Early August 1991, the Sox swept the Yankees in a 3-game set in Chicago. No one knew that it would take more than 21 years to do it again.

In August 1991, Robin Ventura was a star 3rd baseman. Playing to his left was another pretty good player in short stop Ozzie Guillen. Who knew more than 2 decades later that one would follow the other as manager of the Sox.

In another twist of irony, the manager of the 1991 Sox was Jeff Torborg. The conditioning coach of this year’s Sox is Dale Torborg, Jeff’s son.

I love it when history comes full circle.

Ok, I get it, Gordon Beckham is a fine #9 hitter. Three days after saying that the team should move Beckham out of the nine hole, the 2nd baseman went off.

Over the 3 games Beckham went 5-9 with a home run and a pair of RBI. If it wasn’t for a nice grab by Nick Swisher, he might have picked up another RBI. His defense is unquestioned. I thought he was playing right because that’s where he was when he fielded a ball in the finale. His amazing play cost Derek Jeter a hit. Beckham should be a finalist for a gold glove, as he is truly amazing.

Chris Sale better get some Cy Young votes. Sale not only won his 15th game of the year, but he also struck out 13, giving him 29 in 3 games. Sale’s ERA in August is 2.79. I thought he might slow down as the season gets deeper, but he looks to be getting stronger.

For 2 of the 3 games, the starters carried the load for the Sox. Sale and Francisco Liriano’s combined ERA in 2 games was an outstanding 1.81. The Yankees had few, if any answers for the lefties.

The same con’t be said for Gavin Floyd, who struggled to find his control, walking 4 in less than 3 innings. Robin Ventura knew he didn’t have his good stuff, and didn’t hesitate pulling Floyd after he walked Raul Ibanez in the 3rd. He had already allowed 5 hits and 3 runs.

The last time these 2 met, Yankee Dwayne Wise burned the Sox at every turn.

This time the tables were turned, as Sox Wise now burned his ex-mates. 7-14 with a long ball, plus some great defense for the guy, who is filling in for the injured Alejandro De Aza.

It’s been a long 6 games for Kevin Youkilis, who has been plunked in 3 of the past 6 contests.

Nice to see him take out his frustration on the Yankees, who couldn’t have been happy to have face the former Red Sox 3rd baseman again. Youkilis only had 2 hits in the 3 games, not counting the one’s that bounced off his body, but one of them was a clutch grand slam in game two.

I know teams like the Yankees bring out the best in other teams, and the same can said for the Sox. Paul Konerko also had a home run in the 3 games to go along with his 4 hits.

Alex Rios also appears to be coming out of his slump. His 20th round tripper of the year gave the Sox the win in the Finale. Rios is only 4 away from tying his career high. What a come back season for Rios.

I know, Adam Dunn doesn’t reach base as much as you all would like, but you can’t question his defense at 1st. He showed some impressive range lately. Dunn is now 2 home runs in front of Josh Hamilton in the A.L. home run race.

Dayan Viciedo’s 11-game hit streak is now kaput. Let’s hope he doesn’t go the other way now.

Here’s what the Sox coaches told me this past spring, or maybe it was 2 springs ago, I can’t remember. Anyhow, they said that a team will win 60, and lose 60, but it’s the last 42 that separates the contenders from the pretenders. The Sox have played 123 games, giving them 39 left to play. The sweep of the Yankees gave them a 3-0 record to start the final 42. You get that, right?

My concern now is the Sox will look past the Seattle Mariners. With games against the Orioles and Tigers to follow, it’s an easy thing to do.

Sox still own a 2 game lead over the Tigers in the Central.