This is why Gammons is the Best
March 9, 2009 by SOS · Leave a Comment
Peter Gammons wrote this in his blog today. Take a look at what the Red Sox are doing in comparsion to the Yankees. Very scary if you look at just the numbers.
In the offseason a year ago, Lester’s name came up in discussions about a deal with the Twins for Johan Santana. At the 2007 winter meetings, Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell stood up in an organizational meeting and predicted Lester would be the equal of Santana during the next five years.
“You just don’t find people and talent like Lester, especially that young,” Farrell said.
Phrases such as the following are what define Lester: “When people talk about competing, that isn’t enough. I don’t want to just compete, I want to win. All my physical and mental preparation is about winning.”
So as the Red Sox prepare to sign Lester for five years and $30 million, they will pay Beckett, Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, John Smoltz, Brad Penny and Clay Buchholz less than $36 million this season. Compare that figure with what the New York Yankees are paying two of their pitchers. If you include two $3 million bonuses CC Sabathia will receive during the 2009 season, Sabathia and A.J. Burnett will make $36.5 million. Boston has 2009 obligations to Beckett, Lester and Matsuzaka for $21 million.
Boston’s bullpen of Jonathan Papelbon, Takashi Saito, Hideki Okajima, Justin Masterson, Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez will make approximately $11.7 million in 2009. And that doesn’t include prospect Daniel Bard, who struck out the side Sunday against the American League-champion Tampa Bay Rays while throwing 100 mph. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Reds closer Francisco Cordero will make $12 million in 2009.
Morality Police
February 20, 2009 by Mike · Leave a Comment
Morality Police
I’ve been going to Yankee Stadium since 1993. For 15 years, I enjoyed the place affectionately known as “The House That Ruth Built”. On September 21st, I attended the last home game in Yankee Stadium. And this year, when I attend my first game at the new Yankee Stadium, there’s a good chance it might be short lived because I will probably be escorted out of the complex. Why you ask? Oh, you don’t ask. Well I don’t give a sh*t and I’m gonna tell you anyway. It won’t be for public intoxication or throwing an object on to the field. It will probably be for disorderly conduct, most likely fighting with a Yankee “fan” who will boo or sh*t talk the one and only Alex Rodriguez. Now, don’t get me wrong. I won’t be defending him. I’ll be antagonizing stupid Yankee fans who cheer him when he hits home runs and bitch and moan and complain when he does anything but hit a home run. I like to call these people “flip-floppers” or ass-clowns. The fact that he admitted to taking steroids won’t help his cause either. But the wagging of the finger at A-Rod or any other sports player or public figure who is accused of wrong-doing is a complete waste of time.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion about all of this. I personally think it was stupid of him, or anyone for that matter, to take steroids. Anything that makes you angry and can shrivel up your balls is stupid. But you know what? It’s his decision. Let him do whatever the hell he wants to. Does have to suffer consequences for using banned substances? Yes. But let the rules in place take care of that. And if there are none, oh well. But no. The media will play morality police and decide how he is portrayed and what people think. People can debate whether or not baseball players benefit from taking steroids. And how can you call it cheating when most of the players were doing it? If you’re an athlete and someone told you that you could get an edge on your opponents and make tens of millions of dollars and be financially stable for life, wouldn’t that be something you’d be interested in?
I don’t agree with a majority of mainstream media and their take on several issues, including A-Rod, Barry Bonds, Michael Phelps, etc. Let me start off by saying again that I think what these people are accused of doing is wrong. Ok? Good. But who the f*ck cares? Media should report the “news” and move on. Dragging this out day after day is old and no longer news. It’s not interesting to watch the same story beaten to a pulp every other hour. The overkill is a bit much. People are now labeling these guys “cheaters” and “frauds”. Several athletes (football & basketball) have been known to use a substance called stickum on their hands during play, most notably Michael Jordan (happy belated birthday MJ). Is Michael Jordan a “cheater” per se? Technically, yes. But in the eye of the public, he’s a sports god. Is a college degree cheapened because you cheated on a math test in 6th grade? I think not. Is Milli Vanilli’s Grammy award for Best New Artist in 1990 not valid because they didn’t sing the songs? Um…let’s forget about that one. You want to point fingers at cheaters and frauds? Take a look at the government or any of these companies that asked for handouts and are taking lavish trips on jets to tropical islands.
