Great article. Gave me some really good vibes. Not just about Graffanino but about the general feeling that seems to be circulating in the club house.
It sounds like, once again, there is a chemistry there in that club house that is driving this team to win despite its shortcomings.
Now I said I had one moment which let me down. That was 2003. I didnt feel good about Grady Little as manager but I DID feel good about the team and though that it was there year. But then Little left Pedro in to the world's shock and dismay and the rest is history. That team was good enough to go all the way but mismanagement cost us.
Then in steps Francona and Theo's blockbuster trade of Nomar in 2004. The clubhouse comaradarie was good. Francona, for the most part, managed the team solidly. The team was showing all that it had in 03 plus the welcome additions of Schilling, Pokey Pokey and Minky. I got that feeling again.
Now, I admit, I definitely had my concerns when they were down in games against the Yank 0 - 3. But when they pulled off those last minute heroics, thanks to Dave Roberts steal of 2nd base, and they closed it out to win, my postive feelings returned.
Hearing all the press talk about the fact no team ever had come back from an 0 - 3 deficit to win, I remained gaurded but watched with optimism as the Red Sox won game 5 in the Bronx.
Then it was back to Fenway where I now started to feel history was on its way to being made. A win of game 6 would remove any lingering concerns I had that we were going to the WS and I didnt have to wait long as the game was a blowout.
The rest is history. The momentum carried the Sox rest of the way and it wasnt even really a fair fight. The Sox just had a confidence that could not be rivaled.
Its that confidence Im feeling from the team right now. They are on a winning streak. They will not let go of first in the division.