On the Yankees beat

I hope bsox put Gagne in as the closer, screw with Papelbon even more by moving him back to the rotation (yet again), and finally blow up Papelbon's shoulder in the process.

KAT-
Thanks for keeping us up-to-the-minute on the Gagne situation. Also, let us know if you hear of Farns, or any other current Yankees going elsewhere. With the Yanks having an "off" day, the rumors should be flying.

Farnsworthless must go. Its not only bad pitching. Its the chemistry that he brings to the clubhouse. To walk away from the mound which I didn't see after hitting Posada with a 95 mph fastball expecting a slider. The guy has two pitches. He is in the I don't care mode. He should be moved even if the Yanks receive a bucket of KFC chicken wings. Brian just do it.

Posada has to catch this guy. Posada has little tolerance for a player of Farnsworth's mentallity or desire. Jorge is a winner and has worked hard to develope into the player that he is. Farnsworth $uck$, period.

Ok Farnsworth has got to go. I don’t think this guy ever comes in without giving up at least 1 run. Also Wang has not looked very crisp lately. I wonder if he is injured or fatigued.

Larry you are right. None of the player should have to put up with him.....or Mussina for that matter!

Farnsworth and his clubhouse "chemistry" has nothing to do with it.

If the guy was an ass, but mowing down the competition -- the Yanks would put up with it.

But, he's not.

He sucks. He's completely unreliable, and unfortunately, the Yanks are stuck with him because no team is going to trade for him.

Not only does he suck but he looks like such a d$%k out there! So unlikable. I hate to say stuff like that because he could be a nice guy. It is unfortunate that I get that impression from the way he looks but I don't think I am alone.

Reason Yanks can't move Farnsworth is that Cashman continues to ask for too much. Look for Farnsworth to be moved for next to nothing by the deadline as Cashman will now have to give in, yesterday's performance sealed the deal, and there are teams that will take him as long as they don't have to pay much. Bigger question for the Yanks is how are they going to gain ground. Balt is 6-3 against them, and Aug is coming with a real schedule, not loaded with the lower tier schlemps. Look for a .500 Aug to effective put an end to the Yanks season.

MSG,

I see that you are an optimist...or a Mets or Red Sux fan.

You're way off base, msg.

They are only 4 games behind CLE for the WC.

CLE is going to fall apart. It's in their DNA. They have fallen apart in each of the last three seasons in the 2nd half.

CLE, DET, and MIN have a lot of games between them and will beat up on each other.

Secondly, SEA has been a pretender all season and they too will fall short.

The Yanks will now get Hughes back to take over the #5 slot and will obviously be a huge upgrade over Igawa.

At this point, upgrading their pitching in the rotation and the pen should be enough to stay in the hunt until the very end.

msg4ever: As, I indicated a nice tasty bucket of chicken. Just moving him will open up a spot in the bullpen. We have gained nothing from him since he's been here. So, let him go for nothing to a team that can't hurt us. The equation works for me nothing for nothing. Just retrieve the spot on the roster.

I truly believe these are our transitions years (2007 & 2008). And we're still in the hunt. Not many teams can say this!

Viper,

You are right on track. Wow I think that was one of the few times that I actually agreed with you. I think I should play the lottery tonight.

viper...

if this team can make it with fresh legs then good it opens up excitement and strategy. this current squad will be tired by playoffs time

Every team will be tired by the playoffs.

That's what happens when you play 162 games.

The Yanks will be no different than anyone else.

Anonymous,

Even with the current roster, there will be plenty of resting. Once Giambi returns you will be able to sit Giambi, Damon, Abreu, Matsui and even Melky at least one a week because or rotation of the DH and the outfield spots. It will keep everybody fresh.

Lets see...this morning we have DNA programming for baseball rsults..

We have Cashman as a cool genius who will maximize the return value on a player he overvalued when he signed him..

We have a pitcher that has 13 innings ML experience being counted on as a sure thing..

