Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff
...both to Fenway Park and in the standings!
While the Rays still cling to a 1/2 game lead in the American League East, I think we all pretty much know the division race (and probably the wild card berth) will come down to Boston and New York. After their usual, horrible start, the Bronx Bombers have caught fire and pulled to withing 3 1/2 games of first, only 3 behind the Sox.
Interesting that the games are taking place during Folk Festival weekend here in Lowell. You remember what happened last time the Evil Empire visited Friendly Fenway on Folk Fest Saturday? (Hint-hint...the photo says it all)
So what do you think gang? Is this series as big as I think it is? Have the Yanks re-established themselves as a threat in the East? How bad of a razzing do you think A-Rod is going to get?
It's always an important series, if only to just guage themselves against another playoff contender to see where they are and how GLARING their weaknesses are.
I still feel pretty good about the sox's post season chances. They have 16 home games and 9 away in September. They'll play Tampa Bay twice (home and away) and Yankees once (Fenway) so they will have their destiny in their own hands.
The YAnkees have 16 away games in Sept. including a west coast trip the LA and Seattle, They also have to play TAmpa 6 itmes (3 home 3 away) and the White Sox.
Rays also have 16 away games in Sept. and 12 games against the Sox and Yankees. They also have Minnesota for three at home, a team they may be battling for a Wild Card berth.