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October 29, 2007
By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- The 2004 World Series title was great, especially the way the Boston Red Sox came back in unprecedented fashion, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to the New York Yankees and then flattening St. Louis in a four-game sweep.
But this world championship, accomplished in a four-game sweep over the Colorado Rockies, went beyond being sweet. In some way, said owner John Henry, it was validation.
''At least for our organization, this proves that 2004 wasn't a fluke,'' said Henry amidst the team's celebration in its clubhouse at Coors Field after Boston had edged Colorado, 4-3, polishing off the Rockies in four straight.
''This proves we're an organization to be reckoned with. This shows we're a well rounded organization. We're not just stat geeks. We're aggressive. We're a bold organization. We have a bold general manager (Theo Epstein), a bold CEO (Larry Lucchino) and a bold partnership,'' said Henry.
Henry had kind words for his manager, Terry Francona.
''He is unbelievable,'' said Henry. ''He gets so much grief during the season from Red Sox Nation. I don't understand that. I think he has done a great job. I think he needs to get more benefit of the doubt. I think he will start to be more highly regarded next year.''
The team also came in for praise from its owner, especially because it was the second time the Red Sox have overcome adversity in the postseason and wound up taking the championship trophy back to Boston. In 2004, of course, there was the 3-0 hole against the Yankees in the ALCS. This year, the Red Sox were down, 3-1, to the Indians in the ALCS before rallying to win three straight and earn a World Series berth.
''To do that two times show that we have players who know how to focus on what they need to do. It's incredible what they did,'' said Henry. ''To come back from the brink of elimination it takes focus from a special group of players.''
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