My heart rate is up. I'm on the edge of my seat, sweating every play. I've got butterflies in my stomach and the palms of my hands are clammy. It's September, time for the stretch drive and I'm sick, sick with worry.

By now you have all read about the amazing offensive numbers the Sox have put up. You have heard how the relief core has come in to shut down a potent offense. You have seen some remarkable catches. You have witnessed steals, bunts and hit-and-runs. You've gotten a whiff of playoff fever. But perhaps we are getting just a tad bit ahead of ourselves.

There's just too much optimism. Before I was alone. Now it seems everyone wants to jump on board.

The ProJo's Bill Reynolds asks if this is the end of the Yankees dynasty?

Masslive.com reports the Sox win even after their starting pitcher can't get out of the third inning

It's exciting for sure. The Patriot Ledger reports that even with all the hype Terry Francona is only looking at one game at a time.

As I write about Francona, I must reluctantly give him some credit. I have to agree with a colleague who said earlier in the year, "All Francona needs is the right pieces." He was right. Francona has his club stealing bases, putting down bunts, making hit-and-run plays. The pitching has been excellent and you can't say enough about the defense. The Sox are finally playing playoff baseball.

Francona has the right idea. But although he may be thinking one day at time, it's hard not to think about the New Yorkers.

According to the New York Times, the Yankees are trying to stay positive. The New York Post headline reads:"Fuhgeddabout it." Even George Steinbrenner, principal owner of the club, is offering word of encouragement rather than tirades. Not sure I like this, but then again who can he blame but himself.

Until the Yankees fall out of first place, they have no reason to be worried. However that is becoming more of a reality with each passing day.

It won't mean a hill of beans come playoff time. The Yankees are a team who has defense and hitting, but, believe it or not, have too many holes in the starting rotation to contend in the playoffs. The trick is to get to them early.
Cleveland tried to do that again Wednesday, but ran into Orlando Hernandez, the club's stopper. It almost makes me laugh. I mean the Yankees have Kevin Brown and Mike Mussina, who have over 200 wins each. But El Duque puts the rest to shame this year - 6-0, 2.62 ERA and 62Ks in 59 innings, not too shabby.

The New York Daily News reports that the Yankees put up their Duques The newspaper however is unsure what affect the win had on the club.

Hey New York, enjoy it while it lasts.

Tonight the Red Sox will play their final game of the series versus Anaheim. A broom may be needed.

E-mail this entry to a friend