A new generation

As I currently watch the final few innings of the 2007 World Series I cannot help but reminisce about the 2004 that lighted the Red Sox fever that inspired millions of bandwagon jumpers to pledge lifelong allegiance to one of the most lovable franchises in professional sports. The 2004 squad was quirky and fun, every bit the anti Yankees that the world of professional baseball was hoping for at the the end of the steroid era. How do the 2007 Sox compare to Idiot, Pedro and Millar? Let's Cowboy Up and break it down.

Simply put, I think the 2007 Sox are a better squad overall for three reasons; starting pitching, bullpen, and supporting staff.

Josh Beckett is a better pitcher in 2007 than Martinez was in 2004. Schilling, albeit slower and older, has learned to rely on crafty outs rather than fireballs. Daisuke is the weak point of a fantastic starting playoff four, and that's a wonderful position to be in. Lester, who is going to emerge post cancer as a solid pitcher, is going to be a big star in Boston for years to come. Lets not forget that the genius in Boston's front office have also managed to hold on to Clay Buckholz for next year, who may have the best stuff outside of Beckett all pitchers considered. The nod goes to the 2007 rotation - who misses Derek Lowe?

The bullpen is more reliable. Not only is Papelbon more entertaining than Keith Folke, he's a better pitcher. The 2007 squad still has Timlin and Okajima is a better pitcher than anything the 2004 squad could have hoped for.

Supporting staff? Pedroia, Ellsbury and Lowell versus Bellhorn, Dave Roberts and Bill Mueller - there's no question who I'd rather have backing up Manny and Ortiz if I was a manager.

While they are a better squad, the 2004 team will forever be remembered as the more lovable. Whys that? Johnny Damon looked like my favorite deity, Manny and Pedro shook heads together, Ortiz emerged as an underpaid hero, and ultimately the beloved eight and a half decade losers finally buried the ghost of George Herman Ruth.

Congratulations Red Sox. Unfortunately, despite the ALCS heroics and the home grown rookie show stealers, the party just ain't gonna be as sweet tonight.