So close, you can almost taste the champagne.
(cache.boston.com)
So it's down to the final stretch of my analysis ('04 team up 5-4 if you're counting) of who was the better Sox championship team of the last decade. I have to be honest, these entries are truly revving me up for the upcoming season and have me a little more optimistic about the team we're fielding this year. The rising anticipation is also accelerated with the Bruins' recent flop-fest (have won 1 of their last 11), and the Celtics, who are too old to play a full 4 quarters, displayed by their blowing of countless double-digit leads against teams they must beat. Forget Groundhog Day, my spring indicator is coming on Friday when the equipment truck makes its voyage to Fort Myers, preceding the inevitable reporting of the hometown team's first preparations on sun-soaked fields, marking the official start of the spring for baseball nuts like myself. But until then, I have this last part of my championship comparison amongst a ferocious wind chill, and snowfall forecasted for the near future. J.D. Drew's inevitable hamstring injury can't come quick enough! Anyhoo, here are the final statements and verdict.
Starting Rotation
The official logo for the '04 Sox starters.
(i2.cdn.turner.com)
2004 (over 50 IP):
Curt Schilling: (21-6, 3.26 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 203 K, 226 2/3 IP, 32 GS)
Pedro Martinez: (16-9, 3.90 ERA, 1.17 ERA, 227 K, 217 IP, 33 GS)
Derek Lowe: (14-12, 5.42 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 105 K, 182 2/3 IP, 33 GS)
Tim Wakefield: (12-10, 4.87 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 116 K, 188 1/3 IP, 30 GS)
Bronson Arroyo: (10-9, 4.03 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 142 K, 178 2/3 IP, 29 GS)
Curt Schilling: (21-6, 3.26 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 203 K, 226 2/3 IP, 32 GS)
Pedro Martinez: (16-9, 3.90 ERA, 1.17 ERA, 227 K, 217 IP, 33 GS)
Derek Lowe: (14-12, 5.42 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 105 K, 182 2/3 IP, 33 GS)
Tim Wakefield: (12-10, 4.87 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 116 K, 188 1/3 IP, 30 GS)
Bronson Arroyo: (10-9, 4.03 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 142 K, 178 2/3 IP, 29 GS)
Undoubtedly a vital part of the profile turnaround of a franchise that historically favored sluggers that aimed for Landsdowne Street. And it all started with the most famous Thanksgiving acquisition of all-time in Schilling (2nd in Cy Young voting), who with the best K/BB ratio in the AL (5.8) and his league best 21 victories, helped anchor the Sox staff throughout the season. It was his postseason achievements however, that entered him into Red Sox lore with his three victories, including two with a sock that matched his team's moniker. He teamed up with Pedro Martinez (4th in AL Cy Young voting) to make the most formidable 1-2 punch of any pitching staff in '04. While it wasn't '99 Pedro, he was good enough to get his 8th 200+ K of his career, and fought off a horrible September (2-4, 4.95 ERA) to obtain two October wins, including a World Series masterpiece in Game 3 in which he struck out 6, allowed no runs and retired the last 14 Cardinals he faced. Arguably the best story from the rotation was Derek Lowe, who was so marred with so much inconsistency during the season that he was banished to the bullpen for the playoffs. All he did was become the first pitcher the win all three clinching games, earning himself a 3-0 record with a 1.86 ERA in the postseason and was as big of a factor in bringing the World Series trophy through Boston with a Rolling Rally Parade. The most outstanding attribute of this staff was its ability to stay healthy, with the main five making all but 5 starts (Abe Alvarez (1), Pedro Astacio (1), Byung-Hyun Kim (3) with the others). The importance of this staff was truly highlighted in the World Series where in Games 2 through 4, Schilling, Martinez and Lowe allowed 0 ER and 4 BB in 20 IP while shutting down the mighty bats of Rolen, Edmonds and Sanders to a 1/39 clip through the 4 games. The 2004 starting rotation, a staff that boasted 5 double-digit winners, was a signal of the direction of philosophy with how these new Red Sox were going to win games in the future.
A man who knows the way come the postseason.
