Washington, DC — The Boston Red Sox took their traveling road show to the Nation’s Capital on a somber Tuesday fueled with sympathy and disbelief over what happened on the DC metro  system Monday.

While it might not be appropriate to heap praise or hurl criticism so soon after a terrible tragedy, that’s what we do in the sports world.  We move on.  We think about Manny’s return to the hallowed grounds of Albuquerque, New Mexico tonight as a first tune up for his “highly” anticipated return to the Dodgers lineup.

We think about the upcoming NBA and NHL Drafts and who is going to screw up what pick and how, and hopefully as a long time New York Islanders supporter, it’s the Clippers more then the Isles.

We think about a rain soaked quagmire at Bethpage Black.  Lucas Glover’s win, Lefty’s admirable run despite his wife’s pending breast cancer surgery, and David Duval’s return from the “Black” hole on the Black course.

We think about Roger Federer — will he be able to win a 15th career major and officially seal whatever is left of the debate as to who the best male tennis player of all time is.

We think of all these things because life goes on , sad but true.  Sports never takes a break, and often it is real life relief from awful tragedies like Monday’s just a couple of miles away from Nationals Park.

After a long moment of silence, it was back to baseball and watching Major League Baseball’s 2nd best team — record wise,  but there is no debate in any sane and rational mind.  The Red Sox might not be the best in the standings, but they are the BEST team if you know baseball.

The standings say the Dodgers are the best, but the reality of the situation is that — the Dodgers have not been tested much at all.  Sure they lost Manny Ramirez through his own stupidity and infertility issues, and it is impressive that they have maintained their lofty perch, but who are we kidding?

The Dodgers play in the National League West, and the Red Sox play in the American League East.  Trying to compare the two is like trying to compare a New York Style authentic pizza to Papa John’s Pizza.  No offense, but it is a different league.  A different stratosphere.

The Red Sox came into Tuesday night’s game with the mostly putrid Nationals with a 42-27 record.  Sure they have not had their most talented offensive player suspended for 40 + games, but the reason for that is because they were SMART and the Dodgers gambled and came up with two cherry’s and a BAR on the money line.

The Red Sox came in with a happy, peaceful and quiet clubhouse.  It was almost weird to be able to hear a pin drop.  No long-dreads, no do-rags and no traveling secretaries being thrown to the floor.  Maybe it’s Pam Ganley, their new media relations director.  While nobody knows who she is, I must admit — after dealing with many people that are supposed to be helping the media, even though they are terrible at their jobs — it was refreshing to have Pam introduce herself , see if I needed anything and make some conversation.  A little kindness goes a long way, at least in my book it does.

The Red Sox came in plus-15 in the win-loss column because they do things the right way.   They draft extremely well, with huge impact players and stars like American League MVP Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis who finished 3rd in the MVP voting in 2008, lights-out closer Jonathan Papelbon and left-handed ace Jon Lester.

The Red Sox almost have to be considered the smartest “traders” in the game.  Witness one killer move after another.  The Sox acquired Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett in a deal with the Marlins for Hanley Ramirez.  A deal that has worked out for both sides but has been a huge plus for the BoSox in their pennant and championship runs.

Of course, there was a deal that might go down as the best trade in the history of the franchise.  They were able to rid themselves of a massive, yellow-colored blister that was causing a cyclone of trouble, maybe because it was that time of the month  — and all in the process, were able to pick up the guy that right now is on pace to be American League MVP in Jason Bay.

Bay took over the lead in All-Star voting for all American League outfielders on Tuesday with over 2 million votes, and torched the Nats on Tuesday night with a four hit effort, including a home run, three singles and 3 RBI as part of a blow-out 11-3 win for the BoSox.

Then there is the guy that is the heart and soul of the Sox. Kevin Youkilis. Sure — Dustin Pedroia is a great player and beat out Youkilis in the MVP voting last year, but YOUKKKKKKKKKKK!!! as he is called by the Red Sox Nation no matter where he goes — is the best player on the best team in baseball.

Youkilis didn’t do anything overly special in the boxscore Tuesday night, but a solid (2-5, 2 RBI) performance is nothing to shy away from.  Youkilis, however — made all the difference in the world with his base running.

After reaching on a fielding error by Ryan Zimmerman in the 7th — Youk   advanced smartly and boldly from first to third on a ball hit right in front of him to short left-center field.  Knowing that Adam Dunn is a terrible outfielder, Youk took off around 2nd and made it without hesitation in a  3-3 game.  You have seen a runner go from first to third many times, but not a ball hit so shallow — right in front of him and without having blazing Jacoby Ellsbury speed.  Youkilis then scored on a shallow sacrifice fly, once again hit to Dunn off the bat of Jason Varitek.

Sure the Red Sox went on to a laugher, but it was 3-3 in the 7th — when the game was more then on the line.  This is what wins ballgames.  This is also what does not show up in the box score.

His manager, Terry Francona,  knows how valuable Youkilis’ efforts were.  “Youk’s a good base runner.  To not only go, but to be safe. He’s not what you would call a great athlete, but he is real smart.”

So are the Red Sox.  They’re smart, and oh yeah — they don’t suck.  Then there is the sobering  reality.  They are the best team and organization by far  in baseball and only getting better.

Chris Russell is a long time nationally syndicated sports talk show host for Sporting News Radio, Sports Fan Radio and SIRIUS XM Radio.  You can e-mail him directly at sftherooster@yahoo.com or listen to some of Chris on the radio at www.chrisradio.com.