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SAY GOODNIGHT TO THE BAD GUY

By mw2828, Section MLB
Posted on Thu Dec 14 2006 at 11:16 PM EST
More on: (all tags)

Here's a major point of contention of mine. Concerning the rivalry, our great theater featuring the Red Sox and Yankees, battle lines have been drawn. We've painted mythical pictures, illustrations of villainy and courage, of conviction and cowardice.

51 million sunk just to chat with Daisuke Matsuzaka?
70 million gambled on the enigmatic J.D. Drew?
36 million gouged on the decidedly average Julio Lugo?

These aggressive, perhaps reckless, transactions sewn by the Red Sox hierarchy should offer conclusive evidence of the supposed underdogs ruthlessly seizing upon their market advantage, without a care to the moral implications of their machinations. [And rightfully so. This is America, baby.]

When the Yankees acquire Alex Rodriguez, Ben Affleck suddenly becomes a spokesperson for a level playing field in Baseball, proprietors of small market teams bemoan unequal revenue streams [while subtly pocketing their collectively bargained cash], and best of all, John Henry, the OWNER OF THE BOSTON RED SOX, practically demands Baseball instill a salary cap to protect the game against such brazen spending. [Wonder if he had a change of heart on that one.]

When the Red Sox bid 51 million for the mere privilege to negotiate terms with Scott Boras, there is anger, but no outrage. There is surprise, but no shock.

And there's acceptance, above everything.

Where is Bob Ley's newest edition of "Outside the Lines", featuring a disgruntled Pittsburgh Pirates beat writer and some random "sports economist", discussing the ramifications of paying a pitcher with zero major league experience a king's ransom?

Where's all the talk radio callers, screaming at the top of their lungs that THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN, OH MY GOD THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!  [Leaps out window]

Why the double standard?

Look, I'm not insulting the Red Sox here.

In fact, I respect their guts.

They had a plan this hot stove season, and after a frustrating third place finish, would let absolutely nothing stop them from executing it.

But why does my team have to be the bad guy? Every big market team has an advantage, and every big market team will spend. If an analyst wants to praise the Red Sox for splurging on Matsuzaka, by all means proceed.

But it isn't fair to turn around and judge the Yankees.

Because in sports, good and evil simply ceases to exist, opposing forces outside the competition only conjure these emotions to amplify the event.

Put the morality play to bed.

Say goodnight to the bad guy.

- Matt Waters