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lets reflect on the past first Andy...

I know Pedroia has been the team's best hitter this year. But he still is the #2 guy, not batting 3rd or cleanup. He ABSOLUTELY should have been bunting in the 8th inning. Force the Rays to either walk Ortiz (they would not have) or pitch to him where a slow harmless roller could get one run in.

Obviously they needed two to tie. can't get two unless you first get one.

With Lowell out, bench seemed incredibly weak. No offense to pull from with the reluctance to use the Mayor.

Can't blame Crisp for his slide but wow, he has to be blamed...it was in front of him. He was beginning slide before ball even shows up. Has to go for bag. Gave an out away.

This team went too far for what they are/have.

I agree, major renovation is in order but I don't see it happening to the extent it needs to.

Lugo, Varitek, the entire bench all SHOULD go but nobody will take Lugo, Varitek will be back (no viable replacement)and the rest of the cast is probably here again or similar types.

They need a #4 hitter, Youk is a good #5 or #6 type hitter, very good in fact. With no surgery for Ortiz (??) he could break down again. Lowell looks old and will be coming off surgery.

I think they are in trouble next year...

Andy,

Have to tell you that as old and dinged up as the Sox were this year, it was amazing they made it this far. Grit - they made it on grit and decent pitching. Nice job - see you next year either in the Bronx or Boston.

And the Rays are a very young and talented team. They may be "around" for quite a few years to come.

blmeanie, I think they are in trouble if they do nothing, but I am sure they will do something. Obviuosly the hope is they won't have to hang on to Lugo AND his contract. They done it before and will sell him for pennies on the dollar rather than just have him hang around.

Clearly Boston made 2 mistakes with Lugo, 1.) They overpaid him and 2.) underestimated when Jed Lowrie would be ready. Lowrie isn't a bonafide anything yet, but he played as well or better than Lugo did in 2008, especially in the field.

But my guess is they send Lugo packing while paying a bunch of the deal.

That doesn't solve 2009, but I think we will see some activity.

after reading the continuous quote machine that is David Ortiz, I predict he will be traded in the offseason.

Bold? Perhaps but his constant quotes about how it could have been different, how Manny was missed, blah blah blah is tiring already.

Perhaps you state the obvious but if Manny were protecting you in the lineup would you have him .170 instead of .150? Geesh, accept what you didn't contribute and either prepare to be healthier next year or accept you will be moved as the most recent malcontent.

Right, Youkilis didn't exactly stink in the 4th spot. You know, .959 OPS, 115 RBI.

I think Ortiz is back, without question. I do worry about his happiness from the standpoint that if he isn't happy, will he be bad.

There are a bunch of under-currents with this year's team and the make-up of the squad and rumors about Red Sox management towards certain players and where they come from. I didn't delve into it b/c I didn't investigate it at all, but that worries me too.