Red Sox

The 2009 Red Sox season kicks off today, weather permitting, against the Tampa Bay Rays. This is entirely fitting. Moreover, it is extremely helpful to Red Sox fans, who will be forced to endure the following cattle prod zinger: In 2009, the Rays are every bit as much the nemesis of the Boston Red Sox as the New York Yankees.

Oh, sure, Sox fans say they're worried about the the Rays this year. But many are also quick to point out -- rightly -- that had the Sox been at full strength during last year's American League Championship Series, things may have turned out drastically different. Put another way: What, you think the Rays are going to roll over and play dead now?

This no longer matters. In fact, if anything, it's a tired argument, considering that while Mike Lowell, David Ortiz and a few select others either missed time or looked broken during the playoffs last year, the Rays met the Sox with virtually no postseason experience on their roster... and won anyway. I don't think so, friends. Blockbuster free agent deals or not, the Rays are every bit as dangerous as the Yankees in 2009 to Boston's chances at American League supremacy. Let us consider some of the ways.