From the Sidelines

Don't hate the playa, hate the game

It's always been easy to hate the Yankees. After all, no other team has won as many pennants or championships. The list of legends who have donned pinstripes over the years—Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, and Jackson, to name a few—is awe-inspiring. And there is something about the ambiance of Yankee Stadium, the raw energy that courses through the stands during a game, that sets it apart from all others.

SARAH ENGLAND/YH

However, in recent years, it has become chic to be a Yankee-basher. Disgruntled sports fanatics constantly point to the New York payroll, the largest in the majors, claiming the Yanks are merely a team of mercenaries. In light of the fact that Jose Canseco was recently cut from the Yanks' postseason squad, this criticism rings especially true. Furthermore, small-market yokels complain about not having the money to field a championship team. Lacking the ticket and merchandising revenues available to a New York or Los Angeles club, small-town teams must rely on younger, and thus more inexperienced, players. Ironically, many of the Bombers' benchwarmers could easily be starters elsewhere.

This must infuriate many fans. However, to dislike the Yankees as a result of the current economic conditions of Major League Baseball (MLB) is not only highly misguided, but it is a classic example of "playa hatin'." Instead of hating the playa—i.e. the Yankees organization—we should hate the game. Essentially, the MLB Commissioner should be the recipient of such grievances, not the Yankees. While in a perfect world, a team such as Minnesota should be able to afford a Bernie Williams or Mariano Rivera, one can't blame the Yanks for taking advantage of the current system.

In that case, are the Yanks really that evil? Sure, their perennial success can get slightly annoying, but then can anyone really fault Yale for being too academic, or Britney Spears for being too hot? In a postseason that has been, for the most part, devoid of any compelling storylines, the Yanks have been a steady source of interest for millions of American baseball fans. With Mark McGwire injured for the Cardinals, and Mets Manager Bobby Valentine not donning disguises on the bench, the Yanks' celebrated march to the title is the only thing keeping fans tuned in.

Furthermore, many profess to hate the Yankees, but in reality, they are actually closet fans. They won't admit it, but they absolutely love the sound of a sharp line drive coming off of Paul O'Neill's bat. Nothing excites them more than an Andy Pettite cut fastball, slicing the inside of the plate for a strike three. Yes, even the most devout Red Sox fans, if they search deep down inside, will find a soft spot for the Bombers. And in the spirit of National Coming Out day, it really isn't too late to jump on the bandwagon.

This leaves one lingering question: which two teams will face each other in the World Series? As a native of Queens and a die-hard Yankee fan, my answer is fairly obvious. A Subway Series would be the most exciting of the possible match-ups, not only for New Yorkers, but for baseball fans all across the nation. Does anyone really want to watch the over-achieving Seattle Mariners play against a St. Louis club that doesn't even have a healthy Big Mac? Methinks no. Sure, a little variety can't hurt—the Yankees have won three of the past four championships—but "mixing things up" ought not come at the cost of a superior Series.

The Yanks, a veteran club replete with World Series experience, are certainly ready for the challenge. After a series against Oakland in which their offense looked downright lethargic, they have regained their poise and form. Indeed, the Bombers match up quite well against their feisty cross-town rivals. As for the Mets, one never knows what to expect from Bobby V., who may once again resort to foolish disguises, or perhaps even on-field video cameras for the purposes of stealing the opponent's signs. Add to that an excellent pitching staff, talented hitters, and a little luck, and the Mets could potentially pull off an "amazin'" upset.

Of course, I am getting a little ahead of myself—neither the Mets nor the Yanks have advanced yet, and in fact, their respective league series both promise to be challenging. However, it seems the Subway Series is the only one that will be worth watching.My prediction: New York in seven.

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