A Boston Red Sox Fan’s Perspective on the Yanks & Sawx

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

I recently asked Red Sox fan, Joe Falzone, to shine some light on the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. He agreed to do a interview for the blog covering his thoughts on the Yankees, Red Sox Nation, and what he thinks will happen this upcoming season. 

It’s interesting to see what goes on in a Red Sox fan’s head..isn’t it? Please respect his opinion. I know I disagree with some of his answers, but that’s fine.

Q: What is your favorite part of the Yankees/Red Sox Rivalry?

A: My favorite part of the rivalry would have to be that it is always alive. Even during the off-season, these two teams are in constant competition with each other. Of course, being able to witness the good and bad times of this rivalry throughout my life as a baseball fan, it has made me respect the game more.

Even though, to me, it felt like the rivalry sort of cooled off after 2005, this crazy off-season has definitely brought the rivalry back to its full force of the early 2000’s!

Q: At this point in the off-season..who has the better team going into the 2009 season?

A: I would have to admit that the Yankees' team on paper looks extremely strong, and that is something I can’t argue. I mean, Teixeira, Burnett, and Sabathia? That’s pretty damn good! The Red Sox also still have a few question marks at third base and behind the plate.

Q: Who is the better closer right now? Rivera or Papelbon.

A: Without a doubt I would say Papelbon. He is just beginning to get into the prime of his career and already has multiple playoff appearances under his belt. Although I can’t argue Rivera’s legacy as one of the best closers of all time, it is very easy to say that at Rivera’s current age, he is not nearly as dominant as Papelbon.

Q: What’s so great about Fenway Park?

A: It is really something that is hard to explain. Fenway Park has been through everything, it has seen players from Ruth to Dimaggio to Ted Williams to David Ortiz! Although there aren’t nearly enough seats or room to fit every single fan, I would not even think about making a new stadium.

When I walk into the park, I feel like I have been taken back in time. To think that all of these legends played on this field, some of them even made a dent in the green monster! It is just an amazing place to experience, even if you aren’t a Red Sox fan.

Q: Do you miss Johnny Damon at all?

A: I believe I miss 2004 more than I miss Johnny Damon. Although it was amazingly tough to lose him to the Yanks, and to watch him come back to Fenway as a Yankee for the first time (May 1, 2005- I was there wearing my Damon jersey and gave him a standing O), it was easy to see why Theo did not want to resign him.

His ability has definitely declined as he has gotten older, same with his arm. I just miss the Johnny Damon of 2004, our great lead off hitter who put together an amazing year and really lit up our clubhouse and lineup.

Q: What is “Red Sox Nation” all about?

A: Red Sox Nation is just about how passionate we are about baseball here in Boston. Many people who are not a part of Red Sox Nation just think it is some label we put on our fan base for attention, but we have all grown up watching the Sox, our parents, our grandparents, everyone, and it is really something that brings us together as a “nation”.

Q: Please share your thoughts on the Yankees' offseason moves. Were they good…bad? (CC, Burnett, Tex) How much better will the team be?

A: The moves the Yankees made this offseason were definitely ones that unarguably benefited their team. I mean, when you put up names like Sabathia, Burnett, and Teixeira, you really can’t get any better than that. I think that Yankees will be a lot better in '09, especially with the healthy return of Phil Hughes.

Q: Project what you think will be the top three teams in the AL East in ‘09. Rank them in order.

A: 1. Yankees- As much as this kills me, they are way too good to not win the east this year. Their pitching rotation is stacked, same with the lineup, its just pointing up for them this year.

2. Red Sox- My bet is that the Red Sox will win the wild card. They have a great team, but at this point right now in the offseason, the Yankees are a better team and the Red Sox still have a few question marks.

3. Rays- I really would not be surprised if the Rays did a whole lot better than my projection right now. I mean, they were in the World Series last year! I predict a sophomore slump for the Rays this year, but nothing crazy; I believe they will just barely miss the playoffs to the Sox in a heated wild-card race.

Q: Do you think the Yankees are good for baseball?

A: NO. They are buying a championship! Baseball needs a salary cap! And I know my team has a pretty high payroll, but there are many many farm fresh prospects in our lineup that were not bought. The price for Yankee seats this years is also something that is bad for baseball.

Q: If Manny Ramirez came to the Yankees..how would you feel?

A: I would absolutely hate it. I know Manny is a head case and does whatever he wants, but what he did for us in Boston was something I will truly never ever forget.

I would just hate to see him in New York because I know he will say a bunch of stupid things about the Red Sox, which would leave me hating him, and I would really not like to hate our 2004 World Series MVP, rather, think of him as a Red Sox hero. 

Q:  What Yankees player do you dislike the most? Explain.

A: A-ROD. Although I realize that I am lucky to witness him playing since he is going to shatter the home-run record and go down as one of the best ballplayers of all time, I hate everything about him.

Just the way he carries himself, like he is so amazing. He should learn how to hit in the playoffs before he goes around with such a big head.

Q: We all know that Yankees and Sox fans generally don’t like players on the opposing team, but if you were to pick one player on the Yanks to start a team..who would it be and why?

A: Nick Swisher, without a doubt! Just kidding. haha. Really, I would have to say Phil Hughes. He is only 22 years old and has basically proven to be a legit starter. He has the stuff to be an ace and a CY Young Award winner; he just has to stay healthy.