So we have clinched early. The waters (White Sox and Twins) parted as we marched to the division championship and they marched towards maximizing their draft position for next year.
So we are left in an unusual position: 9 games with apparently nothing real to play for. I guess we still have a statistical chance of overtaking the Yankees but that is all but impossible as the Yankees would likely have to lose out and we would have to win out (their magic number is 2 to capture the second best record in the league over either Cleveland or Toronto).
So, what do we play for? What are our goals in this last stretch? Well, first, we have a great manager who knows his team, knows the playoffs and knows what his team needs to do to get ready for the postseason. So anything I say is probably not real relevant but welcome the the world of blogging! So, let's go:
1. We need to get the rotation and bullpen set. Right now this comes down to see whether Plesac will be part of the first series or not, keeping guys healthy and seeing if Shaw or Morgan will be part of the first series.
2. We need to verify that Will Benson will not be part of the post-season roster and that Will Brennan will be. It would also help if we could get George Valera or Brayan Rocchio a few ABs in these last 9 games. Yes, they likely won't see the roster in the post-season but if the need arrives, they should at least have accomplished the "firsts" all rookies have to go through.
This, and not losing the momentum of our current stretch WHILE getting guys rest seem to be the biggest other challenges Francona has.
Win or lost in each of the next 9 games and win or lose in the playoffs, I think our manager will give the team the best chance for post-season success.
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