Remember the days that a series between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees caused audiences worldwide to stop what they were doing to pay attention? How about when these matchups used to determine which team each one would face in the playoffs, adding further importance to the intensity of a bitter rivalry? At one time, these statements rang true every time the two teams met; now, however, they are a mere formality. That is because the Red Sox currently sit at below .500 and 10 1/2 games behind the Yankees in the typically close-knit AL East. They are 4 1/2 back in the Wild Card race, six teams currently ahead of them. Looking at the playoff picture out of the basement of the American League is certainly an unfamiliar spot for the Sox, but unfortunately it’s the fate we’ve come to accept for this year’s doomed team. Watching them this year has been about as fun and interesting as watching paint dry. They have no heart or energy, appearing to take the field daily simply to earn their paychecks. And that’s what it’s become all about for this team and organization as a whole: money. More of it used to excite Sox fans in light of a big free-agent signing most likely being soon to follow (Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, anyone?). With the third-highest payroll in baseball, they have become nearly identical in philosophy to their enemy, spending simply to spend without delving into the baseball specifics of deals. The Yankees may be free spenders, but at least they know how to maintain clubhouse chemistry and keep players and coaches on the same page. We can’t even do that right anymore, especially not with a manager more concerned about his image than his players’ well-being.
This season has turned disastrous for the Sox in a hurry, and there’s nothing that can really stop it from ending as such either. Even with Saturday and Sunday’s games being nationally-televised, I’m sure Sox fans will be more likely to tune out or indulge in a more entertaining nightly program. I will be present at both games, though my excitement for the trip is based solely on the fact that I’ve never been to the new Yankee Stadium before. As for the Sox, I’ve mentally checked out with this team. They have no chance to make the playoffs, with a 43-20 record most likely needed to even capture the final Wild Card spot, guaranteeing them just a chance to advance. It’s unrealistic they will make it, and even if they do they won’t go anywhere anyways. This is the reality we have to get used to , Sox fans. Boston is back to sucking while New York continues to dominate. That’s what took the fire out of the rivalry in the 90′s and early 2000s, and it seems that history is once again repeating itself. So do yourself a favor and choose something worthwhile to watch this weekend. Because this Sox/Yanks series sure ain’t it.
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This Privacy Policy covers New England Sports React's treatment of personal information that New England Sports React gathers when you are on the New England Sports React website and when you use New England Sports React services. This policy does not apply to the practices of third parties that New England Sports React does not own or control, or to individuals that New England Sports React does not employ or manage.
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We only collect personal information that is relevant to the purpose of our website. This information allows us to provide you with a customized and efficient experience. We do not process this information in a way that is incompatible with this objective. We collect the following types of information from our New England Sports React users:
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We receive and store certain types of information whenever you interact with us. New England Sports React and its authorized agents automatically receive and record certain "traffic data" on their server logs from your browser including your IP address, New England Sports React cookie information, and the page you requested. New England Sports React uses this traffic data to help diagnose problems with its servers, analyze trends and administer the website.
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Changes to this Privacy Policy
New England Sports React may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time, at its sole discretion. Use of information we collect now is subject to the Privacy Policy in effect at the time such information is used. If we make changes to the Privacy Policy, we will notify you by posting an announcement on the New England Sports React website so you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances if any, it is disclosed.
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Effective Date of this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy is effective as of April 19, 2012 and last updated April 19, 2012.
