"Fenway Park and "Sweet Caroline" can’t save them now.

A global network of fans, a $143 million payroll, a front office of stat geeks, and a savvy collection of marketing persons and television executives can’t help the Boston Red Sox at this hour. The Olde Towne Team is in desperate need of a strong starting pitching performance and some three-run homers.

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Red Sox, 13-4, last night, taking a three games to one lead in the American League Championship Series, putting the the Franconamen on the brink of elimination as they prepare for tomorrow night’s Game 5."

That was the Boston’s Globe’s CHB on Oct. 17, 2007 (aside from the opponent and score, which I changed)—the day after the Sox went down 3-1 in last year’s ALCS.

I’m just saying that there’s a chance… just saying there’s a chance

One Note About Tomorrow: No one’s assuming that the Sox will lose tomorrow night—well, at least I’m not—but not even the most optimistic of Sox fans can deny that there’s a solid chance that the season will be done by Friday morning.

With the end of the season comes the end of Jason Varitek’s contract, and the very distinct possibility that Tek’s Red Sox career is over. So while we shouldn’t even consider defeat going into tomorrow, it might be worth appreciating what might be the last time you see #33 behind the plate for the Sox.