Why 2018 Sox will go farther than '16 or '17

Cora on home-field advantage BOSTON -- The playoff gear was out in full force for the Red Sox on Tuesday, and it set the tone for what is ahead. The T-shirts said "October Ready." The pullovers said "Do Damage."

With three days to go before the Sox host either the Yankees or Athletics for Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Friday night, the vibe feels decidedly different around the AL East champions than it did the past two years.

• ALDS presented by T-Mobile, Game 1: Fri., 7:32 p.m. ET on TBS

So what is different from the teams that went a collective 1-6 in the Division Series against the Indians and Astros the past two postseasons?

Home, sweet home

For starters, the Red Sox don't…