Stove Goes Cold for Verducci

Tom Verducci is one of the most respected and knowledgeable sportswriters in the business. He's also a friend and ally of Joe Torre, and that has made him persona non-grata in Yankeeville.

Verducci wrote scathing commentary about the Steinbrenner boys and Randy Levine after Joe Torre turned down their "disrespectful" contract offer. Word then came last week that Torre was writing his memoirs covering his "Yankee" period. And the "real" writer on the book? Yep, Tom Verducci. So Verducci, a regular panelist on the Yankees Hot Stove show on YES, was told to take a walk, and was replaced by Jon Heyman. It's been a busy week for Heyman who joined the Mike and the Mad Dog show this past week.

It's unfortunate, but we do understanding the feeling among the Yankees brass. And Heyman is good...plus he knocked Torre's take on his contract. In other words, the perfect replacement.

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Thursday Hot Stove

The Texas Rangers are preparing a long term deal for their hot prospect, Ian Kinsler. Kinsler started '07 like a house afire, until injuries and a slump derailed his season. Source

Melvin Mora has told the Baltimore Orioles that he'd waive his trade clause if a deal would help the team out. Isn't that just a way of saying, "I want out of here"? Source

Theo Epstein met Wednesday with Scott Boras, as the latter prepares a Boston specific proposal for A-Rod. Epstein later said he didn't pursue the meeting. Who care who called who first? Source

The Minnesota Twins are considering dealing top notch pitching prospect Matt Garza for a bat. With the possibility of Francisco Liriano not being ready for the season and Carlos Silva possibly signing elsewhere, it's hard to imagine the Twins parting with Johann Santana prior to start of the season. The Twins have shown an interest in B.J. Upton and Delmon Young, but it's hard to imagine the Rays parting with either. Source

Omar Vizquel is on the verge of inking 1-year, $5.5 mill deal to remain with the Giants. It would include a vesting option for 2009.

The Indians are working on a new long term deal for ace C.C. Sabathia. Sabathia could become a free agent after the 2008 season. Source

The Mariners expect Richie Sexson to be their 1st Baseman in '08, BUT...they are very willing to listen to offers. Source

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The Daily Yankeeland

It's only early November, but the Hot Stove League is heating up quickly. The Yankees and Marlins met yesterday to discuss Miguel Cabrera, but the Yankees said "uh-uh" to the notion of including Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. There's been speculation in the media, that the Marlins may insist on Dontrelle Willis being part of a deal, just as they did with Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett. Source

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Angels GM Tony Reagins has confirmed that his team is interested in signing Alex Rodriguez. The list being bandied about are the 2 LA teams, San Fran (though Brian Sabean said he can't see how the Giants could swing it), and Mets. Source

The Marlins publicly stated they will not "blow up their payroll" to add A-Rod.

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Jeff Karstens tossed 6 scoreless innings in Team USA's 3-0 win over Mexico in the World Cup tourney in Taiwan. Karstens could be a long man in the pen next year or could be trade bait.

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In case you missed it, the GMs voted 25-5 in favor of instant replay at their just adjourned meetings. The GMs themselves can't do anything, but the votes are obviously a reflection of their owner's feelings. Now the ball is in the used car salesman's court.

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As expected, the Yankees offered salary arbitration to Alex Rodriguez. Since he won't be accepting it, the Yankees stand to pick up 2 drafts when A-Rod signs elsewhere.

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