For those who refuse to accept the notion that the Yankees have disappeared over the American League East’s horizon, this weekend represents a chance for the Red Sox to stay alive in the division race.

For those who have pretty much conceded the division crown to The Empire, this weekend represents a chance to put a little ground between Boston and Texas in the wild-card race.

And for those who have put their attention squarely on the Patriots, this weekend is a chance to watch baseball’s most emotional rivalry as a detached observer.

At any rate, the Yankees and Red Sox will play three times this weekend at Fenway Park, beginning tonight at 7:10. Boston is a little healthier and hitting a lot better than it was two weeks ago in the Bronx, when it lost four straight with a pathetic attack. Yankees fans, perhaps haunted by the great collapse of October, 2004, won’t admit to feeling safe atop the AL East, but also realize they have a chance in their remaining six meetings with the Red Sox to wreak havoc with Boston’s playoff hopes.

New York manager Joe Girardi has a full grasp on reality. This weekend at Fenway, Girardi says, the Yankees have a chance to “do something special against them.” In other words, this is the Red Sox’ final shot at turning the AL East into a race again.

And while their thumping of the moribund Blue Jays has steadied the ship, this weekend begins a stretch during which theRed Sox will do battle against a string of playoff contenders that will have a large impact on their October plans.