So before you join the morality police, think about what’s really important. And if you do join, don’t bother showing up at the new Yankee Stadium and sitting anywhere close to me.
Guest Blog Post by D.Daley
Do You Believe This ?
December 23, 2008 by Mike · Leave a Comment
From NY Daily News:
It was then learned that Teixeira had favored the Yankees all along and according to sources he conveyed that to them this week.
Negotiations intensified Tuesday morning and the two sides were believed to be close to an agreement that would make Teixeira a Yankee.
Neither do I.
Teixeira And Yankees Agree To An Eight-Year Deal
December 23, 2008 by Mike · 2 Comments
It appears that the deal came down to a six-million dollar difference, and the Red Sox reluctance to include a no-trade clause in the contract. Our sources indicated that a deal had been agreed upon in principle with Teixeira sometime yesterday, but the New York Yankees swooped-in and did what it took to get a deal done, i.e. sweetening the pot and adding the full no-trade clause which was crucial for the deal. Teixeira wanted no part of playing for the Nationals, even though they offered the most money, so it came down to playing for the Red Sox or Yankees. This was a huge loss for the Red Sox, who thought they had a deal done with Teixeira. For the past year the Red Sox have been counting on signing the first basemen. Onto Derek Lowe or Jake Peavy. More from Jon Heyman:
The Yankees have reached an agreement in principle to sign Mark Teixeira, SI.com has learned, beating out the rival Red Sox for the free-agent slugger’s services.
Teixeira, who hit .308 with 33 home runs and 121 RBIs in 2008, will receive an eight-year, $180 million deal from the Yankees with a full no-trade provision.
The Yankees quietly remained in contact with the Teixeira camp, but after spending $243.5 million on star starting pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, they didn’t appear anxious to be the market setter.
The Red Sox threw a curveball late last week when owner John Henry announced they were no longer “going to be a factor” following a meeting at Teixeira’s Dallas-area house. But after a little while, it became clear that Henry only meant that they intended not to up their bid, not that they were pulling out of the derby entirely.
Manny Won’t Be Going To The Yankees….Just Yet
December 22, 2008 by Mike · Leave a Comment
From Bombers Beat:
Just swapped text messages with Brian Cashman, who wrote two words to splash some cold water on the Impacto Deportivo report of Manny Ramirez receiving a three-year, $75 million offer from the Yankees:
“Not true.”
There’s still a chance the Yankees make a push for Manny, but it really appears unlikely until after Mark Teixeira signs. That report said an announcement would be made Monday or Tuesday, but especially with the holidays approaching, the odds of having another huge gala press conference at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008 are dwindling.
Yankees To Sign Manny Ramirez ?
December 22, 2008 by Mike · Leave a Comment
According to reports out of the Dominican Republic, the New York Yankees are set to sign outfielder Manny Ramirez to a three-year $75 Million Dollar contract. In the words of Bob’s Home Furniture, “I doubt it”. The newspaper has broken its fair share of stories over the years, but this one is unlikely. If this is true, it’s a great deal for Ramirez, who just days ago really didn’t have much interest going his way. It has been reported that Manny was seeking a 4-year $100 Million Dollar deal this offseason and all the Los Angeles Dodgers were offering was a two-year deal. Still, with the Angels now out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes and the Dodgers focused on signing Manny, the report of a deal seems to be a bit premature. Since the newspaper article is in Spanish, and most of my readers can barely read English, let alone Spanish, I won’t post the article. If you’re feeling up to the task, just click on the Domincan Republic link and enjoy!
