Numbers Game

Here are some numbers for you.

35. 37.35.39.35.37.34.

What do these numbers represent? The respective ages of Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Hideki Matsui, Mariano Rivera, Judas Damon, Andy Pettitte, and A-Fraud. And we're supposed to believe that this sewing circle is going to win 95 or more games to take the AL East? They'll be lucky to make it through June without half these guys breaking down due to their advanced age.

That's five of nine starters at age 34 or more. And since A-Rod can't hit the boli any more, how much longer will he keep posting those great numbers he generates by hitting homers in blowout games when they don't matter?

Looking at the Red Sox, they have two starters at age 34 or more; Lowell and Varitek. But five of their remaining seven starters are age 30 or under. And three of those five players (Jed Lowrie, Jacoby Ellsbury and AL MVP Dustin Pedroia) are 25 or younger.

Why does all this matter? Because come August, the youngsters at Fenway will be more likely to still be playing at a high level while most of the Yankees will be complaining about aching joints, rubbing Ben Gay on their knees and bemoaning the lack of greenies. The Yankees have been playing a dangerous game, hoping to capture one more title before their lineup implodes. Well, it's too late now. And with their bottom-third farm system, they don't have the young players necessary to fill in when the gray-hairs break down.

I can't wait to see how this plays out in The House that Taxpayer Money Built.