The Red Sox should win it all

The Red Sox acquisition of Eric Gagne makes them the clear favorite to win their 2ND ring in, well, a long time. Give the Sox credit, after last seasons playoff-less debacle ownership spent a mere 200 million acquiring: Dice-K, J.D Drew, and Julio Lugo. Boston's impressive record has kept the inevitable second guessers quiet.

The Gagne transaction moves the Sox ahead of the injury depleted Tigers and widens the margin on the Yanks. Boston's starters know they only have to go a paltry 6 innings and it will be lights-out. Compare this to the Bomber's pen, on second thought forget it--too painful.

Boston's bullpen dominance will be a major advantage come playoff time. Everything is breaking the Red Sox way, now they get to experience the pressure that comes from being the front-runner. There are no excuses this time--curses etc.--just win, it's what you are supposed to do. Go figure.

Scott Proctor aka "Tanyon Sturtze Jr."

The Yankees just traded Scott Proctor to the Dodgers for Wilson Betemit. Trading a workhorse relief pitcher, at a time when the bullpen is the weak link, appears odd, on the surface. Especially, when you consider that the replacement (Joba Chamberlain) has never pitched in the majors.

The New York Times, quotes an unnamed N.L. scout, as saying that the deal makes sense for the Yankees because Proctor seemed exhausted: "Proctor may come back in a year or two, but at this point, he's Tanyon Sturtze Jr. Use him up and throw him out."

Yank's farm system warms up

These are exciting times for Yankee fans. Hard to believe, considering the Red Sox comfortable lead in the division and occupation of 3RD place in the prestigious wild-card race. What's exhilarating is the unprecedented use of the farm system to provide relief while the crucial trade deadline looms.

I've been a consistent critic of Brian Cashman, but give the man credit, rather than pick up the usual suspects (do the names Javier Vasquez, Shawn Chacon, or Jose Contreras ring a bell?--these are among the available options according to MLB Trade Rumors) he is willing to stick his neck out and call up kids during a pennant race to perform under pressure. No one knows if this plan will work, but it will be fun to watch. Best case scenario, youthful exuberance sweeps the Yanks to the playoffs--the future is now. Worst case, they fall short but gain valuable experience that will accelerate their development. Either way it's all good.

Canseco croons

Baseball's steroid scandal brings back memories of the Emerson,Lake and Palmer song: "Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends." Just when you think it's safe to enjoy the fact that 70,000 fans showed up in Cooperstown to honor Ripken and Gwynn, the mud is thrown against the wall by Jose Canseco.

The New York Daily News, in an article titled: "Jose: 'I got stuff on A-Rod' regurgitates the story that just won't go away. As Alex tries to become the youngest player in history, to hit 500 homers, a tabloid covers vague allegations, by a washed up, former underachieving ball player, turned book seller.

If that's not credibility stretching enough, here's a quote from Cansceo's attorney:

"Until someone like Jose is part of the investigation as an investigator, they aren't going to get much cooperation," Canseco's attorney, Rob Saunooke, told The News then. "Jose could meet face-to-face with some of the individuals, use his own friendship with them and knowledge of them and talk with them comfortably. If Jose sits down face-to-face with you and reminds you of all the good times, then he says, 'It's time for us to come clean with these things.'"

This might be the dumbest quote I've ever read. The fact that it's covered as if it's news-worthy speaks volumes as to the journalistic integrity of the newspaper.

Yanks to get revenge on Tigers?

The Detroit Tigers eliminated the Yanks from the post-season last year. The young, emerging Tigers appeared to be the next super-power of the American League. They had one significant hole, which was the lack of a big bat. This void was filled in the off season when Brian Cashman sent Gary Sheffield to Detroit for promising young arms. When the trade was announced, I assumed that the prospects must have big potential. Why else would you improve a primary rival in the quest for a ring? Detroit's shrewd G.M. Dave Dombrowski, was quoted as saying that he had to , "swallow hard" when agreeing to send the arms of the future to the Bombers.

