On the Yankees beat

Anybody know more about Shelley Duncan's hospitalization for an undescribed arm problem?

What arm problem can he have that is allegedly "nothing serious" but keeps him in the hospital for two days?

I know nothing of his health history but this does make me wonder what's up.

Okay, the Post had a little more than the Daily News on Shelley Duncan -- according to them it is a circulatory problem (they speculate that this means a blood clot in the arm), he was hospitalized in Arizona last week, they don't know how long but say he's out now and the family is not commenting and NYY is trying to keep a lid on the news.

Shelley hasn't responded to me. Hopefully I'll have something on this by the end of the day.

Thanks, Kat, love to get that follow-up, will check back.

KAT IS ON IT!

Happy Thanksgiving all my favorite bloggers on the eve of my favorite holiday! We do have at least a few things to be grateful for on the Yankee front, don't we?

Not that I have time to hang out with you since the Grillmeister and I have yet more shopping to do for the feast. I will make my once-a-year classic butter-drenched heart-stopping stuffing and roast the well-stuffed turkey, the Junior's pumpkin cheesecakes should arrive today, the Grillmeister will grill portobellos and an array of veggies for the virtuous and make his famous scratch eggnog with brandy and real whipped cream, guests will bring side dishes, and one of his thuggish sports will fill the screen. For me of course there is only one sport so I will just have to make do with extra eggnog and chatting up our guests...

...wishing you an equally sinful and delicious day...

...as we all look forward to still more Yankee goodies under the Yule Tree, right?

While its uncommon in someone younger... surgery can often cause you to become more at risk for clots. A clot in the arm as has been suspected as the problem isnt that big of a deal, staying for 2 days could have been for monitoring purposes till they could confirm that A it was taken care of and B that there werent other clots elsewhere [bigged risk is in the deep veins of the leg which can basically kill your lungs].

So unrelated question....

I know everyone wants Santana... but I really don't want to see the Yankees part with one of their position players [melky or cano] OR one of the big 3 youngsters.... and to get him the twins would ask for probably Cano, Hughes plus 2-3 more upper tier tallents. I really don't see how its worth it.

What about Erik Berdard? He is a risk because he got shut down last year... but that brings his price down, plus he is accostomed to played in the AL East, if he wasn't shut down would have easily been the K leader and the O's needs are such that they would ask for guys other than the ones i mentioned.

I just hate to see the Yanks not give these guys a chance when all three of them absolutely dominated when they were healthy. Hughes was better than league average even with his fastball 6mph slower than ususal and they have been carefully grooming him for years. Kennedy might not have great stuff but for a kid he knows how to pitch.... and didn't give up more than 2 runs in any game in the minors and no more than 3 in the majors. and well Joba is just joba.

Has the talk about Jenks died down?

Didn't I hear of off-the-field issues? Can't remember whether they were really ugly or merely gossip-worthy...

rumor that the yankees are looking at troy percival...he's 38 and missed all of 06...was with the cards last year and had a 1.80era.

Percival is a nice low risk pick up

I always worry about guys who revived their carrer with Duncan or Mazzone and then jump ship.

But Percival is a pro... and like Rivera was on the mound to clinch a World Series

Sully,

I said to get Percival for several months now.

Also Armando Benitez too.

Why not?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone ...

I am off to Lakeland, Fla ...

If we can get Bedard get him at all costs before Boston or the Angels do.

He is great.

He hurt his side so his arm is sound but he should be ok next February!

Get in this order

Santana, Johan
Bedard, Erik
Kazmir, The Never Before Traded (Well, only once!)

Benitez...

(snicker)

PLEASE sign him!

(snicker!)

Yeah he's great!

Like i said.... i really think the price for Santana is too high. These kids we might be trading could very well be as good as he is. Chamberline and Hughes actually have better stuff than Santana the difference is his pollish.

The Yanks have been down the Armando Benitez road before and I'm pretty certain history will not repeast itself.

Oh....and Happy Thanksgiving to you Ms. O'Brien! Thanks for all the info you provide.

One of these kids might be as good, someday, as Santana, but NYY FO has to be asking themselves: which one, and when? And what injuries could take him out, whichever one he is, of the running to be a true Ace?

I would love to see them stay and all be brilliant front-of-the-rotation guys.

