Well there's always next year...and I hope Papelbon will still be there in 2010.

The Red Sox were swept by the California Angels in the ALDS on Sunday. Major bummer, but one I'm used to since I have been a die-hard Sox fan for over 35 years. Growing up, I was accustomed to ending the season with that old phrase, "Well there's always next year!". And then 2004 happened...that magical year and the 86 year drought came to an end. I will never forget it. It was the first time in my life that I lived outside of the Boston area (moved to Chicago in February 2004). I cried that night we beat the Cardinals in Game 4. I was thinking of my grandfather and wishing he was alive to see the Sox win the World Series.


We scored another WS championship in 2007. Theo Epstein really is a genius and I love Terry Francona. I was reading an article yesterday and this writer's opinion was that Papelbon will pay for Sunday's loss. I really hope that doesn't happen. I love the guy. He's a bit of a nutjob, but such an amazing closer and integral part of the team. He went into Sunday's game with with a 0.00 ERA in career post season games. Yes, he blew it. But the offense (excluding Youk) has been struggling all season- stranding man after man on base and not bringing in runs. I hope Papelbon is not measured by this one game. I hope he's back next year!