NFL Picks - Week 13

Before we get into anything else, we continue to be, surprisingly, shocked at Plaxico Burress' antics. We have to agree with Steve Politi of the Star Ledger, the sooner he's gone, the better.

Back to football. We were 2-1 on Thursday. Still shocked that the Eagles were favored by 3. Apparently they should have been favored by 15. Amazing how ordinary Kurt Warner can look under a pass rush.

Big Blue won't have Burress, who wasn't going to play anyway, but may have Brandon Jacobs back. We'll see at 1:oo EST, when the Giants and Redskins take the field at FEDEX Field. It'll be a wet, muddy ball game with rain expected all day in the D.C. area. The Giants are favored by 3.5 and that sounds good to us. Giants -3.5 Prediction: Giants 27 Redskins 13
We weren't far off on this though it looked early on that the Giants would win in a blow out. By half time it was a game, but the Giants superiority shined through. WON

Jets -8 vs. Broncos
It wasn't that long ago we would have thought there would be no way the Jets would be favored by 8, especially against a potent Broncos offense. But the Jets have won 5 in a row and the Broncos defense has been more porous than Paris Hilton's pants.
Did not see the Broncos offense rolling and playing good enough defense to win. LOSS

Bills -6.5 vs 49ers
The Bills have been a tremendous let down this year. They looked like they could easily take the AFC East once Tom Brady went down, but they've been miserable, especially QB Trent Edwards. Edwards bounced back with a big game in the Bills win last week against the Chiefs. He and the Bills will need to do it again this week against a Niners team that has nothing to lose. San Fran won't have to worry about the weather, as the temps will be at a mild Buffalo 41.
Trent Edwards missed the 2nd half, but this Bills team is pathetic. A 10-3 loss to the Niners? C'mon! LOSS

Bucs -4 vs. Saints
This is a huge game for the Bucs who have a chance to lock up the #2 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Saints can get back in the NFC South and Wildcard races with a win. Bucs 'D' prevails.
Close ball game, the Bucs blew a 20-10 lead before prevailing 23-20. Not good enough to cover though. LOSS

Packers -3 vs. Panthers
Carolina had a lot of the warts exposed by the Falcons last week. QB Jake Delhomme admitted he's still hurting from off-season elbow surgery. The Pack is just a game behind in the NFC North despite a 5-6 record. With the Vikings and Bears squaring off, the Packers can make up some ground.
Another good game that saw the Pack rally from a 21-10 deficit to take a 28-21 lead, only to lose 35-31. LOSS

Dolphins -8 at Rams
The fish aren't likely to catch the Jets or Pats in the division, but they're still in the Wildcard mix. They barely beat the Raiders 2 weeks ago and were embarrassed by the Pats last week. They should bounce back this week against a hapless Rams team.
The Dolphins are not really that good. Yes, they won 16-12, but they should have crushed this Rams team. LOSS

Ravens -7 at Bengals
Another favorite, but how can you blame us? The Ravens bounced back nicely from their loss to the Giants, with a blow out win over Philly. They sit just one game back of the Steelers in the AFC North. The Bengals have one win. 'Nuff said.
Never a contest, Ravens roll. WON

Colts -4.5 at Browns
Brady Quinn is out for the year with a broken finger, which means Derek Anderson is back in. The Colts are without star DB Bob Sanders, but their offense has been clicking and their 'D' has improved.
Dull..this game was on CBS while the Giants were on Fox. Can't imagine too many people chose this game to watch. Browns already lost Quinn, now Anderson is probably done for the year too. Browns covered though. LOSS

Falcons +5 at Chargers
The Chargers season is slipping away, but if they run the table they can get back to the playoffs. No matter what happens, Norv Turner is probably done as coach in San Diego. The Falcons are rolling by rookie QB Matt Ryan and it should continue today.
We were on the money here. Ryan's great rookie season continues. WON

Steelers -1 at Patriots
Great game...Matt Cassell and the Pats offense has been red hot, but the Steelers defense is still solid. Should be a low scoring game with the boys from iron city prevailing.
Not even close, the Steelers blow out the Pats, 33-10. WON

Raiders -3 vs. Chiefs
Boy is this game now what it used to be. The Raiders are playing a little better since Tom Cable took over and had a resounding win over the Broncs last week. Both teams stink, but this game could actually be entertaining.
The Chiefs won this 20-13. You want to know why? Because for some reason Cable ran a fake FG with Jankowski running the ball. WTF! LOSS

Bears +3 at Vikings
A huge game in the NFC North, where these two teams are tied at an underwhelming 6-5. Will go with the Bears 'D' in this one, thought we also expect a big day from A.P..

Jaguars +3 at Texans
Good God, who scheduled this one? Even if the Jags were playing up to par, did anyone think the Texans were worthy of MNF?

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Pols Blackmailed Yankees

The Daily News is reporting tonight that several aides of New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg pulled strings to get preferential treatment at the new Yankee Stadium. The pols made threats to get a luxury suite and even went as far as to demand free food. The Yankees agreed to the demands once they were granted 250 free parking spaces.

The great luxury box battle surfaced in e-mails obtained by Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (D-Westchester) under the Freedom of Information Act in his ongoing investigation of the Yankees' new taxpayer-subsidized stadium.

"The city's pursuit of a luxury suite at Yankee Stadium was achieved at a significant cost to taxpayers," Brodsky said in releasing dozens of e-mails dating back to January 2006.

