Add John Harper to the list of baseball observers paying their respects to the efforts of Theo Epstein. With the Yankees hoping to swing a big deal this afternoon, you would have to imagine the Sox are planning a deal of their own (although given Epstein's ability to make sound, unspectacular moves, perhaps he will lay in the weeds until the waiver period kicks in).

Harper notes, "Passionate and historic as this rivalry has been since Babe Ruth changed uniforms, it's quite possible the two franchises have never been this obsessed about it."

The Sox believe they are in good shape:

"I think they really sense that the Yankees are vulnerable," was the way one GM who recently has dealt with the Sox described their mindset. "They believe they can win it all."

..."That's where the difference lies," one Sox insider said yesterday. "They're not following up on moves the Yankees make. They know what they need and they're going after certain guys. It's a different philosophy."