Grades are in for 2008 Red Sox

As we are learning yet again, repeating as a champion is a long and arduous task. The effort involved in winning a first title frequently hinders you in pursuit of a second. Bodies break down. The mind grows tired. Spirits get dampened.

And yet, despite it all, the Red Sox are going to the playoffs again. Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew (among others) all appear to be ailing as the Sox begin defense of their 2007 world title this week, and the Sox suddenly look as vulnerable as they have all year. Of course, part of the team's charm over the last several years is that the Sox have not been afraid to lose, which is probably a big reason they have won.

"Things happen and you deal with them," Sox manager Terry Francona said after yesterday's doubleheader split with the New York Yankees that ended the regular season. "If you deal with them well enough, you handle it. If you don't you go home."

Isn't it really that simple?

With that in mind, we take time to reflect on the regular season performances of all those who wore a Red Sox uniform this season, from Dustin Pedroia to Gil Velazquez. To earn a grade, positional players were required to have at least 100 at-bats. For pitchers, the standard was 20 appearances or 50 innings.

Check out the report card here, and be sure to cast your votes for each player as well ...