Now what?

The Rays were throughout the season, and eventually in the postseason, the better team.

One can look at injuries to Lowell, Beckett and Big Papi as reasons for the Red Sox slump, but ultimately the Rays were simply better.

As much as I am glad to be free of "Manny-being-an-asshole", it was clear that we did not have a hitter that made the pitcher, the opposing manager and their fans quake in their seats - the way BJ Upton made most of us feel during the ALCS.

So, whilst most of the current Red Sox no doubt will be back there are some question marks.

"Guaranteed" to come back are of course Youk and Pedroia. The OF will most likely consist of Bay, Ellsbury/Crisp and Drew, and Lowell should have a few more years in him. If not Lars Anderson is hitting the skin of the ball in the minors and could come up to play 1B with Youk moving over to third.

The rotation looks pretty set if Beckett comes back to health, with Lester, Dice-K, Beckett. Wakefield and Byrd are bigger question marks, but Buchholz and especially Bowden in the minors.

The bullpen could do with some help as Timlin most likely is hanging up his hat (at least he should). Okajima found his form a little bit towards the end of the season, but Ardsmaa could assist and Daniel Bard might find his way up towards the end of 2009.

However, the big issues facing Epstein and co are of course shortstop and catcher.

Shortstop could be solved internally with dumping Lugo and putting Lowrie permanently at short, but catchers are in short supply within the organisation. Kevin Cash is not a long term answer, and as there are not many options on the open market a trade, possibly for Laird or Saltalamacchia from Texas being mentioned.

Now I'm taking a few days (or weeks) off from baseball - if nothing else I'll be able to sleep!