I and others are actually handicapped in understanding this because we seem to be actual sports fans who know something about baseball.
The biggest problem with the analogy is not equating SU with the Yankees. It's equating Gonzaga with a Triple A team. Triple A players are generally a clear cut below the Major Leaguers. If they weren't, they would be in the Majors and not AAA. Even the best, hottest AA players struggle when they initially get up the "The Show".
If you wanted an analogy that actually worked and SU had to be the NYY, than Gonzaga should be Toronto. A historical power vs. an up-and-comer. (My non-sports interested wife would be able to identify the Yanks as a historically great franchise, but I doubt she knows there are any teams in Canada.)
Equating SU as the NYY does work at one level, but it makes the opposite point that the author would like to make. The Yankees haven't finished 1st in their Division in 4 years, In two of the 3 past years, they have ended the season 12 games out of first.
Weh I finished reading the analogy, I couldn't imagine what the guy was talking about. How is Gonzaga a AAA team?
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But now, with your help, I think I have it. The article is written for a different audience. My wife.