I once read an article about the true “cost to own” a late model (used) Ferrari. As I watched the Yankees last night, albeit on a night they won, it reminded me of this article.

A Ferrari is a street legal race car in Michaelangelo skin. A perfect blend of art, technology, and history. When new, a Ferrari is flawless: Each component executes its job to perfection. Collectively, the components harmonize to create an unmatched driving experience that is as beautiful as it is thrilling. Art in motion.

While enjoying every minute of driving a Ferrari, something else is happening: the number on the odometer is increasing. Oh, no….mileage. To create a driving experience worthy of a Ferrari nameplate, each component is highly-tuned, delicate, special, exotic……….fragile. Each component is selected and designed to work in perfect harmony with the others, and when one component breaks the overall experience suffers.

A Ferrari ages much faster than more common production vehicles from Toyota, Ford, or Honda (1:3 mile ratio; So a 30,000 mile Ferrari is like a 90,000 mile Honda). In the first couple years of ownership, minor parts break. But on a Ferrari, “minor” does not equate to “inexpensive”. How does $2,700.00 for two rear tires and an oil/coolant change at 15,000 miles sound? $600.00 for a windshield washer nozzle?

If you’re driving a Ferrari, fixing these parts is a no-brainer. A drop in the bucket.

As mileage increases, bigger, more critical parts break. For a while, raw mass captial must be thrown at the car to keep it performing. Until it’s time to drop the car on some unassuming first time Ferrari owner in favor a newer more exotic and MORE fragile model.

The Yankees are similiar to a Ferrari. Cars are similiar to baseball.

In the early years, the Yankees snapped a Mariano Duncan and a Boggs was completely worn out. So they dropped in a brand new Knoblauch and fitted a Brosius. Then, for good measure, they upgraded their Wetteland with a high-performance part (Rivera). Those worked great for a while. Then the Tino was replaced and the O’Neill couldn’t handle another mile of abuse.

We broke some critical parts the manufacturer doesn’t even produce anymore. We continually searched the aftermarket looking for a suitable replacement, until we just threw a old Pettitte back in.

Braves = BMW

Mets = Lincoln

Boston = Dodge Magnum

Ohh, almost forgot: A Ferrari costs $10.97 a mile to own compared to Toyota’s $.37 cents. (Oakland = Toyota)