THE CURSE OF THE BAMBINO, PART 9
"IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL IT'S OVER"...

October 3, 1986 ... The Red Sox and Yankees were rained out and will play a doubleheader tomorrow and close out the season Sunday.

Tom Seaver was openly concerned about the soreness after a workout Thursday. This is a first-time injury, and for a man whose knee is such an integral part of his style of pitching, it is at the very least unsettling.

But by Monday morning the Red Sox must submit a list of 24 players who will be eligible for the playoffs, and it remains to be seen if Seaver's name will be on it.

Including three players who were on the disabled list, the club currently has 27 available. Shortstop Glenn Hoffman has already been told he won't be on the playoff roster, and pitcher Wes Gardner is not a serious candidate. He is coming off shoulder surgery, and simply not ready to pitch. But the third man is relief pitcher Steve Crawford, who some feel should be on the playoff roster even if Seaver is able to pitch. He is currently the 11th pitcher on a staff that will be reduced to 10 for the playoffs.

Roger Clemens was feeling even better today. He said there is still some tenderness in his elbow, which was struck by a line drive Wednesday night, but it wouldn't stop him from pitching in the playoff opener Tuesday.

Wade Boggs' hamstring injury has not improved and he is a question mark for tomorrow.