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Thursday, October 31, 2013
It doesn’t get darker than this
The Redsock Nation today is hungover, hoarse and still probably drunk, because last year, their team recognized the need to rebuild. They bit the bullet and changed their ways. Now, from top to bottom, they far outclass the New York Yankees.
Folks, this isn’t a momentary glitch. This is the new order.
They have a 2B known for his clutch play, a dirty uniform, leadership and relentless hustle. Last summer, they signed him to a long-term contract for $110 million. We are about to spend considerably more – the asking price is $300 million – on a 2B who jogs out grounders, despite requests by his manager to make it at least look like he’s hustling.
They have a minor league system brimming with talent, including a SS and CF who look like future stars. We have nobody in the immediate pipeline, nothing. Vowing drastic changes, our owners recently fired the strength coach. Thus far, all the suits are keeping their jobs.
They have players known for clubhouse chemistry and baseball smarts. We brought back Alfonso Soriano, known for standing at home plate and watching balls all the way to the wall, even if it means getting thrown out at second. We lost perhaps the most critical game this season against Boston, when he was thrown out trying to steal third with two outs. The Cubs were happy to see him go. And we gave up one of our few pitching prospects to get him.
They have budget flexibility and a lineup in its prime. The left side of our infield right now is comprised of A-Rod and Jeter, who together played about 60 games last year. After he’s done firebombing MLB, A-Rod will turn his legal team on the Yankees, suing them on medical issues. Jeter couldn’t play SS last season, and though he’s now pushing 40, there is no talk of trying another position.
They are poised to re-sign a few free agents and make qualifying offers to others, ensuring multiple first-round draft picks. We are said to be considering a splurge of signings – 39-year-old Carlos Beltran tops the list- which would cost us our first pick, leaving us likely to draft behind Boston.
They play in one of the last great cathedrals of baseball. We had one. We tore it down. We promote a fantasy world where players like Jason Giambi are “returning to the House that Ruth Built,” when in fact they’ve never before set foot in the park. It’s four years old. “Yankee Stadium” has seen all the history of a Dunkin’ Donuts.
Top to bottom, we are a mediocre organization. In the American League alone, Boston, Tampa, Detroit, Oakland, Texas and maybe even Kansas City, Baltimore and Seattle show superior front offices. But today, it is the Yankee fan base – people like you and me – who wake up in pain. The owners can’t lose. They have the NY market and the Yankee brand name, which continually grows in value. They’re now worth more money than their father ever dreamed of having. For the Yankee ownership and brass, 2013 was a great year. Pop the corks, boys! Everybody won… unless you are the strength coach.
SD Yankee Report 