But I won't blame FO for going with a surer thing (you notice I did not say 'sure' thing, but surer) if a suitable offer is made.

Because the word patience might lose its currency around Yankee Universe pretty quickly. Like by June maybe?

I would like to wish all the Bloggers a Happy Thanksgiving. Its been a while for me since I have left some comments but with the speculation moving toward acquiring pitching the Hot Stove season should be heating up.

In my estimation on Yankee moves, getting lefties into the mix is very productive. The price for Santana is probably way too high. And not worth the dismantling of the likes of Cano or any of our trio of gade A prosppects. As I have said before and have heard some rumblings in the papers Kazmir could be had. The Devil Rays are starving for bullpen, closer etc. and some quality young pitchers who keep their payroll down. Bedard can be had for less of a price than Santana and he's all quality, great breaking stuff which makes his fastball a little better than it actually is. These are the two guys that I would target. If Andy comes back I'd still get one of them. It would make two dynamic lefty starters at the stadium.

Bullpen is always a crap shoot but we need a lefty other than Henn and Villone. I have had enough of the two of them.

I expect the activity to be getting interesting after Thanksgiving. So, once again happy Turkey day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To Kat and Jim; great job on keeping the news updated and interesting.

Update on Shelley Duncan -- he was in fact hospitalized recently with a blood clot. It's not believed to be a serious problem going forward (though obviously blood clots are nothing to sneeze at), and he is no longer in the hospital.

Sigh. This is how you know The Boss has really stepped aside. I remember the good old days when nobody in the Yankee front office -- and, consequently, nobody in the press - - could take Thanksgiving off.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Hope that wasn't too offensive, off the baseball topic, political, religious, or worse yet, MARTIAN like.

Rick!
How was your trip to Mars? I hope you and Ant had fun!
HAHAHAHA....good to see you back buddy.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Thanks, Kat, for working right up to the wire to get us an update, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and all here.

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!!!

BAck in the Bay Area
Tucking my kids to sleep

Happy Thanksgiving my Yankee friends

… Everyone is blaming Yankees overpaying and resigning their own guys meanwhile The Angels —— are going to be overpaying Torii Hunter $80 million over five years to play centerfield. And, yes, the Angels now have $120 million tied up in centerfielders over the next five seasons. That’s just unnecessary.

AL East Spend: Internally Developed vs. Acquired Players

http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/?p=564

Thanks to Mike Pagliarulo for Breaking down The Al East teams

Here’s a (rough, unscientific) look at how much money teams in the AL East are spending on players developed internally versus players acquired via trade/free agency. Not sure how much this comparison tells us, but it’s interesting that the Red Sox have a much higher spend % on acquired players than the other teams. Updated 11/21/07.

http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/al-east1.jpg

research baseball-reference.com; foxsports.com

I'm surprised that Pags didn't include Wang as part of homegrown talent.

AL East Spend: Internally Developed vs. Acquired Players

http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/?p=564

Thanks to Mike Pagliarulo for Breaking down The Al East teams

Here’s a (rough, unscientific) look at how much money teams in the AL East are spending on players developed internally versus players acquired via trade/free agency. Not sure how much this comparison tells us, but it’s interesting that the Red Sox have a much higher spend % on acquired players than the other teams. Updated 11/21/07.

http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/al-east1.jpg

research baseball-reference.com; foxsports.com

I'm surprised that Pags didn't include Wang as part of homegrown talent.

Petite's spent majority all his life pitching with Yankees until He sign with Astros. Schilling did not. Pettite pitch nine years pitching for the Yankees while Schilling was already traded to Orioles.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all from across the seas!

Yankee fans have a lot to be thankful for including for their good friends here on the blog.

Rick, it's good to se you back - without the politics. You're a lot more fun when just talking baseball (even if I don't usually agree with you, it does occasionally happen!) Yes, the Yankee Tent is a very big tent, encompassing all kinds of people, from all walks of life. Anyway, I hope you had a good ride on the spaceship! (on I hope the aliens didn't mind your machete collection.)

Sully, I cab see that you don't let foolish people bother you (talking about the Damon stuff. ) Baseball's the greatest game and it's all the greater because of the unequalled rivalry between NY/Boston, You're a good fan and a good sport.

