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Dodgers Rip Heart out of New York, Again!

1958, the New York neighborhood of Brooklyn lost its heart and maybe its identity in the migratory move of the Dodgers baseball team to Los Angeles California. An expansion of the baseball world beyond the confines of the greater New York area.

Now, and again, in 2007 the Dodgers - more by default on the part of the Yankee's management - are migrating the heart and soul of a familiar and successful New York Yankees team out to the west coast. First the skipper, much loved among his coaches and players; Joe Torre is hired by the Dodgers and with that, an apparent siphon of talent and experience if not of champions.

Mattingly and Bowa flesh out a western Yankees coaching staff. What of the players that can, in their power, follow that lead and their hearts to a westward way - Rivera, Pettite, Posada. Who knows maybe even Joe can get Don Zimmer back. This will be a new Yankees. It has to be. There are areas and elements in the dynamics and functions of the team that will need to start over. A presence like Joe must have an effect without him, somewhat to an intensity or improvement there was with him.

A championship with the Yankees replanted in sunny southern California is not likely to change dispositions or results. We're in for a period of well made dynasties with core young players which teams are built around or the hot young upstarts that can keep it going through the World Series. Not aging stars in active retirement to sun and comfort. If Larussa and others can be believed the manager only has direct influence of about five to ten games a season. Girardi is no slouch. He's done well with lesser talent and budget, but then again New York is not one of a style for change, they like their baseball reliable and consistent.

This just may be a crumble of the walls of the evil empire with an exodus of blood and guts that put the performance on the field. It may put disenchantment in the self-assumed New York undeniable rights and expectation of victory.

Let's hope so. I'm an Orioles fan, what else do I have to hope for?

Learn more about this author, Chuck Moyer.
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