Can and will the Sox overtake the Rays?

[iowa plowboy]

I doubt they're worried about overtaking the Rays.  I see it as a situation that they'd care about only if there's a sign that the Rays are self-destructing.  Maddon should be the manager of the century for his performance this season.

I think they'd be more inclined to worry about the Twins or White Sox....and the Yanks have to be in the back of everybody's heads.

If they get any distance in the wild card race I think we'll see some rampant resting of starting pitchers and position players.  It seems to be Francona's way of managing.  Can't argue with his success.  

[nickagneta]

I think Redz has hit the nail on the head with the streak theory. All it is going to take is for one team to be hot while the other goes cold for just one week to either end all speculation of the Sox winning the division or having a very probable chance of winning it.

Otherwise they need to make up about a game a week for the rest of the season to win it and go at least 4-2 in the six games versus Tampa. What I don't like is that the Sox still have like 10 or 11 games left versus the Blue Jays and that team just drives the Sox nuts. I think we've won only one game against them all year.