Arizona put sentiment aside

Grace (centre) believes fate could be on Arizona's side

Arizona are aiming to re-write the sporting script that would see the New York Yankees win a fourth consecutive World Series.

The events of 11 September have made the Yankees, previously unpopular as only a sport's best team can be, America's choice to win their 27th Fall Classic title.

Diamondbacks manager Bob Brenly said: "If this were a Hollywood movie or a book, the obvious ending is the Yankees win the World Series.

As far as we're concerned, the mystique is the 25 guys who are going to be in uniform on Saturday

D'backs manager Bob Brenly on the Yankees

"Everybody's happy, New Yorkers have a reason to celebrate and hopefully take their mind off the events of the last six weeks.

"Obviously, we hope that doesn't happen.

"I know there's a large segment of this country that thinks it would be fitting for the Yankees to win this World Series.

"But there's a large segment of the state of Arizona that thinks the other ending would be a lot better."

Destiny

First baseman Mark Grace acknowledged: "The Yankees are the sentimental favourite.

"They're the mighty Yankees, champions year in and year out. But as long as 25 guys believe they can win, that's the most important thing.

"I think if you talk to all these old guys in here, they'll tell you that we believe. We kind of believe we're a team of destiny."

Brenly is not fazed by the Yankee's aura

Brenly insisted that his players would not be thrown off course by the mystique of the Yankees, who won their first World Series in 1921 - just nine years after Arizona became a state.

"We're not facing Babe Ruth," he said. "Whitey Ford's not going to pitch a game in this series.

"We have to deal with the 2001 New York Yankees, and they're a great ball club.

As far as we're concerned, the mystique is the 25 guys who are going to be in uniform on Saturday."

Brenly added: "Offensively, they're a very patient ball club, and the walk is a big part of their arsenal. They're willing to work a lot of counts.

"They're willing to take the base on balls to set the table for the guys behind them in the order. They just keep coming at you - they're relentless."