McCarver: Manny is 'Despicable'

Good. Shut the fuck up, and let him come to New York so he can rake some homers.

It's been well established by many more knowledgeable than us that Tim McCarver is RETARDED. Manny will be Manny, hit some more home runs for a few more years and call it quits. Maybe he'll stay in L.A., maybe he'll come to T.O. (we don't have the money) or maybe he'll go to N.Y. and the Yankees will win the Series.

Who else thinks McCarver said it because Fox is going to cover the NLCS?

Regardless of why McCarver said it or where Manny will end up, what I want to know is why is Tim McCarver a highly paid colour guy when he really should just be washing dishes somewhere.

He was an above average catcher. When he retired, he fell into the Mets job at just the right time (mid '80s). He was able to use that as a platform to launch his career at Fox. Plus, he's a good old boy. Fox LOVES that. Life is timing.

One anecdote regarding McCarver that I heard from somewhere is that in some game God knows when, him and Bob Gibson had a mound conference and you know Mc was trying to calm Gibson down. Gibson looked him in the eyes and said "All you know about pitching is that it's hard to hit."

All McCarver knows about being a colour guy is that it's hard to do. I respect the fact that he's done something to reach where he is, however he is still a terrible colour guy.

Especially when using the withdrawal method.

Hey, I'm Catholic!

Life is balance. Timing is just managing the details and the attitude you have towards them.

Thank you, Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan? You bein a wise guy wit me? Huh Pizzaboy? What am I some sort of fictionalized, Lucas character here to amuse (enlighten) you? Double-J, was he shakin? I worry about you PB somtimes, you might fold under questinoning.

Nah. Movie buff that I am, I'm no STAR WARS geek.

Hmm. Screwed up this conversation is!

Some rumors I heard

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" The Yanks have roughly $88 million in salary potentially vanishing, and Yankees New York Yankees officials already are building toward a consensus how to use those dollars. Based on multiple interviews the initial plan looks like this:

1. Sign at least one and, preferably two, starters from among free agents CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.

2. Re-sign either Mike Mussina Mike Mussina or Andy Pettitte.

3. With the rotation deepened by free agency, use pitching prospects in particular to obtain a prime-age, high-ceiling player at first or in the outfield. Then use minor trades or free agency to address other areas.

Currently, the only way the Yanks intend to chase a major positional free agent such as Manny Ramirez or Mark Teixeira is if they are shut out on pitching and have to consider building in a different way and/or the dismal economy drives down prices (which is possible)."

Source: NY Post

Hmm.

1.) That's a given. They'll get Sabathia, unless he's hell bent on going to the West Coast, because they'll unload the warchest. Their offer will be significantly higher than any other teams.

2.) I don't think Pettitte would be welcome back unless the Yankees fail to pick up one of the available FA pitchers. Mussina would be welcome back, but I have a feeling he's going to retire.

3.) They're going to go after Teixiera. He has said in the past he wants to be closer to his home on the East Coast (he's from the Baltimore area) and he's a Boras client. He's the best first baseman available. They've gone too long with patchwork and underproduction at that position. Teixiera may not be the same tier as Pujols but he's another player that, when they become available, you have to snap up.

As far as the outfield goes, don't be surprised if they go after Pat Burrell. I've heard his name whispered a lot. Also, if the Yankees don't pick up Rocco Baldelli, I'd be floored. He's a great talent, they have solved his metabolism issue, and if he can stay healthy, is a great investment at 27 years old. But he's still a huge injury risk.

The key is that an outfield with at least Damon in left and Nady in right is at least serviceable, especially with a slick fielding Melky (the kid can bounce back) or Gardner (maybe a better choice because of his baserunning and offensive versatility). It's offensively productive, and not a total defensive liability. Personally, I'd expect them to not change much in the outfield unless, of course, they sign Manny Ramirez, which they should but I don't know if they will. If that happens, hell is going to break lose. They'll have to deal either Matsui or Damon to make room (probably Matsui but more likely Damon because of his greater trade value).

The economy isn't going to hurt the Yankees, they have the new stadium, huge ad deals, and the TV network. They're going to roll it on at least two big free agents this offseason - two of Sabathia, Teixiera, and Ramirez - and then make smaller moves elsewhere. The key is that Ramirez would be a luxury, which is why he's the least likely move. We desperately need a workhorse pitcher to complement Wang - Sabathia fits the bill. We desperately need a first baseman who can hit and field consistently - Teixiera fits the bill.

However, you sign Manny, you solve those dreaded RiSP issues of last year, and you also guarantee A-Rod won't have to be clutch (was he ever?) and will see some meatballs if they have Ramirez hitting in front of him in the order.

That's why I wish they'd sign him, even if it was for 3 or 4 years. Also, don't forget the money the Yankees will get for auctioning off the old Yankee Stadium. PURE PROFIT right there;)

Well, keep watching Rocco Baldelli. He just put the nail in the Red Sox's coffin in Game 3 of the ALCS. He should be the Yankees center fielder next year.

