Yes, we're the Feeble Empire... The Nine Shades of Gray.
Last year's Yankee lineup averaged an age of 31.9 years. This year, even without A-Rod, the team is anticipating a batting order of 33.6 years.
Comrades, this is truly an accomplishment, a monument to the inability - or unwillingness - to see forests for trees. The 2013 Yankees lost more time to injuries than any other team in baseball, and there's not a Yankee fan in captivity who could not see the absolutely critical need for an infusion of youth.
So... Carlos Beltran.
Yes, they got older.
The 2006 SF Giants - anchored by Barry Bonds, when his head was the size of a weather balloon - remain history's oldest lineup. They didn't make the post-season.
The 2014 Yankees: Every Day... Old-Timers Day!
Ah, yes, but you are forgetting the Yankee strategy, played out with increasing vigor over the past 30 years.
ReplyDeleteThese men are not 'old'. They are experienced veterans, who have been in big game situations and know how to handle the pressure. They bring lifetimes of cagey, wiley techniques for winning games and, especially, big games. The well of knowledge and baseball acumen we now have available to us is unprecedented in our history, a cause for joy and celebration, an edge against the competition that cannot be denied when push comes to shove (which will happen a lot less often now that we have instant replay).
Batting above .230, not grounding into double plays, striking out with men on base, reaching third on a single the other way...all of these things are immaterial. It is wisdom and sage understanding that will win ballgames, and the Yankees front office knows this. One should never play a rookie, no matter how hot, when a well-paid or even poorly-paid veteran is available. One should never give in to fan pressure and let promising minor leaguers adjust to the big leagues when slower, less fiery older players are able to keep things on an even keel, applying hard-won intelligence where younger players rely on simple and unpredictable talent.
I bow to the management's incredible vision and insight about the game of baseball and the proper nature of team building. It is an awesome and inspiring display of independent thinking in the face of so-called 'common wisdom'.
Just think about it. a 40 man roster with 500 seasons worth of Big League Experience (tm). We can't lose!!
ReplyDeleteHey Guys, now that you put it that way, I'm actually looking forward to the 2014 season, LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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