Former Red Sox manager Jimy Williams wasn't one for sentimentality or cheap platitudes.
Williams was mostly a no-nonsense baseball lifer. But every once in a while, he was moved by what he had witnessed on the field.
It could be a magnificent outing by the incomparable Pedro Martinez or an incredible offensive display by Nomar Garciaparra. Williams would pause during his postgame session with reporters and ask, in a state of wonderment: "Do you realize what we're watching here?''
It was an honest appreciation for some singular talent. Williams felt compelled to pause and recognize true greatness.
His question comes to mind as the Red Sox and Astros prepare to start their American League Championship Series.
Not only does the series feature the two winningest teams in baseball in 2018 and, arguably, the two best teams in the game, but, as might be expected for team excellence, a stunning collection of talent.
On the field Saturday night will be:
- Four Cy Young award winners (Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello, David Price), including two of the last three A.L. Cy Young choices.
- Three American League Rookie of the Year honorees (Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Verlander) and a third on the inactive roster.
- The winners of four of the last five American League batting titles (Three-time winner Jose Altuve and Mookie Betts).
- A closer with 333 career saves (Craig Kimbrel) who reached the 300-save milestone faster than any pitcher in history.
- Six Gold Glove winners (Betts, Mitch Moreland, Altuve, Josh Reddick, Martin Maldonado, Keuchel) -- seven, counting the inactives (Dustin Pedroia) -- including two multi-time winners (Betts, Keuchel).
- One former MVP (Pedroia, inactive) and another almost certainly to be named for 2018 next month (Betts).
- Three former No. 1 overall picks (Correa, Gerrit Cole, Price), seven others who were first-round picks (Alex Bregman, Andrew Benintendi, Verlander, Chris Sale, Lance McCullers Jr., Porcello, George Springer).