Rodriguez burst onto the scene with the Mariners in the mid-1990s. He made his big league debut at the age of 18, and he was well on his way to becoming a perennial All-Star by the time he was 20. A-Rod then made good on the hype by putting together one of the more impressive individual stretches — at least from a statistical standpoint — in MLB history.

Rodriguez, who will turn 38 in July and whose future is very much uncertain because of a hip issue that will force him to miss at least part of the 2013 season, has 14 All-Star selections, 10 Silver Sluggers, five home run crowns and three MVP awards to his credit. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has amassed 647 home runs, the fifth-most in MLB history, and 1,950 RBIs, the seventh-most all time.

A few years ago, anyone disputing Rodriguez’s Hall of Fame candidacy deserved to be slapped. Now, the question is no longer about whether Rodriguez is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but it’s about whether he’ll ever get in once he’s eligible for induction.

The reason: Rodriguez is an admitted steroid user. And as much as he was already teetering on the edge, a recent development will only hurt his chances even more. Rodriguez admitted in 2009 that he used banned substances from 2001 to 2003, but he claimed that he has been clean since. However, a report that appeared in the Miami New Times on Tuesday linked a number of MLB players, including Rodriguez, to a Miami-based PED dealer.

Rodriguez’s legacy was undoubtedly already tainted, but this recent development, which could evolve into a BALCO-like scandal, further hurts the legitimacy of the slugger’s career. The baseball writers decided a few weeks ago not to induct Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and a few other Steroid Era players into the Hall of Fame, presumably because of their suspicions about those players. There are some who think Bonds and Co. deserve enshrinement, or that the players who played during the Steroid Era will eventually be inducted, but Cooperstown has suddenly become a very controversial place.

Will A-Rod ever punch his ticket, or will the baseball writers keep him out forever?

Heading into the playoffs, the Yankees were riding high. Champions of the AL East and owners of the best record in the league, it appeared that New York would be on its way to capturing another championship.

Now, on the heels of a stunning sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers, questions swirl about the team's future, and whether or not the Yankees will be able to bounce back from their playoff collapse.

With the Yankees roster only getting older — and the team committed to big-time contracts for many aging stars — the Red Sox' midseason trade to shed salary and earn some financial flexibility has taken on added significance.

No longer themselves burdened by huge contracts, the Sox could have a better chance at rebuilding quickly and turning things around. Despite finishing 26 games behind New York in the standings this season, a new crop of young players could push the Red Sox back on the right path quickly.

The Yankees, on the other hand, could find themselves weighed down by their own huge pockets, finally paying the price for divvying out big deals as baseball's luxury tax begins to take its toll. Red Sox fans know how quickly a team can spiral out of contention — and Yankees fans are likely worried about suffering the same fate in 2013.

Who will win another World Series first?

But while some Baltimore fans may be able to call it a great year and look ahead to future AL East dominance, a few can't help but argue about the bad taste they have in their mouths after Friday night's loss.

That's because the Orioles were once again ensnared in some postseason home run controversy.

Baltimore left fielder Nate McLouth appeared to have tied the game for the O's in the sixth inning with a long fly ball into the right-field stands. But the umpires called the ball foul, even after checking a video replay. While the ball did land to the right of the foul pole, replay shows that the ball's trajectory seemed to change as it descended, meaning it most likely nicked the pole — which would have made it a home run.

Even TBS's stand-in Sherlock Holmes, Craig Sager, reported that a Yankee Stadium usher saw it nick the pole, although no paint could be found on the ball.

While the Yankees went on to win by two runs, there's no telling what could have happened had McLouth been given a home run on the play. (See the replay here.)

The official ruling has been given, but what do you think? Was it the right call?

Was Nate McLouth's fly ball fair or foul?

Pinch-hitting for Alex Rodriguez — who many predicted would someday hold that title — in the bottom of the ninth, Ibanez launched a home run into the right-field stands at Yankee Stadium to tie the game. Then, improbably, impossibly, he hit another in the 12th inning, sending New York into a frenzy and the Yankees home winners.

Joe Girardi‘s decision to pinch-hit Ibanez for his No. 3 hitter last night paid off, but the Yankees skipper will now have to wrestle with whether or not to keep Rodriguez out of the lineup for longer. After all, when he was benched for Ibanez, A-Rod was batting just .083 in the series with seven strikeouts in 12 at-bats.

