Abreu Slams Yankees to 7th Straight

Bobby Abreu knows how important is too put up good numbers in a free agent season. Last night the right fielder hit a grand slam in the 10th inning to give the Yankees their seventh win in a row, 6-2 over the Toronto Blue Jays. The 4 RBI left Abreu one shy of the magic century mark, a feat has accomplished in each of the last six seasons, and the seventh time overall in his career.

The Yankees also saw the best of Phil Hughes this year. He'll still finish the season with no wins, but the second year right-hander had his most impressive outing of the season, allowing two earned runs over eight innings. He left the game after having allowed a solo home run to Scott Rolen in the eighth inning that tied the game at two apiece.

Abreu has produced impressive numbers since being acquired with the late Corey Lidle prior to the 2006 trade deadline. He had a poor first half in 2007 after straining an oblique muscle, but rebounded after the break to help the Yankees reach the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season. Abreu's play this season has left the Yankees decision makers in a quandary as to the possibility of re-signing him to a new deal.

While we agree that Abreu has put up consistently good numbers and he, along with Jason Giambi, are the only Yankees that consistently work the count, we think the Yankees would do better to let Abreu walk after this season.

While Abreu comes off as very likeable, and genuinely seems to be popular among his teammates, he's always had a reputation as a soft player, and it is clearly the case when he's playing defense. Will Rogers never met a man he didn't like and Bobby Abreu has never met a right field wall, period. Abreu doesn't go aggressively after any ball hit near the wall, and for that matter, he doesn't attack balls hit in front of him either.

The 34-yr old Abreu would most likely be seeking a three year or more deal. Letting Abreu go would also enable the Yankees to move Xavier Nady to his more natural position in right field.

It remains to be seen whether Hughes figures in next year's plans either. After not being dealt for Johan Santana in the off-season, Hughes was counted on to be a major part of the '08 season. But he struggled early and then suffered a stress fracture in his rib cage that kept him out of action for several months.

Last night he pitched like the prospect the Yankees have been counting on, and they hadn't seen since the 2007 ALDS. Hughes' fastball was clocked at 89-91 all night, and hit a high of 92 mph. He mixed his new cutter in well with his top notch curve ball. It was only one game, but it gives us some hope for next season.

A.J. Burnett, who will reportedly seek $15 million per year when he opts out of his Blue Jays contract after this season, allowed one earned run in eight innings and struck out 11. He finished 3-1, 1.64 in five starts against the Yankees with 43 strikeouts in 38.1 innings pitched.

Xavier Nady's 2-out, 2-run single in the third inning gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead before Rolen's 11th home run tied things up. Juan Miranda, who had earlier picked up his first major league hit, doubled off of Jesse Carlson to lead off the 10th and Chad Moeller followed with a walk. After Brett Gardner successfully sacrificed the runners over, Robinson Cano was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Abreu then delivered with his 20th home run of the season, giving him eight 20-20 (HR-RBI) seasons in his career. Only Bobby and Barry Bonds have achieved the feat more times than the Venezuelan native.


News and Notes

Jose Veras, who has struggled the last two months of the season, completed his third straight scoreless stint to earn his fifth win of the season. Sidney Ponson, scheduled to start Saturday in Boston, pitched the 10th inning to get some work in.

The Yankees have won 10 of 11...too little too late.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 7/25

The Boston Globe got Tim McCarver's take on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and how things have changed since the Sox finally brought home some championships. McCarver and Joe Buck will do their best to annoy us on Saturday's broadcast (what's the over under on how many minutes before Buck mentions payroll?).

Hank Steinbrenner said that he would bring up Barry Bonds name in Thursday's internal meetings. Whether it was Prince Hank or someone else, Bonds' name was brought up, and Anthony McCarron reports that one official stated "(we) aren't ready to jump on that. We're sure this will rile up all the idiots, you heard us, who think that a 44-yr old that hasn't faced major league pitching in 10 months can still be a viable hitter. We won't bother to regurgitate all the other names that were mentioned.

