I can never be satisfied. Can you?

What's it gotta be?


  • Total voters
    233
  • Poll closed .

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
The Red Sox are what they are. 159 regular season games done, 3 left to play. They got no power, they got no reliable starting pitching beyond Sale (and even him...), they got no reliable bullpen beyond Kimbrell (and maybe Carson Smith but be honest: you don't trust him yet), the third baseman's throwing arm seems to have circa 1978 Butch Hobson's sense of direction, and don't lets get me started on the manager!

And yet they've been in first place of what we like to think is the toughest division in baseball for all but 4 days since mid June.

What more do you need from this team to make you satisfied that they didn't ruin your summah?
 

brandonchristensen

Loves Aaron Judge
SoSH Member
Feb 4, 2012
38,144
I was fine with last years outcome, what hurt more was not giving Ortiz a chance at the ALCS. His career ended on a whimper but I was proud of the team for getting there.

I’m feeling about the same. This season was more up and down than any I can recall so I have no idea what to expect. I could see them sweep the entire post season as easy as I can see them get swept out in the DS.

I would like to see them put up a fight. That’s all.
 

Wallball Tingle

union soap
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
2,518
I'm pretty happy as long as they close out the division. I would love to see a couple of playoff wins, but I just don't think they have the horses for a deep run. But I mean: 2006 Cardinals.
 

Philip Jeff Frye

Member
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Oct 23, 2001
10,230
I picked I am already satisfied, since this poll seems to assume we have already locked up a post season berth*, but with the caveat that I reserve the right to change my vote if something terrible happens in the next three days. Anytime you reach the postseason, you've got to be happy with six months of pretty good baseball, even if a week or less of bad October baseball can bring it all to a sudden end.

* I am excluding Bud's horrible one game play-in from my definition of post season.
 

santadevil

wears depends
Silver Supporter
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
6,472
Saskatchestan
When the Sox make the playoffs and don't win a game in the DS, it feels like the Sox didn't make the playoffs (2005, 2016)
However, I won't be satified just winning a game.

Win the DS and give us some hope that the World Series is within reach by going to the CS
 

InsideTheParker

persists in error
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
40,371
Pioneer Valley
I am trying very hard to be satisfied, even if they lose the division, remembering all the entertaining plays I saw all season. But, I do want them to win the division, even if they don't go forward, because then they'll have that as a memento of all the good work they did this year. And I'll have it too.
 

Plympton91

bubble burster
SoSH Member
Oct 19, 2008
12,408
Since 2007 and then the great run that was 2013, I'm finding myself perfectly content as long as they are not eliminated rom the playoffs before the final week of the season.

A division title is a fantastic and difficult accomplishment that the team should be proud of. The playoffs are a coin flip, made more so by the ridiculousness of the 5th best team getting a chance to catch that lightning in a bottle.

So, I'm very satisfied with this season. I'd like the gravy of winning the ALDS, but they are winners to me already.
 

CarolinaBeerGuy

Don't know him from Adam
SoSH Member
Mar 14, 2006
9,419
Kernersville, NC
I think I need them to win the Division Series to be satisfied. I don’t think they have the firepower to go all the way, but they’ve been great in flashes this season. This has been a very frustrating team to watch, so I won’t be satisfied if they go out with a whimper.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,442
2nd place is the first loser.

Winning the World (well, US + Taranna) Series is the only thing that counts. Everything else is bubkis.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,442
Since 2007 and then the great run that was 2013, I'm finding myself perfectly content as long as they are not eliminated rom the playoffs before the final week of the season.

A division title is a fantastic and difficult accomplishment that the team should be proud of. The playoffs are a coin flip, made more so by the ridiculousness of the 5th best team getting a chance to catch that lightning in a bottle.

So, I'm very satisfied with this season. I'd like the gravy of winning the ALDS, but they are winners to me already.
This is very Indiana-ish. I hear Mike Pence needs a roommate.
 

BoSoxLady

Rules Red Sox Nation with an Iron Fist
Lifetime Member
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Apr 24, 2003
3,448
I don't think they have enough to win the World Series but I'd like to see them improve upon last season. World Series Champs 2018!
 