And of course we have the usual habit of accusing someone who isn't toeing the party line of being a Mets or Sox fan (couldn't possibly be someone being realistic).

I have listened to many regulats on this site over the last 3 months talk about how the GM would definitely make all these different moves and gaurenteeing that certain players would be gone by August. Well the chickens haven't roosted yet be they are home and kicking up dust!

Nudge,

I was just making a little joke about the Mets or Sox fan. I understand you have to be realistic, but you can also have a little hope and be more optimistic. Remember this team is not playing the same way they did the first time they played all the teams that were mentioned. Now of course they could revert back to their old ways and they definitely will not go anywhere. See sometimes being a realist is not as fun or fulfilling as being an optimist.

Cashman must improve this bullpen or this season is a write off. First move must be to find a taker for Farnsworth. After yesterday he should be a goner.

Mike,

Im all for optimism! I think it is like vapors on this blog, it comes and vanishes too quickly. Although I try to bring some of those overly optimistic down to reality when they make rash assumptions, I admire their continued optimism in the face of a tough situation.

Are you as optimistic about your GM's ability to not make further downgrades to the team?

Nudge,

I am an optimist with a realists thought process. Being an optimist helps me get through my boring day. Being a realist helps me deal realistically with what is going on. I strongly feel that BC should not trade all the young pitching that we have to win now. I actually love to see kids come up and grow and become better players. If the team is losing during this process than so be it. It gave me more pleasure to watch player like Jeter, Pettite, Mo, Posada etc grow as player then it did winning the WS.....of course that made me very happy also. In all reality I would rather see these you kids come up and show us what they got then win right now. Unfortunate the Yankees themselves and their fans (including me) have been spoiled and I don't think they will deal with that.

I think there are alot of teams to fear before the Yanks make the list.

Fear the Angels.....if they DO get a stick, they may waltz to the WS.

Fear the Tigers....they will be getting 2 guys back soon that will make that bp highly impressive.

Fear the Indians...that team is starting to jell and could really go on a tear.

Fear the Sox..both colors...The Red Sox still have all the pieces needed and probably is the team that needs a deadline trade the least. The White Sox could certainly be "spoilers"...little doubt of the talent they possess.

Along with the Yanks, the next level includes the Twins...still a team to respect...The Jays can cause fits, and even the O's have been playing alot better.

Best team in my opinion; Toss up between the Angels and the Tigers...the next 48 hours may determine alot.

Viper-

how can you assume CLE will fall off radar? last i checked, they were in lead of WC and 102 game sof division lead. in years past they fell off, but they now have those very same guys with a little more experience (sizemore, martinez, hafner etc) in this time of year.

and to simply state that SEA is a pretender is a little foolish as well. again, they have played average ball all season, and are AHEAD of yanks in WC, only 5 back in their respective division. If SEA is a pretender, what are the Yanks?

as far as the deadline tomorrow, yanks need to get gagne and whatever they can for farnsworth (ex. utility guy, relief pitcher). yanks will get gaimbi back (only to play 15 games before missing rest of season with a "strained forearm muscle") and will get hughes (whom, as Nudge pointed out, has very little MLB experience, yet is an upgrade over igawa)

once deadline has passed and a-rod hits his 500th, Yanks need to really strap up and get going on these playoff races. August will prove to be a pivotal month, especially in playing the AL east teams (TOR, BOS, BAL)not to mention the CLE, LAA, DET.

this team is old and a first round exit is most logical. and they would be tired than most playoffs team due to the margin of losses they once had with no significant roster changes. if all thsi team can do is go one round then I rather them not and get a high pick

Nudge, a person could be optimistic AND realistic at the same time. Realism is looking at the numbers, the stats, what lies ahead. Optimism is faith, confidence, belief in your team. I'm not sure why you feel it's your duty and obligation to bring optimistic Yankees fans down to your level of total pessimism, darkness, nothingness because you can only relate to that type of "reality" in Nudgeville.

