BOSTON -- When the New York Yankees last visited Fenway Park in early August, they were bidding farewell to Alex Rodriguez and their playoffs hopes appeared slim to none.One month later, a youth movement has brought them within four games of the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox and into another late-season showdown with their bitter rival.Boston hosts New York in the opener of a four-game weekend set Thursday night.I probably wouldve said this is where we should be, said New York manager Joe Girardi, who was touting his teams playoff chances even when they trailed by 6 1/2 games in the AL East on the last day of their August trip to Boston.I think we were extremely frustrated with where we were as of July 31, and I told you I expected this club to continue to compete at a high level and win, and thats what theyve done.New York (77-68) has gone 19-12 since taking the rubber match of their three-game set at Fenway Park on Aug. 11, and the Yankees are only two games out of the second AL wild-card spot.Theyve gone through about as much turnover as probably anyone, Red Sox manager John Farrell said. Theyve got good quality young players that theyve been able to turn to that have certainly injected a lot of life into that club.Gary Sanchez has been at the forefront of the Yankees comeback. The 23-year-old hit his first career homer during the August series at Fenway and has launched 13 more since.New York and Boston have played their fair share of meaningful autumn games at Fenway over the years, but this series represents a new chapter in the rivalry.Still, Girardi doesnt anticipate too many hiccups from his youngsters.It could be interesting, Girardi said. Everything so far theyve handled. Are there some tricky things in that ballpark? Yes, but that can affect anyone, so if something happens, Im not going to be surprised. But my expectation is theyll handle it well.As well as they have played of late, the Yankees are limping into Boston after dropping three of their past four games, including a 2-0 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.Fortunately for them, the Red Sox (81-64) havent been playing their best baseball either. Boston routed the Baltimore Orioles 12-2 in the opener of a three-game set Monday, but fell 6-3 Tuesday and were blanked 1-0 in the rubber game Wednesday.The Red Sox turn to young southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez (2-7, 4.70 ERA) in Thursdays opener.Rodriguez has been outstanding in limited action against the Yankees this season, going 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts against them.He faced them in the Aug. 11 contest and gave up a run on three hits and a walk while striking out six in a seven-inning no-decision.Rodriguez is 4-1 with a 1.88 ERA in six career starts against New York.Jacoby Ellsbury is batting .294 (5-for-17) with two solo homers off Rodriguez, and Didi Gregorius has hit .353 (6-for-17) with an RBI against him.Masahiro Tanaka (13-4, 3.04 ERA) counters Rodriguez for the Yankees. He has pitched well in two starts against Boston this season, going 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA.Tanaka is 5-2 with a 4.42 ERA in nine career starts against the Red Sox.David Ortiz (5-for-21, .238) and Xander Bogaerts (6-for-25, .240) each have one homer and three RBI off Tanaka. Dustin Pedroia is batting .316 (6-for-19) with a solo homer against him. Nick Foles Jersey . Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. Chuck Bednarik Youth Jersey . Batiste, who briefly signed with the Eskimos in 2006, has spent time with several NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. http://www.theeaglesshoponline.com/Youth-Nick-Foles-Eagles-Jersey/ . The Brazilian goalkeeper signed a loan deal with the Major League Soccer club on Friday as he looks to get playing time ahead of this summers World Cup in his home country. DeSean Jackson Jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. JJ Arcega-Whiteside Womens Jersey . In what the team had called a retirement, Ryan said Thursday that he is resigning as chief executive of the Rangers in a move effective at the end of this month.Louis van Gaal was unhappy with a stupid booking leading to Juan Matas red card in Manchester Uniteds 1-0 loss at West Brom. The Spaniard was sent off for the first time in his career for picking up two quick yellow cards, the first for preventing a quick free-kick and the second for tripping Darren Fletcher.Salomon Rondon then scored for the Baggies after the break to end Uniteds winning run and dent their top-four hopes. Asked about the red card awarded to Mata, Van Gaal told Sky Sports: The first was a stupid yellow card, you know it is a yellow card in advance. The second you know you already have one so you have to take that into account. Mike Dean sends Manchester Uniteds Juan Mata off You damage the team, but the referee has to know the person who makes the tackle and Mata never hurts an opponent.The referee has to know the character of the players and that is why an experienced referee is better because he knows the players and the game.The defeat sees United remain three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City having also played a game more.Its a big blow, these kinds of matches you have to win, said Van Gaal. We have played 60 minutes with 10 men against 11 and this is the fifth match in 14 days. Patrick Davison is joined by Gareth McAuley to discuss West Broms 1-0 victory over Manchester United It is very difficult to play against 11 and thats the reason we lost.dddddddddddd We didnt give many chances away, only the goal really, its a big pity that we had to play with 10.With nine games left to play, Van Gaal now believes United need maximum points to finish in the top four.He added: We need 27 points, its a lot but it is always possible. Also See: West Brom 1-0 Man Utd Can Man Utd make top four? Henry on Utds top-four bid LISTEN: Super Sunday podcast ' ' '