PoppaGator-
I have great respect for Joe Torre. He's always been a classy gent, with great ability to harness the egos in the dressing room, and get the most out of their talents. However, do you think he would haved fared any better than Lou Pinella, with this year's Devil Rays? So, what I'm saying, is that any manager also has to have the horses to win. Sometimes there are exceptions to this rule, but this is pretty well the case. Joe Torre has been the perfect manager for the Yankees 'dynasty', but I think it goes much further than that. Under GM Brian Cashman, the Yanks have spent their money more wisely during his tenure, but just the same, he's had access to Steinbrenner's large bankroll. All GMs should be that lucky. This has allowed him to fill the holes with all-star talent, in so many positions. It may still be a bit of a crapshoot, but I'd take my chances with that situation, any day of the week.

    Like myself, you remember the old days of baseball, when success was predicated on a good front office and a productive farm system. The Yankees have as much money invested on the their bench, as do some clubs in their regulars. Look at the standings in the AL East over the years, and basically they're the same at every year's end. Regarding the NFL, for example, and you'll see competative balance in that league. This is because of a salary cap. It may not be the perfect solution, but it gives fans hope, in NFL cities.

    I may not have convinced you with this side of the issue, but I think it worthy of discussion. I happen to think that Boston has a deeper starting staff than the Yanks this time 'round. Without Petitt and Clemens on the staff, I don't think the Bombers are nearly as strong. Still, this is a New York/Boston playoff, and we usually know who comes out on top. However, not this year, in my humble opinion.