Despite this 2-7 September hole, I’m not ready to cash in my chips on the 2011 Red Sox just yet. Hell, I lived through Dante Bichette, Pete Schourek and Ramon Martinez. You think Kyle Weiland’s gonna send me running? Guess again.

That said, anything the Sox can do to eliminate any postseason aspirations the Rays might harbor would be greatly appreciated. So set phasers to “stun.” Set beers to “drink.” Set the Red Sox offense to “crush everything with extreme prejudice.” I want to see Evan Longoria weep and the half dozen fans in the stands toss their cowbells on the field in disgust as they stroll off to catch the early bird specials at Dennys.

Is that asking too much?