(cache.boston.com)
2007 (over 50 IP):
Josh Beckett: (20-7, 3.27 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 194 K, 200 2/3 IP, 30 GS)
Curt Schilling: (9-8, 3.87 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 101 K, 151 IP, 24 GS)
Daisuke Matsuzaka: (15-12, 4.40 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 201 K, 204 2/3 IP, 32 GS)
Tim Wakefield: (17-12, 4.76 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 110 K, 189 IP, 31 GS)
Julian Tavarez: (7-11, 5.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 77 K, 134 2/3 IP, 23 GS)
Jon Lester: (4-0, 4.57 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 50 K, 63 IP, 11 GS)
Although showing a different look, the influence of the '07 starting rotation definitely wasn't underestimated, leading a pitching corps that had the lowest ERA in the American League. One facet to that new look was the arrival of Japanese phenom Daisuke Matsuzaka, who came with a lot of buzz to go along with a $103 million price tag. The Dice Man actually was a solid pitcher in his first few months and the bigs, and probably was at one point one of the best pitchers in the AL (1.59 ERA in June). In the end, he led all rookies in wins and in strikeouts while winning 2 games in his first postseason despite late season struggles. '07 showed that you had to recognize the veterans too, for Tim Wakefield took a drink from the fountain of youth and tied a career high in wins (17). A nagging shoulder injury however, would ultimately leave him out of the World Series roster. Enter, Jon Lester, who came back from cancer to not only win the clinching game of the World Series, but showed the nation a strong character that would one day help him become an elite pitcher. And even though this old ace's stuff was down a couple ticks, you can't ignore Schilling's impact. The 2004 hero's season was hampered by a tired shoulder, but he came 1 batter shy of recording his 1st no hitter, while racking up another three postseason wins (11-2, 2.23 ERA overall). The latter win became significant for he was the 2nd pitcher to win a World Series game over the age of 40, and it would end up being the last game of his career, all under a standing ovation. But everyone knows that 2007 was all about Beckett, who had a '04 Schilling-type season, finishing 2nd for the AL Cy Young while resurrecting his place as one of the most dominant pitchers in the game by establishing his secondary stuff. His out-of-this-world postseason is what the fans will remember when he pitched to the tune of a 4-0 record with a 1.25 ERA, 35 strikeouts in 30 IP while only issuing 2 free passes and winning the ALCS MVP for his pivotal role in helping the Sox come back from a 1-3 deficit. The fact that the team got 7 quality starts from the enigmatic Julian Tavarez showed that the 2007 staff had the depth to get an innings eater when options seemed limited.
Winner: I find it amazing that the 2004 staff only missed 5 starts, and like I said in the right fielder comparison, being there is half the battle. Even though I believe the 2004 staff had the better 1-2, it is the 2007 staff's depth that proved more versatile, and according to the statistics, had the solid numbers to back it up. As you will find out later in the piece, the true depth goes deeper than those 6 listed above. ADVANTAGE: 2007
Josh Beckett: (20-7, 3.27 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 194 K, 200 2/3 IP, 30 GS)
Curt Schilling: (9-8, 3.87 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 101 K, 151 IP, 24 GS)
Daisuke Matsuzaka: (15-12, 4.40 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 201 K, 204 2/3 IP, 32 GS)
Tim Wakefield: (17-12, 4.76 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 110 K, 189 IP, 31 GS)
Julian Tavarez: (7-11, 5.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 77 K, 134 2/3 IP, 23 GS)
Jon Lester: (4-0, 4.57 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 50 K, 63 IP, 11 GS)
Although showing a different look, the influence of the '07 starting rotation definitely wasn't underestimated, leading a pitching corps that had the lowest ERA in the American League. One facet to that new look was the arrival of Japanese phenom Daisuke Matsuzaka, who came with a lot of buzz to go along with a $103 million price tag. The Dice Man actually was a solid pitcher in his first few months and the bigs, and probably was at one point one of the best pitchers in the AL (1.59 ERA in June). In the end, he led all rookies in wins and in strikeouts while winning 2 games in his first postseason despite late season struggles. '07 showed that you had to recognize the veterans too, for Tim Wakefield took a drink from the fountain of youth and tied a career high in wins (17). A nagging shoulder injury however, would ultimately leave him out of the World Series roster. Enter, Jon Lester, who came back from cancer to not only win the clinching game of the World Series, but showed the nation a strong character that would one day help him become an elite pitcher. And even though this old ace's stuff was down a couple ticks, you can't ignore Schilling's impact. The 2004 hero's season was hampered by a tired shoulder, but he came 1 batter shy of recording his 1st no hitter, while racking up another three postseason wins (11-2, 2.23 ERA overall). The latter win became significant for he was the 2nd pitcher to win a World Series game over the age of 40, and it would end up being the last game of his career, all under a standing ovation. But everyone knows that 2007 was all about Beckett, who had a '04 Schilling-type season, finishing 2nd for the AL Cy Young while resurrecting his place as one of the most dominant pitchers in the game by establishing his secondary stuff. His out-of-this-world postseason is what the fans will remember when he pitched to the tune of a 4-0 record with a 1.25 ERA, 35 strikeouts in 30 IP while only issuing 2 free passes and winning the ALCS MVP for his pivotal role in helping the Sox come back from a 1-3 deficit. The fact that the team got 7 quality starts from the enigmatic Julian Tavarez showed that the 2007 staff had the depth to get an innings eater when options seemed limited.