Ian Kennedy hasn't had the 2008 season that he, or the Yankees, expected. Last night, pitching for Triple-A Scranton, Kennedy was one out away from a 7 inning no-hitter against the Richmond Braves when Chris Basak made an error on a potential game ender. Scott Thorman then broke up the no-no with a double that tied the game at 1-1. The Yankees won an inning later on Ben Broussard's 3-run home run.

Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe wrote an interesting piece in yesterday's paper. A lifelong, diehard Red Sox fan, Cullen is imploring the Fenway faithful to drop the "Yankees Suck" chant. Though he knows his words will fall on deaf ears (ok, deaf drunken ears), he makes some valid points.

UPDATE 12:07 PM EDT

From SI's Jon Heyman:

The Yankees are the most serious player for Jarrod Washburn and would take him as a salary dump (his 2009 pay will be $10.35 million). But Seattle is asking now for Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner, a non-starter for the Yankees.

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The All B.B. Team

All this Boof Bonser, Brian Buscher talk during Tuesday night's Yankees-Twins game got us thinking (it happens occasionally). What would be baseball's all "B.B." team.

This is what we came up with:

1B Bill Buckner
2B Bret Boone
SS Buddy Biancalana
3B Buddy Bell
LF Barry Bonds
CF Bobby Bonds
C Bob Boone (and team manager)
P Bert Blyleven
DH Bobby Bonilla

Okay, we admit it. Buddy Biancalana stunk, but we couldn't think of anyone else.

And of course B.B. King would play the National Anthem before every home game.

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Trade Winds Blow into Philly and Phoenix

The Philadelphia Phillies took a major step yesterday to help their chances in the NL East by acquiring Oakland A's right-hander Joe Blanton for 3 prospects. The trade occurred a little over a week after A's GM sent ace Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs.

The Phillies get a 27-yr old pitcher who already has as many losses this season, 12, as his career worst. But he won 30 games the prior two seasons combined and threw 230 innings last season.

In return the A's get 2nd base prospect Adrian Cardenas, outfielder Matt Spencer, and pitcher Josh Outman.

The Arizona Diamondbacks hoped to boost their offense and their bench, by bring back switch-hitting 1st baseman Tony Clark. To acquire Clark from the San Diego, the Dbacks sent minor league pitcher Evan Scribner to the Padres.

The 36-yr old former Yankee, is hitting just .239-1-11 in 70 games.

There are many blogs out there, some good, some bad, some who just make shit up. We believe that's the case of one MLB rumor blog, who shall remain nameless, who claimed that the Yankees were close to bringing in Barry Bonds. The source was supposedly a clubhouse insider. Needless to say a Yankees official said yesterday that the Yankees had no intention of bringing in Bonds.

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Around the Horn - 7/11

The Diamondbacks are looking into the possibility of bringing back their former 1st baseman Tony Clark. The Arizona Republic reported that the Dbacks are one of several teams to have contacted the Padres about the 6'7" 1st baseman. We recommend they get a 3rd baseman too. Mark Reynold's lack of defense is killing them.

Dbacks GM Josh Byrnes and company have decided not to pursue Barry Bonds, and according to the East Valley Tribune, have denied having any interest in Milton Bradley, as had been reported on a radio broadcast.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Hank Blalock is set to start a rehab assignment and may soon finally return to the Rangers lineup.

Fausto Carmona threw a 50-pitch simulated game and, according to the Akron Beacon Journal, hopes to begin a rehab assignment soon.

Pitcher Josh Johnson made his return to the Florida Marlins after Tommy John surgery. He allowed 3 runs in 5 innings.

The Associated Press reported that the Mariners have acquired 1st baseman Craig Wilson from the Pirates for a player to be named.

Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells is out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

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Hump Day Rumors - 7/9 Edition

We've already been wowwed by the fact that two rumors, concerning CC Sabathia and Rich Harden, were very true. So what else is being heard through the grapevine?

The Arizona Republic reports that the Diamondbacks are seriously considering taking a look at Barry Bonds. GM Josh Byrnes didn't deny it either when asked. Funny how Peter Gammons didn't bring up the Red Sox interest until Joe Morgan asked him about it. Hmmm.

