I’m not a big fan of her movies, but Mike’s comments are dead on.  She seems to have provided a sense of sanity to A-Rod’s life which has him relaxed and enjoying his place on the team and playing baseball again.  Gone are the careerist type moves, distracting antics which wind up in the News and the Post and all the rest of it.  She is there to cheer him on and from pictures I have seen – she seems to genuinely enjoy it. 

Joe is right too.  They are having fun but are still professional.  Remember 1996 (I’m not comparing the two teams – they are different), but they had fun as well.  Remember Mariano Duncan’s rallying cry “We Play Today, We Win Today… Das it!”  Remember Gerald Williams and Bernie Williams racing each other to see who can get to the dugout first.  The smile and humor of Tim Raines keeping everyone loose on the bench.  Jeter rubbing Zimmer’s forehead.  The 2009 installment of the team is different – Joe is right, they are handsomely paid and have the best players at some of their positions.  But there is a loose attitude which I was driving at the other day which boosts my confidence.  I’ll admit, I never would have thought it given the manager’s personality.  I still think the coaching staff is somewhat lacking and they make me nervous in a tight playoff game.  But that’s my worry for next week.