A World Gone Wrong

Dan:

I don't even know where to begin. Actually, as I think about it, I realize I'm still not in a good place; not in any state where I feel okay talking about it. I still want to pretend it didn't happen and that baseball doesn't exist. The more I think about it, the more I want to throw up.

How do you explain baseball sometimes? On paper, this Red Sox team was stacked. But all year long there just seemed to be something missing; some spark of life. That certainly was the case in the playoffs.

The only thing I feel comfortable enough to say right now is this: This series loss isn't on Papelbon. Every great closer has blown playoff saves -- Eck, Rivera, Gossage, Hoffman, the list goes on. The blame should fall on the offense. One run in the first two games is inexcusable no matter who is on the mound.

For the Sox brass looking to make an improvement, look no further than a power-hitting first baseman. To acquire an Adrian Gonzalez or Prince Fielder, they'll have to do it in a trade. But it can be done. (Then move Youk to third.)

I don't want to talk about this anymore . . .