Kuzul

In football, they say defense wins championships. In baseball, that can be translated to pitching wins World Series.

Pitching is the most vital aspect of a team’s success. A few shutdown pitchers can lead a team to greatness.

The New York Yankees of the last two decades are known for a strong offense, but it was a solid pitching staff that got them the gold.

Many wearing the pinstripes have stepped on the rubber at the house that Ruth built (and the house that George built) over the last 20 years, but few have done enough to be remembered.

Here is the tribute to those who contributed to the Yankee dynasty.

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In a strange turn of events, an unknown source reports that Joe Buck paid off Lance Berkman.  The bounty was placed to hit a line drive off Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez while the superstar wasn’t paying attention.

Buck, known by many as a Yankee hater, allegedly told the struggling Berkman he would give him $75,000 if he hit a screaming line drive that hit A-Rod, while Buck would distract A-Rod by talking to him. Rodriguez is now considered day-to-day. 

Berkman, as of August 6th, is 2-for-19 in five games. 

It is unclear why Berkman would agree to go through with this idea, since he is making over $10 million this year, and has an option for over $14 million next season. 

When approached by reporters, Buck said, “I didn’t do anything wrong. But I still hate the Yankees.”

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com