The Red Sox lost the World Series. The Yankees lost the Pennant. Which is a greater loss?
Blowing a 3-0 lead with your closer on the mound in game 4 is worse.
Besides, the Yankees choked in game 7 of the 2001 series.
Hmmm, maybe Rivera isn't all that when the big marbles are on the line
Being one half-inning and nine straight innings of winning baseball over the course of three more games (including at home) away from going to the World Series, and being unable to do so.