Deweys New Stance

Well-Known Member
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Jul 8, 2001
2,888
Here to Eternity
They're clearly not the best team in the AL, so it's tough to ask more of them than to avoid getting swept in the DS.
With that said, I'll be disappointed if the MFYs go farther than they do.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,442
It was hard to root for Farrell over Tito last year.
It will be even harder this year. (If it comes to that.)
I love Tito
I hate Farrell

I am still rooting for Farrell.
I felt bad for Rajai last year. Or that's what I tell myself

Win it for Rajai!
 

Papelbon's Poutine

Homeland Security
SoSH Member
Dec 4, 2005
19,615
Portsmouth, NH
Considering how many players didn't live up to expectations or flat out regressed, I can't be anything but satisfied with them winning the division. Anything else beyond that is gravy.
 

drbretto

Member
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Apr 10, 2009
12,075
Concord, NH
I was always more interested in next year than this year. With all the young players, I figured this year would be about getting them to find themselves as a team, and next year would be the big payoff.

At this point, I'd be a little disappointed if they didn't hold on to win the division, but other than that, I'm already pretty satisfied. Everything from here out is gravy. Unfortunately, I don't have the highest of expectations because I'm not sure I subscribe to the notion that the playoffs are just a roll of the dice. I think the dice are more weighted than people give credit for. It's one thing to luck out in one short series, but 3 in a row over a month's time is a bit of a tall task.

Would be super happy to be proven wrong, though. No problem with that at all.
 

Just a bit outside

Member
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Apr 6, 2011
7,928
Monument, CO
I am almost satisfied with this year. I will be completely satisfied if they don't get swept in the division series. I hate getting swept. I don't think they are as good as the Astros or Indians so I want them to at least take one game.
 

uncannymanny

Member
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Jan 12, 2007
9,081
Despite having "zero power" and a "terrible manager" that all of the players hate and quit on in June, they are tied for the 5th best record, and won the toughest division in baseball -- obviously in spite of being a thoroughly mediocre team.

This team is built for a short series. Rope a dope Houston here all you want and get hot next week. Any of the 4 teams that make it to the DS are wholly capable of going to the WS. They are 4-3 against unbeatable Cleveland (who won 162 games this year, right?) and 2-2 so far against Houston. They can, and have, beaten these teams.

And the NYY are not winning the division, my god get a grip.
 

chrisfont9

Member
SoSH Member
I just want to give a shout-out to Drew Pomeranz, who pretty much encapsulates what this team is. He had his career-best year (3.6 bWAR) and has transformed himself into the pitcher Dombrowski could only have hoped he was getting for Espinoza, a legit #2 or 3 starter who can be relied on through most of the year. He's still only got about 150 good innings in his arm, it appears, and he's a few starts past that. Maybe someday he will be a 200 inning guy. He did a lot to get the Sox where they are, but I fear this will be lost because he's going to catch shit from Sox fans for not being able to do more.
 

Rovin Romine

Johnny Rico
Lifetime Member
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Jul 14, 2005
23,688
Miami (oh, Miami!)
At the end of the day, I'd like to see them play solid fundamental baseball with some verve. I can't quite say I'd be satisfied if they "played outstanding baseball but got swept," given that it's almost, but not quite, a contradiction in terms. Although I suppose it would be possible.

Outside the freakish scenario, in practical terms, such play would implicitly result in their winning the division by winning one out of their final five games. It would implicitly mean at least one post season win.

(If they lost their final five, backed into the playoffs, and got manhandled for a sweep, would anyone here by "satisfied"?)
 

chrisfont9

Member
SoSH Member
I love Tito
I hate Farrell

I am still rooting for Farrell.
I felt bad for Rajai last year. Or that's what I tell myself

Win it for Rajai!
I'll never hate Farrell. He may be frustrating at times, but he's delivered one ring as manager and another as pitching coach. He seems like a decent guy, nothing weird or obnoxious about him, and he even seems to try to be open with reporters (and therefore with us) by modern sports standards. He's not Tito, but he's done a lot of things well. So I would never, ever hate the guy, or even (as you probably mean) sports-hate, which isn't real hate so much as just wanting someone else in his place.
 

uncannymanny

Member
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Jan 12, 2007
9,081
I just want to give a shout-out to Drew Pomeranz, who pretty much encapsulates what this team is. He had his career-best year (3.6 bWAR) and has transformed himself into the pitcher Dombrowski could only have hoped he was getting for Espinoza, a legit #2 or 3 starter who can be relied on through most of the year. He's still only got about 150 good innings in his arm, it appears, and he's a few starts past that. Maybe someday he will be a 200 inning guy. He did a lot to get the Sox where they are, but I fear this will be lost because he's going to catch shit from Sox fans for not being able to do more.
So he hit the wall between 9/19 and 9/25?
 

