Wow, the New York media is already predicting a return to 1978, when the Sox lost their 14-game lead to the Yankees. The author claims it would make a great story should the Yankees do it again.

I can't believe what I'm reading.

I was 10 years old at the time and didn't understand the business part of the game.

When the collapse happened, I didn't think much of it. I didn't realize what "1-9-1-8" meant. I probably thought we'd get them next year. Ignorance is, afterall, bliss.

The situations are undoubtedly similar, but looking at 1978 roster, the depth isn't as visible as it is on the current Sox squad.

The Sox have backups (good ones) at every position (Hinske, Cora, Pena) with some itching for their chance in the minors (Ellsbury, Lester, Buchholz).

The Sox have a much better pitching staff (tough Torrez and Eck did well). The '07 Sox have a solid bullpen and a dominant closer (However, I question the release of Romero instead of Timlin; Blastphemy, I know.)

Baseball as a whole has changed. You won't see very many pitchers with 268 innings for instance.

That said, I'm concerned about the lack of production. Perhaps the lineup experiments will turn things around. But there is a hole.

This Red Sox organization learned from the mistakes of the past. They are built for a championship run. If they need a little help, the front office will fid it. I would not be surprised to see a deal. I hear Adam Dunn may be available; Drew wouldn't be so bad in center. It may be as simple as Coco and a prospect.

The Yankee staff, while better with Clemens, still has an uphill climb. To think the Red Sox are going to whittle away and die isn't realistic.

When I think back, I'm reminded that 1978 was still a special year.
All of the NESN analysts had a tremendous season.

Jim Rice played in every single game (163) and lead almost every offensive category. He had 86 extra-base hits (46 HR, 15 Triples and 25 doubles). The nearest player - Baltimore's Doug DiCinces with 66. That's 20 more than the rest of the league - amazing. Yet, he still sits awaiting a call from Cooperstown.

Jerry Remy had perhaps his best year in a Sox uniform. In his first season with the team, he nabbed 30 bases batted .278 and scored 80+ runs.

Dennis Eckersley had his first and only 20-win season while holding an ERA under 3.

Oh, I remember that team, these were the beasts I grew up with: Dwight, Lynn, Pudge, Rooster, Rice, Eck, the Spaceman, Rem-dawg (though "dawg" came much later), Yaz, Boomer. That's when my dream was created. There may not have been unity, but they still had character (or better yet, characters).

1978 will not repeat; the Sox will compete.

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