The champagne flowed. It was actually sprayed, with healthy doses poured over heads. There was also beer and cigar smoke. The party celebrated a title (note the small t).

The Red Sox are the champions (note the small c).

When it looked as if the Yankees might catch the Red Sox for the AL East Division, this space constantly reminded that the division title means little (except home field advantage) because a bigger prize is still ahead.

That contention is still true. If the Red Sox do not win the 2007 World Series, they can look on the division title as a consolation prize.

I don't think anyone is thinking of consolation prizes right now.

The playoffs will be fun. I'll check back from Fenway later Saturday. Please see Saturday's story in www.pressherald.com on Clay Buchholz.

Goodnight from Fenway.

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