Giants Moving On?

With no movement on the Boss and Bradshaw fronts, the Giants are apparently bringing in Cardinal TE Ben Patrick and talking with Falcon HB/FB Jason Snelling about joining the team. Snelling even wears Ahmad's 44, though he is more like Jacobs than Bradshaw. The Giants had been rumored to be interested in Patrick back in his draft year. And Mike Pope, the TE czar of the Giants, always keeps an eye on the ones he likes. Patrick is more physical than Boss, so if they are thinking of splitting the job between Beckum and a blocker, Patrick might be a good fit.

Ahmad Bradshaw seems to keep misplaying his hand with the Giants. First, he priced the Dolphins into trading for Bush, then the Bengals chose to re-sign Benson rather than have him visit, and the Redskins who were rumored to have interest just traded for Tim Hightower. The Giants have had an offer out to him, and Brandon Jacobs even re-did his deal so they could make it. He needs to wise up, sign and get in camp or end up watching Jason Snelling bulldoze people while wearing his shirt.

And they brought back David Carr, so hopefully, they can trade Sage Rosenfels.

UPDATE: Apparently, Jason Snelling is flying to New York to visit the Giants tomorrow. This is getting real.

Yanks Win the Game and at the Deadline

Brett Gardner hit a bases loaded triple, then scored on a ground out, to give the Yanks all 4 runs they would use to beat the Orioles. This guy is turning into a pretty special player for us. I wish he would learn to drag bunt and the Yankees should pay Brett Butler to teach him. He's not a typical Yankee Bat type guy, but he saves runs with his D and creates them with his O. Garcia once again dominated a weak opponent using brain power.

Cashmoneygreen, used his noggin at the deadline and kept all the prospects. In fact, Manny Banuelos was promoted to AAA today and will pitch Tuesday, and Jesus Montero will be on his way to the big leagues, soon! Just another great Sunday for the Yanks.

Yanks Score 2 TD's and a FG

The Yanks scored 12 runs in the first, then just cruised to a 17-3 win over Baltimore in the nightcap. Nova got the win and was good after getting out of a first inning jam himself. He pitched 7 innings and only allowed 2 runs. Raphael Soriano, in his return to the Bronx, pitched a scoreless 9th. Swish hit another homer. If he and Cano are hot, we're gonna keep cruising.

Thus far, it looks like Ubaldo is going to Cleveland and our prospects are safe.

Yanks Win Game 1

Swisher hit a two run bomb and he and the back ups beat the Orioles 8-3 in game one. Colon startd, but was off and it took him 105 pitches to get through 5 inning. Wade pitched the next three surrendering a homer. Logan pitched a scoreless ninth.

Nova is supposed to pitched the second game, but he may be traded. In fact, lots of people may be traded, and by using Wade and Logan for the back 4, they saved maximum bullpen for the nightcap.

The Yanks are supposedly in on some starting pitchers, including Ubaldo, and expressed some interest in Denard Span, for some reason, or maybe as part of something else. I just hope Jesus Montero is still a Yankee on Monday. You cannot trade kids who can bat 3rd or 4th for the Yankees. Starting pitchers are actually cheaper than players like ARod and Tex. Montero can hit 3rd or 4th, basically for free and in the not too distant future. You don't trade guys like that, and you don't worry too much about their D. Replacing his bat, will cost 20 million or more annually going forward. It's nuts.

Osi Coming Back

Osi Umenyiora will end his holdout and return to Giant camp tonight. The Giants had sent him a letter informing him he would be fined 30K for every day he missed, and he was on the verge of missing two. Hopefully, something can be straightened out between the Giants and one of their best pass rushers. Failing that, here's hoping they get at least a 1 for him in trade. There's been no word on Bradshaw, Boss or Smith. And, apparently, even Jerry Reese is not certain on whether or not Prince Anakamura has physically signed his deal yet. We'll see if he's at practice tonight.

UPDATE: Apparently, Osi is claiming he will never speak to Jerry Reese again, and that he wants the Giants to give him a new deal or trade him. I thought we had men on the Giants.

Prince Amakamura Signs

The Giants first round draft steal, Prince Amakura signed his deal and joined the team at some point today. May have missed a meeting or two and the fitness test. He'll be tested. In two years, it may look like this was the best CB move made today. The Giants now have everyone signed, and a really impressive group of drafted and undrafted rookies. Go Giants!

