WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS NEW YORK YANKEES!

What a relief to finally be over. The Yanks have had an amazing season - hand down, the most fun and exciting I've ever watched. The new stadium, the walk-offs, the new arms pitching, the new bats swinging, the dramatic storylines on-field and off.

I was abroad during the All-Star game, but got to catch yet another AL win. And when we got home a few days later, the boys were just crushing it. By the end of July, everyone had the sense that they were, without a doubt, THE contender in 2009. They kept the momentum going into September, such that most people I talked to were nervous they'd burn themselves out before the ALS even started.

Instead, they just plowed through the Twins. They outsmarted and played tighter ball than the Angels. And they had the whole team producing over the 1-pitching-and-1-hitting Phillies. It was surprising to see such a strong team falter as they defended the title - I think we all expected less nerves getting in their way. (It's not like Ryan Howard can't light up the Yankee starters normally.)

When it's all said and done, the Yankees absolutely earned this. And it's been a while since we've all experienced this, so in one way, it's a weight off. The missus was concerned back in March because I was getting so excited for the season to start, having watched both me and the Yanks crumble over the past 3 seasons. But not no more!

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS NEW YORK YANKEES