Yankees' Links

A few links of interest to pass the time while the Yankees' bats take out some frustration on the hapless Royals. (Note: A-Rod just singled in a run to add to the blowout, statisticians will be delighted that his AVG. with RISP improved.):

• The Giambino is back: "Don't look now, but the Yankees' Jason Giambi could be a free agent in demand. The Yankees are certain to decline Giambi's $22 million option, and several American League clubs in need of power could pursue him on a short-term deal.
  Giambi, who turns 38 on Jan. 8, ranks ninth in the American League in OPS, ahead of players such as the Indians' Grady Sizemore, Twins' Justin Morneau and Tigers' Magglio Ordonez." There is something magical about pending free agency. Jason came to camp in shape, managed to stay in one piece and registers well in the magic OPS column. Presto, he's alive. (Hat Tip River Ave Blues)
• The present is bleak, lets take a look at the future: "As a result, in the end, the Yankees only sign one of their first three picks in the 2008 draft - and it was the one who was an “over-draft” - Jeremy Bleich.
  Basically, the Yankees threw away two of the first 75 picks in this draft because of bad decisions on who to pick. They didn’t do their homework in terms of sign-ability and health." Never mind.
• Getting tired of the RISP frenzy? Let's move on: "Then there’s the pitching. It’s hard to believe, but the only starter able to make it through the season injury free to this point is their oldest starter – Mike Mussina. (Moose, I hope I didn’t put the whammy on you). While Mussina is having a great season, 15-7 and a 3.30 ERA, the rest of the pitching staff has been only mediocre."

The bright side is the off season will not be boring. Time to unleash Dad's playbook.