The New York Yankees' Spending Spree: I'm Not Bitter, But...

Let me preface this article by stating that I fully understand that the Yankees' acquisition of the top (read: most expensive) three free agents in this year's class is fully within the rules of Major League Baseball.

I appreciate the fact that they pony up millions to the league in luxury tax and revenue sharing. I acknowledge that they fill ballparks across the country by their mere presence.

My beef is with their fans. I would never question their loyalty, passion, or enthusiasm, and their desire to win is as fervent as any in baseball.

It is their infamous New York bluster that strikes a nerve. You see, I am a Cardinals fan who happens to be a New Yorker. OK, I've lived in Connecticut for years now, but I'm still just a half-hour from the Bronx.

As a Cardinals fan, I have always taken tremendous pride in my team, its fans, and, to a varying degree, the organization itself. There is no argument that Redbirds fans are among the most knowledgeable and appreciative in baseball. It's been well-documented.

But back to the Yankee fans. One might assume that they would be content (OK, ecstatic) with the recent additions to their team. That hitting the pillow at night with dreams of championship parades in the canyon of heroes in November would satisfy even the most hardened of skeptics.

Not quite. They have to rub our noses in it. They can't help it; It's in their DNA.

I would never endeavor to group all these people into a single category, so allow me to break it down. They fall into four basic categories. I will begin with the least offensive, and work my way down.

1. The Understated

This is the group that is magnanimous. They understand that the Yankees compete with a tremendous financial advantage. Playing in the largest market, with their own TV station, and worldwide recognition, they appreciate the position they're in while exhibiting compassion for those less fortunate. They are satisfied with that. You can go days without finding one of these fans.

2. The Justified

These fans also understand the advantages they enjoy. However, they expect their team to act accordingly. They see no reason why their team shouldn't use any means necessary to improve their team, and if that means buying mercenaries to achieve said goals, so be it. Mildly annoying.

3. The Defensive

Here resides the bunch that deflects any criticism by claiming that all the owners have the money to spend, but they choose not to spend it. They point out that the checks these skinflints receive from the Yankees, in the form of luxury tax and revenue sharing, are hoarded under the mattress. Mid- and small-market teams could be better if they wanted to. Extremely delusional, and quite irritating.

4. The Obnoxious

This mob inspires visions of dastardly deeds. Hardly satisfied with prosperity, these miscreants go to extreme measures to inflict mental anguish upon anyone within shouting distance.

They've got it, you don't, and you never will. They aren't satisfied with stealing your lunch money. They want you to watch as they enjoy the spoils from their ill-gotten gain, then throw the wrapper in your face and give you a wedgie.

They hold no concern for the premise of fair play, and they make sure that you know it. Extremely agitating. I hate these guys.

So what to do about it? Salary cap? Yeah, that will happen when a sumo wrestler wins Dancing with the Stars. Reason? Don't make me laugh. Indignation? Look where that's gotten us.

No, all we have is the hope of a confluence of circumstances that allows the downtrodden to reach the pinnacle of success while reveling in the bullies' demise.

Told you I was a New Yorker.