They most likely need to win at least two of three to move within four games in the wild-card race. A sweep of Boston would, of course, be ideal, while a sweep by the Red Sox would all but eliminate any realistic chances of the Yankees earning their 14th straight playoff berth.

So, one way or the other this is a must-see series in both the present and historical contexts.

Of course, the most disappointing part of that history for Yankees fans comes with the knowledge that as it stands now, the last team to celebrate an American League title in the House that Ruth Built is the Boston Red Sox.