LIKE FATHER LIKE DUMB

This impatient imbecile is trading Phil Hughes when there is absolutely no need to. What a fricking moron. It's back to the short sighted `80's.

Rangers Finally Beat Islanders

Jagr, Dubinsky, Dury and Gomez had the goals in a 4-2 win at the Garden. Hank didn't have one of his best games, but the Rangers played with great spirit given the absence of Avery. The return of Callahan replaced a lot of it. Colton Orr had a quick knockdown win over Chris Simon, so overall, a great night for the blueshirts! Go Rangers!

Save This Man!

Yanks better not blink and give up Phil of the Future in a Santana trade. I think they'll stick to their guns and get it done without him.

Thanks for Reading the Blog

Boxcar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Could it Be...?

There are signs and rumors that the Yanks are closing in on a deal that would send Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera and Jose Tabata to the Twins for Johan Santana. In order to get Santana, he would have to drop his NTC, and there were strong indications today that he wants to be a Yankee. We'll see what happens. If he wants to be a Yankee and will foil other bids, the Yanks are paying a steep price in giving up both Kennedy and Tabata, who are great prospects. What's more, they'd then have to find a centerfielder to take over for Melky until Austin Jackson is ready. Stay tuned. Go Yanks!

Yanks and Twins Talking

Most papers are assuming the Yanks will dangle Hughes. Cash has said Joba and Hughes are here for the long haul. Here's hoping he sticks to his guns. With Bedard, Halladay, Haren and others now on the market, the Twins should get less for Santana. We'll see. Go Cash!

Rangers Lose At Home

At ;east it was closer than the Giant game. Go Rangers!

Same Old Giants

The Giants gave away a game to a lesser opponent today and Giants stadium. Eli Manning has not developed as expected or paid for, and the rest of the O played like crap today. The D was no better, giving up a long TD pass on the second play of the game. Well, they're still up in the wild card, but that may not last. Go Giants?

Good lord, he just threw his 3rd pick 6.

Whither Santana?

Seems like the big baseball drama of the next few to several weeks will revolve around Twins Ace Johan Santana. Santana has been a great pitcher, though a few key peripherals like hits, walks and homers per 9 have been going the wrong way. Anyway, because he has a no trade, Santana will end up going wherever he wants to go, a la, Randy Johnson a few years ago. Will it be the Yanks? Who knows, but they better not give up future core in any offer to the Twins if they are indeed where Santana wants to end up. Go Yanks!

Rangers Pick Up a Point in Shoot Out Loss

The Rangers wasted a top notch effort by back-up goalie Stephen Valliquette in Florida tonight. For a team that plays with grit most nights, the Rangers have lately shown a rather disturbing tendancy to take weaker teams for granted. They were outplayed for much of the game, and inexcusably allowed several breakaways, two of which were short handed and all of which Vally handled. Drury had both of the Ranger goals, but could not connect in rd. 5 of the shoot out to prolong the contest. Jagr played a spirited final two periods, but couldn't score. The O and the power play especially are unimpressive, and something's got to change. Go Rangers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Be safe everyone and thanks for checking out the blog!

C.J. Henry Returns!

In a surprising move, the Yanks have re-signed C.J. Henry, their first round pick from 2005. Henry was traded along with Carlos Montasteros, Jesus Sanchez and Matt Smith for Bobby Abreu. Henry was the key to the deal and then went on to have a terrible year for them in 2007. At the end of the season he asked for and was given his release. The Phillies probably thought he was going to pursue a career in basketball, but instead, he cam back to the Yanks who will send him to High A Tampa to continue his Yankee career. Though Henry had a terrible year, he is a tremendous athlete and put up .800 ops over the last month of the season after he had been given contact lenses. He's only 21, so there's still hope. Go Yanks!

Shelley Duncan

It was discovered today that Shelley Duncan was just released from an AZ hospital where he was treated for a bloodclot in one of his arms. Hopefully he's feeling no pain and will be ready to roll come Spring. Meanwhile, the Yankees have encouraged the Duncan family not to talk about it. That wouldn't make much sense unless they are looking for another bat. We'll see. Go Shelley! Go Yanks!

Rangers Win!

Rangers win 2-1. Hank had a shutout going with 16.7 seconds left and an empty net at the other end when he gave up a score. Fedor Tyutin had the first goal and Colton Orr had the second. While we've all been raving about Staal, and rightfully so, Fydor Tyutin has turned into the player we expected him to be pre-lockout. Another big road win. Go Rangers!

