10 Reasons The Yankees Are Finished

All Good Things Must Come To An End 

What's happened to my beloved Yankees? It's sad to say, but the dynasty/run is officially over. A few weeks ago, I thought it was just the spring rust that needed to be shaken off. I have watched closely the past two weeks, this team is done.

The Beatles once sang that "Money Can't Buy You Love" and I agree with that. Money also can't buy you a championship. Players have to want it in their hearts, this team doesn't. Their payroll is $200 Million and it means absolutely nothing. The Yankees as we knew them from 1996-2004 are done, finished, and have departed. It was a great run. I suffered as a child from 1982-1995 without seeing them make the playoffs. They won't make it this year for the first time since. Here are my 10 reasons the Yankees are done:

10) Farm System- The farm system is what built the dynasty. Home grown players like Jeter, Bernie, Mariano, and Petitte were the corner stones of the dynasty. The only thing the Yanks have left in their farm system are a couple of hens and maybe a cow or two. They have traded all their young talent away over the years for high priced superstars, many of which were past their prime.

9) Mariano- Opposing teams no longer fear Rivera. They know he is beatable. Years ago batters were out before they even stepped to the plate because of the aura he once had. He is a hall of famer for sure and maybe the best closer of all time. He has aged and he was at the top of his game for longer than any other reliever in baseball history. He is not the same. He is no longer dominant.

8) Mike Mussina- This guy is no longer the great pitcher he once was. He gives up too many hits, walks too many batters. He makes close to $20 Million a year and he is no longer worth it. He is past his prime and no longer a key component to the team.

7) Bernie Williams- Once my favorite yankee, Bernie could cover more ground than a John Deer tractor. He has slowed down to a snail's pace. He is a switch hitter that can no longer be a threat from the left side of the plate. His throwing arm is gone. It's tough to watch a great guy like Bernie deteriorate right before our eyes.

6) Jason Giambi- What a waste. The guy had everything going for him. Once an MVP, Giambi took steroids then had to cycle off of them and his body is paying the price. He is making about $19 Million a season and can't even make contact with the ball. His fielding at first is a disgrace and he only DH's now.

5) Teams no longer fear the Yankees- After the Marlins World Series victory at Yankee Stadium in 2003 and the biggest collapse in baseball history against the Red Sox last year, teams know they can come into the stadium and beat the Yankees. They are no longer feared by opponents.

4) Too Many "Superstars"- The team has no chemistry and no heart. The team has too many big egos in the clubhouse and they don't work well as a unit. Nobody seems hungry to win like back in the 90's. Too many big egos and big salaries are a recipe for disaster.

3) The Bench- What bench? Who's a threat coming off the bench? John Flahrety? Rey Sanchez? Bubba Crosby? They have NO depth at all.

2) The Curse of the Bambino is over- After the collapse last year against the Red Sox, the whole mystique and aura in Yankee Stadium is not the same. It just has a different feel. It's just weird, the World Champion Red Sox.

1) The Curse of A-Rod- Sure he'll hit you THREE homeruns against The Angels, he'll smack one when the Yanks are up 10-2 or losing 13-3. This guy is not clutch and can't handle NY. He's been a cancer everywhere he's played. He leaves Seattle and they win 116 games, he leaves Texas, suddenly they contend for the division/wild card last year, he comes to the Yanks and they collapse to the Red Sox. He is a selfish cancer on the team. They should have kept Soriano.