A SUPER 2007 Team...Or Just An Ordinary One??

You're here again! My goodness. Luckily, I have something to say. I usually do, but with the sharp focus on the 2007 Red Sox and the fact that the team has really taken shape, and taken shape quickly, I put together this mix of Boston Herald stuff and Peter N.(remember him?) stuff. OK? This is from today's Herald. The subject? Read on, with a comment or two from me afterwards...

"......do not underestimate the importance of a good closer. The Sox themselves learned that lesson in ’03. As much as the Red Sox rejoiced when Keith Foulke walked out the door, no one should ever forget how instrumental he was in winning the 2004 World Series. During that season, Foulke effectively neutralized New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. While the great Rivera went 0-2 with a 4.22 ERA and two blown saves (in five chances) against the Sox, Foulke went 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA and three saves (in three chances) against New York.
And that was before the playoffs.
So, what will the Sox do? While Epstein has had some continuing discussion with the Houston Astros about Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler, the teams have had difficulty matching up. Remember: Spring training is still roughly two months away."

Peter here again. What WILL the Sox do? Michael (look in my link section for Random Fandom---that's Michael, known to millions and millions. Always a great read, every day!), in comments for my last post, said that this team will be super. I countered that for this team to be super, the Sox will have to acquire a closer. Whoever that turns out to be will not be able to match up with the job Paps did when he was healthy last year. Frankly, he was just short of historically good. But we need a guy who can come into the ninth inning, or late in the eighth, and mow 'em down, holding a slim lead, or a big one. MOST OF THE TIME. With all the money spent on the new position players and pitchers, it just wouldn't make sense to draw the line on spending now and develop a closer once spring training begins. That would be ludicrous. This team, the Boston Red Sox of 2007, is ONE PIECE away from being the elite of the AL East, and one of the best teams in baseball. If they get their hands on a bona fide closer. IF....key word. This, also from the Herald, gives you a little idea of what we can expect....

"There’s no telling what’s going to happen in 2007 with Schilling and Matsuzaka atop an incredible Red Sox rotation, but the events of the last decade suggest the one-year pairing could bring remarkable results."

C'mon Theo, ONE more guy. Let me be able to look at this team, MY team, as a whole and shout....."WOW!" And you know what, my faithful readers? We are oh-so close. Enjoy your Sunday....and as always, thanks for checking in. I'd love to hear your comments, not just about the 2007 club, but about the need for a closer. Thanks.....I couldn't do this without you!