Only the First Step: What an incredible ALCS. I am not a huge Boston fan, but living here, you cannot help but get sucked in. The entire city is crazy for the Red Sox. And when you combine that with an historic collapse by the hated Yankees, could you ask for anything better?
Now, let's hope that the Red Sox do not take their eye off the real prize. Beating the Yankees is nice, but this has not "reversed the curse." Only a World Series title can completely erase the Bambino from Boston baseball lore. Last year, the Yankees survived an incredible 7-game series only to come up short in the World Series to the Marlins. Both the Cardinals and the Astros are great teams that want the World Series just as much as the Red Sox.
Terry Francona cannot afford to make bone-headed decisions, like bringing in Pedro to pitch when (1) Lowe was improving as the game went along, with the 6th inning being his best by far; (2) Pedro was pitching on one day's rest; (3) the move got the crowd back into the game; and (4) Boston had a seven run lead. In my mind, you do not bring a starter into a game in relief, which is an unfamiliar situation, unless you are desperate. With a seven-run lead and a starter that is cruising, you are not desperate. But thankfully, Francona will live down his decision,
unlike Torre's decisions to start Kevin Brown or bring in Vasquez to face Damon.
There are a number of great stories to read. The New York Times says that this series
actually lived up to the hype, with the
future uncertain for the Yankees. The Boston Globe asked:
was this redemption for all previous defeats? And many just cannot believe it: the Red Sox, who have disappointed their fans for so long,
finally came through.
But remember, there are still 4 more wins to go.
