Bu-Bye

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
So I've spent the last three days pretty absorbed in the Red Sox-Yankees series in the Bronx. It's the last visit the Sox will make to Yankee Stadium. I feel kind of sad that I never had a chance to at least tour the Stadium - I was going to try to do it this summer, but couldn't get a ticket. I guess I'll just have to visit the new Stadium sometime in the near future.

Meanwhile, I have decided to ignore today's game, and celebrate that we won two out of three in our LAST visit. I hate that Jon Lester didn't get a win today - he took a no decision thanks to the bullpen and greaseball Giambi - but he really pitched well. A perfect bounce-back from his last start. And we're going to need him, if the news about Josh Beckett turns out to be bad (JB has been scratched from tomorrow's start, and is heading to Birmingham tomorrow to visit Dr. James Andrews - three scary words for any fan)

And let's celebrate our recent roster addition, Jason Bay:


Getty Images photo
What a great first impression Jason has made with Red Sox fans. He's jumped right in - contributing almost immediately to our playoff chase. And he's done it in a disarmingly low key manner - such a refreshing change from our previous left-fielder. I just ordered my Bay shirt from Yawkey Way - and I will wear it with pride and happiness!

Poor A-Rod

Reuters Photo
Yes, I am an evil person. I admit to taking delight in seeing ARod fail. To see the Yankee fans realizing that they have him for 9 more years - 9 more years of scenes like the one above.

Yes, I know I'm tempting the fates - the Red Sox could start an epic *fail* at any moment. But, if they do, I'll still be able to think fondly of last night's game.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Red Sox victory plus a loss by the Rays make the margin in the AL East just 3 1/2 games. And we're ahead of Minnesota in the AL Wild Card race by 2 1/2 games. I know, "lots of baseball left to be played." Still, "That's how we roll here," David Ortiz said. "We don't panic here. You hit the panic button, you just get worse. Right? Right." (boston.com)

As I write, the Sox are leading the second game of the series 4-2. This should be the last appearance of the Red Sox at the old Yankee Stadium. It is kind of a shame. The last game of the regular season for the RS will be September 28th - vs. the Yankees at Fenway. I'm sentimental enough to wish that we were playing in the very last game at the Stadium - it would be fitting, since the very first game played there was the Red Sox and Yankees. But I'm also pragmatic enough to know we have a better chance to win that game if it's played at Fenway.

The Sox made a nice pick-up today of Mark Kotsay from the Braves. He should add some insurance to our bench. With Drew ailing, and Casey, we need him. He's done well with the Braves this year, so hopefully that will continue.