Finally. A deep sigh of relief.

On Monday night, the Boston Red Sox clinched a second straight trip to the playoffs by winning the American League wild card. There’s still a chance – perhaps a slim chance – the Sox could even win the division, if the team can overcome the New York Yankees.

Now, as slugger Manny Ramirez said after the game, it’s time for the Sox to “take it to another level and see what happens.”

Futility has been the hallmark for Boston in the playoffs for nearly 100 years, and no amount of regular season success will matter if the Red Sox can’t find a way to win in the postseason.

We are ever hopeful. Maybe this really is the year.