on balance...

there is a balance that makes the essence of a team in baseball, you must hit, run, play defense, absorb the opposition's best then somehow, and often, emerge victorious; a grueling marathon march of a quarter of a man's year--a defining time for a baseball player-- the wonderment of a baseball fan.
This season for the Yankees promises to be one like few others-- when the weight of winning will be a light burden, and the joy of it usually intense.  The odds are against, the deck which was always stacked-- I mean Selig and his mighty men take money from the Yankees and give it to their opponents[ this is most unusual for a competition].  Then there are the fantasies invented to vilify the team- that simply does nothing except invest in the on field product and project its legendary image:  they are too big, too much money, and money buys championships.  Well, just look at the National League-  the Mets make a lot of money, the Marlins don't.  The Marlins have won as many titles as the Mets- 2.  Arizona has won more than the Chicago Cubs in the past 25 years, trails by only one despite the Cubs having a 90 year head start, and a lot of money to spend. Yankees were beaten by the Marlins in a year when the Marlins payroll would not have paid the Yankees rotation.
This year will be a year when winners win, not talent, not payroll-which is always a burden never an edge- not reputation; not home town umpiring as in Boston.  None of these things will matter as much as the will to win.  Tight competition, and the Yankees will have a wonderful edge in winning, they lack pitching, speed, defense in the outfield---but they have hitters who are clutch, and bullpen arms that are clutch--and will have all year to temper nerves of steely-blue like the cap, and a classic ending...like pinstripes, and an interlocking--NY

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