By no stretch of the imagination does the phrase “Showdown in the Bronx” hold any unjust meaning.
Time and space do not favor the Red Sox in their quest to chase down the American League Wildcard spot.
53 games appear plenty of time to gradually sneak up and steal the one and only AL Wild Card slot, let alone outright win the AL East.
Boston comes into New York after splitting a four game set against the struggling Cleveland Indians.
Currently 5.5 games separate the Red Sox from the AL Wild Card leader Tampa Bay Rays, and half a game cushions the Rays away from first place New York.
Tonight’s pivotal series, aside from possible playoff implications, reignites the most storied rivalry in MLB history, pinning together teams who truly hate each other.
Forget sugar-coating the rivalry, tempers will be heated to be sure.
Crucial injuries have plagued Boston for the better half of the season. What’s shocking is how the Red Sox remain just 5.5 games back from the Rays and six behind the Yankees.
Bean Town’s MASH unit has stepped up, and the play of the young talent indicates how well their minor league system is developing wide-eyed boys into men prepared to play under the lights of Fenway Park.
The question mark comes as no surprise.
Boston’s bullpen has forgotten how to pitch, and Jonathan Papelbon’s 26 saves have not occurred without self-implosion in between. Managing to blow four to five run leads regularly, starters hesitate leaving the game for fear of another bullpen meltdown.
Since Alex Rodriguez reached the 600 home run milestone, the possibility the Yankees play a tad bit more loosely increases the chance of severed nerves among Red Sox Nation.
Then again, maybe not.
Losing first baseman Kevin Youkilis to season-ending thumb surgery of course dampens the mood of the Bo-Sox, but over the last week, the team looks to have taken on the personality of skipper Terry Francona.
Just for clarifications sake, that is a remarkably encouraging sign.
Sweeping the Yankees in their own stadium is highly unlikely. Boston needs to split this weekend’s series to stay in the playoff hunt, but winning three of four games make it hell on those attempting to predict a clear cut division winner.
However, sweeping New York opens the door for utter chaos within the AL East.
Don’t stray too far away; the Red Sox ain’t done yet.
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