Let the Slaughter Begin

     At 1:15, I came home from my American Literature Exam and promptly turned on the tube, in hopes of hearing any news on the Mark Teixera deal, if one had been made. At 1:16, I let out a blood curdling scream that caused all dogs in a five block radius of my house to run to the front door and bark incessantly. God Damn Yankees. Those corporate sponsered millionaire hacks in pinstripes got what they wanted, again. A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and some other element of the alphabet, officially joined the Yankees today. In a related story, the casino won out again in black-jack and a kitten was drowned in a sack. No, I'm not bitter.

     I shouldn't be surprised. This is a typical Yankee move. They have all the money in the world to throw at any player they choose, and they refuse to develop any players. They want something, they buy it. They are like Varuca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory; and Brian Cashman is happy to play the rich father. And yet, it's hard to accept. The Orioles are a relatively small market team, especially with the division we're in. We don't have ability to simply pick and choose the players we want. But you lnow what? We are better for it. Would I like to win a penant every year ? Yes, but not if the team I supported was an impersonal phalanx of hired hitmen.

     There is no doubt that the Yankees have significantly improved their chances of competing this year, and odds are, when we play them, we will have to face one of their three aces (Wang is an ace, despite popular opinion), not to mention their vaunted offence that may soon include Manny Ramirez. So, with spring training 56 days away, it is time to get out the tape and study these guys, although 56 days may not be enough time to study two 17 game winners and the most convincing Cy Young cantidates that the Yankees have produced in the longest time. May God have mercy on our souls.

Merry Christmas