I have as much confidence in the Red Sox going all the way as I do for the Yankees, A's, Indians and Astros. Maybe a little more. Don't discount the fact that this team scores runs in a variety of ways (versus, for example, waiting for pop-ups to right field) and is constantly putting pressure on the the other team's defense, whether successful or not. Line drives, speed on the base paths, home runs, great defense (if Devers is OK) - particularly on the right side of the infield and the entire outfield. Good catchers that control the running game well. A backup catcher that can also be a pinch runner (!). Home field advantage throughout.
Every team has flaws, but I have to think - going in, that the Red Sox and Astros are the favorites. Not a bad place to be.
Meanwhile, let's assume the Yankees beat the A's in the toilet. That's Tanaka on Wednesday. Friday at Fenway (barring rainouts) would be Sale vs Happ (right?). Price /Severino on Saturday. Porcello / Tanaka in Yankee Stadium on Monday and Eovaldi (Sale if elimination?) vs Sabathia (or Happ on short rest if it's their elimination game). It would be odd two have two RHP's start the NYC games, but that's probably the deal, yes? (Think about it, 2 righties in Fenway and 2 lefties in Yankee Stadium...but I guess the Yankee RHH's make that moot).
If I'm correct, that finds Thursday's home elimination game as Sale or Price versus Tanaka.
Does that sound right...