Well it didn't take long to find out that Dombrowski had indeed out maneuvered Cashman, by sending him damaged goods. Humberto Sanchez had Tommy John surgery, putting him on the shelf indefinitely. Cashman acknowledged knowing of potential major medical issues. Sheffield has provided the production that makes the Tigers the team to beat in the A.L.

Well, maybe it's time for Brian to get a little payback. The Detroit News reports:

"The Tigers are reportedly interested in reacquiring Kyle Farnsworth, the right-handed Yankees reliever who pitched for the Tigers in 2005.
Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski did not dismiss notions Thursday that the Tigers have interest in Farnsworth, although the Tigers have been considering a host of relievers ahead of Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.
It is known that Tigers major league scout Dick Egan was in New York this week, possibly to inspect Farnsworth, long known for his hard fastball and heavy ratio of strikeouts to innings-pitched.
"I don't have anything to say about that," Dombrowski said..."

Yankee fans everywhere can only hope that the scouts are deluded by the radar gun. Should the normally erudite Dombrowski slip on a banana peal and reacquire the consistently erratic Farnsworth, a measure of revenge will be gained.

Selig makes a decision

History was made today--Bud Selig made a decision. Yes, after months of head scratching, the great "un-decider" and Baseball commissioner will attend a few games while Balco Barry swings for the fences. Oh happy day, the arduous decision has been reached. This puts another notch in Mr. Selig's legacy, here's some of Bud's history--http://baseballhotcorner.blogspot.com/2007/04/bud-selig-worth-every-nickel.html

I watched part of NBA commissioner David Stern's press conference today. Watching a strong, smart, decisive leader handle a difficult situation was quite a contrast from baseball's befuddled one.

Duncan's fire sparks Yanks

It's refreshing watching a player give every ounce of effort on every pitch. Shelly Duncan, the Bomber's new prodigy, has the opportunity of a life-time and is making the most of it. On last night's YES broadcast, Dave Duncan, Shelly's dad, pitching coach legend, and a former World Champion in his playing days talked about Shelly's love of the game since, "he was three feet high." That was a long time ago, but the fire he plays with tells the story.

Joe Torre, quoted by the New York Post, in an article titled, "A Duncan family affair":

“What I really liked was after his first two at-bats, he struck out with men on base and he came back and hit the roof of the dugout,” Torre said. “I am glad he didn’t hurt himself, but I liked that as opposed to him hanging his head as if he didn’t belong here.”

Facing a challenge with aggression, has beneficial effects on other players. Since Duncan's promotion, Johnny Damon has been re-energized. Johnny's role on the team has been reduced and he is also responding with aggression. The results have been excellent.

The Yankee roster, loaded with veteran, high-priced, under achieving talent has been re-invigorated. The playoffs, which seemed like a pipe-dream, now look inevitable. It's fun watching the kids push the old guys.

Cashman's comeback

Brian Cashman has shaken a season-long slump. Recent transactions have filled holes and provided a spark. After months of Brian's whiffs, he has connected with three solid hits:

• Andy Phillips was plugged into the gaping hole at first. A return engagement, that was a last chance, stop-gap move, until a trade could materialize. Andy has produced offensively and with the glove. He has become part of the solution. Joe Torre, quoted by the New York Times: "It may not always be pretty, but he competes."
• Kevin Thompson is replaced by Shelly Duncan. It is mentioned that Duncan will get Damon's at bats, from the DH slot, Johnny will get more rest. Damon, seeing his Yankee career going down the drain, reacts with a stellar performance. Playing with a physical abandon not witnessed all season. It's amazing how motivating immanent demise can be.
• Defensive specialist Jose Molina is acquired, giving the Yanks a quality back-up at a key position. Jorge gets some well-deserved rest; the Bombers get an insurance plan should Posada get hurt. This move is long over do.

Now that Brian Cashman has started to produce, the next step is to get some fresh arms (Hughes/Karstens) to replace the off-season error, Kei Igawa. Brian has the opportunity to salvage a bad season. If he pulls it off, it would be a comeback of epic proportions.

