In its preview of the weekend series, Newsday says it is no big deal. The Yankees have a commanding 11 1/2 game lead on the Sox in the standings afterall.

All eyes would usually be on the Yankees-Red Sox this weekend, but that just isn't the case.

While Yankee Stadium undoubtedly will be sold out and three of the four will be nationally televised, most fans have changed gears - watching college and professional football instead. Can't say I blame them.

But I am not most fans. I will not give up quite so easily. I have a wish list a mile long for the weekend series:

I want to see some redemption. That five-game sweep still stings.

I want them to do it with Wily Mo Pena, Dustin Pedroia, Manny Delcarmen and just about every other backup they can muster.

I want Johnny Damon to have four Ks in each game.

I want Derek Jeter to lose his MVP bid. I want to hear A-Rod whine and the fans jeer. And I want Hideki Matsui, well actually he's such a class act, I wish him no ill will.

I want Big Papi to remind New York just how important he is to the Nation, his team and baseball. I want to see the New York media portray him in a better light. Even Johnny Damon has come to Ortiz defense.

I want Josh Beckett to pitch a no hitter. If there were an award given for biggest disappointment, Beckett would be my man. Wait until next year!

I want Minnesota, Chicago and Los Angeles to lose all the remaining games.

I want drama.

And I do not want to see any brooms come Monday.

The New York Times calls Boston an also ran.

We'll see. This weekend provides the perfect opportunity to feed a team hungry for some success.

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