I know. I know. Why can’t the Red Sox get shortstops like that? But, Renteria has cemented himself as Mr. November with yet another fantastic World Series performance. That would give him World Series winning RBI thirteen seasons apart? That’s a pretty impressive resume. Considering he also led the Cardinals to the series in 2004, that’s three different franchises he’s starred for in the series. (OK. Maybe he didn’t star in the 2004 World Series…but he was a star for St Louis during the regular season.) So, following the 2005 season, the Red Sox traded away the future World Series MVP for Andy Marte. They shipped Marte away in a deal for Coco Crisp. They shipped Crisp away for Ramon Ramirez. After Renteria left the Sox, they have had the shortstop hole plugged by Alex Gonzalez, Julio Lugo, and Marco Scutaro. Talk about your amazing revolving door. Funny the way baseball works sometimes. What would have happened if they had just kept Renteria to begin with? Of course, Renteria wasn’t the only former Sox playing a big role for the Giants. Freddy Sanchez set the table for the not exactly potent Giants line-up. He, of course, was traded away to get Jeff Suppan…who teamed with Renteria in losing to the Sox in the 2004 World Series. I have no idea what any of that means. Baseball is just fun to play “what if” sometimes. This happens to be one of those times. But, I’m glad to see Renteria get another ring for his collection. Like I’ve always said, I thought he got a raw deal here in Boston. Maybe it was people like me who still wanted to see number five playing short. Maybe it was because “Rent-a-wreck” was too catchy of a moniker to let it die. Maybe it was people who still think errors are the most important fielding stat in the history of the world. Whatever it was, good for Edgar.
While I’m talking about the Giants, can any San Francisco fans tell me what exactly Brian Wilson is doing with his arms after a save? Every time he completes the save, he makes that guns-a-blazin type X with his arms. I’m sure it has some significance to him somehow. I’m not sure I’m a big fan of the choreographed celebrations after big plays. And, no, I don’t know what the line is between making an X and pumping your fist. But, I always thought it was interesting that in the heat of the moment, with the emotions running high, a player can step back and remember a routine. Football players celebrating sacks was always a big one for me. They run as hard as they can, propel themselves at another human being, sack the quarterback for a huge loss, and change the dynamic of the game. How do they then remember to stand up and pretend to swing a baseball bat? In the case of Speed Turtle last night, he had just won the World Series. When Jonathan Papelbon struck out the last batter in 2007 he immediately jumped in the air with clear joy. When Wilson struck out the last batter, he very calmly turned around and made the X sign. He then turned back to Buster Posey to join in the celebration. If you watch Posey, it looks like he was a little thrown too. He knows that, as the catcher, he’s supposed to jump into the pitcher’s arms. But, as he’s running out the pitcher turns his back on him. You can see Posey kind of slow his run, and look to the dugout instead of focusing on jumping at Wilson. Now, I’m not saying Wilson is doing anything wrong. Who am I to say how someone else should celebrate? I just thought it was interesting.
Congrats San Francisco!
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