They have to root for the Yankees.
Realistically, it would take an incredible surge from the Red Sox and a disastrous collapse from the Yankees for the Sox to have any chance at the division. In fact, if the Yankees were to play at a .500 clip for the remainder of the regular season, the Red Sox would need to go 26-12 to equal New York's record. Is it possible? Yes, technically. But given the fact that the Yankees seemingly haven't lost since June, it's highly unlikely.
So, as the Yankees head to Texas to take on the Rangers — against whom the Red Sox hold a slim 1 1/2-game lead for the wild card — it's time to grin and bear it.
When Derek Jeter leads off, you'll have to hope for a leadoff double down the right-field line. When Mark Teixeira steps up with runners in scoring position, you'll be happy to see the first baseman put one in the seats in his old stomping ground. When Alex Rodriguez digs in, you'll be forced to … you know what? You can still root against A-Rod. Even Yankees fans do that.
And, unfortunately for Sox fans, cheering for the Yankees won't end there, because the Rays will still be around to worry about. Folks in Boston don't need to be reminded how pesky the Rays can be, so to expect them to stay tight with the Red Sox until the bitter end.
However, the Yankees could have a say in that. The Bombers welcome the Devil Dogs for a four-game set in the Bronx on Sept. 7. If the wild-card race is still undetermined in the season's final weekend, the Yankees finish with a three-game set in St. Pete, which could be required viewing for the Red Sox and their fans.
Of course, all this is contingent upon the Red Sox taking care of their own business and winning more than their fair share of games. So when you stretch at Fenway during the seventh inning, root, root for the home team, but remember to save a root for the Pinstripes.
It might make you want to throw up, but it might get your Red Sox into the postseason.
