I have to disagree. From 1999 to 2002 the Red Sox had a better ERA than the Yankees 3 out of the 4 years and finished behind them every year. In 2001, the Yankees had a 4.02 to our 4.15, and finished 13 games ahead of us.
It wasn't until 2003, when our offence became a potent force, that we were able to match up with the Yankees.