The Importance of this Winning Streak is Self-Evident
In case there still exist readers unconvinced of the importance of this seven-game winning streak, one fail-safe method is undeniable. Merely compare the AL East standings as of September 14 to their present form.
| AL East Standings on Sept. 14, 2016 | |||
| Team | Record | GB | WCGB |
| Boston | 81-64 | __ | __ |
| Baltimore | 80-65 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Toronto | 79-66 | 2.0 | __ |
| NY Yankees | 77-68 | 4.0 | 2.0 |
| AL East Standings on Sept. 22, 2016 | |||
| Team | Record | GB | WCGB |
| Boston | 88-64 | __ | __ |
| Toronto | 83-69 | 5.0 | 1.0 |
| Baltimore | 82-70 | 6.0 | __ |
| NY Yankees | 79-72 | 8.5 | 2.5 |
At present, with ten games remaining in the season, the Red Sox have a five game lead over the Toronto Blue Jays, our closest threat. Prior to our seven-game win streak, we had seventeen games remaining on the schedule and three other teams were closer to us, (4 games), than any team is now (five games).
The winning streak was rendered so much more significant because it involved defeating divisional opponents. One week ago, the Yankees were only four games behind us with seventeen to play, rendering them a very real threat. At present, with ten games to play, they are 8.5 games behind and bear no semblance of a threat to us or anyone else.
One week ago, we had a one game lead on the Orioles and a two-game lead on the Blue Jays with seventeen games to play and a head-to-head series with both clubs on the horizon. By already winning three-of-the four games against the Orioles, and with the opportunity to win all four games, they are of little concern to our postseason hopes.
As we have pretty much sewn up this division, the upcoming series’ with the Yankees and Blue Jays appear to be mere formalities. This was certainly an unlikely scenario just seven days ago, but as a Red Sox fan I am not complaining.