Winner: I find it amazing that the 2004 staff only missed 5 starts, and like I said in the right fielder comparison, being there is half the battle. Even though I believe the 2004 staff had the better 1-2, it is the 2007 staff's depth that proved more versatile, and according to the statistics, had the solid numbers to back it up. As you will find out later in the piece, the true depth goes deeper than those 6 listed above. ADVANTAGE: 2007
Bullpen
Simple as Foulke.
(cache.boston.com)
2004: Playoff Roster and Others
Mike Myers (5-1, 4.64 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 32 K, 42 2/3 IP, 75 GP)
Ramiro Mendoza (2-1, 3.52 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 13 K, 30 2/3 IP, 27 GP)
Alan Embree (2-2, 4.13 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 37 K, 52 1/3 IP, 71 GP)
Mike Timlin (5-4, 4.13 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 56 K, 76 1/3 IP, 76 GP, 1 SV)
Scott Williamson (0-1, 1.26 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 28 K, 28 2/3 IP, 28 GP, 1 SV)
Curt Leskanic (3-5, 5.19 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 37 K, 43 1/3 IP, 51 GP, 4 SV)
Terry Adams (2-0, 6.00 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 21 K, 27 IP, 19 GP)
Keith Foulke (5-3, 2.17 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 79 K, 83 IP, 72 GP, 32 SV)
The 2004 bullpen unit may have not been the the most acclaimed during the season, but they definitely pulled their weight. It all started with the other big acquisition of the '03-'04 offseason in Keith Foulke, who not only provided the Sox a go-to guy in the bullpen (which was run by "committee" the year previous), but the comfort that they were handing the ball off to one of the elite stoppers in the league. Foulke was backed up by reliable set-up men Mike Timlin and lefty Alan Embree, who combined with Foulke, tallied 219 appearances amongst them. It was in the postseason that the bullpen shifted into another gear, especially after overcoming a 13-run shellacking in that 19-8 Game 3 in the ALCS. For the rest of the ALCS, the bullpen allowed only 4 runs in 19 2/3 IP (1.83 ERA), including a 13 2/3 inning scoreless run though the marathons of Games 4 and 5. The bullpen unit impressed in the Series as well, allowing 4 ER in 12 1/3 innings and being a huge reason why the Red Sox didn't trail at any point during the 4 games. Like with the rest of the team, there were so many unsung performances. For instance, Curtis Leskanic (3.58 ERA with Sox), who allowed 3 ER in 1/3 of an inning in Game 3, pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball in Game 4 that would not only give him the win, but would end up being the final appearance of his career. The bullpen even benefited from cameo roles, evidenced by Wakefield's bullpen-saving effort in Game 4 and his 3 scoreless innings in Game 5 while pitching to Varitek, who caught only 2 2/3 innings of knuckleballs all year. But it all goes back to Foulke, for throughout the entire postseason, he threw in 11 of the 14 games, threw 257 pitches in 14 innings, and recorded 19 Ks while only allowing 1 earned run throughout the entire month of October, and was the man who made the assist in the most memorable out recorded in the history of the Red Sox. While staying in the background of the heroics of Ortiz and Damon, the '04 'pen proved that they weren't just ordinary fo(u)lk(e).
