Who doesn't love some bling?(graphics8.nytimes.com)
Finally, I'm now able to sit down and give my complete attention to the 2nd part of this 2004 vs. 2007 comparison piece, just 17 before pitchers and catchers (trying to keep from flying through the roof!). It should help me recover from that painful loss against the Lakers, a loss that showed once again that these Celts aren't able to play a complete 4 quarters, especially in that all-important 4th quarter. Nevermind the Celts losing 11 of the last 17, last nights Grammys have me questioning again why I even get roped into watching these award shows. I find that it's usually the opportunity for these academies to award either the flavor of the moment (Taylor Swift), or some veteran artist/group who didn't win in their heyday and the powers that be decide to give them a few trophies in consolation (Steely Dan in 2001). All I have to say is when Taylor Swift accepted Kanye's apology, she should have written a 'thank you' to go along with that. After the "Interruption Heard 'Round The World", she has seen sales of her album (Fearless, actually released in Nov. 2008) skyrocket almost exponentially, upgraded from a Jonas Brother to one of them vampire dudes, has hosted Saturday Night Live and pretty much has wrestled away the 'America's Sweetheart' title from Jennifer Aniston. I still think that Kanye was a complete moron not only for the interruption, but for calling Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' video the best of all-time (still befuddled on that one). However, as much as America may hate me for saying it, I can't stand Taylor Swift. I compare her to those super sweet Smarties candies that are so highly concentrated with sugar that you only need one before you start getting sick. Maybe it's because I can't relate to her music, or maybe I don't get how everyone has started to overrate her post "Kanye-gate" simply because they feel sorry for her, but I just can't stomach her recent popularity. But beware for the backlash, my friends. I'm not saying this because I have a recent grudge on Swift's popularity, but it happens to everyone that famous, especially in this TMZ world. Pardon me for making predictions for the next year, but my bold, somewhat out there prediction for 2011 will be that she will be involved in the scandal of the year. No one stays spotless in a world desperate for celebrity hidden skeletons, and with media outlets more than willing to find the dirt. Plus, remember the days when Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan were innocent? And we all know what happened to the image of the once squeaky-clean El Tigre. Now that I have spewed my venom, let me warm my heart with some Sox championship talk,......and I thought I wouldn't have a substantial intro for this piece. Enjoy, ladies and gents!
Left Fielder
The real achievement is what he's growing on his head.(assets.espn.go.com)
2004: Manny Ramirez (43 HR, 130 RBI, .308 Avg, .397 OBP, .613 SLG)
Ah, yes. The ferocious Manny in his prime, the Manny pre-female fertility fame. He, along with Big Papi, were easily the most feared duo in the majors in 2004 as they were the 1st duo to hit 40 homers, drive in 100 runs and hit over .300 since Ruth and Gehrig in 1931, while going yard back-to-back a record-tying 6 times. Manny not only led the league in homers, but also led the league in OPS (1.009), which helped earn him third place overall in the AL MVP voting ahead of fellow paisano and teammate Ortiz to go with a Silver Slugger. But arguably his most illustrious accomplishment was winning the World Series MVP, which was marked by a .412 average and tying the record for the longest postseason hit streak at 17 games. Overall, Manny hit a respectable .350 on the postseason with 2 homers and 11 RBI. Not bad, considering he didn't drive in one run the ALCS. This will also be the year in which he not only had had his best temper in a Sox uni, but he sort of came out of his shell a bit more in '04, elevating the "Manny being Manny" persona to new heights. With all the accolades and everything else, 2004 was arguably Manny's best all-around season as a pro, and he once drove in 165 in a previous season! This is the Manny I truly miss.
Ah, yes. The ferocious Manny in his prime, the Manny pre-female fertility fame. He, along with Big Papi, were easily the most feared duo in the majors in 2004 as they were the 1st duo to hit 40 homers, drive in 100 runs and hit over .300 since Ruth and Gehrig in 1931, while going yard back-to-back a record-tying 6 times. Manny not only led the league in homers, but also led the league in OPS (1.009), which helped earn him third place overall in the AL MVP voting ahead of fellow paisano and teammate Ortiz to go with a Silver Slugger. But arguably his most illustrious accomplishment was winning the World Series MVP, which was marked by a .412 average and tying the record for the longest postseason hit streak at 17 games. Overall, Manny hit a respectable .350 on the postseason with 2 homers and 11 RBI. Not bad, considering he didn't drive in one run the ALCS. This will also be the year in which he not only had had his best temper in a Sox uni, but he sort of came out of his shell a bit more in '04, elevating the "Manny being Manny" persona to new heights. With all the accolades and everything else, 2004 was arguably Manny's best all-around season as a pro, and he once drove in 165 in a previous season! This is the Manny I truly miss.
