The Boston Red Sox know they will be playing baseball on Friday and they know they will be home at Fenway Park, but they don't know who they will be playing. In fact there are still three teams that could join Boston for the American League Divisional Series. Here is a quick look at all three candidates and why the Red Sox might want to face them.
Texas Rangers: The Red Sox were only 2-4 against the Rangers this season, but they haven't played each other since early June. The Rangers struggled down the stretch and might be the team that is ripe for the picking. The offense hasn't really been the same without the suspended Nelson Cruz in the lineup. Cruz is now back, but how long will it take for him to get back in the swing of things, terrible pun intended.
Tampa Bay Rays: Of course Boston is very familiar with Tampa Bay since they played 19 times already this season, Boston went 12-7. These two teams played a very entertaining series in the 2008 A.L. Championship Series, otherwise known as David Price's coming out party. The Rays are second in the A.L. in fielding percentage so they aren't likely to give the game away.
Cleveland Indians: The Indians would certainly make for the best story line with the whole Terry Francona and Red Sox connection. Boston dominated the Indians 6-1 this season, but that was early in the season. The Indians are certainly the hottest team going as they won ten games to finish out the regular season. They will take on the winner of the Rays and Rangers play in game.
I think the Indians will be the team to win the wild card game and face the Red Sox and they will have their ace Ubaldo Jimenez ready for Game 1 of the ALDS so it could make for an interesting series.