Mike Myers (5-1, 4.64 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 32 K, 42 2/3 IP, 75 GP)
Ramiro Mendoza (2-1, 3.52 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 13 K, 30 2/3 IP, 27 GP)
Alan Embree (2-2, 4.13 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 37 K, 52 1/3 IP, 71 GP)
Mike Timlin (5-4, 4.13 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 56 K, 76 1/3 IP, 76 GP, 1 SV)
Scott Williamson (0-1, 1.26 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 28 K, 28 2/3 IP, 28 GP, 1 SV)
Curt Leskanic (3-5, 5.19 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 37 K, 43 1/3 IP, 51 GP, 4 SV)
Terry Adams (2-0, 6.00 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 21 K, 27 IP, 19 GP)
Keith Foulke (5-3, 2.17 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 79 K, 83 IP, 72 GP, 32 SV)
The 2004 bullpen unit may have not been the the most acclaimed during the season, but they definitely pulled their weight. It all started with the other big acquisition of the '03-'04 offseason in Keith Foulke, who not only provided the Sox a go-to guy in the bullpen (which was run by "committee" the year previous), but the comfort that they were handing the ball off to one of the elite stoppers in the league. Foulke was backed up by reliable set-up men Mike Timlin and lefty Alan Embree, who combined with Foulke, tallied 219 appearances amongst them. It was in the postseason that the bullpen shifted into another gear, especially after overcoming a 13-run shellacking in that 19-8 Game 3 in the ALCS. For the rest of the ALCS, the bullpen allowed only 4 runs in 19 2/3 IP (1.83 ERA), including a 13 2/3 inning scoreless run though the marathons of Games 4 and 5. The bullpen unit impressed in the Series as well, allowing 4 ER in 12 1/3 innings and being a huge reason why the Red Sox didn't trail at any point during the 4 games. Like with the rest of the team, there were so many unsung performances. For instance, Curtis Leskanic (3.58 ERA with Sox), who allowed 3 ER in 1/3 of an inning in Game 3, pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball in Game 4 that would not only give him the win, but would end up being the final appearance of his career. The bullpen even benefited from cameo roles, evidenced by Wakefield's bullpen-saving effort in Game 4 and his 3 scoreless innings in Game 5 while pitching to Varitek, who caught only 2 2/3 innings of knuckleballs all year. But it all goes back to Foulke, for throughout the entire postseason, he threw in 11 of the 14 games, threw 257 pitches in 14 innings, and recorded 19 Ks while only allowing 1 earned run throughout the entire month of October, and was the man who made the assist in the most memorable out recorded in the history of the Red Sox. While staying in the background of the heroics of Ortiz and Damon, the '04 'pen proved that they weren't just ordinary fo(u)lk(e).
Luckily, he pitches better than....whatever that is.
(fotr.mlblogs.com)
2007: Playoff Roster and Others
Javier Lopez (2-1, 3.10 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 26 K, 40 2/3 IP, 61 GP)
Kyle Snyder (2-3, 3.81 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 41 K, 54 1/3 IP, 46 GP)
Manny Delcarmen (0-0, 2.05 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 41 K, 44 IP, 44 GP, 1 SV)
Mike Timlin (2-1, 3.42 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 31 K, 55 1/3 IP, 50 GP, 1 SV)
Joel Pineiro (7-5, 4.33 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 60 K, 97 2/3 IP, 42 GP)
Eric Gagne (4-2, 3.81 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 51 K, 52 IP, 54 GP, 16 SV)
Brendan Donnelly (2-1, 3.05 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 15 K, 20 2/3 IP, 27 GP)
J.C. Romero (2-2, 1.92 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 42 K, 56 1/3 IP, 74 GP, 1 SV)
Hideki Okajima (3-2, 2.22 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 63 K, 69 IP, 66 GP, 5 SV)
Jonathan Papelbon (1-3, 1.85 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 84 K, 58 1/3 IP, 59 GP, 35 SV)
Javier Lopez (2-1, 3.10 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 26 K, 40 2/3 IP, 61 GP)
Kyle Snyder (2-3, 3.81 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 41 K, 54 1/3 IP, 46 GP)
Manny Delcarmen (0-0, 2.05 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 41 K, 44 IP, 44 GP, 1 SV)
Mike Timlin (2-1, 3.42 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 31 K, 55 1/3 IP, 50 GP, 1 SV)
Joel Pineiro (7-5, 4.33 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 60 K, 97 2/3 IP, 42 GP)
Eric Gagne (4-2, 3.81 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 51 K, 52 IP, 54 GP, 16 SV)
Brendan Donnelly (2-1, 3.05 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 15 K, 20 2/3 IP, 27 GP)
J.C. Romero (2-2, 1.92 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 42 K, 56 1/3 IP, 74 GP, 1 SV)
Hideki Okajima (3-2, 2.22 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 63 K, 69 IP, 66 GP, 5 SV)
Jonathan Papelbon (1-3, 1.85 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 84 K, 58 1/3 IP, 59 GP, 35 SV)
