It could happen. One chance in four.

Meet me at Foxwoods.

SO: I know, I’m thinking the same way, but I read in the paper this morning that Francona and Wallace have decided not to change the playoff rotation to go after the division (that is, they’ll still throw Astacio versus the O’s in that doubleheader). The Coma himself: “At the chance of sounding like I don’t care, because I do, I’m sort of going to be stubborn about screwing our pitching up. I love the idea of having home-field advantage. I also think that you win with pitching. We’re going to somewhat try to remember that.”

And as things shape up, it appears Pedro’s slated for Game 1 (and therefore Game 5) and Schill for Game 2 (and thus Game 1 of the ALCS). So forget that dream matchup of Schilling-Santana. I guess Terry thinks we can split with Santana and take Schill’s start, or maybe he’s hoping we’ll outslug them at home for our #3 and #4?

Call me the tum-ba-lin di-ee-iice.

SK: “I guess Terry thinks”—You’re giving him too much credit.

Your news is unbelievable. The scenario you describe is idiotic. All I can hope is that Francona will change his mind and see reason if Minnesota sweeps New York (they lead in the first game, 3–1, in the middle innings) and we beat Tampa Bay again. Given the last couple of weeks, his plan to start Pedro in Game 1 is also foolish. His inexperience is showing. Not to mention a certain ocher tinge running up the center of his back.

I’m disgustipated, to quote Sylvester the Cat. Could these be orders from Above?—Sigh—Probably not.

SO: Since we’re two and a half back with five to go, I can almost understand the thinking. Almost. Last year we could have run the table if we’d had home advantage.

And did you see who’s sitting behind home plate at Yankee Stadium right now, scouting both the Yanks and Twins for the Cubbies? That’s right: Mr. Grady Little.

I’m back in Maine rather than at Fenway Park or at Yankee Stadium, where a sparse crowd is watching the rare afternoon game, but I’m once more wearing my bright red YANKEES HATER cap, and for a perfectly good reason: the sparse Stadium crowd is in attendance at the first of this year’s last three really important games, two between the Twins and the Yankees, one between the hapless Devil Rays and the Red Sox.