"Is the reign of the New York Yankees over?"

I have said for about four years that the Yankees domination is over. In my opinion it started when the Red Sox made a 0-3 comeback in the ALCS in 2004. At that point a few other franchises began to match the spending that the Yankees have been notoriously proud of.

Not many baseball players want to play in New York anymore. First of all this is the only franchise to still have active players that have tested positive for steroids, and admitted to the use of steroids publicly. That is plenty of reason to not want to put your name in that mix. The New York media expects a World Series title every year, which is fair I suppose when the payroll is over $200 million a year(Highest in the league every season).

Since the passing of George Steinbrenner, R.I.P., his son Hank has done a fine job of wasting money and scouting poorly. He has allowed his emotions as a fan to cloud his judgement as a business owner to make the best decisions for the franchise.

If the New York players and New York media would express more appreciation for the talent they possess then maybe players wouldn't be so intimidated or turned-off to the idea of signing with the Yankees.

The lack of discipline for the big name players has clearly been a strain on the clubhouse, mainly Alex Rodriguez for an example. His most recent behavior and comments speak for itself, as well as his lack of production since his steroid ordeal.

The way that the front office signs guys for a couple months and tosses them away after they're done with you has opened players eyes as well. Ichiro and Ibanez will see that soon enough. The franchise promises these guys a World Series and a solid contract for big money, then turns their back on them at re-signing time. I have no sympathy for the players who get fooled into going to New York, they do end up with a great chance to get a World Series ring, but whether you do or not, the Yankees don't care about you. Guys like Hideki Matsui have been dropped when they are still productive players.

In the end of it all, the New York Yankees have treated their players poorly, allowing glamour, fame, and fortune... only to recycle them thru free agency and other franchises.

I am happy to see the arrogant fans and players get cut down to size, as well as seeing the playing field achieve some balance of competition around the league.

The Yankees have been a great franchise as far as winning is concerned, but definitely lacking in human relations.

They have put themselves on such a high pedestal that it has become a problem for the game of baseball. In the last decade, many franchises have competed financially with New York, as well as players having more desire for beating the Yankees instead of playing for them. The fact that the Yankees have received more "wiggle-room" for the intentional breaking of MLB rules and regulations than any club in the history of the league by players and executives is despicable.

Bud Selig almost ruined baseball by assisting the Yankees, allowing steroid use to be over-looked for their players and no other teams, as well as allowing them to routinely break the salary limitations has been a strain on the game's fan base and overall economy.

Is the Yankees reign over? YES!

I would like to say Thank You to baseball franchise owners for going the extra mile to compete, and ultimately defeat the New York Yankees in the salary battle. You have helped to make it enjoyable to watch the MLB playoffs and the World Series again! It's nice to know that there are 30 teams in baseball, not just the New York Yankees.

As a baseball fan, I am happy that all teams can compete on a level playing field for the most part now-a-days.

Now if we can just get some press coverage for other teams as well, then America's Past-Time will be exactly that once more!!