Rodriguez’s postseason failures have been largely overblown (he is batting .268 for his career in the playoffs) but it’s undeniable that the Yankees’ $275 million man is in a bit of a funk.

So far, A-Rod is saying all the right things and seems to be content with his new role as an expendable piece. However, keeping him out of the lineup for an extended period could ultimately erode the 37-year-old (former?) slugger’s confidence and cripple his chances at returning to his previous form.

Should Alex Rodriguez start for the Yankees in Game 4?

Don’t look now, but the Yankees might be on their way to missing the playoffs.

While New York once enjoyed a double-digit lead in the standings, they are now in danger of losing their grasp on the division to the surging Orioles — and could miss out on a wild card spot, too.

NESN Nation’s Dan Duquette took the temperature of Red Sox Nation to see if they think the Yankees will miss out on the postseason. See what they had to say in the above video and vote with your prediction in the poll below.

How will the Yankees finish this season?

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The Red Sox aren't part of a race for the American League East crown, but the race is a frantic one without them.

Baltimore, New York and Tampa Bay are all fighting tooth and nail for the top spot in the division, with the wild card very much up in the air as well. The three teams enter play on Friday all within two games of each other, with the Orioles and Yankees tied atop the totem poll for now.

NESN Nation's Dan Duquette asked our Twitter followers who they think will prevail. Check out what they had to say in the above video and vote for your choice below.

Who will win the AL East?

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The Red Sox and Yankees have been rivals since baseball evolved, and fans of one team have never liked players of the other. "Hate" is a strong word, but it's not out of the question for fans to sometimes hate a former Sox player now donning the pinstripes.

Roger Clemens was in the news recently for his perjury trial, but Sox fans know him as one of the best pitchers in baseball. He began his career with the Sox in 1984 and stayed with the club all the way to 1996. After the Sox, Clemens had a two-year stint with the Blue Jays before heading to New York. The Rocket was heralded as one of the best Red Sox pitchers of all-time, so it hurt to see him win a Cy Young award and two World Series, which he couldn't do for the starving Red Sox faithful.

Johnny Damon, on the other hand, led one of the most popular Red Sox teams ever to a World Series in 2004. Two years later, he left Boston in dramatic fashion and joined the Yankees. Damon went from being the guy everyone loved and that looked like Jesus, to a clean-shaven Yankee that everyone hated. He played out his four-year contract with the Yankees and helped deliver them a World Series in 2009.

Another face that Red Sox fans had to suffer through seeing win a ring in New York belonged to Wade Boggs. He played 11 seasons with the Red Sox and looked like a guy who would be a Red Sox for life. But when his contract came up after the 1993 season, he pursued other options. After much deliberation he choose the rival Yankees, where he seemed to revive his career.

Lastly, Babe Ruth used to be a member of the Boston organization, but was sold to the New York Yankees, creating the so-called "Curse of the Bambino." Ruth ended up being one of the best players of all time, and had immense power that no one else in his era could match. While it's true that Ruth didn't choose to leave the Red Sox by choice, he did leave his mark on New England — and the Red Sox — forever.

Which former Red Sox player who joined the Yankees do you hate most?

Now, that title may belong to division rivals Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.

During the past two seasons, Bautista has led the league in home runs. He is at the front of the pack once again this year with 24 dingers. Encarnacion has also found his power stroke, sitting fourth in the league with 21 home runs to best his total from last season. 

While the Red Sox have had an up and down season, the one constant has been Ortiz, whose 20 home runs (sixth in the American League) accompany a strong batting average. And while Ortiz, like many of the Sox, has been moved around the lineup, he and Adrian Gonzalez still make up a formidable duo in the middle of the order. Gonzalez leads the league in doubles, after all, and at some point those doubles may start to go over the Green Monster.

The Red Sox and Blue Jays aren't the only teams with power in the middle of the order.

The Yankees' All-Star lineup starts with their 3-4 combo of Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. Rodriguez has 641 career home runs entering Wednesday, good for fifth all-time. Cano, who has hit more than 25 home runs in each of the past three seasons, is up to 17 already this year.

