Day 203: It's a Great Day to Be a Red Sox Fan!

Last night was another late night for Boston fans as the Red Sox attempted to oust the Detroit Tigers from postseason play. But it was totally worth fighting to keep my eyes open because, in the end, the Sox were successful in their mission and now will be heading to the WORLD FREAKING SERIES for a rematch with the St. Louis Cardinals!! WORLD SERIES... WOO HOO!

For the first time since 1999, the two teams with the best regular season record in their respective league will be meeting in the Fall Classic. The Red Sox, who finished last in the AL East just a year ago, ran away with the division with a 97-65 record. And oddly enough, the Cardinals finished with the same record, winning the NL Central. Do I need to remind anyone of what happened the last time these two teams met in the postseason? Not sure any respectable Sox fan could ever forget that World Series. *cough* sweep *cough*

I'm, by no means, expecting another sweep... even though the Red Sox have won eight straight World Series games since 2004. But the feeling I get watching this team just makes me think this is a team of destiny. That's all I'm going to say because, well, you know... superstitious.

Each player on this Sox team gets his chance to shine, to make a game changing play, to help this team win. The bats were relatively quiet throughout the ALCS, but when the made noise, they made some big noise. David Ortiz batted just .091 with four RBIs in the series—but those four RBIs came on a game-tying grand slam in game two. Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit just .188 with two RBIs, one of which won game two.

And then there's the story of Shane Victorino. He was such a strong force during the regular season but fell into a deep slump in the LCS and finished the series batting a paltry .125 and striking out nine times. John Farrell easily could've benched him in favor of Daniel Nava, but he opted to stick with the veteran for his defense and probably figuring he had snap out of his funk at some point. It may have taken him six games, but he finally broke out... and in the hugest way, with a grand slam to give the Sox a 5-2 win and a trip to the WORLD FREAKING SERIES!!

That was one awesome grand slam. One awesome ALCS. One awesome Red Sox team that never gave up even when they clearly couldn't hit the ball. I don't know what else to say... I think it was an emotional night for both the team and fans. I think I may have even shed a tear.

GO SOX!!