As the Yankees head to town for a three game series that may indeed (if the Tampa Bay Rays cooperate) decide who is in first place (or at least tied for it) by the end of the weekend, there are some predictions that the rhetoric and rivalry might be notched up a bit between these two teams. Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe writes today the chant "Yankees Suck," often heard in New England not only at Sox games, but at Celtics games, Patriots games and once during a wake in Southie, needs to be put to rest. George Vescey of the New York Times writes that Jonathan Papelbon may have upped the ante during All-Star festivities in New York. And it's only Thursday.
Expect everyone to be a bit more stirred up. Terry Francona and the players can talk all they want about this being just another series, they want to win them all, etc. etc. etc. But rest assured, the intensity here this weekend will be heightened far more then when they were last here in April. Fox won't have to remind us this weekend, "THIS TIME, IT COUNTS!"
I'll be providing updates (technology permitting) from the Fenway stands during Friday night's game. Check back here while you are watching the game to get the inside story on what's happening beyond the television cameras!
Keywords: Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, New York Yankees
