Well, it’s come to that point in the season. 

The 2012 Boston Red Sox are where the Tampa Bay Devil Rays used to hide in the early 2000s – at the bottom of the American League East, looking up at greatness. 

It’s over. Yeah, I finally said that, but it’s now finally a sure thing. 

Now, for these last few weeks as I do these articles, I’m pretty much solely going to be looking for things that could positively benefit the Sox in the future. It’s not about 2012 anymore (we’ve already heard the Josh Hamilton and Felix Hernandez talk), it’s about the next generation of Red Sox players to win a World Series – whether it be in 2013 or 2020.

And I know this town will accept nothing short of greatness.

Here are this week’s player awards:

Best Hitter: Second baseman Dustin Pedroia is the only guy who’s been going hard. He’s now at .288 and, as I said earlier this year when everyone was hating on him, will finish over .300 for the year.

Best Pitcher: Does anyone even deserve this? Maybe Daisuke Matsuzaka, he did pitch two games…

Biggest Surprise: Andrew Bailey has looked strong in all but one relief appearance, so hopefully he’ll have a good offseason and come into 2013 as our solidified closer. 

Biggest Disappointment: Shortstop Jose Iglesias has looked lost at the plate, and he’s still without a hit. I know he’s got a potential Gold Glove, but he’s got to give us something at the plate. 

Unsung Hero: You know who hasn’t cried at all this year? Mike Aviles. Power to you, sir. I’m sorry that the front office has a hard on for Iglesias, because you’ve been overlooked as a decent player all year. 

Biggest Bum: Pedro Ciriaco is finally showing his true colors, and after a rough stretch on the west coast he’s finally looking human – and not like too good of a hitter. 

Injuries: What are the odds on whether or not David Ortiz comes back this year? Anyone? Is he too embarrassed to play for this club or what?

Coming Up: The west coast trip continues as the Sox play the Mariners in Seattle followed by a day off and a homecoming against the Blue Jays.