Grateful For The Ovation
Graffanino Wants To Return
BOSTON -- Red Sox second baseman Tony Graffanino sat in front of his locker with his head down. He didn't want to believe the season was over.
Graffanino's error in Game 2 of the American League Division Series was a pivotal moment in the series, one he will likely replay in his mind over the winter. It appears Red Sox fans have already forgiven him.
Graffanino received a loud ovation when he was introduced Friday at Fenway Park.
"I was moved beyond belief," Graffanino said. "I was definitely touched. And if I allowed it to happen, I could have cried because I wasn't really sure what was going to happen. Those kind of things mean so much. I don't think people can really describe it. That was a huge moment for me. That's something I'll never forget."
Graffanino, a free agent, wants to return for a second season with the Red Sox.
"I'd love to," Graffanino said. "This is by far the most fun I've had in my baseball career. I think part of it is I'm playing in this environment with that kind of crowd. This is just a blast."
Graffanino, 29, was acquired July 19 from Kansas City. He hit .319 in 51 games.
There are seven other Red Sox players eligible for free agency this winter: Johnny Damon, Mike Timlin, Bill Mueller, Kevin Millar, Mike Myers, John Olerud and Matt Mantei.
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein is also in the last year of his contract.
Papelbon Impressive
Red Sox rookie Jonathan Papelbon pitched 22/3 scoreless innings in his first postseason.
"For me it was a blessing," Papelbon said. "I gained a lot of experience that a lot of other guys might not have a chance to do. For me, I'm going to learn from it and feel how it is and all the things that come along with the dramatic postseason play."
Papelbon, 24, is expected to be in the rotation next season.
"He did a fantastic job," Epstein said. "We take him for granted. He's a young guy in a big spot. He performed really well."
Wells Undecided
David Wells said he hasn't decided if he will retire. It's unlikely because he has another year on his contract.
"I got all off-season to figure it out and see what's going on," Wells said. "I'm not going to make any definite statement." ... Manny Ramirez hit his 19th and 20th career postseason homers to move past Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle into second place on the all-time list. Ramirez also became the 10th player in team history to hit two homers in a postseason game. ... David Ortiz and Ramirez became the first Red Sox players to hit back-to-back homers in the postseason since Dwight Evans and Rich Gedman did it in the 1986 World Series against Mets pitcher Ron Darling. ...