The sentimental underpinnings on which the Red Sox Nation was created owed everything to that team in the Bronx. The Red Sox can be underdogs only in relation to the Yankees.
But now that notion has perished. The Red Sox are the best team in baseball. They should beat the Cleveland Indians and win the World Series without too much difficulty. Still, it's difficult to root for a team that can pay $14 million per to J.D. Drew, who, by the way, won't even start in Game 1 of the ALCS.
According to Opening Day salary figures, the Red Sox began the season as a $143 million enterprise (this excludes the $6 million salary they'd pay a mid-season pickup Eric Gagne). The Indians, by contrast, had a $61 million payroll. That gap — approximately $82 million — is considerably more than the gap between the Red Sox and the Yankees.
With Roger Clemens ($28 million prorated) and Alex Rodriguez ($25.2 million) gone, the Yankees' payroll just dropped significantly. They may even be below the Red Sox.
The Red Sox are the new Yankees.
I wouldn't go that far. The Red Sox need to win another 19 World Series titles and 27 AL Pennants to catch the Yankees.
Anecdotally: I'm in Santa Clara, not all that far from the epicenter. It rattled the patio window and window A/C in the entertainment room here pretty loudly, but nothing has been knocked down or over, and that's with a lot of stuff haphazardly piled up in the garage from a still-uncompleted move into this house. So far, it could have been a lot worse; there have been no reports of serious damage on KGO 810, our primary local AM talk/news station.
I'm a Red Sox fan by birth. I won't leave them now that they've figured out a winning formula.
Yes, they've certainly bought some good talent. But the standouts in the ACLS and WS were developed through the farm system. What do you think rookies Pedroia and Ellsbury would command on the open market if they were available? Youklis is still a young player, also via the farms. And with 'throw-ins' like Mike Lowell, it's clear that somebody in Boston has brains as well as a wallet.
Dean, next year is 2008. Sixty years for the Indians, 100 for the Cubs. It will be a grand World Series. ;-)
10.31.2007 11:03am
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
Heheheh.
The Red Sox are the new Yankees.
I wouldn't go that far. The Red Sox need to win another 19 World Series titles and 27 AL Pennants to catch the Yankees.
They got Guliani too.
We just had an earthquake at 8:05 PM PST.
This was not a little one. Scared the bejesus out of the kitty and my house shook enough to be concerned.
Probably the worst I've felt since 1989 at the time of the World Series.
I'll turn on the radio and find out where the epicenter was.
It is being reported as a 5.6.
Its been on the radio in SF, and felt all over.
Its been 15 minutes and the kitty has now come out of hiding.
Poor baby, the kitty gets so afraid.
Only three people called here to check on us.
Hopefully, no more earthquakes tonight.
Anecdotally: I'm in Santa Clara, not all that far from the epicenter. It rattled the patio window and window A/C in the entertainment room here pretty loudly, but nothing has been knocked down or over, and that's with a lot of stuff haphazardly piled up in the garage from a still-uncompleted move into this house. So far, it could have been a lot worse; there have been no reports of serious damage on KGO 810, our primary local AM talk/news station.
Yes, they've certainly bought some good talent. But the standouts in the ACLS and WS were developed through the farm system. What do you think rookies Pedroia and Ellsbury would command on the open market if they were available? Youklis is still a young player, also via the farms. And with 'throw-ins' like Mike Lowell, it's clear that somebody in Boston has brains as well as a wallet.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.