is always an advantage. 

In psychology, we learned a bit about 'hindsight biases', which basically means that when we look back on events, many of the consequences seem much more obvious than they actually were at the time. Think about who we signed. 

John Smoltz is obviously a Hall of Fame pitcher, who had a great twenty year career with the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, his stint with the Red Sox did not work out, but was it really a bad signing? No. Would I have done it? Yes. Another thing to remember about this deal was that it was very similar to the deal that Curt Schilling signed for 2008. Neither of them worked out, but the incentives for signing them were valid. Plus, if Randy Johnson is still pitching, why can't they? 

Another offseason acquisition that didn't work out: Brad Penny. The same theory applied when signing him, but his history isn't as convincing. However, it was only but 2007 that he came in second for the NL Cy Young. His 2008 season was anything but spectacular, but given an incentive laden contract, there is the opportunity for success. And if they incentives aren't met? No big deal in the big picture. Penny was released, and both he and the Red Sox are moving on. 

Some have been disappointed with Rocco Baldelli also because he has spent a considerable amount of time on the Disabled List. Granted it's a bit disappointing, but it's not like we expected him to play every single day because we were well aware of his channelopathy disorder. The reason for acquiring him was so that he could be a valuable player coming off the bench. 

In other words, I just think that these offseason acquisitions are very justifiable even if they didn't work out. But now instead of looking at the offseason acquisitions, I'd like to look at our most recent acquisition: Billy Wagner. 

This trade reminded me a lot of the Eric Gagne one of 2007, a trade that I absolutely hated because I didn't want to part with Kason Gabbard (luckily, we have him back now). However, I am much more open to this Billy Wagner acquisition because our bullpen band could really use an extra hand, the chorus is sounding a little shabby. 

Oh, and the bullpen could use some help too. After Justin Masterson left, it kind of threw off the bullpen in my opinion. We were calling a bunch of guys up from Pawtucket who simply weren't ready yet. I think that this acquisition solidifies the bullpen and gives us a more definite notion of an eighth inning set up man. In a way, it will be redefining everyone's role. 

I am very excited for September call ups--I am very anxious to see who will be up. I am really hoping that Michael Bowden gets another chance. I really don't think that we can judge him on that poor outing against the Yankees. I am also very interested to see what is going to go on with who will be catching Tim Wakefield, because I think that Victor Martinez did a very solid job the other night. And if V-Mart can do the job, what use is George Kottaras? 

I wish I had been a more active blogger during the trade deadline, and the days following it, but I was in Maine, removed from electronics and mlb.tv and just appreciating nature. However, there was a radio that was available, and every night we would sit in the living room and listen to the Red Sox. It was such a different perspective for me, because I have always been provided with the luxury of watching baseball on TV, on a computer, or my favorite location: in person. I really loved listening to it on the radio, it was a different way of seeing... or maybe hearing baseball. 

So the trade deadline came and went, and if you remember my last entry (which was quite a while ago), I thought that it would be best if the Red Sox had just quietly backed out of the trade deadline, and make do with what they have. Retrospectively, the trades that were made, most importantly the Victor Martinez one, was quite necessary. I had said that shortstop and catcher were our weakest positions, and we have vastly improved that situation (mainly the catcher one). 

The problem for me was that I was very hesitant to give away any of our star prospects, but all-star catchers like Victor Martinez don't come cheap. In order to improve a weaker aspect of the team, we had to take from probably our strongest aspect of the team: the bullpen. It was hard to part with Justin Masterson because I saw so much potential in him, but I think that in order for a team to be good, they need to be proportional. 

The Red Sox had a stellar, almost impeccable bullpen, but the offense was slumping and not scoring runs. A bullpen cannot be effective if it does not have runs to protect. Thus, the Red Sox were disproportional in that sense. Without Justin Masterson, our bullpen is without a doubt weakened. Masterson was a guy that could go many innings when our starters didn't do their jobs; he could thrive in the starting rotation as well. Is our bullpen still legitimate? Absolutely. Is our starting rotation still legitimate? Absolutely. Is our offense improved? Yes, and that is exactly what we needed. 

That expression: "We hardly knew ya" can seriously apply to the Adam LaRoche situation, but I am satisfied with the solid defensive abilities of Casey Kotchman. It seems that the Red Sox have an abundance of first basemen now considering that Victor Martinez is a man of may occupations and can play first base. This makes Terry Francona's job as a manager a bit more difficult, and the lineup is not as predictable as it used to be. It means that some players' playing time will be less, and not everyone may be happy with that. Guys like Kevin Youkilis pout when they have the day off, and he'd rather play left field than sit on the bench. As a baseball fan, I think you have to love that mentality that a player wants to help his team every single day, even if you don't like Kevin Youkilis' personality. 

I think that one of the biggest questions the Red Sox face will come when Tim Wakefield returns from the disabled list. I have not fully educated myself on Victor Martinez's capabilities, but I am wondering if he is educated in the art of catching a knuckleball. I am not a very big George Kottaras fan because for me, his only use is the fact that he can catch Tim Wakefield (and not that well), and his offensive abilities are mediocre at best. If Victor Martinez can catch a knuckleball, then I think George Kottaras is no longer needed. 

I like the acquisition of Alex Gonzalez as a defensive shortstop since Jed Lowrie is on the disabled list. It's funny how there have been a turn of events since the start of the season: the Red Sox went from having three shortstops to one. It's nice to see Gonzalez back in a Red Sox uniform since he was a wonderful defensive shortstop in 2006. A question that will come soon is: What will be the next move when Jed Lowrie returns? 

Going back to the pitching situation, I found out that John Smoltz was designated for assignment while I was on my trip. I have a lot of respect for John Smoltz, and what he has done over the course of his career. It is unfortunate that he didn't do what the Red Sox hoped he would. I think that the acquisition during the offseason was a very wise one. It was very similar to what the Red Sox hoped Curt Schilling would have done in 2008. Unfortunately, neither of them worked out, but the incentives for signing them were obvious. 

I haven't forgotten about Dice-K either, and the comments that he issued about the Red Sox pitching procedures. I don't think that he was right, but I'm going to go for a little empathy here. He was phenomenal when he was in Japan, and he was very good his first two years with the Red Sox. There is obviously some gray areas when it comes to training. Dice-K has his way, and the Red Sox have their way. Dice-K should have trained better for the 2009 season, the World Baseball Classic was not the way to go because technically, that is the true World Series, and it has a playoff atmosphere. Dice-K didn't have the more lax spring training that others went through. He went from the 2008 playoffs to pre-season 2009 playoffs. I think that he has to accept responsibility for that, and conform (for now) to what the Red Sox want him to do. 

By the way, while I was on my trip I was lucky enough to have some baseball experiences. I have some analyses on the Portland Sea Dogs to share with you, and some great pictures from the Baseball Hall of Fame.