Red Sox moves help them get the thorn out of their side

I guess things are right in the universe of the AL East this morning. Boston Red Sox fans are finally celebrating getting that thorn out of their side. It's a thorn that's been bothering them for a little over a years.  A thorn that showed up quickly, but is now petering out.  With a 6-3 victory over the Rays, the Red Sox all but ended the Rays chances of returning to the playoffs for a second year in row.

It was painfully obvious last night the difference between the "haves" and the "have-nots." The Red Sox moves during the trade deadline seemed aimed at stopping the Rays. They shored up all the positions that caused them problems with the Rays last year. They made huge upgrades at the shortstop and catcher position. The addition of notorious Rays' killer Victor Martinez was like icing on the cake.  In the bullpen, Danial Bard and Billy Wagner are both guys who got Rays out without a problem last night.

The lesson to be learned here: The Rays have to get at it early if they want to make the playoffs. Like it or not, the Rays are still chasing their slow start in April. They're learning this year that it's much easier to be the team looking down. Maybe it's a lesson they'll carry into next year.  As for Boston, they've made the moves to beat the Rays... but, their's a giant elephant staring down at them from the Bronx. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.