Has the reduction in divisional play impacted storied rivalries such as this one, or Dodgers/Giants, which dates to the 19th century – older than the entire American League – and which shaped westward expansion when they jointly moved to California in 1958?

When the Red Sox win series against AL East--and Wild Card--rivals like the Yankees, there's hope in Red Sox nation.

The Red Sox have both the fifth-best ERA and the fifth-best OPS in the majors, giving them a well-rounded team that — on paper — should have a clear advantage in this series. But as the Orioles proved last week, the game isn’t played on paper. There could be some more wild baseball, and Red Sox fan meltdowns, in store for these next four games.