Bullshit, call the main office and get us George's Box.

Irishman, you said you were going to work there, Well get going!

I'm game!

BTW - I'm sure by now everyone heard A-Rod basically tell Brian Cashman to go fuck himself, right? He won't negotiate until after the season.

So now the Yankees look like double-douches - they betrayed their own integrity by breaking their rule of not negotiating with a player until after the season, and then they pissed off the rest of the crew like Mo and Jorge who wanted their negotiations to take place in Spring Training.

Maybe it really is time for some of the management to get the axe...

Yeah, just when Yankee fans were ready to embrace him, too.

And now Cashman pisses off the veterans, to boot.

He's such a homely little man, that Cashman.

Wouldn't it be some shit if Posada and Mo BOTH told Cashman to fuck off.

AND no A-Rod.

Want to talk serious rebuilding? Imagine the Yankees without Rivera, Posada, and A-Rod next year.

Nice back-to-back home runs by Posada and Matsui!! Go, Go, Godzilla!!

Of course, they're still losing, but they're only losing by TWO runs now.

Listening to Suzyn Waldman say Roger cuts me right to the bone, Raaaw-geeeeer.

And could someone PLEASE go out to Detroit and tell Sheffield to shit the f*** up. Please.

I think it may actually be easier for the Yanks to catch the Sox than to win the wildcard. There are just too many teams to contend with. It seems whenever the Yanks lose a game they lose one in the standings to one of the wildcard teams. On the other hand, when they win it seems that Boston wins. It's gonna be tough.

And my Mets aren't doing any better. God, can you imagine if they BOTH miss the playoffs?

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo will climax in his pants (yuck).

Sheff can't shut up, can he? I guess that nothing's changed. And if he was racially targeted by Joe Torre, why was he so pissed to be traded??

It wasn't race motivated. Sheffield says himself, Tony Womack and Kenny Lofton were treated differently. I'm sure Womack and Lofton were treated differently. You know why? Because they both sucked in New York!

Half baked

Gary Sheffield was half-right, which is a lot different from Derek Jeter being "half-black.''

Sheffield was right that Joe Torre plays favorites. He favors the players who won him the four rings.

Torre loves Jeter best of all. He'd love him if he was half-green, half-awake or half-in-the-bag. Because Jeter and Mariano Rivera are the two players most responsible for Torre's four rings.

Torre loves Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte, too, because they are the next three players most responsible for the four rings. Torre also loves those five players because they are quiet, professional gentlemen.

I suspect Torre didn't love Sheffield because he is neither quiet nor professional, and I suspect he likes him even less now because Sheffield won't shut up about how Torre mistreated him. And now it's about how Torre mistreated Sheffield because he's African-American and how he mistreats all African-American players.

Torre's favorite person on earth may be Bob Gibson, who is African-American. Torre talks about Gibson even more than Sheffield talks about Torre. Torre can't say enough good things about Gibson.

Torre loves Darryl Strawberry, who helped him win rings. Strawberry also played hard and didn't complain when he didn't always play. Like Jeter and the others who helped him win the rings, Strawberry is a gentleman. And Strawberry disagreed with Sheffield's assessment.

Now Sheffield says Kenny Lofton and Tony Womack feel the same way, and it turns out Sheffield isn't just blowing smoke about Lofton, as Lofton a day or two later agreed with Sheffield that Torre mistreats African-American players. But Lofton had two problems with the Yankees. One was that he didn't play up to his usual standards. The other is that he shared center field with Williams, who, as we know, was one of Torre's favorite players. Torre had a loyalty to Williams. If there was favoritism, he favored the four-time winner.

I am not anxiously waiting to see what Womack has to say, either. If anything, Torre gave Womack too many chances, too much rope. By the time Womack got to the Yankees, he just couldn't play, plain and simple. He was, in fact, one of the worst players in Major League Baseball.

Sheffield, on the other hand, was a star with the Yankees. And he still is. But that doesn't make him a keen sociologic observer, or even a gentleman. Because he is neither.

Sheffield's time with the Yankees was marked by four things:

1) The usual hard hitting and clutch base hits;

2) An embarrassing association with BALCO (don't forget, he's the guy who FedEx'd cash to BALCO -- is that because he thought he was getting Ben-Gay?);

3) A propensity to say dumb things (it's actually gotten worse since he left the Yankees, since, as a Yankee, he limited his dumb comments to the subject of how much more money he wanted); and,

4) A knack for loafing after balls hit to right field, which he did about as often as he hustled after them.

