I don't feel bad for the Red Sox by any stretch of the imagination.
You guys are by far the second best....and perhaps the best depending on this series...team in the AL.
I watch a team with a 75 million payroll. Of this Smoltz is going to get 12 mill next year and if he starts he's going to get an additional 100K per start, Chip is locked for 12.5 mil next year, Hampton for 8 and Andruw for 10.
My point is, even if you don't make it to the next round you consistently get there. I don't feel bad for any team that can say this.
Now, look at the Twins who have had to build up on unreal prospects to make the run. They pretty much know going in that they aren't going to make it the next round b/c of their lack of seasoned veterans.
The Braves are to this point as well.
It's becoming a league of the haves and have nots. The have not's have to build a team up....and quite honestly I'd prefer to watch the Bravos build their teams than go out and buy up whatever is great.
Look at Beltran...everyone pretty much knows he's going to be playing CF for the Yanks next year.
But yet, KC grew this talent and are hurting now b/c of the structure of baseball.
Look at TB who has a great young ballclub but can't make the next step b/c of the payroll not only of the Yanks but also the BoSox.