Red Sox Win..MAGIC NUMBER IS DOWN TO 2...Boston 4 Toronto 3

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays last night by a score of 4-3. Paul Byrd and the bullpen bested (barely) AJ Burnett. Byrd was good enough, going six full and giving up three runs on six hits while walking one and whiffing one. And then it was the 'pen's turn to shine, and they did just that. The combination of Javy Lopez, Manny Delcarmen, Hideki "the Darkman" Okajima and Jonathon Papelbon combined for three one hit no run innings. With the score knotted at three in the eighth inning, Jason Varitek's bouncer to shortstop with the bases loaded plated the go-ahead run. From there, it was Pap's time. After botching a ball hit back to him and an errant throw to Youk at first, he bore down and retired the next three batters for his 40th save. Now Boston can actually clinch a wild card berth today if the Yankees and either the Twins or White Sox lose. That, of course, is only possible if Jon Lester, who's been clutch all season long, can best one of the best, Roy "Doc" Halladay. This is what Sean Casey had to say after the game, followed by the up-to-date wild card standings.

"You start spring training, your big thing is to get to the playoffs," Sean Casey said. "Any time you get to the playoffs, it's not easy. We cherish the fact that we're close to getting in. When we do, we'll celebrate and be fired up for that."

W L PCT GB Home
Boston 90 63 .588 ---
Minnesota 83 71 .539 7 1/2
NY Yankees 83 71 539 7 1/2

So we're looking good, REALLY GOOD...the regular season ends on Sunday and it looks like the Sox will clinch today or more likely tomorrow. I have some other Red Sox news. Bartolo Colon, the troubled, rotund often-injured pitcher was suspended without pay because he would not return to Boston from the Dominican Republic to pitch in the bullpen. Kiss him goodbye, although a slap would be more appropriate. Maybe two of 'em!

That's it for now...it's 1pm EDT baseball today from Toronto and a HUGE game for Jon Lester. I think we'll find a way, some way, to win. Yes, I'm an eternal optimist. That's what keeps me going in times of pain and struggle (like right now!). Click on the title of this post for more on last night's important win and as always, BE WELL. I've been trying to do just that!

Oh, I almost forgot...Terry "Tito" Francona has a big decision to make. And that is this...who will be his 4th starter in postseason play...Byrd or Wakefield. Wakefield has been horribly inconsistant in September while Byrd goes about his business, allowing three runs or so each start. What do you think? Please leave me a comment with your preliminary decision and I'll let my thoughts be known tomorrow. I have a solid pick in my mind. Thanks so much. Enjoy your Saturday and your weekend.