As we know, when the Yankees last visited Fenway Park, New York took two of three games from Boston. How have the two teams done since that series…which ended on August 23rd?
Since that time, the Boston Red Sox have gone 14-5.
And, since then, the New York Yankees have gone 15-6.
Pretty close, huh?
At the close of business on August 23rd, the Yankees were up 7.5 games on the Red Sox. And, today, at the close of business on September 14th, New York is 7.5 games up on Boston. In three weeks, overall, there’s been no change in that gap between the teams. The only thing that’s changed has been the number of games left on the schedule.
Now, that last fact is great for the Yankees. But, should New York be concerned that Boston is still playing well…despite their issues…and it appears the Red Sox will be at the dance in October? Can we handle a 4th ALCS between the Yanks and Sox in a span of 11 years? And, if they do meet, and Boston wins, that would give each team two “wins” each – with the Red Sox winning the last two match-ups…and giving Boston two ALCS “wins” over the Yankees in the last 6 years. As Yankees fans, how would you feel about that?
Me? The whole thing bugs me. Part of the issue, I believe, with the 2003 post-season was that, after the Yankees beat Boston in the ALCS, New York was running on empty at the end. It’s too much stress facing the Red Sox in the ALCS. And, now, the Yankees have to try and make up (as if that’s possible) for 2004 if they face Boston in the ALCS again. Which, if New York wins, could lead to another World Series let down.
As much as the Angels are a pain in the Yankees tokhes, I think I’d rather see them in the ALCS than the Red Sox…especially if Boston is still winning seven out of ten games, like they have been the last three weeks. How about you?
12 Responses to “Since The Last Time They Met”
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I personally want Boston in the ALCS. They are in severe need of a important series beating from us because they have been far too confident for far too long.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:21 am
To me, there’s greater satisfaction in beating Boston in the playoffs but, honestly, I don’t care WHO we beat. I just want to win this year.
As to the point that Boston’s been playing well: yes, they have. That’s what good teams do. Jon Lester came back from a lousy April and May and has been their best pitcher by far. Beckett had a rough patch but I’m pretty sure he’ll be OK too. Those two guys, Papelbon, The Greek God of Watermelon Heads and the jockey that moonlights as a second baseman gives them a strong core of players. But guess what? The Yanks are just as good if not better.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:10 am
I want them to beat the best competition on the way to the WS, and including the WS. I don’t want anyone to ever discount a title by saying, well the Yanks didn’t have to play the sox in the ALCS, so they got lucky.
lol takin some plays outta Butchie’s playbook MJ?
September 15th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Corey wrote:
LOL!! You know it!
September 15th, 2009 at 10:18 am
But, should New York be concerned that Boston is still playing well…despite their issues…and it appears the Red Sox will be at the dance in October? Can we handle a 4th ALCS between the Yanks and Sox in a span of 11 years? And, if they do meet, and Boston wins, that would give each team two “wins” each – with the Red Sox winning the last two match-ups…and giving Boston two ALCS “wins” over the Yankees in the last 6 years. As Yankees fans, how would you feel about that?
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I see what you’re saying here, and for the Yankee fans who are very sensationalized this can be a humongous deal.
However, none of what’s happened in the past should be a concern with this year’s playoffs. You know what? At one time, we owned the Red Sox. It was an 86-year span of pissing excellence and domination then, in 2004, they embarrassed us, kicked our asses and rubbed it in our faces by raising the banner in front of us. It happened, and they’ve won some World Series since then and have been more successful in recent years.
Good for them, but this is all about 2009. Idc what it would mean if we lost to them this ALCS (if we make it that far) other than them getting to the World Series instead of us, which would suck for 2009. We’re a damn good team, capable of beating anybody if we’re playing well, and we should honestly be far more focussed on beating the Tigers at this point.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:24 am
YankCrank wrote:
Absolutely correct.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:58 am
At this point, I fear no team and I’m pretty sure that’s the attitude of the Yanks right now.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
After beating BOS in the last 7 of 8, all we heard was how they are an overrated, washed up team. Well, not so. They are as good as they seemed to be for most of this season.
Yankee fans have every reason to be concerned about the prospect of facing BOS in the ACLS. In my mind, everything now is a prelude to that. And that series will define the meaning of 2009 for the Yankees.
I would rather take my chances with the Angels than take the chance of playing, and losing to, BOS this year.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
MJ wrote:
Haven’t seen him around in a while, I hope he’s ok… I know he mentioned a family member was in poor health.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
@ Raf:
True, I remember him saying that. I hope he comes back soon.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
ken wrote:
Yankee fans should have every reason to be concerned about any opponent we face. The Tigers pitching can be formidable if on, we have trouble with both the Angels and the Red Sox. Either way, it won’t be a cake walk for the Yankees.
ken wrote:
I understand your point, but I wish Yankee fans weren’t so afraid of losing to the Red Sox. Is it going to make everybody feel that much better if we lose to the Angels instead of the Red Sox? Did anybody still feel great after we lost the 2003 WS to the Marlins? “But, hey, we still beat those Red Sox!”
If we’re fortunate enough to get that far, chances are we’re playing the Red Sox. It’s not set in stone but hey, since 2003 the Sox are 9-1 in the playoffs against the Angels. As Yankee fans we shouldn’t be in the group that says “Oh please no, not the Red Sox they may beat us!” Our team is damn good, we should be saying bring on those fuckers and let the better team win.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
YankCrank wrote:
I generally agree with your post. My nagging concern is starting pitching. Beckett and Lester are as good a 1-2 as there is. Especially in the post-season where CC has yet to prove himself and AJ is as likely to pitch a no-hitter as he is giving up 6 runs in a blink of an eye.
The Red Sox, as currently constituted, have a winning playoff legacy. The Yanks, as currently constituted, have yet to establish a post-season reputation.