I did not have the same reaction to the loss as a lot around here. I also wasn't one of the overly optimistic ones before the season started (even with SB). I don't say that be an "I told you so" kind of guy either. I'm just saying.
I think with Sam, we had a chance at the playoffs, but it would have still been very very difficult. Nonetheless, we could have Sam now and I doubt we'd have a better record with the way the defense is playing.
I don't know if my pain receptors are just dulled from being let down for so many years in a row, but this is not the end of the world. I still think the arrow is pointed more upward than downward. They just have to put it together. But this is not the same caliber (read, shitty) type of team fielded under Linehan/Spags. It's disappointing that they can't seem to get all facets of their talent pulling in the same direction at the same time, but it is what it is.