Most people including ESPN broadcasters and the Boston Herald believe this contest between the Red Sox and Yankees will be closely monitored by a certain right-handed power pitcher.

And while the offer from Houston is a good one, Roger Clemens may in fact like what he sees in the AL East. Both the Red Sox and the Yankees have a better than average shot at the post season, while Houston is currently fighting a hard battle within its own division. With the emergence of Cincinnati, things look a bit bleak in the NL Central. The one thing theAstros have going for them, the chance to put father and son on the same ball field. Houston is prepared to do that for Roger's services.

The Herald's Tony Massarotti predicts the Rocket will return to the Sox. It's a better story.

Meanwhile John Harper of the New York Daily News says Clemens will return to the Bronx.

But no one is talking about the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have the best record in the AL West and with a boost to the rotation could be a force. Vincente Padilla, John Koronka and Kevin Millwood have been doing pretty well. Add a Rocket and they could soar. Though the Angels and A's may have something to say about that.

Mike Vaccaro of the NY Post says its time for the Bombers to drop David Ortiz to the ground. He says its time for the pitching staff to "give notice."

With Randy Johnson on the mound, I fully expect the Yanks to go after Big Papi. It won't be easy on the left-handed power hitter vs. the left-handed power pitcher. But if they intend on pitching him inside and giving Ortiz favorable counts, then watch the results. A walk to Ortiz could be detrimental. For Manny is waiting in the wings. Ramirez likes this stage. Being brought up in New York, this will be like a home coming for him.

The New Jersey Star-Ledger says that Boston will be like a tonic for Johnson. While he's had some success against the Sox, I look for tonight's game to give him fits. I'm not worried about it. Ortiz and Ramirez will get their chances, but the rest of the lineup will have to step up in order for a victory.

The key will be Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek and especially Kevin Youkilis. He needs to see and waste a lot of pitches. I do not want to see any grimaces on strike-three calls.

If these guys are getting on base, the rest will fall into place. Yes, indeed all eyes will be on this series.

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