Giants Sign Weatherford

As they continue their offseason re-boot of Special Teams, the Giants today came to terms with veteran punter Steve Weatherford, lately of the Jets, to come in and compete with Matt Dodge. If he is healthy, and there have been some concerns, Weatherford is exactly what Coughlin likes, a directions kicker who keeps the other team inside their own 20 with his kicks. They may or may not try to stash the talented Dodge when he loses the competition.

Camp Opens

Camp opened today, for the first time ever at the new Meadowlands. Everyone showed up except Osi, who is pondering his inanity, and Prince Amakamura who has not signed his royal contract yet. Jacobs restructured, while they are still trying to re-sign Bradshaw and Boss. Bernard may be restructuring, after all, and it might be wise with all of the released DTs who just entered the market. Seems the big news today is that Plax will arrive at the complex around 6 and meet with Coughlin, then if that goes well, with Reese and the owners, too. Jerry Reese made it very clear in interviews today that the Giants are serious about Plax. the Giants are also said to be in the mix for Vonta Leach.

UPDATE: Rocky Bernard has been CUT. Not to worry, though, there are tons of veteran DT's out there should one be needed.

FURTHER UPDATE: Plax met with Coach Coughlin and possibly others for 90 minutes, then left. Neither side spoke to the media.

Stealth Mode

I wish I were hearing more cockamamie Yankee rumors the past couple of weeks, instead of instead realizing Cash is once again in stealth mode. This is when things happen. When there's just nothing go on outside of hope week (which is AWESOME) and the games. The Yanks are at home, in an easy stretch, and self scouting. I have a feeling it's gonna be Ubaldo. I just hope we still have Montero at the deadline. Kuroda is of no interest at all, to me. And Bedard, if he's healthy and cheap, I'd pretty much prefer to paying the price for Ubaldo. We'll know Sunday. Go Yanks -- but not too far at the deadline.

Giants Re-Sign Kiwi!

The Giants today took pressure off the Osi situation as well as the DE and LB positions by re-signing versatile pass rusher, Matthias Kiwanuka to a new 2 year deal. The defense was much better last year before Kiwi got hurt and he has been cleared to play for several months now. His presence keeps the pass rush fresher and he also allows us to get pressure from the second level when he plays SAM. He was breaking out last season, and let's hope he can keep it going Good move. In other news, the draft picks should all be signed soon, and who knows what else they are up to? Go Giants!

Rangers Re-Sign Callahan

The Rangers once again avoided going to arbitration with one of their core of young players by inking Ryan Callahan to a 3 year extension. Apparently they had discussed 4 and 5 year options, but the money, for right now worked out best at 3 years. We have to assume they will be willing to extend him even further if such a move is merited. Now let's give him the C and get this show on the road.

Steve Smith Signs?

The news is just breaking that Steve Smith has re-signed with the Giants. I'm unaware of the terms but wouldn't be surprised if it was a 1 year deal that lets Smith re-establish his health and value while not compelling him to rush back and risk re-injury. He could start the season on the PUP list. This leaves even less room for Plaxico.

UPDATE I heard this early this morning, and I have not had it confirmed anywhere else, so assume it is not true.

FURTHER UPDATE: Now it's being reported that the Giants couldn't make a new deal with Rocky Bernard and he will be released.

EVEN FURTHER UPDATE: Eli shot this down when he said that he hoped Steve would come back and that he hoped he would be able to play soon. Sorry if I misled anyone. Sometimes I get stuff that isn't ripe. Sorry again.

Baas Story Breaks

It is now all over the place that the Giants have come to terms with their new Center, David Baas. It's apparently a 5 year deal, and in Baas they are getting their biggest C since Brian Williams. Baas is a legitimate 6'4, 330. He has been the best OL at both LG and C over the least two years in SF, and he, along with Adam Koets solidifies the Center position for the Giants. Good Work. Now we need a left guard, since it doesn't seem like Andrews with be back. Now that could be David Diehl if Will Beatty wins the Left Tackle job, but it would be good to have another vet, unless they are sold on Mitch Petrus. Go Giants!

