Turn off all the lights in the Prudential Center, shut down Fanueil Hall and lock up the Boston Common until the Red Sox have won it. When they actually clinch the title.

The AL East is no lock yet. Didn't Boston realize this when the Tigers last year came out of nowhere the final week of play to defeat the Blue Jays for the pennant? Did it forget about that unforgettable day 10 years ago in Fenway against the Yankees...

Stop the "T." Evacuate the city to Cape Cod. Tell the Globe and the Herald to not print any magic numbers on any page. Magic can turn back on you.

Mike Greenwell could twist his ankle while running up the stairs of his hotel tonight. Wade Boggs could slip on a bannana peel. Lee Smith could go on a pizza-eating marathon three innings before he faces a basesloaded, no-out situation.

You say it can't happen, Boston?

Bucky Dent.

Bill Buckner.

The 1975 Cinncinati Reds.

That lonely world championship flag has resided in Fenway for 70 years. Ted Williams didn't win one. Yaz didn't win one. Freddie Lynn didn't win one.

Why is this year so different, Beantown? Because Boston has a shorstop named Jody?

Boston, wait until it's over. Until the Red Sox head to Oakland. Then you can say whatever you want for five minutes only. Because the Sox don't need you to jinx their chances of going to the World Series.

Boston, wait until it's over. Until the Red Sox head to Oakland. Then, you can talk about the A.L East champion Red Sox.

But don't talk long, because until the final out of the final game of the World Series is recorded, the ghosts of Fenway will still have a chance to continue their Bosox Jinx.