Red Sox go for record

Is it possible? Can the Red Sox lose the biggest lead in American league history? Logic dictates that it can't be done. 14 1/2 games up over a flawed, inconsistent, banged up Bomber squad. That was than, this is now--6 games in the loss column. The Sox should have buried the beleaguered Bombers a long time ago--they had every advantage. But, living up to their illustrious (infamous?) history, nothing is ever easy.

Peter Gammons was asked to compare Boston's epic collapse of the 70's to this years events. He said the two pennant races weren't comparable. He compared this year's dwindling lead to a slow drip. A few more drops and Red Sox nation may start re-visiting Bucky Dent.

Sheffield plays the victim--again

I was going to ignore him, this time. Wrote this last time:http://baseballhotcorner.blogspot.com/2007/03/sheffield-ultimate-whiner.html



The reaction to Sheffield's latest rant--accusing Joe Torre of racist behavior, has been mixed. Torre and Jeter declined comment. Daryl Strawberry defended Torre, saying on Michael Kay's radio show that Sheffield was his friend, but he had never seen any type of racist behavior from Joe. Bob Gibson, Torre's former teammate and pitching coach (spanning decades) said it's best not to dignify the comments.

I've come to the conclusion the most appropriate reaction to Sheffield's on-going, attention getting rants, is to laugh at him. He wants respect?--sorry fool, you don't qualify. The following comes from the folks over at Bugs and Cranks:

Updating Gary Sheffield’s official list of racists in the past twenty-four hours:
Joe Torre: Claims in an upcoming HBO interview that he treated black and white players differently.
Derek Jeter: Claims in the same interview Jeter was treated better because he is not all the way black, but is instead an amalgamation of black and white.
On Sen. George J. Mitchell (D-Maine): “Me and Barry used steroids too, but who does the white senator choose to interrogate – white Giambi instead of black Sheff!”
On Seattle Mariners pitcher Miguel Batista, who struck out Sheffield Saturday: “He pitched me different than he pitched white players. If he threw me white player pitches I would have hit four homeruns.”
On the Goodyear blimp: “What does Goodyear make? Tires. What color are tires? I rest my case.”
On Gary Sheffield Bobblehead: “Bobbley speaking, the Sheff bobble bobbles differently than it bobbles on white player bobbles.”
On the Chicago White Sox: “Enough said.”
On Rachel Ray’s recipe for Chicken Stew: “Bacon, onion, 1 whole chicken, 5 ounces arugula, two 15.5-ounce cans small white beans, rinsed. Not pinto beans, people. Not black or red beans. White beans. Heat until boil, simmer until desired consistency.”
On Geico’s caveman commercials: “I think you know where I stand.”
On Global Warming: “If the globe is heating up with the intention of killing Gary Sheffield, and Gary Sheffield is a black man, then global warming is the enemy of Gary Sheffield.”
On zebras and black and white cookies: See problems above with Derek Jeter.
On first, second and third bases as well as home plate: “White, white, white and white!”
On Amish folk selling homemade pies on the side of a country lane: “Let’s see what we got today – blueberry, huckleberry, raspberry, boysenberry. Coincidentally, they’re all out of blackberry pies today.”
On the fifth and seventh innings: “Historically, these two innings have never embraced me. The seventh-inning stretch specifically has set back race relations a decade.”
On indigestion: “Racist!”
On Ratatouille: “Bigot!”

Couldn't have said it better.

Fading Farnsworth

The Yankees find themselves on the brink of a pennant race. The all-important loss column shows an 8 game deficit to the Red Sox and a mere 6 in the Wild Card extravaganza. It's vital, to perform at maximum efficiency.

