Once again the Boston Red Sox will not go away easily. For the second time in the last five games the Sox have roughed up potential American league Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia. Post season stats are not supposed to have any baring on regular season awards, however it seems highly likely that voters may reconsider Josh Beckett as the American League Cy winner after he dominated Sabathia twice in one series, and also had a shutout in the ALDS. Regardless of who has the better ace, the Red Sox/Indians series now rests on the arms of the secondary starters. Grizzled playoff veteran versus upstart youngster, and perhaps shaky former ace against struggling international sensation.

Despite the best efforts of the Indians, the series is heading back to Boston, where white towels will not be flying. Fenway Park may be one of the most difficult places to play for opponents, and one of the most difficult places in terms of ground rules. That is bad news for this crew of umps, who seemed to have weekend plans that didn’t involve a trip to New England. (Just out of curiosity, has anyone made sure that Tim Donaghy is not part of this umpiring crew?)

All joking aside, Sox skipper Terry Francona will decide this series. His reluctance to make necessary changes will either help or doom the Sox. Dustin Pedroia has shown he can play (as he will likely win the Rookie of the Year) but has struggled as a leadoff hitter. Jacoby Ellsbury has shown during the regular season that he is the best outfielder on the Sox next to Manny Ramirez, however Coco Crisp and JD Drew have been sucking the life out of the bottom of the Sox order. While you can understand the rational of the “dance with who brought you” philosophy, Ellsbury as a leadoff hitter was the fuel that carried the Sox down the playoff stretch. If the Sox miss the World Series due to a manager sitting on his hands (paging Grady Little) Francona may find himself looking for a job. Joe Torre in the Boston Red Sox dougout next year? Stranger things have happened, just look at whom the Indians or Red Sox will be playing in the World Series, the powerhouse Colorado Rockies.

Thanks to the Dropkick Murphy's for the column title, hopefully the band will bring us some luck like in 2004.