New York Yankees: Champions On The Cheap

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Damned if you do, and damned if you don't. - Eleanor Roosevelt

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This week's message clearly given to the Yankees from the sports world.

It is no surprise, that Yankee fans seem to be leading some of the charge.

How do I know this? It's because I am one of those fans; an admitted spoiled brat. 'Show me the money' to where is money is not making me feel like a more deserving fan.

By no means is this easy to buy or is it any way questioning Mr. Steinbrenner's real goodness for his beloved Yankees. Just please do not suffer embarrassing yourselves. Not for even a moment, in thinking that Yanks fans will be more realistic.

Buying monster-name players does not guarantee winning, nor is it capable of automatic comradeship but it worked last year. Yankee fans spend serious money on tickets to see super-stars play and win championships.

For once, the budgeting threats came true. Talk about 'yanking' in the reins, after the free-for-all in the 2008. Being frugal is chic and suitable, but that does not mean that the reduction was spent well.

The 96' Yankees did not make many changes or down-grade in the following two seasons, because the formula worked.

For example, letting the MVP of the World Series, who had that kind-of effect just seems nuts to me. When David Ortiz (big pappy) became a Red Sox, the curse finally reversed...twice. Any baseball fan can attest that without Big Pappy there might still be a burden in Boston.

Everyone has acknowledged the designated hitter significance in the American League, with all the attention the media finally gave it last season. To spend on a top clutch hitter, with 28 home-runs compared to an inconsistent, eight homer, musical-team playing guy is not pay well spent.

Fact is Nick Johnson and Randy Winn cost the Bombers $7.5 million that could go towards an offer to Matsui of somewhere between $7-10 million. This is a fact that is hard to swallow.

Hint-hint: Loading the contracts with meaningful incentives makes it a lose-lose/win-win environment for everybody.

Damon, via Agent Scott Boras needs to take less money to keep, but not an derogatory $2 million dollars. Looking at the state since Winn, it would be a good idea to get Damon. Yanks will spend more than $2 million grabbing a player in June or July, or announcements regard, "Welcome back Gary Sheffield" or "Bonds instantly out-of-retirement" will be Yankee reality.

Hopefully, both sides can join in the realistic middle. With Damon showing his love for New York, the franchise sticking to 'winning now' formula and a common respect for the game of baseball itself. OK, it is time to wake-up now.

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Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment.  As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lose your sense of balance, humility, and commitment.  ~Ross Perot

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