Watchdog

Just got my first edition of the new-look Sporting News in the mail, and naturally turned first to my favorite all-time magazine columnist - Hank Steinbrenner.

Here's Hank on Yankees injuries and looking ahead to next year and the media's lack of understanding:

"It obviously would be disappointing to miss the playoffs in the final season at Yankee Stadium, but you can't expect miracles. Not when we've been hit by injuries like that. It's not an excuse; it's reality.

"Most of the national media is full of Yankee haters. That's why I have to point out the injuries - because the media sweep that under the rug and say we're playing poorly. But next year, in the new stadium, we'll be much better."

Yikes! But what about the Rays missing their two best hitters and still . . . oh, never mind.

I love Hank's last two graphs:

"When we leave for the final time, the family and I will take some things with us. But we'll leave some things behind, including perhaps the biggest mystery of all:

"How did George Costanza last as long as he did here?"