either way, t'was a disappointing finale to a season that really picked up steam in the second half. sadly, money proved itself invincible again, as the extravogant cleveland indians outbid the yanks and purchased themselves another round of playoffs. the proof just keeps on proofing!
but, like the peejus said, i was happy to see the yanks rely a lot of the youth this season. cano, cmw, melky, chamberlin, etc. if they could just work out a few bugs here n'there, they'd be in really great shape.
clemens was a mistake. greatest pitcher of all time? very likely. but he's old and he's spoiled and he just doesn't have what he used to, primarly versus AL batters. his huge salary and pampered stay are exactly the kinda thing the yanks should shed.
giambi is done. he's a waste defensively and inconsistant at best offensively. he's too expensive for the little output he provides. i'm not a huge fan of manko...chevitz, so i'm hoping phillips can have a nice off season, and the yanks can ship off JG.
as for the fate of arod and/or torre?
arod wasn't too great in the post season, tis true. but, truthfully, the entire team hasn't been good offensively in the post season for the past few seasons. i still hate the guy, but i'd like to see the yanks keep him around -- if for any reason, the thought of bringing the all-time HR leader back to the pintstripes. ...then again, if the fucker wants to bump up his 25 mil to 30+ a season (which he very well could after his production) it might be time to punch him in the throat.
torre is a good manager. a dozen some-odd consecutive post-season runs, dealing with 14 starters, and six number 3 hitters, etc, to the point where every player loves playing for him. but, all that said, i think its becoming clearer and clearer that this respect has evolved a little into complacancy. like there's nothing more to prove, and no extra effort shown. maybe a new face would spark something -- moreso an attempt at a shakeup versus a demerit.
