Some Nights You Just Have to Tip Your Cap

Lester was good. Garza was better.
That's the story on Game 7. That, and a brilliant move by Joe Maddon. He used David Price for a third of an inning in Game 1, and then two-thirds of an inning in Game 2, earning him the win. He pitched his prize rookie just enough to get him settled in and comfortable. then Maddon held Price back. No more appearances in Games 3 through 6. And then, tonight, when Maddon emptied his bullpen in the eighth inning, David Price was the last man his manager brought in to pitch. Price faced five batters. One walked. One hit a weak ground ball to second. The other three struck out. The game was over. The Red Sox looked as overmatched against Price as other teams usually look against Papelbon.
We may have seen Jason Varitek's last atbat in a Sox uniform in the top of the ninth. Like too many of his turns this year, Tek swung badly at a slider off the plate. If it is over, The Captain's place is secure in the hearts and minds of Red Sox Nation. Mike Timlin and Curt Schilling may also have completed their time calling Fenway home. We wouldn't have won one World Series without these men, much less two. We are indebted to you forever!
Now it will be time for Papi's wrist to get well, Lowell's hip to be attended to (as it will be in the morning; Get Well Soon, Mikey!), Drew's back to heal up, Beckett's oblique to rest. Theo will go to work on the bullpen and thinking about a bat to protect Ortiz next year.
One thing we know: John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino will make available what is needed to continue this great run of seasons that began in 2003. Only two teams will play after the Sox' elimination. There are only 27 other Major League teams who would trade places with the Sox tonight. We didn't win the Series. We discovered that we can lose an ALCS under Francona. But it was a great season.
And Next Year is now officially on the clock. Good luck, Rays and Phillies. The countdown to Spring Training begins now.