A tale of 2 teams

Saturday night's World Series opener between the American League's New York Yankees and National League's Arizona Diamondbacks pits two teams against each other with very different paths to the championship series. \nThe Yankees eventually ran away with their division, yet came into the playoffs as underdogs against the wild card team. And to top it all off, the Yankees lost the first two games in the best of five series against the Oakland Athletics and had to go to Oakland for the next two games. Season over for the three-time defending champions, right? \nThat's where you are wrong. The Yankees go on to win three in a row and take the series, heading into the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, the team that tied the record for most wins in the regular season. This time, the Yankees have met their match, right? Wrong, the Yanks shut down the vaunted Seattle offense and smacked around their pitchers, taking the series in five games. And its back to the World Series for those boys from the Bronx.\nThe Diamondbacks had a harder time during the regular season, winning their division in the last week of the season. Then, after struggling with the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round but winning out in five games, they made short work of perennial NL playoff team the Atlanta Braves behind the best 1-2 punch of starting pitching that many have ever seen, Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson. So, in a short four years of existence, the Diamondbacks are making their first trip to the World Series. \nAnd therein lies the other difference between the two teams. The Yankees have a storied past, and the World Series trophy has easily spent more time in their control than any other team. They might as well have their own wing in the Hall of Fame, given all the players that have worn the pinstripes. The reason for their success? They grow their own talent. Many of their big name players are honed directly from their farm system. Tack on the fact that ownership is willing to make the trade or sign the free agent to put them over the top, and you have the epitome of the perfectly run sports team. \nThe Diamondbacks are the opposite. Coming into existence only four years ago, they have followed the blueprint put in place by the Florida Marlins a few years ago by signing several big name free agents to gain success early on. Also, trading the few prospects that they have for older, more established players now adds to the ability of the team. So, while perhaps mortgaging their future for the short term might not be the best idea, I'm sure the people of Phoenix are happy with the results. Of course, having Schilling and Johnson in their rotation also helps their cause. \nSo, what will happen in the Series? Will old school rule over new school? Will history and experience prove more important than new blood and excitement? It says here that in this battle, the new school comes out on top in six. It's hard to argue against a team with as much experience as the Yankees, but home field advantage and the combination of Schilling and Johnson will prove too much for the Yankees and prevent them from grabbing their fourth straight title. No fear though Yankee fans, there's always next year.