Torre consistently played Sheffield, and he consistently defended Sheffield (at least he did publicly). Torre had so much faith in Sheffield that he even played him at first base during the playoffs when Sheffield shouldn't have been playing first base for even a high school team.

Sheffield's litany of specific complaints about Torre appears to boil down to "a couple of meetings'' when Torre called out Sheffield. One time came after one especially egregious case of loafing, the other was either over more loafing or Sheffield failing to be on time. Rather than hail Torre for waiting to call him out until he had loafed for two straight years, Sheffield apparently decided this was an unforgivable act.

Sheffield's evidence is that Torre didn't call out the other stars, whom he treated "like men.'' Of course, the other stars are consistent hustlers like Jeter, Posada and Alex Rodriguez. When it came to loafing, Sheffield was in a class by himself.

But Sheffield thinks he does no wrong. In his mind, he is a great hustler. Maybe this stems from the fact that his previous managers -- and there have been many of them, since he's been traded more times than any Hall-of-Fame talent in history -- may never have said a thing. They just watched and delighted in Sheffield's hitting, and let the loafing go. Torre did, too, for two years.

But eventually, he had to bring it up. He had no choice. Sheffield's loafing had become embarrassing. So he made an example of Sheffield at a meeting or two. For that, apparently, he is a racist. (Although, in Sheffield's confused world, Sheffield said Torre is just a mistreater of blacks, not racist.)

Sheffield sees racism around every corner. He thinks MLB is racist for having more Latins and fewer blacks in the game than they used to. He thinks Torre is a racist for mentioning a mistake or two he made when he made about a hundred more. He sees racism everywhere, which is a shame because it diminishes real racism, which does occur in baseball.

Sheffield sees himself as a great player, a great leader and a great humanitarian, not to mention a hustler. And while he's moved from city to city, he's always resided in Fantasyland.

Source: SI

Yes, the same Shef that Cashman overpayed over the AL MVP, Vladi!

Way to go.

Yankees uncertain of their future

NEW YORK -- With a nervous gaze toward the calendar and the standings, the Yankees' strategy at the trading deadline will depend on how they play in the next two weeks. Or, to put it more simply, the Bombers' decision-makers are on hold, waiting for one more (one last?) hot streak.

"If we're going to make a move, it has to happen now," is how one high-ranking official put it Thursday. That's hardly an overstatement, considering the Yankees are facing a double-digit deficit in the American League East, and are almost that far removed from the AL wild-card lead with no sign of a collapse by the teams in front of them. It looks and feels like a transition year in the Bronx; many baseball people say the Yankees are closer to the playoffs in 2008 than they are in 2007. But no one's giving up yet, primarily because of the Yankees' soft schedule in July.

Their first 29 games after the All-Star break are against sub-.500 teams, including eight of the first 12 against the already-dead Devil Rays.

The math alone says the Yankees would be wise to flip the calendar. Even if the Red Sox play .500 the rest of the way, they'd still finish with 91 wins. The Yankees would have to win 63 percent of their games to match that. They'd have to win 61 percent to beat the Indians for the wild card. None of this is impossible, of course, just improbable. Yet, GM Brian Cashman is holding off on any major trades -- either as a buyer or a seller -- until the Yankees take advantage of their schedule. Or not.

"Right now our focus is trying to get the roster to play up to its abilities," Cashman said. "We don't have any major needs. We might tweak here or there, but I don't see us as major players [at the July 31 deadline]."

Despite the Red Sox's surplus, the Yankees cling to the belief that they've underachieved for so long -- and have endured so many injuries and bad breaks -- that their luck has to change sooner or later. Plus, as Cashman says, noting the Twins' comeback in 2006, "this has been done before. People say we're done, but there's a precedent that says otherwise."

Still, the Yankees aren't oblivious to their underachievement. With a sub.-500 record at the break, they qualified as the worst team of the Joe Torre era. But admitting to 4 million paying fans that the season is over runs counter to the Yankees' philosophy; it's alien to the entire win-or-else culture that George Steinbrenner promotes. No wonder the Yankees are procrastinating on Plan B. They're not even sure whom to trade even if they decide to become sellers.

