I think believing that Santana, at 29 years of age, has already peaked is wishful thinking. There is not one MLB team that would not be better by having Santana on its roster. He will be a force, barring injury (which can be said about any player), for the next 5-7 years. Granted we know he cheated, but some of Clemens' best days were in his mid-to-upper 30s. Age, particularly in baseball, is much less a factor than in football or basketball. Baseball players primes tend to be about 27-34 and can still be very good as an older player (see Schilling, Clemens, Smoltz, et al).

The three pitchers you mentioned being the cornerstones of NY's rotation is debatable. Let's see them do what Maddux, Glavine & Smoltz did for 2-3 years consistently before making that comparison. Not only were Atlanta's big 3 kicking ass in the regular season, they gained tons of playoff experience every year early in their careers. The Yankees guys are blue chip prospects, but the jury is still out whether they'll be big time starters.

I cant wait to see Joba pitch tonight. My prediction 8 innings no runs.

I won't get to see the game. Unfortunately ESPN aired last night's game and not tonights! And Joba's on a 65-70 pitch count so I predict 5 no more than 6 innigs.

Well, you weren't even close.

None of us were close but it was his first start. He can only get better from here

Perhaps, but how can they survive in the meantime? Ramirez, Hawkins? They were a disaster! Yes, they still have Mo, but without anyone to get them to the 9th, what good is it?

The Yanks are doing some promotion now, and they're selling a video collection of their best ballplayers by position. I haven't heard who the official winners are but I'd like to weigh in with my 2¢:

1b - Lou Gehrig. A no-brainer.
2b - Tony Lazzeri. Bobby Richardson crossed my mind but I give the nod to Lazzeri based on his overall performance.
SS - Derek Jeter beats out Phil Rizzuto.
3b - ARod. He doesn't have the total years of Graig Nettles but based on his short term (with awesome numbers) Rodriquez wins out.
RF - Babe Ruth. The game's number one player.
CF - Joe DiMaggio. My toughest pick; Mantle had better numbers overall, but Joe D's stats were more intense (judged by the years he played).
LF - Dave Winfield. Another tough pick, Big Dave gets my nod over Bob Meusel.
C - Yogi Berra. Yogi wins out over Bill Dickey and Thurman Munson by virtue of his hitting prowess. He won three MVP's!
SP - Whitey Ford. Clemens was considered, but I think Ford was a true Yankee, and most of Clemens' greatest years were with other teams.
RP - Mariano Rivera.

Tough picks.

Comments?

I'd make a fantasy team outta them!

...but I hope Cockcroft wouldn't so I'd have a chance...

Could you imagine a 3-4-5 lineup of Ruth, Gehrig and DiMaggio???

I do... after every inning that Farnsworth(less) pitches...

Jeter? Who is he??

I missed the game last night. Could someone please explain to me how the hell they lost to Kansas City????

Simple. KC scored twice; the Yanks only once.

Thank you, SC, for explaining that very complex concept. Freaking Kansas City!!!

Anybody watch the game? Did they see Mr. Babe catch a foul ball? I was at my niece's stupid baby shower and totally missed it, but he sent me a text message that he caught a foul ball!

And what a game it was! Really exciting to the end.

He didn't have to go to the hospital for stitches, did he??

No, but his hand still hurts like hell. I thought of you immediately when he sent me that text message! I can't believe I missed seeing him on TV!! It was Guillen's ball, the foul he hit right before the Grand Slam.

They'll be showing the game again at 7:00 on YES.

And we're going out for dinner tonight! Damn!!!! Oh, wait, I have a DVR. Damn! My daughter's not home to show me how to use it!!!

Mr. Babe caught a foul ball? How cool. I didn't watch it, but they showed highlights on the Red Sox game. What a different game from last night.

You can't work a DVR? Heck, I still can't program a VCR. If I want to tape something it's because I'm watching it an only have to push the record button.

It was destined for me to see that foul ball. I went out to the store for a few minutes and just as I got back home Guillen hit the foul ball (it was quite a rip into the stands). The camera followed the ball into the stands but it didn't stay on the crowd long enough for me to make out Mr. Babe.

Mr. Babe managed the DVR. We had to advance frame by frame in order to see him. Every other foul ball, they show the person who caught it.

That figures, right?? It's like every time I streak across the outfield, they NEVER show it on TV!!

I guess they figure they see enough balls.

Silly Beth! You can never see too many!

Anyone see Wang get hurt today?? We were listening to the game in the back yard today. The last I heard was that it was a sprain, but they'll know more after his MRI tomorrow. If he's out for an extended period of time, that's going to REALLY suck.

Did the Yanks win?

The game was on and I saw him being helped off the field. He was able to put weight on the ankle. I haven't heard anything, but it didn't look like a serious injury.

Yup, they swept the Astros

They did win, Mig, but at what cost? If Wang is out for any extended period, that will really hurt them.

Klyd, on the news they are now referring to it as either a sprain or strain, whatever that means.

I heard on ESPN Radio this morning that he can be out for an extended period. I guess the tests today will determine the severity of the injury. The Yankees need him in the rotation.