Boston 9
Anaheim 1

In a quick and painless series where Boston never really lost momentum, the Red Sox swept the Angels with strong performances by their superstars: David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Josh Beckett, and Curt Schilling. Ramirez, in particular, appears to be in prime mashing mode, as he hit 900 feet of home runs in 2 days, harkening back to the days where he was considered the most feared hitter in baseball.

The Angels fans apparently outgrew the gimmicky “Thundersticks” from 2002; this year they decided to break out the more refined and sophisticated “Rally Paddles“.

The most satisfying part of the series was watching Jered Weaver give up gargantuan home runs to both Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, and being forced to watch the two sluggers stop and admire their blasts days after the long-haired hurler complained about that very thing. Weaver is quickly becoming my least favorite non-Yankee player.

It was a raucous celebration scene in the clubhouse. Manny Ramirez was playing the role of “champagne hitman” amidst nervous suit-wearing media members and booze-drenched players. They’ll have a few days to recover, and should be well rested when they play their opponent in the ALCS.

Game 1: Josh Beckett vs. ?????????