The Yankees got the city to write a letter to the IRS so they could obtain $942 million in tax-free bonds. The team plans to request $366 million more, saving them a total of $247 million in lower borrowing costs. In return, Bloomberg's team wanted a free luxury suite and the right to buy at cost 180 of the best seats to all home games, including post-season, the e-mails show.

Click here to see copies of emails

Click here for more emails

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Saturday in the Park Hot Stove

Paid by the pound?

While CC Sabathia counts the days until he signs a mega-deal, the Daily News' Anthony McCarron warns about taking on bloated contracts (i.e. Kevin Brown). Meanwhile a source says the Yankees are willing to increase their offer should the Angels or any other team match or top the Yankees current offer to the left-hander.
Blue Jays fans shouldn't get too excited. The (Toronto) Star says that if the Blue Jays don't re-sign A.J. Burnett, they won't necessarily spend the money, earmarked for him, elsewhere.

The Red Sox continue to tinker with their bullpen. They picked up Wes Littleton from the Rangers on Friday for two players to be named or cash. The Sox meanwhile should announce the signing of Japanese amateur Junichi Tazawa in the coming week. Tazawa called the Rangers, Mariners, and Braves to let them know he was rejecting their offers.

Reliever Mike Koplove was signed by the Phillies on Friday. Meantime, Alan Embree is getting some feelers from the Rockies.

The Cubs are the latest team to try to obtain Jake Peavy, despite Lou Piniella's statement that their pitching was set.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Why Alex Rodriguez? Is there a bigger turkey on the Yankees? Madonna? Seriously.

We'd like to wish everyone and their family and friends a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Make sure your Thanksgiving doesn't go to the dogs.

As for football, we went 8-8 last weekend (93-79-14 to date), all the match ups are pretty lopsided. We'll take the Titans and Cowboys and lay the points, and gladly take the Cardinals +3. (How are the Eagles favored???).

So enjoy your day and make sure you have enough Pepcid on hand if you overeat/drink.

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Hump Day Hot Stove

Either Andy Pettitte is trying to force the Yankees' hand or he really just wants to pitch anywhere (or make some more bucks). Ken Rosenthal says that Pettitte's agents are looking around for other possibilities, Joe Torre's Dodgers included. We've always loved Pettitte, but we have no problem if he moves on. He's not the pitcher he once was and he's certainly not nearly worth the money he's seeking.

ESPN reported last night that the Angels were readying an offer to CC Sabathia that would rival the money the Yankees reportedly offered up. If money is no object, CC will likely land on the left coast.

The Boston Herald reports that the Angels are willing to deal one of their catchers, either Jeff Mathis or Mike Napoli, and Boston could be the destination. We can't imagine the Angels relying on Mathis for their full-time needs.

The Dodgers said they will not try to further entice Manny Ramirez with money. LA has reportedly made a 2-year, $45 million proposal.

Billy Beane likes On-Base Percentage guys, and Nick Johnson is one of them. Beane has asked for the oft-injured Johnson's medical records from the Nats to pursue a possible deal.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 11/25

Robinson Cano's season was one of the biggest disappointments of 2007. It came on the heels of a bad 1st half in 2006 and has Yankees management concerned. Apparently it has Cano worried too. Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long recently spent time in the Dominican Republic with the inconsistent basemen and came away impressed. Here's what he told the NY Post.

"I was as impressed with what he looks like as I have ever been in my whole life," hitting coach Kevin Long said of Cano yesterday after spending six days last week in the Dominican Republic with the second baseman who led the list of Yankees disappointments last season.

"He hired a personal trainer from New Jersey who is kicking his [butt], and he looks great," Long said. "His body fat is at 11 percent, his stomach is cut."

"He works on hitting and doing agility drills for two hours, rests and goes to the weight room for three hours," Long said of Cano, who enters the second-year of a four-year, $30 million deal. "There isn't a whole lot of heavy lifting. It's more cardio and light weights."

Newsday's Wally Matthews thinks no word from CC Sabathia means he doesn't want to be a Yankee.

It's been a pleasure not having to hear anything about Roger Clemens or Brian McNamee, but they're back in the news. Word is federal agents have collected DNA samples to help determine if Clemens perjured himself in front of Congress. (Isn't that like trying to con a con man?)

Sunday was the last official tour of the current Yankee Stadium. It was bittersweet for those who took part.

The Yankees 2009 Spring Training schedule has been announced.

Going to a Bar-Mitvah or Jewish wedding? Wear a Yankees Yarmulke!

The Trenton Thunder were the first recipients of the Team of the Year award from "This Year in Minor League Baseball".

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Tuesday Hot Stove

Don't Do as I Say
We could use an umbrella to keep the rain off the stove. The Red Sox could use a swift kick in the ass. We don't want to hear any more garbage out of Boston about how the Yankees did this or did that. First it was complaining about how much money the Yankees spent and then the Red Sox started doling out huge deals. Now comes word the Red Sox are about to sign Japanese amateur Junichi Tazawa, violating an age old verbal agreement that the Major Leagues would not raid the Japanese amateurs.

The Yankees may have been looking into a deal as well, but publicly Brian Cashman stated it was a mistake for teams to take such an approach. The fall out from all this of course is that Japanese leagues could disrupt the US amateur draft by making huge offers to US college and high school kids.

Bing Stays Healthier
If the A's can reel in Rafael Furcal, they'll look to deal oft-injured, underachieving shortstop Bobby Crosby. The A's are said to be willing to pick up a good chunk of Crosby's $5.25 million salary.

