Let's face it: Boston-New York is the series America wants. It will be impossible to steer clear of all things Red Sox and Yankees over the next 10 days. It'll be easier avoiding Kerry and Bush. Red Sox-Yankees transcends wins and losses. It's bombastic and biblical. The tonnage of coverage generated by another Boston-New York Trojan War will exceed that of any sports story of this century. The Rivalry is quite simply the greatest team sports story ever told.
Consider this: in the last two years, the teams have played 45 times and the Sox lead, 23-22. How's that for parity?
On the other hand, the Yanks have a slight edge of 26-0 in world championships since Sox owner Harry Frazee sold the greatest player of all time to the Yankees.
Folks in New York are genuinely amused to hear that Boston media outlets and many Sox fans wanted to play the Yankees in the ALCS. It's the ancient "Be careful what you wish for" element. Those who remember Larry Bird's golden days might recall a playoff game in Cleveland in 1985 when Bird stayed back in the team hotel because of a sore elbow. The Cavaliers beat the Celtics and Cleveland fans chanted, "We want Bird!" in the final minutes. At practice before the next game, an enraged Larry said, "They want me, they'll get me with both barrels." And they did. Bird torched the Cavaliers the next night, knocking Cleveland out of the playoffs.
So are you sure you want the Yankees, Sox fans?
Certainly the Yanks appear vulnerable. New York's pitching is mush and the Sox beat the Yankees 11 times in 19 meetings this year. It would certainly enhance any Boston World Series experience if the Sox were to arrive at the Fall Classic at the expense of the Yankees. Especially after last October. And after Babe Ruth. And after Bucky Dent. And after the hideous Alex Rodriguez negotiations of last winter.
