One Nation, not Under Red Sox

Hank Steinbrenner backed off his statements that were released the other day concerning Red Sox Nation. Hammerin' Hank said the whole thing was in good fun (we chose to believe it wasn't and wish he had stuck to his guns) concerning both ESPN and the Red Sox. We all know how the Peter Gammons led influence most certainly did build up the 3rd world power.

Sox owner John Henry, played the whole thing off humorously, voluntarily signing up the Jr. Boss as an official card carrying member of said nation. (We still haven't gotten over the MLB conspiracy that lead to Henry owning the Red Sox and the league running the Expos/Nationals). Hank respectfully declined Henry's invitation (you let us down Hank; should have told him to stick it) and told of the Steinbrenner's respect and admiration for their fellow owner. (Damn you all to Hell!)

"John used to be an owner of the Yankees and he's a great guy. My dad always loved the guy. I love him. Hal loves him. And he's done a tremendous job with the Red Sox. My only point was simple and that is that the Yankees brand is the biggest in the country. And everybody knows that. Obviously it's Yankees Nation. That's not meant as a cut to the Red Sox. In truth. I'm just not saying that to be nice - but John Henry has done an unbelievable job with the Red Sox brand.

Hank then hinted that the ownership of the two teams could be doing a business deal down the road. SAY WHAT? The new boss wouldn't specify what the business venture would be, but did rule out a super TV network (The "Empire" Network").

"Every Red Sox fan is and Yankee fan is. I can tell you this, we've got a lot in common, too. The Yankees ownership and Red Sox ownership have a lot in common and have a lot of common interests. God, I hate to scare Red Sox or Yankee fans, but you never know we might end up being partners in the future outside of baseball. We have a lot in common. We have a lot in common. In baseball and outside of baseball. Even though the rivalry will always be the greatest rivalry in American sports, you can say that the Yankees and Red sox ownerships are definitely friends. No question."

Just when we were totally feeling queasy, Hank brought us back to life like a glass of cool water.

Steinbrenner reiterated, "I'm not gonna join Red Sox Nation - honorary or not. I'll respond to that later. Trust me, I'm never gonna join Red Sox Nation."

That's more like it!