You Can Never Have Too Many
Left-handers that is. The Cardinals are still finalizing a deal with reliever Trever Miller and have now made an offer to fellow free agent Arthur Rhodes. The Yankees will be disappointed to see him out of the AL.

Making a Pitch
The LA Times reports that the Angels have shifted focus from re-signing Mark Teixeira to addressing pitching needs. Translation - CC Sabathia.

You'll Look Great in Black and Orange
That may be one of the pitches the Orioles make towards free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett now that Baltimore is in the mix.

The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
The Mets have received the X-Rays from Francisco Rodriguez's medical records as they decide whether or not to spend big money on a closer.

Stot Unemployed
With a new manager in Seattle, pitching coach Mel Stottelmyre, still one of our favorites from those old bad Yankees teams, is out of a job. Stot worked one season on the M's staff. Perhaps something will open up with Joe Torre in LA.

UPDATE 5:00 PM
Rockies Try Not to Laugh at Mets
The Rockies have reportedly turned down a deal that would have sent Aaron Heilman to Colorado for Huston Street. Street isn't what he once was or what anyone thought he would be, but he's still a lot better than Heilman.

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Breaking News: Giants Ink Renteria

WFAN is reporting that the San Fran Giants have signed free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria to a 2-year, $18 million deal. Renteria spent the past season, his 13th in the bigs, with the Tigers. Hit .270-10-55, scored 69 runs, and stole just 6 bases, the lowest total of his career.

Renteria is one player who seems to play, both offensively and defensively, in the National League. It looks like he'll get that chance again.

UPDATE 9:35 PM - Earlier this evening Edgar Renteria's agent Barry Meister shot down reports that Renteria and the Giants had agreed to a deal. Meister said the two sides have talked, but are not close to any deal.

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Monday Hot Stove

When the A's traded for Matt Holliday it raised more than a few eyebrows. Now we're really wondering what Billy Beane is up to. He's reportedly offered free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, a 4-year, $48 million deal. Furcal told "El Caribe" that he received an offer to play second base for the Mets and will be mulling that over as well.

WEEI in Boston reports that the Red Sox have offered their long time catcher Jason Varitek a 1-year deal. Varitek's agent Scott Boras wants Jorge Posada type money, but Varitek was nothing less than awful at the plate in his walk year.

The NY Times reported last week that Japanese baseball officials are upset at the pursuit of 22-yr old amateur pitcher, Junichi Tazawa. Japanese pros have to play 9 seasons before having the opportunity to pitch abroad. Some MLB teams and Tazawa are trying to skirt the system. That includes Boston, which has reportedly made an offer to Tazawa.

According to MLB.com, rumors have resurfaced of a Mark Teahen to the Cubs trade. The Royals are reportedly interested in second baseman Mike Fontenot and pitcher Sean Marshall.

The East Valley Tribune reports that the Diamondbacks have made a 1-year offer to free agent infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez hit .290 with 40 RBI in 300 at-bats for the Rangers this season, taking advantage of injuries to Hank Blalock and others.

Despite rumors the contrary, the Randy Youngman of the Orange County Register does not believe that Mark Teixeira will return to the Angels next season. Teixeira told ESPN's Erin Andrews he wants a new deal, wherever it is, by Christmas. Youngman's thoughts are based on a gut feeling. Probably just gas.

Derek Lowe is reportedly seeking a 5-year contract worth $75-$80 million. We hope the Yankees aren't dumb enough to even come close to that level with any offer.

Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley slipped and fell on ice at his home in Pennsylvania, breaking his leg. He's expected to make a full recovery by Spring Training.

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NFL Picks - Week 12

UPDATED 11/24 2:15 PM
Two weeks ago we lost the Thursday night game and had a great Sunday. No so in week 11, where we screwed up the Jets-Pats and the trend continued on Sunday. A miserable 5-11 week put us at 85-71-14. We hope to have a bounce back week after winning this past Thursday's Steelers-Bengals game.

Big Blue is out in AZ, where until last season's Super Bowl, they have always struggled. Of course that game was against the Cardinals. The Cards are 7-3, but they're division simply stinks. Kurt Warner is having a big year, but will still cough up the football under pressure. This is a different Giants team than the ones that gagged on games out west. We expect them to drive Warner crazy and cover the 3 points even if Plaxico Burress doesn't play and Brandon Jacobs is limited by his sore knee. Giants +3 Prediction: Giants 27 Cardinals 17
An entertaining game that showed the most important thing on the offensive side of the ball is to keep the offensive line healthy. No Brandon Jacobs or Plaxico Burress, but thanks to the heroics of Domenik Hixon, another 37 points on the board. WIN

Titans -5.5 at Jets
The game of the week pits the unbeaten Titans against the suddenly hot Jets (7-3). We still don't trust the Jets though. They have the top scoring team in the NFL, but 103 of those points came against the Rams and Cardinals in 2 games. They had a huge win over the Pats on Thursday and plenty of time to prep for the Titans. That being said the Titans are a better all around team and Kerry Collins is having a super year. We did get a good laugh last Sunday night though when NBC analyst and former Collins teammate Tiki Barber said he trusted Collins more than Brett Favre in a big spot. It seems Tiki forgot about that Super Bowl with the Ravens.
Okay, we admit it. We're going to have to start respecting the Jets. They dominated to win their 5th straight. Hey Tiki Barber, still think Kerry Collins is better than Brett Favre under pressure? LOSS

