I usually write about the Red Sox. Lately, it hasn't been that exciting to write about a first-place team - with an explosive offense.

They are great, fun and aren't yet hitting all cylinders yet. I wish I could stay away from metaphoric cliches.

So for a change of pace, I'll take a look at the enemy. No, not the Indians, who the Sox face tonight. Instead, we turn our heads to New York.

I've heard fans chanting "Yankees Suck!" in stands in Fenway Park for years. I've heard it in Minnesota while the Sox were playing the Twins. I've even heard it at Boston Celtic games.

I have never uttered these words. In the past, I felt it was inaccurate. This is a team that has 26 World Championships to their credit. They have an All Star at every position except second and well, now, centerfield (although Bernie Williams has been there before). But I'm starting to believe.

I realize it is early. I realize that they are not really that far behind the Sox. But this team just doesn't have what it takes to be champions anymore. It's not the talent, it's a matter of philosophy.

I watched ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. I witnessed a team with no spirit.

The Mets' Kris Benson rolled through the lineup with ease for six innings. And then I could hear a pulse, albeit faint.

Yes, there was a series of hits. And in the bottom of the ninth, one could see A-Rod call time to celebrate his double. Yea A-Rod. His emphatic clapping was a bit much.

After making numerous mistakes for a whole week, I, too, like to jump up from my desk and exclaim "I'm great." My colleagues love it. Many of whom show their enthusiasm with the often misread rolling of the eyes.

But where I work we have a plethora of role players. Each takes on different tasks to make the site(s) work to the best of their ability. No one knows everything. We each bring a little something different to the table, balancing the department. Here, I can look to a co-worker for support and they will jump to my aid.

The Yankees are missing this. The Yankees are too proud to ask for help. In fact, Sheffield's ejection Sunday, proved this. The New York Times writes, "Sheffield's ejection exposed Yanks lack of depth."

Everyone is a star in New York. When that many stars collide it causes a deep hole. And although the New York Daily News says the "Yankees want trades", a trade or two will not fill the void.

I would rather the Yankees be competitive, sharp, excited, polished. Instead, dust is settling around them.

Fans in New York sit on the edge of seats not for a win but to see who Randy Johnson will bark at next. During Sunday's game it was Joe Torre. The Daily News reports "he got a faceful from the Unit." Two weeks ago it was his catcher Joe Flaherty. And before that he didn't want Jorge Posada to catch for him.

They deplete the farm system to get star players. When those aging stars, all prima donas, don't perform they have no one to tunr to. No offense, Kevin Reese.

The pressure on those rookies must be tremendous. When those rookies fail, as they are sure to do in that environment, more damage is done than is necessary.

So, last night they escaped, as Vic Zeigel wrote; Mike Lupica will tell you it means nothing and the Post's Joel Sherman says it's no big deal.

I would agree with them all. Steinbrenner can call all the meetings he wants. (See today's New York Post story) Until New York starts treating what causes the disease, they'll never see another championship.

They have got to stop buying players, rebuild their farm system and take a page out of Theo Epstein's playbook. I'm not worried; it will never happen.

Joe Torre is not a mad scientist. He can't mix up a concoction to mend the chemistry. And that team needs a happy potion.

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