I hear ya Jethro - I remember the pictures of The Mick pregame having his legs wrapped from thigh to ankle - going out there leading by example/giving his all for the team. Everyone at TYB has ostracized Ellsbum - he should just admit he's done as a player. The only consolation is insurance is paying for his contract. After Stanton's recent interview, I'm totally confused - he talks about his blown out whatever. Injuries are part of the game - but fielding an All-Star DL and still putting a team on the diamond to keep us in contention is awesome. These kids are so much fun to watch.
As for Bird, I've given up on ever having him for a full season even when he plays he doesn't contribute much - having Luke takes away some of that anger.
In time you'll know that my passion for the Yanks runs deep but I temper some frustration with compassion - called mellowing with age (74 next month & a Yank for 68)