Boston should erect a statue of Terry Francona if they win the series. For all my life there was always a pessimism among the Red Sox in the postseason. There was the Johnny pesky snakebit moment, the heartbreaks of '67 and '75, and of course Game 6 of the '86 series, after which Boston lost about 12 straight postseason games. Not to mention Aaron bleeping Boone and Bucky bleeping Dent.

The Red Sox have won all 6 WS games with Francona at the helm, and no longer are the teams waiting for something bad to happen. They have a postseason confidence now, and it's hard to see this team now losing 4 of the 5 remaining games.

How is Bekkett at Bat?

AMEN to that sir!

Did Ortiz play any first base this year or was he solely DH?

That's a good point. Grady Little and John McNamara certainly could not have replicated what Francona has done.

Would either of you guys be saying the same thing if the Red Sox lost Games 4 or 5 of the 2004 ALCS?

No. That's the point. He didn't lose those games. Nobody expected the Red Sox to have come back. It was the normal order of the universe that the Yankees would beat the Red Sox and win their twenty-whateverth world series.

I wouldn't have said it if the Red Sox lost to the Indians. I just notice that Boston is playing with a confidence that defies previous Red Sox teams that I ever remembered. I attribute a great deal of success to Francona as that is not an easy team to manage with Schilling, Ramirez and others, despite all the talent they have.

Francona was just the right fit in Boston. Unfortunately, he didn't have success in Philly. Maybe we got rid of him too soon.

Beckett is a career .151 hitter with 2 homeruns. His first homer was hit off John Patterson. He also hit a homer last season off a pitcher, who appeared in this year's postseason.

Any guessers who the pitcher is?

I don't think he won those games either. See David Ortiz in Games 4 & 5, Curt Schilling in Game 6 and Johnny Damon in Game 7. I've never been impressed with Francona as a manager and feel he gets too much credit. Remember they got swept in the 2005 ALDS to the Chicago White Sox and finished in third place last year in the AL East.

The manager does deserve some credit for twice bringing a team back from the brink of elimination. I agree completely with Klydon that the comeback against NY and from a 3-0 deficit is more significant than what happened this year. But had they lost to Cleveland, Francona would have been crucified (whether rightly or wrongly) about not pitching Beckett in Games 4 and 7. Francona deserves credit for sticking to his plan and having it work.

It's true that the players Irishman mentioned all played important roles in the 2004 comeback. Regardless of whether Boston wins this year (and it certainly seems likely that they will win), Francona does deserve credit for 1) winning the WS in his 1st season as manager of the team in '04 and 2) taking his team to a WS a second time in a four year span.

I'd say the only thing more impressive from a managerial standpoint in the past 20 years is Torre's run of making the WS 4 times in 6 years and winning 4 titles.

It's true I'll give him that. But he also has stuck too much with Gagne. Not so much during the postseason but during the regular season and I know even "Boston's Faithful" held their breath when he would come into a game

It should be 7-0 Boston. Manny was safe at home. That was a bullshit call. Another reason for instant replay.

I thought so at first glance, but Ramirez was tagged out before he got his hand on the plate.

I gotta admit it - I thought the Sox were gonna blow the lead in the 7th but the pitching held!!

These young guys, Pedroia and Ellsbury - are they awesome or what?

Just watched the game,been on nights and it was slow so i watched myself some baseball!
Those Rockies fans kicked up a storm but the Red Sox look different class!

Hopefully Colorado will get a taste of their own medicine and will be swept.

From your mouth to God's ear.

I give the Rockies their props for hanging in so tough last night. At the same time, I'm blown away by the tenacity of the Red Sox. As a fan of theirs, you HAVE to love the way they've been playing.

It's great because The Sox are showing it's a team effort. It's not all Papi and Manny. Pedroia and Ellsbury have been bringing a hot bat. And you had to love Dice-K helping his cause and getting a base hit too.

And how he rocks back and forth before he throws the ball. I love it.

Go Sawwwwxxxx!

It'll be hilarious to see Irishman's reaction and how he tries to incorporate the Yankees lol.

2007 WORLD CHAMPIONS
BOSTON RED SOX!

Since this would have been said had the Yankees have won it all this year, I'll be the first to say it about Boston: "They bought their championship"

Congrats to the Sox! ( )

Despite the Rockies' huge late-leason run, they just were no match whatsoever. Unfortunately, making the WS kinda boring. But, good for the BoSox, they actually deserve it.

...and have a fun night, SC! (Bastid)

Oh yeah... and F-U A-Rod once again!

The Sox would have beat any team playing today. They were just awesome!

While this doesn't have the same (emotional) satisfaction of the '04 win, it feels great!

CONGRATULATIONS, BOSTON!

CONGRATULATIONS, BOSTON!

Truthfully, it doesn't feel like I just watched the end of the World Series... I've seen bigger celebrations during the regular season... (and certainly more exciting games)...

And is it just me, or does Papelbon's mouth look like a gaping\\\\\\ oh, never mind! lol

So, who's the MVP??

Probably not a rookie... I'd say Poopelbon...

Both years they won it away from home.

Caps and shirts already on sale....

Women are great - I love women - but can we PLEASE get them ALL out of Sportscasting??!