Yet Another Perfect Movie For a Summer Night

Ocean's Eleven ( 2001, Warner Bros.) Directed by Stephen Soderbergh and starring Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Garcia, Roberts and yet another perfect ensemble of crooks and cons. Like I said yesterday, when Soderbergh visits certain genres he can go toe to toe with anyone who's ever called the shots. Rarely in film history has a "remake" surpassed the original, but the Clooney/Pitt Ocean's Eleven can drink the Chairman/Dino Ocean's 11 under ther proverbial black jack table. Where the original was loose and dragged, the remake was tight, with the sense of espirit the first tried to sell, and moves like a cage dancer. Check it out! It's a bit of a classic.

Yanks Clobber White Sox

Hit-Deki Matsui clubbed two bombs tonight and his teamates, Abreu, Cano, Melky, Posada, Damon and SHELLEY DUNCAN clubbed six more. ARod missed number 500 all five times, but then gave his bat to a little kid, which was awesome. Yanks win 16-3. Betemit and the minor league reinforcements start arriving tomorrow. GO YANKS!

Betemit!

It seems there's a 50/50 chance the Yanks will pick up the versatile Wilson Betemit from the Dodgers for the durable Scott Proctor. I'm with the 50 who says we get him. I read a report where an NL scout was bashing him, but I see a player who is finally understanding the strikezone and taking some walks. He still has some upside now that the strikezone is a friend, and it would be nice to see the Yanks benefit from the switch hitting Betemit. Make it happen, Cash!

UPDATE: This is the latest Yankee! Way to go, Cash! Now fix the Pen!

Another Perfect Flick For A Summer Night

The Limey (1999, Artisan) directed by Stephen Soderbergh and starring Terence Stamp, Peter Fonda, Louis Guzman, Barry Newman and a largely unimportant Lesley Ann Warren. When Soderbergh works in the crime, heist or revenge genres he is one of my favorite directors ever. He works the crime/revenge genre here as a badass Englishman comes to LA to figure out what the fuck happened to his daughter. This flick eerily presage the Phil Spector case we're currently not paying much attention to. The cast is dynamite and Wilson's story rings true. Interestingly, after Jackie Brown, I could have watched Soderbergh's 1998 crime/heist flick, Out of Sight which featured the same DEA agents as we saw in Jackie, but the Limey is the better flick for a summer night. Tell him I'm coming... ! Check it out!

Underrated Flick for a Summer Night

Jackie Brown (1997, Miramax) directed by Quentin Tarintino and starring Pam Grier, Robert Forster and Samuel L. Jackson, plus Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton and the rest of a perfect cast. In his third movie, Quentin Tarantino went mature and kicked ass. For anyone who saw a Pam Grier flick or any of those crime films that were a notch above blaxploitation, but not above the exploitation part back in the `70's, this one's for you. It is a truly great flick and it's woefully underrated both in its time and in Q's cannon. Check it out, and if you haven't seen it in awhile check it out again. Oh, and it has one of the best soundtracks of all time.

Cash Says No Gagne Deal At This Point

Is apparently Eric Gagne. The deal is reportedly Tyler Clippard, Jeff Marquez and a C prospect for Gagne, with the two teams still finalizing the Gagne's bonus payment. I have been a big fan of both Tyler Clippard and Jeff Marquez, but they had no future in the rotation with the other guys on the farm, and they should help the Rangers. I don't know who the C prospect is yet. He matters, too, but so far this is not a terribly painful deal. This no doubt means Proctor and Farnsworth will be traded. Hopefully Proctor will bring us Wilson Betemit and Farnsworth will bring us prospects.

UPDATE: Cash says we have no deal for Gagne at this point. So another internet hoax. We'll see what happens next.

Yankees Trade Deadline Thread

With no game to play till after the deadline, Cash is no doubt working the phones. With Dotel headed to the Braves, he is very likely auctioning off Farnsworth to the highest bidder - my guess would be the Dodgers. No news for his own search for relief help, but I'm as interested in what we can get rid of as I am in what we can get. Go Cash! Go Yanks!

Rest in Peace, Coach

Word has been received that legendary coach Bill Walsh has lost his battle with leukemia. Walsh was a tremendous and some would argue revolutionary coach for Stanford and San Francisco after coming up under the tutleage of names like Brown, Gillman and Coryell. His offenses always worked. And though Al Davis has always talked a good "just win," Bill Walsh lived it. Rest in peace, Coach.

TV's Most Delightfully Weird Hour

John From Cincinatti has been the most addictive show of the summer. The newest for some of the bold ones who brought us Deadwood, John is equally compelling, funny and concerning. The characters are uniformly odd and great and the stories, such as they are don't bore us with needless exposition. It's a rolling wave - hop on. Kawabunga.

Yankees Win!