Down in Texas, Josh Hamilton got off to a torrid start but has since cooled down. With former Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre in the cleanup spot for the Rangers, the boys from Texas could be just as dangerous as any other 3-4 duo in the American League.

Adam Dunn is well on his way to becoming the Comeback Player of the Year after only hitting 11 home runs while batting .159  in 2011, and he has already more than doubled that home run total with 23 in 2012. Along with the always-consistent Paul Konerko for the White Sox, the Windy City certainly has a strong heart of the order to match up with any other lineup.

And, of course, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder are two of the most formidable hitters in all of baseball on their own, let alone back-to-back in the Detroit Tigers order.

Which team boasts the best 3-4 combo in the American League?

After a trial lasting eight weeks and costing millions in taxpayer money, Clemens was found not guilty on three counts of making false statements, two counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. This was Clemens' second time appearing in front of a jury in just four years after he and several other former players appeared in front of a Congressional committee in 2008 to address their supposed use of steroids and HGH during their time in MLB.

It must come as a massive relief to many baseball fans — Red Sox fans especially — to hear the news of Clemens' innocence. In the past decade we have seen players fall to the other side of a guilty ruling, forever tarnishing their name and legacy as big league ball players.

But is the same true of Clemens, despite his not guilty verdict? Even though The Rocket came out on top, what does his involvement in this case do to his legacy?

We know that the legacies of players like Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmero, Jose Canseco and maybe even Barry Bonds are forever stained due to their involvement in this steroid fiasco. With these players, our last impression is not of them in a uniform, but instead in a suit and tie, fighting to keep whatever is left of their untainted legacy alive.

Will fans think the same of Roger Clemens? And maybe more importantly, what will those with a Hall of Fame vote think? Is Clemens' involvement in this perjury case enough to keep him out of Cooperstown, or should we accept the verdict and remember him for the incredible pitcher that he was?

Tell us what you think in the poll, below.

Would You Vote Roger Clemens Into the Hall of Fame?

A rash of injuries has forced the Red Sox to resort to a lineup that sometimes includes a surprising name or two for fans who aren't fluent in the Red Sox farm system.

Jacoby Ellsbury is on the 15-day DL after dislocating his shoulder during the team's home opener. His ideal replacement, Carl Crawford, continues to recover from offseason wrist surgery and, despite showing good progress, is still a while away from coming back to the squad.

On the pitching front, the Red Sox haven't had much better luck as far as injuries are concerned. Closer-to-be Andrew Bailey is out for a couple of months with a thumb injury suffered during spring training and Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey are out rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

While a comeback from Lackey would be a surprise this season, Matsuzaka and Bailey are both expected to work their way back and contribute to the team in 2012. The same goes for Crawford and for Ellsbury, who has already declared that he will "definitely" be back.

While the rest of the team will be doing its best to pick up the slack, the Red Sox are unquestionably a better team when everyone who should be in the lineup is 100 percent healthy. When looking at the notable names that aren't at the moment, who among them will  matter the most when they get the green light to return?

Which injured Red Sox player will have the biggest impact upon returning?

Very rarely do the two combine to create a special moment, one that is passed down from generation to generation as a reminder of what makes the ballpark and the rivalry so magical.

Some of them have come in the playoffs, others during the regular season. All of them, however, have been memorable.

Dave Roberts' steal — a.k.a. The Steal — sparked the Red Sox' historic comeback and, eventually, their first World Series in 86 years. But without the moments leading up to it, it might not have had the same significance in Red Sox lore.

Jason Varitek and Alex Rodriguez's fight earlier that year set the tone for that fateful ALCS, fueling the fire of a rivalry that had been smoldering since the year before in 2003. That, of course, would be the same year that Pedro Martinez tossed Don Zimmer to the ground when tempers flared in the playoffs.

And who could forget the fateful one-game playoff in 1978, when Bucky (Effing) Dent's three-run home run lifted the Yankees over the Red Sox and on their way to a World Series title?

Overall, the Red Sox and Yankees have never gone wanting for moments at Fenway Park, and Friday's chapter is a testament to the history between the two teams. Looking back, does any one moment stand out above the others?

Which moment at Fenway Park was the greatest in Red Sox-Yankees history?