The LA Times reports that Dodgers hitting coach Mike Easler is to be let go in favor of the man who was originally hired for the job. That's right Donnie Baseball himself. Reports are he would take over on July 18.

The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are seriously looking for a catcher. Cincinnati's David Ross, Kansas City's Miguel Olivo and Colorado's Yorvit Torrealba are tops on the list.

And the Daily News reported yesterday that the Yankees are taking a look into Victor Zambrano. Why not just get Britt Burns back.

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Just Go Away

Radomski, Clemens, McNamee, Bonds, Canseco, and your lawyers, your agents, your book writers. We are getting incredibly sick of the daily onslaught of "he said/he said".

The "crazy" meter was pinging off the charts this week. Brian McNamee brought Mrs. Rocket, Debbie Clemens, into the mix by saying that he taught her how to inject HGH.

Meanwhile, Roger Clemens may have a future as a lobbyist in D.C.. He's met with several members of Congress this week to discuss his situation. Somehow autographs and photos have also been a part of it. We're not fans of Mike Lupica (the latest- the Lisa Olsen situation- just further proves with a dick the lip is), but his critical piece on Clemens in today's Post is a good one.

Clemens' lawyers are also out to prove McNamee is a liar by rebuking his claim that Clemens was at a Jose Canseco hosted party in 1998. Clemens' "team" obtained an affidavit from Jose Slime that stated Clemens was not there.

Kirk Radomski, who received 5 years probation on Friday for his part in the steroid scandal, is backing McNamee.

"I'm defending Brian, that is right,'' Radomski told ESPN.com. "I believe him over Clemens and his lawyers. I think he is very believable. He was a cop. He knows the consequences of lying. He has more to lose than to gain by lying.''

There's one little problem with that, Kirksleeze - anabolic steroids are also illegal when not prescribed/injected by a real doctor. The former cop didn't seem to have a problem with that one.

Darrell Issa (R-Calif), a member of the panel that deposed Roger Clemens, expects Congress to turn everything over to the Justice Department.

"I'm convinced that we will." Issa said when asked if the committee would hand up a criminal referral at the end of the explosive congressional investigation. "I'm predicting that now. I hope I'm wrong."

It would seem more appropriate for the Justice Dept. to handle this matter rather than Congress.

And in case you forgot, the Barry Bonds federal case is still in the works.

Bonds' lawyers have asked U.S. District Judge Susan Illston to throw the case out, (nice try), or to order the prosecution team to consolidate the charges. Illston is scheduled to hear from Bonds' legal team on Feb. 29 before proceeding further.

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Racism Behind Bonds Investigation

That's the feeling of more than 50% of blacks queried recently for an ESPN/Seton Hall poll. Only 26.3% of whites surveyed felt that Barry Bonds was treated unfairly in past investigations, compared to 52.5% of blacks polled. 631 persons in total were polled - 311 women, 320 men.

Questions concerning the government's probe produced the same results- a 2:1 margin of blacks to whites in believing it was unfair.

As far as an asterisk on the all-time home run record, the numbers actually reduced slightly for black voters (50.4%), while increasing for white voters (34.8%). Interestingly, 45% of blacks polled felt Bonds should go to jail if found guilty of the federal charges against him, while only 34.3% of white voters felt that way.

It's our feeling that although racism certainly does still play a big part in our society, it is Bonds' arrogance and seemingly "untouchable" attitude that his driven the investigation against him. Pete Rose was certainly not targeted by Bart Giamatti for being white when his gambling was investigated. But Rose could have gotten a much better deal if not for his ego and arrogance. Bonds' attitude will most certainly cost him much more than if he had been upfront and contrite.

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The Day After

So a day has passed since the "incredible" Mitchell Report. Maybe incredulous is more like it. The 409-page snorer really didn't tell us anything we didn't already know. It just gave us a snippet of the steroid and HGH use in major league baseball. It was all based on two New York area persons who had the FBI pressuring them to talk. And when faced with prison, they sang like the proverbial canary. No Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Raffy Pameiro, etc. in the report.

