Going on the theory that the Yankees’ 13-6 win Thursday night was, as suggested by one Globe subhead, a case of The Empire making a statement, the fear should be that it was simply the start of a missive that may not be finished until late Sunday night, if not early Monday morning.

If one piece of the season’s puzzle is capable of making a definitive judgment on anything, than John Smoltz should have his equipment bag packed and ready to drop in the trunk of a cab to Laguardia and the Red Sox should gird themselves for a three-way fight for the American League wild-card berth since the Yankees are on the verge of disappearing over the horizon.

The Red Sox have not looked this lost, dazed and confused since the tail end of August, 2006. You may recall that as when the Yankees came to Fenway Park, won five games in four days, and effectively ended New England’s baseball season. Nothing that happens this weekend in the Bronx could have that dramatic an impact, but it could make a strong argument that the Red Sox are not nearly the ballclub we thought they were.

Beyond the injuries there is David Ortiz’s continued inability to be anything resembling Big Papi, chemically enhanced or not, and the lineup’s continued slovenly production capabilities. New York pitchers walked 12 batters; starter Joba Chamberlain walked seven, making his win seem a bit hollow. The Red Sox stranded 15 baserunners.

Ortiz and the head of the Players Association have scheduled a press conference for Saturday afternoon. If that little session represents the high point of the weekend for the Red Sox, turn off the TV, stay offline and enjoy the beach.

Tags: David Ortiz, Joba Chamberlain, John Smoltz, Red Sox, Yankees