They did work hard, played well, and won. No question about it.
However, by the owners’ own admissions, they calculated this team to win 88 games max. The amount of sheer luck BOS had on this run was pretty extraordinary.
It was a gift that they won this year, especially in light of the previous ~13 months of pathetic ball they played.
Indeed, I think most were surprised with Boston this year, they got off to a fast start in April IIRC.
SF Giants buy out the remaining year of Barry Zito’s bloated contract. It’s remarkable that they won not one but two titles with Zito losing games (1 winning season in SF) and leeching salary.