The Best and The Brightest

[Eggcentric@xxxxxxx]

As you all likely know, the Red Sox ended their season at 95-67, clinching 
a playoff birth.  What a sensational and satisfying season as the team 
dominated the Boston sports scene and captured the imaginations of all 
who appreciate the grace and the glory of a sports' team comprised of
character, character, character... and wunderkind GM, Theo Epstein. 
And he is even pretty damn good-looking in the bargain.

The Red Sox broke the major league records for slugging average (.491), 
extra base hits (649), and total bases (2832).  Eight players knocked in 
more than 85 runs per game, and six players hit over 20 homers, with a 
7th player, Mueller (who just happens to be one of the nicest guys in 
all of sports and who just happened to win the AL batting title), 
stalled at 19.

The Sox arguably have the very best pitcher in baseball (Martinez), the 
very best hitter in baseball (Ramirez), the very best all-around player 
in baseball (Garciaparra), and the very best supporting cast that shrewd
money-managing can buy. They also have the most improved player, MVP 
candidate and terrific clubhouse guy, Ortiz.  Their weakest hitter, leadoff 
batter and fireplug, CF Johnny Damon, scored 103 runs and stole 30 bases.

So here's to your next book, good old friend David Halberstam.  You and the
Red Sox are indeed ''The Best and The Brightest.''   

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PRODUCTION VS. SALARY (162 baseball games vs. 82 NBA games). 

Starting lineup (BA - HR - RBI)     Salary

LF Ramirez  (.325 -37 -104)     $17,185,177
SS Garciaparra(.301 -28 -105)       $10,500,000
DH Ortiz        (.288 -31 -101)       $1,250,000
RF Nixon        (.306 -28 -87)            $4,000,000
3B Mueller      (.326 -19 -85)              $2,100,000
1B Millar       (.276 -25 -96)              $2,000,000
  C Varitek     (.273 -25 -85)              $4,700,000
2B Walker       (.283 -13 -85)              $3,450,000
CF Damon        (.273 -12 -67)              $7,500,000
             
Martinez        14-4  2.22                  $15,500,000
Lowe            17-7  4.47                    $3,625,000
Wakefield       11-7  4.09                    $4,000,000
Burkett     12-9  4.15                    $5,500,000