The Red Sox are coming off a big win. They have their backs to the wall. They are facing Tim Hudson, one of the leading candidates for the Cy Young award. Hudson is coming back on short rest, but threw only 106 pitches in game 1. Boston has to win this game to stay alive. Who do you send out to pitch? Bob Hohler says Burkett earned the start:

"Burkie is one of the [gutsiest] pitchers I've been around," Gabe Kapler said. "He wants the ball all the time, any situation, against any pitcher, against any lineup. That's what you want in these types of situations. You don't want someone tentative out there."

If experience counts, Burkett would enter Game 4 against Oakland ace Tim Hudson with an abundance of it. He has started more regular-season games (423) than all but five other active pitchers: Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Randy Johnson, and Kevin Brown. And he has gone to the postseason six times with the Rangers, Braves, and Sox, logging a 2-0 record with a 2.70 ERA in three appearances in the Division Series, most recently with the Braves in 2001.

The Sox also like the way he battled back from adversity early in the season.

"He felt, and probably a lot more people felt, he had his back to the wall there," manager Grady Little said. "He had a lot on him every single start going through the rest of the season and this guy stood up to it. He handled it well, a true professional, as a veteran player would, and he's meant a lot to this team."

And that's a pretty long finish. If you look at his last five apperances, there's a different story. He went 2-2 despite a 7.48 ERA. He had one good start against Cleveland on Sept. 19. He went seven shutout innings, which makes his other four appearances look all that much worse. He in no way, shape of form has a hot hand coming into the playoffs.

And as for Kapler's quote about not wanting someone tentative, who does he think the alternative is? It's Pedro Martinez! ESPN reported during the game that Pedro walked into Grady Little's office before Saturday's game and told him he felt great; he told him he could pitch Saturday's game and Monday's game! Folks, one of the most dominating pitchers in the game wants the ball. It should be noted that yesterday was the 55th anniversary of the Red Sox starting Denny Galehouse in the 1-game playoff vs. the Indians.

When two teams tie for the league lead there is a one-game playoff, with the winner moving on and the loser going home for the winter. Cleveland started rookie knuckleballer Gene Bearden, who had gone 19-7 and led the league in ERA. Most fans expected Boston manager Joe McCarthy to start young lefthander Mel Parnell, who had been the team's best pitcher down the stretch. But with four dependable starting pitchers to choose from, McCarthy selected none; he chose journeyman Denny Galehouse, pitching on fumes at the end of his career. Galehouse was shelled and the Indians went on to an 8-3 victory—and to the World Series.

If the Sox want to win this series, start Pedro today and come back with Wakefield tomorrow. The odds are still against the Sox, but at least they are more likely to play tomorrow if Pedro starts.

The Yankees go for the division win today, sending lefty David Wells against Twins #1 starter Johan Santana. Santana pitched four good innings against the Yankees in game 1 before leaving with a cramp. He only threw 59 pitches, so he should be sharp.

The Twins however, have two things going against them. The Yankees are pitching a lefty, and the Twins have a poorly constructed lineup. That was clearly demonstrated yesterday when the Twins had to pinch hit for Rivas in the fifth inning. Your number two hitter should be good enough to go the whole game. Santana has to shut down the Yankees offense to have a chance to win today.

Finally, the elimination game of the day takes place in Atlanta. Kerry Wood faces Mike Hampton. Both pitched well in their earlier starts; both had control problems, each walking five but neither team could really capitalize on them. The Braves offense has come alive, so Wood may not be able to get away with that many walks. It will be interesting to see what happens if Robert Fick comes to the plate. He might want to wear one of those full head catcher's helmets. An interesting note, despite the two HR by Chipper yesterday the Braves slugging percentage in the series (.318) is lower than their OBA (.327). At a higher level, the Cubs are in the same boat, with a .349 OBA and a .348 slugging percentage. Expect a lot of strikeouts and a low scoring game.

Enjoy!