Now there's one 'bad' man!(cache.boston.com)
2007: Manny Ramirez (20 HR, 88 RBI, .296 Avg, .388 OBP, .493 SLG)
A strained oblique (or so we think) became the governor to his usually stellar 30, 100, .300 campaigns that he normally puts up, but Manny was still the most feared right-handed slugger this side of Albert Pujols when he did step up in the box. Just ask Fransisco Rodriguez. He did make his 11th All-Star game in '07, and he very well would have accomplished those automatic numbers if he hadn't missed 29 games in 2007. Sure, Manny is known for his offensive prowess, no doubt, but he led all AL left fielders in fielding percentage (.990) and was 5th amongst major league left fielders in assists (8), but I can't say all of that prevent the near heart attack I got on every pop-up in Colorado during the World Series. In the second season, he proved to be as dominant as ever, hitting .348 with 4 homers and 16 RBI to go along with a .524 on-base percentage. This would also be the postseason in which he broke Bernie Williams's total postseason homerun record, furthering his place as one of the most feared postseason sluggers of all-time. On the whole, it definitely wasn't 2004 in direct comparison, but Manny proved to the world the he was still a 'bad man'.
Winner: Have to go with Manny in 2004, a year in which he arguably could have won an AL MVP to accompany his World Series MVP on the shelf in his den. However, I would still have 2007 strained oblique Manny in my 2010 lineup any day, for he would probably be the best hitter in the entire team. Don't worry 2010 Sox, I still have faith in ya (for now)! ADVANTAGE: 2004
A strained oblique (or so we think) became the governor to his usually stellar 30, 100, .300 campaigns that he normally puts up, but Manny was still the most feared right-handed slugger this side of Albert Pujols when he did step up in the box. Just ask Fransisco Rodriguez. He did make his 11th All-Star game in '07, and he very well would have accomplished those automatic numbers if he hadn't missed 29 games in 2007. Sure, Manny is known for his offensive prowess, no doubt, but he led all AL left fielders in fielding percentage (.990) and was 5th amongst major league left fielders in assists (8), but I can't say all of that prevent the near heart attack I got on every pop-up in Colorado during the World Series. In the second season, he proved to be as dominant as ever, hitting .348 with 4 homers and 16 RBI to go along with a .524 on-base percentage. This would also be the postseason in which he broke Bernie Williams's total postseason homerun record, furthering his place as one of the most feared postseason sluggers of all-time. On the whole, it definitely wasn't 2004 in direct comparison, but Manny proved to the world the he was still a 'bad man'.
Winner: Have to go with Manny in 2004, a year in which he arguably could have won an AL MVP to accompany his World Series MVP on the shelf in his den. However, I would still have 2007 strained oblique Manny in my 2010 lineup any day, for he would probably be the best hitter in the entire team. Don't worry 2010 Sox, I still have faith in ya (for now)! ADVANTAGE: 2004
Center Field
As for breaking curses, a caveman can do it.(i.a.cnn.net)
2004: Johnny Damon (20 HR, 94 RBI, .304 Avg, .380 OBP, .477 SLG)
2004 will be the year known by Sox fans as the year in which Jesus played center field at Fenway, and I think that even the Lord's son would appreciated the show Johnny Damon put on. In 2004, Damon established himself as one of the premier lead-off hitters and defensive center fielders in the big leagues. Becoming only the 4th lead-off hitter to drive in 90+ runs was good for starters. He hit 20 homers from the top spot and was 2nd in the league in runs scored (123), proving he was one of the most important catalysts in any lineup. Garnering just as many headlines was the extra fuzz on his mug coming into Spring Training, which looked like he just came from an audition for the movie, 'Passion of the Christ'. His caveman look was a hit for the team, who followed along with their own crazy beards and hair styles, as well as the fans who crowded the ballpark armed with their own ridiculous wig and fake beard combos to cheer on number 18. His catalytic importance was further proven in the postseason, where after an abysmal start in the ALCS, he definitely finished with a splash with his 2 homers (including a grand slam) in Game 7 against the Yankees to complete Boston's improbable comeback. He kept hitting after that, and provided the proverbial final nail in the coffin with his lead-off homer in Game 4 of the World Series against the Cardinals. Damon's performance and his hair made him a favorite amongst the Faithful, and a leader amongst the 'Idiots'. Now it looks like he will be applauded for it once again.
