Character does count.
We had no problem losing to them because they give and earn respect. The Yankees are a team woven from the varied characters of Don Mattingly, Joe Torre, Paul O'Neill , David Cone , Derek Jeter , Joe Girardi and Tino Martinez . But they are not alone. The Braves have been the most dominant National League team for a decade partly because of their superb starting pitching and partly because Bobby Cox and their leader, Tom Glavine , simply do not tolerate disrepectful players and quickly rid themselves of anyone who doesn't fit. This is what Tony Muser, Davey Lopes and Tom Kelly try to impress on their young players, even if they are undermanned for the time being.