So, did the Indians choke?

After going 1-6 in their last 7 with the opportunity to take the wildcard by winning a few games, I can't help but feel they did.  What does everyone else think?

Overall, I guess I'm happy with the year we've had, even though the end has left a bitter, bitter taste.  And I hate the fact that the achilles heel of the team, 1B, 3B and RF was probably the reason for the lack of a playoff berth.  I feel like we should have tried a lot harder to improve those spots.  And why trade Gerut, were you trying to make sure you couldn't even platoon Blake?  Blake needs to be on the bench - a lot - next year.  I'm assuming we won't be so lucky as to be rid of him.  Could we possibly do like when you have a dog you don't want anymore?  Drive him out to the middle of the country and let him out of the car?  "Go on Casey.  Get out of here!"