DUGOUT: Yankees can credit title to wise spending

For the 27th time in baseball history, the New York Yankees are World Series champions.

Say what you want about an inflated payroll, inherent advantages, and the need for a salary cap, but there is no denying that the 2009 Yankees were an awfully talented club. Granted, money was a contributing factor to this World Series title. The fact remains, however, that New York has had access to unseemly sums of cash for many seasons prior to this one, yet have just one championship this century.

What made 2009 different?

The Yankees have always spent more than every team, with many acquisitions not performing as expected. This year, though, New York spent $423.5 million dollars ($12 million less than the payroll of the entire AL Central) on three players: CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and AJ Burnett.

Signing these three was crucial for New York’s success this season, and each was worth every penny to Yankee fans. The addition of two top-notch starting pitchers and a Gold Glove first baseman paved the way to 57 home wins and a combined 162 more runs than their opponents.

Of course, there’s also the Alex Rodriguez factor. From the admission of steroid use to the hip surgery and awkwardness that followed, A-Rod had a fairly miserable spring. When he returned, though, Rodriguez appeared to have morphed into a different player. From the first swing of his bat to his last — both home runs — Rodriguez appeared to have complete control over the skeletons in his closet during the regular season.

Being outed as a steroid user may have allowed A-Rod to finally relax and play to his full potential this postseason. Despite being renowned for his lack of a World Series ring and his failures under pressure, Rodriguez batted .365/.500/.808 this October (and November) and was a key factor in the Yankees’ 27th World Series title.

In the end, though, the clinching out recorded on Nov. 4 in Yankee Stadium was a product of hard work, lucky breaks and wise investments.

Matsui’s MVP

The World Series MVP was awarded to an unlikely character: a 35-year-old designated hitter with two unreliable knees who had trouble starting consecutive games. Hitting .274/.367/.509 during the regular season, Hideki Matsui wasn’t on the field for one defensive out this year.

Used mainly as a pinch hitter, Matsui hit an impressive .615/.643/1.385 against the Phillies in this World Series. His best game, though, came when the Yankees needed it the most: Game 6.

Hitting a single, doubl, and home run, Matsui knocked in six of New York’s seven runs, tying a World Series record. Matsui is the first designated hitter to ever win the award, and his performance certainly makes him appear deserving. But was there someone more worthy of the World Series MVP?

Chase Utley hit five home runs this postseason, and was a main reason why the Phillies managed to survive until Game 6. Even though his team lost, many feel Utley was deserving of the MVP Award. Few players in baseball history have enjoyed as solid of a World Series as Utley did, and some felt that he should be rewarded.

I would beg to differ. Matsui, 35, has been the consummate professional during his seven-year career. Coming from Japan in 2003, Matsui’s idol was Babe Ruth and his ultimate dream was to play for the Yankees.

2009 is the last year in Matsui’s contract, and it appears the Yankees are ready to move on. The historic showing Matsui put on in Game 6 could very well be the last time he steps into a batter’s box while wearing those pinstripes.

I realize I’m a sucker for feel-good stories, but I have absolutely no problem with Matsui winning the World Series MVP. It seems the least we can do for a player who just gave the mother of all goodbyes.

Andrew Kneeland is a junior at the Arizona Virtual Academy. He is an intern at the Green Valley News.