New York Yankees or Bronx Barbies: Why a Firesale Is Imminent and Necessary
October 15, 2012 · Alexander Mrha · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Some refer to it as the “it” factor, or possessing an indomitable will to win. In the Bronx this postseason, it can be referred to as non-existent. As the New York Yankees fell behind the Detroit Tigers 2-0 in the ALCS during the early evening hours of Sunday night, it was difficult to remember a time when the outlook had been so bleak in New York, and no one knew why.
While a botched call on an apparently blatant play at second base certainly affected the course of Game 2, the Yankees’ problems are far greater than umpire Jeff Nelson’s need for immediate Lasik eye surgery. If the Yankees hope to be in contention for years to come, complete roster and cultural demolition, followed by rebirth, is absolutely critical.
An attitude has developed among the astronomically priced Bronx Barbies in which it has been tolerable to show up to the office, take hacks, strike out multiple times and proceed home to shrug it off.
The arrogance in the air is so thick that you can cut it with a butter knife.
There is an utter lack of individual accountability for performance, as illustrated by Alex Rodriguez, who casually sipped a hot beverage in the dugout after being pulled from the lineup in Game 1. It could also be seen in Nick Swisher’s smile, which appeared as sarcastically radiant as ever as he played the victim after every single strikeout that has lead to his .154 postseason batting average.
The one bright spot for the Yankees offense this postseason has been Raul Ibanez, who juxtaposes everything that is wrong with the Bronx Bombers’ recent philosophy. Raul epitomizes the blue-collar work ethic and humility, something the other players could use a dose of.
By regularly coming up in the clutch when his teammates need him, Raul sends the message that it is not about him. If players like Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez, and Nick Swisher were able to assume this level of drive and modesty, there would be no force on earth that could stop such a talented lineup.
It is unrealistic to expect an attitude shift from the current divas this postseason.
The only hope for a change might have been in Yankee captain Derek Jeter, who was lost for the remainder of the season after fracturing his ankle during Game 1.
The haughtiness of Yankee hitters is unquestionably leaving legends like DiMaggio, Mantle, and Ruth turning in their graves, though the likelihood of this mindset changing with the current roster is about as good as the resurrection of those players from their tombs.
And so it stands that the Yankees’ reliance on their checkbooks, rather then the character and motivation of the players they choose to sign, has finally caught up to them. Yankee faithfuls can only hope that in the rebuilding of this franchise, general manager Brian Cashman looks for a little bit more Raul, and a little bit less A-Rod.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
