Genesis

Games 160 through 162 – Red Sox

Yankees 19, Red Sox 8
Yankees 6, Red Sox 2
Red Sox 4, Yankees 3
Record: 95-67
AL Wild Card, Case Bet Champions

The realities of work intrude today, so I’ll just rip through a fast and furious set of talking points and save the deep thinking about the postseason for tomorrow. (Although, if the reports are true and Josh Beckett may not be able to pitch in October, the deep thinking will include a lot of swear words.)

A 19-8 loss to the Yankees at Fenway is almost enjoyable in its current context, especially knowing what happened the last time New York hung that score on the Sox.

Mike Mussina winning his 20th game in a meaningless contest against the Sox’ AAA roster is a particularly delicious irony.

I willingly took my daughters to the ballet yesterday (got back just in time to see the beginning of the Cowboys/Redskins game). If you think that would have happened if these Sox/Yanks games meant anything, you probably haven’t been paying close enough attention. Yankee mediocrity: the gift that keeps on giving.

Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Rays. No smoke, mirrors, or excuses – those guys just plain won it. And they’re young and dumb enough to keep on winning.

Lots of great potential story lines in the playoffs. We could see Manny back in Fenway wearing Dodger Blue, the Cubbies could land in the World Series, Bud Selig could have a Brewers/Rays-induced coronary, the Phightin’ Phils could phinally make another Fall Classic, the AL Central winner can claim the Rodney Dangerfield ‘No Respect’ card, and the Angels have lurked quietly for over a month.

Two late-night starts for the Sox will make for a grumpy blogger this week. Small price to pay, I suppose. I’m willing to bet Whitney would trade places with me.

Roll the balls out and let ‘em play.