Enough about the All Star game. We have a serious series beginning today. The Sox travel to New York, N.Y. for a bite of the Big Apple. According to the New York Post, the "Boss" says "it's payback time." The nerve. He bases his statements on the past seven games. Give me a break. I do not think you understand the meaning of payback. What about Bucky Dent? Aaron Boone? 1949? Boston hasn't even begun to pay you back.

While King George sits on his throne talking about payback, the Yankees official site says the team is not looking for payback. I'm confused. Which is it? MLB.com also says that A-Rod is looking forward to series. He must be looking for a little redemption. He only has one hit against the Sox so far this season.

I understand the desire for the series, however. Many people are looking forward to the continued rivalry. Baseball perspective's Fred Claire weighs in on the rivalry of rivalries. ESPN's Bob Klapisch writes about the
rivalry and the Yankees improvement since these teams last met. CBSsportline.com also writes about the "Big Apple Battle".

The Sox need to win this series. It's imperative. Boston's official site reports that the team can sense the urgency

If the players didn't feel the need for urgency the GM certainly does. Projo.com reports Epstein looking for Sox to raise standards. The Sox have scored more runs than the Yankees. They have allowed fewer runs against, yet the Sox trail New York by five games.

No matter how good the Yankees may look the owner is never happy. The New York Times reports that Steinbrenner is whining that no one wants to trade with the Yankees. Apparently, teams resent the Yankees for their success. I think it's called payback, George.

Reader comments: How important do you think this series is against the Yankees?

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