Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays 2008 ALCS

Honestly there’s really not much to say here. It’s pretty simple. The Boston Red Sox need to win tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 of the ALCS or their season is over.

I know you’re sitting there saying well Ian your just stating the obvious or REAL insightful analysis Ian (/sarcasm) but honestly what else can I say that this point. Well I can think of one thing. I HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON THEM. I fully expect the Red Sox to win tonight and then come back and take Game 6 and 7 at the Trop.

So rather than just bore with you how I think the Red Sox will win, let’s just take a look at the links from the local Boston and Tampa/St. Pete media.

It’s up to Daisuke Matsuzaka to get the Red Sox back on track tonight.

Jeff Jacobs of the Hartford Courant agrees with Joe Maddon moving Scott Kazmir to start tonight instead of James Shields.

Dan Roche of WBZ-TV understands the decision as well.

Tonight could mark the last time that we see Jason Varitek in a Red Sox uniform.

For the Tampa Bay Rays, tonight is just another game.

Sarasota has decided to not give up on getting the Red Sox to move their spring training operations there.

The Rays don’t plan to change their approach against Dice-K tonight.

David Ortiz’s reputation has taken a hit this postseason.

A quick start tonight is the key to Scott Kazmir’s success.

The Red Sox have been here before and do know how to work their way back.

Jacoby Ellsbury says this series is done yet over at his postseason blog.

Is this a bad omen or what? The Citgo sign that overlooks Fenway caught on fire yesterday.

Terry Francona said during his weekly appearance on the Dale and Holley show that Jon Lester will not start a potential Game 6.

Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe will be chatting today at noon over at Boston.com.

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.