The 2007 Sox bullpen were as dominant as you could get, and kept in rhythm on the mound like they were with their makeshift instruments in the 'pen. It was built with solid contributors, like Mike Timlin (a.k.a, captain of the "Black Pearl"), who at 41 years young recorded a lower ERA than he had in '04, while throwing a plus sinker that still made him a reliable option. Then there was Manny Delcarmen, who struggled a bit in the playoffs (8.31 ERA), but had the stuff and the numbers in the regular season to show that he could be a formidable presence in the 7th or 8th inning. The '07 bullpen didn't come without surprises. While Dice-K got all the attention coming from abroad, it was Hideki Okajima who emerged as the more dominant of the two, emerging as an All-Star set-up man from the get go with his quirky no-look delivery and his "okie-doke" screwball. If Okie was the ying, Eric Gagne was definitely the yang of the equation. After being acquired by Boston at the trading deadline, Gagne (a.k.a., Gag-me) had a 6.75 ERA with the Sox and removed all hopes of a 2 closer bullpen, while making me lose faith in pitchers who wear goggle-like eye wear. But the constant was our lord of the dance in Jonathan Papelbon, who followed his dominant 2006 with a 2007 of equal prowess, and it didn't stop at the regular season. Like Foulke in 2004, Papelbon had a dominant postseason, throwing 10 2/3 scoreless innings, beginning a streak that lasted until 2009 on a day I just don't wanna talk about. Like the 2004 bullpen, the '07 pen seemed to step it up a notch in the playoffs especially when facing elimination. After being down 3 games to 1 against the Indians, the bullpen didn't allow a run for the rest of the ALCS, and earned an ERA of 2.14 for the rest of the second season. The overall postseason would have microscopic if it wasn't for the complete meltdown in Game 2 of the ALCS where they allowed 7 runs in the 11th inning of a 13-6 beatdown, which seems to be a running theme for the Sox, even in the next year when Tampa trounced the Sox 13-4 before almost pulling off another amazing LCS comeback. Thanks to the work of the '07 pen, everyone got to dance in the end.
Winner: 2007 gets the victory here. The Papeljima show was just so dominant, while like the rest of the team, proved that homegrown talent can thrive immediately in the Boston spotlight. The 2007 Red Sox had the best ERA in the AL pitching in the AL East, and that bullpen deserves a ton of credit for the overall dominance of the pitching corps. ADVANTAGE: 2007
Bench/Call Ups/Others
Winner: 2007 gets the victory here. The Papeljima show was just so dominant, while like the rest of the team, proved that homegrown talent can thrive immediately in the Boston spotlight. The 2007 Red Sox had the best ERA in the AL pitching in the AL East, and that bullpen deserves a ton of credit for the overall dominance of the pitching corps. ADVANTAGE: 2007
Just inches away from changing history.
(3.bp.blogspot.com)
2004:
Pokey Reese (3 HR, 29 RBI, .221 Avg, .271 OBP, .303 SLG)
Doug Mientkiewicz (6 HR, 35 RBI, .238 Avg, .326 OBP, .350 SLG)
Doug Mirabelli (9 HR, 32 RBI, .281 Avg, .368 OBP, .525 SLG)
Gabe Kapler (6 HR, 33 RBI, .272 Avg, .311 OBP, .390 SLG)
Dave Roberts (4 HR, 35 RBI, .254 Avg, .337 OBP, .379 SLG)
David McCarty (4 HR, 17 RBI, .258 Avg, .327 OBP, .404 SLG)
Kevin Youkilis (7 HR, 35 RBI, .260 Avg, .367 OBP, .413 SLG)
Nomar Garciaparra (9 HR, 41 RBI, .308 Avg, .365 OBP, .477 SLG)
Lenny DiNardo (0-0, 4.23 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 21 K, 27 2/3 IP, 22 GP)
Many discard the benches when they analyze the overall health of the team, but usually the best teams have contributors from 1 to 25. The 2004 Sox were a true testament to that belief, and it goes deeper than the 3 2/3 innings that McCarty provided from the mound. For one, it was actually Gabe Kapler who was the mainstay in right field with 59 games started while taming Fenway's right field effectively. Then there is Mirabelli, who caught 186 of Wake's 188 1/3 knuckleballing innings during the season, while providing some extra pop at the plate every 5th day. 2004 also marked the debut of some Youkilis guy, who homered in his first game and was an admirable fill-in when Mueller was recovering from having his knees being under the knife. The bench also showcased some defensive specialists as well. Who can forget Pokey Reese, who provided flashy speed and was an artist with the leather in the middle infield positions, not to mention that game against the Royals in which he clubbed an inside-the-park and an outside-the-park homer May 8th against the Royals. But we all know the trading deadline acquisitions that defined the year, the bench and the franchise. It was the infamous three-way Nomar deal in which we got first baseman and defensive whiz Doug Mientkiewicz from Minnesota (who we were playing that day). In that same afternoon, a speedster from the Dodgers by the name of Dave Roberts was shipped to Boston and would be the protagonist in the reversal of fortune for the Sox in the ALCS with his 9th inning steal on Mariano Rivera. With a full tool set in reserve for every game, not to mention a future franchise corner infielder in the making, the '04 Sox proved that they were in every contest no matter who was to answer the call.
