BlackAmericans.com

The Rays have finally escaped their ghost — the ghost of Greg Vaughn.

The Red Sox’ Alex Cora is a backup, er, utility infielder who waits more than he plays. But like so many players who have made the ultimate difference in the playoffs, he must be ready to produce at a moment’s notice.

The American League Championship Series is about the storied Red Sox trying to subdue the storybook Rays, who took a long time to crawl from their first major league game to Friday night’s opener.

After finishing last in the American League East in each of the past three seasons, the Tampa Bay Rays’ patience — and league-low $44 million payroll — earned them an appearance in the A.L. Championship Series.

The White Sox stopped a three-game sweep by the Rays and will have to win at home on Monday to send the series back to St. Petersburg, Fla., for a deciding Game 5.

Without pitcher Josh Beckett, the Red Sox’ Manager Terry Francona has deputized the young Jon Lester, an ace-in-training.

After Sunday’s victory against the Indians, the White Sox remained a half-game behind the division-leading Minnesota Twins.

Mr. Vernon won two American League batting titles with the Washington Senators and played first base in the major leagues for 20 seasons.

Now that the Yankees have been eliminated from playoff contention, they would like an answer about whether general manager Brian Cashman intends to return.

David Ortiz hit a two-run homer and Daisuke Matsuzaka remained unbeaten on the road helping the Boston Red Sox clinch a tie for the A.L. wild card.