Rain Foils History

CC was perfect through Six, then had his brilliant start interrupted by a 30 minute rain delay. He gave up a hit to the second batter he faced in the 7th. That that the only hit he, Robertson and Mo would give up on the night as the Yanks won 4-1. There was another rain delay, and CC once again came back out, this time he didn't have it and walked the bases loaded. Robertson relieved and got two K's but gave up the run on a fielder's choice. The run was charged to CC. None of that would have happened if there had been no rain. Grandy and Tex homered. Yanks go for the sweep tomorrow. And I'm still a tad concerned about a Ubaldo trade. Go Yanks!

Wow

On a day when the Giants cut two warriors and a third talented man who never embarressed the Giants, it has been learned that the Giants will meet with Plaxico Burress tomorrow to discuss a reunion. Now this may be a solid they are doing to show no hard feelings, but the irony is vast. I know I am not alone in believing he cost us at least one more Super Bowl by shooting himself. Now, what the mayor of New York did to him was unfair and ludcirous, but so was what he did to his Giant teammates and fans. I'm not sure how he fits. I guess we'll see. Odd.

Giants Re-Structuring Andrews

Reports have come in at this hour that the Giants are busy re-structuring Shawn Andrews. This is great news. When Andrews plays he is elite. Literally. Over 16 games he can play like an all-pro at Guard and Tackle. He's really a great talent, and though he's had some health issues, he's worth keeping, so I'm glad the Giants are doing that. He's also got a great sense of humor and is a great fit for the Giants and what they like to do with their linemen. We'll have a new look line this year, but it's a good thing that Andrews will be a part of it.

UPDATE: The Giants are also pursuing a contract "modification" with Rocky Bernard according to Mike Garafolo.

FURTHER UPDATE: The Giants were not able to come to an new agreement with Shawn Andrews, and for the moment at least, his Giant career is over. I find this really hard to understand as Shawn is still under 30, wanted to stay and is an elite talent. I know they have at least one new OL coming in, but they are thin this evening.

In more practical terms, with the three moves we know about today, the Giants will be under the cap.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Kevin Boothe has re-upped for 2 more years with the Giants. He's at least decent Guard depth. They're not done on the OL as we'll see in a few days.

Jake Re-Doing His Deal

Reports are coming in from all over that Brandon Jacobs is currently restructuring his contract to open up cap space for the Giants. It would have been tough to lose him, too, today. He still is part of our identity as a smashmouth, punch you in the face offense. And though he sometimes says the wrong things, his heart has consistently proven Giant Blue. Go Giants. Hopefully, we'll get more news of restructures and avoid many more cuts.

First Cuts Are The Deepest

Today the Giants told Rich Seubert and Shaun O'Hara that were being released. Seubert was a career Giant and the longest tenured current Giant. He overcame horrific injuries and gave the Giants his all on every snap. At his best, he played like a probowler, and would have probably been a perrenial if not for that spiral fracture he received against Philly in 2003. Shaun O'Hara came to the Giants from the Browns, and held down the C position, when healthy, throughout the Coughlin years. Both could be back at reduced prices if they get healthy.

At this point, I'd assume the Giants have a line on a new Center, and will restructure Shaun Andrews.

But it is tough to see Seubert and O'Hara go, they earned their rings and made us proud.

Giants Doing Well in UDFA

So far we know the Giants have come to terms with Pitt Fullback Henry Hynoski, who was #1 on a lot of our lists and could be our starting fullback for years to come as well as South Carolina LT Jarriel King and Nebraska DE Pierre Allen. These are all Giant type players who could stick. I thought the Giants might have trouble getting kids in given their loaded roster, but with a lot of FA's, looks like kids are coming! Go Giants!

UPDATE: Now it's being reported that Hynoski hasn't decided and Allen is headed to Seattle. We'll know it all in the morning.

UPDATE: Hynoski did sign. Also LB Spencer Paysinger, DT Martin Parker, and SS Dave Sims.

Yanks Finally Go 20 Games Over

Yanks finally went 20 games over as Freddy Garcia continued his dominance of bad teams by beating the Mariners 10-3. Tex and Jeter homered. Jeter also tripled. CC goes tomorrow. I feel like there will be a trade announced before the game, but I have no idea why. Go Yanks!

Get a Center!

