DJ, even you must agree that Dotel is really not much of a trade value at all.

We'll give them Irish and a poster to be named later.

Yeah, but still, Dotel > Farnsworth.

DJ, how nicer is a knife wound compared to a gunshot wound?

Seriosuly, this year's trade-market for pitchers is SHIT.

Yeah. But Dotel has looked decent as a closer, while Farnsworth looks like a steaming pile of crap.

Though give me Gagne and/or Otsuka over either Farnsy/Dotel any day.

At least we aren't going after Brad Lidge (shudder).

A.K.A. Brad "Luck" Lidge.

Was Otsuka placed on the disabled list?

Steinbrenner OK with Platt's portrayal in miniseries

NEW YORK -- George Steinbrenner wants TV viewers to admire his cuddly side -- and his good hair days.

Asked whether he likes how he's depicted on ESPN's new miniseries "The Bronx Is Burning," the New York Yankees owner joked via his publicist: "They always show me angry; they never found a softer, kinder, gentler George."

Oliver Platt plays Steinbrenner in the eight-part series, adapted from Jonathan Mahler's "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning," about the summer of 1977 and the Yankees' quest to win the World Series.

"He doesn't want to knock the guy's acting; he wants to knock his clothing and hairdo," Steinbrenner spokesman Howard Rubenstein quipped in Friday editions of Newsday.

"George's hair is more neatly trimmed," added Rubenstein. "He doesn't wear a wig; people think that because he's perfectly barbered. He doesn't have a hair out of place."

Source: ESPN

Terrible pitching last night. Moose needs to go, I can't see him being on this team next year. Give me Igawa (yikes) at this point. Bruney needs to go too, unless he learns control (which we've been waiting for most of the season). We have Britton tearing up the minors, I can't see giving these guys any more rope than they need to hang themselves.

I feel bad for K-Ram, because he is a kid, and its a shame he got his confidence shaken after two nice appearances, although its kind of hard to fault him considering he hasn't appeared in like forever and came into a horrible situation courtesy of Mussina.

Either way, this shows the Yankees still are desperately in need of some pitching help if they even hope to be competitive over this stretch run.

Sure, we lost to the shit teams again!

Well, at least K-Iggy did a nice job today...Yanks recover nicely.

The Yankees scored an amazing number of runs against the Devil Rays. The clubhouse looked alive, and really energetic. Who can we thank?

Shelley Duncan.

Seriously, this kid, who has been stuck in our farm system forever (and who I accidentally credited as Eric Duncan's brother...he's Chris Duncan's brother), who had too many strike outs, who couldn't hit for average, brings a little of that 1998 attitude that we so desperately need.

And even better?

We designated Wil Nieves for assignment and traded for Jose Molina! Wow! Finally, a competent backup catcher - probably the best we've had in years.

Yeah but let's see what they do tonight. They usually score a bunch of runs in 1 game and then go cold for another 3 or 4. Hopefully they didn't waste it all yesterday

Even still, this is a huge push. The Indians and BoSox are facing each other for a series, so let's hope that one kills the other so we have a clear target to shoot for. We're 6.5 games out of the wild card (Indians) and 7.5 games out of the division, so hopefully the series is one-sided one way or the other, and the Yankees can keep rolling.

Congrats to Shelley Duncan for the last 2 games

Yeah, the kid can hit.

The question is whether he can play competent defense. As it stands, he's barely a serviceable outfielder, and a mediocre-at-best first baseman.

Read: He really has no spot on this team once Giambi and Mienkeiwicz return, at least until September call-ups. Which is a shame...

Red Sox beat the Indians...I guess we can always hope for a sweep. Personally, I'd rather take on the Indians anyways for the long haul chase, but there is always the *possibility* of a Boston collapse.

ARod reached 100 ribbys already. The last Yankees to do that (in under 100 games) were Joe D and Lou Gehrig.... pretty good company!

He better win the MVP. I've been hearing Ordonez from a lot of people. Currently, here's how they match up:

A-Rod
.313 avg, 34 HR, 100 RBI

Magglio
.362 avg, 15 HR, 82 RBI

I'm really happy for A-Rod. He deserves this after his first 3 years in the Big Apple (especially after last year). THIS is the A-Rod we saw in Texas. Unfortunately, he could be gone after the year (I think he will be)

No way Ordonez can win (with all respect to the beloved Magglio). Without A-Rod's tear earlier this year, the Yankees would be out already, no chance of making the playoffs. If they can get either the Wild Card or the Division, there can be no doubt he'll be the only clear choice for MVP.

Don't be so sure. The Yankees have the deepest pockets, and Boras knows how to get money for his players. Steinbrenner can make things happen - I think this would be one case where the Boss would step in and open the pursestrings - even if it hasn't happened in awhile (at least since the Sheffield acquisition). Unless A-Rod completely bombs in the playoffs (if they make it), I don't think any other team (outside of Boston and Los Angeles) can afford A-Rod. And both of those teams will need to lose some salary off their current payload, hurting their chances. It's possible he'll leave, but I don't give it better than a 70/30 chance.

And, A-Rod just bought a new house in Connecticut...

I agree. Unfortunately, it may depend whether or not the Yankees make the playoffs that will determine if A-Rod walks away with the hardware. Sure Magglio has a better average but A-Rod has the power numbers

Yeah, like I said, if he totally bombs, there is no way Yankee fandom (or George's ego) will allow him to stay after another fruitless playoff. But I think the ghosts are behind him.

Maybe he needs to fool around on his wife more often?

I hear that it's all but certain he and Cynthia are getting divorced...

Oh, and the new trade rumor? Yanks are looking to acquire Jon Garland and Matt Thornton from the struggling ChiSox. I'd do that in a heartbeat. Thornton is a nice addition, and Garland would ultimately replace Clemens in 2008 (unless Roger comes back? ).

...and the Teixiera deal? It's dead. At least with the Yankees. The Rangers want Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes, and aren't budging. So expect the Yankees to let this one pass, and try to acquire him after he's a free agent after '08. Look for the Dodgers or the Angels to give him a look.

I hear the Red Sox have a strong interest as well. I say let him go for now and sign him after 2008. There's no point in overpaying for him

Is anyone watching the game right now?? How is it possible that it's only the 2nd inning??

Because a.) the Yankees offense finally found its way out of a paper bag and b.) they have been playing some of the worst teams in the league.

He's not even pitching and he's in the news. There's a surprise

It helps when you wrestle Ham & Eggers, umm Bobby Heenan?