The Sommer Frieze

So what will 2010 bring? For one thing, it’s tough to repeat. You know Boston and Tampa will come full bore.

There is a reason repeating is hard…ask the 1996 Braves or the 2009 Phillies…both of whom ran into the Yankees.

Ask the 1978 Yanks, who need one of the greatest comebacks ever to do it.

Since 1978, only the 1992-1993 Blue Jays and the 1998-2000 Yanks have repeated. With the three-tiered playoff system, it gets harder. Of course the 2001 Yanks came thisclose to four in a row.

Nope, next year won’t be easy. An aging team will be a little older. You don’t know how long a Jeter, Posada or Rivera can maintain their excellence, and who knows about Damon, Pettitte or Matsui…three free agents.

It’ll be a challenge. It always is.