Rollins- lots of hot air
 

As a lifelong Yankee fan, we take great pleasure in our latest victory.

It is especially gratifying to see that the overrated loud mouth Jimmy Rollins was made to look so foolish after his silly prediction.

The Yankees greatness is testimony to their long-term commitment to investing in great talent, regardless of the price. To all of those who are critical of the Yankees' investment in their team, we remind them that you have to spend money to make money. Just ask the Yankees Network TV partners, Goldman Sachs.

Congratulations to George and his sons, to Brian Cashman and Joe Girdari to the Yankee fans and to American Capitalism for continuing to produce the best team in the history of Sports.

In fact, it was a near perfect week as the Yankees won the World Series and the arrogant Democrats
suffered humiliating defeats. Perhaps the White Sox can find a job in 2012 for the most arrogant resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, He and Ozzie deserve one another.

God Bless America!

Wow, this should be good!

Congratulations to the Yankees...and all of their great fans...but I don't know about that other nonsense.

The Yankees were like a fine cocktail this year...mix quality ingredients together in just the right amounts...and you end up with a winner...take those same ingredients..and mix them in the wrong proportions..and you end up with the Mets!!!

Although the Yankees got off to a slow start this year, you could see by mid-season that this was a championship team. They are really deep and well balanced. For the first time in a while, all of the big spending on free agents paid big dividends. Congrats on their 27th World Championship!

Congrats to the Yankees regardless of what they paid top get there. I do like the Yankee players. However, I can't believe I have to read the rest of that crap so early in the morning. It's pitiful.

I was for the Phillies.

I see some good with a Yankees win... good for ARod, he gets a ring. Good for the Yankees to open their plush new stadium with a championship. Just like in 1923. That's good for baseball, a bit. And a fortunate way to do that is with the clinching game in NY instead of Philly.

The down side is the arrogance that lumps blessing of America and Democratic defeats in with the World Series. That isn't really necessary here at the board...

I don't know why that had to be ruined by political talk.

Congratulations to the Yankees on a great year and their 27th Title. I was a Red Sox fan as a kid, so the last 34 years or so have been quite a ride, w many great teams and seven world titles. Lets hope its the start of many titles for the YANKEES;)

We've all seen the necessary isn't always what Bruce brings to the table. Congrats to the Yankees 27th.....wish my hapless Reds could pull another one off but it looks like that ship has sailed.............

As a lifelong Yankee fan, I accept Bruce's congratulations!


And, regardless of politics, (which should be deleted from his post), I think it's proof that this is a great country when a guy like Bruce can be a Yankee fan on one hand and a total asshat on the other.

You know, you don't see the word 'asshat' used often enough. I applaud you Jim........

wow we went a week (I think) without doh doh's mentioning their political opinions as if a baseball forum really gives a crap. oh yeah... congrats Yankees.

I've never even heard of asshat...I learned a new vocabulary word today.:)

Before last night, Yankee fans had suffered through eight years of the winningest team in baseball.

True. But in some places in life, success is measured against expectations, not against a national average.

With a visual to go along:

No one sees the irony in the title of this post...talk about hot air.

Joshua

Thanks Jim...I tried doing that but it didn't work.:(

As a life long Phillies fan, last night tweaked me a smidge to say the least. I take nothing away from the Yankees....they have a great team and they had a better team this year, so my hats off to them. As for Rollins and his big mouth predictions,......whats he supposed to say,"they are better than us, we are going to lose". As far as overrated, just ask the Mets if he is overrated, then look at his MVP trophy. The Phillies are built for the long haul, much like the Yankees of the 90's, so enjoy the win, but the Phils will be back again soon.

As in any group in society, there are some good people and there are some jerks--nuf ced. As a Yankee fan I would like to congratulate the Phillies' fans on a great season. The series could have gone either way and I'm just happy we came out ahead.

As a life long Met fan, I have always maintained that I have no problem with the Yankees, just the obnoxious Yankees fans (and I am not lumping all Yankee fans into this category). Asshat Bruce proves this with his post. Congrats to the Yankees!

Asshat...hilarious!!!!
 

It looks like Bruce has a new nickname...I think this one will stick like "who's your daddy" did on Pedro!!!!!!!!

I'm guessing Bruce is the most influential person to set foot on net 54!

I love it when the two teams who are clearly the best, get to the World Series. It doesn't always happen. (See: 2008)

The most amazing thing to me this year was the job that the Phillies did in piecing it together. They made to game 6 of the World Series yet the starting pitcher in 4 of the 6 Series games was not on the Phillies roster until mid to late July! How did they get through the first 4 months of the season?

Truly, an incredible job by a well run organization.

(And... I love Jimmy Rollins. He is tough as can be and a true entertainer, both on and off the field. If I didn't think Jeter was going to play another 10-12 years...)

Doesn't work for me either. But there is more than one Bruce!

:D:D:D


I'm very happy about the win. The old guys really came through. Johnny Damon, Andy Pettite, Jeter (seems like yesterday I said to myself "this guys gonna be pretty good), Mariano, of course.

I'm most happy for Hideki Matsui who has been nothing but a class act for the Yankees ever since he came over from Japan. Like Mark Texiera said............he is a "professional hitter".

His knees are shot and he can't really get around, similar to Edgar Martinez and Harold Baines...............but man, can he hit a baseball. Most here seem to disagree but it's one of the reasons I like the DH. So we can continue to watch guys like this hit a baseball and not be relegated to limping around in the field.

Oh, and I'd love to have Jimmy Rollins on my team. :D

Wow! I know Bruce better than he knows himself. I predicted he would be on here the moment the Yanks won the WS. I'm a bit disappointed though. Where's all of the "world's greatest city" blather?

Congrats to the Yankees and Joba (Nebraska)!

Although I feel they are able to "buy" the series in a lot of ways, I have had great enjoyment over the previous 8 years when they tried to "buy" the series and failed.

Um...
 

"...we take great pleasure in our latest victory."

I must have missed it, Bruce. Were you on the roster?

Yankees
 

Loving every minute of it as a life-long Yankee fan BUT I don't see Rollins as over-rated. He is a great player. Actually, I was kinda worried about this series. The Phillies have a great team and it wouldn't surprise me a bit to see them in The Big Show again.....soon

Phillies have a solid core of young talented players. If they can hold on to these guys and get a reliable pitching staff in place they will be contending for a long time.

I'm a Yankees fan, always have been and naturally enjoyed the outcome of the series.
The Phillies were a tough opponent who won it all last year and they have a great core of great players.
So what was Jimmy Rollins supposed to say when a reporter asked him who will win the Series?
Of course he should predict his team to win it all.
Can't believe a thread was started in hatred as opposed to happiness about the Bombers 27th Championship.

Jay, you weren't really surprised, were you?
 

what's the saying? -Consider the source.
Appropriate thread title started by someone who has a history of proudly peddling hot air on here.

five memories
 

Lifelong Yankee fan--five things I will take from this series:
1) Lee's 1st game masterpiece
2) Rivera being on the mound at the close of all four Yankee wins
3) Utley's hot streak
4) Damon's dash
5) Godzilla's incredible game six

With the exception of Pettitte's three year stay in Houston--when was the last time a team had four-fifteen year team mates?

Yahoo!
 

I was ecstatic when I ran to Modell's first thing this morning to get locker room World's Champions t-shirts for my kids and me (not sure why my wife didn't want one ;)) and I'll be happy to get to bed at a decent hour for a change.

I have to admit, the Phillies scared the crap out of most smart Yankee fans. They were the defending champions, have a great bunch of players and I cringed every time Utley, Werth or Ibanez came up no matter who was pitching.

I was never a huge A-rod fan, but I think he finally removed his head from his rectum and started playing like a team member and it showed. Way to go Yanks!

The next team to have 10-15 year teamates will be the Phillies....:)
Rollins
Howard
Utley
Victorino-Werth-or possibly Hammels ( despite my opinion of him as soft)
Cliff Lee.....although he doesnt have 10 years left, he should retire as a philly

One of those last 3 will still be here.

At least he didn't issue any death threats with his celebratory post.

Do you know that for a fact? Death threats usually come by email, not on the board!

I love their mature, veteran core, but few of those you mention have 10 years left. They are all within spitting distance of 30, except for Hamels who's about 26. If they can keep them together, and healthy, for 5 more years that would be great for the team.

Those Yankees mentioned all made their debut in 1995 and the oldest is Rivera who will turn 40 this month. The others are 35-37 years old.

You can never tell what injuries will do though.

Without the late summer pickups of Lee and Pedro it's hard to imagine the Phillies even getting to the WS. My point being that success in one or two years is not guaranteed going forward. I agree the Phils have a great core but they've got some work to do to stay on top in the NL.

Bruce(s)
we here in the 23rd fart in your general direction....expect more of the same next year.

Jeter is the man....great series for a change....in fact a great run of post-season games.

Kudos to Tigers, twins, Angels, Dodgers and the Phillies (who I expect will run the table next year by adding another starter and a closer)

I just hope Brian Sabean wasn't watching the series, because if he was the Giants are going to offer Hideki Matsui an 8 year, $140 million contract on the first day of free agency.

LOL!! :D


I love Hideki but I wouldn't re-sign him unless he comes cheap.


The Mets have always been good at throwing lots of money at DH types to play in the NL.

As much as it pains me to say it.... Congratulations to the New York Yankees.
But as I read the original post I could only think back to a classic scene from a great movie.

Principal: Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Billy Madison: Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.

I hate the evil empire...but I'm happy my fellow countryman...Godzilla had a monster game....and I can't help but like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera... :)

Knowing Sabean's mode of operation...so true...:p

Can we get back to asshat please.

I don't see the need to rip on the White Sox and their World Series winning manager

:)

Let's Go Go White Sox in 2010.

By the way, for anyone who's worried about the Yankees fallen apart next year, they do have $40 million (net) coming off the books next year. Damon, Matsui, Pettitte, Nady and Molina are free agents and they have made their last payment to Giambi.

Many owners would use this opportunity to pocket the money, sell out the Stadium, and make a tidy sum.

I bet the Yankees would prefer to win.

The Yankees are good but the pressure they had this year with the new stadium and Aroid makes what they did amazing, especially after the first game. I guess even the ghost of Ruth couldn't stop the American dream of progress,gluttony, and shear destruction. Congratulations to Girardi,Jeter, and all NYC. All the talk in town is Mauer will be in pinstripes.

I hope not and I don't see that happening. Mauer is tied up through next year. He's a free agent for 2011. It will be interesting to see what Twins ownership wants to do. They did step up and give Morneau a longer term, market fair, deal. I hope and think they will do the same with Maurer.

I don't guess that Wharton has a class that teaches class. Too bad.

The thing I found fun was Johnny Damon has a World Series ring from the Yankees and their rival the Red Sox. Not too many can claim that one.

but the PHILLIES got those players, much like the Yankees did with CC, AJ, and Tex

The only two I can think of are Damon and Hinske.

He should take a page from the book of Jeter, Rivera, etc. He could have offered a confident response and not the cocky "5 games, 6 if we're nice". Don't think the Yankees didn't take note of such comments. At least the Redsox and their fans respect that they have a battle on their hands everytime they face the Yankees. The cockiness of Rollins and many Phillies fans just proved to be plain silly.

Ramiro Mendoza --not on the Bosox WS roster, but likely got a ring

Relax. No one is making you have dinner with the guy.

Just sayin' J-Roll shoulda kept his mouth shut. Oh well, too bad for him. Works for me though. Yankees Win Thaaaaa Yankees Win !!!!!!

Jim,the Twins will pay Mauer the money and I think he will stay but if they don't bring any help besides triple A players he might say no thanks and leave. To play for the Yankees is the greatest challenge in baseball and he might just try it.

The Bambino won three with the Sox and four with the Yanks...

I was Joe Mauer of the future for halloween this year...mainly to antagonize my fellow Minnesotans...I don't think it will happen, though. If the twins don't pony up the cash to keep Joe...and put some other high caliber talent on the field...they'll never advance past the first round of the playoffs...and there will be mutiny!

Wally Schang and Carl Mays and maybe some of the other guys the Sox traded to the Yanks around 1920 have rings w/both teams.

I had the fortune of being in Boston during a Yankees/Sox playoff series and in Philadelphia this year during the World Series. The difference between the fans in Philadelphia and Boston is really striking.

Think of poor Mike Mussina. He joined the Yankees in 2001 and retired in 2008. He missed all the championships by one year on either end.

If the Phils would have had better pitching they might have made it at least a 7 game series,but they were certainly the best team the National league had to put up against the Yanks this year.

some on here have said that they dont care for the modern game of baseball,but they love collecting pre-war BB cards. I'm like that in the fact that I dislike the modern day Yankees (except Jeter), but I love anything "historical" * Yankees and NYC. go figure.


* "historical" = pre 1970

I was thinking about the Moose too!
He retired last year after his 1st 20 win season, so if he chose to
he would have been welcome to join the team at the new stadium.
BUT it might have been at the expense of the Yankees signing Pettitte.

2009 Payroll Advantage
 

The Yanks: $201,449,000 The Phils: $113,004,000 Big win there also, Yankee fans.

Yeah, why even play the games? After all, in a best of 7 series, the most expensive players always play the best.

Payroll
 

Jeff: All Yankee fans love to pooh pooh the advantage of the Yankee spending. You claim that the highest priced players don't always play the best, so why do the Yanks pay them? To cover up for poor management? To cover up insecurity? To level the playing field and be good sports?

Ever wonder why people hate Yankees fans so much? This douchey thread shows why.

well
 

$88,000,000 here, $88,000,000 there, can start to add up. :confused:

A Cubs Fan in Yankeetown...
 

I have to say that I try to have an open mind, but hear me out on this series of thoughts.
I grew up in Chicago, and I am a lifelong Cubs fan. I know suffering. I know what it is to appreciate a winning season. The couple of trips to the playoffs that I have witnessed were very special.
I have never liked the Yankees, but I have never disliked them with any true intensity either.
Until I moved out East. And I met the Yankee culture and the Mission Statement that explains any season without a title as a failure. I find that to be excessively hardcore and borderline subpar sportsmanship. Don't misunderstand - I get winning, and I certainly understand goals.
But in this case I also find it to be a gross perversion of your objective, because in a major league sport, the quality and success of your competition is important to your livelihood. This is different than the business world, so while many want to link the two and ask the skeptic "Why wouldn't you do everything you can to win?" - the real question at this point for the Yankees may be something closer to "Are we doing something special?" and I would argue that you most certainly are not doing something special. Not anymore. You are doing something rather ordinary. Since their first title, I think they've won nearly a third of the time.

Hearing the media and the fan base praise this team and this championship just rings so holllow, doesn't it? I mean, they've won 27 of these now, they have the highest payroll in the game that is designed to bring in a squad of mercenaries, and the only expectation is to win everything, all the time, all year long, and every year thereafter. So where's the upside in being a Yankees fan? think about it. All you've got is downside. What fun is that?

It's still an accomplishment. But it was an accomplishment that was paid for in full and fully expected.
YAWN! so what.
you know what I mean? It just seems so silly to celebrate this team and yet another championship with such wild enthusiasm.
I know I look at this with an outsider's lens, and from that of someone who hasn't won in a beyond overdue timeframe, so it's probably fair and right to call me a jealous loser. True enough.
But just so you know, Yankees fans, this looks totally absurd and disconnected with reality from the outside.

