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October 05, 2005

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Within the span of four hours today, I was asked (by one person) "Do you want the Yankees to face Boston again in the ALCS this year?" and (by another) "If the Yankees make it to the World Series this year, but play the White Sox to get there, would it make it less joyful for you - since they could not get revenge on Boston for last year?"

Personally, I want nothing to do with the Red Sox in this post-season. It's not that I fear the Yankees cannot beat Boston. I know that the 2005 Yankees can beat the 2005 Red Sox. (Note that I said can and not will - anything can always happen.)

The reason why I would prefer not to face Boston in the ALCS for the 3rd year in a row is because of the focus that such a match-up generates. It becomes such a big deal that just winning that series becomes the big thing - and then you have the potential of a letdown in the next series (if you're facing a hot team in that one).

I know this happened in 2003 with the Marlins. Once that Boone HR went over the fence, the Yankees allowed themselves to exhale - and then they never managed to get their lungs full again before the next dive into the pool.

Now, I know that RSN will say "So, then, why didn't the Red Sox lose the 2004 World Series?" The answer there, to me, is simple - because of 1946, 1975, 1986, and all that other stuff in their past, hanging over their heads, the Red Sox still had that sense of urgency about them (meaning that they had to take advantage of that World Series).

I'd be willing to bet that, if the Red Sox (as an organization) were coming off a run where they had won four of the last seven World Series (and nearly had 5 of 7), and then had that wild seven game ALCS with the Yankees, they would have not been as charged as they actually were in 2004 (during the Series).

So, to me, I say "Give me the normal, everyday, ALCS type series - and spare me the drama of Yanks in '03, Sox in '04, this one breaks the tie" stuff. Because, in the end, I think it lends more towards the Yankees having steam when they reach the World Series - if they can this year.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at October 5, 2005 08:02 PM

Comments

Gee, based on your opening I thought you were going to say "easy there, chief(s), they still need to beat the Angels two more times."

Posted by: Cliff at October 5, 2005 09:23 PM

Dumb question...if we play ChiSox in the ALCS, they have home field advantage, correct?

Posted by: JoviFiend87 at October 5, 2005 09:44 PM

Yes, the White Sox have home field - they won the most games in the AL this year.

I just don't want to see the Red Sox in the ALCS because I think that they're more likely to whip the Yankees than the White Sox are, psychologically.

Posted by: Chuck May at October 5, 2005 10:56 PM

Thanks Steve.

Posted by: Jen at October 5, 2005 11:24 PM

That's what the guy at my deli said too. I've given up trying to convince others that we just don't care who they play, as long as they win.

Posted by: Jen at October 5, 2005 11:26 PM

Good thing the Yankees aren't facing Koufax and Drysdale (they'd be too old now anyway), they'd be lucky to get two hits. But this is typical of this teams offense. Snooze control.

I can't stand watching Jeter w/RISP in big situations. Maybe that'll wake him up?

Posted by: Don at October 6, 2005 12:32 AM

Boy did we piss that one away. Our love-hate relationship with A-Rod continues. This guy just tries too hard, in everything he does, and it's why he is what he is, but it's what's also stopping him from becoming what he can be. Does that make sense?

Looks like the Boston error is deflecting attention from A-Rod's boo-boo on espn, the New York media won't be so forgiving.

Posted by: JeremyM at October 6, 2005 01:24 AM

What were they thinking? After playing so well the past few weeks, it's a bit tough for fans to accept last night's 5-3 clunker loss to the Angels. Man, it would have been awesome to go up 2-0 heading into tomorrow night's game in the Bronx with the Big Unit on the mound. But hypotheticals are for us fans to ponder. I'm sure what Joe Torre is thinking is that now Shawn Chacon will be thrown into the action on Saturday. Let's just hope the Yanks don't have to take the caravan back to the left coast on Sunday.

For all the deserved praise that has been thrown towards Robinson Cano for his clutch hitting the first 2 games of this series, the guy has not held up as a fielder. It seems every game there's a key miscue which ends up haunting the team later on. I know he's a rookie but dude, we need to make those basic plays at 2B....please.

Posted by: ultimatewriter at October 6, 2005 10:37 AM

I'm ready for a new rivalry.

I will be very happy to watch an LCS without seeing Zimmer get thrown on the ground by Pedro.

Posted by: Philly Phil at October 6, 2005 01:41 PM