Bronx bombed
The Yankees looked absolutely punchless and heartless after winning Game 1 against Detroit. There was no enthusiasm, no fire oozing out of the powerful lineup like it used back in the late 90s. Gone are the Scott Brosiuses, Paul O'Neills and David Cones. Their hard-working, blue-collar style has been eradicated by the multi-million dollar, white-collar attitude of mercenaries for hire, such as Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi, and Alex Rodriguez. And as one might expect from such a change-over, the Yankees haven't won the World Series since they signed Mike Mussina in 2001.
I expect to see a major shakeup come 2007, and it should all start with A-Rod being shipped out. Whether they admit it or not, he has been a major distraction ever since he came over from Texas, and the bottom line is that he has not lived up to his billing when it counts - in the postseason. His intense levels of self-criticism and self-evaluation, what made him the great player he is, have been his downfall in pinstripes, and he seems to take every word printed or spoken about him to heart, very often overthinking during games instead of just playing the game on reactions and instinct.
The ideal partner for such a move would be the Angels, who could offer a package of Ervin Santana, Scot Shields and Chone Figgins. Santana is a young, hard-throwing starter who would instantly improve the Yankees' rotation. Shields is the best set-up man in the game, and he could easily step in as the new closer if Mariano Rivera's elbow gives him more serious trouble, or when Rivera decides it's time to hang up his jersey for good. And Figgins is a highly-talented, versatile speedster who could either take over the hot corner or be the ultimate backup for the Yankees' All-Star outfield.
Angels owner Arte Moreno would make the big splash he's been waiting for, adding tremendous support for Vladimir Guerrero. A-Rod would be free from the 24-hour media scrutiny he's been subject to since he first donned No. 13. And the Yankees would pick up three gamers. It's a win-win-win situation.
I expect to see a major shakeup come 2007, and it should all start with A-Rod being shipped out. Whether they admit it or not, he has been a major distraction ever since he came over from Texas, and the bottom line is that he has not lived up to his billing when it counts - in the postseason. His intense levels of self-criticism and self-evaluation, what made him the great player he is, have been his downfall in pinstripes, and he seems to take every word printed or spoken about him to heart, very often overthinking during games instead of just playing the game on reactions and instinct.
The ideal partner for such a move would be the Angels, who could offer a package of Ervin Santana, Scot Shields and Chone Figgins. Santana is a young, hard-throwing starter who would instantly improve the Yankees' rotation. Shields is the best set-up man in the game, and he could easily step in as the new closer if Mariano Rivera's elbow gives him more serious trouble, or when Rivera decides it's time to hang up his jersey for good. And Figgins is a highly-talented, versatile speedster who could either take over the hot corner or be the ultimate backup for the Yankees' All-Star outfield.
Angels owner Arte Moreno would make the big splash he's been waiting for, adding tremendous support for Vladimir Guerrero. A-Rod would be free from the 24-hour media scrutiny he's been subject to since he first donned No. 13. And the Yankees would pick up three gamers. It's a win-win-win situation.
posted by The Knuckler @ 10/12/2006 08:34:00 PM
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