Browns -3 vs. Texans
Brady Quinn is going to try to play with a broken finger, but even if he can't go, we trust Derek Anderson a whole lot more than Sage Rosenfels who is filling in for Matt Schaub.
What a stinker of a game. Sage Rosenfels was far from great, but was compared to the two headed combo of Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson (13-32 145 yds 3 INT) LOSS

Bills -3 at Chiefs
Buffalo has to turn their season around very quickly or this is going to be a lost year. The Bills have lost 4 in a row after starting out the season 5-1. They have a chance to get back in the playoff hunt with this week's game and next week's match with the 49ers.
Bill snap their losing streak in dominant fashion by embarassing the Chiefs at home. Trent Edwards threw for 2 scores and ran for 2 more as the Bills put 54 points on the board. WIN

Patriots PK at Dolphins
The Pats have a number of injuries, especially at running back, but they should be able to bounce back from their OT loss to the Jets 11 days ago. The Dolphins barely escaped with a win against the woeful Raiders and haven't proven enough to be picked in this one.
The Pats wanted to show their world, "hey, we're still here" after losing to the Jets last week and the Dolphins earlier this season. It was all NE this time around, putting uo 530 total yards and 48 points. Matt Cassel threw for over 400 yards for the second straight game. WIN

Cowboys -9.5 at 49ers
The Cowboys car is definitely not running on all cylinders, but they should be able to handle a 3-win Niners team. Washington's offense is a lot better than San Fran's and Dallas' 'D' was able to hold them down.
Beating up on a patsy always makes you feel good. Yesterday 35-22 Cowboys win wasn't as close as it sounded. T.O. with 213 yards in receptions. WIN

Lions +8 vs. Bucs
This is a big stretch. It's difficult, we mean really difficult to take the Lions. Daunte Culpepper is only playing his 3rd game of the year and that's without a training camp. But the Lions play better at home and this Bucs team is overrated (we now expect a 34-13 blowout).
We thought we actually had something when the Lions went up 17-0. Final score, Bucs 38-20. Bucs used punt and INT returns to make up for only 255 total yards. Lions remain winless. LOSS

Ravens -1.5 vs. Eagles
Rookie Joe Flacco faces a tough pass rush for the second straight week. The Eagles are coming off their putrid performance against the Bengals. We think Flacco outplays Donovan McNabb in a tight one.
The Donovan McNabb era may very well be over in Philly. After last week's OT debacle, McNabb was pulled at halftime after an 8-18, 2 INT start. The Ravens bounced back from last week's loss to the Giants by dominating in every way imaginable. Quintin Demps (100 yd kick return) and Ed Reed (108 yd INT return) scored TD's while Saverio Rocca blocked a punt for a safety. WIN

Bears -8 at Rams
The Bears made us look real bad against the Packers last week, but Kyle Orton had the chance to shake some rust off. The Rams are pathetic. Without Stephen Jackson they are REALLY pathetic.
The Bears bounced back from last weeks drubbing at the hands of the Packers by steamrolling an awful Rams team. Matt Forte rushed for 132 yds and 2 scores. WIN

Jaguars -2 vs. Vikings
The Jags have been banged up all season, particularly the offensive line. It's led to a 4-6 record for a team that came into the season as one of the AFC favorites. The Vikings are only a game better (5-5), but it's got them in a three way tie in the NFC North. Jags should be able to a decent job of keeping Adrian Peterson in check.
All right, we give up on the Jags. We keep expecting things to change, but this team is done. LOSS

Panthers +1 at Falcons
Another great game. There's a lot of feeling that the Panthers are overrated. They certainly have underachieved on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Ryan is playing great and will have a good test today. We could have gone either way on this, but heck, we needed to pig some 'dogs.
The eeny meeny miney mo methodology didn't work on this one. The Falcons took a big step forward with a win that exposed the Panthers warts. LOSS

Broncos -9 vs. Raiders
Oakland has beaten the Broncos a number of times in Denver, but not today. The Broncos give up plenty of points, but they will score plenty today too.
Mike Shanahan must be using a ton of dye in his hair. How else would he not be silver or pulled every hair out of his head after watching his team's performance. 31-10? To the Raiders? LOSS

Redskins -3.5 at Seahawks
Deadskins are coming off the tough loss against the Cowboys last week, and need a win to get back on track. Seattle has been awful, but they do have Matt Hasselback back. Shouldn't be enough to pull off an upset though.
Clinton Portis rushed for 143 yards. The Seahawks only had 228 yards. The Seahawks had 2 turnovers to the Redskins 1. So did this end up only being a 3 point Redskin win? Wich was a loss for us! LOSS

Colts +2.5 at Chargers
The Colts will probably be without their all world defender, Bob Sanders, but Peyton Manning is playing a lot better (translation - knee is healthier) and the Chargers find one way after another to lose.
Adam Vinatieri is still money. A 51-yd FG to win it for the Colts. The Chargers season is sliddddddding away. WIN

Packers +2.5 at Saints
We don't trust either of these teams. We're not reading anything into the Packers romp over the Bears last week. We really don't trust this Saints team that has continually led us down after making the NFC championship game 2 years ago. Ryan Grant will have a big night and the Pack will win MNF.

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Friday Hot Stove

We need to crank up the heat on the stove a little. It's not December yet, and we're already freezing our butts off. One guy who better get used to colder weather is Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 19-yr old, rated as the top teen talent in Cuba, has signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox for a reported $11 million over four years.