Kyle Farnworth, the designated 8Th inning bridge to the Great Rivera, isn't doing the job. This is not a recent occurrence, in 40 appearances this year, he has allowed at least 1 base runner in 37. Here's a video clip of Kyle in April. Three months later, here's an excerpt from an article titled, "Torre: Farnsworth Still The Man in The 8TH," published in today's NY Post:

"I'm not concerned about anything," Farnsworth said before last night's 6-4 victory over the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.
Torre had said he would stay away from Farnsworth last night after using him on Saturday and Sunday and watching him surrender runs both times, and the manager stuck to his word, bringing Luis Vizcaino into the game to pitch the eighth inning.
Farnsworth, who has allowed 13 hits and five runs in his last 10 appearances (nine innings), denied that he is in a rut. He responded to inquiries about his rough stretch with the classic: "Have you ever pitched out there before?"
If patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel, then the "you never played the game" retort is the last refuge of the ill-tempered, struggling athlete.
Asked about mounting speculation that he might lose his eighth-inning role, Farnsworth answered: "Who says that? That's exactly what it is: speculation."
A little while later, Torre acknowledged he would stick with his setup man a while longer.
"Yeah, he's still our eighth-inning guy," Torre said.
Farnsworth has allowed 21 runs (19 earned) over 37 1/3 innings for a 4.58 ERA. Only Vizcaino's 4.63 ERA is worse among Yankees relievers."

Statistics don't tell the whole story. Kyle isn't exactly what you would call an "iron man." You see he is never asked to throw more than 1 inning per appearance. It is rare that he doesn't get a day off after an infamous 1 inning performance because Kyle's production gets even worse when asked to pitch 2 days in a row. Hall of Famer (to be), Goose Gossage has to be laughing somewhere.

The only thing worse than the pitching is the attitude. Joe Torre should demote Farnsworth, for the good of the team. The pennant race is a precious thing--let's not squander it.

Scott Boras--Superstar

Three months to plan B?

The image of super agent Scott Boras brings to mind the expression, made famous by the movie Jerry Maguire: "Show me the money."

No one is in Mr Boras's league when it comes to getting paid. A partial client list: A-Rod, Dice-K, Barry Zito, J.D. Drew, Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Jason Varitek speaks for itself.

When Boras negotiated A-Rod's deal with the Texas Rangers, he inserted a clause that would allow Alex to void the last three years of the biggest contract in baseball history. The result is that A-Rod now has the once all-powerful Bombers at his mercy--not a good place to be.

This past winter, Boras represented Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka. We were besieged with reports of Dice-K's legendary work habits that produced pitch counts unheard of in this country. The Red Sox were getting a rubber-armed, gyro throwing, phenom for a mere 100+ million.

The Boston Globe, in an article titled: "Count on Boras being agent of concern" presents an updated perspective:

"Scott Boras, seems concerned about the number of pitches he's thrown this season.
"I'd rather see him throw closer to 100 pitches than 120 pitches," said Boras Friday. Boras said he spoke to Matsuzaka when the Red Sox were in San Diego three weeks ago to emphasize the importance of protecting his longevity, without compromising Matsuzaka's competitive nature.
There was no indication Boras had expressed his concern to the team, but the Red Sox are aware of it now.
Matsuzaka, who is 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA in his last six starts, didn't return after squandering a 4-1 lead but Jason Varitek bailed him out with a two-run homer in the sixth, when the Sox scored five times. Matsuzaka threw 110 pitches, precisely his average over 19 starts this season.
Matsuzaka was clearly down over his outing, calling it "disappointing from beginning to end today."
It's understandable what Boras is thinking. The man who negotiated Matsuzaka's six-year, $52 million deal wants to make certain his 26-year-old righthander is still at the top of his game when the pact runs out. He knows how Japanese pitchers have faded historically after their first two or three years in the major leagues."

I'd be willing to bet the last sentence wasn't uttered during contract negotiations. Scott Boras has his critics, but his clients aren't among them.

Resigning Posada a tough call

The Yankees are faced with some major decisions, in the coming months. The free agent to be check list will start with A-Rod, than move to Rivera, and finish with Posada.