Since the two were from the area, and were employed at one time by the locals, most teams weren't affected. You can bet there are many players on teams outside of the Bronx and Flushing who are breathing a little easier today. Especially since baseball wants to move forward (wasn't it a little eerie when Mitchell and Selig both paraphrased Mark McGwire?) and put all this behind them.

The bottom line is that fans' reaction will be minimal. There will be some scorn, some booing, but it will be forgotten pretty quickly. Just look at how Yankees fans still embrace Jason Giambi. The type of person you are seems to be the indicator of how fans react to you (see Barry Bonds outside of San Fran).

For me personally, seeing Andy Pettitte's name was a disappointment, though not a total surprise. We've always wondered about Roger Clemens and since Pettitte has practically become his twin brother, we thought it was possible he too could be in some trouble. We wait with anticipation to his reaction to the allegation. For someone who talks about his faith so much, we hope he does the right thing and admits his usage.

As for Clemens, we wonder if it will affect his hall of fame status. We doubt it since, like Bonds, most voters feel he was a hall of famer before taking steroids. But that remains to be seen. It does create a quandary, however, as you look at Pete Rose. Rose was, and is, an idiot. He handled everything poorly from the day Bart Giamatti kicked him to the curb. But as far as we know, all his misdeeds came as a manager, not as a player, as is the case with Bonds and Clemens. Should they all get in? Should they all be kept out? Should it still be on a case by case basis? The voters will decide.

Amazingly, well maybe not, Jose Canseco showed up at the Mitchell press conference yesterday, but was not allowed entry. Mr. Sleaze is apparently working to get another book deal done, and took another shot at A-Rod in the process.

"All I can say is the Mitchell Report is incomplete," Canseco said. "I could not believe that (Rodriguez's) name was not in the report." Source

Now slink away, ya slimy greaseball.

It's time for the player's union to grow a set. You want to show the public something? Then put in mandatory blood testing. Players talk about a level playing field, but unless an accurate (the definition of accuracy remains to be determined) HGH test is put into place, it's a waste to even talk about it.

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I'm Tore Down

Well not really. There's nothing earth shattering from yesterday's much ballyhooed Mitchell Report. It's a mere slice of life, and doesn't come close to the number of teams or players involved. Baseball had to do something, but they didn't do much. Maybe Bud will slap a few wrists, but until the player association concedes to blood tests to check for HGH, it's all pretty meaningless.

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It's About to Hit the Fan

Today's the day the findings of the Mitchell Report are to be released to the public. George Mitchell will hold a news conference at 2:00 pm EST to discuss the 300+ page symposium on illegal steroid and HGH use in major league baseball. He's expected to rip a new one for players, owners, the union, and yes, even the commissioner's office. Bud Selig will follow up Mitchell's conference with one of his own at approximately 4:30 pm EST.

50-80 names are expected to be exposed, including some big names. Of course, the majority of the players named will probably induce a "ho-hum" reaction. But it will be interesting to see how the effected players react going forward. Do they admit it? Deny it? Give some vague response in between. Most will probably ignore it until spring training when they will have to move on with things. But the next few days of talk radio, TV, newspapers, and the Internet will be bursting with information.

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Barroid's 1st Day in Court

Turns out he even had to pay 500K bail.

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Who'll Stop the Arraign?

Our apologies to John Fogerty. At 9 am PST today, Barry Bonds will appear in court for his arraignment on perjury charges. The U.S. vs. Barry Bonds (not to be confused with Gary U.S. Bonds) will begin in a federal courthouse in San Francisco as the government proceeds with charges that Bonds lied about steroid and HGH use before a federal grand jury.

Today's process is about 15 minutes. It includes the arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena James, and a trial date to be set by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston. Bonds will then plead "not guilty" and be released on his own recognizance. Thus will begin a long and arduous task by the government to prove their case.

Source

Despite the case, the Oakland A's are still considering signing Bonds to be their DH.

