Reality bites.

In my head I know it's over. Knew it was over in July when it seemed like the Red Sox were suffering from some biblical plague of injuries and bad luck. Too many guys were lost for the season and too many blips from the pitching staff and it was a testament to the heart of this team and the leadership of Terry Francona they stayed alive as long as they did.

Whatever happens, I'm proud of the way they fought and I'm proud to call the Red Sox my team. So as the season slips toward October and the reality that the boys won't be playing in the post season slowly sinks into my thick skull, I can comfort myself with memories of '04 and to a lesser extent '07 and know that next year, or the year after, or the year after that they have every chance in the world of doing it all over again.

I'll watch the youngsters get a chance to shine and revel in the fact that The Large Father can still tear the cover off the ball. I got to see a career resurgence of Adrian Beltre, not to mention his OCD regarding his head. Clay grew up right before my eyes, Lester continued on his journey to being one of the best left handers in the game, and Daniel Nava and Darnell McDonald, no matter what they do from here on out, will live forever in Red Sox lore.

So, no matter what the naysayers come up with, I'll be watching to the bitter end. Hoping, dreaming, cheering, and cussing a blue streak all at the same time. 'Cause in a few short weeks it'll all be gone, at least for the winter. Sure they'll be signings and trades and the winter meetings and Spring Training but the bottom line is it's 6 months between the World Series and Pitchers and Catchers reporting and I've got Trot and Rakes and the fact it's too cold to play outside and I'm all outa Prozac at the moment so forgive me for freaking out just a little.

Throw in I'm a Redskins fan and THIS is what I see every time I think about the upcoming NFL season?

I wonder if they need a slightly graying furniture salesman in Maui for the next 6 months?