From Bob Klapisch:Eleven years ago, the Yankees were forced to fight their way to a championship. Today’s bunch are living even larger, having smoked the Twins and, so far, outperformed the Angels in brutal conditions in Games 1 and 2.You could argue that the ’98 team was great precisely because of how they responded at the moment of truth — like Hemingway heroes. But what if no one is tough enough to give the 2009 Yankees a fight?Mike Scioscia keeps pumping up his failing team, reminding reporters after the 13-inning loss in Game 2, “The momentum in this series can swing in a heartbeat.” Still, the street-smart Scioscia knows time is running out. His core players — Torii Hunter, Vlad Guerrero and Chone Figgins – all froze (or choked, your choice) in the NFL-like conditions.Until they prove otherwise, the Angels are proving to be the billboard of California sensibility: seamlessly constructed, progressive, hip – and soft. What the Angels need is their own version of El Duque. Maybe ...
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