Props to the hilarious "The Onion" for the photo.

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HBO to Film Barroid Biopic

HBO has acquired the film rights to the book, "Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO and the Steroids Scandal That Rocked Professional Sports", with veteran director/writer Ron Shelton picked to helm the project.

Shelton will write the screenplay along with John Norville, who worked on "Tin Cup" with him.

The only question remains, will several actors be needed to show the varying sizes of Barry Bonds' head? Source

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Breaking News: Barroid Indicted on Perjury Charges

This story is just starting to unfold, but according to ESPN, Barry Bonds has been indicted by a grand jury of perjury and obstruction of justice. The charges relate to testimony Bonds delivered before a grand jury in the Balco investigation in 2003.

Update: Here are specifics of the indictment and what has transpired. Click it.

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Barroid Break the Record....

...in his own mind. He hit the 756th home run of his career tonight against the Nats' Mike Bacsik. He's all the time home run leader as far as SF Giants fan are concerned. They can all suck it.

Hank Aaron is still #1.

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Around the Horn - 8/7

Curt "Schitbag" Schilling made his first start for the Red Sox since June 18 last night and loss (Woo-hooooooo) to the LA Angels, 4-2. Schilling allowed 4 runs in 6 innings. The Red Sox also signed Bobby Kielty to a minor league contract in an effort to boost their bench.

The Cubs received a big blow to their playoff hopes when they found out Alfonso Soriano had a small tear in his right quad and could be out up to 6 weeks. It was originally thought to just be a strain with a 2-4 week timetable for his return.

The Rangers bullpen, already shortened with the trade of Eric Gagne, may be weaker for a lot longer. Akinori Otsuka, their outstanding setup man and occasional closer, has been out with a strained forearm. Now there's rumors he may be need Tommy John surgery. Either way he won't be back before Sept. 1.

And finally this, a dog (I'll have to teach my 2 beagles to do the same thing) that boos Barroid Bonds. CNN Video

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Photo of the Day

Courtesy of SPORTSbyBrooks

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What Will Sheff Say Now?

A Balco chemist has told Bob Costas that both Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield took steroids provided to them by the lab. Must be a white chemist. Here's more:

On the interview shown Tuesday night on HBO's “Costas Now,” the chemist, Patrick Arnold said he never met Bonds but often heard Balco’s founder, Victor Conte, raving about Bonds’s performance on “the program.”When asked by Costas if “the program” included steroids, Arnold said: “I have a very strong feeling about it since he was on the program. And like everyone else, the program consisted of the clear.”

When asked about Sheffield’s recent statement that he never took steroids because “they are something you shoot in your butt,” Arnold said: “That’s an ignorant statement. That’s some sort of weird rationalization. No, he took steroids. This is a bona fide anabolic steroid.”

Source

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Tuesday's Rumors

Kenny Lofton may be headed back to the Cleveland Indians for the 3rd time. At least that is one rumor coming out of Texas, via the Dallas Morning News. The News the Indians sent a scout to watch Lofton over the weekend. Let's just hope Eric Wedge doesn't discriminate against African American ball players (SARCASM alert).

The Kansas City Star is reporting that the LA Dodgers have become the most interested party in requiring the services of Royals' closer Octavio Dotel. So far the Dodgers have balked at the asking price, reportedly involving either James Loney or Matt Kemp.

With the non-waiver deadline approaching, the Cubbie's Carlos Zambrano has said he wants to stay put. "I want to stay here. I think I will be back with the Cubs. I have to be faithful that I will sign back with the Cubs." Of course the Cubs could deal Zambrano for a huge return and then re-sign him in the off-season. Source

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Yankees and A's have discussed Scott Proctor and Dan Johnson. An A's source said that the team hasn't communicated with the Yankees in more than a week.

According to the USA Today, Barry Bonds could find out as early as Thursday whether or not a grand jury will drop its perjury investigation or continue for another 6 months. Bud Selig may have the option of ordering Bonds to face George Mitchell's investigative committee, just as he did with Jason Giambi. Read more.

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