I agree, SB. You are a true fan of the game and of good sportsmanship in general.

I like you, Irish. You're a nice and respectful young guy, but when it comes to sports, you still have some growing up to do. The idea that a Boston loss is as good as a Yankee win is ridiculous. Especially since, as Babe said, the Sox have owned the Yanks these last few years. So far the Sox, not the Yankees, are the team of this century. So just sit back, hope for some good off season moves, and hope for the best next year.

Like I said, I'm not too worried about Boston this year, ESPECIALLY if they lose Beckett. Tampa's got the division and Boston only has a 2 game lead over the Twins. So, they're no "lock" yet. Personally, I think it'd be funny if they missed the playoffs and a bigger story than the Yankees missing the postseason, since they won the World Series last year and all. But even if they do make the playoffs, Anaheim owns them and would probably sweep 'em.

How is it a bigger story than the fact that the Yankees haven't won a series since 2000? ESPECIALLY since they've made the postseason every year?? Look, I don't want to run down the Yankees. They're my team. But the truth is, the BoSox have been a better team.

There's no reason that we should be doing this poorly. We've had decent starters. However, the bats haven't given them the support they deserve.

I think it's funnier that the team with the biggest payroll didn't make the playoffs. The Yankees payroll is ALMOST double that of Boston's.

Well, it's not VERY funny.

How is it a bigger story? Well, let's see. Not even 12 months ago they swept the Colorado Rockies to win the World Series and they could miss the postseason this year with pretty much the same roster. The Yankees not winning the World Series was a story a few years ago. I don't think many picked the Yankees to win it this year because of their rotation going into the season (a lot of people picked either Boston or Detroit to win the AL). And speaking of big stories, what about the Tigers? Not even playing .500 ball with all of that talent. Talk about under-performing!

What do the shortcomings of other teams have to do with the Yankees? The Yankees have sucked this year. There are other teams that have sucked, too, but that doesn't make the Yankees suck any less.

I'm not saying the Yankees don't suck. I'm just tired of hearing how big of a story the Yankees not making the playoffs is. Yes, they've done it 13 straight years which shows their consistency in winning. But we all knew it wasn't going to go on forever. To me, the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox not making the playoffs the following year with essentially the same roster would be a bigger story

I think that's a pretty big story. And they lost again today. This is not good.

I think it's funnier that the team with the lowest payroll in the division is kicking both of our teams' asses.

Incidentally, 2007 Red Sox were the most expensive World Series champion team of all time.

Just saying...

(Awaits responses of "2008 Yankees - Most Expensive Team To Ever Miss Playoffs...")

It ain't funny, but it's ironically true.

I won't argue against the Sox becoming something I hate... a big payroll corporate entity... I liked them a whole lot better when they were struggling (albeit with good personnel) to finally win.

I've too much "history" with them to switch allegiances, but Tampa is gonna be an exciting team to watch. (Still, I'd like to see the Sox get into the Series, and win, of course).

Tampa was fun to watch, but since I hate Joe Maddon with a passion, I can only root for some of their players now.

If anything, I'm rooting for the Cubbies. I won't pull a Giuliani.

I would LOVE to see a Red Sox/Cubs Series!

The Red Sox have to make the playoffs first...

Details.....

I'd still love to see it, though.

Hmm, Cubs and Twins.

I'd love to see the Cubs win it all this year. I'm really pulling for them or the Mets

I don't dislike the Mets, but I think that the Phillies still will surpass them as long as Rollins can put the hammer down.

^ At least Nady looks like he realizes these games are do-or-die. A-Rod and Abreu look like it's early April.

While he was playing for the Phillies and when they dumped his contract, I had always said that Bobby Abreu never really cared about winning. Larry Bowa echoed the sentiment while managing the Phillies.

Abreu used to put up really good numbers, but he never put forth the consistent effort, both at the plate and in the field, needed for a first place team. His approach to the game is terrible despite his talent.

I'm glad he'll be gone after this year. Whether or not Nady can maintain his overall performance from this year, at least he gives a shit and will be a welcome change in right field.

What is wrong with Robinson Cano? I really like the young man but he seems to rub me the "Bobby Abreu way," his lack of hustle/caring really disturbs me. This young man is only 25-years of age and could be a league batting champion. Just 2 years ago he hit .342, last year .306, and this year a BIG drop off with .268. Not only that but his defense. Could someone PLEASE show this guy how to dive for a ball? It really just burns my a$$ to see these guys with all this potential and not utilize it fully.

1-pitch JOBA! It's great to see you back

Cano needs someone to motivate him. He's just one of those players that could be great but needs somebody to light a fire under him. It's pretty sad, actually. Fuck, Girardi should be doing it, but he seems to be worried about how to keep A-Rod and Giambi together in mediocrity in the batting order.

Exactly my point. Yes, Larry Bowa's gone. He shouldn't need someone to motivate him. Jeter doesn't, Nady doesn't, Damon doesn't, etc.

Larry Bowa was the guy, who I thought should have been manager if Torre had to be replaced. I agree that motivation should come from within at this level.
I think the primary external source of motivation comes from teammates, particularly veterans.

Guys like Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams and Scott Brosius were no hall of famers, but they came to the park every day and played hard and played to win. Jeter, Posada and otheryounger players in the mid-90s grew up in this environment. When all your teammates show up and take BP seriously, then you take it seriously; when your teammates dive for a ball or run into a wall; then you do the same.

The best I ever saw at setting the example was Pete Rose. He set the tone and work ethic of the Big Red Machine. He came to Philly and also won a championship. Mike Scmidt hit the nail on the head when he later said that Rose told him and others that the Phillie team was the most talented in the league, but couldn't be the best until they learned to be the best every inning of any game.

I'm not sure if this ties into the Cano thing, but if he sees Bobby Abreu avoid the wall and play as fly into a triple or A-Rod getting thrown out at second on a hit where he didn't go full speed, complacency might pass for acceptability.

Get rid of Rasner already!

Yanks GM to consider other offers?

Brian Cashman again refused to discuss his future. While Hank and Hal Steinbrenner want the GM to return, Cashman says the situation will be resolved following the season. The Phillies will have a GM opening since Pat Gillick is retiring, and there could be vacancies in Seattle and Washington. Cashman is in the final season of a three-year deal worth $5.4 million.

Source: SI

I wouldn't object if Cash goes, but he won't go to Washington (it's a mess) or Seattle (funky ownership and mediocre team core). I think the Phillies would be the likely destination.

I don't know...honestly, I think that perhaps Damon Oppenheimer (if they promoted him) might be a nice candidate. They could also bring back Gene Michael.

I agree with that. Cano seems to always get called a "lazy player" but to be honest, the only guy on the team who always seems to run plays out is Jeter.