Tip of Yanks cap to Francona, Epstein

As a Yankees fan this is tough to write, but I think we owe a debt of gratitude to departed Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona and soon to be Cubbie GM Theo Epstein.

Why?

The pair did such an excellent job in their roles with the Red Sox they maintained, and in some ways, heated up the top rivalry in sports. Think about it, although I know it hurts to, as Francona and Epstein guided the team to not one but two World Series titles.

One championship you could write off as a fluke, say the Red Sox were due … they certainly were … or even say they were lucky. But two championships means the Red Sox were the best team in baseball … twice.

Believe me, it hurts to write that and I hope I haven’t lost you yet as this part is also true. The Yankees have thrived due to the competition from Boston, winning championship No. 27 and going to the playoffs every year but one. To borrow a word from their cross-town team the Yanks have been “Amazin’!”.

It’s hard to imagine the Red Sox could hire a better duo than Francona and Epstein when they replace the pair.

But in some ways I root for the continued success of the Boston franchise. Just no more championships would also be fine with me. Let’s go Red Sox! (sorta).