The Boston Red Sox see a disappointing end to the 2009 season

After 86 years of misery, the Boston Red Sox finally won the World Series in 2004 and again in 2007. The Red Sox seem to have been the New York Yankees this decade. After losing to the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 American League Championship Series, the 09′ Sox were looking to win their third championship in 6 seasons. The Red Sox finished second in the American League East division behind the Yankees with a record of 95-67. The Red Sox were one of the best home teams in the major leagues going 56-25 overall.

The Red Sox had early success against the Yankees by beating them in their first 8 meetings. The Red Sox were unable to sustain any long-term success despite their outstanding record: the Yankees got hot and stayed hot all season. David Ortiz struggled all season and never found his “Big Papi” mojo. Ortiz finished with 28 home runs and 99 RBIs, which most players would take, the season was nothing like Ortiz. Jason Bay had a very solid and productive season with a team-leading 36 home runs and 119 RBI. Dustin Pedroia is the little engine that he could and had another stellar season after his MVP year of 2008.

The team’s pitching was up and down all year without finding consistency. Josh Beckett had 17 wins on the year leading the team, John Lester followed Beckett with 15 wins and led the team in strikeouts with 225. Daisuke Matsuzaka had a bad year and was never able to stay healthy.

The Red Sox had a championship-caliber team, but their downfall could be due to inconsistent play: too many hot and cold spurts during the regular season and playoffs. The Red Sox will make another playoff run in 2010 because they have the players to do it.