Diane, Jim A. Chip, Viper, Bomber and many others, Thanksgiving is a good time for me to thank you all for all the enjoyable reading. Next stop is Xmas and Pettitte dropped under the Yankee tree!

Thank you, yanks61, right back at you!

Here's a link to Dave Anderson's column in the NY Times about people in sports we can be grateful for even though not everything that has happened in sports this year might make us thankful! One current and a couple of former pinstripers on his list...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/sports/othersports/22anderson.html?ref=sports

Rick, Glad to read that you are back. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving Day.

All the best to you and your family!!

Jim61, You forgot to thank the Troops for all they have done to for us. Don't forget them in your wishes and prayers!!

Whether it's Percival, or Benitez, etc., the Yanks should stay away from all "old" NL relievers or starters. These guys are no better than what we already have including Farns. The Yanks are obviously getting younger, better, cheaper. Percival\Benitez don't fit.
I haven't heard "if" Santana is willing to talk "long term contract" should he be traded, so even considering trading one of the "Big 3"\Cano or Melky is a waste of time, and hinders the development of young players as they ponder their future. Fun for the fan, but detrimental to the player(s).

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Wishing you all the best from down here.
Hope all those diets are meaningless today!!

In another note, I saw in another site that the Yanks have signed CJ Henry (he was traded away on the Abreu trade); but I don't know much about him, Chip since you are the man at digging up that info, could you please post his profile? Thanks!

yanks61 & Jim A

Speaking of good friends on this blog (which I consider you guys to be) and the big tent concept of Yankee fans everywhere, I have something I would like to say to you both and anyone else that might care to listen.

The first is that whenever I do happen to go off topic with comments, they usually aren't religious or political and they certainly aren't RANTS. My rants are always about the team and certain players especially (see Lilly, Bernie, AR, etc.). That's what the machete is for!

Secondly, I would like both of you (my friends) to understand that I have an IQ of 144, I'm very knowledgeable on many important issues, and I am certainly not insane. With that in mind, I'd like you to know that also I don't appreciate anyone, much less my friends, insulting my intelligence or publicly ridiculing it on matters of utmost importance! Feel free to do so on something as simple and irrelevant as the team's roster or the like. After all, sports and blogs, etc. are what we all use as a sanity break from the real world issues of life.

My brief comments on the secret theft of our liberties and national sovereignty were made on here in the spirit of our being FRIENDS. You know the saying, friends don't let friends drive drunk. Well, because you are my friends, I thought I would share some vital knowledge with you for you and your families own good. You know, friends don't let friends walk around ignorant.

I also didn't rant on about anything. I simply gave a brief summary of what is going on and then offered to provide a list of websites, books, new stories, and DVD's where people who should be concerned, and my friends that respected me, could go to get the FACTS on what I was saying.

I personally like to get my information from a wide variety of sources as possible, make my own observations armed with that information, and then come to a logic conclusion about what I have learned. I just thought that my friends and their families need to be aware of this stuff. A true friend might have researched this vital information for themselves and came back later to thank me. I still hope that you will check out these sources! What I said is true and the sovereignty of this country is on the verge of being stolen from us right before our eyes.

On silly things like the Yankees roster or arguing about which player is better, please fell free to argue with me all you want. Ridicule me and I will then run and get my machete. After all, it really isn't a life or death issue. Is it? It's just something we all do for a reality break in our lives.

But, when I as your FRIEND, try to share some serious and very valuable knowledge with you, please do not insult and ridicule my intelligence. It's not very becoming of a friend.

To Phil, Alvaro, Jim A, AJ and all the rest of my blog friends.

Please check out this Thanksgiving card. It is very special and I am sending this to all of you.

http://wandascountryhome.com/timetogivethanks/index.html

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!!!

Your blog buddy and friend, Rick.

Thank you Phil and yes, THANK YOU TO OUR TROOPS!!!

Thanks to all who share their baseball knowledge and interest here! Sometimes I don't have time to post, or maybe anything to add to the discussion, but I read frequently and often learn something about our Yankees. Chip helps keep me up to date, Jim A. gives info too and he and Diane contribute to the good sense of the discussion, Bomber and Michael PTRS keep it wide awake, and yanks61, Mike from Jersey, Larry and the rest of you that I will remember the minute I have posted this add to a rich mix. Best commenters of any Yankees blog -- Happy Thanksgiving!

