Good day -- if you're a Red Sox fan

Boston already was at the center of the sporting world this week with the Red Sox in the middle of the American League Championship Series, the Patriots' undefeated start, Boston College's perfect start and the Celtics' additions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

Then came Thursday -- a day that would be hard to top for any Red Sox fan.

First the news comes from Tampa, Fla., that Joe Torre has rejected the Yankees' low-ball offer to return for a 13th season as the New York skipper.

Then, with its back to the wall, Boston gets another lights-out effort from Josh Beckett to save its playoff existence.

Even if the Red Sox fail to reach the World Series, these are heady times in the Northeast.