Furthermore, Yankees fans are here to BLOG and that means to give OPINION. I'll say it again, we are sharing our OPINION, OPINION, OPINION. You seem to think we must come with with God-like omniscience and a crystal ball in order to share our feelings. You are the one who is not realistic, Nudge.

Anonymous,

Even with the current roster, there will be plenty of resting. Once Giambi returns you will be able to sit Giambi, Damon, Abreu, Matsui and even Melky at least one a week because or rotation of the DH and the outfield spots. It will keep everybody fresh.

I agree with the above comments - Kyle Farnsworth has to be off this team. He stinks, and what's more his attitude stinks. He is showing up teammates for his mistakes and blaming the manager for his short comings (NY Post has a quote about his lack of appearances lately)

Observer:

Bill Stoneman is the most conservative GM in the sport - they won't get a stick without giving up a prospect and he won't give up B level guys, let alone the type of players it would take to get an Adam Dunn or Teixeira

I don't fear the Indians because they are, once again, a 1 dimensional team with no pen to speak of. Their trade for Kenny Lofton as an upgrade over Trot Nixon not withstanding, the team's best hitter is their leadoff hitter (Sizemore) so what do they do, get a second leadoff hitter. The team will continue to fade if Travis Hafner doesn't get his act together - and how much do they wish they kept Jeremy Guthrie right now?

White Sox talent is shrinking every day. By first pitch on Tuesday Contreras, Dye, and others could join Iguchi in the ranks of ex White Sox.

If the Yankees continue as they have since the break then they will make the playoffs, and once there it is a crap shoot as to who wins.

My concern about either Chamberlain or Gagne are either a top prospect will be given up or a young player is going to be used when not ready.

Look what has happened to Clippard and Wright since being sent down. Both have been spiraling.

Yankees if they STREAK to win will be a first round KO

without any fresh additions (youth) or (trade) these guys would have streaked themseleves out of contention. unlike other teams the yankees cannot afford to "rest" their regulars and basically is asking their catcher to squat until October with no real rest

RB:

I read an interesting take on Chamberlain by Keith Law of Scouts Inc.

After his start at AAA Law said, quite flatly, that Chamberlain needs to go to MLB for developmental purposes. That while his numbers in the minors make fans ooh and ahh they aren't helping his development because they just show he isn't being challenged. He needs to come to the show just so he can taste adversity. He went on to say that one of the best things that could happen is for the Yankees to call him up, him get roughed up a little and go back down with a lesson in what works and what doesn't work at the big league level - similar to the education Hughes got this year in Spring Training.

My lone concern is his usage - Torre has to use him enough to stay fresh but not use him so often that he burns out his arm.

Well, Nudge.

It's not unrealistic to believe that Hughes would be a considerable upgrade over Igawa -- experienced or not.

I'm not looking for him to pitch like an ace, but I do believe he is capable of a 5.00 ERA from the #5 slot.

That's not great at all, but it's better than an ERA of 7.00 like Igawa had.

If you look at the teams around MLB -- good teams and bad -- their #5 starters have ERAs over 5.00 and 6.00. Check out the stats and see for yourself.

You don't measure the strength of a rotation by their #1, #2, or #3 starters -- it's measured by your #4 and #5.

Your #1-3 only pitch 60% of the games, whereas the #4-5 pitch the other 40%.

The difference between very good rotations and just decent ones is the quality in the latter two guys.

That's why the Yanks have an advantage over most other teams right now -- Hughes and Moose is better than almost every other #4-5 guys in the league.

Anon:

The only team that can afford to rest their regulars right now is Boston.

Detroit is 1/2 game up on the Indians who are only 4 up on the Yankees and the Angels are only 4 up on the Mariners.

Ah Lucy,

You have to learn to read my words! I said ...Although I try to bring some of those overly optimistic down to reality when they make rash assumptions....Thats called quality control. If someone is posing a Farnsworth for Santana trade, the I state the obvious! Thats not pessimism. In fact I cant be pessimists on the Yanks since I dont have a rooting interest in them.

