Jim Calhoun told me today he's scared. Scared of his Red Sox and what some see as a total collapse. Relax. Sure, the Yankees have cut a 14 and a 1/2 game deficit down to 4. But do you really think this is 1978 again?

As tonight's game proved, don't bury the Sox before the "Wake." Tim Wakefield pitched six innings of no-hit ball as the Sox began an easier part of their schedule. The Sox are to the Devil Rays what Tiger is to the rest of the PGA Tour. Game over.

Yes, the Yankees have been great. And with the emergence of Joba Chamberlin, the Bombers show no signs of slowing down. But will they play .750 ball the rest of the way? Doubtful.

Simple question: Would you rather be four games up in the A.L East or four back? Sometimes I think the cynical Red Sox fans would rather be behind. Playing second fiddle to the Yankees is somehow built into the collective psyche of Sox fans in New England.

But shouldn't some, if not all, of that negativity have gone away after the '04 ALCS and World Series. Act like you've been there before Sox Nation. Act like your team is in first. Act like your team is better.

162 games is a long season. So far the Red Sox have been better than the Yankees. I do not see that changing. So Coach Calhoun, don't be afraid of the big bad Yankees.

I will be at Wednesday Sox/D-Rays game with my family. I can't wait. Nothing like a good race for the playoffs. I just hope Red Sox Nation can enjoy the ride.