Phillies GM to Yankees?

One of the most persistent rumors that circulated among baseball officials during the season was that Pat Gillick was going to move from Philadelphia GM to Mariner president and recruit Brian Cashman to be Seattle's GM. That buzz ceased earlier this month when Cashman agreed to a three-year extension to stay. But Cashman should still find a way to work with Gillick. Because the skills that define Gillick's career - skills that should lead him to the Hall of Fame - are traits the Yankees can use even on a consultant basis. Gillick is renowned for scouting acumen, sagacity in decision-making and terrific people skills that help bridge disparate viewpoints.

Source: SI

Gillick and Gene Michael will make good bosom buddies.

Willie returning to Yankees?

The Yankees need a third-base coach, and Willie Randolph needs a job. So there is a chance the former Mets manager might return to The Bronx. In a move that shows the honeymoon between Joe Girardi and the Yankees is officially over, Bobby Meacham, a close friend of Girardi's, is out as third-base coach, a move that was announced yesterday. Meacham, who with bullpen coach Mike Harkey lived with Girardi in his Westchester County home during the season, was dismissed, as was special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone. Meacham was informed by GM Brian Cashman. Immediately, Randolph and Larry Bowa jumped to the top of the list as possible replacements. And there is a chance bench coach Rob Thomson could be moved to third with the Yanks hiring a veteran bench coach to assist Girardi.

Source: SI

Willie Randolph sucks as a third base coach. You thought Meachem was bad with waving people home? Willie is just as turrible. Make him the bench coach, and put Pena at first.

Sources: Agent says Pettitte wants to throw for Yanks in '09

As the New York Yankees began a round of scouting meetings this week to discuss the future of the team, they know that veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte intends to pitch in 2009, and his intention is to pitch for them.

Sources said on Wednesday that Pettitte's agent, Randy Hendricks, has informed the Yankees of this recently.

No contract for 2009 has been negotiated between the pitcher and the team, but he has made it clear that he wants to play for the Yankees and the Yankees have made it clear that they want Pettitte, who went 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA for New York this season. Pettitte made $16 million last season.

Pettitte, 36, has sometimes felt the pull of retirement, but late this season, as the Yankees played their final games in their home of more than eight decades, he spoke wistfully of wanting to play in the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.

Pettitte is 215-127 in his career, most of which has been played with the Yankees.

Source: ESPN

Former Yankee Tom Tresh dead at 71
By BILL MADDEN
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Thursday, October 16th 2008, 4:00 AM

Tom Tresh, who burst onto the big-league scene in 1962 and won Rookie of the Year honors as a fill-in shortstop for the Yankees after Tony Kubek was called into military service, died Wednesday at his home in Venice, Fla., of a heart attack. He was 71.

The switch-hitting Tresh, who drew unfair comparisons to Mickey Mantle that he could never live up to after his standout first season in which he hit .286 with 20 homers, 93 RBI and 94 runs scored, was nevertheless a Yankee fixture in the waning years of their five-decade dynasty. In three World Series, 1962-64, he hit .277 with four homers and 13 RBI in 18 games, including a two-run homer off Sandy Koufax in the 1963 opener. In the 1962 Series against the Giants, he hit a game-winning three-run homer in Game 5 and in Game7, he made a great catch in left field to rob Willie Mays of an extra-base hit to help preserve the 1-0 clinching Yankee win.

"I got a call from his son, Greg (Wednesday) morning who told me Tommy had passed away at his home," said Johnny Blanchard, Tresh's Yankee teammate in the '60s. "He'd played golf the day before and complained about an ache in his back, but I guess he didn't think it was serious. He played a valuable role for those ballclubs of ours in the '60s and was just a terrific fellow. This is a sad day."

When Kubek returned from the Army, Tresh moved to left field, where he flanked Mantle and Roger Maris in one of the best outfields the Yankees ever had. In 1966 he hit a career high 27 homers and led the American League in sacrifice flies. He also switch-hit homers in the same game three times that year. On June 6, 1965, Tresh hit four homers in a doubleheader against the White Sox.

Tresh, whose father, Mike, was a catcher mainly with the Chicago White Sox from 1938-48, saw his career shortened after hurting his knee in spring training, 1967. Two years later, the Yankees traded him to the Detroit Tigers for outfielder Ron Woods and he retired after that season with a .245 average and 153 homers.

"Tommy was just a wonderful guy and a real plus for us," said former Yankee second baseman Bobby Richardson. "Filling in for Tony the way he did in 1962 was so important. We couldn't have won that year without him. I always felt badly for him that he was always being compared with Mickey, just because he was a switch-hitting shortstop who moved to the outfield."

Good, they need him more as a starter

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After meetings, Steinbrenner says Chamberlain likely to join rotation in '09

TAMPA, Fla. -- Hank Steinbrenner says Joba Chamberlain likely will return to the New York Yankees' rotation at the beginning of the 2009 season.