Melky is really coming on. Yanks won pretty easily, scoring early and late but not in the middle. Wang struggled but gave us a quality start. Torre did a GREAT JOB, because you couldn't even tell he was there. Damon had a strong game. Now for the offday and the trades! Go Yanks!

Joba to the Pen

Word out of Scranton is that Joba Chamberlain after his stunning debut as a starter has been moved from the rotation to the bullpen with an expected promotion coming in the not too distant future. Yankee fans and Yankee brass better pray that nothing goes wrong. Your rarely see this with presumptive ace type prospects. I pray he stays healthy and is rewarded with a rotation spot next year.

Gagne to the Yanks?

There are persistent rumors that the Yanks have landed or are close to landing the suddenly svelte reliever for a package that is said to include Tyler Clippard, Brett Gardner and one or two other pieces. If this is truly he price I can render an opinion till I know the other pieces. Clippard and Gardner, though are quality prospects who are blocked, so it's pretty clear they will go at some point.

Also, Monday is an off day (actually the last three days have been off days) for the Yankees, and I'd expect them to really work the phones between today's game and Tuesday's.

Redden in the Ranger Plans?

That's the rumor regular contributor Michael is hearing, and the players the Rangers are dangling are Mara and Montoya. We know they've been working on something big for awhile, could this be it?

Cool Guy Flick Alert

Shane (1953, Paramount) directed by Geore Stevens and starring Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin and a young, and vicioud Jack Palance is playing on TCM this month and if you haven't caught it, you must. Not only is it cool flick about a stranger with some gun sense who helps some settlers in range war with some cattle guys, it one of the most beautifully photographed Westerns of the color era. It's a tremendously influential flick and worth the watch. Check it out!

Yanks Lose

The Yanks lost their third new game in a row tonight as everything Manager Joe Torre tried to do went hideously wrong, including calling a hit and run that turned into a strike `em out, throw `em out, with ARod up with two strikes, one out and Jeter or first, and bringing in Mike Myers to face a lefty. They're halfway to undoing their winning streak and it seems like their manager doesn't have the slightest clue as how to get them going. Oh, and Johnny Damon is crap. Go Yankees!

Safe!

No worries, people. The man himself has said he's not trading Cano or Kennedy, so add them to the list of homegrowns he's protected. He's not doing anything dumb at the trade deadline. Rest easy. Go Yanks!

UPDATE: The Trades are starting around baseball with Texieria to the Braves reportedly done as well as Jorge Cantu to the Reds. Should be a fun next few days, especially since we know the Yanks have nothing stupid planned.

Yanks Lose

Really terrible AB's tonight. Once again, Andy Pettitte did what he could. The offense just didn't. They did win the completion of the earlier game though, but not without a scare. They better wake up and win the next two. Go Yanks!

Sent Down!

Look who's all bundled up and heading to Scranton! Oddly, the Yanks have called up Chris Basak to fill Igawa's roll on the 25 man roster. Actually, maybe he's a better pitcher. That's a joke. I expect them to get Igawa straightened out down there. It's not like he has a bad arm.

UPDATE: According to Michael Kay and Buster Olney, Kei Igawa is on the block and has a good chance of being traded! It would be nice if the Yanks could get some young prospects back to defray the cost, but getting him out of the way is the first step in clearing the way for the sea of youngsters who'll be coming up starting next week.

Camp Opens

Giant camp has opened! Sadly, Hall of Fame DE Michael Strahan is nowhere to be found and said to be contemplating retirement... No one needs this drama and I'm not gonna comment on it.

Trade Winds

Okay, Konerko is supposedly the hot Yankee target, which rather than John Garland, explains the presence of White Sox personnel at Yankee chain games this week. If he's cheap a la Areu last year, fine. He's an upgrade over Phillips and Shelley Duncan, though just a little above average OBP guy. He might walk more in the Yankee context. The pursuit of Wilson Betemit is also apparently continuing. One rumor has Cano on the move should we land Betemit. Of course, trading Cano for anything less than a superstar would be absolutely idiotic. Not hearing anything about the `pen. Let's hope nothing like that comes to pass. Go Yanks!

Yanks Lose

Yanks were awful and got shutout tonight. Nothing more to report.

Melky Power

Melky hit a two run homer in the second, then a sac fly when the Royals had gotten their run to keep the lead at two for most of tonight's 7-1 whoopin' of the Royals. ARod added a two run shot, his 499th and 35th of the season later, and it was followed by another homer by Matsui. Moose was pretty good, but couldn't finish the 6th. He's got to do better than that. The Yanks are now 12-3 since the break. They need to keep it going. Go Yanks!

#499!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And it was a big one as it just gave us a 4 run lead in the 8th!

