Everybody not a Yankee fan hates the Yankees - mainly because they are paying ridiculous prices to these guys, driving prices up, when the actual game is on the field. If the best a fan can say is "well they are playing within the rules" then that is your last defense. This sport needs a salary cap. Paying players who play once every 5 days astronomical numbers, who *may* get you 20 wins in a 162 game season is simply ludicrous. Did I mention this sport needs a salary cap? Also, please note, you will never get a non-Yankee fan to even respect that team. The storied history and any championship rings don't help your argument any longer... it is neither passion nor pride of the team that drives these players today.
One of the most repeated lines across forums... "with that salary, it will be funny when they fail to make the playoffs again". It must feel like Christmas every off-season with that wallet of Steinbrenner's, but have you guys no shame? What I'm saying is, nobody is really envious especially because of the tactics. I know you can't help being a fan but don't have any illusions as to their reputation with other fans these days.
I don't mean to come off harsh, but I felt the need to paint reality for life-long Yankee fans who can't see from the outside.