The End of the 25
I think that someday they'll almost be mythological figures in Red Sox Nation. The 25 men who finally brought a World Series Championship to Boston. There were a few superstars, some real professionals, a few idiots. But mostly they were hard-working, middle-class kind of guys. The epitome of that team for me was Kevin Millar. He was the first to admit he didn't have the "five tools" that make a professional player. But he had a sixth - he had heart and determination. He never quit. Not when he wasn't given a scholarship to play college ball, not when he went undrafted out of college, not when he played in the independent Northern Leagues, not when he crossed picket lines to play for the Marlins, not when he was nearly shipped to Japan. And through it all, he kept a sense of humor, a sense of fun. A sense of optimism. Would the Sox have come back in game 4 of the ALCS in 2004 without his frenetic "Don't let us win today" speech? Maybe. But without his walk in the 8th inning of that game, the Red Sox would still be cursed.
Yesterday, the Sox declined to offer him arbitration, meaning he's gone from the team. He's a free agent - and after his poor season last year, the teams aren't exactly lining up to sign him. At best he'll probably find a spot as a back-up - maybe as DH. Maybe he'll pursue broadcasting - his appearances on "Best Damn Sports Show" on Fox and his handling of the media that last three years show that he's quick with a quip. Or maybe he'll try coaching. Whatever he chooses, he'll always be my favorite from 2004.
And NOW the anti-Millar forces even seem like they're realizing his value. Even some of the curmugeons over on SOSH have started a "thank you kevin millar" thread - saying they'll buy him a beer anytime he's in town. Right. Gordon Edes has a great tribute to him in today's Globe - comes across as a real class act.
As for the rest of the 25, I think we're down to 10 now! Gone already were Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe, Orlando Cabrera, Pokey Reese, Dave Roberts, Gabe Kapler (although he came back - only to be injured), Doug the Ballstealer MienkqwlKF (never did learn how to spell that!), Curtis Leskanic, Williamson, Mendoza. Over the season, we lost Dave McCarty, Mark Bellhorn (still bitter about that one!), Alan Embree. Now Millar. And Doug Mirabelli got traded yesterday.
Who does that leave? For the moment, Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Trot Nixon in the outfield - all of whom are subject of speculation (JD is a free agent, the other two are apparently being offered in trades). Billy Mueller was offered arbitration, but will likely go elsewhere for a multi-year deal. Mike Myers wasn't offered arbitration.
That leaves Jason Varitek, David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Curt Schilling, Bronson Arroyo, Tim Wakefield, Keith Foulke.
And with the trade talk about Renteria, the starting infield in April could be unrecognizable.
I know, life goes on - it's all about renewal - we need fresh blood (and legs and knees). And I'll be rooting for the new team as hard as I did this year. But it doesn't mean I can't take a moment, and mourn the passing of a memorable team, one that was fun to watch, fun to root for, and fun to win with.
Yesterday, the Sox declined to offer him arbitration, meaning he's gone from the team. He's a free agent - and after his poor season last year, the teams aren't exactly lining up to sign him. At best he'll probably find a spot as a back-up - maybe as DH. Maybe he'll pursue broadcasting - his appearances on "Best Damn Sports Show" on Fox and his handling of the media that last three years show that he's quick with a quip. Or maybe he'll try coaching. Whatever he chooses, he'll always be my favorite from 2004.
And NOW the anti-Millar forces even seem like they're realizing his value. Even some of the curmugeons over on SOSH have started a "thank you kevin millar" thread - saying they'll buy him a beer anytime he's in town. Right. Gordon Edes has a great tribute to him in today's Globe - comes across as a real class act.
As for the rest of the 25, I think we're down to 10 now! Gone already were Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe, Orlando Cabrera, Pokey Reese, Dave Roberts, Gabe Kapler (although he came back - only to be injured), Doug the Ballstealer MienkqwlKF (never did learn how to spell that!), Curtis Leskanic, Williamson, Mendoza. Over the season, we lost Dave McCarty, Mark Bellhorn (still bitter about that one!), Alan Embree. Now Millar. And Doug Mirabelli got traded yesterday.
Who does that leave? For the moment, Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Trot Nixon in the outfield - all of whom are subject of speculation (JD is a free agent, the other two are apparently being offered in trades). Billy Mueller was offered arbitration, but will likely go elsewhere for a multi-year deal. Mike Myers wasn't offered arbitration.
That leaves Jason Varitek, David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Curt Schilling, Bronson Arroyo, Tim Wakefield, Keith Foulke.
And with the trade talk about Renteria, the starting infield in April could be unrecognizable.
I know, life goes on - it's all about renewal - we need fresh blood (and legs and knees). And I'll be rooting for the new team as hard as I did this year. But it doesn't mean I can't take a moment, and mourn the passing of a memorable team, one that was fun to watch, fun to root for, and fun to win with.
posted by Beth at 11:04 AM
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