By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Minnesota Twins' Cristian Guzman slides into third ahead of the throw to New York's Aaron Boone in the third inning of Game 1 of the American League Divisional playoffs at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

Aaron Boone's plan for his off night Monday was to be in front of the TV set watching the Boston Red Sox-Oakland A's game.

"I've been really into it this year," Boone said. "I've watched every inning of every game. Maybe it's because I have a vested interest."

How's this for vested? Boone and his new club, the New York Yankees, will host the Red Sox in the opener of the American League Championship Series Wednesday night.

Boone, who went from the Reds to the Yankees in July, is enjoying his first taste of the postseason.

"It's been fun," he said. "The last few games in Minnesota, we started playing with energy, exuberance and excitement. I really just started enjoying what the postseason is all about."

Boone got a taste of what it can be like in New York when things don't go right when the Yankees lost Game 1 to Minnesota.

"It was 'What's wrong with the Yankees?' " Boone said. "But Andy (Pettitte), (Roger Clemens) and (David Wells) pitched the way they can."

Boone has gotten used to the New York media.

"There are just so many people around us all the time," he said. "If you sit at your locker and shoot the breeze, it's an open invitation to be interviewed. It's definitely different."

Boone still keeps up with his old teammates. He spoke to Sean Casey Monday.

"I talk to guys quite often," Boone said. "Case, Adam (Dunn), Austin (Kearns)."

Boone will face familiarity in the ALCS -- Todd Walker and Scott Williamson play key roles for Boston.

"It's going to be interesting," Boone said.

Boone's older brother, Seattle second baseman Bret, is going to be at the ALCS as well - as an analyst for Fox Sports.

Boone's statistics

	AB	H	HR	RBI	Avg.
Playoffs	15	3	0	0	.200
Yankees	189	48	6	31	.254
Reds	403	110	18	65	.273