Heading into the final homestand, here are the September numbers for Boston's top starters:

Josh Beckett 4-0, 2.25 ERA
Curt Schilling 0-2, 3.66
Daisuke Matsuzaka 1-1, 9.74
Tim Wakefield 0-2, 10.70
Jon Lester 2-0, 2.70
Clay Buchholz, 2-1, 0.54

Beckett obviously pitches Game 1 in the playoffs. But who gets the ball in Game 2?

The nod would seem to go to Schilling because of his experience. Matzuzaka is touted as being a pitcher made for the big stage but, lately, he's been made for the big inning.

Wakefield is inconsistent. That is not new.

Lester and Buchholz have good numbers. They are also kids. Buchholz seems headed to the bullpen. Lester may not make the playoff roster.

Before we get to the standings, one last note: This blog will be taking a break for a few days. I'll be back Thursday night or Friday, depending on when I get back from the Appalachian Trail (a little R&R before the playoffs).

Here are the standings ater Monday's games, and remaining games:

Cleveland 92-63
Boston 92-64
Angels 92-65
Yankees 90-66

THIS WEEK
RED SOX vs. Oakland (2 games), vs. Minnesota (4)
YANKEES at Tampa Bay (3), at Baltimore (3)
ANGELS at Texas (2), at Oakland (3)
INDIANS at Seattle (4), at Kansas City (3)

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