The Red Sox got into the playoffs in fine fashion, with a win over a very good pitcher (Cliff Lee), with the bullpen giving up no runs.

Two concerns going into the post-season: The Sox hitting against good pitching, and their bullpen. They looked good on Tuesday.

Now what?

Get healthy (Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew).

Get the rotation rested and in line to go. In Game 2 in Anaheim, do you go with Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-0, 2.37 on the road) or Jon Lester (5-5, 4.09 on the road)?

Those questions will be answered soon enough. For now, the Sox are celebrating.

To get a perspective from the new players (many former Sea Dogs) experiencing the playoff celebration for the first time, see the blog by Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal.

Technically, Boston still has a chance for the AL East title. But the Rays' magic number is now two. Tampa Bay still has a chance to have the best record in the AL.

The contenders
Angels, 97-60
Rays, 95-62
Red Sox, 92-65
White Sox, 86-70
Twins, 85-72

Of course, the Yankees (86-71) are now out of it after 13 straight trips to the post-season. It was an amazing run, especially by Derek Jeter, who will be out of uniform in October for the first time.

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