a700hitter

It's also the fault of the FO that they didn't build a team with enough depth or character to go down the stretch.

I don't think his attitude is a problem. We'd be better off if more players were as intense as Youkilis. I am concerned that he may not be able to stay on the field and be productive. His trade value can't be too high right now.

I agree with everything above except for the fact that Salty is still a disaster. He can't catch or throw and he strikes out way too much.

Betre is the opposite of Drew in that he fights to stay on the field even when injured while JD would take himself out of a game after hitting a HR when we had no OFers left on the bench.

The problem with Youk is his body is wearing down quickly. He's a force in the lineup when health as borne out by his OPS. However, I think he will have trouble staying on the field. The FO should have traded Youk and kept Beltre. I have always liked Youkilis borderline psycho intensity. I think it helps to keep the other players on edge. There wasn't enough edge going down the stretch.

http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/wilbur/2011/09/splat.html My sentiments exactly.

Good for Tito that he threw the owners under the bus. Tito was left with a skeleton crew of prima donas and malcontents to go down the stretch and they let him twist in the wind and made him the scapegoat. The rest of them mouthed stuff about being accountable, but they aren't be held accountable. Like Shaughnessy said the whole day was ridiculous just like the end of the season.

LOL!!! I had originally penciled in Reyes, but then I thought that the last thing this team needs is another often injured selfish star player. Fixed.

Crawford was a mess on all fronts. AGon had a good year stats-wise, but its hard to think of a big clutch hit from him and September. Neither guy seems to have any capacity for leadership. Getting these guys while letting Beltre and VMart walk is looking like a mistake.

Men singing Sweet Caroline to each other is not fun. It is sickeningly douchy.

Where would Soriano play? He's a horrendous fielder. Why trade Ellsbury who is one of only three young stars on the team and he just had a breakout season. This team should be built around him and Pedroia. I wouldn't be so quick to let Ortiz walk unless you are going to bring in an elite bat. When Ortiz was out of the lineup, the team went into an offensive tailspin. Broxton? He has been horribly inconsistent and injured the last couple of seasons. That wouldn't be interesting. It would be frightening. The core of the team is not solid. Other than AGon and Pedroia, they have nothing to build around if you trade Ellsbury. The pitching is woefully thin at starter and in the pen. If the pitching is not addressed, the same thing will happen next season. Buchholz returning to the rotation will not be enough. Iggy will never be ready until he proves that he can hit. BTW: Looking at your sig, tell me who you think will be coming out of the minors to make an impact in 2012? I'm not talking about a backup infielder or a middle bullpen piece, or a backup catcher. Who is the next Pedroia, Ellsbury, Youkilis, Lester, Buchholz or Papelbon?

Wake up. The 2011 Red Sox were a train wreck. I've been a fan for 45 years, and I have never witnessed anything this bad. It was an organizational failure from top to bottom. There's a lot for fans to be frustrated and vent about. The fans pay the freight and the entire organization did a lousy job. They deserve the criticism.

Vin Scully, doing Dodger games for 62 seasons. That's incredible. He is a one man show, doing play by play and color analysis every game. If you haven't heard him do a game, you need to hear him. He's the best . Remy is the Best Color Analyst bar none.

Drew was a complete dog this year. It's laughable that he didn't have an injury until he lost his starting job after 3 1/2 months of complete futility. He certainly didn't try very hard to get back on the field or win his job back. He turned out to be be everything that I had heard about him from Cardinal fans-- detached, disinterested and fragile. So many people on this forum had defended him, but what a disappointing end.

Here's my lineup for next season: 1. Crawford -LF 2. Pedroia - 2B 3. Ellsbury - CF 4. AGon - 1B 5. Youkilis - 3B 6. Ortiz -DH 7. Cuddyer -RF 8. Salty/Lavarnway -C 9. Scutaro SS SP. Beckett SP. C.J. Wilson SP. Lester SP. Bucholz SP. Bard CL Papelbon Setup Heath Bell

I still have a Yaz hat that I got from Wonder Bread wrappers in 1967. Sweet Caroline is sissy s***, and I don't mean that as any sort of anti-gay slur.

I saw a lot of Yankee fans on the Long Island Rail Road coming back from the stadium at midnight. They looked miserable. That made me happy. I hope it rains tomorrow and they play until 3 a.m. and there are 4 or 5 delays. I am also happy that many game 2 ticket holders are getting screwed over by the game getting moved to Sunday night. What a shame.

When has Fenway had 39,000 fans at a game?

This song does make me feel a little better. Plus, the added a Song: Ellsbury for MVP.

Ricciardi is an idiot.

I don't think player personality is a problem. The Red Sox major issues are: 1. Talent - especially pitching 2. Depth- especially pitching 3. Conditioning That's what needs to be addressed.

Off the top of my head, I would look at: 1.Bobby V. 2.Carlton Fisk 3.Jerry Remy No Ken Maccha (guy is an idiot), no Farrell.

Make up your mind. Are they difficult personalities or too affable? Either way, I really don't think getting along with others is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Doji, this is just so Doji. Thanks for the chuckle.