Finally! Time for another dueling column. This week, Brenda and I will be debating...

Wait a minute...where’s Brenda? Did she take a wrong turn at Albuquerque? Did she miss her deadline?

What? She’s given up arguing with me?! She’s admitted defeat, you say?

Wow—and I thought the XFL folded fast...Alas, it looks like I’ll be flying solo on this one.

The New York Yankees have dominated the sports world recently with their trade for Alex Rodriguez, once again one-upping the Red Sox. The absorption of A-Rod’s contract means that the Yankees will pay over $220 million for their 2004 roster, after the luxury tax and revenue sharing.

The Yankees spend a whopping $70 million more than the Red Sox, who have (by far) the second-highest payroll in the Majors.

And yet, the last three World Series winners have been the Marlins, the Angels and the Diamondbacks. Not the high spending Yankees-which begs the question, why not?

Why haven’t the Yankees been winning despite having the best talent money can buy? And why haven’t the Red Sox cracked the World Series since 1986, despite having a top 10 payroll every season?

Is it because money doesn’t matter? No. The fact of the matter is simple: in recent years, the Yankees and the Red Sox have underachieved. On that note, the following is a list of the top five most disappointing professional sports teams since the turn of the century.

No. 5: Miami Dolphins

This team is incredible. Every November, they seem to be the best team in the AFC. But by the end of December, they either miss the playoffs completely or barely squeak in.

And if they do make it, the ‘Fins are sure to lose quickly. All this, and head coach Dave Wannstedt was given a contract extension this year, through the 2006 season.

The Dolphins have one of the best running backs in Ricky Williams and a star-studded defense filled with All-Pros Jason Taylor, Sam Madison, Sammy Knight, Junior Seau, Zach Thomas, and Patrick Surtain—all have been consistent Pro Bowlers.

Why can’t the Dolphins win? It’s a mystery. They should be dominating the competition. Instead, consistent failure.

No. 4: New York Yankees