Finally, a season in which the Yankees are not the favorites to represent the American League in the World Series. The Red Sox are. Even though I’m a Yankees fan, I can say that with pleasure.
I like being the underdog, and I like how we don’t know how media will react to that. Initially, I predict the Yankees will be treated the same as usual: a season is considered a failure if they don’t hoist a trophy in late October. But what if the Red Sox get off to a hot start? Then maybe the media will cover this season a bit differently.
Baseball needs this. The rivalry fuels this sport. Don’t give me the “there’s still no parity in baseball” argument. It’s a lot more equal than you think.
The only thing that can get in the way of making this season epic is injury.
My dad has told me over and over that one year the Yankees will reach a dead end, a generation without enough homegrown stars to win. From 1965-1975, the Yankees’ best finish was second in the league. Then again, from 1982-1993, the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs.
The only problem is, the Yankees are currently on a 17-year winning tear and aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. With young offensive and pitching talent, as well as high-paid stars signed long term, another five years of winning sounds probable.
Fifty years from now, this will be known as the greatest stretch of winning for any sports franchise. Twenty years of dominance? That’s unmatched.
For now, however, let’s enjoy one season at a time. And that joy starts today, at 1 p.m. (weather permitting). I’m up for it. Are you?