Rick,

I've personally known a few genuises in my life who've had some crazy ideas, but I still liked them as people. I had meant my own comments as good natured ribbing for the political stuff. I apologize if they've offended you. I'm the oldest of nine kids in an old fashioned Irish/American family and there two things that we NEVER talk about when we all get together; religion and politics. We enjoy one another's company so much more that way. Maybe you are, in fact, the 'enlightened one' on this blog along with Ant (I say this with all due respect), but I just don't think it's a good idea to bring up that kind of stuff on a baseball blog. Many others here, even those, in the vast majority no doubt, with lesser IQs than 144, may have very strong opinions of their own about politics and religion and, if they were to counter your beliefs with their own arguments, we would soon be going down a road none of us really want to travel - I don't think.

You and Jim A discussed Jim's visit this summer and I personally enjoyed that, and I don't think most of us mind the occassional reference to other personal, non-baseball stuff, but contentious political and religious stuff, it seems to me, is not in the spirit of this blog.

So, having said that, let me just reiterate, that I enjoy this blog (most of the time!), I enjoy your comments and enthusiasm (even when I mostly agree with your 'adversaries!') and I enjoy being a part (in a very small, usually 'non-verbal' way) of this Yankee baseball community.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Rick, and your family and, once again, to all the great people here.

yanks61

Thank you for your response. I understand what you are saying. This IS a baseball blog. However, many of us on here have become friends and that is why I wanted to share my knowledge with you guys. It is something I want all my friends to know about. I tried not to get too detailed about it and more or less offered some places that one could research this on their own. I meant no offense, actually thought I was doing a good civic deed. I still wish you all would at least research this material, you would be shocked at what's happening right before our eyes!

P.S. I am no genius to be sure, just a fairly intelligent guy with a wide background of experiences, some common sense and accumulated wisdoms. FYI - I too come with a strong Irish background and have 2 red haired daughters.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!!!

Your friend and blog buddy, Rick

Hear, hear, Yanks61! Sage advice not just for this blog but for those of us immersed in a family day.

With that a Happy Thanksgiving fellow bloggers!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, with a special nod to my long time blog friends like Rick, Alvaro, Diane, Chip, Yanks61, Mike Fl, Larry M., Grampa, "Roy Storing", Sully, Ant, Kat, Jim Baumbach,
and many others, I wish you all the best on this, my favorite holiday (good food, friends and football- no holiday beats this).

Rick: I made a JOKE when you made your comments, that was it, you're a very smart guy and I respect your opinion, but you took my joke way too seriously! I aplogize if you think I was insulting you, I was just having fun. Send me the DVD's and I'll watch them.

To all our troops: We're all thinking about you, not only today, but every day. Stay Safe!

My wife needs me to go "check the bird" so I'll catch up with all of you later.

I POSTING THIS FOR OTHER READERS TO THROW IN SOME FEEBACK MY WAY..

1) I'm reading that cause Lindebrink signed with the Whitesox and that Jenks who really didnt have a bad year last year has fallen out of favor with the team and might be used as trade bait to aquire a center fielder like a Melky Cabrera. Has anyone else have any validity with this story?

2) Now that the asking price for Santana will be around 3 to 4 players mostly young MLB ready h prospects. I think its a good chance now to switch our attention to Eric Bedard. Now here me out on this one. Theres no hiding the fact that Baltimore is trying desperately to get rid of Tejada and his remaining contract. The way I see it is, have the Yanks offer only 2 prospects (excluding Joba & Cano) and tell them they'll take all of Tejada's contract. Which we can spin him off to another team or have him plugged in 1st base.

That way we can get a soilid lefty for a cheap price instead of over hauling our farm system for one pitcher. What yah think?

Happy turkey day to all! CJ was a SS and an exceptional athlete that The Yanks had drafted in the 1st round (I believe?) a couple of years ago. I am unsure of how he did after being traded?

An aside:

A man once said , "Don't tell me how smart you are , show me." ;-)

Realist, you remind me of someone. Maybe you posted here in the past under another name? Anyway, ;-) back!

