We are starting to get antsy. As it was pointed out over at Her Rays, what are we supposed to do with our days right now? At least the team had workouts today. Are we supposed to practice for the ALCS?

And we are getting nervous. The Rays still have never lost a truly meaningful playoff game. They lost game 3 of the ALDS, but the series still wasn't in doubt. How will we react if the Rays lose a tough game that puts the series in doubt? How does this work in baseball? Will it be as bad as the Bert Emanuel game in 2000? The first loss probably won't be, but how bad will it be? Will we be able to sleep? Will we watch the game over again? Will we yell at the dog? Will we drink a fifth of Jack and howl at the moon?

Based on the pitching matchups, we feel very good about games 1 and 4, not good about game 2 and feel game 3 could go either way, with the edge to Boston. In other words, the key to the series appears to be games 2 and 3. If the Rays can split games 2 and 3 they will be in a good position. If they lose both, we will probably see a situation where the Rays are coming back to St. Pete needing to win both games 6 and 7 to advance to the World Series.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA...

• Are you kidding us? A 12-year old got a Rayhawk and got suspended even though there is nothing in the code specifically outlawing mohawks? Since when did middle school become the NFL? Zachary Sharples has vowed not to get rid of the Rayhawk and will continue to serve his suspension. Good for him. [Bradenton Herald]
  
• "Rays Index on Amphetemines" is back. This time we recap the ALDS for The Hardball Times. [The Hardball Times]
  
• Outs Per Swing breaks down the rotation matchups for the ALCS. [Outs Per Swing]
  
• Jon Heyman breaks down the final 4. The only real negative he can come up with for the Rays is their lack of experience. [SI.com]
  
• An ALCS preview with the delicate touch of Will Leitch. [Deadspin]
• 14 reasons to jump on the bandwagon. Of course, one reason is Jenn Sterger. That is soooo 2006. [Nextround.net]