Friday’s Links – Red October

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

They’ve done it. For the first time since 2009, the Boston Red Sox are going back to the postseason, and boy, what a ride it’s been to get there.

• If it were anyone else, it just wouldn’t have the same effect. John Lackey was the one who punched the Red Sox’ ticket to October last night with a spectacular performance. (For Lackey, some more redemption)

• It’s okay to be sentimental. This hasn’t happened for a while. Compared to the dumpster fire that was last year, this is is heavenly bliss. (The Red Sox are going to the postseason!)

• The beards shouldn’t be the only thing you fear. The Red Sox have the pitching and the mentality to go deep into the postseason. (Red Sox’ Mental Makeup, Deep Rotation Create Look of True World Series Contender)

• These ain’t your father’s Red Sox. It isn’t all power and homers anymore – the Red Sox can run circles around an opponent at will. (Speed, small ball making Sox more diversified)

• Remember that whole thing about Jackie Bradley Jr. being on the roster in April? We may very well have the same dilemma at the end of September. (Jackie Bradley’s name in play)

• Looks like the guys from last time the Red Sox went from worst to first really like this team. That’s gotta be good for something, right? (“Impossible Dream” heroes: ‘There’s something special about this team’)

• Don’t stop watching the Red Sox just because they clinched! We’ve got more stuff for you to read and other cool things too! (Why You Should Pay Attention To Red Sox’ Last Nine Games)

Yeah, wins and losses are crap, but this is still pretty impressive.