I seem to recall that CJ has had some disappointing times since he was drafted high. Maybe they hope that by bringing him back 'home' they can tap into some of that early promise?

Diane,

Sorry just me :-). Thanks for getting my point though!

As far as CJ is concerned he was a disapointment for NY and Philly. He was the Yank's 2005 (I believe?) 1st round pick and was a sort of disapointment prior to the trade and after. He was released by Philly but got contacts and hit well the last month of last season....so I believe The Yank's feel he is worth a second look?

Realist, it's all good, whether you're one you or two yous, and I definitely take you at your word that this is the only Realist!

I can imagine that being able to see would help CJ's play! Hope he's one of those nice stories, and whether that happens or not he's no big risk, so glad he's getting his second chance.

As long as he's not 28 years old. I have become skeptical about these perennial minor leaguers who get called 'kid' until they approach thirty, and keep showing up early in the season with a big grin and almost -- but not quite -- enough... We have enough of those for me.

LOL! Sometimes my better half claims I am two people , so you may have a point :-)

I agree , being able to see has to be a "plus" for a ballplayer....and as you said he is still young enough to hopefully turn it around.

Realist, when I started posting here, I was accused of being Casual Observer and then someone else.

And of course everyone thought I had an ulterior motive... like I can hatch a diabolical plot on a message board

Well my family is asleep and I have to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday... so I'll be back in Los Angeles.

Thanks Jim A and my Yankee board friends. You are all a good lot and make talking baseball fun

Which has been my motivation all along.
(That and my vendetta against Johnny Damon, right Norton?)

Man, it is good times to be a middle reliever.
When you think of it, the thing the Yankees need the most is bullpen depth.

They have enough outfielders... (Damon/Cabrera/Abreu can do the job)
First base they have some options but should probably hold auditions
DH has Matsui and Giambi
And of course 2b, C, SS and 3b are all solid
And if Pettite comes back, you have Pettite, Wang, Hughes, Chamberlain, Kennedy and Mussina in the rotation

But after Mariano (and with Joba out of the pen) the 7th and 8th innings will be scary.

But guess who is also looking for bullpen help?
My guys have C, 1b, 2b, 3b, LF, CF and DH locked down.
And hopefully Lugo and Drew will feed off of their post season to have a better second year

And with Beckett/Schilling/Dice-K/Buccholz/Lester/Wakefield... I take my chances with the rotation

But after Papelbon, who knows if Okajima is a one year wonder or if DelCarmen can handle it

In other words, if I were the agent of a middle reliever, I'd be calling the Red Sox and Yankees constantly and jacking up the price.

I guess what I am saying is "What the hell was Scott Linebrink's agent thinking?"

Rick,

Great, Rick, thanks for your own reply. See how easy it is to sort things out between two guys! If only it were always that easy with my wife (OK, we've been married nearly forty years, but it's remarkable how tough it can still be to 'settle' little disputes!) Now we can start looking into the new year with lots of optimism about the Yanks!

Personally, like many of us, I think, I have a great confidence in Stick Michael and if he's still as important a part of management as we're led to believe, then I think the Yankees will be a very competitive team for years to come.

They started really well when they hired Girardi. He's the man! I wanted him last year - even when there were rumors about "Sweet Lou." There was no way I wanted to lose him and was disapponted when he went off to Fla.

Getting Mo, Posada and A-Rod back was the next important step and convincing Pettitte to head up the staff would be marvellous.
That's when all the fun and games begin with various FA and trades. I know that I've mentioned this before, but I'd really like to 'lay off' Santana until he's a free agent. I personally think he's looking to start a bidding war as a FA and has no intention of signing now. So I really don't want to give up any of the 'kids' and then have to risk losing him or else paying him a king's ransom to stay. I just love the idea of seeing the Yankees turn into team growing into a contender for years to come with stable of young guys moving up to the big club.

I really enjoy reading all of the trade scenerios that we come up with here on the blog. So keep them coming everybody!

