Sox, Twins succeed in own ways

By Deron Snyder
Fort Myers News Press

And so it's begun, the long march to October. Even the weather got in line Thursday night, with crisp, autumn-like conditions for a potential preview of the American League Championship Series.

The playoffs are a long way off, but there aren't many stops along the way. The Twins have games scheduled on 190 of the next 212 days, through the end of the regular season.

Perhaps as a bonus for winning the World Series, the Red Sox have an extra day off, 23 compared to the Twins' 22.

What, Boston's considerable edge in payroll isn't enough of an advantage over Minnesota?

Actually, we've got the best of both worlds here in Fort Myers, big money and small ball, each leading to championship teams. They opened Grapefruit League play — and battle for the Mayor's Cup — Thursday at City of Palms Park. Boston prevailed, 4-3.

Just like Goliath didn't have many fans, it's harder for impartial folks to root for the Sox, who spend nearly as much as George Steinbrenner's "Evil Empire." Of course we love it if OUR team has the resources to go after whomever it chooses.

But if you're going to pull for an outfit with deep pockets, you couldn't pick a better team than the Sox. They're fun and friendly, with a clubhouse full of personable, down-to-earth players. Just like the Twins, but with bigger paychecks.

You'll hear no complaints from Minnesota GM Terry Ryan. He's just thankful the Twins don't compete against Boston and the Yankees in the high-rent AL East.

"I have to be upfront about that," Ryan said. "I'd hate to go over and battle them for 19 games in the division like Toronto, Tampa Bay and Baltimore."

Boston provided a heartwarming story in breaking its 86-year-old curse. But the Sox can't tug the same strings as the Twins, who blew series leads against the Yankees in the past two postseasons. Nothing galvanizes fans like game underdogs holding their own against behemoths like the Bronx Bombers.

That's why it's such a joy having the Sox and Twins in town. We have two highly successful teams with distinctly different approaches, allowing us to appreciate the beauty in each.

Minnesota shows how limited revenue can be overcome by shrewd scouting, drafting and player development. The Twins don't make excuses like their small-market brethren. They keep the players they can, fill holes the best way possible, and don't miss a beat. Their tenacity and is admirable.

Boston shows how money spent wisely can pay off. The Sox haven't been wasteful like their fellow high-rollers. They keep the players they want, find the best replacements, and keep moving. Their might is impressive.

We're lucky to have such quality teams in town, although the schedule works against us this spring. There are six days when neither team plays at home, opposed to the normal two or three.

We can't have everything.