Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays 2008 ALCS

“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
Jim Valvano

When Jim Valvano said those words, it was an emotional night for him as he knew he was dying of cancer and announced during the 1993 ESPY’s that he was starting the V Foundation for cancer research. The motto of the foundation was the quote seen above.

That same quote can be applied to fans of the Boston Red Sox. It was a shame to see many people leaving Fenway Park early while I’m sure others turned their television sets off or changed the channel. You should know something about the Red Sox and that’s to never give up on then. Sure they come close and sometimes rip our hearts out but think of how many times they’ve been in this predicament as of late and came through.

It’s a big game tonight as once again it’s do or die for the Red Sox. I still think all the pressure in the world weighs on the shoulders of the Tampa Bay Rays as they’ve never ever been in this type of situation. Expect the Trop to be loud tonight and I’m sure we’ll be hearing those dang cowbells as well.

All eyes will be on Josh Beckett tonight as he has struggled throughout the 2008 playoffs. It remains to be seen how much his oblique is really bothering him but he’ll be out there with one thing in mind, executing pitches.

Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe has a full recap of everything from yesterday’s workout sessions.

Thursday night’s win in Game 5 of the ALCS could go down as the most memorable moment in the history of the Red Sox.

James Shields is ready for tonight’s game.

For J.D. Drew, his game winning hit was all about timing.

The Rays say they have forgotten about Thursday night’s devastating loss and are focused on getting the job done tonight.

The Red Sox did think about starting Jon Lester tonight but know Beckett can get the job done.

Will Jacoby Ellsbury start tonight or will he be on the bench to start the game?

Curt Schilling thinks the Red Sox will win 7-1 tonight.

Jim Rice says all the pressure is on the Rays.

Gary Marby of WEEI.com has some quick nuggets about Game 5.

For more playoff slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Hartford Courant and Providence Journal websites.

And if you must see what the enemy papers are saying you can check out the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times websites.