[misterrob]

He was let go because he wasn't worth $13 million a year to anyone else but the Yankees. Yes, he is good this year but where will be be in 2 years from now? The Sox (and every other club but the Yanks) cannot afford guys making that kind of coin and not producing. It's also not just the cost of the contract but the effect on the luxury tax as well. Damon's contract is actually costing the Yankees closer to $70 million when you consider the luxury tax impact.

If the Sox had signed Pedro, Damon, & Nomar to the long term deals they wanted, they would be on the hook in 2008 for $43 million with just those 3 with another $30 plus to Manny/Ortiz. All guys in their 30's and long past their prime. At some point a club just has to say enough.

Look at the guys the Yanks have had on their club in the past, Bernie Williams for $13 million a year when he could no longer play the field like he used to, Giambi not producing for $17 million a year over two years, Kevin Brown for $17 million and stinking up the joint down the stretch on 2004 and in the playoffs in game 7 of the ALCS. Raul Mondesi?

The Yankees built a great club in the 90's with home grown talent and smart acquisitions. The Sox have had a good run in 2002-2006 with smart acquisitions but the lack of plug in rookies has cost them big this year.

[gridlock]

So how is it that the Yankees can afford all these things and the Bosox can't? Do the Yankees field a good team year after year because they have more money? Or do they have more money because they field a good team year after year?