Viciedo could have company in the US soon...players (pitcher) Yadel Marti and (outfielder) Yasser Gomez have been kicked off the Havana Industriales, the top team in Cuba, for what has been described as committing a "grave act".

Here's the latest from SI's Jon Heyman:

Trying to avoid a big free agent deal for K-Rod and apparently not enthused by Brian Fuentes, the Mets are exploring a deal for a closer. Bobby Jenks, J.J. Putz, and Huston Street have been mentioned. But most teams are looking at the Mets top prospects, including Fernando Martinez, whom the Mets refused to deal for Johan Santana.

The Yankees are looking into signing Derek Lowe, but are getting big competition from Lowe's former employers in Boston.

The Red Sox and Tigers have discussed a Julio Lugo for Dontrelle Willis deal.

Predictions are that the Angels will make a BIG offer to keep Mark Teixeira- somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 years and $160 million.

The Royals are looking to deal oft-troubled right fielder Jose Guillen.

The Indians are showing interest in free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. Both Asdrubel Cabrera and Josh Barfield flopped there last year. Other sources indicate the Giants have high interest in Hudson.

According to the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays have reportedly made a 5-year offer to retain the services of A.J. Burnett.

The Boston Herald says that big money is not scaring off the Red Sox from offering Teixeira a huge deal, one that would pay him for than Manny Ramirez received when he signed in Beantown.

You don't hear this often, according to the NY Post, Mets second baseman Luis Castillo has asked the team NOT to trade him.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are interested in infielder Cesar Izturis.

The Cardinals have signed free agent lefty reliever Trever Miller to a 2-year deal. That per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Casey Blake may find a new home in Minnesota according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The third baseman, who was dealt from the Indians to the Dodgers at this past season's trade deadline, has had extensive talks with the Twins front office.

Rafael Furcal reportedly won't settle for less than a four year deal. Keep dreamin' Raffy.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 11/21

It's a TGIF edition of The Daily Yankeeland. We can't wait to go home. Speaking of homes, the Yankees' new one is nearly ready. Workers are feverishly going at it so the players and front office will have access to the new digs beginning February 17.

Infield grass was trimmed this week, the dirt turned over. Almost all of the seats have been installed. Overall the new place is nearly 90% complete.

Goodbye to You
One of our faves, Mike Vaccaro, has his take on King George's departure.

Goodbye to You II
Nice piece in today's Ledger from another of our faves, Dan Graziano, on the retirement of Mike Mussina.

The Captain, Derek Jeter released an official statement (posted here via Pete Abraham):

“It was a great pleasure playing against – and even more so with – Mike Mussina since I entered the league in 1995. He was a true professional both on and off the field. Moose’s accomplishments in the game over the last 18 years represent a Hall of Fame player.”

Show Me the Money
Hal Steinbrenner may not be the mouthpiece his brother Hank is, but he has made sure that everyone knows the Yankees will not wait forever for CC Sabathia to accept or reject the Yankees contract offer.

Man Up
The Yankees have added Anthony Claggett, Christian Garcia, Steven Jackson, and Michael Dunn to their 40-man roster, to protect them from December's Rule V Draft. It does mean that players like Alan Horne, Kevin Whelan, and J.B. Cox can be selected, though they would have to remain on a team's MLB roster for an entire year or the Yankees would have the opportunity to get them back.

Like a Rock
Former Yankee, Tim "Rock" Raines has been named the manager of the newly re-formed (Atlantic League) Newark Bears.

Make Room for Daddy
Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica welcomed their first child, a boy named Hunter, into the world on Wednesday.

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Beware of Over Bidding

The Yankees have the chance to get into a big bidding war with the Red Sox this winter for A.J. Burnett's services. Let the buyer beware! The Yankees have not fared well in recent years when they face off with the Red Sox over a player. Yes, the Yankees have prevailed in getting the player, but it has backfired.

Case in point, Carl Pavano. Burnett, like Pavano, is coming off a career year, winning 18 games, the same figure Pavano won in 2004 with Florida. Burnett had a sub .500 winning percentage prior to this season. Granted he has much nastier stuff than Pavano, but he's oft-injured and has a rep, fair or unfair, of being soft. He's also 32 years old.

Prior to Pavano, there was the Cuban fiasco, Jose Contreras whom the Yankees locked up before the 2003 season. The Yankees ticked off Sox' president Larry Luccino with their tactics and we all laughed with glee as Contreras signed a 4-year, $32 million deal despite the fact that most of what the Yankees knew about him was hearsay. He was also reportedly 31 years old, but who knows how old he really was/is. Think El Duque.

Contreras hated the cold weather, sweated his balls off in hot weather and rarely showed flashes of promise. He blamed much of his troubles on missing his family, but he didn't get much better when they finally arrived in the US. He was 15-7 in his short time in Pinstripes, pitching 18 games in 2003, and 18 more in 2004 before being traded to the White Sox for Estaban Loaiza. (In Chicago he's had mild success, including being part of the 2005 World Series champions, but injuries effected him over the last 1 and 1/2 seasons.)

It wasn't a free agent deal, per se, but Alex Rodriguez also pitted Boston against New York. The Red Sox thought they had a deal done prior to the 2004 season, only to have it shot down by the league office. The Yankees swooped in and though he's won 2 MVP awards, the Yankees may have been better off without A-Rod. He's a drama queen and it won't get any better now that he's hooked up with Madonna.

