It’s a bummer that the World Series is starting tonight and our beloved Red Sox won’t be participating in it.  I remember the last time the Sox came oh-so-close to the World Series.  That was in 2003.  In that game 7 vs. the Yankees, Grady Little had a panic attack and ultimately, Aaron Boone hit a pitch off Tim Wakefield that ended in the left field stands of Yankee Stadium and stuck a dagger right into my guy.

I remember telling my girlfriend (who is now my wife) that I need to go for a walk.  So we went for a walk around the piers of downtown San Francisco…around PacBell park.  And sat on a park bench with head in hands and thinking that it could be decades before the Sox get this close to the promised land ever again.

But since that night, so much has happened.  As fans and devotees to our time, we’ve been given more than we could ever ask for.  Not one, but two world series championships.  Coming back from a 3-0 hole against are archenemies in the 2004 ALCS.  Dave Robert’s steal.  JD Drew’s grand slam last year vs. Cleveland.  Lester’s no hitter.

And even in this year’s playoffs, there was game 5.  The sox were ready to roll over and die.  They were getting crushed by Tampa Bay.  But then they showed some fight.  That’s what will be remembered from this year’s playoffs.

The truth of the matter is, that by playoff time, the Rays were the better team.  They’re younger, faster, and stronger .   The Sox were totally beat up.  If I told you that Ortiz’ wrist would be damaged, Beckett would be hurt enough to not throw a 95 mph fastball, and Mike Lowell wouldn’t even be on the postseason roster, would you think the Sox would even make it to ALCS game 7? 

Don’t even start with the whole “if you had Manny…” argument.  If Manny is on this team, the Sox don’t even make it to the playoffs.

Without question, losing game 7 was a disappointment.

But it’s not the end.  It certainly does not feel anything like the “Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty” in 2001. Read Buster Olney’s book on that.  The Yankees were about to be dismantled and dive into years of grasping at past glory.  They’re still doing it. 

Nope, the Sox are prepared to compete for years to come.  The simple fact that they were in a game 7 given the list of of walking wounded documented above is a testament to how far this organization has come.  Despite all the injuries, the Sox had a team that could compete at the highest level.  In the end, the Rays just executed a little bit better.  Sure there are some changes to be made to the Sox. There always are.  But the feeling of “we won’t get this close again for years” isn’t there.  In fact, we’ll be there next year.