Repeat after me: We are still in the playoff hunt...

As disconcerting as the last two weeks have been for Red Sox Nation, watching The Sox lose series after series to Cleveland, Tampa Bay and now, I still can't believe I'm saying this, Kansas City, the fact is, the Red Sox are still in the playoff picture.

With the MFY playing Anaheim, (I'm boycotting the whole, 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' nonsense,) the Sox will have one more chance to make up some ground with this weekend's series against Baltimore before the road becomes much more difficult in the second half of August.

Curt Shilling will get the win tonight vs K.C. End of story. Not up for discussion. Double-stamped it.

That means we'll make up some ground, either in the AL East or in the Wildcard, before Baltimore comes in to Fenway this weekend.

I know I've probably sounded a bit irrational at times regarding the Sox lately, but that is just me. When it comes to The Red Sox I am bi-polar and I can't help it. After a game like last night, I usually need about half a day and a cup of coffee to calm down, let things settle in and get some perspective on where The Sox are at. I have resisted the urge to go into panic mode, even though at times I've felt it creeping up on me.

As the saying goes, 'It's only August' and The Sox are still in this thick of the playoff hunt.

Side note: Didn't I just say that same thing at the start of this post and also a few days ago? See, it's like a soothing mantra. Just keep repeating it over and over and you'll feel better...

I have a feeling the Red Sox playoff picture is going to come into sharp focus over the next few weeks. By the end of August, we will know where we stand. Hopefully I will still be repeating the same mantra and we'll still be in contention for a playoff spot, but if we're not, well, Patriots season kicks off on September 10th.