Koji Uehara leaves for Cubs (12/8/16)

The trade of Tyler Thornburg and the rise of Joe Kelly in the second half of the season signaled the end of Koji Uehara's time in Boston. One of the most popular players the last four years, Koji took the set-up job for the world champion Chicago Cubs.

                                                                    So long Koji
Apart from injuries, Koji had one of the most dominant 4 year stretches as a reliever since Jonathan Papelbon was borderline unhittable from 2006-09. His 2013 season was as good as ANY reliever in history including Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman. Apart from one hiccup against Tampa Bay, he was automatic as it got, winning the 2013 ALCS MVP for saving the Sox bacon in Game's 3, 5 and 6 as well as keeping them in it in Game 2. He also closed out Game's 4, 5 and 6 of the World Series and one of the most iconic images of that season was him jumping into David Ross' arms and pointing his finger sky high. We're number 1!

He almost equaled his 2013 season a year later but the team fell apart so bad that his effort was wasted and probably will be forgotten

His 2015 season was cut short when he fractured his arm on a line drive, and his injury cost the Red Sox a playoff spot. The 2015 Red Sox went on a tear in August and September but blew about 7 games during that stretch because both Uehara and later Tazawa were out. For a team that went 78-84, add at least 5 more wins against certain teams and they win 83 games to salvage the season.

This year once again injuries crept up on the now 41 year old but when he was healthy, he was positively dominant in the set up role and as closer when Craig Kimbrel went down due to injury. He may have won only 1 ring in his four years here, but he put them in position to win almost every game he was in.

Not only his on field production but his bubbly, enthusiastic personality will be missed too. Him and the retiring David Ortiz made post-game celebrations hilarious comedy. The 2017 Red Sox won't be the same without either of them.

He joins the world champions as set-up to new closer Wade Davis. Hope he has another good year for the champs and if the Cubs are the dynasty in the making Theo built (without Larry Lucchino to ruin it) then hopefully we could see a Cubs/Sox world series (provided Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello are the real deal in 2017).

Thanks for the four years of service.