Step 1: Get to the Playoffs

Alright! They’ve secured a post season slot and it’s time to think about Step 2: Win the Division.

I think the Sox can, as Julio said last night, relax a little. The pressure to make it to the post season was intense with the Yankees breathing down their necks. But now what? Winning with the best record would be sweet since it means they get to dictate the first playoff series. A couple of accolades for the Fenway Nine would be pretty well-deserved too. How about Youk for Gold Glove? How about Pedroia for Rookie of the Year? What about the Cy for Beckett? And, to be honest, Mike Lowell could be in line for a Comeback of the Year player award.

Notes:

• I find it fitting for Lugo that he hit the home run to punch the post season ticket in his old back yard.
• Varitek has suddenly found some power?
• Gagne is hittable and walks people, but, as Tito and Cap’n V said, “We need him.”
• By Lopez not striking out Pena, and worse yet, giving up a three-run homer, we are left without the Sox having a left-handed specialist.
• I think Okajima will do just fine once he comes back from the rest.
• I know I haven’t mentioned this yet, but I originally thought that it would be a mistake for Kapler to try to come back to the majors. That was until I read he’s only 32. Wow. He could have easily caught on somewhere else, couldn’t he? Odd.
• I’d like to quietly point out that two important pitchers for the Yankees: Ian Kennedy and Roger Clemens have been pushed back a day or two due to nagging injuries. That won’t bode well for them in October.
• I was watching last night’s game thinking: I’ve not seen a pitcher like Dice-K in a while who gives up a ton of walks but also has a ton of strikeouts. I wish I knew more about pitching mechanics in the Japanese system to see where the problem is. For the last two months, however, one thing is for sure: He throws too many fast balls.
• It would be a really good idea for the Sox to sweep the Rays today. Regardless of McGowan’s record (Blue Jays), I don’t think the Yankees will have too much winning.