Where to watch Yankees vs Red Sox today: Game time, TV channel for MLB playoffs

"I don't like to give that way more attention than it needs, but I won't shy away from it - two historic franchises, big rivalry, well aware of that," Red Sox manager Chad Tracy told reporters on Monday.

It's the second year in a row the longtime AL East foes are meeting at this stage, with the Yankees winning last fall's matchup in three games as then-rookie Cam Schlittler dominated with 12 strikeouts. The likely Cy Young winner will start Game 1 in the Bronx on Tuesday.

"It's special," Schlittler said. "Being able to get that experience last year in Game 3, it's a good feeling to go out there and get the first one."