On August 18, 2006 the Boston Red Sox began a series in New York against the Yankees while siting at 69-50. Four days and five games later (thanks to a doubleheader as a makeup from June) they were 69-55. The Red Sox had been hanging in the playoff hunt despite massive injuries — they were in first place at the trade deadline — but that five-game sweep essentially ended the season. Alex Cora went 5-16 during the series to bring his season line to .281/.368/.331. Not much power but he sure was getting on base! Craig Breslow did not make an appearance on the pitcher’s mound.

This weekend, another big August series looms large. Instead of starting 2.0 games back of first place, the Red Sox are 5.5 games out of the division lead and 1.5 games back of first wild card in the American League. Th

See Full Page