Within Striking Distance: Red Sox 1 1/2 Back of the Rays

Who would've thought that the few people clamoring that the Rays would inevitably slip up and let the Red Sox back into the chse would've been right. Among these select few was our very own Timmy. Yes, my friends, Timmy predicted that the chase for 1st place would come down to the next six games between the Red Sox and the Rays, starting tomorrow night at Fenway Park.

It's true, Tim mentioned a couple weeks back on Wicked Pissa Dude Radio that the Red Sox would be within striking distance of 1st place and when the Rays come into the Fens this week, the Red Sox would have a chance to grab 1st place back from the Rays for the first time since the All-Star Break.

Now, with a 7-2 win over the Texas Rangers this afternoon behind 6 2/3 innings from Paul Byrd and David Ortiz's first home run in twenty games, the Red Sox are only 1 1/2 games back of the Rays going into the upcoming three game set against the Rays.

So, here's how things could shake out. The Red Sox could sweep the Rays in Fenway Park and build a small but significant lead in the AL East heading into the final weeks of the season. It could go 2-1 in favor of the Red Sox and the two teams would be for all intensive purposes tied. The Rays could take two of three and not much would change. the absolutley devasting outcome would be a sweep by the Rays which would allow them to build a seemingly insurmountable lead over the Red Sox and our beloved Sox would have settle for the wild card.

There's only one kink in this plan, the fact that the Red Sox, a week later, travel to Tampa Bay for a three game set. So really no one really knows for sure how things will shake out, but one thing is certain we will have a clearer picture of the AL East race by Wednesday September 17th. Or maybe we won't if all goes according to plan. Here's to an exciting playoff run for all!!

adam@wickedpissadude.com

Labels: Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, Paul Byrd, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers