Yankees Vs. Red Sox 2006: The Return of the Best Rivalry in Sports
This year brings two very different teams to the table in sports biggest rivalry. Of course everyone knows that the caveman, Johnny Damon, has returned to civilization with his new look and new starting job for the New York Yankees. But it won’t be the addition of Damon that will determine who finishes on top in the AL East this year. There were several small additions that will factor in more in determining the outcome of this battle.
I for one feel thatthe Boston Red Sox off-season moves have gone primarily under the radar. The Red Sox lead the charge in the almost annual fleecing of the Florida Marlins, picking up ace starter Josh Beckett. Beckett should be good for 15-18 wins in his sleep but it might just be two other ex-Marlins that make the difference in the end. Shortstop Alex Gonzalez is a very solid defensive player who will add much needed speed to the lineup. The Sox were far and away the biggest run producer last year and with Gonzalez getting on and stealing bases, don’t look for that to change. The wildcard in the Florida fire sale, however, was Mike Lowell. The thirdbaseman Lowell, picked up in the Beckett deal, showed such potential as a solid hitter with power in 2004 but then had a miserable season last year. With his nagging injuries gone and the Monster’s short porch in leftfield do not be surprised if Lowell has a stellar comeback season.
Two others starters fill out the drastically revised Boston Red Sox lineup as they try and take the AL East Crown from the New York Yankees. Coco Crisp is a young speedy centerfielder who will likely leadoff. Crisp is very young and talented; he’ll hit for a good average and should be a fan favorite. JT Snow also comes over from the San Francisco Giants. The big question mark with Snow is, can he stay healthy? He has been plagued by injuries the past few seasons but has been solid when he’s good to go. If he can start 75% of the games this season he will be quite a nice addition to an already potent lineup.
But like last year, it comes down to pitching for both these squads. If Beckett and Curt Schilling don’t spend too much time on the disabled list, look for the Boston Red Sox to have one of the best 1-2 combos of any rotation. And if Tim Wakefield can post another Wakefield-like year (15 or 16 wins) then the Boston Red Sox’s starting staff won’t be the huge problem it was last year.
The New York Yankees had a fairly quiet off-season by comparison, stealing Damon not included. They signed about a million bullpen guys, hoping two or three will stick and actually pitch effectively. The highlight of this group was Kyle Farnsworth. A closer for the Braves and Tigers last season, Farnsworth has great stuff but has been very inconsistent in the clutch. He’ll only be the setup man for the New York Yankees, which should lessen the pressure a little (but then again it’s NY). Mike Meyers and Octavio Dotel round out the second tier of bullpen hurlers picked up by the Yanks. Both have shown potential, but we’ll have to wait and see if they end the New York Yankees pen-signing slump (See Steve Karsay and Felix Rodriguez, to name a few), and help them back to the top in the AL East.
Aside from Damon the New York Yankees’ lineup won’t look too different. Jeter will get to move to the number 2-hole in the lineup, a much more natural fit for the captain. Bernie Williams, whom many scouts feel is in the best shape he’s been in years, will primarily DH, but don’t be surprised if Joe Torre plays the 16-year vet in both left and right to give Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui a spell.
With Bernie DHing, the negative is that Jason Giambi will be playing in the field most nights at first. And although his defense is spotty at best, he did hit better when he played the field last season as opposed to being the DH. Look for youngsters Robinson Cano and Chen-Ming Wang to try and build on outstanding rookie seasons as well.
The New York Yankees starting rotation is not in question due to lack of talent. If their big money guys live up to their potential and stay healthy, New York’s rotation is scary. Mike Mussina, Randy Johnson, and especially Carl Pavano, all need to make up for subpar seasons a year ago. If they can’t, last year’s surprise saviors Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon are waiting in the wings.
All in all, everything is setup for some more down to the wire excitement in a rivalry that seems to get better each year. For my money, the New York Yankees have the very slight edge…but I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish with the two best records in the AL East. They are definately both going to the playoffs. Enjoy the season everybody!
