Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox and their fans. The Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies, who entered the World Series 21-1. This is the fourth consecutive World Series dud. In 2004, Boston swept the St Louis Cardinals. In 2005, the Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros. In 2006, the Cardinals beat my beloved Detroit Tigers in five games. Good pitching beats good hitting. It will be said that the long layoff between the NLCS and the World Series hurt the Rockies, and maybe it did to some extent; but the Red Sox pitchers were magnificent. They shut down the Rockies hitters, who looked confused, frustrated, and desperate at the plate. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Red Sox back in the World Series in 2008. The only question is whether any National League team can beat them. If you’re a fan of the New York Yankees, now would be the time to show some class and congratulate the Red Sox.

Addendum: In both 2004 and 2007, Boston clinched the World Series on the road, which deprived its fans of a chance to celebrate in Fenway Park. Thank goodness for small favors.

Addendum 2: Alex Rodriguez is no longer a Yankee. See here. Will anyone want this postseason ne’er-do-well? He has yet to play in a World Series. I doubt that he ever will. Incidentally, I wonder how many of those Yankee fans who’ve been insisting that A-Rod is the American League Most Valuable Player will change their tune, now that he’s no longer a Yankee. And I wonder how they’ll feel about him if he joins the Red Sox, as he almost did four years ago. The thing you must realize is that A-Rod is a mercenary.