No More Knicks

I won't write another word about the Knicks until there are changes made. That is all. Go Commissioner Stern!

Yanks add 4 to 40

Jeff Marquez (pictured), Steven White, Frankie Cervelli and tall relieve Scott Patterson were added to the Yankees 40 man roster today. Patterson got a major league deal, so he's definitely in the plans for this coming year. Marquez and White both have big league arms and could both help out in `08 as well. Francisco Cervelli is a big time catching prospect with defensive prowess and plate patience.

The Yanks have 39 players on the 40 right now, with more signings on the way. Something's got to give. It could be releases or trades or both. Go Yanks!

Action Jackson is his Name!

Some kind words about Austin Jackson from BP, dig the Bernie Williams finish to his swing!

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6945

1. Austin Jackson, CF, Honolulu Sharks (Yankees): Another reason a player can be assigned to fall ball is as a reaffirmation following a breakout season. In 2006, Jackson looked like a waste of money after the Yankees had bought out a college basketball career, as he'd hit just .258/.338/.344 in the South Atlantic League. The Yankees re-assigned Jackson to Charleston in 2007, and he continued to struggle, hitting .260/.336/.374 in his repeat campaign. It wasn’t until what seemed an ill-advised promotion to Tampa that the light came on, and Jackson hasn’t looked back since. After becoming the FSL’s best hitter in the second half by hitting .345/.398/.566, Jackson continued to square up in Hawaii , hitting .271/.368/.489. Once profiled as a future leadoff hitter, Jackson instead showed all five tools in Hawaii , and now his ceiling reads much higher. Jackson impressed many coaches with his defense in center field, as well as his speed on the basepaths, where he stole eight bases in nine attempts. However, it’s been Jackson ’s continued ability to square up the baseball and show power that left him as the unanimous top prospect amongst coaches.

Mahay?

There are reports that the Yanks are close to signing aging Loogy Ron Mahay. This would be fine. Mahay over his career has been above average, and he would only cost cash. Further, his acquisition could keep the Yanks from trading valuable prospects for a lefty reliever, and since handedness is overrated, that's a good thing. Go Yanks!

Hi, Jenks?

It's a longshot, but the Yanks are apparently exploring ways to make Bobby Jenks their new 8th inning guy. If the White Sox cannot land Torii Hunter to play CF, they might be inclined to trade for Melky and stuff. This is a deal I would probably do. Jenks is young and could be devastating as our primary set-up guy. With starters who need their innings watched like Hughes and Joba, the Yanks need a really strong pen. Jenks would really help them get there. If we lost Melky, we could perhaps get by with Gardner and Mike Cameron on a short term deal while we wait for Austin Jackson. Go Cash! Go Yanks!

Rangers Embarrass Their Fans

Renney just won't work on the power play and as a result it's an embarrassment. The Rangers lost at home tonight cause they're more likely to score on the Kill than on the Power Play. Really, a sad display. And the Rangers let the other team get away with hitting their goalie, without responding in kind. Hossa was particularly awful, though Hank gave up a goal he shouldn't have between his pads. Go Rangers.

ARod Wins the MVP!

Two writers voted for Magglio Ordonez, but Alex got the rest of the first place votes, as he clearly should have. His new Yankee deal should be announced any day now. Good stuff. Go Yanks!!!!!!!

Mo Will Sign!

According to wide ranging reports, Mariano Rivera is back in the states and prepared to sign his 3year/45M new deal with the Yanks. Mariano has earned the right to finish his career with the Yankees and he will; however, in both Spring Training and his subsequent week in free agency, his behavior has not beeen impressive. Let's hope his ego has been assuaged by the new deal and that he goes out in the style that befits a legend over the next three years. Go Mo! Go Yanks!

Giants Win

Giants won an ugly game, where the O just couldn't get out of their own way. It was not on Eli; however, who was strong and accurate. The OL had problems again, and the O really shut down when Brandon Jacobs left with a hamstring pull. Moss had his best game, though he, like Jake lost a fumble. Boss made a nice play. Bradshaw was good in the return game. Shockey, Plax and Toomer didn't get much done, and Plax is clearly hurt and slowed. The D lost Kiwi early, and gave up a lot of big plays, yet, they still held the Lions to 10 points and would have done a better job if the offense had had more continuity. Still a lot to work on, especially if Jake is gone for any time. Go Giants!

