They're preparing for a bigger party
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - They toasted briefly with plastic glasses filled with Moet just a few minutes before the media came into the clubhouse.
Manager Terry Francona spoke about how proud he was of his Red Sox team, and the only other speaker was veteran reliever Mike Timlin, who seemed, in a few words, to epitomize the mood and the circumstance.
"I told them not to relax," Timlin said. "I want to win the division. A lot of guys have been here before and we don't want to get too excited. We wanted to recognize what we had accomplished but to make sure we all knew and all understood we had our eye on bigger things. This was just the first step."
Classy. Dignified. It was what the Red Sox felt they had to do after clinching a postseason berth last night with an exciting 8-6 victory over Tampa Bay with a ninth-inning rally before 34,626, most being Red Sox fans.
The Sox could have whooped it up as they did in 2003 and 2004, but this team has matured from the Idiot Days, when passion and momentum carried them to a world championship in 2004. Celebrations are often scrutinized here because the Patriots fear they'll lose focus if celebrations get out of hand - before a Super Bowl championship.
The Sox had no problem overdoing it in '04, where there was a party to beat all parties. The Red Sox have been limping lately, trying to plug holes for a team that has suffered injuries to Manny Ramírez and Kevin Youkilis, and trying to find its second wind at the most crucial time.
They had every reason and every right to recognize what they have done to this point.
The Sox rallied against the Devil Rays to keep their 2 1/2-game lead over the Yankees. They had every reason to celebrate louder and stronger if they chose to. To clinch a playoff spot after 155 games and stay in first place for 157 days is no small feat.
Baseball is a tremendous grind. It's rare that players really let their hair down and release their inhibitions. Every day the routine is carved out for them. Show up. Watch video. Prepare for BP. Lift weights. Take infield practice. Go over scouting reports. Play the game.
Instead of champagne-spraying and the soaking of hair and uniforms, the visitors' clubhouse was a series of one-on-one encounters of Sox players wishing each other well. Julian Tavarez and Jonathan Papelbon shared a laugh, then embraced. A few of those embraces were on the field immediately after the game.
The Japanese media - out in full force with Daisuke Matsuzaka on the mound - anticipated a celebration, covering cameras with trash bags and microphones with plastic. Some wore raincoats into the clubhouse, but it was not necessary.
"We've got bigger and better things to accomplish," said Papelbon, who earned his 36th save with a perfect ninth inning.
"I don't think there's any person in this clubhouse who doesn't want to win the AL championship and get to the World Series. That's what we set our sights on at the beginning of the year.
"Sure, we're going to slump. We went through a rut, but we're back in position now to be in the postseason and win our division. The expectations of the writers or the fans aren't more than what we expect of ourselves."
It was quite an experience for rookie Jacoby Ellsbury, who, with eyes wide open, quietly and inconspicuously gathered himself and got ready to leave the clubhouse for the night.
Julio Lugo, who blasted the two-run homer in the ninth to win the game, was smiling from ear to ear. He's been widely criticized during his first season with the Sox.
Same with J.D. Drew, who hit a two-run homer and knocked in another run with a double. Matsuzaka, signed for $103 million, pitched well.
If there was a night when general manager Theo Epstein's free agents could finally stand up and say they made a difference, it was last night.
"This is what I came to Boston for," Lugo said. "When I signed I knew we had a chance to reach the playoffs.
"For me, playing here in Tampa for a lot of years, I never had that opportunity. It's very meaningful for me and for all of us who came here for this reason."
David Ortiz was as subdued as the celebration, and he spoke about how later "we can celebrate bigger." Ramírez, sidelined with a strained left oblique since Aug. 28, even cracked a smile as Lugo, who occupied the locker next to him, spoke happily to the media.
Captain Jason Varitek went about his business as usual, bringing the Sox back into the game with a solo, opposite-field home run in the ninth. Afterward, Francona compared him with Derek Jeter, coming up with a big hit at a big moment.
Francona became the first Red Sox manager to lead his team to a third postseason berth. He hasn't been feeling well lately, but in winning there is healing.
"Tonight, winning is what it's all about," he said.
The biggest satisfaction, he said, was looking at the faces of his players and the enjoyment in their eyes. He felt the few minutes taken to recognize what they had done and what they hoped to do was in good taste. The few minutes were worth it.
