Could we have asked for a better scenario? Red Sox vs. Yankees. I should think not. The two teams with the highest payrolls in the league should have the opportunity to prove who's best? The rivalry is so big that newspapers Web sites across the country our writing about it.

The Seattle Times picked up a story from the L.A. Times, "Live through this, Red Sox vs. Yankees." The Minnesota Star Tribune writes "Red Sox, Yankees battle is on." The Kansas City Star reports They're back, Yanks-Red Sox. Even the London Free Press published Red Sox, Yankees hate affair stronger than ever.

Then there's New York. The Post says the rivalry goes beyond the field, even the GMs dislike each other. The New York Times says there's a frenzy for Red Sox Yankees rematch. And Newyorkmetro.com's Jerkball writes about the rivalry.

Why all the fuss? A history of David vs. Goliath. The New York Post's Mike Vaccaro writes about the Extra-Pesky Sox. He says this year has the same feeling as it did in 1949.

Yes, Boston is a good team facing another good team. But with the questions surrounding the Yankees pitching, Sox have the edge. ESPN.com reports El Duque is still not ready. New York Daily News reports on the Yanks uphill battle.

This year on paper and on the field, the Red Sox are the better team.
The Red Sox organization finally understands that pitching wins championships. You can say what you will about the value an A-Rod can add to a team. But if Curt Schilling can strikeout an A-Rod three times in a game, who's more valuable?

Sean McAdam includes pitching as one of his five reasons the Sox are better this year.

My reasons: Schilling, Pedro, Arroyo, a true closer and battery mate.

There has been a lot of talk about Pedro struggling against the Yankees. It is true that he is responsible for two losses against New York. He's simply made a few mistakes resulting in long balls. The Yankees have six home runs off Pedro - more than any other team he's faced.
But Pedro has also pitched more innings against New York than any other team except Toronto. In those 26.1 innings, he has recorded 24 strikeouts and New York has only hit .245 against him. These are pretty good numbers. Look for Martinez to come up big. Need further evidence? On April 25, he threw seven shutout innings against New York.

In order to be successful, Pedro has to be aggressive, establish the zone early and keep the Yankees guessing. A better use of his fastball will undoubtably help his changeup. He also needs to listen, not necessarily to the manager and coaches, but more importantly to Jason Varitek. Don't shake off Tek's pitching selections. It worked in Anaheim. His velocity was up. He went after hitters. He made a couple of mistakes, but he held the Angels 3-4-5 hitters in check. Out of the three only, Guerrero got a hit. He'll need to do that again in order to earn a "W." But in New York's case, he'll have to concentrate on the first part of the lineup.

Don't worry about Curt Schilling's ankle. The ultimate competitor, Schilling would pitch using crutches. He'll have enough strength to get us to and through the World Series. His tenacity helped win a league-best 21 games. He's got to know when to say when. He too has to listen. The manager and coach should place Schilling on a leash, watch him carefully and not overwork him. Seven innings max. ESPN.com says Schilling will tough it out.

The 27-year-old Bronson Arroyo is the biggest surprise this year - and a pleasant one at that. He answered doubters Friday with seven strong innings against the powerful Angels. He looked like a seasoned vet, instead of a first-year No. 3. He remained poised, in control. If memory serves, in his last start against the Yankees, he only allowed four hits and two runs. He is 7-2 since the All Star break and looks to be getting better. He should be well rested for his Game 3 start Friday vs. Kevin Brown. I look for more of the same from Arroyo.

After realizing the closer by committee concept just didn't work in today's baseball, Boston went after free-agent Keith Foulke. Foulke ended up with 32 saves. While he struggled at times, blowing a career high seven saves, he is three for three in save opportunities vs. the Yankeees, who are batting a collective .167 against him.

Varitek may struggle offensively against New York, but his leadership can not be matched. The team would follow him over hot lava. 'Tek is (to steal a quote from a friend) "the straw that stirs the drink." He should be considered team MVP for his ability to call games and for wearing that uniform like a badge of honor.

I had hoped that when it came to the championship series, we could have concentrated solely on the games. This year that is not to be the case. For tragedy has struck one of the most talented closers in the history of the game. The New York Post reports on Mariano Rivera has lost two loved ones in Panama.
While I may be the biggest Red Sox fan, my heart goes out to him and his family. The newspaper's Mike Vaccaro offers his thoughts in his column, "Magic turns tragic for Mo". And the New York Daily News' Mike Lupica writes "Tragedy touches a life near-perfect". No matter how big the rivalry, some things are bigger than baseball.

Reader comments: Do you think there is too much hype surrounding the rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees?

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