And as for the common (and ignorant) accusation that the Yanks "buy" all their players, most of their best players are guys they brought up through their own farm system --- Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Alfonso Soriano ...
Some great players, no doubt. I watched them play in the playoff games. I learned a little bit about their quirks, and their strengths. Jeter is a good egg, I wish him well (Hell, I wish all of them well). Soriano can be tricked by the pitcher. But you know what, I agree, this isn't a payroll envy thing. Nope, not for me.
I am still pissed about the strike. Yup. Baseball can kiss my ass for the whole year. I'll watch the playoffs if a team I care about is in, otherwise MLB can count me out.
I harbor no illusion that my opinion matters to MLB. I am only one consumer. But that's my honest story. I catch games while at the airports, but not at home -- unless the Cubs, Sox, Brewers or Tigers are in the playoffs. So, until next year (or maybe longer), see you on threads other than baseball!