It’s official, even if we’ve known it for awhile—there will be a new World Series champion in 2014.
The defending champion Boston Red Sox are officially done, eliminated with their 10-6 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Wednesday.
The Red Sox also clinched quite a three-year roller coaster ride—they have gone from a sub-.500 mark to winning a World Series to back under .500.
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The Sox were 69-93 and finished last in the American League East in 2012. That was followed by last season’s 97-65 AL East championship campaign and World Series title. In 2014, the Red Sox are now 63-83 with 16 games to play and are again last in the division.
Consistency, thy name is not Boston.
The Red Sox will go down as one of the worst defending champions in MLB history—not 1998 Florida Marlins bad, but still. Clay Buchholz couldn’t stay healthy and didn’t pitch well when he was. Dustin Pedroia struggled through an injury-plagued season that included the worst numbers of his career as a full-time player.
Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts were more suspects than prospects, as neither managed to hit much more than their weight. The Stephen Drew experience was a major bust. Shane Victorino played in just 30 games.
A.J. Pierzynski, brought in to be the regular catcher, was so good he was designated for assignment in July.
Then they went into fire sale mode, trading away starting pitchers Jon Lester and John Lackey as well as outfielder Jonny Gomes at the non-waiver deadline.
All in all, a pretty lousy follow-up to the magic of Boston Strong in 2013.