Now that the World Baseball Classic is underway, baseball games that actually mean something have begun earlier in the season than usual. Well, sort of.
While my two lovely cohorts have chosen to vent their feelings on the inaugural WBC festivities, I quite honestly just cannot endure any more distractions before the real season, the Major League Baseball season, commences. Sure, I'll watch the WBC whenever I get the chance. I'm actually looking forward to seeing how all the major leaguers blend in with their native comrades. Though the system has its share of flaws it still looks to be an enjoyable, competitive experience for all involved. But watching Al Leiter attempt one last grasp at glory for Team USA won't stir me to wave the flag any more than watching allied forces lay waste to third world countries will.
For me it's all about the Yankees at this point, and not much else. They've been far too cruel in toying with our emotions the last few years. Here's what my baseball reality looks like:
The putrid showing against the Florida (Are you serious?) Marlins in the 2003 World Series? It never happened. The unfathomable four-game comeback by the Boston (Oh my God, it still hurts to say this.) Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS? It never happened. The meltdown against the Los Angeles (Weren't they owned by Disney? I hate Disney. And I hate their new name, too.) Angels of Anaheim in the 2005 ALDS? That's right, it never happened.
Last year was looking so promising. A-Rod with an MVP season. Giambi hitting titanic walk-off homeruns again. They even found help from the farm with the stoic confidence of manchild Chien-Ming Wang and future star Robinson Cano, the first time that's happened since Jeter. Okay, so Ricky Ledee had some clutch hits in the 1998 playoffs, but he's become the quintessential journeyman with a career .246 batting average.
This year the Yankees have no better motivation for winning it all than the words of Mr. Steinbrenner, who all but guaranteed a World Series win. Some will point to the acquisition of Johnny Damon as the key to winning this year, as Damon brings the much needed presence of a true leadoff hitter to the lineup much in the same way as Chuck Knoblauch did in '98. Throw in a more comfortable Randy Johnson and a rejuvenated Jason Giambi and you can't lose, right?
But let's not look merely at what the Yankees added in the offseason. Let's look at what they subtracted. The 2006 Yankees will be thankfully void of overpaid, concrete-punching, chronic Doan's-popping, crybaby veteran pitchers. That's right, Kevin Brown officially retired. Even though his contract with the Yankees had already expired, my eyes still became misty with joy when I read that in the Post. What an albatross.
Look, Yankees. No excuses. Stop fooling around and just win the World Series this year, okay? I want nothing more than to attend the Ticker Tape Parade through the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway. Is that too much to ask?
1 comment:
It's only Spring training but Sox vs Yanks always count for something. Wednesday starts a new chapter in THE rivalry in all of sports. The talk is of the new and improved Jays. The attitude adjustment in Florida that will make 06' the Rays coming out party. The O's, well not much to spin there. All these teams when all is said and done will be looking up to the Yanks and Sox. I prefer the Sox and Yanks. A new season, same old story. Baseball will live and die in the Bronx and the Fens.
Post a Comment