Nomar Garciaparra had the ritual of fixing his batting gloves a couple dozen times before stepping into the batters box. Mark McGwire donned the same protective cup in the pros that he started wearing in high school. Even the famous Joe DiMaggio had his own traditions, making sure to touch second base on every trip from the outfield back to the dugout.

Almost all major-league pitchers, hitters and coaches seem to have their own unique quirks while in uniform. But there are some that continue to permeate the game on a daily basis, throughout any given season.

The most well-known superstition may be for teammates not to mention a no-hitter to their team's pitcher during the game. It seems that at least a few times every year, you can find a pitcher sitting all alone inside the dugout as fellow teammates avoid him like the plague in order to not jinx the potential feat.

Another big-time pitcher's ritual is to avoid stepping on the foul line when entering or exiting the field. Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett is a known user of this superstition, as he can often be seen taking a nice, long step over the white chalk in hopes of keeping his form in tact.

Many hitters have their common routines when stepping into the batter's box, maybe not quite as quirky as Garciaparra but unique nonetheless. Kevin Youkilis waving his bat over head or David Ortiz spitting into his hands before an at-bat certainly comes to mind.

Then, of course, there's the unusually dirty superstitions that some players enact in hopes of continuing a hitting streak or stellar play in the field. Players often times won't wash their helmets, which tend to be painted with smears of pine tar — just check out a picture of Vladimir Guerrero, or they even refuse to have their jerseys washed in-between games to keep their streaks in tact.

Whatever the superstition, baseball players seem to be more intent on maintaining their rituals than players in almost any other sport. This then begs the obvious question: which baseball superstition is your favorite?

What is your favorite baseball superstition?

But do they have the best rotation in MLB?

James Shields happens to be the No. 1 starter for the Rays in 2012, but any one of the other four could get the nod as the top pitcher in the rotation. Price finished 2011 with a 12-13 record and a 3.49 ERA. In 2010, he went 19-6 with a 2.72 ERA in 32 games. Moore and Hellickson have only combined for 36 starts, but have held their own at the major league level.

The Red Sox also have an exceptional rotation with the 1-2 punch of Jon Lester and Josh Beckett at the top of their rotation. Lester and Beckett combined for 28 wins in 2011, with Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront filling in the back end of the rotation with Daniel Bard.

The Yankees made some noise this offseason by acquiring Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda to bolster their rotation behind CC Sabathia. Pineda may on the disabled list at the moment, but he will be a difference-maker when healthy.

Elsewhere, Jared Weaver, Dan Haren and C.J. Wilson make up the three-headed monster leading the Los Angeles Angels pitching staff. Also out west, two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum is the ace of the San Francisco Giants pitching staff, alongside young guns Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner. And even without Roy Oswalt, the Philadelphia Phillies still have Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels to send out every five days or so.

Which team has the best rotation in baseball?

Earlier this week — either because the Islanders needed to switch some things up or because it's been in the works for some time now – the Islanders unveiled their third, alternate uniforms to the world. They were not received very well by some.

The Bruins won't face the Isles in their new unis on Saturday, so viewers tuning in on NESN shouldn't have to worry about their eyesight suffering. But it stands that of all the uniforms floating around the Big Apple, the Islanders may now have claimed the title of the worst-looking one that the New York area has to offer.

The Yankees' pinstriped look draws praise and criticism, but seems to have earned "classic" status. Besides, the vertical lines are slimming. Then again, it's the Yankees.

Meanwhile, the Mets' color scheme presents the same difficulty that the Islanders face in creating a coherent and palatable jersey. The Knicks are also members of the blue-and-orange color club, rounding out a mess of unfortunate-looking jerseys.

The Jets' regular uniforms are so-so, but in the same vein as these new alternates the Islanders have chosen, their throwback uniforms are pretty awful.

The Giants and the Rangers, for their part, are pretty standard, and don't warrant much of an opinion either way. We're not about to criticize anybody who goes classic red, white and blue in any combination.

When it comes down to it, there are many different arguments to make for and against each style. But pick one: Which team has the worst uniforms in New York?

Which New York team has the worst uniforms?

Thumbnail photo via Flickr/PermanentRecord

But is Alex Rodriguez truly helping the Yankees?

Rodriguez is headed for the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. This season, he's been in and out of the Yankees lineup, most recently for six games with a sprained thumb.