Finally, a center fielder that makes me reminisce of chocolate cereal!(mlb.mlb.com)
2007: Coco Crisp (6 HR, 60 RBI, .268 Avg, .330 OBP, .382 SLG)
You are probably calling for Ellsbury on this spot, but you have to remember that it was Coco Crisp who predominantly manned center field for the Sox in 2007, and he didn't do a bad job. Sure his offense left a little to be desired, considering he was signed to the tall task of taking over Johnny Damon's role on the club. When he was on base however, he was a threat on the base paths, stealing 28 bags (2nd on the team), adding an element to a mighty, but different Red Sox offense. Plus, how could I forget that game-tying triple off Rivera early in the season, or his 1st multi-homer game of his career against the Braves? But even if you're just a casual Sox fan, you know that it was his defense that earned him his paychecks (1 E in 416 chances). Crisp made some of the most spectacular, stupefying and clutch grabs, solidifying him as one of the best defensive center fielders in the game if not the best. Defensively, he easily surpassed Damon, and I thought it was a shame he didn't win a Gold Glove in his time at Boston. Just to think we almost lost his Gold Glove-caliber defense because Mariner Moose almost ran him over with an ATV. Even though Coco struggled so mightily in the postseason that he was replaced inevitably by the flashy Ellsbury, his catch-and-crash final out of the ALCS will always be one of the iconic images of a triumphant 2007 season for the Sox. Whether it was his name or his acrobatic defense, the fans were crazy for Coco in 2007!
Winner: Although Coco Crisp dominates in the defensive category and in the name category, Damon gets the nod here. Like Crisp, Johnny put his body on the line out there like no one else, and combined with his offensive skills was the premier lead-off guy that year, even over the likes of Ichiro. Sometimes, 'idiots' do triumph! ADVANTAGE: 2004
You are probably calling for Ellsbury on this spot, but you have to remember that it was Coco Crisp who predominantly manned center field for the Sox in 2007, and he didn't do a bad job. Sure his offense left a little to be desired, considering he was signed to the tall task of taking over Johnny Damon's role on the club. When he was on base however, he was a threat on the base paths, stealing 28 bags (2nd on the team), adding an element to a mighty, but different Red Sox offense. Plus, how could I forget that game-tying triple off Rivera early in the season, or his 1st multi-homer game of his career against the Braves? But even if you're just a casual Sox fan, you know that it was his defense that earned him his paychecks (1 E in 416 chances). Crisp made some of the most spectacular, stupefying and clutch grabs, solidifying him as one of the best defensive center fielders in the game if not the best. Defensively, he easily surpassed Damon, and I thought it was a shame he didn't win a Gold Glove in his time at Boston. Just to think we almost lost his Gold Glove-caliber defense because Mariner Moose almost ran him over with an ATV. Even though Coco struggled so mightily in the postseason that he was replaced inevitably by the flashy Ellsbury, his catch-and-crash final out of the ALCS will always be one of the iconic images of a triumphant 2007 season for the Sox. Whether it was his name or his acrobatic defense, the fans were crazy for Coco in 2007!
Winner: Although Coco Crisp dominates in the defensive category and in the name category, Damon gets the nod here. Like Crisp, Johnny put his body on the line out there like no one else, and combined with his offensive skills was the premier lead-off guy that year, even over the likes of Ichiro. Sometimes, 'idiots' do triumph! ADVANTAGE: 2004
Right Field
Dictionary image for the word, 'grit'.(i.cnn.net)
2004: Trot Nixon (6 HR, 23 RBI, .315 Avg, .377 OBP, .510 SLG)
Somewhat controversial in a way, considering he only started 36 games in right field. This should be a spot reserved for Gabe Kapler, who started 59 games in right and played almost 3 times as many games as Trot did in '04. But when Nixon recovered from his thigh and back ailments, there was no question who was going to man that tricky right field of Fenway. In a team known for hairstyles and pranks, Nixon personified the guts of the 2004 team, not just for coming back from some tough injuries, but for the way he would risk the health of his body and the cleanliness of his jersey to win a ballgame. Even though I thought he was slightly over-hyped, you can't help but respect someone who would do whatever to win, and we wouldn't have won that elusive championship without that spirit. He played a smart right field in a ballpark where it's necessary (1 E in 306 chances), while proving to be a great complimentary piece on offense with his penchant for fastballs. Trot definitely proved his worth in the postseason, especially in the World Series where he hit .357 and clubbed 3 doubles with 2 insurance RBIs in the final game of the World Series in St. Louis. Nixon's 'dirt dog' attitude will remain within the minds Sox fans long after his dirty hat disintegrates.