Rick:

Between you and me only: With all the potential dangers that our world faces that are "whens" not "ifs" -- such as hurricanes ten times worse than Katrina, major earthquakes, 150 foot tsunamis headed for the US after volcanic eruptions, global warming, terrorism, dirty bomb deployment, WMD's, meteorites, comets, gamma rays, untreatable epidemic disease, WW III, severe energy shortage, UFO invasion which is being taken very seriously by more and more reputable intelligent people...and this is just to name the most devastating and startling probabilities not just possibilities...do you see how easy it is to start uncomfortable discussions of a non-baseball nature? You have an issue that concerns you but there are people who could have any of these issues concerning them. So what happens when people start warning others even briefly about their personal fears?

That's why it's best to stick with baseball -- mostly the Yankees. Let's focus here on this blog on bringing New York another World Series trophy, some more rings. Save the fear stuff for blogs where people can commiserate with each other in fear and warning. Save the Yankees blog for a place where people can hope for the future in a positive way.

Have a happy and fearfree Thanksgiving.

I get such a kick out of this delusional fan base that the Yankees have. They all think that the rest of the league is there to cherry pick players and prospects at will. So funny!

In case you didn't get the memo. Nobody wants to play with clubhouse problem child: A-Me and the rest of the old, over paid All-Stars of long ago!

Boston is the new place baby. Home of the 2007 World Champs: The Boston Red Sox! 2 in 4 years!!!!!!

Unselfish players are resigning, just to keep this dynasty together for several more titles in the next few years.

Get with the program! Boston is #1 destination!....not NY

By the way, I should amend my previous post by saying that the Yanks are obviously NOT going to trade a bunch of kids for a one year rental. So I don't think a Santana deal gets done, as I really believe he wants a few teams to slug it out for his services.

I also have to add that I get VERY nervous about giving away a Cano and 2 -3 highly rated prospects for one guy whose arm could blow out in a year or two. I know, it seems unlikely because of his delivery that he'd be prone to pitching injuries, but being an ex-pitcher with arm problems myself makes me nervous anyway!

Incidentally, I raised a point a few days ago that no one responded to! Possibly it was overlooked because there were other far more important points of discussion, but probably it was ignored just because it was daft. Anyway, here goes again: Two infamous position for pitcher trades in BB history are Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas and a couple of 'extras,' and Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio and extras. Has anyone ever done a study that any of you folks know of, that analizes how the majority of pitcher for position player trades have turned out over the years?

With 3rd base now "plugged" with A-OPT, the only way the Yanks can take on Tejada is if they "dump" Giambi in the same deal. Getting Bedard included is ridiculous, as SP comes at a premium price, even those dominating pitchers recovering from injury. Look at what Cashman got for RJ last offseason. The Boston rotation is a joke. The AL caught up to and pounded Dice K after the All-Star break, and the age and declining performance of both Schilling and Wakefield make this team another World Series champ that doesn't even make the playoffs the following season. The current Yankee team, (even without Pettitte), wins the AL East by 8 games. Add Pettitte and they are up to 12 games. Add Pettitte and Santana and the Yanks have the rear view mirrors torn off by "the break". The R\Sox made a major mistake with their offer to Schilling. Schilling jumping all over Boston's first "PR" motivated offer, told them they made a huge mistake\miscalculation. Schilling's rapidly falling numbers and frequent injuries, are very reminicient of RJ.

report that hunter has signed with the angels...5/90.

Roy

That's an interesting and optimistic take you have on the Bosox rotation. I'd love to believe it! We'll have to wait and see what both Wakefield and Schilling have left in the tank, but even so, with some of their own good youngsters coming along in addition to Beckett, and the possibilty that Dice K could improve with experience rather than decline, I'd still be worried. However, I prefer your scenerio and hope you're right!

I wonder what Sully has to say about you analysis?

Sully is not a terrible guy but he talks out of both sides of his mouth.

Sully : I agree that Boston's SP rotation is a good one if they replace Wakefield from the get go with any of their young rising stars. The better hitting cliubs can match up well against Schilling/Dice K. but this rotation with the new kids could be very impressive for the other 18 clubs in the League.

Roy: I agree that our bats match up very well against Boston with our 10-8 season record which means nothing but we won more games than lost. The Yankees need to pick up from Balt. or Devil Rays one of these guys without giving up Cano. Melky is a staedy guy but replaceable. Cano is not with a potential .320 average and the upgrade of his power numbers.