A-Rod's situation doesn't figure to live up to the hype. He's just too expensive for virtually anybody except the Yanks. Potential suitors can use the Texas Rangers, for a historical reference, to see what happens when you sign the sport's most talented player to a payroll dominating mega-deal. Rivera is still the Yank's best pitcher. He deserves and will get his extension in a quiet and professional manner. The Posada situation is a much more complex issue. He has done everything possible to earn a multi-year extension. The problem is father time. Jorge will be 36 in August, history tells us the end is near. Yes, he is having a career year. Yes, the organization has no one to replace him. But, is it prudent to give him a multi-year contract?



Quality catchers are a rare commodity. MLB Trade Rumors suggests the Cubs will be interested. There will be a team out there willing to offer too many years. Posada was quoted by George King of the New York Daily News:

“I want to experience free agency,” said Posada, who was batting .326 going into last night’s game and looking at a bonanza on the free agent market that will be devoid of quality catchers. “It will be my first time and might be my only time.”

Jorge is a .287 lifetime hitter, having a career year, at the the optimum time. It will be interesting to see how the Bronx brass approaches his future.

Yanks' future relocates to Trenton

The All-Star break provides an opportunity, for Yankee fans, to set aside the angst, brought on by the season-to-date debacle. The annual pennant race, we have become accustomed to, doesn't appear to be part of the Bombers' destiny. Rather than wallow in frustration, it's time to look to the future, for relief.

The New York Times, in an article titled: "The Yankees Future Starts in Trenton" suggests reason for optimism is being cultivated by the Trenton Thunder--the Bomber's Eastern League Class AA affiliate. Their pitching staff features 6 highly regarded bonus babies.

The development of quality young players will be a big step in returning the Yankees to prominence. The cynic in me remembers the hype from the spring, when the Triple-A affiliate was going to represent the future. Hughes, Ohlendorf, Sanchez and company. Phillip Hughes, provided a brief glimpse of potential, before injuries took him down. Ohlendorf and Sanchez never got that far, as they proved to be damaged goods. Any baseball fan, has a streak of undying optimism, so if the future has relocated from Scranton to Trenton, who am I to quibble?

Putting hype into perspective, however, is a requirement for New York area fans. The Times quotes Tim Raines:

"I like Kennedy a lot," said the former Yankee Tim Raines, now a coach for Harrisburg. "He reminds me a lot of Mark Prior. Maybe he doesn’t throw as hard or have the stuff yet, but I think he’s got a chance."

"A chance," is all we ask.

Wagner rips Reyes

Michael Morrissey, of the New York Post, in an article titled: "I'd Bench Loafer Reyes" quotes Billy Wagner: "I think speaking only as if I was the manager - not Willie - he wouldn't play," Wagner said before last night's 5-3, 17-inning victory over Houston. "He wouldn't play the next two games - no matter how bad we need him.
"Because you're trying to build a leader, not try to build just a good ballplayer. You want leadership out there. You want a guy out there that people look at and respect because he's playing 100 percent every game.
"Nobody's going to respect him if he only shows up on certain games."

In this era of political correctness, it is rare to chastise a teammate in the press. The fact that the refreshingly outspoken Wagner called out the young star in the Met's universe speaks volumes about his confidence.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. When Randolph pulled Reyes for the 2ND time in a week, the TV cameras revealed an animated, heated conversation, with a member of the coaching staff. Will adversity be used as motivation by the young star? or will it hurt? These questions will be answered during a pennant race and will be covered by the tabloid media--no pressure.

Bonds to the Bombers?

The trade deadline looms. The rumor-mill is in hyper-drive. Here's an idea from left field, written by William C. Rhoden, of the New York Times:

"For my tastes, any Bonds trade speculation brings us, as always, to the Yankees. Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free.
The Yankees were suitors for Bonds 15 years ago. He turned them down. Now the Yankees somehow find themselves under .500, in peril of missing the postseason for the first time in Joe Torre’s dozen seasons as manager. "

I have to believe the esteemed Mr. Rhoden had tongue planted firmly in cheek when he wrote this. Here's two reasons it will never happen: 1) The Boss wouldn't permit Balco Barry to besmirch the ballpark the Babe built. 2) Media darling Bonds, would get eaten alive, in the New York tabloid circus.

