Boston Rules
We swept!

Thank God. It looked dicey for a while--what with Vlad's grand slam and all. I think at that point I stopped talking and started clenching my beer (I was at jimmy's). By the time "big papi" hit his walk off homerun I'd aged about 10 years. Luckily I didn't pull out too much of my hair. Jimmy's, a bar on the south side of chicago, EXPLODED. It wasn't just the me and the other confirmed Red Sox fan (and fellow New Englander) I knew. No, EVERYONE. Even the Yankees fan I was sitting with (don't ask how I ended up watching a critical game with a Yankees fan) was excited--he didn't cheer, but he wants a sox-yanks ALCS.

I'm not sure I do. In fact, I'm sure I don't. I'm sure I want a Sox-Twins series. I don't think this is wimping out, and it's not becuase Pedro said the Yankees are his daddies (I'm sure he won't pitch like that!). There are several reasons for this.

First, there's something really sweet about the Yankees not even getting to the ALCS. Especially if we go all the way. I know people think we need a head to head series for true revenge, but I think it's just as satisfying to know that they couldn't even beat the Twins, with their relatively miniscule payroll and consequently lighter bench, in a critical series.

Second, and more practically, we have a really good shot of beating the Twins (no offense all you Minnesotans, you know I'm right. Sanatana will be exhausted and we'll have had 4 days off, and our lineup is hella deeper).

We can beat the Yanks too--witness winning the season series--but not without a media circus, tons of drama, and (most likely) some bullpen brawls. Much as seeing 'tek up in A-Rod's face filled me with satisfaction, that sort of thing is not why I watch baseball. And it's a big part of why I hate football.

Which is my third and most important reason. The tension between Yankees and Red Sox fans can be unbearable. The TV drama gets built up. ESPN and Fox live for it. The ALCS, if it is Sox-Yanks, will be less about baseball and more about revenge and curses and empires and destinies and history.

And I just want some good baseball.

Like last night. That was amazing.

BTW in all likelihood all posts between now and 10/31 will have to do with baseball. This is particularly true if the Red Sox advance. I may throw in a few comments like "what do you mean a "tie"? Kerry smoked him! You just had lower expectations!" But for the most part, it's baseball.
- posted by Heidi @ 8:40 AM