The Giants have a bunch of contracts to rework, and some current players to re-sign, but one thing they have to find in free agency is a new Center. Literally, they may even need one more than the Knicks do. O'Hara's been good, but breaks down often, and even at his best would get pushed into Eli's lap too often. Kalil still wear the franchise tag coming out of the settlement, so the Giants should be looking at David Baas from the 49ers, and Chris Spencer from the Seahawks. Baas, is a great fit and could step right in. He's harder to move than O'Hara was, and would have to learn how to to pull and trap like the Giants do. Chris Spencer has been a little injury plagued in his career, but he was Eli's C at Ole Miss, and is also bigger than O'Hara and athletic enough to pull and trap. Baas looks like the better fit, but with Spencer they could end up catching lightning in a bottle. Go Giants!

And We're Back!

The NFL is back in business and starting today, the Giants can start signing their own FA's and any UDFA's they are interested in. Tomorrow they can start signing unrestricted FA's. Giant camp will apparently open Friday at the New Meadowlands. It's gonna be a wild week. Hang on! GO GIANTS!

Yanks Beat A's

Curtis Granderson and the Yanks built up a good lead for Bartolo Colon, who was one again sharp, then had to hold on as David Robertson, Mo Rivera and went conditions almost cost them the game. Colon pitching well was a great sign. Nunez seems to be heating up at the plate a bit, too. The bullpen gave up fly balls, and the OF was so wet, some of them turned into doubles. Good win and getaway day. One week to the deadlines, and as happens every year, some of the Yanks best prospects have been struggling this week and probably will until the deadline passes. It must be tough. Let's see if the Yanks can finally go 20 games over tomorrow.

Yanks Crush A's as Hughes Struggles Again

Swisher homered and Tex hit a grand slam as the Yanks crushed the A's 17-7. Phil Hughes struggled again and was charged with all 7 runs in his 4.1 innings of work. I think he may need to go to the minors and be rebuilt, like both Doc Halladay and Cliff Lee were earlier in their careers. We'll see. Nice to see the offense explode and hopefully this is a sign of things to come rather than a one shot thing. AJ goes tomorrow. Go Yanks!

Dubi Re-ups For 4!

Key Ranger Brandon Dubinsky avoided arbitration today by signing a new 4 year contract with the Rangers. The contract will create about a 4.2M cap hit annually. This is a great development, as arbitration can get nasty, and Dubi is part of the core. Cally is next, wouldn't be surprised if he accepts something close to Dubi's deal, that eats into his UFA years. Go Rangers!

Yanks shutout Rays

Curtis Granderson hit a two run bomb in the first, then made a great catch later as the Yanks shutout the Rays 4-0. Freddy Garcia pitched 6.2, then Logan got the final out in the 7th. Robertson did his thing in the 8th and Mo was great in a non-save situation in the 9th. CC goes for the series win tomorrow. Go Yanks!

Comeback Win!

Yanks just came back from an early 4-1 deficit to win 5-4 when Russell Martin walked, with the bases loaded to push across the winning run in the top of the ninth. Mo got the save. AJ Burnett was bad early, and gave up all four runs. In fact it looked like we might have to trade Montero tonight. He only lasted into the 5th. The bullpen then held the Rays while the Yanks scratched together the 4 runs they needed. The blew a lot of chances along the way, but in the end they got it done. This is a game they can build on. Go Yanks!

Brandon Laird Gets a Call

Ramiro Pena is down with appendicitis, and the Yanks have finally called up a prospect from the minors. It's not the one we've been pulling for, but Brandon Laird is a pretty good youg player. He's streaky at the plate but he has pop. When he' on, he has what I refer to as a Yankee Bat. Fun stuff. Let's hope he gets some action. Go Yanks!

Sori Redux?

More trade rumblings. Apparently the Yanks are considering bringing back Alfonso Soriano to play left and DH? I would suspect it would mainly be to DH as Gardy is going to win a Gold Glove in left and is heating up with the bat himself. I'm not in favor of doing this. I love Sori, but he has always been a flawed player who would not take his walks and frequently swung at pitches he couldn't reach away. He's also a poor fielder. If they want a righty DH who can also play in the field, they should call up Montero. It would be much wiser than trading Montero and having to watch him be Miggy 2 for some other team for several years.

Sori also has one of the worst deals in baseball, and so the Yanks should yield nothing of value if they are willing to take part of that off the hands of the Cubs.

So far, I'm not in favor of the any of the rumored acquisitions.

Much Better!

