A New Year, A New Opportunity, A New New York Yankees

2009 has officially ended for the city of New York.   So as I sit waiting for the ball to drop on the West Coast, I can't help but remember just some of the great sports moments this year.   Now, I am grateful that one of my teams won this year, the New York Yankees as they beat the Phillies claiming their 27th World Series Championship.  I have to say its nice to begin a new baseball season knowing you're the King of the Hill.  

Our team while it was powered by some pricey free agent signings gave off a different vibe then previous years.  I felt the same spirit and camaraderie amongst the players that I felt when Rivera was younger, O'Neil was playing the outfield, and Bernie Williams smashing the ball out of the outfield.  Sadly those days are gone, but I think we are already seeing a new generation and dynasty of Yankees coming.

It has been an odd off season so far, generally when a team wins a championship they don't do a whole lot in regards to transactions.  But the Yankees have been very active in the market already with some controversial trades and signings.  I'll admit I am sad about some of the potential players we lost and the members of the 2009 Yankees team that we lost, yet still I can't help but be optimistic for next year. 

I know a lot of fans have been speculating for what is going to happen next in regards to the Yankees.  But so far I think the Bronx Bombers have done a great job in strengthening the team on the whole.  I think the one lesson that the players need to keep for the next season is to have fun.  The more you play for the fun of baseball and the less for the wrong reasons, the more Championships we'll see.   The management needs to make sure that not only paper do the Yankees look good, but also in the clubhouse.   Some people say that the "pie in the face" was over the top and childish.  But what I saw was grown men enjoying the game of baseball, enjoying the bonds with their teammates, and enjoying the support of the fans.  

Curtis Granderson.   Javier Vazquez.  Jamie Hoffman.   Nick Johnson.   Some of you were Yankees before, some of you are Yankees for the first time.  It isn't the easiest city to succeed in, and mind you the expectations will be high.  But on opening day when you play the rival Sox, nothing you have done will come with you.  It is going to be another blank slate for you to fill, it doesn't matter what you did for the Tigers, Braves, Dodgers, and Nationals.  It is what you are going to do for the Yankees and what you are going to do for the fans of this great baseball team.   I look forward to an awesome year as the Yankees go for their 28th Championship.   Go Yankees!