As always Lucy, I am only stating my OPINION OPINION OPINION. You dont have to like it or agree with it. You dont even have to read it! But why do you think that mine is the only OPINION OPINION OPINION that is subject to criticism?

How about this for a move:

Astros get Farnsworth
Yankees get Ensberg

The Astros just designated Morgan for assignment yesterday and are on the hook for the money left to him, and with the trade of Wheeler they are short in the pen - the money remaining this season is pretty much a wash and maybe the Yankees kick in a little towards next season.

Ensberg can give the Yankees a right handed bat off the bench (he did hit over 30 HR two years ago - though it may have been chemically aided - who knows) and, in the event Alex leaves, could provide insurance at third for next season.

Viper,

You and Lucy most be taking the same reading courses. I never said Hughes wouldn't be an upgrade from Igawa. I said he wasn't a sure thing after only 13 innings, just as Igawa wasn't a sure thing after 0 innings of ML ball. Assuming as you did that Hughes pitches to a 5.00 ERA, that 4-5 slot is pitiful!

Casual, welcome back. With two months left to play, it's too early for me to realistically say I fear any team, although it would certainly make sense to take into consideration the teams with the highest averages at the moment. However, the White Sox are 48-57 (nine games under .500). I know anything is possible, but do you really think they possess an iota of a chance of making the playoffs?

IN MY OPINION STOP THE BS. CLEMENS,MUSSINA,IGAWA,FARNSWORTH,DAMON,BRUNEY ALL SUCK & GEORGE SHOULD SUCK ON HIS MONEY HE HAS WASTED ON THEM. BRING BACK BERNIE,BRING UP HUGHES,KARSTENS, & CHAMBERLAIN,KENNEDY(4 STARTERS) & RETURN THIS ENWAR TO PEN.START SHELLEY DUNCAN & DUMP GIAMBI TOO!!! THE YOUTH & ENTHUSIASM WILL SUPERSEDE THESE GREEDY OLD SCUM.

Nudge, "quality control"? Right. Opinion about the team is one thing; criticizing other bloggers for being optimistic is something else.

Lucy,

No, I dont believe the White Sox have any chance of a play off spot....but I DO think they could be a team that spoils another teams chances at one. Hence the term "spoiler".

speaking of BS, the "bring back bernie" bus left the station back in May.

duncun is inexperienced and will be done with when giambi comes back.

and to be frank, i mean miguel, i'd rather have moose and clemens pitching down the stretch than inexperienced kids. their time will come.

Lucy,

Where did I criticize others bloggers on their optimism? I in fact have complimented the bloggers as in this recent cut and paste from my previous post...

Im all for optimism! I think it is like vapors on this blog, it comes and vanishes too quickly. Although I try to bring some of those overly optimistic down to reality when they make rash assumptions, I admire their continued optimism in the face of a tough situation.

Reading is fundamental!

With the Yankees' luck when it comes to relief pitchers they'll make a trade for Gagne (maybe giving up Alan Horne for him) and Gagne will pitch two games and have to go on the DL.

I know Milwaukee set the price for relief pitchers pretty high with their trade for Linebrink, but I would not deal more than a mid level prospect (Marcos Veccionacci, Colin Curtis level) for Gagne.

Yanks MUST)

1. Trade Farnsworth (for anything)

2. Get Gagne or at least Dotel

3. Keep Proctor

4. Promote Joba and bring him along slowly.

I would also put Igawa in the bullpen. He provides length in lopsided games and has proven his strikeout capability(when he's not giving up a gapper).

"Quote from Couple of F*g Redsox poster from Sosh regarding Redsox interested in Gagne. Copycat. Redsox already have Okajima.. Spoiled Brats.. Would you rather have Farnsworth or Okajima. Yankees need Gagne more than "Devil" Redsox

Mike in CT
Gagne's mission this year was to prove he was healthy and could perform at a high level again. He has done a pretty good job of that this year so far.

The save statistic doesn't mean anything now. This Winter, interested teams aren't going to care about how many saves he had in 2006.

