It wasn't supposed to end like this.
The storybook comeback that began in the 7th inning of Game 5 was supposed to be capped by a brilliant Jon Lester performance in the clinching Game 7 victory at Tampa Bay. Except no one gave Matt Garza and the Rays the script.
While Lester pitched well enough to win, the Rays were able to get to him for three runs after the 3rd inning and that was all they would need because the Sox offense was shut down by Garza most of the night.
When Dustin Pedroia hit a solo homer in the first to give the Sox the early lead it looked like it was going to be another great night, but that was the only hit they would get for a while.
BOX SCORE: Rays 3, Red Sox 1
Garza is good, but this game underscored the Red Sox problems - they need more consistent hitting in the middle of the order. Specifically, they need a big-time cleanup hitter to replace Manny Ramirez and they need to get David Ortiz back healthy and putting fear into opposing pitchers.
This team is still well-positioned to contend for the championship for the next several years, but with the Rays suddenly a force to be reckoned with, the Yankees still the Yankees and the Blue Jays' strong pitching, the lineup definitely needs an upgrade to hang in the toughest division in baseball.
With the uncertainty of Mike Lowell, the Sox may go after Mark Teixeira to play first and have Youk go back to third. They could use a new shortstop too and will likely need a new catcher.
Unfortunately Jason Varitek couldn't duplicate his Game 6 heroics in a couple of big spots in Game 7. But he shouldn't have been batting anyway.
As usual, Terry Francona let Tek bat in the 7th with runners on first and third with two outs, and with a runner on first in the 9th with one out.
There is no logical explanation for him batting in these two huge situations. The guy had one lucky hit in the series, was batting about .115 for the entire playoffs and has been a pig at the plate since May.
Francona's biggest fault is his loyalty no matter what the situation and that was the problem again with Tek. Even with a lefty pitching, you have to go to Sean Casey or even Jed Lowrie with the game on the line in the 7th. Maybe have Jacoby Ellsbury try to lay down a bunt in the 9th too. At least try everything you can instead of sending Tek up there to waive at the ball.
If this was Tek's last game for the Sox, it has been a great career for him in Boston. Despite his struggles this season he will always be loved and will go down with Carlton Fisk as the greatest catcher in the history of the franchise. It would be nice to keep him around as a backup if they can find a decent starting catcher, but that's not so easy these days.
One thing that was obvious in this series is that the Red Sox were beaten by a better team. The Rays deserve to be the American League champs.
So now there's a big void in out lives and the team is left to pick up the pieces and figure out their next move.
It was a very good year. Even with all the injuries and the ridiculous Manny drama, the team was able to persevere and make it to within one game of the World Series where they likely would have beaten the Phillies.
If everybody can get healthy - especially Beckett and Papi - and Theo Epstein can make a couple of key acquisitions like he always does, the Sox should be right back in the thick of it next season.
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