3 Walks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yanks won again tonight, 9-4. While Wang was not particulartly sharp, the Yankee O grinded away, highlighted by 4 hits from the Captain and a career first 3 walk game from Robbie Cano. Seems like Cano's being a little more selective lately, and if he ever develops good walk rate, he'll be a superstar. Go Yanks!

Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy Promoted to AAA

In surprising late moves today Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy were promoted to AAA, and struggling Tyler Clippard and Chase Wright were sent to AA. It's a tough break for Tyler who was rushed to help the big club and lost himself a little. Hopefully he can straighten it out down at AA. Chase seems like he may end up in the pen if he stays with the Yanks. Anyway, this is great news for the Joba and Ian who were too much for AA, Joba's last weird start not withstanding. We may see either or both in September if they keep it going.

100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex Rodriguez knocked in his 100 run of the season tonight with a 9th inning single that helped put it in the icebox for the Yanks at KC. Clemens was exceptional allowing 2 runs over 7 innings. The O was a little balky, scoring two in the first, two in the second, then taking a long break before tacking on 5 in the 9th. They are the best team in baseball when they grind, and they can never shut it down early. Go Yanks!

Video of the Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_TMUJIWwyI

Man, I thought these guys were gonna be the next Squeeze.

Yanks Clobber DRays 21-4!

The Yanks absolutely stunned and slaughtered Tampa today. There were homers aplenty from Matsui, Abreu, ARod, Cano and 2 from new fan favorite Shelley Duncan! Those guys homered but everyone hit. Matsui had 5, and Melky and Cano seemed to have a lot. The game started with a walk from Melky and it was clear that they were willing to grind their ab's, take their walks and make the pitchers give them strikes. They need to take this approach on the road trip. GO YANKS!

Yanks Take Two!

Johnny says, "Hey, I'm still on the team!" Damon had a fine game, making two outstanding plays in left, walking and hitting doubles. Welcom back? Everyone was great in the nightcap except for DeSalvo and Bruney, but that was no matter as the Yanks won 17-5. The Yanks scored 22 runs today after the DRays hit ARod with a pitch. Vizcaino got the win in both games, and he deserved them. He's been pitching well for awhile now. Good stuff, now let's see what other deals we make! Go Yanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Newest Yankee

Jose Molina was picked up from Anaheim today for AA reliever Jeff Kennard. I really like this trade. Molina's a better defensive player than Wil Nieves is, and probably a better hitter. Jeff Kennard is an older prospect who was never gonna get to the majors with the Yanks. Good luck to him, and good work, Cash!

Video of the Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sXLe7n3Qx8&mode=related&search=

Back in the `60's New York saw doo wop morph into Italo-rock. Of course there was Dion, the Four Seasons, Lou Christie, but here you will behold the master of all, and the greatest example of Italo Rock ever!

Yanks Win Game 1!

Kei Igawa kept it real for 5 innings and the offense and pen did the rest in game one today. Cano and Andy Phillips had big hits to give the Yankees a lead, and Shelley Duncan hit his first big league homer to seal it. There are persistent rumors that the Yanks are about to trade Proctor for Ty Wiggington. Let's hope they are false and that Cash can be a little more resourceful with his assets than that.

Yanks Don't Show Up

Moose melted down in the 3rd and they never looked up. Edwar Ramirez who hadn't pitched since the 6th came in and couldn't get a single out. Bruney was just about as bad late, and he doesn't have the same excuse. Really a terrible effort. I don't know what they are waiting for. This is the easy part of their schedule.

Check this Out

You've probably heard of the new HBO Sunday Night Series "Flight of the Conchords" but have you seen it? Now that The Office is all reruns, this is the freshest and funniest show on the air. Entourage still rocks, but this is just hysterical. Dig it.

Called Up?

According to reports, the Yanks have finally called up Shelley Duncan from Scranton. Shelley is having an historic season down there and just set a single season homerun record when he hit his 25th last night. Shelley is an over-age prospect who has been slowed through the system by positional and strikezone issues. When he takes good ab's and controls the strikezone, he's a good hitter who will take his walks. When he doesn't he k's too much to merit ab's. It will be interesting to see how he does. No news yet on what the roster move was.

Most Underrated Show on TV?

I think it's Smallville. Even though they have totally offtracked Superman's traditional biography and though they have a long term over reliance on kryptonite, it remains one of the more engrossing hours on TV. The young cast is terrific and the writing is as good as it is anywhere. A really well done show, that could have been really awful to Superman purists like me.

Yanks LOSE

Embarrassing no-grind effort today by the pinstripers. Wang was cruising along with a 2-0 lead until the 7th when he suddenly lost it and gave up 3 runs. Poor show. What's more, the Yankees anwered that rally with 3 quick outs of their own. Really pathetic effort today. They need to sweep whatever they can and they could have swept this. They need to do subtantially better against the DRays.

