On to the World Series

By Frank Carpano

Some Thoughts after Game 7 of the ALCS:

· Most media honestly thought the Red Sox were done after losing game 4. How can a team that looked so bad (games 2,3,4), look so good (games 5,6,7)?

· Two unlikely offensive stars in the final 3 games. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkillis. In the final 3 games of the ALCS, they combined for 15 hits, 13 runs and 11 RBI, incluing 3 homeruns

· Was there any doubt regarding the MVP of the ALCS? Josh Beckett went 2-0 and had a 1.93 ERA. Can you say; Series saver!

· Lost in the euphoria of the Game 7 win, Big Papi was 0-5 with 2 strikeouts.

· When I went into the Red Sox clubhouse after game 5 (7-1 Red Sox win), the team was predictably loose. So loose that Ortiz grabbed my microphone and started interviewing Manny Ramirez. Ramirez had a purple tie on and Papi had one question: “Hey, Manny, when’s the funeral!” (not for the red sox in this series)

· The media went overboard with its reaction to Manny’s comments prior to Game 5. Myself included.

· I loved the weather in Cleveland (in the 70’s every day). Can we order someof that up for Denver. By the way, they got 4 inches of snow there Sunday. (Break out the Hot Chili’s)

· I knew the Red Sox were going to win Game 7 after my wife put my suitcase away before the game.

· Sox fans showing Class: When I left the field after game 7, under the grandstands Red Sox fans formed a gauntlet from the visitors clubhouse (at 3rd base) all the way to 1st base. The Indians had to make that walk to their waiting bus. The Red Sox fans clapped for each guy as they walked by. (what are the chances that would have happened if the Sox lost???)