"The plan as of right now is Chamberlain is going to be a starter," the Yankees co-chairman said Thursday after five hours of organizational meetings at the team's spring training complex. "Everybody's pretty much in agreement with that."

Chamberlain began this year in the bullpen, joined the rotation on June 3, then was sidelined after his Aug. 4 start because of rotator cuff tendinitis that caused him to go on the disabled list. When he returned Sept. 2, he went back to the bullpen.

Also attending the meetings was co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner, team president Randy Levine, chief operating officer Lonn Trost, general manager Brian Cashman, assistant general manager Jean Afterman, vice presidents Mark Newman, Gene Michael and Felix Lopez, and advisers Reggie Jackson and Tino Martinez.

"It was a productive day," Hank Steinbrenner said. "We didn't make any decisions today. We just covered all the things we need to fix. Everything is open. We're willing to do anything that will improve us. It was more of a summary and quite a lot of discussion."

The Yankees are thought to be interested in free-agent pitchers CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Ben Sheets, and first baseman Mark Teixeira. Exploring a trade for San Diego pitcher Jake Peavy is possible.

Andy Pettitte has said he is likely to return for next season. Mike Mussina isn't sure and the Yankees think he might retire.

Source: ESPN

Yankees, Braves chasing Peavy

The Yankees are one of several teams that have had preliminary discussions with the San Diego Padres about a possible trade for 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. According to a person familiar with the substance of Thursday's organizational meetings in Tampa, Peavy was a hot topic as word has begun to circulate around baseball that the Padres are interested in shopping Peavy. The person said the Yankees had a feeling the Padres might be further down the road in discussions with other teams, such as the Atlanta Braves. And even a very strong offer might not be enough to get Peavy, since his contract includes a no-trade clause. But if the Yankees decided to make young pitchers such as Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy available, they believe they could put together an attractive package for the Padres to at least consider.

Source: SI

Yankees lay out offseason plans

Determined not miss the playoffs for a second straight season in 2009, the Yankees' top executives have decided to pursue many of the game's premier free agents, chief among them starting pitchers CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe, and first baseman Mark Teixeira, among others, this winter. They will also will pursue Jake Peavy, the Padres' Cy Young-winning starting pitcher who may be available via trade, and may take a look at top free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez, as well, though the need for a corner outfielder isn't as urgent as their need for pitching and a first baseman.

While they can't sign all those pitchers, they are hoping to secure more than one of them. There is also some question in the cases of Sabathia and Burnett whether they'd want to play in New York, which may be why they will pursue so many pitchers.

Top Yankees decisionmakers, including club owners Hank and Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman met over the last two days in Tampa. The Yankees will have even a greater monetary advantage than usual this postseason, thanks to elevating revenues from the new Yankee Stadium and more than $80 million in expiring contracts.

The Yankees will also consider bringing back starting pitcher Andy Pettitte, who has told them he'd like to return. The Yankees will weigh Pettitte against other free agents and are believed to want to keep him on a one-year deal.

Sabathia, the top free-agent pitcher this year, has said he'd consider any team. The Yankees are expected to be the high bidder for Sabathia, who should seek a contract to beat the $137.5-million deal Johan Santana got from the Mets last winter. But Sabathia also said he'd prefer the National League and is believed to have interest in returning to his home state of California. The Brewers are also expected to make an attempt to keep him. The Mets may, too.

The Yankees' interest in Teixeira seems to make clear that longtime Yankee Jason Giambi will not be brought back. Even if the Yankees fail to sign Teixeira, they have determined they want to upgrade their defense at first base. The Angels, Orioles and perhaps the Giants and Mariners are among teams expected to show interest in Teixeira.

The Yankees also want to upgrade in center field, though there are no great free-agent options, which may lead them to pursue trades. Pitching prospects Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy presumably won't have the same untouchable status they had last winter.

The Yankees may also consider Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets as yet another free-agent alternative, but there are some concerns about his injury history. If Mike Mussina decides he want to keep pitching, the Yankees would be interested in him, as well. The Yankees also firmed up plans to keep Joba Chamberlain in the starting rotation, assuming there are no more setbacks with the talented young pitcher.

Peavy has a no-trade provision in his Padres contract so it isn't known whether he'd accept a deal to the Yankees. Burnett has the right to opt out of his Jays deal, which has another $24 million over two years remaining, and it is expected that he will do so. The Jays may try to sign him to prevent him from filing for free agency, though.

Source: SI

I know for a fact that every so often, Alzheimer's patients are capable of a few moments of clarity. Hank Steinbrenner should really pray that with his father, that's not the case. He may just wake up one day and say to himself, Who put my pea-brained son in charge?

He just reminds me of the typical rich kid, who received no attention throughout his life, and now he's overcompensating for it. He has a definite need to be heard.

This has absolutely nothing to do with the Yankees; it's just an observation.

Hey, if he overcompensates and gets all these guys, I won't complain