As cool as a gale wind

Now that I've acknowledged the crowning moment in me history as a Sox fan, and those who made it possible, it's time to move on to the heart of the matter: Today be game day. And not just any game day, but a post season game day.

With Dice-K on the mound for Game 2 tonight, we can look forward to the Eastern Wizard (Okajima) coming in for relief, and potential appearances by Javier Lopez or Manny Delcarmen.

During Game 1, rookie sinkerballer Justin Masterson came in in the eighth and did an outstanding job protecting the Sox one-run lead. The team is relying heavily this post season on five players who are 25 years or younger (and have been in the majors for 2 seasons or less), and Masterson considers this a compliment.

"It's just a testament to the organization in many respects," said rookie reliever Justin Masterson. "And to the faith of [manager Terry Francona] and the coaching staff, who continue to grind and make us who we are and help us to contribute and help us stay calm, cool and collected while we're doing it." (Ian Browne / MLB.com)

Remaining calm proves a running theme this Soxtober, as our resident Wild Thing attributes the unflappable attitude of Jason Bay to the newcomer's ability to produce under pressure.

"Because, man, he's cool as a cucumber," said Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, who nailed down the save in the ninth. "He's got ice in his veins. In this game, the coolest cat always wins. It's that simple."

And what does Pap think about tonight's game? "[We've] got to come here and keep applying the pressure as an entire ballclub. Regardless of what happened in Game 1, if we can keep doing that and take it back to Fenway [2-0], I like our chances." (Ian Browne / MLB.com)

So do I, matey, so do I...