Kyle Farnsworth, who's in Torre's doghouse for throwing his glove against the dugout wall after being removed from a game on June 29, would be a likely candidate to go. Bobby Abreu has experienced enough of a resurgence to stir interest from at least one National League team, although an American League executive who's seen Abreu recently remains unimpressed. "He's an opposite-field singles hitter who's slowed down a lot in the last year."

Another possibility is acquiring Shea Hillenbrand, but that would happen only if the Yankees are ready to give him the everyday job at first base. That decision has not been made, team insiders say. The club is equally unclear about where Alex Rodriguez is headed or just how to negotiate with him without alienating Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada, New York's other free-agents-to-be.

In the most likely scenario, the Yankees will indeed bend corporate policy and offer A-Rod a contract extension before season's end. One insider said, "he keeps saying he loves the Yankees, now he'll get a chance to show us he means it." But the Bombers also promise to vanish if A-Rod opts out of his contract in November. The same higher-up said, "if Alex opts out, it means he wants out, he doesn't want to play here. We won't let him use us."

It's hard to believe A-Rod will be pressured to drop his free agency rights. As agent Scott Boras told the New York Daily News, "Alex has always said he's comfortable in New York. It doesn't mean he's not comfortable somewhere else, either."

A-Rod's feelings about the Yankees are obviously linked to their check-writing ability -- when has he not been about the money? But if Rodriguez bolts, it may have to do with the end of the Bronx renaissance, which began in 1995. The team is well-stocked with pitching prospects at the Double-A level, but there aren't many saviors among the position players. This winter's free agent market will be similarly lean.

And there's the unresolved futures of both Cashman, whose contract expires after 2008, and Torre, who has no commitment from Steinbrenner after this season. If the Yankees' playoff-streak ends this year after 12 straight appearances, count on changes to occur at the top.

This is the decline-phase Yankee haters have prayed for since the mid-'90s. But not everyone is gloating.

"The Yankees are great for baseball, especially when they're good," said A's general manager Billy Beane. "Anyone who doesn't believe that is incredibly short-sighted. Me, personally, I never viewed the Yankees as some hated, evil rival, because I have so much respect for the way they play the game. If they're having a down period, it's only temporary, and their down period is going to be a lot shorter than most teams'."

Source: ESPN

My thoughts? Move Farnsworth if possible, try to acquire either Otsuka or Gagne (preferably Otsuka, since he fares well in the set-up role, and will cost less, and have less injury risk than Gagne). This is not a long-term bullpen solution, but its okay - I could see resigning either of these guys for 2-3 year deals after the season, because both should still fire the rock, especially Gagne, who is only 31.

The biggest move to be made right now? Do the big deal for Texiera. It will a.) finally stabilize the first base position and b.) provide some relief if A-Rod opts out and signs with another team this offseason. This team will look a lot better in the infield both offensively and defensively with Texiera and without A-Rod than it would with Mientkeiwicz/Giambi/Phillips/platoon and without A-Rod.

That's all I can say. Yeah, it will cost some prospects - probably Ian Kennedy, and another one or two - but it will solve a glaring need we've had since it was evident Giambi was not a defensive first baseman (forever?).

Otherwise, the other move will have to stay for the offseason. I wouldn't move Melky. I'd try to unload Damon, but only for Major League talent in return. Otherwise, all that is left is for the offseason.

The primary goal should be shoring up the bullpen. Playing consistently, and having players play to their ability, is the only chance this team has of even being competitive for the Wild Card this year.

The real work begins as soon as the season ends. I'll save that diatribe for later...

Big Rumor of the Day: Not to get Klydon agitated, but rumors are flying around that the Phillies, desperate for bullpen help, are looking to acquire our favorite son, Kyle Farnsworth...

Trade him for Flash

I'd give Pat Burrell and his big contract away for Farnsworth in a heart beat.

Gordon and Meyers are supposedly coming back this month, but I guess Meyers would go back to the rotation since Leiber and Freddie Garcia will probably miss the season. Where's Rawly Eastwick when you need him.

I guess everybody can use some bullpen help

Maybe the Yanks can go sign Suzuki....

Oh wait. Nevermind.

No. Kosuke Fukudome.



