Thats why they have the ring and Pennant and we can only dream of it No, that's not why at all. I really hope the first two posts are tongue-in-cheek, if not: The bunting, stealing, etc. was more of a distraction than a help to the Sox team. Reasons for winning the World Series: 1. Hot team, right after being pushed by the Indians for the division title 2. Superb pitching, in fact, almost supernatural pitching in the playoffs. 3. Career years from relatively mediocre players. 4. Lots of home runs. 5. Luck. Winning in the playoffs is usually a crapshoot. Bunting almost always causes a strategically negative effect. Never good to trade bases for outs. All the "fundamentals" have for the most part been refuted by stats as distractions. Speed as an important factor in a strong baseball team is also a misconception. "Manufacturing" runs is complete BS. A .260 hitter is more productive ("creates" more runs on average) swinging away at pitches than bunting a lead off man. Also, Joe Morgan is a moron. Unfortunately for the Cubs, Dusty Baker has FALLEN IN LOVE with this "small-ball" idea. Its complete contradictorary to effective baseball strategy, and is just a romantic view of the game. We're screwed until this idiot leaves.