Dewey'sCannon

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
870
Maryland
Yes, it's been an emotional roller-coaster ride this year, at least from this fan's perspective - they look great for a few days, then horrible for a few. Fortunately, the good has far outweighed the bad, and we find that they're still in first place.

For me to be satisfied:

1. Win the division. No play-in BS or drama (I still haven't gotten over '78);
2. Win at least one Div Series game. Getting swept in the first round sucks, and would feel especially bad if it happened in consecutive years;
3. Go at least as far as the MFYs. I don't want to have to hear it from their fans if they advance further.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
72,442
I'll never hate Farrell. He may be frustrating at times, but he's delivered one ring as manager and another as pitching coach. He seems like a decent guy, nothing weird or obnoxious about him, and he even seems to try to be open with reporters (and therefore with us) by modern sports standards. He's not Tito, but he's done a lot of things well. So I would never, ever hate the guy, or even (as you probably mean) sports-hate, which isn't real hate so much as just wanting someone else in his place.
Farrell is like the UPS driver who manages to not lose your package on the "delivery."
 

grimshaw

Member
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May 16, 2007
4,220
Portland
In order to set up being pleasantly surprised, I will need to predict they get knocked out in the first round.
 

Mugsy's Jock

Eli apologist
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Dec 28, 2000
15,069
UWS, NYC
Despite having "zero power" and a "terrible manager" that all of the players hate and quit on in June, they are tied for the 5th best record, and won the toughest division in baseball -- obviously in spite of being a thoroughly mediocre team.
Nitpicking, but NL West is clearly the best division in baseball this year. And you can make a case for AL Central as well.
 

sean1562

Member
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Sep 17, 2011
3,620
If they don't win the division now, when everything is very much in their court, I will be disappointed. I would be surprised to see this team win the Alcs, but I hope they at least get there. I do think we need to get a bat in the offseason, as every other team is just getting better. I hope their plan isn't just "hope Hanley/Xander/JBJ improve". I'm worried about that Yankees team
 

JimD

Member
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Nov 29, 2001
8,681
I voted 'Win at least one game in the postseason', but what I'm really looking for is for them to be competitive in October. I can live with an exit in the DS if they look like they belong there. Last year's flameout sucked and it will be even worse this year if we have to watch the Yankees advance after Boston is out (the instant deification of Aaron Judge by the national media will reach Jeterian levels). Win the division, play the Astros or Tribe tough and see what happens.
 

uncannymanny

Member
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Jan 12, 2007
9,081
Nitpicking, but NL West is clearly the best division in baseball this year. And you can make a case for AL Central as well.
I guess I’d disagree when there’s no SD or SF in this division to fatten up on. The Dodgers have been exceptional. ARI has the same record as us and then it plummets from there.

Put another way, do you think the Sox and Yankees would have the same records if they each played 38 games against SF/SD instead of TB/TOR? I don’t think so.
 

sean1562

Member
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Sep 17, 2011
3,620
The AL central is terrible. The twins are not a great team and the tigers and white sox are god awful. The al east is the best division in the AL
 

glasspusher

Member
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Jul 20, 2005
9,973
Oakland California
I was fine with last years outcome, what hurt more was not giving Ortiz a chance at the ALCS. His career ended on a whimper but I was proud of the team for getting there.

I’m feeling about the same. This season was more up and down than any I can recall so I have no idea what to expect. I could see them sweep the entire post season as easy as I can see them get swept out in the DS.

