You're missing the point though
Beckett, Lester, and Lackey all gained considerable weight during the course of the season (Beckett especially)...it sure as hell didn't come from sticking around in the dug out with teammates and following your training regimen. They gave up on their team and...
Also playing "elite" doesn't always mean you are. People have hot streaks.
For example, David Freese is hitting like an elite baseball player...would you say he's elite?
Honestly, the only team you have an argument against is the Yankees. They're the only team within the last 20 years to win more than twice. In that same discussion, however, you have to note that since the whole "huge spending by big markets" has happened, they've only won once.
Well the knockout only happened because Beagle bit off WAYYYY more than he could chew. I mean props for manning up but you gotta know when to pick your battles lol
Maybe they were but, I'm not hating. It was heat of the moment stuff (though I would have probably yelled at my TV if he did it to the Bruins but I'd get over it)...plus it was hilarious.