Boston, bite your nails

14 and a half games, cut to 4? Red Sox nation it is time to start sweating bullets. What looked to be the end of the Yankees hope when Eric Gagne was dealt to the Sox before the trading deadline, has turned into a blessing in disguise for the Yankees. Okajima, and Papelbon have been the best 1 2 duo in the bullpen all around baseball this season. Here comes Gagne, who has destroyed that fire by blowing up in his few appearances since being in Beantown. Yesterday against the Orioles was a perfect example. The Red Sox up 3-1 in the bottom of the 8th. Okajima walks one guy, and in comes Gagne. When you acquire such a big name, it is your responsibility as a manager to enter that player into a game in a bigtime situation. It looks like Gagne's Dodger days are long gone, and the best bullpen in baseball has some serious questions that have to be answered. What is in Gagne's future on the Red Sox? Is he going to be continued to be trusted on in late game situations, or could we have a Kyle Farnsworth here? I am jumping to conclusions here, but tell me what you are going to do if you are Terry Francona right now. He has a catch-22 on his hands. On one hand, he wants to do what has worked like a gem for him all year. Okajima in the 8th, Papelbon in the 9th, easy as pie. Now what? Is Gagne going to be the 7th inning guy? I dont think the Red Sox can trust him in that spot right now. Lets not forget, although Gagne had a very good season with the Texas Rangers, his last four appearances were nowhere near respectable. All I can say is that its a darn good thing that Brian Cashman didnt deal for Gagne and get rid of Melky Cabrera and one of our young guns in the bullpen. I think from the Yankees point of view, we are looking at a possible 1996 all over again. I am not comparing Chamberlain to Rivera after only two appearances. However, I think Chamberlain could be the set up man that Rivera was for Wetteland during that so cherished run. He could also be the Krod of the days when he set up Troy Percival. That Angels team won the World Series as well. I am a diehard Yankees fan, but I am also realistic. The Red Sox will still win the division, but the Yanks will get that wild card spot, and from there its Yankees baseball time. World Series here we come....