Yankees vs Red Sox: The Rivalry Breathes New Life

For the first time in the past ten years, the Boston Red Sox begin the 2008 Baseball Season as the AL East Champions. They begin this year as World Champions. As for their hated rivals down 1-95 South, the Yankees begin the year in unfamiliar territory—chasing. Finishing second in the East in 2007 has put the Yankees in the position of underdog. This effect will only add to the intrigue that Yankees-Red Sox affairs involve.  Here's a look at the new faces to this rivalry. In Joe Girardi, NY now has a manager who is fiery and will not allow the Sox pitchers to throw at Yankees batters whenever they feel like it.  Can any Yankee fan remember Joe Torre kicking dirt over home plate and spitting in an umpires face? I doubt it, but come this year, that won't be so unusual. Girardi is a hands-on, in-game type of manager. A complete turn around from the laid back style that Torre used. Now to the faces of this rivalry.  The Yankees will have Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, ... [link]