Rivalry Rundown: Sox Projected to Stink?

Okay, so the Sox aren't projected to be a terrible team, per se. But by Yankees and Red Sox standards, would finishing third in the division qualify as a major disappointment? In a word, yes. In two words, hell yes.


And in a word Homer Simpson made up, unpossible!

It's worth noting in today's age of infinite metrics in sports (a topic for another post) that  a mathematician has calculated the final standings for each division. He projects the Sox to finish just behind the Rays in the AL East, in third place and out of the playoffs. 


This is notable for three reasons. First, it can't sit well with Sox Nation to hear that, especially given that Theo Epstein loves his baseball data to make decisions (Mike Cameron, Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro -- all prime examples).


Second, this mathematician is actually accurate with his predictive formula. He's beaten the odds in SIX of eight seasons (and yet somehow he hasn't exploded onto the gambling scene?).


And third, his method could and should be used by the MLB if it continues to prove itself. It'd be a great asset to Bud Selig's panel of experts as they discuss options to level the playing field. They've talked about overhauling divisions by allowing teams to float across them, all in the hope of giving everyone a fair chance at winning -- why not use this predictive formula to help?


Here's some more goodness from today from around the rivalry:

• Boston.com offers five things to know about Nomar and his illustrious career.
• Here's a  rundown of the top 10 pitching performances in Yankees history. One enormous oversight: Jim Abbott's 1993 no hitter against the Indians. The man had one arm! How does that miss the cut??? There are two-armed pitchers that allowed several hits in the slideshow, and Abbott can't crack the top 10??? I literally read this list four consecutive times because I thought I'd missed it. Unbelievable.
• NESN reports that the Sox are interested in bringing back lefty reliever Alan Embree. As a Yanks fan, I can only pray they bring back Mike Timlin with him. Or sign Kyle Farnsworth to a minor league deal.
• Phil Hughes is making a strong case to claim the fifth spot in the Yankees' rotation, challenging Alfredo Aceves. Joe Girardi has been blunt with Joba Chamberlain, and now's the time for him to man up and pitch better if he hopes to stay in the running.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everybody!