Knicks Lose Again

Well?

What a Win!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was a wild game of redemption for individual defenders! Rozsival was on ice for both of Pittsburgh's first period goals, but in the first five minutes of the second, he tied it with two goals of his own. Girardi fell down, leading to the Pens' first goal, then scored the go ahead goal in the second. Strudwick was in front of the Ranger goal when the Pens tied it up in the third, then scored the gamewinner off a pass from Mara in overtime! WOW! That's 5 in a row and the Rangers now have sole possession of first!!!!!!!!! Go Rangers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Knicks Lose Another Heartbreaker

They can't hit lay-ups or free throws. All that stuff would be gettting cleaned up in practice if they had a real coach. Through regulation and two overtimes they had plenty of chances to hit a shot or make a play and they didn't. Artest had another huge game against the team that drafted Frederic Weis instead of him. Go Knicks?

Keep an Eye on Melancon

One of my friends at Yankees Central told me to keep an eye on Mark Melancon this year. Melancon is a power reliever who is coming back from TJ surgery and who will move quickly if he's all the way back. Apparently the Yanks think he will be. He could be this year's Joba, only he would stay in the pen for a long time. Go Yanks!

Rangers Win by Way of Shoot Out!

Shanny had a goal during regulation and the game winner in the shoot out! Tyutin and Prucha also scored in regulation as the Rangers took their second of back to backs and moved into a tie for first place. Hank was his usual self tonight, but that can be expected every once in awhile. That's 4 in a row for the Blueshirts! Go Rangers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mo has Lady Feelings

So Mo is now saying he wants 4 years because Hank Steinbrenner mentioned his age when commenting on the historically huge 3 year closer deal he offered Mo the other day. Mo says he wants 4 years, guaranteed, like Posada got. He said that ARod's new deal will take him to age 42, so why can't his. Gee, Mo, can you play DH at the tail end of your deal? See, that's why those other guys are getting the years, they play more than one position. You don't. Now take your record deal, and quit tarnishing your image. Go Yanks!

Knicks Lose

Enough Already?

Staal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marc Staal scored his first NHL goal tonight, while Dubinsky added his 3, Dawes his 4th and Jagr his 600 and somethingth. The kids are turning out great, and this was their second road win in a row! Hank made some big saves, but gave up two goals, Gomez had a pair of assists. Go Rangers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More on ARod

http://blog.nj.com/ledgeryankees/2007/11/arod_near_deal_to_stay_a_yanke.html#more

Apparently, the first three years of ARod's new deal would be relatively cheap, while the Yanks retire the deals of Giambi, Abreu, Moose, Damon, Matsui and others, and not go up to 30M or so until those other deals were off the books. That's cashflow friendly. Good stuff. Go Yanks!

Gettting Closer!

Official statement from Alex Rodriguez
11/14/2007 3:27 PM ET
After spending time with Cynthia and my family over these last few weeks, it became clear to me that I needed to make an attempt to engage the Yankees regarding my future with the organization.
Prior to entering into serious negotiations with other clubs, I wanted the opportunity to share my thoughts directly with Yankees’ ownership. We know there are other opportunities for us, but Cynthia and I have a foundation with the club that has brought us comfort, stability and happiness.
As a result, I reached out to the Yankees through mutual friends and conveyed that message. I also understand that I had to respond to certain Yankees concerns, and I was receptive and understanding of that situation.
Cynthia and I have since spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family. During these healthy discussions, both sides were able to share honest feelings and hopes with one another, and we expect to continue this dialogue with the Yankees over the next few days.

Go Yanks!

ARod Redux?

Well, it has leaked out that the Yanks have been talking to ARod about a return to the Bronx. This has made the most sense all along as bringing back ARod would cost the Yanks neither prospects nor picks. If it's gonna happen now, I'd imagine it will happen quickly, like it did last time he was acquired. Go Yanks!

The Lowell Watch

There are reports the Yanks are going hard after former Yankee farmhand, Mike Lowell. We have to hope that this is not the case. Mike Lowell is a good player and a very good fielder. His hitting however has been massively inflated by playing in Fenway. In neutral parks, he doesn't break .800 OPS. Now, that wouldn't be terrible if the Yanks were viewing him as a stopgap for a year or two, but Lowell will no doubt get a 4 year deal.