There are many if 's in the walk away by 8 games for the Divison which once again is meaningless unless the WS ring follows it. The price for Santana in my book is way too high and the Tradeoff from Bedard/Kazmir would not be so terrible. The papers in S. Florida have spoken of the moving of Kazmir.

anonymous

This is for you only as well. Thank you for your comments. I get what you're saying. However, I really don't like bloggers who hide behind "anonymous", on any blog. That is why I have always used my real name. If you want people to respect your opinions, I feel you should "man up" to who you really are and stand behind your thoughts and comments. It's the old George Washington thing with the cherry tree. Call me old fashioned, but I feel that if you have something to say, then say it, and stand behind it. Just the way I was raised.

As far as my "topic" of fear goes, it is not something that could happen such as a tsumami or a volcano. It IS happening as we speak, it's a FACT, and it can be verified very easily for anyone willing to simply check it out. And, as I said earlier, I simply mentioned it on here because many of you are my friends and I thought I was doing a civic service or good deed so to speak. Just caring about my friends.

Please do me one favor though. WHEN our dollar collapses and they replace it with the Amero (coming in the next couple of years), please feel free to come back on here and acknowledge that Rick was right and he did try to warn us. In the meantime, I will do my best to limit my posts to the Yankees.

P.S. One little note of YANKEE interest and how it all ties in with my international bankers scheme. And this is distantly related. Does anyone find it odd or interesting how baseball contracts are now somehow being tied to the Warren Buffet's and Goldman Sachs of the world??? For more information, just hit the SAP button on your television. Funny, I remember when it was just a game. We're talking Willie, Mickey, and the Duke....

Warren Buffet is a very good friend of A-Rod (has been for years) and A-Rod sought him out (not the other way around). Goldman Sachs has a vested financial interest in the Yankees, so I can see where their personnel would have a personal interest in A-Rod coming back and being happy. His success results in their success in more ways than one. Yes there's definitely a financial interest -- but more it's a more personally financial interest than a politically financial interest.

Rick, since you two are having this exchange on a public board you obviously intend to include others. I say we ought to take you up on this notion -- you agree not to post on topics other than the Yankees here for the next two years, and then, two years from today you do your follow-up: either a one-message gloat that the Amero is in place, or a one-message admission that you were wrong.

A one-word answer yes or no would be appreciated!

Just the Facts

Ironic monicker indeed, since FACTS are the last thing you are interested in. And, I have to be on this board because I don't have any other way to communicate with you or these other anonymous posters.

Please feel free to give me your email address (go through Kat if you wish) and then we can communicate directly and won't have to use this public forum.

Or better yet, I will just communicate with my friends on here and bypass anyone that hides behind anonymity. And, you can just skip over my insane rants and continue to communicate with your anonymous friends.

Rick,

I guess that was a 100+ word 'no'.

Why am I not surprised at either factor?

Now I talk out of both sides of my mouth.... hmmm.

There are some obvious questions with the Red Sox rotation, but I think it is far from a joke.

They have a legit ace in Beckett. Funny that Roy didn't mention him.

Dice-K could go either way. He could adjust (remember Beckett's first year in Boston was far from smooth) or he could fall back.

Lester and Buccholz could be very interesting in the #3 and #4 holes in the rotation. Lester hasn't looked bad and maybe clinching the World Series could give him a boost.

Even though Norton will say I am just spinning the truth, I think Buccholz had a few good starts.

As for Schilling and Wakes... what you get out of them is a bonus.

Last year we got some good starts and a 3-0 post season from Schilling while Wakes ate up 189 innings while winning 17 games. I take that from a 5th starter every time.

I'd say both the Yankees and Red Sox rotations are similar. Both have some veterans who you hope can give them another good year. Both have some young kids that you are hoping will win some big games.

Assuming Pettite comes back, the two are pretty evenly matched.

And I say that from both sides of my mouth

Roy, biggest difference between Schilling and R.J.:

October numbers.
Schilling is 11-2 lifetime with a 2.23 ERA averaging 7 innings a start.

With the Sox he is 6-1 with a 3.37 ERA in October and 2-0 and 1.92 in two potential elimination games (ALCS game 6 of '04 and '07)

Johnson is lifetime 7-9 with a 3.50 ERA in October.
Keep in mind he is 5-0 with a 1.64 ERA in playoff games against the Yankees.

