New York Yankees
AL East, 35-35 (10.5 games back)
Pros: More tradition and success than you can shake a stick at, iconic alumni from Babe Ruth to Reggie Jackson, amazingly passionate and devoted fan base, Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter, volatile Red Sox rivalry, this quote:
“You know why the Yankees always win, Frank?”
“Cause they have Mickey Mantle?”
“No, it’s because the other team can’t stop staring at those damn pinstripes”
Cons: Everything listed above because it’s been force-fed and drilled into our heads by ESPN, the national media and every Yankee fan and “fan” that’s ever walked the face of the Earth. Overkill doesn’t quite cover it. Plus Steinbrenner, Roger Clemens, A-Rod and A-Rod bashing, the facial hair policy, and spending enough money on free agents that it’s an affront to God Himself.
Current jersey: Jeter. The epitome of why baseball is still cool.
Throwback jersey: This is a tough one, but I’d go with Lou Gehrig.
Hat factor: 7 out of 10. Would be a higher score but I’ve just seen too many of them. Unlike other teams they don’t change their logo every 4 years.
Fat Guy quotient: Since David Wells said “bon voyage” they’ve sorely lacked in the department. Giambi is a little pudgy and will likely be growing breasts soon.
Summary: The most storied franchise in all of sports, the Yankees have almost everything going for them for the long-run. Always competitive and on TV, they’re an easy access team for a new fan. But all of their pros for winning and tradition are actually cons because of the media oversaturation, practically dating back to the 1950’s.
Overall likeability: No chance. Rooting for the Yankees when you live in LA (unless you moved here) is just not acceptable.
