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Doug --

I splurged for ESPN's major league package this year so that I could see a lot of Sox games. Maybe it is just my battered Sox psyche (2004 doesn't really overcome my 38 seasons of Sox heartache), but I predicted a Sox collapse for the past few weeks. They managed to outscore opponents for most of the season, but injuries a few weeks ago to Damon and key reserves Kapler, Youkalis and Stern, combined with horrible slumps by Renteria, Manny and Varitek allowed teams to pitch around Ortiz.

In the end, the Sox were never were able to overcome injuries to Schilling and Foulke, and not resigning Pedro. Still, the Yankees looked ripe for the taking. But two seemingly minor mid-season acquisitions, Small and Chicon, really saved their season amid a rash of injuries to starting pitchers.

I find it hard to see how the Sox pitchers will keep the Yank's from scoring a lot of runs this weekend. Including a possible playoff game, the Sox need to win 3 of 4, and I'm afraid the Sox success last October against the Yanks was an abberation.

I am curious as well to know what would happen if all three teams tied for the wildcard spot. That'd be, well, wild. Personally, I'd like to see the Tribe make the playoffs (new blood, small-market team, etc) and have the Sox either beat the Evil Empire (of baseball, not to be confused with Dook) or stay home this Fall.

Last year, my favorite sports teams -- the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the Tar Heels -- ALL won championships. This year, I'm afraid, payback is hell!

Johann, we can always turn to the Tar Heels to find a team we can pull for together.

I'd be overjoyed if Roy's boys have as good a season as the Rod Sox have had this year. I'll wait until '07 for another championship.

As a baseball fan with no ties to either team, I have to say it doesn't get much better. Yankees-Red Sox is the best rivalry in sports and once again, it comes down to these two teams at the end of the season.

The Sox definitely are at a disadvantage, since they must win two out of three just to force a one-game playoff. They really need to win tonight.

Of course, they're pretty hard to beat at Fenway.

Doug, you better stick to painting the house. You been at that deal for months now. Evidently none of the kids decided to help out dear ole dad. It's gonna be winter soon and you will still be painting the house. Another word of caution , if you decide to try to listen or place the tv close enough to see, be careful and not fall asleep and fall of the ladder. Baseball has a tendency to do that to a lot of folks, it's sorta like watching your paint dry.

mrp, the end of the painting is in sight. I'm down to the last side of the house, and it looks like a great day for painting tomorrow.

Listening to the Yankees-Red Sox game definitely will not put me to sleep. It will be a great way to help pass the time while I'm stroking the brush.

Last Saturday, I listened to the Carolina-State football game while painting. Of course, the ups and downs of that battle nearly knocked me off the ladder of couple of times.

As for help, Andrew took off for Africa and Kenny has made himself scarce. But Margaret has painted a few windows. That's her specialty.

So glad to hear that you are getting some help from the sweet lady at least. Well do try then to stay on the ladder if the game should get exciting. We certainly would not want you to fall off and injury your self where you could not offer your bits of wisdom and humor.
Yea, I saw the article on Andrew and the website. I anxiously await his postings and pictures.
And for Kenny, shame on you boy, for not helping your Daddy. hahahhaha.
Have a great weekend.

Darn those Red Sox. They really picked up some bad habits last year. They've forgotten they're supposed to blow it at crunch time.

All tied up with two games to play.

Update: According to this morning's N&R sports section, if the Yankees, Red Sox and Indians all finish with the same record, the Yanks and Red Sox play Monday to determine the AL East champion, then the loser plays the Indians Tuesday for the wild card spot.

Has that ever happened before?

Not looking good for the Red Sox. 5-2 Yanks. As I see the score run across the bottom of the screen as I watch VA Tech and WV.

Go, Yanks!

Apparently, I've been all wrong. The Yanks' win today gives them the AL East title, even though a loss to the Bosox tomorrow could leave both teams with identical records. But the Yanks have won more games head-to-head, and that's the tie-breaker -- as long as the Red Sox clinched a least a tie for the wild card spot, which happened with the Indians' loss to the White Sox today.

I'm confused but celebrating another division title for the Yankees.

And this time, I hope the Red Sox somehow do NOT get the wild card. I don't want the Yanks to have to meet them again in the post-season.

By the way, thanks to WSJS for carrying the game on the Yankees Radio Network today. Listening to the broadcast sure made my painting go better.

Unfortunately, I still didn't finish.

Man I use to get into fights in grade school because I wouldn't pull for the Yanks. I was a Dodger fan back in those days and the big boys liked the Yankee's. Life was tough on the play ground come series time in those days.

Doug, You better hope baseball season end soon or you will be painting in the snow.

Va Tech did a nice job on the Mountaineers of WV today. Vick looked more poised than ever. Go Hokies!!

Indians lose today; wild card spot goes to the Red Sox.

My prediction: Yankees knock of Angels, Red Sox oust White Sox. Yes, Yankees and Red Sox battle again for AL pennant.

mrp, the Dodgers' day has passed.

As for the Hokies, I say kick them out of the ACC, along with Boston College, Miami and Florida State.

Yea, unfortunately the days of the good ole Brooklyn Dodgers are gone by the way. I never cared much for the Dodgers after they left. Kinda felt the same way when the Senators bit the dust in DC. If I had to watch the game I would hope for a Red Sox /Yankee matchup and I'd have to pull for the Red's.

Naw, the Hokies belong on the Tobacco Road, always have. They have a lot more in common than Fla St. Boston College and Miami, well they are sorta like the halfbacks we have around here. They need to head back up or down I-95 makes no difference to me.