After what once seemed like an impossible outcome, the Boston Red Sox officially clinched a playoff spot, a very exciting moment for a team that has a real chance to win it all.
A few months ago, it seemed like the Red Sox didn’t have a chance to come close to accomplishing this feat, but they did exactly that because of some of the decisions ownership made. Ultimately, while those decisions were questioned, the Red Sox decision-makers clearly made the right move by parting ways with Alex Cora.
Speaking to reporters, it sounded like players in the clubhouse felt the same way. Willson Contreras, a longtime veteran and a big part of the Red Sox playoff push in the second half, said the staff change affected the chemistry and that all they needed was time.
The Red Sox proved that to be true.
“New staff, same energy, same grinding staff,” Contreras said of the early season changes that rocked the club, per The Athletic. “We created a family here with good chemistry throughout the season. We just needed time. And the time came for us.
“The most important thing to me is that everybody never stopped working. Everyone was finding their way to make an adjustment and play their game the right way. This is what we play for. This is just the first step ahead to get to the postseason. I just wanted everyone to know that I’m proud of every one of you. It’s a long season. We played through injuries, we played through a staff change, but we never stopped believing, and that’s why we’re here.”
Right now, barring something drastic, the Red Sox will play the New York Yankees in the Bronx.
This is going to be a crazy series, as many could argue that these are the two best teams in the American League.
Whoever wins this series has to feel pretty good about making the World Series, though there’s still a lot that has to happen before making any assumptions. The Tampa Bay Rays also seem to be very good.
