Boston Sports: The Monday Hangover

Well Sunday was as close to living in Mudville as it's been in Boston for quite some time. The Sox managed to blow a 2 run lead in the ninth inning with no one on and 2 strikes on the batter. When the Patriots found a way to lose to Denver I knew it was time to head home and avoid any madness that might be brewing in the city streets. The Red Sox loss was the perfect culmination for a forgettable year. The whole team without any real exception struggled mightily. Papelbon ended up being the goat of this game as he was brought in in the 8th only to surrender to inheritted runners and then give up 3 runs in the ninth. Up until this point Papelbon had not given up a run in the previous 26 playoff innings he had worked. His performance was in many ways symbolic to the attitude of this team. There was a kind of "We always beat the Angels, I never give up runs" autopilot mentality that had stunted this teams desire to rise up to the challenge. You could see it from the Angels and specifically Torii Hunter. They wanted this series and they had a chip on their shoulder. The Sox seemed beaten in every facet of the game this week. If it was basketball the Angels would have been the team getting the loose balls, steals and rebounds. On that note... Lets switch over to basketball and the Celtics. The Celtics provide not only a new life but a hunger and intensity. They are no a team who is content with winning a championship 2 years ago. They are a team with an attitude that reminds us of why we as humans like to compete. For the love, the adversity and sanity it provides for us in this crazy world. Where do we stand in Boston today? For one I am glad the Red Sox didn't prolongue this any more than was necessary. The Patriots, it is clear, will only go as far as Tom Brady can take them. Through the first five weeks he has looked like a shell of himself but if anyone is to make it back into his former self he is the guy I bet the farm on. The Celtics should be a beast this year. Garnett has looked great so far and Rasheed Wallace is going to be an excellent addition to an already deep and confident team. So the sports carousel continues to spin and it promises us nothing except another season of competition. This is why we watch and care.