It's all about remaining healthy now. If I were him (and Boras), Joe Torre would be one of the last managers I would want to play for the rest of this year.

Lee Harris

surely this next deal will be Gagne's last big pay day. will he not get paid if he gets injured? I thought a contract was paid regardless. In which case, he will go where he gets the most guaranteed money, and we know where that is. If he gets hurt, he still gets paid right?

"Rudy Pemberton

I'm really liking the Gagne rumors. If you get him, you shorten the game substantially- but perhaps more importantly, it allows you to be a lot more cautious with Okajima and Papelbon the rest of the way. Keeps those guys a bit more rested, and gives the Sox a pretty sick bullpen for the playoffs.

The interest in Gagne may also be a hedge on Papelbon staying healthy all year. He is already being used conservatively.

Well, Miguel.

History tells me a lot about CLE and the experience factor you mentioned (sizemore, Martinez, Hafner) all have one big thing in common -- none of them can pitch. They have a great offense, but they can’t continue to outslug opponents every night that Sabathia or Cordova doesn’t pitch. Especially against teams like DET and MIN.

Like I said, their pitching strength depends on the back of their rotation -- not their #1 or #2. Besides, I wouldn’t sleep well at night if Joe Borowski was my closer during a pennant race and depended on him to close out a bunch of big games down the stretch.

SEA has been an overachiever this season and it’s just a matter of time before reality hits them.

The Yanks on the other hand, since you are big on experience, have more pennant race and playoff experience than any other team in MLB. Not that it really matters, but you can’t point to the experience of a CLE team and then dismiss the Yanks’ experience at the same time.

The Yanks are also going to upgrade their pitching in key areas like their #5 slot in the rotation and their bullpen.

I challenge you to wager me that neither CLE or SEA will make the playoffs. I don’t know if the Yanks will make it or not, but I do know it won’t be CLE or SEA.

Lucy,

I understand where Nudge is coming from. Even though it pains me to say it. I understand he is the blog police for situatiosn like he stated previously (Farnsworth for Santana) but I don’t think he understands the excitement that optimism brings, In all reality our optimistic outlook could end up to be reality. In the end nobody knows the future but it seems a littler brighter when you are optimistic about it. Whatever team Nudge roots for I am sure he is a little optimistic of their chances. It is human nature. Nudge just needs to be a little more human.

We need to add Gagne or anyone who can be effective in the late innings for that matter. The Yanks bullpen is like the rest of MLB, you know you always have a chance against them. Getting a guy like Gagne would make it a 7 inning game for the Yanks. We need to pull the trigger and do this, we have like 16 pitching prospects in the minors, we can't hold on to them all!

Casual,

I READ that and UNDERSTOOD that when you posted it without further explaination or clarification. Some fell better by just challanging everything any blogger writes that is not pro-yankee. Then they argue that detail to death when it has no effect on baseball....like optimism....or the term spoiler. So get ready!

Chip,

Wheres the optimism, wheres the humanity?

On another topic:

Ian Kennedy threw 6 shut out innings in his AAA debut, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 6. He has 135 K vs. 41 BB (3.29 K per BB) combined this season at A, AA and AAA

Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger says the Yankees' involvement on Gagne is exaggerated. Apparently the Rangers wanted Melky Cabrera in return. Joba Chamberlain has been switched to relief at Triple A; he could be 90% of Gagne without the cost.

for what it's worth.....

One thing to remember in the case of Gagne is that not only do you get his services for the rest of the season, but if he walks, you will in all likelihood get two high draft picks as compensation. You can go get another Ian Kennedy (not him exactly, but as high a draft pick as he was). Because of that, Gagne's value is higher than if you wouldn't get the draft picks.

Casual

Indians are starting to jell? They just finished a homestand against the Red Sox and Twins and went 2-5. They were 9 games ahead of the Yankees at start of July- they are now 4.

Keep jelling Tribe!

Chip,

Mark my word...Kennedy will do better than Chamberlainin the long run. Only my opinion though if its OK with Lucy to express it.

