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Boston Red Sox: Satisfaction with playoff qualification proved to be their demise

By Tracy Katzke

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Coco Crisp (4) stands infant of the scoreboard in left field during the eighth inning of game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Coco Crisp (4) stands infant of the scoreboard in left field during the eighth inning of game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (13) is doused with champagne by a teammate after losing to the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium but clinching their division with a Toronto Blue Jays loss. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (13) is doused with champagne by a teammate after losing to the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium but clinching their division with a Toronto Blue Jays loss. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Sox mindset vs. Cubs mindset: Emblematic of the team still competing

The stark contrast between the Red Sox’s, “it was an honor just being nominated” attitude, and the Cub’s, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” attitude, is no better exemplified than each team’s behavior upon capturing their respective divisions.

On Wednesday, September 28, minutes prior to a Kimbrel implosion, that ultimately set the stage for a Mark Teixeira walk-off Grand Slam, Baltimore defeated Toronto, rendering Boston American League East champions.

Despite clinching the AL East crown due to a Toronto defeat, one might think that after a seemingly painful loss in which the Red Sox possessed a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, any celebrations would be postponed. Much to my surprise, the Red Sox players partied that night “as if it was 1999.” That celebration should have alerted everyone all that was needed to know regarding the postseason aspirations of this ball club.

On Thursday, September 15, the Cubs, in a similar situation to the Red Sox, lost to the Brewers; however, were crowned division champions as the Giants defeated the Cardinals. The Cubs, however, were thinking about a much bigger prize, and recognized that “celebration” and “defeat” are two mutually exclusive activities.

Perhaps said mindset is the reason that the Cubs are still playing baseball, while the Red Sox are merely watching baseball.

In a September 16, 2016, article by Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, Cubs catcher Miguel Montero is quoted as saying, “We want to come back here [Friday] and we’ll be together and celebrate the way you’re supposed to after a win.”

Muskat also writes, “Last year was exactly the same,” Montero said. “Regardless, we have to come back [Friday] and win the ballgame. We’ve been playing good enough to not quit now. We want to keep rolling.”

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