I would say the “peak years” were from 96-98. Having said that, I think they got good returns for Griffey and Johnson.

I would think it would be a combination of things. But sticking to 96-00 (less research for me to do), the Yanks did the following

Wins
96: 2nd
97: 2nd
98: 1st
99: 1st
00: 5th

Runs Scored
96: 870 (9th)
97: 891 (2nd)
98: 965 (1st)
99: 900 (3rd)
00: 871 (6th)

Runs Allowed
96: 787 (3rd)
97: 688 (2nd)
98: 655 (1st)
99: 731 (2nd)
00: 814 (4th)

Defensive Efficiency
96: 11th
97: 8th
98: 1st
99: 3rd
00: 4th

Define “setting apart?” Of those 5 years, the Yanks had the best AL record twice, they’ve had a strong offense, they’ve had strong pitching staff (at least when it comes to preventing runs), and they’ve been all over the map defensively (allowing for defensive metrics being what they are).

I would say the dynasty teams had a combination of being lucky and good.

Of course, it goes without saying that the numbers could be drilled down even further, but I have only so much time.

The closest, I would think would be the M’s, with Griffey & Rodriguez.

Of course, the question needs a bit of clarification, are we talking playoff contenders, or World Championship ballclubs? HOF caliber players, or very good players?

I wish I could answer that question. But it brings to my mind exactly why the 96-00 dynasty was so successful. Stick brought in, partly out of luck and partly skill, what ended up as HOF, or close to, players at the most important positions: C (starting in 98), CF, and SS plus an otherworldly closer (luck) and a very good starter (Pettitte).

What’s the last team to develop the first three?

I agree completely.

They’re also making over $100 million this year. No, I don’t feel bad for them.

Especially in the context of the position before Jeter arrived… Tony Fernandez, Kevin Elster, Spike Owen, Mike Gallego, Alvaro Espinosa, etc, etc, etc…

You do realize that SS is a relatively easy position to fill, right? If the Yanks were worried about SS, they could’ve gone out and signed Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria or Omar Vizquel. Or they could’ve traded for another SS. Or they could’ve moved a player to another position.

Just because you don’t agree with the options presented or “the plan” doesn’t mean that there wasn’t one in place.

I see it – and this is becomign a motif for me I guess – as part of the downside of being the NY Yankees, or A New York Yankee. Everything gets magnified. Patience doesn’t exist. A slump can destroy. Anything less than a World Series demands apologies. The stadium falls into this issue, seems to me.

You can argue, actually I guess I would, that with great power comes great responsibility. With the Yankee income stream, with Cashman’s money to spend, with Teixeira’s salary … but there are no guarantees in sport, and this team has missed the playoffs ONCE in umpteen years. And they play in a glorious, killer division now.

If this stadium stuff is about the home runs, the wind tunnel, I find it silly. Buildings like this always need tweaking, from opera house acoustics to shifting fences or raising them two feet. (To hide the portly tenor!) It isn’t hard to do. Same with Monument Park, PR gaffes … though the latter do suggest someone needs to get on their game sooner!

Trost is completely expendable because his whole raison d’etre as far as the Yankees are concerned was getting the stadium built. Now it’s built…so he’s not really needed for anything anymore. Levine will someday outlive his usefulness as well, I just don’t know if it will be anytime soon.

Levine annoys me more than Trost because at least Trost never pretends to know anything about on-field issues. He’s a businessman plain and simple. Levine has it in his head that people are interested in his opinions on roster management.

A major league executive tells 1050 that he would not be surprised if the Yankees’ stadium debacle costs someone their job.

COO Lonn Trost has been out front on the new Stadium. Trost reports to the team president Randy Levine. When something goes as wrong as the new stadium has, there is usually fallout. The exec says one or both could lose their jobs over it.

Also, with regard to Molina vs. Navarro, I thought we were talking about Posada’s replacement, not his back up.

Finally, you keep dismissing RJ, but he did contribute to two division titles. I don’t think that should be so easily dismissed.

As for being prolific and passionate, I wish every poster was like that. That doesn’t mean you have to resort to personal insults. What’s more, when did the “operator of the website” defend my rights? I wasn’t aware of it. Also, why do you present that as some kind of negative event. If anyone pointed out to me that my method of engagement was uncivil, I would readily apologize and seek to invite dialogue, not criticism.