Soviet era nuclear war has finally met its match. Move over communist Russia and god-fearing U.S., here come the Red Sox and Yankees. That’s right folks, while teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, and even the playoff perennial Oakland A’s are cutting payroll like lumber, the Sox and the Boss are opening their wallets and bringing in the biggest guns available.
The day after Turkey Day saw the Sox finalize a trade for Arizona ace Curt Schilling, in a trade that essentially sent the Diamondbacks … nothing, nada, zippo. Two minor league prospects. Meanwhile, the evil empire was busy over the holiday negotiating with another big bat, Gary Sheffield. One of the biggest bats on the market, and he will shore up the weak spot in the Yanks outfield perfectly. He’s not signed yet, but all indications are it’s a done deal. Are the Braves, who are trying to cut $15 million themselves, going to outbid the man whose pockets know no end? Please. They’ve already added former Boston closer Tom Gordon, to continue the curse with Mariano Riviera. They’ll resign Andy Pettite, and probably puck up another huge slugger, dare the serm’ say Vlad Guerrero?
The Sox will counter by resigning their big offense from last year, and are reportedly close to prying all-star closer Keith Foulke from the A’s. Dear God, think of the match ups ahead. Red Sox rotation: Pedro, Curt, Derek, and Tim Wakefield. Pit those four against the Yankees’ high-priced bats and a rotation replete with Pettite, Jose Contreras, and another high-priced acquisition (maybe Colon) and you’ve got yourself full on war. Forget about the Cold War-2004 AL East is the one with all the firepower, baby!
