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Hardest thing with a group of allstars like the Yankee roster is to get them to 'meld' as a team on AND off the field. Ozzie has been able to do that here with this team. When you are so comfortable with your teammates, you are now working as a 'team'. I saw that last year in the Sox, and this year in the Sox and Tigers. I don't see that kind of
'gel' with the Yanks. Great individual players, just not meshing together right. Has alot to do with the coach.

I really am glad the Tigers are right where they are. The Sox need that kind of pressure. They are a team that thrives on 'overcoming' tough circumstances. They've won so many games late in the 8th or 9th. When Paulie was up in the 9th I 'expected' a hit from him. Last year they were up by 15 games or so and then took a dive. Cleveland made it close. The Sox can get complacent if they don't have a 'battle'. I hope the season comes down to the final game for both teams for the division. That's what will send the Sox to repeat.

Now be honest here. How many "superstars" does either the Sox or Tigers have compared to the Yankees? We're talking about players that would be franchise on any team in the league. The Yankees have at a minimum six. Unfortunately two are out due to injury right now (Sheffield and Matsui). The others being A-Rod, Jeter, Giambi (maybe), and Damon. I could also include Williams, but since he is in the autum of his career, I'll leave him off. No other team in the league, either NL or AL have this many legitimate superstars. What I am getting at is the "gel" factor in NY is exponentially more of an issue than any other team. Yet, they have been in either first or second place in their division all season. I would say that it has been quite a success, but that's just my opinion.

As for Torre not doing a good job, I vehemently disagree. The Yankees style of play has been completely turned around this year. They are relying much less on power this year and making better decisions on the bases than in previous seasons. This is totally attributable to Torre and of course his coaches.

Finally, I will completely agree with your assessment of both the Tigers and the Sox. And I will also say that Guillen is likely the best manager in baseball at this time. And I would even bet that with the level of talent the Yankees have, and their egos Guillen could make them play together as well. I mean we have to remember that Ozzie was no slouch in his day as a player.