I awoke today to some of the best news I have heard in a while. Or was it?
The deal that will send Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees has the entire city thinking championship again. After the departures of Roger Clemens, David Wells, Nick Johnson, Andy Pettite, and the season- ending knee injury to Aaron Boone, Yankee fans had little to cheer about. The trade news changed all that. A-Rod is the reigning American league MVP and probably the greatest player in the game today. But will his presence really benefit the Yankees? It had better. The pressure will be intense for A-Rod and team captain Derek Jeter. What happens if Jeter plays below George Steinbrenner's expectations? Does The Boss ignite controversy by moving A-Rod back to shortstop, sending Jeter to another position? Will Yankee fans call for the change themselves?
The trade sent all-star Yankee second baseman Alfonso Soriano to the Rangers, leaving a hole in the right side of the Yankee infield. Without the likes of Nick Johnson, the Yankees must rely on the slow footed and mediocre fielding skills of current first baseman Jason Giambi. Where's the balance? I must admit that Soriano was a favorite of this Yankee fan and I am not sure if this trade was absolutely necessary. Most of all, the trade seems to be shot at the hated Red Sox. There is nothing wrong with fueling the greatest rivalry in sports, but in this case I am not sure if the actions were totally rational. I hope the deal brings 10 more championships to New York, but I keep hearing the old cliché that says "things that seem too good to be true usually are." I hope I am wrong. If Steinbrenner is wrong, the dynasty is in trouble.