Doug Mientkiewicz (6 HR, 35 RBI, .238 Avg, .326 OBP, .350 SLG)
Doug Mirabelli (9 HR, 32 RBI, .281 Avg, .368 OBP, .525 SLG)
Gabe Kapler (6 HR, 33 RBI, .272 Avg, .311 OBP, .390 SLG)
Dave Roberts (4 HR, 35 RBI, .254 Avg, .337 OBP, .379 SLG)
David McCarty (4 HR, 17 RBI, .258 Avg, .327 OBP, .404 SLG)
Kevin Youkilis (7 HR, 35 RBI, .260 Avg, .367 OBP, .413 SLG)
Nomar Garciaparra (9 HR, 41 RBI, .308 Avg, .365 OBP, .477 SLG)
Lenny DiNardo (0-0, 4.23 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 21 K, 27 2/3 IP, 22 GP)
Many discard the benches when they analyze the overall health of the team, but usually the best teams have contributors from 1 to 25. The 2004 Sox were a true testament to that belief, and it goes deeper than the 3 2/3 innings that McCarty provided from the mound. For one, it was actually Gabe Kapler who was the mainstay in right field with 59 games started while taming Fenway's right field effectively. Then there is Mirabelli, who caught 186 of Wake's 188 1/3 knuckleballing innings during the season, while providing some extra pop at the plate every 5th day. 2004 also marked the debut of some Youkilis guy, who homered in his first game and was an admirable fill-in when Mueller was recovering from having his knees being under the knife. The bench also showcased some defensive specialists as well. Who can forget Pokey Reese, who provided flashy speed and was an artist with the leather in the middle infield positions, not to mention that game against the Royals in which he clubbed an inside-the-park and an outside-the-park homer May 8th against the Royals. But we all know the trading deadline acquisitions that defined the year, the bench and the franchise. It was the infamous three-way Nomar deal in which we got first baseman and defensive whiz Doug Mientkiewicz from Minnesota (who we were playing that day). In that same afternoon, a speedster from the Dodgers by the name of Dave Roberts was shipped to Boston and would be the protagonist in the reversal of fortune for the Sox in the ALCS with his 9th inning steal on Mariano Rivera. With a full tool set in reserve for every game, not to mention a future franchise corner infielder in the making, the '04 Sox proved that they were in every contest no matter who was to answer the call.
Don't blink! The future might run past ya!
