BOSTON -- The Red Sox are considered the underdogs against the Angels, which Kevin Youkilis finds insulting.

“I didn’t know we were underdogs,” Youkilis said. “I don’t think there are any underdogs. I don’t think there are any favorites. Whoever votes on that is not really playing in the game, so I don’t really see it as that. I just see it as going out and playing. Every team in the playoffs has an equal chance to win the World Series, so to me there are no favorites and no underdogs.”

Even if they are labeled as underdogs, their goal is not changing. The Red Sox are out to defend their World Series title.

“Our goal every year is to come out and win a World Series,” Youkilis said. “The only way you can get it is to get past the first round. It’s the first round and now our goal is to win the first game and try to win the best of five, so we’re excited.”

“We’re focused on what we have to do in the first round,” Boston third baseman Mike Lowell said. “I don’t think anyone cares whether you won the year before or not on how they are going to approach you. They want to beat you and eliminate you so they can move on so that’s our attitude.”