The Yankees also have a poor history in dealing with players that have been on the Marlins. Pavano was a bust, Ivan Rodriguez didn't pan out in his short stint this past season. The Yankees dealt Mike Lowell, who became a star in Florida, for a bunch of garbage. (Granted, the Yankees have had success with pitcher's coming out of Toronto - David Cone, Roger Clemens).

A.J. Burnett would be a nice pick up, but a guaranteed 5 years? For $75-80 million. Let the buyer beware.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 11/20

Plenty of praise and a few shots coming in today for Mike Mussina after word came out yesterday he would be calling it a career. Here's some of what's being said by the area writers:

Pete Abraham

Mike Lupica

Joel Sherman

George King

Mark Feinsand

Tyler Kepner


Moose held a press conference today in which he apologized to reporters for misleading them. He had intended 2008 to be his last season from the first day of Spring Training.

Nick Swisher was on with Mike Francesa the other day. He's quite a character. You can take a listen for yourself on WFAN's website.

Joe Girardi and Michael Kay were among the honorees at Tuesday night's "Remember When, Remember Now" fundraiser for Alzheimer's Disease. Girardi's dad suffers from the hideous disease. MLB.com's Bryan Hoch had a chance to talk to the manager about the 2009 season.

Phil Coke was named to the Topp's Double-A All Star team. Do you get free baseball cards?

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Hal Takes the Reins

We have thought it for a while, but now George Steinbrenner has made it official. His son Hal Steinbrenner, not Hank the mouth, is in charge of the ball club. George and his wife Joan met with the Mr. and Mrs. Bud Seligs back in October to discuss the transition to Hal. Selig made the official announcement earlier today.

"I appreciate the confidence that commissioner Selig and the other owners have in me," Hal Steinbrenner said. "My dad left big shoes to fill, but I'm going to do my best.

"He's been slowing down the last couple of years," Hal Steinbrenner said of his father, 78, who still reports occasionally to the Yankees' Tampa offices.

Source: Newsday

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Thursday Afternoon Hot Stove

We would love to sit around the hot stove right now. It's cold, it's grey, snow flurries are headed this way. Ah if only Spring Training were already starting.

The World Champion Phillies, of course, would rather not rush things. Especially their All-Star second baseman Chase Utley, who may miss the beginning of the 2009 season after undergoing hip surgery.

Here's some Hot Stove News from Jayson Stark:

The Mets aren't looking to sign a replacement closer for Billy Wagner to a contract that is longer than 3 years. That could quickly eliminate K-Rod. The Mets may look to Brian Fuentes.

Shooting down rumors to the contrary, Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said his club will not be pursuing Manny Ramirez.

The Angels, despite their low key approach on the matter, are the favorites to land Jake Peavy. They also have an excellent shot at re-signing Mark Teixeira, but will not be pressured by agent Scott Boras' time table. John Lackey is confident that he will sign a 1-year extension prior to the start of the season.

As far as the Yankees are concerned:

Once the Yankees get their free-agent menu sorted out, they'll look to make a deal to upgrade in center field. But one player they probably won't be reeling in is Brewers center fielder Mike Cameron. The Brewers are contemplating trading Cameron for pitching if they can't re-sign Sabathia. But as GM Doug Melvin's quotes this past weekend about how the Yankees "overbid" on CC would indicate, the Brewers aren't big fans of the Yankees these days. So clubs that have spoken with the Brewers are suggesting the Bronx is about the last place they'd like to deal Cameron, if they deal him at all.

And this news from a scout about Phil Hughes' performance in the AZ Fall League:
Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes (1-0, 3.60 ERA, 28 K's, 25 IP): "Saw him two games, and he cruised. He dominated, and he should. His curveball was very sharp. All those people who think he's lost his luster -- no way. Hell, he'd be our No. 2 starter right now."

Aaron Heilman wants to move into the starting rotation or be traded. That according to the Daily News. Heilman makes this complaint every year. After how poorly he's pitched out of the pen the last 2 seasons, the Mets should probably take him up on it.

The Giants are expected to make a big push for CC Sabathia, despite the huge money they have already wasted on Barry Zito.

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Breaking News: Mussina Calls it a Career

It's official, Mike Mussina has come to a decision and that decision is to hang up his cleats after an illustrious 18-year career. That according to ESPN. Mussina had a revival this past season, winning 20 games for the first time in his career and finished with 270 wins, good for 33rd on the all-time list. He struck out 2,813 batters (19th) in over 3,500 innings pitched.

Mussina made a name for himself in Baltimore where he pitched for the first 10 years of his career before leaving as a free agent after the 2000 season. He spent the last 8 seasons in Pinstripes, signing a second contract after his initial 6-year deal. Mussina won at least 10 games for 17 straight seasons, including the strike shortened 1994 season.

He twice fell short of winning 20 games before beating the Red Sox this past September 28 to finally get the monkey off his back. The soon to be 40-yr old also saw playoff action in 9 seasons. He was the pitcher when Derek Jeter made "The Play" in 2001 and recorded 15 strikeout games as a member of the Orioles in 1997.

Thanks for the memories Moose and good luck!

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Sox Give Crisp the Royal Flush

Radio station 810 WHB in Kansas City is reporting that the Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Royals for reliever Ramon Ramirez. It was anticipated that Crisp would be moved for a reliever to allow Justin Masterson to move back into the starting rotation.

