Red Sox remember that there are more than two teams in baseball; most importantly the Tampa Bay Rays

How do you disappoint Red Sox fans the most? Make them believe that their come-from-behind improbable victories of the past were not a part of manifest destiny, but instead were based on good-old fashioned timing and skill. Just like the Tampa Bay Rays had the right combination this year, the Red Sox had been lucky in years past. Somehow, Red Sox fans just don't see it that way. They were of the opinion that they were the "comeback" kids and that Game 7 was all but a formality to their admission into the 2008 World Series. Good thing for the Rays that they showed up with their best team ready to play.

 After being down 3-0 and 3-1 in the ALCS of  2004 and 2007 (respectively), it was easy for Red Sox fans to picture another "overcoming-the-odds" victory in 2008. However, they neglected to factor in that their team had several large holes in the line-up; last-year's World Series MVP Mike Lowell is on the disabled list, Clutch-hitter David Ortiz has been anything but clutch lately, and starting pitching has needed a break since the beginning of September.

Momentum is a very key factor in a series win and the Red Sox seemed to have this on their side going into Game 7 after wins in both Games 5&6. However, this momentum was not as strong as it had been in the past. There were still many questions that went along with it: Was David Ortiz' slump really over? Could Pedroia/Bay/Youklis/Drew ever combine to equal the productivity of one Manny Ramirez?

The Rays proved how tenuous this momentum was with their win in Game 7. The Red Sox are no longer the "comeback kids", but rather bound by skill and circumstance like every other team in baseball. Demystifying the Red Sox crazy fan base is another topic indeed, but demystifying this team's supposed super-force powers has been relatively easy over the course of 9 innings.

 There might never be a Ray Nation like there is a Red Sox Nation. But I would still like to thank the Tampa Bay Rays for reminding us that this isn't destiny in this crazy and superstitious game and there are more than two teams in baseball.