If Sox on verge, police poised to show force
Over the course of the three-game series with the Yankees, which starts tonight, the Red Sox could clinch a wild-card playoff berth and climb closer to catching the Bronx Bombers in the race for the division crown.
Boston police say they will patrol this weekend's games as they would any other home series -- unless the Red Sox gain enough ground to play for a wild-card clinch, said spokesman Michael McCarthy.
If that happens, police plan to send out additional patrols to beef up security near Fenway Park and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Additional parking and traffic restrictions may also be imposed, McCarthy said.
''If there's a situation where the Red Sox are in a position to clinch the wild card, then an operational plan will be implemented," McCarthy said.
The Sox's wild-card prospects depend on how well they play and how many times the Anaheim Angels, who trail Boston in the wild-card race, lose during their three games against the Oakland A's. Sunday may present the strongest possibility for a wild-card clinch.
Authorities fear that the drama of a Yankees series and the clinching of a playoff berth could inspire more rowdiness than usual among long-suffering Red Sox fans.
''The Red Sox are closer to clinching the playoff spot, so that would certainly arouse some people," McCarthy said. ''Things can get a little bit more heated."
Dana Pignato, general manager of Cask 'N Flagon on Brookline Avenue, said the level of fan excitement was high back in July when the Yankees last came to Fenway, and the bar had large crowds during last weekend's Red Sox-Yankees games, which were played in New York.
He is bracing for much more this weekend. ''People are definitely getting psyched up," Pignato said. ''If we clinch anything, it's going to be a long night for me."
If the Sox clinch a playoff spot, a heavy police presence will be in evidence in areas with large student populations.
''We want to ensure that we do not have a replay of the Super Bowl incident," said Beverly Ford, a police spokeswoman, referring to the riotous aftermath of the New England Partiots win on Feb. 1 in which the brother of a Northeastern University student died.
University officials sent a letter to students this week urging calm during the Red Sox/Yankees games.
''The Yankees and Red Sox can be an emotional issue for a lot of people," said Fred McGrail, director of communications at Northeastern. ''We expect that they'll be good fans. [The letter] was just a reminder to not to let your emotions get the better of you."
