The Yanks' Problems are America's Problems: Coincidence?

Two days after arguably the Yanks' worst loss this season -- with sloppy fielding, lack of hustle and embarrassed by a pitcher they'd previously hammered, to open their final homestand at the stadium -- Wall Street posts its worst loss in years.

Despite reassuring statements by Hank Steinbrenner, Joe Girardi, George Bush and Henry Paulson, a sense of gloom is everywhere.

Yesterday's stock market collapse was the worst since 2001, the year the Yanks' string of World Championships ended in Arizona.

The Bank of America, hoping to restore confidence, is purchasing Merrill Lynch. The Yanks, hoping to restore confidence, will likely purchase C.C. Sabathia.

The end of the season, and Election Day, cannot come soon enough.

As major leaguers, both Ian and Teddy Kennedy's days are numbered.

The fan base has been sidetracked by meaningless issues, such as lipstick and mustaches. ("You can grow a mustache on a pig, but it's still a DH.")

We are being bypassed by foreign powers, including even the Toronto Blue Jays.

Years after the horrible Redsock attack on New York, they remain at large, mocking us more than ever. We have done nothing to avenge ourselves. Soon, the debate will center on whether we should drill Kevin Youkilis -- (We should, but with limits.) -- but it will not help us in the short run.