It's been 5 years since the Yankees beat the Red Sox in Game 7 of the ALCS in 2003. The Red Sox have won 2 World Series rings since then & the Yankees have won nothing. 2008 is a low water mark by Yankees standards. The Bronx crew is out of the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.
The Yankees have gotten much older. The days of bringing in high-priced free agents to buy a ring are over. Home grown talent has been the winning ingredient for the past few years. 30+ players like Mussina, Pettite, Posada, A-Rod, Jeter, Giambi, Damon, Abreau & Rivera are showing their age. All of these players have had less than average years. It's the equilavent of the Patriots defense. They know what to do, but sometimes they just can't get there in time.
The Red Sox have a continuing youth movement that is the envy of all Major League teams. Lester, Papelbon, Delcarmen, Masterson, Buchholz, Youkilis, Pedroia, Lowrie & Ellsbury are all products of the Red Sox farm system. While getting younger the Sox continue to win at the same time. Each young guy seems to fit-in perfectly. That's not an accident.
What will Hank Steinbrenner do this off-season? The Yankees young talent has not panned out, particularly in the pitching department. Hank will probably go after CC Sabathia to bolster the starting rotation. Abreau & Giambi may not be re-signed. It will be fun to watch the Yankees scuffle to field a team that can compete with Boston, Tampa Bay & Toronto next year.
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