We are all aware of the contributions that star players Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez and of course Curt Schilling made to bring the Red Sox their first World Series Championship in 86 years. But like any championship team, it was the unheralded players who made plays that set the stage for these stars to perform. It is time these players were also recognized for their important contributions to this historic team.
Dave Roberts- Roberts left a starting position on a contending team to come to Boston. Roberts’ stolen base in the bottom of the ninth of Game 4 of the Yankees series was the beginning of the turnaround that started a record eight game postseason winning streak. He went on to score the tying run, allowing for Ortiz’s heroic home run in the twelfth. Following their Series clinching title, Red Sox manager Terry Francona told the media, “If Dave Roberts can’t steal second base, I’m home watching this on television.”
Tim Wakefield- Yes, his postseason ERA was 9.82 in his four appearances, but he made the ultimate sacrifice for his teammates in the Game 3 Yankee 19-8 blowout. Scheduled to be the next day’s starter, Wakefield entered the game, foregoing his opportunity to start in order to allow the bullpen to rest. His sacrifice led to odd man out, Derek Lowe, starting in Game 4. Lowe went on to exhibit some postseason heroics of his own.
Derek Lowe- Despite beginning the playoffs as the pouting odd man out, Lowe became the first pitcher in history to win deciding games in all three rounds of the playoffs. Lowe threw 88 pitches in Game 4 against the Yankees, and then followed that up by throwing six innings of one hit ball on only two days rest. His 1.86 ERA was nearly two runs better than Boston’s newest legend, Curt Shchilling.
Bronson Arroyo- During the regular season, Arroyo was best known as the pitcher who hit Alex Rodriguez inciting the bench clearing brawl on July 24. Arroyo was on the mound in Game 6 against the Yankees when Rodriguez weakly hit a ground ball back to the pitcher. When Arroyo attempted to tag Rodriguez, ARod slapped the ball from Arroyo’s glove as Derek Jeter seemingly scored. Fans in Red Sox Nation seethed until the umpires ruled that ARod had interfered with the play and was out. Arroyo showed restraint in not choking the life out of the Yankee slugger, and poise while retiring the side, leaving Jeter stranded at first.
Orlando Cabrera- Cabrera played flawless defense throughout his tenure with the team and showed why he is considered by many to be one of the leagues best defensive shortstops. Cabrera’s aggressive baserunning and take out slides made both Miguel Cairo and Tony Womack think twice about turning double plays when he was coming down the line. Sox fans can honestly say, “Nomar who?,” because of this late season addition.
Keith Foulke- Foulke appeared in seven of the eight wins and did whatever manager Terry Francona asked of him. He came out in the seventh inning during Game 4 against the Yankees and the eighth during Game 5, proving to everybody he was more than a one inning and done closer. Many believe Foulke deserved World Series MVP, appearing in all four games and allowing only one run, making his postseason ERA a paltry 0.64.
Theo Epstein- The true brains behind the brawn of this organization. Epstein had the courage to trade a former Boston legend in Nomar Garciaparra, to shore up what he referred to as the team’s “fatal flaw” at the time, defense. The move worked out like no other in Red Sox history, and now this prodigal general manager has his first of what could be many championships at the tender age of thirty.
Terry Francona- That’s right, Terry Francona. I know I previously stated that he would be the reason if the Sox did not win the World Series, but it is time to give credit where credit is due. Tito kept the team loose and focused as the media scrutinized his every move leading up to Game 4 of the Yankee’s series. Many wanted to see Pokey Reese playing second after watching Mark Bellhorn struggle at the plate. Bellhorn’s Game 6 homerun in Yankee Stadium made Francona look like a genius. His unconventional use of the bullpen proved to be the deciding factor in the Yankee’s series, and now he is Boston’s all time leader in postseason wins by a manager.
Generations of Red Sox fans have waited their whole lives to see this team win the World Series. Years of waiting have culminated into what could be the biggest party since the Boston Tea Party. Which leads me to Sox fan’s next big quandary: Now what do we complain about all winter?