'Cause every hand's a winner & every hand's a loser

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Being the obstinate and slightly insane Red Sox fan that I am, it actually took me until tonight's victory against the Orioles to make my peace with the 2010 baseball season. This entry's inspiration came as I was watching the opening innings of the game and some lyrics drifted through my mind. "You've got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them." Yup. The Gambler. Unlikely inspiration for a fan of punk rock, but I went with it.

The season is over for all intensive purposes. No October baseball beyond the final home series against the Yankees. And I'm.. well not ok with it per say. I have just reached the acceptance phase of my grieving. I still plan on watching the remaining games. Not for masochistic reasons. I still love baseball. I still love the Sox and there are always reasons to keep on watching and rooting.

1) David Ortiz. Big Papis resurgence just keeps on going. 30+ homeruns this season and the man still creates magic when he steps into the batter's box.

2) Mike Lowell. I want to see Senor Doubles go out in a blaze of glory. He hasn't been healthy enough to be an everyday p[layer but he was dealt a difficult hand this season. He has come through with unbelievable class. I am so very glad he will retire in a Red Sox uniform.

3) Jon Lester & Clay Buchholz. The two most consistent of the starting rotation. These guys have been dealing and I only see them getting better.

4) Ryan Kalish, Daniel Nava, Darnell Mcdonald, Josh Reddick. The boys from Pawtucket have gone above and beyond for us this year.

5. J.D. Drew. He has more than his share of haters, but I never get tired of his gorgeous swing or the seemingly effortless skill with which he plays right field. Not loud. Not flashy. But never tiring.

You've got to know when to walk away & know when to run, but I'll stick out these last 9 games. There is still plenty to see. And there are still six opportunities to make life miserable for the Yankees.