Depending on your perspective, the Red Sox ascension to greatness is your worst nightmare or your greatest fantasy. Like 'em or not, they are here to stay.
I know, I know. I've been writing too much about the Yankees and the Red Sox lately. But how can I resist? The reversal of fortune in the greatest rivalry in sports creates enough column fodder to last a lifetime.
Before Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, it seemed that the Red Sox were doomed to suffer another century of postseason futility at the hands of the Evil Empire. But then everything changed, as the Yankees suffered from the biggest choke in baseball history, losing 4 straight games, and clearing the way for the first Red Sox title since the Woodrow Wilson White House.
Now, it's pretty clear that the Red Sox have Passed the Yankees.
Maybe it's because Manny Ramirez is better than Alex Rodriguez.
Maybe it's because of the Red Sox fans, for whom I have given you 10 Reasons to Hate.
Maybe it's something in the New England air. I mean, look at the Pats, the Celtics and Boston College.
Maybe the Sox have picked up on the Patriots cheating methods. Whatever the cause, one thing is clear: the Rivalry is Alive and Well.
Go Rivalry!