It's like he just won $70 million.(redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com)
2007: J.D. Drew (11 HR, 64 RBI, .270 Avg, .373 OBP, .423 SLG)
What a roller coaster 2007 was for J.D. Drew, but thankfully it didn't end up in a complete drop. Of course, a ton of expectations naturally come with a 5 year, $70 million dollar deal that was delayed almost 2 months due to the editing of language to protect the organization of a disastrous right shoulder injury. You can also consider it a baffling deal for many, considering he was injury prone and was the anti-Trot Nixon in terms of intensity. Despite a hamstring injury and missing time due to a health scare with his son, Drew played 140 games, which is the most games he has played in a Sox uniform. However in those games, he proved inconsistent, forcing me and many others to call him 'Nancy' among other names that I won't bother writing. On the other hand, Drew didn't completely shoot us in the foot in right field (5 E in 220 chances) and proved to be a steady presence on the bases, thus sort of defending Theo's decision to give him a boat load of money, but just sort of. Not only was he a part of the 4 consecutive homeruns against the Chase Wright and the Yankees, he is the only player in MLB history to be part of two back-to-back-to-back-to-back sessions, his previous occasion being with the Dodgers (being the 2nd shot in both). His season-saving highlight was his 1st inning grand slam in Game 6 of the ALCS against Trot Nixon and the Indians on the three year anniversary of the Sox completion of the greatest comeback in history (You know what that is!) and was a huge boost in another amazing ALCS comeback by the Sox. It was a feel-good moment in a rough season for Drew and up to that point, a rough postseason. In the end, he finished the ALCS with a .360 average and batted .333 in the World Series, earning his salary, at least for 2007. At least for now, I'm actually yelling, "Dreeeeeeeeew"!
Winner: Both are no Dewey Evans, but that's asking for a lot. This is another tough one to measure up only because I think both players left a lot to be desired despite some highlights. In the end, I give a slight edge to J.D. Drew here, only because he played enough of a sample of games to size up his performance. Like I said in the Trot Nixon section, the right field position could have easily gone to Kapler or even Kevin Millar, who started 53 games at right in 2004. Sometimes, being there is half the battle, and you have to applaud Drew for even doing that. ADVANTAGE: 2007
What a roller coaster 2007 was for J.D. Drew, but thankfully it didn't end up in a complete drop. Of course, a ton of expectations naturally come with a 5 year, $70 million dollar deal that was delayed almost 2 months due to the editing of language to protect the organization of a disastrous right shoulder injury. You can also consider it a baffling deal for many, considering he was injury prone and was the anti-Trot Nixon in terms of intensity. Despite a hamstring injury and missing time due to a health scare with his son, Drew played 140 games, which is the most games he has played in a Sox uniform. However in those games, he proved inconsistent, forcing me and many others to call him 'Nancy' among other names that I won't bother writing. On the other hand, Drew didn't completely shoot us in the foot in right field (5 E in 220 chances) and proved to be a steady presence on the bases, thus sort of defending Theo's decision to give him a boat load of money, but just sort of. Not only was he a part of the 4 consecutive homeruns against the Chase Wright and the Yankees, he is the only player in MLB history to be part of two back-to-back-to-back-to-back sessions, his previous occasion being with the Dodgers (being the 2nd shot in both). His season-saving highlight was his 1st inning grand slam in Game 6 of the ALCS against Trot Nixon and the Indians on the three year anniversary of the Sox completion of the greatest comeback in history (You know what that is!) and was a huge boost in another amazing ALCS comeback by the Sox. It was a feel-good moment in a rough season for Drew and up to that point, a rough postseason. In the end, he finished the ALCS with a .360 average and batted .333 in the World Series, earning his salary, at least for 2007. At least for now, I'm actually yelling, "Dreeeeeeeeew"!
