The Yankees were deemed the division winner, due to their 10–9 head-to-head record against the Red Sox during the regular season.

On offense, the Red Sox led Major League Baseball in runs scored (910), hits (1,579), doubles (339), RBI (863), walks (653), batting average (.281), OBP (.357), OPS (.811) and sacrifice flies (63).

[2] Outfielder Dave Roberts – who played a key role as a base stealer during the 2004 postseason – was traded to the Padres in exchange for shortstop Ramon Vazquez and left fielder Jay Payton.

The need for starting pitching was a point of emphasize due to the departure of Pedro Martínez to the New York Mets after 7 years in a Red Sox uniform.

Infielders Designated hitter Coaches Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.

The error is viewed by many fans as having the Red Sox lose Game 2 and eventually the American League Division Series.