As I wrote about a year ago, we can all look forward to new personal, professional and sports fan opportunities. But, and there's always a but in there, whilst some things change, some others stay the same. Cash rich clubs in whatever sport will always have an advantage over lesser blessed competitors. Also, stability usually brings more success even when there is cash available (see: Raiders, Oakland and Dame, Notre).
The shrewdest operators find a gap and exploit it. After years of big signings, the Yankees think that tweaks are enough (and they might very well be right) to go for 28 championships. The Yankees drained their farm system in the eternal chase for the next WS title, but ended up with a high priced ageing team on the decline (think Roger Dorn) and no prospects.
Brian Cashman then decided enough was enough, kept his talent while spending wisely on the high price agents available, such as Mark Teixeira (surely $10m would not have hurt Mr. Henry in the long run...), creating a second coming of the Yankees of the 90s with Joba, Cano and Hughes creating a young foundation of home grown talent to build upon.
The Red Sox have gone the same route with Pedroia, Youk, Lester, Bard and Ellsbury (with Anderson and Kelly soon to take the leap from the Minors), but some of their recent free agent acquisitions have left a little bit to be desired. Whilst Lackey was a solid purchase, the jury's still out on Beltre and Cameron.
This was, according to a sloppy quote from Epstein, a "bridge year", but now that the RSN have tasted sweet victory, the patience among fans is short.
However, as for my beloved LFC, this might not be the year when the Sox lift the WS trophy. Time will tell
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