Derek And The Irrelevants?

As responsible Red Sox fans, it's time to ask a fundamental question: "Have the Slytherin To The South become irrelevant?". Before you jump all over me, consider these facts that could lead an objective observer to conclude that the Evil Ones have "jumped the proverbial shark" and sailed past their peak.

First, ridiculously over-paying for Roger Clemens when it was fairly obvious that he was—at best—a band-aid on a sub-par pitching staff. The orgasmic reaction of Yankee broadcasters and fans to the "dramatic" announcement of the Texas Turncoat's return was pathetically second-rate.

Second, after leading the team from a seemingly insurmountable hole early in 2007, Joe Torre held the Yankees together with bailing wire and mirrors and got them to within 2 games (and one perfectly executed Melvin Mora bunt) of the AL East flag. The reaction of the Empire "brain trust"? Fire his butt.

Third, the wildly inappropriate "celebration" when the Yankees "clinched" a Wild Card spot had to make serious Gotham fans cringe with shame. Isn't this the franchise that's supposed to act like they've been there before?

Fourth, after Alex Rodriguez completely embarrassed the franchise by his egomaniacal disruption of World Series Game 4—dissing them on a world-wide stage—how did the Steinbrenner Sideshow respond? "Come on back, A-Fraud! All is forgiven. Take the biggest contract in MLB history for your disloyal behavior."

As the Red Sox re-tool their Championship squad for another run at glory, the Empire seems like a band of wannabees that hasn't won anything since last century. Oh yeah, they are. We might have to get used to a new reality. Fine with me.

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"Climate Change" On A-Rod?

Over the last year we have asked the Nation three times to opine about A-Rod coming to Boston. Needless to say, majorities of our readers—or at least those who bother to respond to polls—have opposed the move. But a curious trend is emerging in the data. In March of this year opposition stood at 74%. In July, it dropped to 68% and in our latest sampling, the group "totally opposed" to A-Rod in a Sox uniform is at around 55%.

Now, to be fair, the structure of our most recent question is different from the earlier two—offering a 10-point intensity scale instead of a straight-up "yes" or "no". And, if you collapse together all the "negative" votes this time, you do get up to about 70%. Nevertheless, it is interesting that 45% of FN poll respondents are not totally opposed to A-Rod in Red Stockings. This may go even higher now that Mike Lowell has cast himself on the free agent waters. After all, if he ends up in the Bronx, well, you know where I'm going.

Maybe this is an early sign that the Nation could at least consider something they could never imagine before, possessing the greatest position player of this generation. Just a thought.

Papelbon On Letterman