By Marc Thaler
Sports Editor

Just a few closing comments regarding the 2005 Major League Baseball campaign of the former world champion Boston Red So...

• Count me among the masses who gave the ’05 BoSox a mulligan for their flat finish this fall. Yes, the end result was disappointing. But it wasn’t devastating.

After so many seasons uttering the words “What I wouldn’t give to see the Sox win it all just once,” I’d be a total ingrate to throw a tantrum after my wish was granted.

Simply put, nobody can ever take away October of ’04.

More articles • This is it • Nitwit nation • Closing argument • Patriots 102 • Show me the funny! • Tito has veto power • Impact was (mid) major • Patriots 101 • First-ever 'Noddies' • Pigs are flying • Coming to my senses • Farewell to this King • Preseason pressure • New blood • Beautiful day • Game may spark a Super discussion • Boy, his actions make me wonder • First night • Spill on a slippery slope • Groundhog Day on Yawkey Way • Saving the best for last • This Boss born to coach USA • Pa, it appears, still knows best • Giving thanks, gridiron style • Still not convinced they're Super • A costly lesson in time management • Unchallenged and unimpressive • Final thoughts on the '05 season • Story could have horrific ending • Man behind the Mike • Less than Wild about this finish • That's all, Foulke • Several holes in these Sox • Making a generous Pey-ment

• Although he’s not my favorite personality in professional sports, manager Terry Francona deserves tremendous credit for winning 95 games with a horrendous pitching staff.

• For all his faults, Manny Ramirez shouldn’t be traded in the offseason unless Alex Rodriguez or Albert Pujols are coming to Boston in return.

The three remaining years on Manny’s contract – at nearly $60 million – are certainly an albatross. Still, very few players can replace his consistent production of 40 homers and 140 RBI per season.

Plus, David Ortiz will suffer greatly without Ramirez serving as protection in the lineup.

• In the fine tradition of the Monster Seats and the new section atop the right-field roof, taking the windows off the .406 club behind home plate will be a great new feature to Fenway Park next year. Speaking from experience, that Plexiglas partition eliminates any feeling like you’re actually at the ‘ole ball game.

• Man, do I love the Yankees yahoos who claim David Ortiz shouldn’t win the American League MVP award over Alex Rodriguez because Big Papi didn’t play the field.

Following that absurd line of logic, isn’t it equally insane for fans of the Pinstripes to make the argument Mariano Rivera deserved MVP consideration?

True, the game’s greatest closer had another phenomenal season. But last time I checked, Rivera pitched in the American League – where digging in at the dish isn’t part of his job description.

• From a future Hall of Fame hurler to a future star, Jonathan Papelbon proved he has the potential to be The Next Big Thing in Boston. But let’s hold the comparisons to Roger Clemens, no matter how many glaring similarities exist. It’s a bit premature.

• Earlier, I admitted Tito did a solid job as skipper. However, here’s my ultimate second-guess of the season:

To set the stage, Boston lost the A.L. East in a tiebreaker to New York, as both teams finished with identical records. Perhaps the division crown would reside in the Hub had Francona avoided a baffling brain cramp at Tampa Bay on Sept. 21.

That’s when Tito pulled Tim Wakefield in the eighth inning in favor of Mike Timlin.

Calling on a closer who was horrendous in situations with inherited runners, Tito watched Timlin cough up a 4-3 Sox lead in a 7-4 loss.

• Theo Epstein might’ve pushed all the right buttons regarding personnel in ’04, but the general manager bares plenty of blame for big-name busts of ’05, namely Edgar Renteria and Matt Clement.

• It could be time to part ways with Trot Nixon. There’s no arguing he’s a Dirt Dawg and plays a solid right field at Fenway. But his lack of production at the plate leaves a lot to be desired.

• Taking a break from Sox talk, Jason Giambi winning the A.L. Comeback Player of the Year award has to be the biggest joke of the season. How can a man who cheated – jeopardizing his career and health – even earn a sniff of recognition for this honor?

Apparently, fans who voted for this steroid user on MLB.com overdosed on their stash of stupid pills.

• Lastly, goodbye Kevin Millar. It’s been real. Real frustrating.

Speaking of Millar, Doug Mientkiewicz played in 47 fewer games for the Mets, hit two more homers and out-slugged Mr. Cowboy Up, .407 to .399.

In the words of NFL wideout Keyshawn Johnson, maybe the Red Sox should’ve given Mientkiewicz the damn (World Series) ball after all.