Now that everybody has had time to catch their breath, it’s on to the Bronx and the New York Yankees for the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox again showed their resiliency and character in their series-clinching, seat-squirming 4-3 win over Oakland Monday night. They overcame a 2-0 series deficit by winning three straight.

Common wisdom would tell you that the Red Sox are behind the eight-ball against their dreaded rivals.

The Yankees are rested and are able to line up their pitching rotation way they want to.

The Red Sox, on the other hand, won’t be able to use ace Pedro Martinez until Game 3. Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield will start the opener against Mike Mussina.

The Red Sox may also be without center fielder Johnny Damon, who suffered a concussion in a collision with second baseman Damian Jackson Monday night.

Orono native and Toronto Blue Jays third base coach Brian Butterfield said those factors will be an advantage for the Yankees, but he feels the Red Sox will win the series and go on to capture their first World Series since 1918.

“Despite the problems the Red Sox had with the bullpen during the season, I felt they were the best team in the American League because of their lineup,” said Butterfield, who noted a lot of Blue Jays players agreed with him. “Their lineup wears you out. They have the best lineup in baseball. You’re physically and mentally exhausted after playing a series against them. They’re a real patient group of hitters.”

“They’re also a lot better, defensively, than they’ve been given credit for,” Butterfield added.

He said, “Some of the guys in the bullpen are really going to have to step it up,” and he is curious to see how manager Grady Little uses his staff.

No. 2 starter Derek Lowe made two relief appearances against Oakland, in addition to a start, and earned the dramatic save on Monday.

“It will be interesting to see what Grady does with his starters and how he uses them in relief,” Butterfield said. “In a playoff scenario, you’re able to do creative things like having Lowe close a game out. That’s what Arizona was able to do with [Randy] Johnson and [Curt] Schilling and what Bobby Cox did with his Atlanta staff [over the years].”

Butterfield thinks Little has done an exceptional job managing the Red Sox.

“Some of those guys, like Pedro [Martinez] and Manny [Ramirez], have to be tough to handle and he’s done a good job,” said Butterfield. “I also love the character of that club. [Kevin] Millar, [Bill] Mueller, and [David] Ortiz are high-character guys they’ve added.”

If Damon is sidelined, it could be a “big factor,” according to Butterfield. “He gives that lineup somebody with the ability to get on base and play center field.”

Butterfield thoroughly enjoyed his second season in Toronto and said he hopes Winterport native and former University of Maine star Mike Bordick doesn’t retire. Bordick played short, third, and second for the Blue Jays and has indicated he plans to retire.

“He is the best veteran player I have ever been around. His work ethic was better than I ever dreamed of. I’ve never seen a guy work that hard. It’s unbelievable how much of an impact he had not only on the young players, but also on the older guys,” said the former Orono High School three-sports star and University of Maine second baseman.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or by email at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.