The Yankees went 3-3 in that stretch without their star third baseman, who returned Sept. 17 but was given Thursday night off to rest. In August, they posted an 13-1 stretch without him. It's a game-by-game situation with Rodriguez.

Statistically, the 36-year-old remains New York's best option at third base. The Yankees are fourth-best in the American League at the position in batting average and on-base percentage, and fifth-best in slugging. None of those team numbers are as good as Rodriguez's individual marks, though.

The Yankees are preparing to host a first-round playoff series, and of no small importance is knowing that whoever Joe Girardi pencils in at third base will be able to play a full nine innings — and be productive.

Are the Yankees better or worse without Alex Rodriguez?

The Sox won't face the Yankees in the ALDS since they're both from the American League East; they would have to square off in the ALCS if the two teams eventually meet. But that won't stop many Red Sox fans from keeping a watchul eye on what the Bronx Bombers are doing in their first-round matchup, and why should it?

The Sox and Yanks always appear to be on a collision course, and this year could certainly be another instance of that.

The Yankees have one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball, and it could only get better if Alex Rodriguez is able to become fully healthy and return to his usual self.

There's been some question marks regarding the New York rotation at times, but it still boasts one of the game's best hurlers in CC Sabathia and a fantastic bullpen anchored by the best closer of all time, Mariano Rivera.

The Rangers, meanwhile, also feature a scary lineup, which includes the likes of reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler and Michael Young, among others. Traditionally, it's been pitching that's done the Rangers in, but C.J. Wilson has helped stabilize their rotation.

Plus, we're talking about the reigning American League champions, and judging by their roster and the season Texas is having, there's no reason why the Rangers can't make a push to get back to the Fall Classic this time year.

In order to do so, though, they'll have to close the deal in the AL West, where the Angels are still clinging to life and remain a serious threat.

The Angels roll out one of the game's best pitching staffs, which includes Cy Young candidate Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana.

The Angels offense has sputtered at times this season, but Torii Hunter is getting hot at the right time and Mark Trumbo could be looking at Rookie of the Year honors at season's end.

Then, there's the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers, who have probably the Cy Young Award winner in Justin Verlander. With 20 wins already this season, he's the type of pitcher that you can count on whenever he has the ball, which could pay big dividends in October.

With perennial MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera leading the offense alongside Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta and Alex Avila, the Tigers have a solid mix that could prove to be volatile for opponents during the postseason.

Which team scares you most as a postseason opponent?

Rodriguez recently returned to the Yankees following after missing a month and a half with a knee injury. During that time, however, the Yankees played some darn good baseball, seemingly not missing a beat without the 14-time All-Star. New York went 24-13 during that time, while coincidentally, the Yankees are 48-34 in the games that Rodriguez has started this season.

Since his return, Rodriguez has struggled mightily to find himself again at the plate. He's hit .176 (3-for-17) after returning with just one extra-base hit and one RBI. Both of those happened to come on a solo home run in a game that the Yankees trailed 12-1 at the time.

However, that's not all to suggest that the Yankees are better off without Rodriguez. His production has obviously seen a dropoff over the years (although not as sharp as this one), but even through that, he still brought a certain amount of intimidation to the plate.

Now, however, that seems to be if not gone, then at least majorly lacking.

It's tough to tell what the Yankees will get from Rodriguez down the stretch. There's always the chance he can't put things together at the plate in time for the heart of the stretch run and into the playoffs. However, if he can give the Yankees anything close to resembling what he has in the past, it will only serve to make an already potent offense even more dangerous.

Can Alex Rodriguez still be a factor this season?

The AL East showcases some of the best players who occupy the hot corner in all of baseball.

Here in Boston, Red Sox are fans are no strangers to stellar third base play. Just last year, it was Adrian Beltre who had another strong year while playing third for the Sox. With the offseason acquisition of Adrian Gonzalez and Beltre’s decision to move to Texas, Kevin Youkilis moved back across the diamond to his natural position at third base. He’s been a rock there all season long, and he continues to do damage at the plate both in terms of run production and a tendency to seemingly always be on base.

