In the year 2000...In the year 2000!!!!!

The 2009 Major League Baseball season is upon us. Pitchers and catchers have reported, and the MLB as we knew it is gone. My heart, however, is stuck in 2000. That was the last year my favorite team, the New York Yankees, won it all. There were no A-Rods, there were no Gary Sheffields, no Pavanos, and no Jaret Wrights. Those were the good ol' days. Who were the Yankee heroes? Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Tino Martinez, among others. What made those guys amazing players and people on and off the field? Their personalities. These players were the epitome of selflessness. It was team first, and individual numbers last. Even Joe Torre was eight years away from becoming a sellout.
Even during the economic harships our country is going through, the Yankees still managed to spend almost a half a billion dollars in about a month's time with the acquisitions of Sabathia, Burnett, and Teixeira. George Steinbrenner is no longer making all of the financial decisions for the team, but clearly, he has passed his beliefs down to his son.
I would be lying if I were to tell you the Yankees are doing all of the right things nowadays. Although my allegiance for the Yankees will never falter, I would absolutely relish in the chance to put together that team. All that I can hope for is that we start winning again. The Yankees have a fantastic team going into the 2009 Campaign. The rotation is riddled with 5 pitchers who can all win more than 15 games. The bullpen is suspect, but still has old faithful, Mariano Rivera, as the closer. The lineup is better than most, and in my opinion, the most potent in the league.
But the truth is, as a lifelong Yankee fan, I am not happy. It could be because this spending spree that started with Jason Giambi, and most recently led to Teixeira, has wielded Zero championships. It could also be because many of former and current Yankees (Clemens, A-Rod, Giambi, and Pettitte, just to name a few) have been linked to Steroid use. If any higher up with the Yankees were ever to read this, I would gladly offer my advice. Trade A-Rod to anyone who will take his salary, and rebuild with coachable players who have talent. Players who will play better because their team is winning, not because they will make $19,000,000 this year whether they pitch 7 games or 37 games. Bring this team back to its glory days by acquiring players who will inspire greatness. I think C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira have all of those qualities, it is just too bad they had to come at such a high price.
A team should be considered great for what they do on the field, not because three men in your infield, and one of your starting pitchers are the four highest paid players in baseball. Good luck to the 2009 Yankees, as I hope that you return to greatness and play well together as a team.

Eric Goldthwaite