Angst. It has always been a favorite word to describe the Boston Red Sox baseball fan.

There is also the term "long-suffering." (Of course, we always have to remind ourselves that the sufferig is experienced is in the sports world, not the real one, than Goodness).

But, dear Red Sox fans, why not enjoy the next 10 days?

Watching the Yankees chase the Red Sox for the division title is like watching circus performers on the high wire - with that big safety net below them. It's exciting. You hope they do it. But failure will not be disasterous.

Tonight's Red Sox game in St. Petersburg means something, beyond Josh Beckett's attempt to win 20 games. The Red Sox are playing for something, and there will be a little scoreboard watching, as the Jays play in the Bronx.

This is exciting stuff, unless you're focused on that angst thing.

Winning divisions are nice. The wild card provides a safety net.

In New York, sports writers are suddenly dealing with a dominant Yankees team and a failing Mets team. And if the Mets blow the division, they are likely out of wild card contention, too. So, see, a safety net, is good to have.

Speaking of the Yankees. Remember, too, that they wanted Eric Gagne in July. See the Newsday story.

One more note: Good luck and Godspeed to Gabe Kapler, who announced Thursday that he is giving up minor league managing to go back to playing. That guy is all about positive energy. It would not hurt having him hang around the Red Sox clubhouse right now.

E-mail this entry to a friend