Don't be surprised if a deal gets done for Torii Hunter, OR...they sign Andruw Jones this offseason.

Oh, and another rumor (I don't think will happen any longer with Phillips crushing the ball and playing sparkling defense) is a straight-up trade for Dan Johnson. The A's want Scott Proctor in return.

Also, with regards to Teixiera, it sounds like this is how it will go down (don't quote me). The Dodgers will trade for Texiera to get them into the playoffs, play him until he becomes a free agent after 2008, and then the Yankees will sign him in the offseason. The Dodgers have a stellar first base prospect (James Loney), so they won't need to re-sign Teixiera.

Of course, there could also be some sort of trade of Loney becomes MLB ready sooner rather than later, but I suspect he'll be treated ala Phil Hughes and the Yankees organization.

And of course, the now-standard trade rumor for the past couple of years - the Yankees are looking to acquire Wilson Betemit...

Does this mean Miguel Cairo is on his way out?

And frankly, I'd rather move Bruney and/or Myers than Proctor. His little voodoo burning seems to have done wonders for his poise and performance, while those other two continue to bring new levels of suckitude.

Of course, there is always a trade to send Farnsworth back to the NL, and maybe the Dodgers want his worthless ass.

We have picked up two whole games in the last two days!
At least it s in the right direction.

Don't lose faith yet...

Yankees Trade Rumors

- Yankees are in talks with the KC Royals to acquire Octavio Dotel. (Duh, it makes no sense why we let him go after last year anyways...we rehabbed him, and he played in 10 games or so). Another name on the table is Zack Grienke.

- Also in talks with the Pirates regarding relievers Salomon Torres and Damaso Marte. Pirates want to ship out Shawn Chacon as well. Another blast from the past (maybe we can get Tom Gordon or Mike Stanton ) In addition, the Yankees have asked about relief pitcher Roberto Hernandez, but nixed any deal when the Pirates refused to accept any deal unless Jeromy Burnitz was in the package.

- A pending trade on the table could send Scott Proctor to the Devil Rays for Ty Wigginton (I say no...we need all the 'pen help we can get at this point). The D-Rays are supposedly quoted as saying they will "listen to anything about anybody," so I would say what the hell...why not deal someone like Matt DeSalvo, Karstens, and maybe a vet for Carl Crawford? Talk about awesomeness in the outfield. He would be a great addition. I'd like to see Rocco Baldelli too, and can be had cheaper with his injury history.

- The Devil Rays are looking to deal Eric Byrnes, and the big names would be Bobby Abreu from the Yanks and Jermaine Dye from the White Sox. Supposedly, the teams are asking for Byrnes and star outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez, which the D-Backs don't want to do.

- Yankees have asked the Astros for an offer for Mark Loretta (boo...but probably better than Cairo at this point).

- The Mariners supposedly inquired about acquiring Andy Pettitte (yikes!).

- Also on the Yankees radar are Kevin Mench and Reggie Sanders (no and maybe, Sanders could be a nice bench addition, but I think at his age he wants to play for a team that is almost a lock, maybe Boston or Detroit).

Damon to DL?

The Yankees added Scranton-Wilkes Barre record-setting homerun slugger Shelly Duncan (brother of the spectacularly mediocre Eric Duncan) to the Major League roster. Duncan plays first base, but is not good defensively. He can also play left field. He plays primarily DH in the minors.

This could signal Damon heading to the DL...

Also, Phil Hughes will replace Kei Igawa on the major league team.

In addition, some people are throwing around the rumor that the Yankees will be acquiring Mike Piazza, but I don't see it. Do you really think he and Clemens could co-exist after their famed bat tossing incident in the World Series (now more than) a few years ago?

And...apparently rumors flying that the Yankees have made a big push for Mark Teixiera and are currently in hot talks with the Texas GM...Ty Wigginton would be the next choice...and then Shea Hillenbrand.

Let's hope it's option #1...

I've heard he may go to Atlanta and the Yankees will try to sign him after the 2008 season.

Thank goodness. I was excited to see Igawa back when they said he was tearing up the minors but he's just not a major league pitcher. I've heard rumors he could be used in the bullpen and that may be the best thing for him. They need the help in the pen and this'll open up a hole in the rotation for Hughes (Wang, Moose, Pettitte and Clemens).