It's that time of October again. That time when the sports world focuses on baseball and forgets about everything else. That time when all eyes are watching the culmination of another year of "America's Pastime" being played out in the World Series.

Only it doesn't seem to be that time of year. Instead, while two California teams battle it out for baseball's biggest prize, the rest of the country has practically ignored the sport's grandest of stages.

Why has there been such little attention this year? Well, for one thing it's the Angels and Giants. Though both teams had great years, neither was able to capture a division title, but instead got into the playoffs via the wild card.

As a result, these teams haven't gotten as much press, besides for Barry Bonds' freak show, and many casual observers don't know much about them. In fact, many people don't even know who is in the World Series and thus, haven't developed a real affinity for either team. Americans love to root for the underdog, but who are they supposed to root for when there are two of them?

With the better known teams getting knocked out of the playoffs early; many fans lost interest. There were the young and upcoming Oakland A's, the thrifty Twins, the perennial threat Braves (who gagged earlier than usual this year, probably removing some of the postseason drama), the sympathy-laden Cardinals, the defending champion Diamondbacks, and finally, the hated Yankees. Fans concerned themselves with these six teams mainly, while the two teams that have survived to this point quietly slipped by, even when they knocked out baseball's big boys.

Apparently it isn't as the Yankees and other big- spending teams' absence from this World Series has taken the air out of baseball's sails. Though the Yankees are either loved or hated it cannot be denied that their presence in the World Series draws notice. This is because the Yankees' participation in the Fall Classic guarantees full attention from the baseball world, since everyone would be either rooting for them or against them. I'm not saying that the Yanks should be involved every year although being from New York I wouldn't mind it É What I am saying is perhaps it's time for the Yankee-haters to stop condemning the historic franchise for all the problems that it has supposedly caused baseball and time to instead recognize how the team actually benefits the game.

It's no coincidence that in the Yankees absence there has been a temporary stop in the griping from smaller market team owners and fans. This isn't to say that San Fran and Anaheim aren't decently big markets, but they certainly aren't New York and they certainly have lower payrolls than the Yankees.

This just goes to show once again that this griping may be unwarranted. Contrary to many peoples' beliefs, you don't need a fat wallet to win. The Twins and Angels among others have proven that this year. Meanwhile the Yankees, the team with the highest payroll, was eliminated in the first round. I didn't hear much complaining after that.

The point is, the Yankees and their infamous owner George Steinbrenner are not bad for baseball. On the contrary they are actually good for the game. As mentioned the Yankees draw a huge amount of attention for the sport. This creates money for all teams since to revenue sharing is a part of major league baseball.

The Yankees also shouldn't be criticized for the transactions that they have made in establishing the dynasty that has dominated baseball for the past decade. The Yankees are simply the best at running a team under the current structure of the labor contract. Do they have and spend the most money? Yes. Is that the only reason why they are good though? No.

The Yankees have made some brilliant moves including keeping the talent they have developed over the years, including the likes of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Bernie Williams. They have also worked hard in scouting and have signed some key free agents that other teams passed on such as Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and this year's MVP candidate, Alfonso Soriano. Finally, they have made some big trades such as acquiring the clutch pitching of David Cone in 1995 and the clutch hitting of Scott Brosius in 1998. It is important to mention these trades especially, since it's not like the Yankees have been stealing these players from other teams, but have in fact given up a lot in return to get them. For example, in the deal that brought Chuck Knoblauch over from Minnesota, the Bronx Bombers gave up future all-stars Eric Milton and Christian Guzman, two key components during Minnesota's magical season this year.

It is a misconception that the Yankees' amazing run has been built on the basis of buying other teams' star free agents. The Yankees have really made only two such moves in recent history. Two years ago, they signed veteran pitcher Mike Mussina, formerly of the Orioles, and they caused a huge commotion before this season with the signing of 2000 American League MVP Jason Giambi of the Oakland A's. As great as these two players are, it's important to note that the Yankees haven't won a World Series since the signing of either of these players.

Though this is only a two-year period it is considered a drought in Yankee-land where the team had won three straight World Series titles from 1998-2000. Another point to recognize is the A's success this year in the absence of the big bat of Giambi. Also, other franchises such as the Rangers and Red Sox this year have shelled out major cash without earning back wins, further evidence that more spending doesn't necessarily lead to more victories and that the Yankees have not ruined baseball as many have claimed.

So before the same new complaints arise next year, let's all remember who is in the World Series this year, or maybe more importantly, who is not. Baseball isn't in the greatest shape that it could be in, and there are still flaws even in the newest labor agreement, which still didn't address key issues such as the implementation of a salary cap.

But based on the contenders this year it appears that baseball is becoming more competitive, something that opponents of teams like the Yankees yearn for. In theory this should lead to a wider range of fans, but so far it hasn't. Overall, at least another strike was averted this year and they are still playing ball. However, it seems that no one is currently noticing.