One thing to remember in the case of Gagne is that not only do you get his services for the rest of the season, but if he walks, you will in all likelihood get two high draft picks as compensation. You can go get another Ian Kennedy (not him exactly, but as high a draft pick as he was). Because of that, Gagne's value is higher than if you wouldn't get the draft picks.

You and Lucy most be taking the same reading courses. I never said Hughes wouldn't be an upgrade from Igawa. I said he wasn't a sure thing after only 13 innings, just as Igawa wasn't a sure thing after 0 innings of ML ball.

===============================

Never said you did, Nudge.

Perhaps you should be taking the same reading course that Lucy and I did.

My point is that he gives the Yanks a chance to win better than Igawa and better than anyone they could get on the market right now.

Youth and inexperience is not a good enough reason to think this guy can’t help the team.

Regarding Farnsy and his "character" I wonder if we are not contradicting ourselves here. (We all do this at times)

Farnsworth is untradeable, even with a 95 mph fastball because he ...

Showed up Clemens
Showed up the outfield
Hit Posada and didn't care
Was rude to Ken Davidoff

In other words, has no character.

Character matters as I have tried to tell you again and again. Cheat on your wife in the White House and you get apocalyptic archetype nuclear technology sent to Red China from the White House (just an example.)

No farmers = no food

No farm system = no WS win

No character = no future

It's really that simple.

Kat, you said if we got Gagne and he walked we would "in all likelihood" get draft pick compensation.

What is that contingent on? Where he signs or for how much?

cs07,

So, I take it you think the Indians are "all done" based on a 7 game stretch?

Better take another look....that is a very good team.

Easy Steinbeck.

Viper,

I agree with you no doubt that Hughes will be an upgrade over Igawa. I do think though the Yanks are making a big mistake in throwing him into the mix at a desperate time when he is coming off an injury (2 actually). If in an attempt to "do too much" to use a cliche, he overthrows and repops the hammy or strains the elbow or shoulder, then hes is done...not for the season but probably for his career. To me the risk just isn't worth it.

The farm system is great, but we have few position players ready.

We've seen Hughes.

We've seen Duncan.

But that's about all.

Rasner and Karstens and Henn were ok. ER was ok, then got bombed and shipped out.

I hate to sound like my friend Nudge, whom I like and respect ...

The farm will pay off yes, but we have not seen the dividens yet at the ML level. The rankings for the best farm system are great and all, but they have not helped so far this year.

That will probably change fast, once the kids get to NYC. Hughes, Joba the Hutt, Ian, Horne and the rest.

I count 16 young pitchers. We could deal at least 6. At least 2 - 4 have been hurt ... that complicates things.

We will know a lot more in 24 hours or so, yes?

Go Yankees!

Nudge,

I'm optimistic - I think the Yankees will make the playoffs but I do not think Eric Gagne is the player to put them over the top. Again, it is one thing to get wrapped up in a player because he's great, it's another thing to get wrapped up in a player simply because he looks great compared to the other garbage available.

If you don't have a car and someone offers you a Yugo, that may look pretty good to you since you need a car, but you don't over pay for it because, in the end, it's still just a Yugo.

Am I crazy to currently like the Yankee's position coming down this final stretch?

Hughes returning Sat. will upgrade Igawa

Joba is pitching an inning of relief tonight in AAA and if all goes well he could be up within a week.

Giambi is coming back which will at least give us another feared bat and the ability to rest our outfielders.

If we can also somehow make a move for Gange we could potentially have one of the best bullpens out there with:

RP - Myers (L)
RP - Bruney
RP - Villone (L)
RP - Joba
RP - Proctor
RP - Vizcaino
RP - Gange
CL - Mo

That God I just traded my Yugo for the Hummer2 then!

So, what do you do with Hughes then?

Put him in Triple-A and let him help that team instead?

That hardly seems like a good idea because he needs an education and he needs the innings to build his arm strength because he is going to be a big part of the rotation next season.

