Waking Up On the Wrong Side of the Cage - World Series Trepidation, and Hope - The Ghost of Pedro Past to Haunt Yankees Again?

Top 10 worst ways I've ever woken up in my life, hands down. (SawxBlog Illustration)

Following the 2009 MLB Playoffs since the Red Sox magnificent choke in the ALDS hasn't been the easiest of things for me to do this October. I honestly haven't watched an entire inning of baseball since that Sunday Bloody Sunday, what can I say - the hurt still stings. I mean think about this, I found myself flipping over to the ALCS only when there was a commercial for Project Runway during Game 5 (Irina is such a bitch right!?!). So obviously my state of mind is, shall we say, a little muddled.

This past Sunday I changed the channel permanently over to Football after the Yankees took a 3-1 lead in Game 6 of the ALCS - because for me at least, the writing was already on the wall, they were obviously going to win. Still, I was holding out an inkling of hope that I'd wake up to the suprise of a Game 7 in the Bronx, where the collar would get extra tight on the pinstripes. However, as I was slowly coming to the land of the living from a deep sleep Tuesday morning I heard the below come loudly over my alarm clock radio:

"....and the New York Yankees are again heading to the World Series, as their pursuit of Championship number 27 draws to a close...."

I may never fully forgive WERS for this. This is easily one of the worst ways I've woken up in the past decade. I grunted a very loud UGH as my fiancée quickly slammed the snooze button fearful that I'd launch it against the wall - and like that, the Yankees managed to ruin my day, and I was awake all but 8 seconds. World Record.

However, now that the World Series is upon us I don't think I'll be able to avoid the games anymore. Yeah - I'll probably be watching through my fingers, but still, this is shaping up to be a great series. The Phillies seem like they have a team that could give the Yanks a run for their money. They've been hitting the piss out of the ball, and have the Series experience along with pitching, which could equate to confidence for them. I went to a Sox vs. Philly game earlier this year and gained a lot of respect for their fans and city, plus - they honestly probably have the best ballpark I've ever been to that's not called Fenway Park...sorry Wrigley. Also, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez were key contributors to me winning my fantasy baseball league this year, so I grew to love these guys, they're just dirty fun ballplayers, kinda like the Sox used to be.

Two Three Side Notes on the World Series I Find Beyond Compelling:

1. Cleveland fans must hate baseball with a deep loathing right now. Not only do they lose V-Mart this year, but they also have to watch their two prior studs BOTH start Game 1 of the World Series. Ouch.
2. I can't wait for Game 2. Seeing Pedro pitch against the Yankees in the new Stadium is going to be must see TV. I love Pedro, top three player all-time for me, and his story is great this year. The only reason Petey came out of retirement is because his Father asked him to pitch again for him on his death bed prior to passing away. Doesn't winning Game 2 over the Yankees just seem like his destiny? What a way for Pedro to go out if this is how he does it.
3. I hate A-Rod more than life - this is a known fact, how anyone can bring themselves to root for him is beyond me. Manny at least had some character, A-Rod is just the worlds largest D-Bag -Ugh, I just can't stand anything about him. Kate Hudson lost all respect from me. (I'm sure she loses sleep over this everynight) - Going from Chris Robinson to A-Rod is such a jump that there just isn't a mathematical equation to decipher. I have to admit though, his post-season has been absolutely tremendous in 2009 as he's been a complete monster. However, if he chokes in the World Series and the Yanks end up losing, everything he's worked to erase thus far would be forgotten, and it's this I'll be hoping for more than anything these upcoming games. To steal from every Yankee fans playbook prior to 2004: The Curse of the A-Rod LIVES, 2000! 2000! 2000!

OK, now back to my underground bunker, Top Chef re-runs are sure to be on.

Comments

[Neil]

one of the best posts i have read on here through the years.It's exactly how i feel right now.
GO GET EM PETEY!

[M@]

I truly hope that Irina makes it to the end and loses ;) Oh wait, we're talking about baseball :)

I think the matchup is about as even as it could be, with the weakness being the middle relievers. I live in NJ so I am in a bind...I don't want either team to win because each group will be equally annoying. I think I'm shying towards the Phils, mostly because I'd love to see my whole office moping around the whole off season because A-Clod blew it.

[Crusher]

Phillies in six. Agree with M@ last sentence...it was priceless, Priceless!, seeing the shock and despondence on the faces of all the Yankee fans in the office in 2004 (I work in mid-town Manhattan). Would like to see that again.

[Erik]

While I wont guarantee any WS victories against this particular opponent... I will say you are asking for alot. I see Pedro as more of a NL style pitcher now. The yankees always got to him in the past, even when he was the best pitcher in baseball, and I'd be surprised if he doesnt give up at least 3 or 4 runs and get run out of the game before the 7th. Not shocked... but surprised.
If anything is destiny... it would be the first season in the New House... and yet another Championship. That would shut you Boston clowns ;) up a bit, and maybe remind you of the reality of it all. Nothing was changing permanently. And the Yankees(barring that flop in 2004) always seem to get the numbers when they need them... get the drama when they need it... and pull things out in improbable fashions. You out of all people should know that. And as much as you'd like to lump this team in the with the previous 5 or 6 years teams... it's just not. We have a legit Stud for a Ace. Arod(And you hate this guy far too much... You dont watch every game and listen to every post game like I do... as much as I am not huge fan of his... he really has seemed to change. It's not just an act. People can change. if you are going to hate him for mashing and being a Yankee then so be it) anyway Arod is destroying all things made of white leather and red stitching. And this team has more chemistry then even your 2004 squad did... and thats factual.
Again... we are playing the Phillies... who are quite worthy... so to tell you the truth... if we do lose... I would be hurt, but not crushed to the point of no return. But I dont expect that to happen.
And lastly - despite how "bad for baseball" everyone thinks the Yankees are... as ratings show - love em or hate em - the Yankees are tremendous for baseball and are baseball as much as baseball is baseball. game 6, even with the atrocious post season scheduling and rain outs... got a 21 rating nationally, which is remarkable during a football sunday. In NY it got a 26+ rating.

Enjoy the games :) Oh and I have to admit the alarm waking you up with that exact phrase is so funy to me in a friendly sort of way. The same way i laughed at the picture of the "steal" you had up in the picture accompanying this article.

PS. We had that 1918 chant for 86 years...25 of which I was alive for... You had that awesome "Year 2000" chant for how long? What will be the next chant? I now what mine will be! haha hopefully.

[Kris]

Phillies in 5. Pedro dominates. CC Fatassia flails in Game 1. A-Rod does not flail, but still does not get his ring. Jimmy Rollins comes alive. Cliff Lee goes 7-strong, giving up 1 run...

[Derek Hixon]

After Game 1 of the 2009 World Series "The Curse of the A-Rod" is in full effect.

0-4 3 K's

Love it.

[j9]

Seriously how do you go from Chris Robinson to gay-rod?

Those pics you have linked say it ALL!

[Erik]

Haha Derek... you and Kris are hysterical. A-rod is going up against LEE who no one was hitting... and A really good Pedro throwing slow and slower stuff tonight. Come back after game 3 and 4 and then talk. You know deep down in your hearts you are fearing this 27th... your root root rooting with all your might, but your waiting for that other shoe to drop. The Boston curse... it will never go away. love it ;)
On another note... thanks for the Happy Birthday guys... Good to see we can separate fandom from reality, even during the WS in which the Yankees are playing and the Sox are playing Golf. haha.