QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Aug 11, 2005 -> 04:07 PM)
I guarentee you that the Sox will try to kick Cleveland's asses no matter what the situation or ramifications. This team has no fear of Oakland or anyone else, as well it should be. To be honest it would be a travesty to every fan who pays to see those games, if they rolled over. It would piss me off as a baseball fan. Resting starters or pitching minor leaguers to set the rotation for the post season is one thing, losing on purpose, or even not trying to hard is another.
Since the games would be in Cleveland I think the paying fans would be thrilled if we didn't play our "A" lineup.
That said, I don't see this team laying down for anyone even if we don't go with the A team. I mean, look at that Wednesday lineup, were we trying to let the Yankmees win?
Another possible scenerio, it's Oct. 2nd, the Yanks, BoSox, Tribe, and Angels(or A's with other in 1st) all have identical records. Yanks-BoSox are playing each other in Boston with the winner taking the AL East, Angels are playing in Tejas, Tribe are at home vs the White Sox who clinched 2 weeks earlier and have locked up the best record in baseball. Do you still play all your starters?