Yankees To Offer Manny Ramirez Contract
December 22, 2008 by Mike · Leave a Comment
Who knows, maybe next season Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez will be sitting next to each other in the same dugout because according to the NY Daily News, Ramirez expects at least a three-year offer from the Yankees. The slugger maybe confident of the offer, but its unlikely. Yankees GM, Brian Cashman has long been leery of Ramirez, if perhaps his price tag drops the Yankees could be interested. But not for three-years. Although, its entirely possible that Yankees owner Hank Steinbrenner could get involved in the mix and that may change the situation. More from NY Daily News:
According to a source, Ramirez has told friends that he is confident the Yankees will offer him a contract of at least three years, one year longer than most team officials have said they would want to go.
Ramirez has no plans to get serious about any offers until after Mark Teixeira – a fellow Scott Boras client – makes a decision regarding his own future. Ramirez has already turned down a two-year, $45 million offer from the Dodgers and has told friends he is seeking a four-year deal in the $100 million range.
Should Teixeira return to Anaheim, the Yankees and Dodgers figure to be the main competitors for Ramirez. But if Teixeira signs with the Red Sox, the Angels would likely throw themselves in the mix, making it a wide-open race.
Ramirez has been a hot topic inside the Yankees organization, according to a source, although not everybody within the team’s hierarchy is in agreement when it comes to signing the enigmatic slugger.
Hank Steinbrenner is leading the charge for the signing, the source said, hoping to reload his roster after watching the Yankees miss the postseason this year for the first time since 1993. Hal Steinbrenner is said to be warming to the idea, while general manager Brian Cashman isn’t too high on adding a 36-year-old outfielder with plenty of baggage.
C.C. Sabathia Now….
December 19, 2008 by Mike · Leave a Comment
And click here to see what C.C. Sabathia will look like three-years into his contract.
“Yankees, were aging players go to get fat and rich”
Madonna Wants Too Spend Christmas With…
December 17, 2008 by Mike · Leave a Comment
Any guesses ? Her kids ? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if they were there. Guy Ritchie ? She’d rather have me there, then him. But, according to The Sun, Madonna wants to spend Christmas with New York Yankees third basemen, Alex Rodriguez. Ahhh, how lovely. One more thing The Sun reports, is that another reason that A-Rod makes Madonna wet in the pants is cause he too like English women doesn’t wash his genitalia makes the same type of money as her. She sounds like a wonderful woman! More from The Sun:
But I can reveal there is a condition — she wants American baseball star ALEX RODRIGUEZ to join her here.
Madge, in Brazil for her Sticky & Sweet tour, will jet into London on December 23 with kids Rocco, David Banda and Lourdes.
But Alex should not be far away. She has offered to fly the New York Yankees slugger first-class to London then put him in a top hotel.
A source says: “She wants the kids to be with their parents but wants time with A-Rod too.”
He trousers £18million a year and my source says: “She knows he lives large and that he loves the fact she’s his equal for earning power. She wants to treat him.”
Yankees Going Hard After Manny
December 17, 2008 by Mike · Leave a Comment
From NY Daily News:
One baseball official told the Daily News that the Yankees’ interest in Ramirez is more than cursory, that they see the slugger as the perfect complement in their lineup to Alex Rodriguez, forming a 1-2 punch like he did in Boston with David Ortiz.
The official believes that the Yankees are “going hard” after Ramirez, to the point where they are willing to give him a three-year deal worth from $22 million to $25 million per year.
Two other officials are skeptical that the Bombers would commit three years to the enigmatic Ramirez, who has already seen the Dodgers make and withdraw a two-year, $45 million offer this winter. Both of them believe the Yankees will linger in the background while agent Scott Boras works to gather offers, and if the market is limited, the Yanks will try to jump in with a two-year, $50 million package.
According to a source familiar with the Yankees’ thinking, Brian Cashman has been lukewarm to the idea of signing Ramirez, but the rest of the front office – most notably Hal and Hank Steinbrenner – believes he is precisely what the Yankees need to bolster a lineup that underachieved in 2008.