Winner: Both are no Dewey Evans, but that's asking for a lot. This is another tough one to measure up only because I think both players left a lot to be desired despite some highlights. In the end, I give a slight edge to J.D. Drew here, only because he played enough of a sample of games to size up his performance. Like I said in the Trot Nixon section, the right field position could have easily gone to Kapler or even Kevin Millar, who started 53 games at right in 2004. Sometimes, being there is half the battle, and you have to applaud Drew for even doing that. ADVANTAGE: 2007
Designated Hitter
A pose worth staying up till 1 in the morning for.(top-10-list.org)
2004: David Ortiz (41 HR, 139 RBI, .301 Avg, .380 OBP, .603 SLG)
If 2003 was his coming out party, 2004 proved that Papi was going to be the life of the party for several more years. Pretty much everything has been said about Ortiz and his 2004, from the playoff walk-offs to the opposite field homers to his ever-present joy that made the 2004 Red Sox so much fun to watch. With his shots over the monster and his jovial nature, Big Papi became the new face of the franchise and a city in one bound. Nevermind being the power that rivaled the offensively minded Sox teams of the past, the combined production in the middle with Manny was historic. Ortiz finished 4th in the AL MVP voting, received his first trip to the All-Star Game (in which he homered), his first Silver Slugger and won the most-deserved LCS MVP ever handed out (.387, 3 HR, 11 RBI), helped out by his playing a pivotal role with his team facing elimination in Games 4 and 5. Overall in the playoffs, he hit .400 with 5 homers and 19 RBI with 3 walk-off hits, while not only proving his status as one of most respected hitters in the game, but one of the most clutch hitters as well. Sure there was Damon's hair, Manny being Manny and Pedro's Jheri curl, but Papi is still considered the most iconic piece to that 2004 championship puzzle.
If 2003 was his coming out party, 2004 proved that Papi was going to be the life of the party for several more years. Pretty much everything has been said about Ortiz and his 2004, from the playoff walk-offs to the opposite field homers to his ever-present joy that made the 2004 Red Sox so much fun to watch. With his shots over the monster and his jovial nature, Big Papi became the new face of the franchise and a city in one bound. Nevermind being the power that rivaled the offensively minded Sox teams of the past, the combined production in the middle with Manny was historic. Ortiz finished 4th in the AL MVP voting, received his first trip to the All-Star Game (in which he homered), his first Silver Slugger and won the most-deserved LCS MVP ever handed out (.387, 3 HR, 11 RBI), helped out by his playing a pivotal role with his team facing elimination in Games 4 and 5. Overall in the playoffs, he hit .400 with 5 homers and 19 RBI with 3 walk-off hits, while not only proving his status as one of most respected hitters in the game, but one of the most clutch hitters as well. Sure there was Damon's hair, Manny being Manny and Pedro's Jheri curl, but Papi is still considered the most iconic piece to that 2004 championship puzzle.
Eye wear = Experienced winner(2.bp.blogspot.com)
2007: David Ortiz (35 HR, 117 RBI, .332 Avg, .445 OBP, .621 SLG)
Winner: As good as the two Papis were, 2004 Papi has to be the winner for being not only the best player out of all the players on both championship teams, but for being the most iconic player on a team and a city that finally got to celebrate a World Series victory for the first time since the Woodrow Wilson administration, and humiliated the Yankees doing it! ADVANTAGE: 2004
This was a Papi that changed into more of a pull hitter after his record setting 2006 season. This was a Papi that showed he was 3 years older, but he also established that he was still a threatening presence. Injuries to his knees, shoulders and quads turned down his power and clutchness a smidge, but it didn't stop Ortiz from contributing in a major way to the 2007 offensive attack. Like 2004, Ortiz earned an All-Star appearance, a Silver Slugger and was 4th in the AL MVP race. He recorded the highest batting average of his career, while leading the league in walks (111), on-base percentage and extra base-hits (88). The postseason proved no different, hitting a whopping .714 with 2 HRs and 6 walks in the ALDS against the Angels and hit .370 with 3 homers and 10 RBI in October, showing once again he was still a force to be reckoned with. However, this was the year which provided a hint of foreshadowing to a possible decline in health and performance. At the end of the day, you couldn't complain in 2007 that he was on the way down, especially because he was still an important factor in why the Red Sox were on top.
Winner: As good as the two Papis were, 2004 Papi has to be the winner for being not only the best player out of all the players on both championship teams, but for being the most iconic player on a team and a city that finally got to celebrate a World Series victory for the first time since the Woodrow Wilson administration, and humiliated the Yankees doing it! ADVANTAGE: 2004
Pitchers, benches/call-ups, and the final verdict on Part 3!(cache.boston.com)
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