One Month Left

So, there is one more month of baseball left. The Red Sox have a 5 game lead over their hated rival, New York Yankees. Fortunately for the Red Sox, they only play 7 games against teams threatening to go to the playoffs.

But that is about as comforting as knowing someone is going to punch you in the face but not telling you when. You wait anxiously for it to happen and never get settled in. As Sox fans know, you never get comfortable with the Yankees breathing down your necks in September. That's what they do, they wait in the weeds until the moment is just right to punch you in the face.

But I have faith that our pitching will ultimately help the Sox weather the storm. I believe they will still take the AL East; but am certain the Yankees will be in the playoffs too. Let's look at a few stats of the three teams:

• New York Yankees:
• Key remaining series: Seattle, @ Boston
• Seattle Mariners:
• Key Remaining series: @ New York, @ Detroit, @ Los Angeles, Cleveland
• Detroit Tigers:
• Key Remaining series: Seattle, @ Minnesota, @ Cleveland, Minnesota

As you can see, the Yankees clearly have the easier road to the Wild Card. Especially with a 2 game lead over both Seattle and 3 games over Detroit. Now, I believe the Sox can beat the Yankees in October. They haven't met in the post season since 2004 (and we all know how that ended) and this team is much different than the '05 or '06 campaigns.

Regardless, I hope that the Yankees end up playing the Angels in the first round and the Sox get Cleveland or Detroit. I think at is the best possible match up for the Sox not only in the ALDS, but also the ALCS as well. The Angels just have the Yankees number in the post season.

Notes from the bullpen:

• Pedroia is amazing. This kid has come along so quickly. To think he was in Double A and jumped to the Majors. Granted his sub-Mendoza Line batting average almost caused him to go back down. But his Ted Williams like April solidified him for the season
• Give Mike Lowell the contract. He's earned a three year deal. He's the anchor to the Sox offense this year and isn't too shabby at 3B
• Clay Buchholz has some wicked stuff. This kid can throw and he's getting some quality starts when it really matters
  
• Aside of 3 Runs allowed in New York (which were from a horrible error that brought in two runs) Hideki Okajima has been lights out. I really believe there is no damn reason we need Eric Gagne when you have Timlin, Okajima and Papelbon as your closers. Oki is my vote for MVP for the team . Also, up there is Lowell (for his bat), Crisp (for his defense) and Pedroia (for both his bat and defense)