What happened: A new column argues the Boston Red Sox have climbed into the American League playoff race, but frames the rise as a product of a weak field rather than a dominant club. The piece, published free to read, questions how much the standings reflect Boston's form versus a thin AL.

Why it matters: The framing matters because it sets expectations for a Red Sox group that has trended up without separating from the pack. If the AL middle stays soft, a modest hot streak could be enough to hold a wild-card spot into the summer.

What to watch: Watch whether the Red Sox can pad their cushion against AL competition or whether the soft field tightens back up around them.