(i.a.cnn.net)
2007:
Eric Hinske (6 HR, 21 RBI, .204 Avg, .317 OBP, .398 SLG)
Doug Mirabelli (5 HR, 16 RBI, .202 Avg, .278 OBP, .360 SLG)
Doug Mirabelli (5 HR, 16 RBI, .202 Avg, .278 OBP, .360 SLG)
Alex Cora (3 HR, 18 RBI, .246 Avg, .298 OBP, .386 SLG)
Bobby Kielty (1 HR, 12 RBI, .218 Avg, .287 OBP, .287 SLG)
Jacoby Ellsbury (3 HR, 18 RBI, .353 Avg, .394 OBP, .509 SLG)
Clay Buchholz (3-1, 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 22 K , 22 2/3 IP, GS)
Kason Gabbard (6-1, 4.65 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 55 K, 81 1/3 IP, 15 GS)
Wily Mo Pena (13 HR, 39 RBI, .253 Avg, .319 OBP, .439 SLG)
The 2007 reserves, like the team in 2004, had a solid cast of seasoned veterans that were easily to rely upon when the need came. Doug Mirabelli was the only returning cast member from the 2004 reserves, and while he declined at the plate a smidge, he wasn't a slouch when it came to catching Wakefield's dancing knuckler. Players like Eric Hinske, a former Rookie of the Year with the Blue Jays, was no exception in his reliability. Just ask the fans who saw the May 17th game vs. the Tigers when we made an unbelievable face-plant catch to keep the game scoreless, then hit the go-ahead homer two innings later. Then there was Alex Cora, who was the epitome of a skilled utility player who always came prepared and did the little things that never went under appreciated by the Boston faithful. Hell, the fans were calling for him to get the job at second when Pedroia was hitting .172 early in the season. Last, but not least in this group was Bobby Kielty, who played with as much intensity as his hair was red, while providing what proved to be the deciding homer in the World Series clincher on the only pitch he saw in the entire series. As good as the seasoned vets were, the defining characteristic of the 2007 team was the youth movement. Lefty Kason Gabbard, a May call-up, tossed a 3-hit, complete game shutout against the Royals in a mid-July game against the Royals, which apparently was good enough to get traded for 2 months of futility known as the Gagne project. You can't forget to mention Clay Buchholz, who in his second start on Sept. 1st, no-hit the Orioles, and thus making his profile known in an instant around the majors as the next potential young phenom (or my favorite piece of trade bait). The most important piece was Jacoby Ellsbury, who literally raced into relevance with his lethal speed and his game-breaking abilities that would change the Sox offensive attack. The World Series ended up being his coming out party, with his 3 doubles and 4 hits in Game 3 and his .438 average, helping him gain some serious national recognition while giving hope to the fans that he would be Damon's outright successor as the lead-off man and center fielder of the future. Overall, the 2007 extras displayed why the Sox were a force to be reckoned with in the present, as well as mirrored the potential success of the future of Red Sox baseball.
Winner: I think if it was just purely the bench, the edge would tip to the 2004 team, considering it had two guys who were starters in their previous team (Mientkiewicz, Roberts), a guy who was practically a starter for them during the season (Kapler), and a better Mirabelli. However, 2007 proved that prospects can play a fundamental role in a championship team, and the Sox had youth in abundance who could walk on the diamond and contribute immediately. You can't deny that the performances of Buchholz and Gabbard helped prove that the 07 Sox's rotation depth was deeper than that of the '04, who to be honest really needed to have all 5 healthy for them to be successful that year with what was available in the farm. In regards to the offense, replacing Crisp for Ellsbury was a logical decision even at the time because Ellsbury's catalytic potential was much higher. Plus out of the two teams, '07 demonstrates the only example of a changing of the guard not just for the current lineup, but for the future of the team, showing how influential a role that the youth movement plays for the new Red Sox. ADVANTAGE: 2007
Bobby Kielty (1 HR, 12 RBI, .218 Avg, .287 OBP, .287 SLG)
Jacoby Ellsbury (3 HR, 18 RBI, .353 Avg, .394 OBP, .509 SLG)
Clay Buchholz (3-1, 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 22 K , 22 2/3 IP, GS)
Kason Gabbard (6-1, 4.65 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 55 K, 81 1/3 IP, 15 GS)
Wily Mo Pena (13 HR, 39 RBI, .253 Avg, .319 OBP, .439 SLG)
The 2007 reserves, like the team in 2004, had a solid cast of seasoned veterans that were easily to rely upon when the need came. Doug Mirabelli was the only returning cast member from the 2004 reserves, and while he declined at the plate a smidge, he wasn't a slouch when it came to catching Wakefield's dancing knuckler. Players like Eric Hinske, a former Rookie of the Year with the Blue Jays, was no exception in his reliability. Just ask the fans who saw the May 17th game vs. the Tigers when we made an unbelievable face-plant catch to keep the game scoreless, then hit the go-ahead homer two innings later. Then there was Alex Cora, who was the epitome of a skilled utility player who always came prepared and did the little things that never went under appreciated by the Boston faithful. Hell, the fans were calling for him to get the job at second when Pedroia was hitting .172 early in the season. Last, but not least in this group was Bobby Kielty, who played with as much intensity as his hair was red, while providing what proved to be the deciding homer in the World Series clincher on the only pitch he saw in the entire series. As good as the seasoned vets were, the defining characteristic of the 2007 team was the youth movement. Lefty Kason Gabbard, a May call-up, tossed a 3-hit, complete game shutout against the Royals in a mid-July game against the Royals, which apparently was good enough to get traded for 2 months of futility known as the Gagne project. You can't forget to mention Clay Buchholz, who in his second start on Sept. 1st, no-hit the Orioles, and thus making his profile known in an instant around the majors as the next potential young phenom (or my favorite piece of trade bait). The most important piece was Jacoby Ellsbury, who literally raced into relevance with his lethal speed and his game-breaking abilities that would change the Sox offensive attack. The World Series ended up being his coming out party, with his 3 doubles and 4 hits in Game 3 and his .438 average, helping him gain some serious national recognition while giving hope to the fans that he would be Damon's outright successor as the lead-off man and center fielder of the future. Overall, the 2007 extras displayed why the Sox were a force to be reckoned with in the present, as well as mirrored the potential success of the future of Red Sox baseball.
