Red Sox 8, Yankees 5

A nice series win at Yankee Stadium to conclude a 4-6 road trip. I always enjoy the Red Sox beating up on the Yankees, especially when the middle of the order comes through. Pedroia, Ortiz & Napoli were great at the plate last night. BUT - it also shows how a few wins with the right teams losing can change the standings to where you feel we are in the race again at just 6 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays with 80 to go. For you math majors that equates to a 1 game improvement in the standings every 13 games & you get to the top spot. And we have seen this before when the Sox win a few & we think they are ready to take off & they lose the next few series. To say that this upcoming 10-game home stand is crucial is an understatement by any measure. After home series with the Cubs, O's & White Sox the Red Sox will know by the all-star break which direction they will fly - as buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. Maybe some pieces are needed either way, like a right-handed outfield bat. The Sox have the prospects to give up to any suitor & it may be time to cash in a few chips before their trade value goes south. The 2014 season has been a tough one to figure out. Stay tuned for the 2nd half.