This could also lead to more movement in KC, where center fielder David DeJesus has been the subject of trade rumors the past two seasons. If so, you have to figure the Yankees may be interested.

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Tuesday Night Hot Stove

With the temps in the 20s in the metro area, what better night to start talking hot stove. All the awards have been handed out and now teams can concentrate are making up their rosters for next season.

The Seattle Times says the Mariners have reportedly found their new manager in 45-year old Don Wakamatsu. Joey Cora was thought to be the front runner for the job, but GM Jack Zduriencik wanted Wakamatsu.

A former minor league catcher, Wakamatsu is the first manager of Asian descent. His father was born in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Wakamatsu has extensive minor and major league coaching experience, and was manager of the year in the California League in 1998.

The Cubs have signed Ryan Dempster to a 4-year, $52 million, with the final year having a player's option.

The Cubs are reportedly interested in acquiring outfielder/infielder Mark Teahen from the Royals.

Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa is garnering interest from the Indians, Tigers, Red Sox, Phillies, and Braves.

Peter Gammons is reporting the Jake Peavy to the Braves deal is not dead. The Red Sox could move Coco Crisp for a reliever so that Justin Masterson can move into the starting rotation, and the Blue Jays have made Milton Bradley their top priority.

According to his agent, Pedro Martinez is not ready to retire and plans to pitch in 2009 and beyond.

The Giants inked one of the prized lefty relievers on Monday, signing Jeremy Affeldt to a 2-year, $8 million.

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Pedroia Captures AL MVP

When Dustin Pedroia first came on to the scene early in the 2007 season he looked completely over matched. But GM Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona knew better. Pedroia went on to win the AL Rookie of the Year Award as well as a World Series title. Now he has an MVP award to go along with it.

We can't stand the little gnat, but we do respect the way he plays and it's that play that helped him beat out Justin Morneau for the MVP award. With David Ortiz banged up and Manny Ramierz being Manny, Pedroia helped lead the Red Sox back to the playoffs with a .326 average, 4 points less than the batting title winner, Joe Mauer.

Pedroia added 17 home runs, 83 RBI, 20 stolen bases and led the league in runs scored (118) and multi-hit games (61). He also became the fifth second baseman in baseball history with 200 hits, 50 doubles, 100 runs scored, and at least 15 home runs. He took 16 of the 28 first place votes.

Morneau, who we would have selected, carried an offensively inept Twins team for much of the season. The Twins came up short in the AL Central and Wild card races, but they wouldn't have been close without Morneau, who won the MVP award in 2006. The first baseman hit .300 with 23 home runs and a second league best 129 RBI. He received 7 first place votes and finished 60 votes behind Pedroia.

Kevin Youkilis and Joe Mauer each received 2 first place votes, while Francisco Rodriguez picked up 1. Alex Rodriguez was the top Yankees finisher with 45 votes, good enough for 8th place, while Mike Mussina finished 19th with 3 votes. How in the world did Mariano Rivera not get one vote?

As usual, our pre-season pick, Curtis Granderson, received no votes.

2008 AL MVP Award Voting
Player, Club	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th	Points
Dustin Pedroia, BOS	16	6	4	1							317
Justin Morneau, MIN	7	7	6	3	3	1	1				257
Kevin Youkilis, BOS	2	4	4	9	2	4	1	2			201
Joe Mauer, MIN	2	8	1	3	4	3	3	2	1		188
Carlos Quentin, CWS		1	4	8	4	4	4		1	1	160
Francisco Rodriguez, LAA	1	2	6	1	6		3	2		2	143
Josh Hamilton, TEX			2	2	3	7	3	2	4	3	112
Alex Rodriguez, NYY					1	1	4	1	4	7	45
Carlos Pena, TB			1		2		2	3	2	3	44
Grady Sizemore, CLE						2	1	5	6	1	42
Evan Longoria, TB						2	2	5	2	1	38
Cliff Lee, CLE				1	1	1	1		1		24
Miguel Cabrera, DET						1		1	4	1	17
Vladimir Guerrero, LAA							2	2	1		16
Jermaine Dye, CWS					1			2		2	14
Aubrey Huff, BAL						1			2	3	12
Milton Bradley, TEX						1	1				9
Jason Bartlett, TB					1						6
Mike Mussina, NYY								1			3
Raul Ibanez, SEA										1	1
Ian Kinsler, TEX										1	1
Ichiro Suzuki, SEA										1	1
Mark Teixeira, LAA										1	1

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Yankees Ready to Throw Big $$ at A.J.

The NY Post is reporting that the Yankees are preparing a 5-year, $80 million offer for free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett. The right-hander opted out of his 5-year, $55 million deal with Blue Jays after three seasons.

Burnett won a career high 18 games this season, and was particularly impressive when he faced the Bombers. He's been injury prone through out his career, which began with the Florida Marlins, and has had his intestinal fortitude questioned by Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 11/17

Hey! The Daily Yankeeland is back. Hope you missed it!

The Yankees aren't sure if they'll land CC Sabathia, but the Cleveland Cavs forward, and Yankees fan, LeBron James thinks it'll happen. "We're gonna get him. Absolutely."

Meanwhile Brewers GM Doug Melvin can't understand the reported $140 million the Yankees offered his left-hander.

"If the speculation is true that we've offered CC $100 million," Melvin wondered out loud in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "why would you offer $140 million? Why wouldn't you offer $110 million?

