Of course not.

The addition of Ramirez will certainly make Boston a contender this season. The Sox might even win the AL East, which would add even more hype to a possible playoff showdown with the Yanks. But, the postseason has and will always depend on pitching. A seven-game (or, heaven forbid, a five-game) series is usually determined by which pitching staff--starters, middle relievers, and closers--has more talent.

Again, it's still early, but based on opening spring training starts, Barney is a scarier foe than Nomo or Cone. Martinez, the most dominating pitcher in all of baseball, is the closest thing to a guaranteed win. But, unless Castillo proves incredible, it's still "Pedro and pray for rain" until further notice.

The Yankees boast Andy Pettite, Roger Clemens, Orlando 'El Duque' Hernandez, and now Mike Mussina. And you think the Red Sox are the team to beat? Add Mariano Rivera, the undisputed best closer in the American League, and you've got yourself a pitching staff that might be invincible. The Yankees are again the favorite.

Sure, Jeff Nelson's loss will hurt. Without Nelson, the Yanks may not have defeated Oakland in the playoffs this year. Nelson was incredible in the pivotal Game Five against the Athletics, pitching an inning and a third, allowing no hits or runs and striking out two. He did not allow a run throughout the five-game series against Oakland.

Additionally, Mike Stanton (who pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out three A's in that same Game Five), Ramiro Mendoza, and whoever else dons a Yankees uniform should be able to perform similarly to past Yankees come playoff time.

Remember this, Sox fans: it's not the big name players who always win the big games. It's the Luis Sojos, the Jose Vizcainos, the Scott Brosiuses, the Jim Leyritzes, and the Shane Spencers who ultimately do the little things that define championship teams.