Putting reality aside, for a moment, it would make for a lineup card for the ages. The newly crowned homer king followed by heir apparent A-Rod.

The future is now

Dave Anderson, of the New York Times, gives Yankee fans a dose of reality:

"Do the math.
With the Indians likely to approach 100 victories and the Tigers possibly winning 95 games in the American League Central, consider that the Yankees would need a fabulous 55-26 finish for a 94-68 record. Also consider that in finishing first in the A.L. East in their best seasons under Torre, the most games the Yankees ever won in the second half was 53 — in 2005, 2002 and 1998.
When those three Yankee teams each won 53 games, they had consistent pitching and consistent hitting. To think that this inconsistent Yankee team, with its shoddy bullpen and spotty hitting, can suddenly do better than any of those three teams is simply unrealistic."

Does the Yankee brass have the guts to switch gears, from win now or else mode, to let's see what the kids can do. The handwriting is on the wall, this team isn't good enough. Can Brian Cashman change his, "I'll never give up," credo? He is in a tough place, if he acknowledges all the problems, he points the finger at himself. Does he have the courage to do the right thing or does he keep pretending this season will conclude with a miracle?

Trade A-Rod?

Joel Sherman, of the New York Post, writes:
"Wouldn’t it behoove the Yanks to make Rodriguez available in a trade market craving power to see if someone makes that Herschel Walker-type overwhelming offer that can’t be refused? The Angels and Dodgers, for example, both need power, both are blessed with young talent and both would imagine themselves as champions if Rodriguez were batting cleanup."

There are several problems with this concept:

• Why would any team trade several top prospects when they can bid on him in free agency? The Angels and Dodgers aren't the type of organizations to mortgage their future for a short-term fix. He is no quarantee to help them in the post-season.
• Any organization that would consider this type of transaction would have to be willing to sign Alex to a contract in the 8 year, 30milion per neighborhood. The list of possible suitors is very short.
• From the Yankee perspective, you are going to trade a first ballot Hall of Famer, in his prime, for a group of Brian Cashman selected prospects?
• The new ballpark is open in 2009, YES network ratings need a quality product to thrive, A-Rod, the best player in the sport, with a legit chance at the all-time home run record, is your meal-ticket.

The only way trading A-Rod becomes viable is if the organization was %100 certain he was leaving. His agent Scott Boras would never divulge that information. He needs the Yanks in the bidding process to drive the price up. The Bombers are between a rock and a hard place.

Going through the motions

George Vecsey, of the New York Times, in an article titled: "Not much left to say, but much left to do":

It’s always nice when the players seem to be watching the same games we are. Jorge Posada tends to agree with vox populi that this is not the most intense Yankees team he has ever seen.
After the Yankees were victimized by a one-hitter from Chad Gaudin and Rich Harden yesterday in a 7-0 loss, Posada said firmly, "It seems like, at times, we just go through the motions, and today is one of those cases."
Because Posada is a Yankees insider and not one to point fingers, his observation carries a bit of gravitas. When somebody told Posada that his words could be construed as a red flag to those who see a breakdown in leadership or attitude, he replied, "I think everybody knows what I’m talking about."

There isn't another manager in baseball who would survive the complete meltdown of a team this talented and expensive. It's not shocking that this isn't a championship caliber roster, that's been obvious since last years playoff debacle against Detroit. The off-season moves, by the front office, hurt rather than helped the cause. Still, it was justifiable to expect a potent offense. If they were losing 9-8, it would make also-ran status more palatable.

Losing is part of baseball, some years a team just isn't good enough. Playing with less than full effort is unacceptable. Unfortunately, Posada's remarks are a clear indictment of Joe Torre's inability to motivate this group of players. It would be nice if you could just fire the underachievers. The reality is guaranteed contracts preclude this option. The title of Vecsey's article:"Not much left to say, much left to do", says it all. Drastic change is required, Hall of Fame manager, Joe Torre and team architect Brian Cashman need to be terminated. This won't fix the problems but will be a step in a clearly needed new direction.