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Editorial -- 2/19/99
Championship teams, especially those ranked as among the all-time best, are often at that lofty height because of team chemistry. I really question trading a proven big-game pitcher who is loved by the Yankee fans and a great team guy for anyone -- even someone who has won five Cy Young awards.
When I saw George crying in the locker room last year, I thought he had finally learned. But apparently not.
I don't know what more you could ask of a pitcher than what David Wells did last year. He is a fan favorite, and he loves them back. Steinbrenner compared Clemens to Michael Jordan, but it is Wells who has a Jordan-esque relationship with the fans. And every indication is that he is just as popular with his teammates.
Steinbrenner may be right about Clemens being the best pitcher of our time. But he has the reputation of being sullen and withdrawn in the locker room. Contrast that with Well's exuberance and little-boy like enthusiasm and draw your own conclusions as to the damage done to team chemistry for another 2 or 3 wins during the regular season. There is no way Clemens can top the six playoff wins that Boomer got last year.
I'm not a New Yorker, but I've been a Yankee fan all my life, from Mantle, Maris and Ford to Horace Clarke and Mel Stottlemyre to Mr. October and Catfish through the 18 year drought and on to last year's incredible team. This kind of thing, this greedy trade that I don't think the fans wanted, makes it difficult for me to keep rooting for this team. It's as bad as the crap Steinbrenner pulled on Winfield.
Boomer, you'll be missed, missed very much. Part of me hopes the Blue Jays make the playoffs through some miracle and he wins 3 games against the Yankees in the AL Playoffs. I think it's much more likely that Cleveland will knock the Yankees out this year, but it would serve Mr. Steinbrenner right.
Oh, by the way, don't think Lloyd won't be missed. Middle relief was a Yankee weakness last year (remember the stretch where they barely played .500 ball?) and it sure as hell isn't better now.
Well, it should be an interesting year.