Another Day, Another Big Hit

ARod had the big hit (a double) in the Yanks 4 run seventh tonight. The Yanks were down 1-0 going into the 7th and had only been kept alive by a series of big pitches from Roger Clemens who battled for 6 long innings. Andy Phillips also had a big hit, and the Yanks tacked on 2 more in the 8th. Mo got a 5 out save and won't be available during tomorrow's day game. The Yanks can get a jump on the teams they are trailing by taking tomorrow's series finale. Go Yanks!

Reese Makes Another Move

Today it was learned that the Giants have signed Nebraska OL Chris Patrick to a two year contract. Chris is 6'5" and about 298. He's a strong player who might be able to play left tackle in the pros, but will probably be a guard. He adds to the Giant supply of young, talented OL's. Chris was available for but not taken during last week's supplemental draft. So, Jerry was able to grow the talent base without spending a future pick. Good move, Jerry! Go Giants!

The Game Winner!

Robbie Cano came through in the bottom of the tenth to give the Yanks a win in a game that at one point seemed lost. Tied at 1 in the 8th Farnsworth threw one away and ended up surrendering the go ahead run. The Yanks tied it in the 9th after Cairo was thrown out at the plate. How did they do it? By way of a balk. In the tenth ARod got on and moved to second on bobbled pitch. Matsui made out, so they walked Po to get to Cano. That was their last mistake. Cano rifled a liner into the left field corner ant that was the ballgame! Yeah Robbie! Go Yanks!

And, by the way, Andy Pettitte pitched on guts and guts alone and kept us in it with 7 innings of one run ball tonight. I hope the kids in the system get tapes of Andy's performance to see how that was done.

Peca Next?

With the versatile Cullen dumped back to the Panthers for cap relief, the rumor today is that Michael Peca could be headed to the Rangers on the cheap to Center the third line. Last time I really saw him he was looking good for the Oilers down the stretch in their `06 playoff run. Last year, he broke his leg or something and missed most of the year. In the past he was an excellent defensive C, so if we get him on the cheap, I guess this wouldn't be a terrible move. On a one year deal he's not gonna block Anisimov or anyone, and he plays D well enough to move to the 4th line if needs be. Not a thrilling move, but probably does not hurt our Cup chances if it happens.

Yanks Win!

Andy Phillips had the game winning hit, and ARod added his 32nd! Cano and Matsui also hit shots, and Cano also added a double. Igawa was scary but only gave up 3 runs in 5 innings. Here we go! GO YANKS!

UNDEFEATED!

The Knicks just wrapped up an undefeated 5-0 season in the summer league behind the hot second half performance of Demetris Nichols. Nate Robinson was named the league's Outstanding Player and he looks to have improved a bit. Balkman was just as impressive and deserving. Wilson Chandler is way ahead of where we thought he would be. And Randolph Morris is looking like an absolute steal: he does everything right. The team also showed heart and toughness. I hope the regular season Knicks do as well. Go Knicks!

More Jovo Rumors

Rumors on various sites have us back in the race for Jovo. I have heard no updates through my contacts, but can tell you I was told the Rangers were looking into it a few weeks ago. The rumor apparently has Cullen or Mara in the deal, and if that's the case, I'd pass.

Yanks Win!

Even though there's no longterm clutch in baseball, Andy Phillips was clutch at the plate and in the field today as the Yanks overcame a three run deficit and then and 1 run deficit and some scary pitching by Villone and Farnsworth to pull out the series winner. Mo got the save! Go Yanks!

4 and OH!

Balk and his summer league mates celebrated his birthday and my dad's by coming from 12 down to beat the Warriors. Balk had 19 and 12. Nate had like 23 and 7 dimes, Chandler had 17, Morris had 16 and Nichols kept them in it early. 4 and 0!!!!!!!!!

Key to the Yanks?

Another homer, another win, another 4 RBI's. When he's cooking so are the Yanks. Matsui is heating up, too. Cano and ARod need to wake back up. So does Jeter. Go Yanks!

Yanks LOSE

Yanks fell back below .500 with a pathetic loss to the DRays tonight. They showed precious little fight after Roger Clemens put them behind the 8-ball with a 3 run second. Homers by Posada and Matsui (who had had an otherwise miserable game) got them within 2 in the 8th, but they refused to rally off a pitcher with a 5+ ERA in the 9th and now must win the next two to leave town over .500. The relievers other than Vizcaino were horrible. Edwar Ramirez didn't get into the game.

Knicks Move to 3 and 0!

Man, has it been fun watching the Knicks summer league. Nate Robinson has been a treat, and so have Balkman, Morris, Chandler and Nichols. This unit has not only been able to score, but they have played wonderful d and created a lot of their own opportunities. Nate gets everyone involved and he and the others have discovered a missing Knick: The Open Man! Fun Times!