No offense meant. honest.
Just some frustrated thoughts from someone who must look into vintage cardboard and research to find a year when his team looked like a champion.

I don't understand your meaning. Would you be happier if the Yankees kept their payroll at $115 million (or some other abritrary number) and just made an additional $85 million in bottom line profit? Should the money just go to George rather than the players?

The fact is that Steinbrenner has built a business that generates more revenue than his competitors. It wasn't that way when he bought the team.

The best players want to go to the Yankees because, yes, they know they'll make the best money in the business, but more because they know they'll be expected to win, AND they know that management will give them every chance to win, every year.

There are many other owners who have more money than the Steinbrenner family. They just choose to not spend it on their baseball teams. That's their choice, but the fans pay the price.

Anyway, if you don't like this system, suggest an alternative.

Amazing that the Yankees don't spread the wealth around to the other teams (oh wait, they do!) so that they reduce their chances of winning. You'd think that in today's society the Steinbrenners would be more sensitive to the plights of the other billionaire owners.

"It's not if you win or lose, it's how you march in the parade."

Jason, I'm not a Yankee fan so I can appreciate your points. Being a Yankee fan is probably more stressful than being a Cubs fan because the Yankees actually are expected to win as opposed to being mired in a culture of failure. I guess it depends on how you look at life: expecting success at every turn can be stressful but one tends to achieve success more often; hoping for the best but being at peace with failure usually produces the opposite results. Of course a zillion dollar payroll does help the former philosophy off the ground.

But to think that the Yankees are the only team which hires mercenaries is just not true as you fully know. Hell, the Brewers traded for Sabbathia last year just to get them into the playoffs. The Phillies did it this year with Pedro and Cliff Lee. At least the Yankees kept their team intact at the trading deadline and didn't have major contributors join the team with two months left in the season.

There is not widespread demand for additional revenue sharing because the lower level team don't want to be forced to actually spend the money they receive.

The current system has two components revenue sharing: national TV money and a luxury tax. This creates a financial dis-incentive for bad teams to get better. Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Florida and KC, for example, have most of their payroll covered by shared money. If I remember right, the Pirates, playing in a new, publicly funded stadium, make a profit before they sell even one ticket. Their payroll is lower than the amount of money they receive from the league. Yet each season, we hear that they must sell or trade their best players for financial reasons.

Take a page from European League Soccer.

I would consider taking the 30 MLB teams and putting them in two divisions. A 20 team Major League and a 10 team "AAAA" league. Each year, let the top two "AAAA" teams move up and the bottom two Major League teams move down. The lower league gets no national TV games (or money). They get no All-Stars. They get their own playoffs, but no shot at a World Series, just their own league championship.



Then you'll see who wants to get better. They bad owners, who don't care, will be out in no time.

Jeff, indeed that was refreshing
 

to see that they tried to keep the team intact and win with what they had...and it worked. And yes, everyone hires the big guns, or tries to if they can. Your thoughts on stress and success are spot on, of course. Perhaps that is why the Cubs have such a huge fan base...being a Cubs fan is about more than just winning a game or a season. It's not the win that defines you, it's the experience.

I will say this, though, and it runs a little counter to my original post...but then again maybe it doesn't. I enjoyed this year's team more than I have in the past, as they actually seemed to form a team, and I enjoyed the pies in the face and any sign that they had individual personalities. That stuff resonates more with me, as a fan.

Jason, I agree regarding this year's Yankee team: they were likeable. Even ARod with all the crap he went through actually seemed human; I was thrilled that he did well. As a Dodgers fan growing up I loathed the Yankees in the late 70s because they were easy to hate (any team with Reggie is especially easy to hate). This year's team seemed to have a lot of fun and was filled with regular guys who played hard. Look at Mark Teixeira: has there ever been a zillionaire baseball player who is so likeable? (Apologies to Oriole and Sox fans, of course)

Why would you be thrilled that an admitted steroid-user, a guy who cheated serially on his wife, a guy whose self-centeredness knows no bounds, did well?:confused::confused: