With their third straight victory over the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees won their seventh consecutive AL East title. The New York Post writes, "The Yankees raise flag again." I should have guessed. The Twins who already secured their division title a while back had no reason to play. This was just a exhibition game for them. Practice. No mattter the situation each of the Twins' starters went a maximum of five, perhaps six, innings, including the team's ace Johann Santana. Santana hadn't gone less than 6 1/3 innings since May 23. And averaged eight innings since May 28. But when it came to the last week of the season against the Yankees, the Twins' pulled Santana in the fifth with a 3-1 lead. And with that the season was almost over. I'm disappointed, but look forward to the playoffs.

It makes sense for the Twins. A 162-game schedule is difficult. You need a healthy roster, especially the pitchers. I just wish we could have gotten a little help.

Then again, the Red Sox didn't look as though they were trying hard either. Why was Gabe Kapler starting in centerfield and leading off on Wednesday night? The lead off spot is for a tablesetter, preferably with speed. After Pokey Reese, Kapler has the lowest on-base-percentage on the team. So if not Damon, why not Dave Roberts? Roberts has better range in the outfield, a higher OBP, and has 37 stolen bases this season. Strange.

Then they took Manny out of the game and replaced him with Adam Hyzdu. Granted Hyzdu hit a home run, but give me a break. We still had an outside shot at the title, but not without the league's MVP.

Pedro didn't start the game with his best stuff either. I didn't see a good fast ball until the fourth inning. He seemed timid. As a result, he lost his fourth straight game. But I'm not worried, this is Pedro afterall.

Many Red Sox fans are getting down on the ace. They call him a prima donna. To them I say check the stats.

He's third on the list of Cy Young contenders behind Santana and Schilling. Martinez has 16 wins, ranks second in the AL in strikeouts, fourth in WHIP, and third in batting average against. He is far from washed up. Look for him to come up big in the playoffs. I, for one, am excited about his possible return next season. The Boston Herald reports that Pedro is positive about re-signing. I hope it works out.

So what of these playoffs? Who will be playing? The Boston Herald speculates on the roster selections. I'm not sure I agree with what I have read so far. No Youkilis? No Williamson?

Who are the Sox going to face? Projo.com's Sean McAdam says the A's would be the best case scenario for the Sox. That could be. Oakland has been floundering. So much so, I do not think they'll be the team to come out of the West, while the Angels appear to be hot. And, the Red Sox have only lost once to them all season.

Currently the Angels, A's and Twins all have 90 wins. Being the wild card, the Sox will play which ever team ends up with the highest amount of wins that is not in their division.

Regardless, this has been a tremendous season. The Red Sox have already equaled last year's win total of 95 with four games remaining. We like the Twins will be forced to rest some of our play makers in Baltimore.

It is however an important game for Tim Wakefield. Tonight's starter hopes to position himself in the starting rotation. MLB.com offers a preview.

So the season is virtually over. We prepare for the ALDS and await an opponent. I can hardly wait. Go Sox!

Reader comments: How would you rate this current Red Sox team? And season?

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