Baseball Post

I posted this following bit at someone else's blog, and I wanted to repeat it here:

The Yankees are the scurge of baseball, and nothing would have made me happier than to see them miss the playoffs entirely. But, that dream went unfulfilled, so I guess I'll just have to live with an early exit from the post-season. That's almost as rewarding. (Incidentally, I took great joy in watching Mike Mussina fumble his way through 2+ innings and record the loss. He's a traitor.)

Yet, despite the vitriol I spew at the Yankees any time I have the opportunity, the manager is not to blame. They cannot fire Joe Torre. It's not his fault the team dogged it for more than half the season. It's not his fault he only has two reliable pitchers in his bullpen. It's not his fault the Big Unit took the year off. It's not his fault all his starters found their way on and off the DL. It's not his fault A-Rod recorded a big, fat zero RBI in the ALDS. It's not his fault the Yanks left 11 men on base last night.

Blame lies elsewhere for this debacle. And it's difficult for some NY people to recognize it's not Torre's fault. Because in NY, success is based on World Series titles. No title means failed season. Someone has to take the fall after another year devoid of a title. History suggests the manager takes the axe. I hope someone in the NY front office has enough sense to realize repeating history would be a grave mistake.