Winner: I think if it was just purely the bench, the edge would tip to the 2004 team, considering it had two guys who were starters in their previous team (Mientkiewicz, Roberts), a guy who was practically a starter for them during the season (Kapler), and a better Mirabelli. However, 2007 proved that prospects can play a fundamental role in a championship team, and the Sox had youth in abundance who could walk on the diamond and contribute immediately. You can't deny that the performances of Buchholz and Gabbard helped prove that the 07 Sox's rotation depth was deeper than that of the '04, who to be honest really needed to have all 5 healthy for them to be successful that year with what was available in the farm. In regards to the offense, replacing Crisp for Ellsbury was a logical decision even at the time because Ellsbury's catalytic potential was much higher. Plus out of the two teams, '07 demonstrates the only example of a changing of the guard not just for the current lineup, but for the future of the team, showing how influential a role that the youth movement plays for the new Red Sox. ADVANTAGE: 2007
The Ultimate Champion
ADVANTAGE: 2007!!!!!!!!!
(tfc.rwbcs.com)
Man, this is tearing me up. This is almost like picking your favorite kid! The tough part for me about picking between the two teams before was the power of context, but let's just say that these last three categories were definitely the difference maker in my final decision. The weight of expectations on that 2004 team was tremendous, with the 86 year drought plus having to face a deficit in the LCS that had never been overcome before against their bitter rival that always overcame their advances. Not only did they triumph in the ALCS, they went on to dominate by winning 8 straight games against 2 historically great teams that had won 100 + games in '04 (New York: 101, St. Louis: 105) with mega-lineups. Would the 2007 team be able to pull off this feat? I think with the mixture of highly-skilled veteran players and dynamic young talent, I think the 2007 team would not only beat the '04 Yanks, but would have had an easier time due to better overall pitching and team depth (not to mention a 7-5 category advantage). You also can't discount the heart of the 2007 team, who had to come back from a 1-3 gap against a team that had 2 Cy Young Award candidates, which was arguably harder than against a Yankee team that didn't have a 15-game winner on their staff and an aging bullpen that noticeably hit a wall. 2004 looked like a team built more for the short term, a team built to win that magical one title that would change the profile of the franchise. 2007 was built with the blueprint of the way the future Sox teams were going to be assembled, which included a number of young impact players. As Spring Training approaches, I'm hoping that this blueprint will engineer something resembling our team entering Government Square in amphibious vehicles, with a certain trophy in hand.
Only 4 days till Truck Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click Here For Part 1
Click Here For Part 2
Before I Peace: Colt Killers
(sports.yahoo.com)
It's one of those moments where I feel so ecstatic to be proven wrong! And who would have known that it all turned around on an onside kick......in the third quarter! Congrats to the Saints and the city of New Orleans for a 31-17 Super Bowl victory over my personal football nemesis known as the Indianapolis Colts in Miami in front of the largest TV audience in history. You have to give huge props to a team that beat Warner, Favre and Manning to earn the franchise's first title in its 43 year history. It's even more outstanding for a city that has gone through over four years of rebuilding their city and their spirits following Hurricane Katrina, only to finally to see their beloved black and gold hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Also a big congrats to to Drew Brees, who won on the turf of the team that chose Daunte Culpepper over him almost 4 years back, while giving New Orleans a superb reason to extend what's already gonna be a crazy Mardi Gras. Seeing Peyton picked in the 4th quarter, the underdog team overcoming the odds, and Megan Fox in a bathtub, it truly was a Merry Man's Christmas!
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