BOSOX POSTSEASON MAGIC CONTINUES

All of the 86 years of bad karma that was thrown Beantown's way has really been reversed over the last five years. Last night, the Boston Red Sox had yet another dramatic, late-inning home run that lifted them to a 2-0 series lead over the 100 win, Los Angeles Angels.

Just 12 months ago people were referring to J.D. Drew as J.D. Poo, and calling him perhaps the worst player per dollar in Major League Baseball. But since his grand slam in Game 6 of the ALCS last year he has become a different player. Sure he missed significant time due to injury this year, but you could make the argument he was the Red Sox best player in the first half. The Red Sox now are what the '96-'01 Yankees were as they always come up with a big hit and prove that no deficit is too large. Drew's bomb off of KRod last night is symbolic of that.

The path is paved for the Sox to win their third title in five years. While Tampa Bay has done a great job all season and an even better job beating up on the White Sox, the question right now is can they beat the Red Sox? I am going to say NO. I realize Tampa will have home field in the ALCS, but beating the experienced Red Sox will take them to a new level. The Rays have overcome every obstacle and every naysayer, but they wouldn't be human if they weren't in awe of the Red Sox next week. I would be absolutely shocked if the Rays beat the Sox. Sports history is flooded with experienced, championship level teams beating young and perhaps even more talented teams. I just can't see the Rays beating the Red Sox. I hope I'm wrong as I'd love to see it happen.

On the flip side, the Red Sox have absolutely no pressure on them this postseason. They are still dealing with many injuries to their most important players, they are of course without Manny Ramirez, and the hated Yankees are out of the postseason. Unless they blow a large series lead, Boston fans will give their team a total pass this year should they lose. This has already been stated by the Bob Ryan's and Dan Shaughnessy's of the world. Therefore as they coast home to a third World Series title, they will simply be adding gravy to their run the last four years.

As far as the Angels are concerned, it is time Mike Scioscia take a hit. He has gotten a pass with every postseason loss since the 2002 World Championship. I agree with most of those passes, and I still consider him the best manager in the game. However, this is his best Angels team and the fact they can't seem to get by the Red Sox is a huge embarrassment. Not counting the 1986 ALCS because you shouldn't, the Angels have lost EIGHT postseason games in a row to the BoSox. In the past, they come into postseasons out of gas, but this year they clearly have something left in the tank as evidenced by their comeback last night. However, they are flushing it down the toliet, and it will be a very tough offseason in Halo land.

Pat Morgan