In a sense the Yankes, then, might be making the same kind of mistake they made when they traded Lowell in the first place. Lowell had been a top Yankee prospect developed at roughly the same time as the Jeter/Posada group. The Yanks had added Scott Brosius as a stopgap while Lowell continued to develop in the minors, the after Bro had a big year in 1998, the Yanks decided to trade the prospect who's place he'd been holding. Of course, Bro never did much else, and Lowell was the player who should have stayed and replaced him.

Adding Lowell for 4 years now, would no doubt block Marcos Vechionacci, who the light seems to have gone on for and is in Lowell's class as a defender, or, perhaps Suttle, Laird or Pruitt. And, Lowell, in his decline phase (don't let the Fenway #'s fool ya!) isn't and won't be good enough to block those kids. If the Yanks are gonna make a multi-year committment at 3B it has to be to an elite talent like ARod or Caberera, and not give 4 years to a 34 year old who's a pretty ordinary hitter outside the friendly confines.

Knicks Get Blown Out

With Marbury Awol and Zach Randolph missing more time for the death of his Grandmother (God bless her, and may she rest in peace), the Knicks, with the help of some very pro-active refs, got killed tonight in Phoenix. They didn't seem into it, and played no better defense without Marbury than they do with him. Mardy Collins got hurt, again, early and couldn't return. They need to nail Malik Rose to the bench if Randoloph ever returns. Go Commissioner Stern!

Mo Yet to Respond to 3/45M

It may be a matter of Mo being over in the DR and having to travel back to NYC to TCOB, or maybe Fern Cuza has developed a crack habit. In any event, this should get done and soon. Perhaps we'll get an announcement on Yankees Hot Stove, which debuts on YES tomorrow night.

And so far, so good on the no Mike Lowell front. Nearly 24 hours in, the Yanks have not made any known offer to the slick fielding, Fenway inflated former Yankee. Go Yanks!

Marbury Goes AWOL!

Steph left the team after an argument with Isiah Thomas over his continuing role today. The team says he is welcome back, but has been looking for ways to dump him. This is nutty! Go Knicks?

Po is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Po is back with a 4 year deal and will no doubt retire as a Yankee! He earned that right. Can Mo be far behind? Now who knows what's beyond those two moves... Go Yanks!

Mo and Po and Lo Not Ready to Sign

The news so far is that Mo and Po will not be signing tonight. The somewhat disquieting news from Boston is that former Yankee Mike Lowell will not sign with them tonight, either. I'm hoping we don't get another Damon-type surprise, where we end up giving the Sox player the 4 year deal he wants. I still think the best solution for the Yanks is ARod, and that door would be immediately closed for good (if it's not already) with a Lowell suprise. Btw, a fair argument can be made that the Yanks got off plan when they let Scott Brosius's 1998 season, convince them that future, homegrown core 3b Mike Lowell was expendable in trade. Now doesn't seem to be the time to fix that. Go Yanks!

Same Old Knicks

Missing Zach Randolph, the Knicks blew a 4th quarter lead to lose at home to Miami. There are now 2 and 3 and headed out on the road. Go Knicks?

Same Old Giants

Giants lose another "big" game. Unreal, how does a team get 3 delay of games at home? How do they lose two huge plays to holding? How do they take two weeks to prepare for the Cowboys, then play like they haven't prepared at all. A lot of us thought the new Spag D wasn't ready in game 1 against the Cowboys. Guess what? It still wasn't ready, with 7 more games of experience and two weeks to prepare. This year, like last year, and the the year before is gonna feature a very tough fight to get to the playoffs for a road game. These Giants are really no different than they were last year or the year before.

Rangers Getting Reffed in Toronto

It's tied 2-2 after 2, but shouldn't be. The Leafs were clearly offsides on their first goal, but the refs, who seem to be Leaf fans were in such a rush to help the Leafs catch up from 2-0 they allowed it. Avery has a goal and an assist and has had Don Cherry blow a gasket over him, will probably be first star if the Rangers turn their clear superiority into a win in this one. Valiquette is in goal for this one and needs to play a shutout 3rd. I may be gone before this one is over, but GO RANGERS!

UPDATE: The Rangers are heading into overtime and I've got to go. Let's hope they get both points! Go Rangers!

Norman Mailer

Rest in peace. He was a giant of 20th century literature. A great, great writer.

Knicks Show No Character in Loss

Pathetic effort. If they coach can't get it out of them every night, he needs to be replaced. Huge step back tonight. Go Knicks.