Featuring a much improved curveball, Phil Hughes pitched 6 innings of 2 run ball to get the win on getaway day. This is a huge development for the Yanks. While he doesn't have his old velo back, he looked a lot better today and could give the Yanks a real number 2 in the short run to pair with CC. Now we had expected him to be a number 1 by now, but overcompensating for little injuries seems to have gotten him off his game for the past few years. He's only 25 so there's still time. Go Yanks!

And Again!

CC lost his scoreless streak at 24, but he did pitch 8 innings of one run ball. I think we can attribute the walk and run in the first to the layoff. Mo pitched a scoreless 9th. Brett Gardner is heating back up and went 3-4 with a hustle double and great catch in the field. Tomorrow is a big start for Phil Hughes. He says he is going back to his old mechanics, the ones he scrapped after he hurt his hamstring in 2007, but the ones who made him a super prospect in the minors. Let's see how it goes! Go Yanks!

The Target?

Apparently the Yanks are interested in Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez. This happens to be one of those pitchers I have thought would be a Yankee at some point. Still, he can be inconsistent and the Yanks should not blow their top prospect depth on him - so I doubt they can make a trade I would like for him, though I do like the player. I don't want to lose Montero, Betances or Banuelos. We'll see what happens. Something like Nunez, Romine and something else good would probably work for me, but I have no idea what Colorado will take. There will probably be other names associated with the Yanks as the deadline approaches.

UPDATE: Jon Heyman is reporting the Colorado wants Montero, Betances, Banuelos and Nova. Funny stuff. I'd be willing to build something around Nova and Romine and Joseph, but I'm not at all interested in dealing any of the big 3. What's more Ty Wiggington's name seems to have come up again. Doesn't it seem like he's been rumored to the Yanks for like 7 or 8 years? Yeesh. Of course Cash won't go for what the Rockies want.

Getting Close?

Maybe?

Rangers Extend Boyle

The Rangers today extended Brian Boyle for another three years. Sound a little long, but shouldn't be too hard to move as the third year is probably there to spread out the cap number. So far he has had 1 half of a good season, but he is working hard this offseason and could be a late bloomer. The Rangers still need to get Cally and Dubi done. Go Rangers!

Yanks Promote Golson

The Yanks have once again chosen a journey man over a prospect to take the place of Alex Rodriguez on the 25 man roster. I guess Montero is still hurt, but you'd think Laird would get the shot. He's been red hot lately, and can play 3b. Ponderous. I hope they blow up the farm at the deadline.

Miller Opts for OHL

The Rangers first draft choice, JT Miller has decided not to go to North Dakota to play college hockey and will instead go play for Plymouth of the OHL. Now, while I hope he still continues his education, I think this is the right move for JT and most American players. In Junior Hockey he will play 70 or more games a season, and really build up his hockey game. As great as college hockey is, they don't play as many games, and the competition isn't as uniformly fine as it is in juniors. With this move, JT has really chosen hockey, and will live it for the next year or two. He needs it as most observers feel he has only scratched the surface of what he can do, and the force he can be. This will really give him his best hockey education he could be getting. It will be interesting to see if the Rangers engineer a trade that will send him to a team they have their hooks in, like the Oshawa Generals. Best of luck, JT!

Rangers Promote Maxwell

The Rangers today announced the promotion of Kevin Maxwell to Director of Pro Personnel. Maxwell had been scouting for the Rangers during the Clark era, and apparently back when Clark was with the Islanders. With Gorton moving up to Assistant GM, it's good they were able to fill the slot with someone who knows the culture and what the Rangers are trying to do. I remember Maxwell as a scrappy little C. If he's been involved with this string of solid to outstanding drafts, we shouldn't miss a beat. Go Rangers!

ARod Opts For Surgery

ARod will have his knee scoped tomorrow and may miss four weeks or so. This wouldn't be so bad if Eric Chavez was healthy -- though he is apparently feeling better. The All-Star break takes half a week out of it, and they will have a few off days. Nunez and Pena will probably hold the fort till ARod or Chavez is back. I wouldn't expect them to make a trade. Go Alex!

Shutout

This is just the best CC Sabathia has looked since 2008. Wow. His 113th pitch of the game was 98. Jeepers. And I seriously doubt that this has anything with his opt out option. I really do think he is finally fully recovered from 2008. 9 more K's over 9ip. His ERA is now 2.72. Lately, he's been as dominant as Gator was back in `78. Just unreal. Couldn't be happening for a better guy. Go CC! Enjoy the break guys!

