Red Sox Ready and Rejuvenated for Yankees Series

Remember back in April when the Red Sox reeled off 11 straight wins. Even though the starting pitching was still a bit rusty back then, the Sox were getting it done night in and night out.

It appears the Red Sox have found that form again. The Sox won four of six on their last road trip to Texas and Toronto, and have taken seven of their last 10 games.

They are doing it with offense. Even when their ace falters, like Josh Beckett did Tuesday at the Rogers Centre, they find a way to win.

They are doing it with pitching. Clay Buchholz has delivered three straight solid starts against three aces, and the 25-year-old right-hander outdueled Roy Halladay in his last outing to notch his first win since July 17.

And they are doing it with defense.

This is the team we expected to see this year. But will it last?

The Red Sox look to stay on a roll in Boston as they battle the Yankees in a huge weekend series. Yes, the same Yankees team that swept the Red Sox in a four-game series in New York two weeks ago.

But that was in their house. The Sox looked tired and beat up in the Bronx. Now with the addition of Victor Martinez and Alex Gonzalez, the Red Sox have been able to give guys like Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and even David Ortiz some rest. That can only be a good thing this time of year. Heck, I don’t even play, and I’m tired after 120 games.

This is a pivotal series for the Red Sox, but they are ready this time.