Red Sox ring in 2014 with five resolutions

What wild celebrations will we see out of the Red Sox in 2014?
Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

2013: What a year it was in Red Sox Nation. A team that was broken down and rebuilt mirrored a city that had done the same. And with it came the 2013 World Series Championship.

As we say goodbye to the magical year that was 2013, we also say hello to 2014 and welcome a new year, a new challenge and a fresh start. Everyone makes resolutions in hopes of bettering themselves for the next 365 days. How can you improve on a championship season? Well, here are the five New Year’s Resolutions for the 2014 Boston Red Sox:

1) Let the farm continue to grow – A few players will be rushed to the Major League roster and will start Opening Day with Boston. But there are a few more who need time to develop and mature into big league ball players. Let’s continue to be patient with them and give them the time they need to become stars in future Red Sox lineups.

2) No big trades – The Sox went through 2013 without making a big splash in the trade market and 2014 should be the same. Ben Cherington has added a few pieces and let a few others go this offseason. Come July 31, unless there is a glaring issue or reason to go get someone, let’s remain quiet again.

3) New walk-off celebrations – These were fun in 2013, so let’s add to the list. Jonny Gomes punted his helmet after one walk-off home run and then ran it in like a fullback for a touchdown after another. There have been beard tugs and Gatorade showers (right, Jamie Erdahl?). What does 2014 have in store? That’s up to the team to decide, but let’s hope there’s something to add to the list.

4) Win the AL East, again – This is obvious, but with the East Division seemingly getting tougher, it’s imperative that the Sox come out on top for a variety of reasons. It’s always nice to add a banner to the façade, and even better when the Yankees are looking up at Boston. But the Rays, Orioles and Blue Jays will all be improved as well, so there is no kicking back and relaxing next year. Get to work and defend the title.

5) Back-to-back World Champions – How nice does that sound? Let’s hope we can say it again next October. The Red Sox are the first team this millennium to win three championships (all three in the last 10 years). A fourth – and back-to-back titles –would solidify the organization as this century’s dynasty and as the best in baseball.

Here’s to hoping all of you in Red Sox Nation have a Happy New Year and we look forward to bringing you the best Sox coverage in 2014! Cheers!

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