UPDATE: David Robertson was finally named to the all-star team. Good for him, though I'd prefer he not pitch.

Boom! 3000!!!!!!! Yanks Win!

Wow, Derek Jeter just reached 3000 by hitting a huge homer. The stadium is going crazy. The hit tied the game at 1. It's only the third inning, but he just became the first pure Yankee to reach 3000. Just a phenomenal achievement for the Yankee Captain. Both the homer and his first hit of the day were stung, so maybe this will really get him going. Go Jeter! Go Yanks!

UPDATE: Jeter went 5-5 including the game winning single in the bottom of the 8th. What a day! Let's hope he's back in his groove. Go Yanks!

Rangers Sign Artem Anisimov

Today, the Rangers came to terms with their only RFA who was still susceptible to poaching. They locked up the talented young C for two more years and 1.875 per. Nice. While Artem enjoyed sort of a breakout season last year, he still has a lot of potential. In two years, he could be worth a lot more to the Rangers. But right now they have assured that all 5 of their RFA's will be back for the new season - unless there's a trade.

Sauer Re-Signs

The Rangers locked up the first of their significant RFA's but inking D Michael Sauer to a 2 year deal worth 1.25. Michael was finally healthy last year after a starcrossed development phase and had a terrific season. Oh, and he's the only one of the current Ranger D's who really takes exception with anyone touching Hank. Great character guy, and locking him up for two gives them a chance to make sure his health was not a fluke. If he has another great season, they need to think about a bigger deal. Artem Anisimov should be next.

CC Stopper

CC is pitching better than he ever has as a Yankee, and I'm starting to wonder if his huge 2008 season had taken this long to recover from, because he is pitching now like he was pitching then. This is just dominance. Grandy seems to be coming out of his funk, too. Jeter needs 4 more hits! Let's keep it going tomorrow!

Arbitration

It appears that Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, and Brian Boyle have all opted for arbitration. Now this does not mean they will ever get to arbitration, but no one can sign any of the three to offer sheets now that they have opted for arb. Artem Anisimov and Michael Sauer are not eligible, but should sign soon, just the same.

In other news, Jeff Gorton who had been assistant head of player personnel was promoted to assistant GM, filling the spot created by Cam Hope's departure. Good luck, Jeff!

UPDATE: I was wrong above. Sauer can and did file for arbitration.

Yanks Sign Miguel Andujar

So far, the only confirmed IFA signing for the Yankees is a 16 year old 3b with bat speed and an advanced plate approach named Miguel Andujar. They got him for the July bargain rate of 750K. Andujar is tall and lean right now but he looks like the kind of kid who will get bigger. Whether he can then stay at 3rd is another question. The Yanks may have more signed, or they may just be rolling them out slowly again. They were excited about the the talent crop this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Yiay4Mzw1o

More on Richards...

More is coming out about the Richards signing. We found out yesterday that Glen Sather had dispatched Mark Messier to scout Brad Richards to last October. Now we are learning that the only reason Brad Richards didn't waive his no trade to come to the Rangers during the season was that he didn't want to deplete the Ranger resources and wanted all of the good young players to still be there when he arrived! This is nigh on amazing! What's more, his agent, Pat Morris, told Buffalo radio that the reason Brad didn't accept a lesser deal for his negotiating rights in June was because he thought the Rangers might need that piece at the trade deadline to help improve the Rangers. Wow, we felt it was a gimme, but who knew Brad was looking out for the Rangers best interests before he even joined the team.? Believe it or not, I think I have to consider Brad Richards a ringer. I feel good fortune follows so clean intentions. We'll see what happens.

The Next Step

In their introductory teleconference for Brad Richards, both Torts and Sather talked about the team needing to take the "next step." But first thing's first and the next step should be locking up Ryan Callahan, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Sauer. All four of them are now proven parts of the young core and they deserve to be locked up for the foreseeable future. There was some talk that Artem was close today, and Sauer should be pretty easy. But Dubi and Cally could take some time. Let's hope not, because they both deserve letters going forward. I haven't included Brian Boyle with this group. I don't think he's core, but would be thrilled to be proven wrong.

Interestingly, Sather said they would not pursue a high priced left wing and that Torts thought they might already have solutions. And he talked about not wanting to block the kids they have coming up in the system. They really are doing things in a refreshing way. I still think they'll make a trade, and might add a veteran D.