No more ties

Actually, that's not really true, even in the wake (pun not intended) of the Sox 8-4 loss to the Yankees today. It puts the Yankees in the playoffs as AL East champion, with the Red Sox finishing second yet again. The Indians also lost, 4-3 to the White Sox, keeping them one game out in the Wild Card race.

Today's game was a tough one. Wakefield, who has been huge for the Sox during the stretch run, was forced to go on three days rest after the rainout on Monday night and the subsequent doubleheader against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. Wake gave up seven runs in five innings, which allowed a not particularly sharp Randy Johnson to get the win.

Stupid rain.

The Yankees are AL East champions by virtue of the fact that even if the Sox win tomorrow and tie them, it would be impossible for Boston not to play at least one post-season game. Because of that, the Yankees win the division because they won the head to head competition between the two teams this season. Even if the Sox win tomorrow, the Yankees would win the season series 10-9.

So here are the scenarios:

If the Red Sox win, they are the wild card.

If the Indians lose, the Red Sox are the wild card.

If the Indians win and the Red Sox lose, there will be a one game playoff at Fenway on Monday to decide the wild card.

The good news is that Joe Torre has decided to save Mike Mussina (who was scheduled to pitch tomorrow) for game 1 of the ALDS, so Jaret Wright will be pitching for the Yankees instead. Wright has been either (a) injury plagued or (b) terrible this year, so it bodes well for the Sox, assuming we get a Curt Schilling who even somewhat resembles his old self.

The fun resumes tomorrow at 2:05. Be there.