Congratulations Tampa Bay Rays!

You earned your first American League Pennant and, in doing so, your ticket to the World Series. You took down the defending 2007 Word Series Champions. It wasn't easy or quick, but you did it. Jon Lester pitched well enough to win, but Matt Garza pitched well and won the game. Unfortunately, the Red Sox bats took a breather at the very wrong time.

They say it's pitching that wins series. To a point, that's true. It only takes one run to win a game. The pitcher who is able to prevent that run can come away with a win.

However, offense is equally important. Am I the only one who thinks that if a team doesn't produce runs, it won't win? The Red Sox spent a fair amount of time this season not producing runs.

They produced enough to win the wild card, but how often was it agonizing to watch them struggle at the plate?

One has to wonder how or if things would have been different if Manny Ramirez was still in a Red Sox uniform. The common consensus is that he probably wouldn't have played anyway either by dogging it or being benched for dogging it.

But can we say that his presence in the lineup - at least his 2007 presence - was sorely missed?:

Jason Bay did a notable job taking over the Manny spot on the roster. He was very productive and an upgrade defensively. But his hitting wasn't electric.

Not like Manny's.

I don't know what the answer is for the Red Sox. Without Manny behind him, David Ortiz isn't the same hitter. Pedroia and Youkilis can't carry the team for the whole season, and it's gotten to the point where the bottom third of the order is a cakewalk for the opposing pitcher. It reminds me of Little League where you have all your good hitters at the top of the order, and you grit your teeth patiently while dying through the bottom.

I don't see the Red Sox doing a lot in the off-season. There are issues to be addressed. I can't, for the life of me, though, see them making major changes to the team.

I guess it all remains to be seen.

For the time being, the kudos belong to the Tampa Bay Rays. Good luck in the World Series.

I hope Philadelphia beats you.