Do the math and he is 2-9 and a 4.03 ERA against everyone else.
(That last stat is just more for my own interest)

Like him or hate him, Schilling is a GREAT October pitcher.
Not bad to have at a relatively cheap price

Hey Sully - I wouldn't let the more aggressive Yankee fans get under your skin because you are a Boston fan. I don't think they are singling you out personally, but I can see that you take some of the comments to heart. Wakefield doesn't need defending; he might be the best free agent pickup Boston has made ever when you consider his price tag, loyalty, versatility, length of service and willingness to sign at a discount to stay put. He was hurt last year, but he rarely gets injured. Yes he gave up the Aaron Boone homer and was drummed out of the fourth playoff game last year, but he hadn't pitched in forever AND he was great until a couple of errors did him in. His line in no way indicative of how well he pitched that night. As a Yankee fan living in Boston I have found, by and large, your commentary to be fair and even handed. You also have refrained from rubbing it in for the most part which I also respect. As a Yankee fan, I now must reluctantly face the fact that we are now chasing Boston. The regular season head to head thing means nothing to me other than we don't lose any ground in the standings and could potentially win a tie breaker a la 2005. I felt like we had a decent chance of beating them this past year in the ALCS, but we couldn't get there. I hate the five game series format, but I'm not naive enough to say we would have done what Boston did down 3-1. Without an ace all this talk is moot. I love Chien Ming Wang and feel like he must have been suffering from that fingernail injury and said nothing (really, nothing else makes a heckuva lot of sense to me considering how consistent he has been for us), but the bottom line is he didn't do the job and we got eliminated as a result. The young man claiming we win the division by six or eight games with the same team next year is a bit delusional from where I sit. By rights we shouldn't start as poorly, but odds are we won't play lights out for the final three months either. The baseball season is the ultimate for separating the pretenders from the contenders. Before the Wildcard the best team always won the division and made the playoffs. I detest Interleague play and the unbalanced schedule (I've warmed to the Wildcard some, but until they quit winning the WS so often I'm going to struggle with it), but at the end of the day we don't have a shut down pitcher. Sometimes you can overcome that, but Boston has made certain they have had that pitcher for over a decade between Pedro, Schilling, and now Beckett. You can't climb out of a 3-1 hole without a huge stop on the road and NY right now, doesn't have that. There is no way I would classify the Boston rotation as a joke. They may not be collectively as good as advertised or commensurate with their pay scale, but they aren't that bad. I love our kids and think we have tremendous potential going forward, but until we are back on top, and I think the opportunity to get there is going to present itself if we don't screw it up, the road goes through Boston until further notice. I'm not afraid, just realistic. I'm impressed with Buccholz, Lester, Pedroia, Delcarmen and Ellsbury. It sure seems to me that Boston will be every bit our equal until we make a difinitive move for an ace. We might have a 1 or 1A in Chamberlain, Hughes or Kennedy eventually, but right now with only Wang and a fading Mussina we are in a little trouble trying to stack up with Boston. Experience could turn out to be the biggest issue (I hope so), but Boston has the edge until further notice. Anyway, don't let the odd comment addressed to you directly rile you. You've been around awhile no so I doubt very much that it will, but just the same; you've been one of the sanest Red Sox fans peppering this blog for quite some time. It's great having a counterpoint that isn't hurling insults and making bombastic statements about dynasties and stirring up trouble. That just takes away from intelligent dialogue as far as I can tell. I appreciate that for what it's worth. Enjoy your weekend.

Hey John,

Thanks. Hey, I don't get upset at people here except the lunatic who tries to equare the Red Sox with September 11th.

Nah, I like bouncing back and forth with some people here and having fun. The second that coming onto this blog ceases to be fun, I'll be gone. I used to post on a Red Sox site and I stopped because I couldn't stand the company. Ironically I stayed with them during the miserable 2006 season but dropped out for the 2007 World Championship.

Either way, I appreciate being called one of the sanest Red Sox fans on here. I'm not sure Sane is the right description of me... but I try to behave.

I think with the young pitchers and the teams becoming younger and younger, it could mean the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry could become really terrific for the next few years with home grown players instead of trying to outbid for other teams stars!

Quick suggestion, John.
I loved your post... but hit "return" every once in a while.
Makes it easier to read