I Hate You, Darling.

It's hard to figure why exactly everything went wrong with this team. Sometimes they can't hit but sometimes they can. Most of the time they can't pitch. And they can't field. But even when they are at their worst, they shouldn't be as terrible as they have been. And yet, we're left with going into each game hoping that they aren't going to embarrass themselves too badly.

So how do you fix it?

You've got Eduardo and Clay (until he busts some part or other) but you're stuck with Rick and Wade. Fortunately, they've both had moments when they've looked like they might not suck so very badly so they've got to be better next year, right? Assuming a sophomore slump for Eduardo, you've got maybe two combined competent pitchers in those four bodies. Owens has, historically, needed time to adjust to a new level so probably shouldn't be counted on for much. Johnson is likely a back-end guy. Being generous they could probably count as another. So you're looking for two starters.

The bullpen is a disaster and anybody else would be an improvement.

It's not actually all bad on offense. Xander has really come into his own this year.

David is David. After two lousy years, though, maybe he just decides that he doesn't have the time or energy for this next year.

I like Naples. I like that he has fallen in love with Boston but if he can't see, if he can't recognize pitches, I don't think that he can play. Dustin is pig-headed and playing the way that he does, is bound to get hurt, come back too early, and end up hurting the team more than he helps it. I also greatly enjoyed Shane on this team (and I'm glad that he has the chance to play a useful role on a team going somewhere) but one hopes that Castillo will remember how to play and, consequently, be an improvement.

I don't care what anyone says, I love Pablo. He is fabulous. (Of course, given my love of lost causes, baseball players really shouldn't want to become my favorite player.) Hanley has been alright, better when he hasn't been asked to play left field, so one could hope that with a year of experience in left, he could feel more comfortable out there and also at the plate. Mookie will be better next year.

Holt is a useful piece off the bench. Daniel Nava, not so much. Back-up and starting catcher are sort of interchangeable on this team. Maybe Swihart becomes what he's supposed to become and Vazquez comes back strong and healthy.

So in addition to two or three starters and a new bullpen, you need a first baseman and possibly a right-fielder.

Next year is, then, probably more of the same.