After 84 years, Boston Red Sox fans are used to disappointment. So it’s no surprise to most veteran Sox fans that once again, even after one of the best season starts in baseball history, the likes of Nomar, Manny and Pedro will be at home watching the playoffs on television this year, instead of entertaining Sox fans with October heroics.

So what happened this time?

Their start was storybook style — new ownership, a new manager and a great overall atmosphere launched the team to a 40-17 start. After a devastating collapse in September last year, pitcher Derek Lowe no-hit the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in April and dominated American League hitters throughout the first two months of the season, fully rebounding from a dismal season. Johnny Damon, after a disappointing season with the Oakland Athletics last season, came out on fire, hitting well over .300 for the first half of the season. And, despite injuries that hampered them for much of the 2001 season, both Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra returned to superstar form in April and May.

But there was no happy ending for the Red Sox. A Manny Ramirez injury, poor play during several tough interleague series and great seasons for the New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels and A’s all stacked up against the Red Sox, landing them a distant second place finish in the American League East. Their season was by no means a failure — they were in contention until the final weeks of the season and will end up with at least 91 wins. But with names like Ramirez, Garciaparra, Floyd and Hillenbrand, the potential was there for a great season. Let’s break this season’s team down:

Owners: John Henry and friends immediately made clear their commitment both to winning and to fan-friendly baseball. The new owners got the season off to a great start with a festive opening-day ceremony featuring the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. Their Ted Williams commemoration, complete with appearances from dozens of former Sox stars, was done better than anyone imagined possible. Fans have responded positively to their test-run changes to Yawkey Way, and they have presented several interesting ideas for preserving a financially viable Fenway Park. Their start was promising.

General Manager: Mike Port did well, getting rid of overrated, overpaid infielder Jose “Awfulman” and cleaning up for other former GM Dan Duquette failures. He traded for Cliff Floyd despite a lack of solid minor league talent and his late-season acquisition of middle-relief pitcher Alan Embree, though not glorious, was a key to keeping the Sox in the playoff hunt late into the season.

Manager: Rookie Manager Grady Little immediately made a name for himself throughout the city. His relaxed style was a stark contrast to the days of Jimy Williams, and players repeatedly expressed their approval of his hands-off managerial ways. But with another late season flameout in Boston, Little does not escape his share of the blame. Little was unable to inspire his team during the dog days of summer and allowed them to lose focus after shaky play without Manny Ramirez. Chalk this season up to a learning experience for Little and expect evidence of lessons learned next year.

Players: Individually, there were many bright spots on this year’s team. Manny Ramirez has a shot at an AL batting title, Nomar Garciaparra is once again among the league leaders in runs batted in, and both Lowe and Martinez will end the season with 20 wins. But they were unable to bring it all together and fully gel as a team. It was a great team on paper, but not championship caliber on the field.

In the end, things are looking up for the Sox going into next year. With most of their big stars returning, a more experienced manager and a resolved ownership situation, Red Sox Nation has a lot to look forward to. And maybe — just maybe — 2003 will finally be “the year.”