With his goofy grin, playful eyes, and electrocuted hair, Manny Ramirez could seldom pass by a group of reporters this season without saying something. Many a time it was unintelligible because he was already laughing too hard as he spoke; other times it simply made no sense, or else it was unprintable.

But there were two sayings Ramirez could be counted upon to say at least once a week: “Turn the page” and “This is the year.” And as Red Sox begin donning their body armor and war paint for another ALCS against the Yankees, Ramirez’s words of wisdom still ring true for this band of self-proclaimed idiots.

By turning the page, Ramirez meant for his teammates to forget about yesterday’s loss or base-running blunder or whatever negative piece of news the press was preparing to sink its teeth into that day. When it comes to the Yankees and the playoffs, the Red Sox have a sheaf of pages as thick as a phone book to flip through, whole chapters devoted to the exploits of Aaron Boone, Bucky Dent, and Babe Ruth. But given that the Red Sox consider Alfred E. Neuman a role model, it is safe to assume that the pages have been turned.

The truth is that anyone looking at this playoff matchup who does not see the Red Sox having a clear edge has not been paying enough attention. For those who believe the Yankees will win simply because they are the Yankees, one can only hope that such reasoning does not apply to major life decisions you make. One of these days, you’re going to be wrong. And that time is fast approaching.

WHY THE RED SOX WILL WIN

STRONG STARTING PITCHING I don’t care how good the Yankees’ starters looked in containing the Twins lineup in the Division Series – the Red Sox lineup is a far different beast and Mike Mussina and Jon Lieber are a far cry from the Red Sox’ tandem of Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez. Schilling is battling a balky right ankle, but unless that problem flares up, he remains the premier postseason starter around (6-1, 1.74 ERA in seven career playoff series).

As for Martinez, the “Who’s Your Daddy?” battle cry will be in full sarcastic force beginning tomorrow in anticipation of Martinez’s return to Yankee Stadium in October. But only a delusional Yankee fan could think the odds of Lieber containing the Red Sox’ offense are better than Martinez against the Yankees. With Orlando Hernandez questionable at best for this series and Kevin Brown still a wild card despite two strong starts in a row, the remaining Red Sox rotation of Bronson Arroyo, who was splendid in Game 3 against Anaheim, and Tim Wakefield look more than desirable.

RELENTLESS LINEUP, 1 THROUGH 9 One could debate deep into the night about which teams has a better top six batters, but the depth of the Sox’ lineup – Bill Mueller, last year’s batting champ, bats ninth usually – puts them in another class.

The Red Sox finished first or second in runs, on-base average, walks, slugging average, and batting average. Danger lurks everywhere in the lineup, and that lineup is more dangerous at home. If the Red Sox eliminate home-field advantage by winning either Game 1 or 2 behind Schilling or Martinez, the Yankees are in trouble. The Red Sox hit .304 at home,44 points higher than on the road, and scored 517 runs, 85 more than on the road.

The Yankees have a legit MVP candidate in Gary Sheffield and 2003 MVP Alex Rodriguez, but together they are no better than the Red Sox’ co-MVP candidates Ramirez and David Ortiz, who have the bonus of going righty-lefty in the lineup. The vaunted Yankee offense hit 20 more home runs (242-222) than the Red Sox this season, but that was the only significant offensive category in which the Bombers were better.

FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTENTMENT Since the beginning of last season, the Red Sox and Yankees have played each other 45 times, and there is not much these teams do not know about one another. Considering that the bulk of both rosters were around for last October’s classic, there is little chance that the mystique and aura of the Yankees that wrecks other teams – hello, Twins – will penetrate the Red Sox’ psyches. And don’t forget that Schilling beat the Yankees in the World Series just three years ago.

Each of the teams’ regular-season games the past couple of seasons have had playoff-style intensity. In 19 games this year, the Red Sox won 11. The Yankees edged the Sox 10-9 last year, and of course, won the most important game of all. This year, the only surprise would be if history repeated itself.

NO FEAR OF RIVERA Everyone hopes that Mariano Rivera’s recent personal tragedy will not affect him adversely on the field, and the Red Sox respect Rivera’s class and off-the-charts ability. But they don’t fear the Yankee closer. The Red Sox batters on the playoff roster have maintained a healthy .268 batting average against Rivera this season.They have three home runs off him with 21 RBI and were responsible for two of his three blown saves.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG FOR THE SOX

THE SHORT STUFF Handlers of Pedro’s little friend, 28-inch tall Nelson de la Rosa, were spotted at Fenway Park at Sunday’s workout, so there is a good chance that the club’s new good-luck token made the trip to New York as well. This bodes well for the Red Sox, who have thrived in the understated presence of de la Rosa. If for some reason he cannot make it, this could throw the Red Sox for an unexpected loop.

THE SHORTSTOP Another X-factor is the presence of Derek Jeter. As Jeremy Giambi can attest, Jeter always manages to wind up in the right place at the right time come October. Though a likable emissary of the cartoonish George Steinbrenner, Jeter is also a dangerous force. If the Red Sox win this Series, expect Jeter to be the last Yankee standing.

THE SHORT RELIEF The Red Sox should be able to build early leads against the Yankees’ starters. As long as their own starters perform to their capabilities, the game will be left in the hands of the Red Sox’ bullpen. The trick will be to see if Keith Foulke and his changeup out-pitch will be enough to prevent a patented Yankees rally. Foulke is good, sometimes very good. If he can hold off the Yankees, he could be great.

In the end, the Red Sox, who act like they do not have a clue, look primed to topple a team that looks and plays as if it is not up to championship snuff this year. Appearances can be deceiving, of course, and it will take seven games, but the Red Sox are ready to turn the page. This is the year.

Mr. Silverman covers the Red Sox for the Boston Herald.