Starting the season with a new manager, a questionable pitching rotation and a group of relatively unknowns the Boston Red Sox achieved much more than anyone dreamed. Picked by exactly no one to win anything. This group of "character" guys proved clutch all year long. Resilant to any type of distraction or turmoil. A team of undeniable destiny. The 2013 Red Sox club proved all the so called experts wrong and are now champions of the world.
Surprise, surprise, surprise. Perhaps should be the team's championship t-shirt slogan.
Surprise as in Mike Carp. A scrap heap outfielder who proved to be money what it mattered most. Time after time.
Surprise as in Jon Lackey. Yes that same Jon Lackey. The guy that all of Red Sox nation just a year ago was pleased, actually thrilled when he went down for the year. Yet in 2013 he was arguable Boston's most reliable arm.
Surprise as in Kohji Uehara. Just when it seemed that no one could close a game in Boston Uehara became lights out. Unhittable at times. Statistically the best closer down the stretch.
Surprise as in this team in general. Just two season's removed from the memorable September collapse. One season after Bobby Valentine lost the whole clubhouse. The start of this season the local 9 struggled to get the attention of it's own city. Boston paid more attention to it's hockey team and some guy named Hernandez. Even the biggest Sox fan grimaced at the start of the new year. Left with the bad taste of seasons past. Critic's and journalist could not wait to chastise this bunch. Now, months later. The Boston Red Sox are the talk of the world. Beat writers and national columnist rejoice. Already comparisons are being made to the 2001 Pats.
Surprise as in Mike Carp. A scrap heap outfielder who proved to be money what it mattered most. Time after time.
Surprise as in Jon Lackey. Yes that same Jon Lackey. The guy that all of Red Sox nation just a year ago was pleased, actually thrilled when he went down for the year. Yet in 2013 he was arguable Boston's most reliable arm.
Surprise as in Kohji Uehara. Just when it seemed that no one could close a game in Boston Uehara became lights out. Unhittable at times. Statistically the best closer down the stretch.
Surprise as in this team in general. Just two season's removed from the memorable September collapse. One season after Bobby Valentine lost the whole clubhouse. The start of this season the local 9 struggled to get the attention of it's own city. Boston paid more attention to it's hockey team and some guy named Hernandez. Even the biggest Sox fan grimaced at the start of the new year. Left with the bad taste of seasons past. Critic's and journalist could not wait to chastise this bunch. Now, months later. The Boston Red Sox are the talk of the world. Beat writers and national columnist rejoice. Already comparisons are being made to the 2001 Pats.
The only people who may not be surprised are the members of the Sox and it's front office. Clearly a plan was in place. It was executed to perfection. Add a little luck a splash of tenacity and will and presto. A vision come to life. A once again World Series champion organization.