I see a risk with bringing up Chamberlain to the big club, but not Hughes.

What would you do with him if it's not sticking him into the #5 slot?

Braves Acquire Mark Teixeira

According to Ken Rosenthal, the deal is finally done, pending a review of medical records. The Braves will receive Mark Teixeira and lefty reliever Ron Mahay, while the Rangers will get Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, and two pitching prospects.

I do find it interesting that when an OF is DHing, thats not considered getting a rest even though he sits on the bench the whole game. So when Damon DH's and goes 0-4, he rested how much less than Shelley Duncan who sat next to him all game?

Nudge, trying to "bring some of those overly optimistic down to reality when they make rash assumptions," is not your job. I'm amazed you see nothing wrong with this. Criticize the Yankees, opine all you want, but it's not your inherent right to "bring the overly optimistic down to reality" -- especially your level of reality. I read just fine and you know it.

Hughes goes down to AAA and pitches till the September call up time or if SWB makes the playoffs pitches the playoffs...then comes up in a no pressure situation and next year he will be ready to compete for a roster spot. There is no upside to rushing him now.

Casual,

See how it never ends with some people?

Nudge - having never seen Kennedy or Chamberlain pitch in person I am in no position to debate their potential with you.

From what I have heard though, Kennedy is more of a finesse guy whereas Chamberlain is a power guy (Glavine vs. Clemens - NOT SAYING EITHER GUY WILL HAVE THOSE CAREERS JUST POINTING OUT THE DIFFERENCE IN PITCHING TYPES)

If that's the case, Kennedy's numbers MAY be a little artificial in much the way Ty Clip's numbers were - it is easier to fool inexperienced hitters and get them to chase than to fool hitters at the Major League level.

Chip ___

That is respected what you said about the resting of regulars, what I don't want is for this team to be a in and out playoff team, the only way that can happen and still look exciting is if the team is occupied with some youth showcasing the future and not a bunch of over the hill guys who was supposed to be here in the first place

Casual, my bad. I don't consider a team a "spoiler" until they are actually out of it, so the premature use of the word threw me. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Chip,

Understood. Its also easier to blow away AAA hitters. No one makes the majors unless they can hit a fastball.

YOUNG MOOSE IS WHO PEOPLE COMPARE KENNEDY TO

A prospect stops improving when he's not challenged. The promotion of Melky, Cano, Hughes and Joba indicates the farm system is doing its job. I liked the comment from Graziano that Joba is 90% of Gagne without the cost or risk.

Nudge, another misrepresentation: "I never said Hughes wouldn't be an upgrade from Igawa." Where does this come from? And you say Viper and I need reading lessons? Funny.

Ken Rosnethal says Teixeira has been traded to the Braves.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074846

Good. I was getting tired of Roy and others keep obsessing about a trade to the Yanks that was never going to happen.

Hooray!

Casual,

If that report you quote is true, the Yanks never stood a chance on acquiring Tex unless those pitching prospects are throw ins.

Im sorry, did someone say something baseball related?

Lucy your disrespecting the yankees?

Incase you forgot that Yankees sweep Indians

Lucy,

Semantics....

As you pointed out, the Chi-Sox are 9 games under .500 and have no chance of being a WC team. While it may be true it has not become a "mathematical" fact...it's really quite clear. They are likely highly motivated to play the role of spoiler, however, and may do just that.

In my opinion, the Yanks are much the same.....I really dont see them making the playoffs, and if they do, it will likely be "one and done"...thye are also suited, this year, to be spoilers.

Again, in my opinion, the Yanks may or may not be pursuing Gagne...as he WOULD offer some real help in the bp...this year, the Yanks would have been better off...long term...to put together a package for Texiera. He would be a guy , along with Jeter, and Arod, to build a long term core around.

Anonymous, I didn't say one word about the Indians. I think you have the monikers confused (that happens often with the signature format).

Nudge-

if texiera trade is true, what chances do you see braves signing him long-term after next season?