I would like to see them put up a fight. That’s all.
I like to think his career ended with a walk and a sac fly. A professional hitter to the end.
 

pokey_reese

Member
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Jun 25, 2008
16,247
Boston, MA
I selected 'win at least one game in the postseason,' but for me that's really a stand-in for 'be competitive in the series.' I don't actually care if they win the games vs. getting swept, but it's how the games go. I don't really think they are one of the four best teams in the dance this year, so I have little in the way of expectations, but as long as the playoff games they do play are exciting and well-played, the outcome matters less to me this year. Basically, I want at least three games that don't make me want to turn them off and go do something else by the third inning (as many of them have been lately). Let me enjoy some life-or-death postseason baseball, and then we can all take a few weeks before we start counting down until pitchers and catchers report, and I start dreaming of a .300/30/100 season for Devers in 2018...
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

Found no thrill on Blueberry Hill
SoSH Member
Sep 9, 2008
42,281
AZ
I have two levels of satisfaction for the baseball year. Level 1 is whether they kept me engaged through the summer. Whether I got home most nights and turned on the game. Whether I was excited to watch them play. Whether I had fun in the game threads. Whether things were in play enough for the year for me to go on to baseball reference to figure out how many pitches EdRo usually got, because he was cruising at 75 in the 5th. Whether it's September and I'm trying to figure out the reason for the difference between Mookie's fangraphs and BR WAR. Whether it was compelling enough that I stayed tuned to hear some great Eck stories, or that I have a strong opinion of Pena versus Walker. I am highly satisfied on level 1. I will be very disappointed if they blow the division, but all the things that I watch baseball for over 6 months of the summer season have happened.

Level 2 is the post-season. I don't feel the same way about Level 2. A good performance that keeps me engaged is not enough, barring something extraordinary like a chance to see a generational player in his final games in the uniform. Level 2 is binary for me. I am satisfied if they win the Championship. I am disappointed if they don't and there isn't in between.
 

SoxJox

Member
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Dec 22, 2003
7,082
Rock > SoxJox < Hard Place
It is hard to believe there are only 4 clubs in MLB that have won more games...despite all the noted shortcomings.

Just glad the Sox aren't in the AL or NL East, where everyone collapsed save the Astro and Nats, respectively, or the NL West, where the Padres and Giants are serving as solid anchors on the bottom with plenty of chain paid out.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
72,442
Yup depends on your definition. Do you go by chain or driving definition (how weak is your weakest link?) or best 3 out of 5 definition?
 

TeddysBonefish

Member
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Jul 26, 2006
1,131
I want a World Series win and I'm dumb enough to believe it could happen. Crapshoot. Streaky game. 2006 Cards. All that.

I could be satisfied with a really gutty performance against a tough team. Any loss to the MFYs can go fuck itself.

Win at least one game.
 

Jim Ed Rice in HOF

Red-headed Skrub child
SoSH Member
Jul 21, 2005
8,256
Seacoast NH
I voted for make it to the ALCS but in reality it's win at least 2 games in the ALDS so that I don't have to watch the Astros celebrate at Fenway. I saw that in the years mentioned above and I'm not a fan.
 

Mighty Joe Young

The North remembers
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Sep 14, 2002
8,401
Halifax, Nova Scotia , Canada
Given that my expectations for this team in the play-offs are are very limited - I think they will be lucky to win a game - winning the division will fulfill my "satisfied" criteria.

I have never thought they had the offense to make a deep run. Sure - if they suddenly went on a tear its possible - just not likely. The competition is very, very strong this year - two 100 win teams to probably get past is a bridge too far.

The whole idea of this poll is quite interesting. After 2004 I think most Red Sox fans became "normal" fans in that a WS win wasn't required to satisfy folks. Now we have three - and seasons can be enjoyable for many reasons. 2013 and 2014 did not feature team success but were fun because we got to watch the kids develop and become stars. Last year was bittersweet due to Papi's imminent departure. This year has been fun due to the team's success and resilience, plus the emergence of Benentendi and Devers.

I certainly don't need playoff success anymore to give me enjoyment - its all about the journey , not the ultimate destination.
 

sean1562

Member
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Sep 17, 2011
3,620
what are our expectations for the coming years? do you think this team will be a WS contender next season? do we need major moves or just some tweaking? without the huge sale trade last offseason, does this team even make the playoffs?
 

uncannymanny

Member
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Jan 12, 2007
9,081
what are our expectations for the coming years? do you think this team will be a WS contender next season? do we need major moves or just some tweaking? without the huge sale trade last offseason, does this team even make the playoffs?
There's a thread about this already. Can we talk about this year's team?