Intangibles Big Key in Yankees Success
By Mike Silva ~ November 8th, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Joel Sherman has a great piece this morning about how “mystique and aura” played a huge part in the success of the 2009 Yankees. This certainly will not sit well with the “anti intangibles” crowd that seems to believe everything comes together at the altar of Bill James.
Sherman talks about the difference in Girardi versus Torre, how General Joe learned from some 2008 mistakes, the “divide” that existed between the have titles and have not’s in the locker room, and the team simply having fun.
This quote from Brian Cashman should be read very carefully because it speaks volume:
“A lot of things were going on [in the clubhouse] that were not good, a lot of separation,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “A lot of players came here and thought it was going to be one thing, and it wasn’t what they thought. We worked on a lot of different levels to clean it up.”
Another huge point in the season actually happened before opening day. I agree with Sherman that the steroid allegations and subsequent hip injury gave A-Rod perspective about his baseball mortality. He seemed more relaxed and at peace with himself after his return and never detracted from the team’s goal of winning the title. For the first time in his Yankees career he didn’t become bigger than the Yankees in the locker room.
Having everyone on the same page and focused is just as important as bringing in Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett. Of course chemistry doesn’t matter if you can’t turn to a big game pitcher in the playoffs. Regardless, many players just as good, if not better, than the aforementioned trio have come and failed here on the big stage. Can they keep the mojo going? Age is certainly against them and who knows if this team can maintain the level of camaraderie and hunger their nineties counterparts sustained over a five year period. They also must hope the young players can continue to improve and step into larger roles. That is as big a question mark as any going into 2010.
In any event I hope those that frequently come here and bash the notion of intangibles start to take a step back and process a very important part of success in baseball.
Listen to our Yankees World Series recap show tonight at 8pm.