With all due respect to Doug Melvin, why would the Yankees want to get into a bidding war? They know Sabathia wants Johan Santana money ($137.5 million), so why should they bid $105 million and allow Sabathia to think they really aren't serious? The Steinbrenners and Brian Cashman want to wow the 2007 AL CY Young winner and this offer will certainly do just that.


Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto
Darrell Rasner is thanking his lucky stars and Japanese ownership for some financial security. The Yankees sold Rasner's contract to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles for $1 million. Rasner will make a guaranteed $1.2 million next season and could make as much as $3.5 million if his option is picked up for 2010.

"I'm going to, most of all, remember the last year," Rasner said. "This year was a special year with the closing of [Yankee Stadium]. To be a part of that was special for me, getting to start quite a few games. I wish I could have been better and a lot of things could have happened, but I know I did my best every time I went out there."

Really Peavy'ed
Despite the fact that Jake Peavy really doesn't want to pitch in New York, Brian Cashman has continued talks with Padres GM Kevin Towers in an attempt to swing a deal for the star right-hander. During the GM meetings, Towers said he was going to concentrate on the NL teams for the moment, but told Cashman he would come back to him. He's done just that. After a deal for Atlanta, that would have included young star shortstop Yuniel Escobar, fell through Towers expanded his search.

Without knowing all the details of the Braves talks, one would imagine the Padres would want Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano for starters. Of course, how much of Peavy's contract is picked up by the Yankees could alter what players would change hands.


Oldies but Goodies
Still no word from Mike Mussina on whether or not he'll return to the major leagues next season or call it a career. Meanwhile Andy Pettitte has not yet received an official offer from the Yankees, though it appears the two sides are far apart on what they think Pettitte should make. The left-hander reportedly is looking for money in the neighborhood of last year's $16 million, while the Yankees would like him to take a pay cut. "Hey Andy, here's $8 mill, take it or leave it."

Cubs Play, Cubs Play
It's official, the Chicago Cubs are coming to the city so nice they named it twice. The Cubs and Yankees will open the new Yankee Stadium with a pair of exhibition games April 3 and 4. The Cubs have only come to Yankee Stadium once, a 2005 interleague series, since the two teams met in the 1938 World Series.

"The Yankees organization is excited and honored to host the Chicago Cubs in two exhibition games to be played at the new Yankee Stadium," Yankees co-chairperson Hal Steinbrenner said in a release. "As we welcome our fans into the ballpark for the first time, it is fitting to showcase two of baseball's greatest and most historic franchises."

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Pujols Elbows out Howard for NL MVP

Albert Pujols played with a bad elbow all season that eventually led to surgery, but it didn't stop him from winning the second NL MVP award of his career. Pujols, who has finished in the top 10 in voting in all 8 years of his career, defeated the Phillies' Ryan Howard by 61 votes.

It was originally thought that Pujols would need Tommy John surgery on his left, non-throwing elbow, but it turned out doctors were able to simply move a nerve that was irritating the elbow. You wouldn't have known anything was wrong based on Pujols' numbers. He hit .357, the second highest average of career and put up a 1.115 OPS. Pujols slugged 37 doubles, 44 doubles, drove in 116 runs and scored 100. On top of walking 104 times, he struck out just 54 times. Pujols slugged .653, nearly 30 points higher than his career average.

Howard help drive the Phillies to their first World Championship in 28 years by driving in a major league leading 146 runs as well as hitting a high of 46 home runs. Last year's MVP also finished second to Pujols in 2006. Howard received 12 first place votes, while his teammate Brad Lidge received the remaining 2 first places votes.

Two American League players had a significant impact on the race, with LA's Manny Ramirez finishing 4th and CC Sabathia ending up 6th. Our pre-season prediction, Jose Reyes, finished third from the bottom with 3 votes.

2008 NL MVP Award Voting
Player, Club	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th	Points
Albert Pujols, STL	18	10	2	1			1				369
Ryan Howard, PHI	12	8	6		1	1	2			1	308
Ryan Braun, MIL		2	3	5	5	2	2	3	2	1	139
Manny Ramirez, LAD		2	4	7	2	3	2		1	2	138
Lance Berkman, HOU		2	4	4	1	3	3	4	1	1	126
CC Sabathia, MIL		4	5	1	2	2	3		1	2	121
David Wright, NYM		2	1	4	3	3	2	5	2	1	115
Brad Lidge, PHI	2		2		4	3	2	3	1	2	104
Carlos Delgado, NYM			5	1	2	5		2	3		96
Aramis Ramirez, CHC				2	4	1	1	4	3	1	66
Hanley Ramirez, FLA				2	2	2	1	2	2	5	55
Chipper Jones, ATL		1				2	4	1	2	2	44
Geovany Soto, CHC				3	1		3		1		41
Johan Santana, NYM		1		1		1	1		2	1	30
Chase Utley, PHI				1	1	1	1		3	2	30
Ryan Ludwick, STL							1	2	3	1	17
Brandon Webb, ARI					2				1		14
Adrian Gonzalez, SD							1	1	1	4	13
Matt Holliday, COL						1	1	1		1	13
Prince Fielder, MIL						1		1	1	1	11
Derrek Lee, CHC					1		1				10
Carlos Beltran, NYM					1			1		1	10
Tim Lincecum, SF						1			1	2	9
Jose Reyes, NYM								1			3
Jose Valverde, HOU								1			3
Stephen Drew, ARI									1		2
Nate McLouth, PIT										1	1

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