Tom:
This is what makes theis rivalry so great.. Two cities, two sets of very passionate fans, and a history between two teams that dare I say is the most is the most famous and best in all sports.
There are a couple of things you said that I will agree with.
One: Torre is the man and one of the best managers in the game. Anyone who thinks different doesn't watch the game like we do.
Two: Yeah the pitching wasn't up to the "Traditional Yankee Standards" but they were no slouches either, the heart of the Yankees order(argueably the best in baseball) should have more than made up for the pitching.
Three: The Nomar trade was huge and a big risk. It wasn't that his ego did it, it was the fact that his little feelings got hurt when the Sox were trying to acquire A-Rod in the first place. I mean heck who wouldn't want him in their lineup???!!! Even his teammates said they wanted him there.
One thing that I will take issue on is the fact that the Yankees let Boston win. You cannot tell me that Steinbrenner, Cashman, Jeter, A-Rod, Sheffeild,( who said to a reporter."If we didn't win the series it would be his fault") and Torre all got togather and said let's pass on this one like we did last year( when they had Clemens and Andy) because it is good for baseball!!!!!
I will tell you what is good for baseball though. This right here. The rivalry, the discussions like this, the ribbing each other, and yes even next year. When the Sox and Yankees meet on opening day. At least that is what I heard was going to happen.
We will be talking about this all through the winter and the off-season will be very interesting. Seeing who stays, who goes, and what both teams do.
I hope the Yankees will be back next year, like they always are. Because afterall being the EVIL EMPIRE is also good for the game as well. Whether they win or lose.
I am asking myself the same question that everyone else is.. OK what's next?? I have no idea, but I can't wait to find out and even you gotta admit it going to be one heck of a ride..
Paul ( A Red Sox fan that survived the Bucky Dent, Bill Buckner and Arron Boone incidences among many others).