This week the Sox are set to do battle against another Sox team, and this particular matchup could have Wildcard implications come seasons end. This weekend, the boys in red will head to Chicago to take on the boys in black for a 4 game set at U.S. Cellular. This will be the first meeting of 2008 for these two teams, with another series coming to Fenway at the end of August. On the mound for the good guys will be young Jonny Lester, followed by Japanese sensation Dice-K, followed by the struggling young arm of Clay Buchholz, and closing with the dazzling and dominant Mr. Josh Beckett.

Another thing worth noting is that Kevin Youkilis currently leads the Red Sox in all 3 major hitting categories (.317 AVG. 17 HRs & 76 RBIs). Youk has been the back-bone of this team all season, and his lunch-bucket style is one all Red Sox fans can appreciate. With the departure of Manny, Youk will have to step up and maintain these numbers, rolling the boys right into October. Come on Youk!

In closing, I’d like to bid farewell to a former member of the Red Sox and introduce our newest member. Manny Ramirez was a stud on the Sox for almost 8 seasons. He led us to 2 World Series Championships, and was one of the most unique players to sport the Red Sox uniform. I can’t remember how many times I’ve said, “That’s just Manny being Manny.”

His calm and cool attitude had to have been a great attribute in the dressing room, and his presence in the lineup may have been one of the most feared in the game. Thank you for helping deliver the Red Sox their first World Series Title in 86 years, and thank you for everything. I know he will be sorely missed by all the fans, but I have a feeling his replacement will do just fine. So without further a due, I’d like to welcome fellow Canadian Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox. I know you will wear your heart on your sleeve and compete every day.

Today, the Red Sox return home to open up a 3 game series with the Tampa Bay Rays, in what will be a battle for first place. The teams are 3-3 against each other this season, with both clubs collecting sweeps on their home field. The Red Sox enter this series winning 3 of their last 4, and the Rays enter it winning their last 3, so both teams are heating up entering tonight’s contest.

The starting pitchers for the 3 game set are as follows:

Game 1: Justin Masterson (1-0/9 Ks/1.46 ERA/0.97 WHIP/12.1 IP) v.s. Matt Garza (4-1/29 Ks/3.78 ERA/1.36 WHIP/52.1 IP)

Game 2: Josh Beckett (5-4/75 Ks/4.30 ERA/1.09 WHIP/67.0 IP) v.s. Edwin Jackson (3-4/47 Ks/3.70 ERA/1.45 WHIP/65.2 IP)

Game 3: Jon Lester (3-3/49 Ks/3.67 ERA/1.38 WHIP/76.0 IP) v.s. James Shields (4-3/58 Ks/3.24 ERA/1.15 WHIP/80.2 IP)

Over the last week, the Red Sox have lost David Ortiz and Dice-K, so I’m hoping guys like Masterson and Crisp can step up their game in hopes of a big series win. If you would’ve told me that this series was going to be this meaningful at the beginning of the year, I would’ve said you’re crazy! Go Red Sox!

Last night Manny Ramirez joined the 500 club. He socked a Chad Bradford offering over the wall in right center, to cap a 6-3 Red Sox victory. Manny became the 24th player in Major League History to do so, and now has his sights set on the 600 club. Congrats Manny, and best of luck on your next quest! We all love Manny being Manny.