Of course, Red Sox fans have also gotten an up-close-and-personal look at what rival teams’ third basemen can do as well. Alex Rodriguez, though he continues to work back from injury, is still one of the more dangerous hitters in the league. Rodriguez remains a staple of the left side of the Yankees infield next to Derek Jeter, and when Rodriguez is going good, he’s still incredibly dangerous.

The future of the third basemen in the AL East, though, may revolve around Rays third baseman Evan Longoria. Not only is Longoria considered one of the better young third basemen in all of baseball, he’s also considered one of the best young players in the game, too. He’s scuffled some at the plate this season (he enters the series with the Red Sox hitting .233), but he’s still someone you don’t want to see at the plate with the game on the line. He’s also developing a reputation as a strong defensive third baseman.

Perhaps the X-factor in this discussion is Toronto’s Jose Bautista. If you think that team success shouldn’t play too much into the MVP discussion, then Bautista is probably your AL pick. He’s put up gaudy numbers the last couple of years, and has really worked himself into one of the game’s best sluggers. However, his consideration as a third baseman must be accompanied by the fact that he’s only played 25 games at the hot corner this season, even starting the All-Star Game as a right fielder.

Who is the best third baseman in the AL East?

Yet despite his 0-4 record and 7.20 ERA against Boston in 2011, Sabathia has been his usual dominant self against the rest of the league, going 16-2 with a 2.11 ERA against teams not named the Red Sox. The 6-foot-7 lefty leads baseball in wins and is third in strikeouts with 168. With CC leading the way, the Yankees are tied for first in the AL East and are a virtual lock to reach the postseason for the third season in a row.

But Sabathia hasn't done it alone, as other quality starters — many of them surprises — reside in the Yankees' pitching staff. Seasoned veteran Freddy Garcia has enjoyed a resurgance with New York after signing with the Yanks this offseason. The 35-year-old is 10-7 this season with a 3.22 ERA and has won five of his last seven starts. He will go for career win number 144 Sunday night in the rubber match of a three-game set against the Sox.

At age 24, Ivan Nova has already proven to be a dependable option for manager Joe Girardi to start on the mound. The 6-foot-4 Dominican righty is 10-4 this season with a 3.81 ERA. He seems to be improving with each start he makes as he sports a 3-0 record, having given up only four runs in his last 19 innings while striking out 19 batters and surrendering just three walks.

The biggest surprise for the Yanks this season has been the success of Bartolo Colon. A Cy Young Award winner with the Angels in 2005, Colon had only 14 wins since and did not pitch at all last year before signing a minor league deal with the Yankees in January. The low-risk, high-reward signing has thus far been a major steal for New York as Colon is 8-6 with a 3.30 ERA and 100 strikeouts on the season.

Unlike the value signing of Colon, A.J. Burnett has been costly for the Yanks, both in the wallet and in the production department. A coveted free agent in the winter of 2008 after winning 87 games with Florida and Toronto, Burnett signed a hefty $82.5 million contract with the Yankees but forgot to bring his pitching with him. In 89 starts in pinstripes, Burnett is 31-33 with a 4.60 ERA. Despite his struggles the Yankees have refused to give up on the 34-year-old. While he is only 8-9 this season, Burnett has piled up 123 strikeouts.

The pitcher considered to have the most upside is 25-year-old Phil Hughes, a 6-foot-5 righty out of California. A first round pick for New York in 2004, Hughes was one of the best pitchers for the Yankees in 2010, going 18-8 and striking out 146 hitters en route to his first All-Star game nod. Shoulder inflammation has limited his effectiveness this season as he is only 2-3 with a 6.93 ERA after missing all of May and June while on the disabled list. He is expected to be available for the Yankees in the bullpen on Sunday night against Boston.

Who is the Yankees second-best starter after CC Sabathia?

That’s right, it’s Baldwin’s Bombers versus Krasinski’s Crew — slugging it out in Boston for the first time since the Sox’ home opening weekend back in early April.

The rivals are knotted up atop the American League East meaning the winner of this series will take first place heading into the pressure-packed month of August. The Sox — who have Jon Lester, John Lackey and Josh Beckett expected on the bump all weekend — will be facing Bartolo Colon, CC Sabathia and Freddy Garcia. While the edge may go to the Sox based on these pitching matchups, anything can happen when these two teams meet.

How many games will the Red Sox win this weekend?