Red Sox Return

Somehow, with an incredible amount of crippling injuries, the Red Sox have remained afloat in the AL East. First, J.D.Drew turned into Big Papi while the big guy was down. Then Kevin Youkilis became the clean-up hitter and zoomed to 90 RBI's in no time after taking over for Rag-Head. Now, mighty midget Petey is really mashing subbing for Youk. All the while, the kiddie corps from down under have proven to be really GOOD. The big payroll has no doubt helped (witness Sean Casey's heavenly average), but the vaunted farm system, which has all of baseball lusting over, has been the glue.

All is about to change for the better, however. By the end of this weekend, Beckett, Lowell, Youk and the rest (save for Lugo who no longer matters) will be folded back into the hub club recipe. Expect the RS to take off and catch some Rays within 10 days, especially in light of Tampa's hellacious road trip where it all could unwind for them. Boston's ascent will be greatly augmented by the former dreaded gang from Gotham who can't pitch straight, but are hitting very well right now. Anything less than AL East kingpins is not accepatable here any longer. The Wild Card lead is nice to fall back on just in case (but who could root against Minnesota where it is ALWAYS done the right way), but this is title town now in all the major sports. This narrative is not to disparage Tampa, but when all the big dogs are back, Boston is simply superior. Even when they are not at full strength, Boston's 2005 draft gang are better than the equivalent Tampa subs. I hope Tampa enjoyed it while it lasted. New York will have to wait til next year in this millenium, despite the audacious payroll. Somebody (Cashman) will be fired there.