Sox Win! Sox Win! Wait. Yanks Win, Too.

Since getting swept out of the Bronx in early August, the reenergized Red Sox have won 15 of their last 21 and, more impressively, 11 of their last 14, including last night’s nailbiter against the reeling Tampa Bay Rays. No small feat, considering the Sox have only two victories at Tropicana Field in 16 tries dating back to last September, including last year's ALCS. There’s no question that the Sox are on a roll. The offense is clicking, and the surgically reconstructed Billy Wagner is now totally BFF with Papelbon. All is right in Red Sox Nation. Too bad, then, that the first place Yankees, currently 36 games over .500, have also won 15 of their last 21, including two of three in Fenway, and 10 of their last 14. The one game difference, in case you’re wondering, translates into a healthy, comfortable, nearly insurmountable 6.5- game lead for the Bronx Bombers, with only 30 games left to play. The Magic Number is 25. But, hey, Jacoby made a nice catch last night. And Paps got six outs. Six! You can’t take that away from Sawks fans. Last night was a big win for them. Seriously.

BEN:

Did you know: over the last ten years, the Yankees have spent $1.78 million per win, even with all those championship-free years. That's almost triple the Royals' figure of $720,000 per win over the same time period. The Sox are about halfway between, $1.3 million per win. This is relevant, of course, because this year, of all years, is the one where Hank Steinbrenner decided enough already with the miserly ways. So, here's the major leagues' first $200 million team since...the last one (and the one before that). They're doing great so far. You better damn well hope they win in October, too.

By the way, just out of curiosity, are they built to do that? Who's going to be your ace? Your #2 starter? Does it bother you at all that your cleanup hitter is literally the definition of a choke artist?

Of course, the Yankees will likely win their first round series, probably against the Tigers. (Unless, of course, they don't.) And then they're certain to face either the Angels, against whom they're 12-22 in the playoffs, or the Sox, whose story we know.

All I'm saying is, it sure seems like there's a lot riding on this. Let's hope there are no unforeseen problems.

Miles:

The Small-Market Sox are now 7.5 games out. The Yanks' Magic Number is 23.