Red Sox Magic Number - 9/20/2008

I've already conceded the division, despite it still being possible, but it doesn't really matter. The point is to get into the post-season, and that could be clinched as early as today.

With 9 games remaining, the "magic number" for the Red Sox to finish ahead of:

1 - Toronto
2 - New York
2 - Minnesota
12 - Tampa Bay

Boston plays Toronto at 1:05. New York plays at 1:05. But Minnesota plays at 3:55, so if the Red Sox win this afternoon, they may clinch this evening at the conclusion of the Rays-Twins game. And they may step onto the field tomorrow without having clinched yet. They cannot eliminate anyone with a loss, because the team against whom the magic number is one will not have lost.