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Welcome to NY Big Tex

The Yankees are finally introducing Mark Teixeira to the Big Apple today with a press conference at 1 pm EST. The event will be held in the Stadium's Sony Club and can be seen on Yankees.com.

#23 is out of the question, so maybe he'll don the #25 he wore in Anaheim and was recently vacated by Jason Giambi. (Thong sold separately).

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The Daily Yankeeland - 1/4

Is Mark Teixeira really a Yankee? The way things have been kept under wraps you have to wonder. But according to the Daily News' Anthony McCarron, Tex may finally be shown off to the public this Tuesday. Teixeira's Dad played high school ball with one Bucky Dent.

McCarron's "teammate" Roger Rubin is looking for MLB to help get players like Chien-Ming Wang to give more than a few grunts in interviews. Wang is one of a number of players who, rather than using an interpreter, doesn't offer much or shies away from the press. We've said ourselves we would like to hear The Wanger on some post-game shows.

The Wanger will be part of a Yankees clinic in Taiwan this week.

The NY Post's Kevin Kernan thinks the Yankees should bring in Oliver Perez to fill the number 5 spot in the rotation. Then again, this is the guy who though the Yankees should sign Mets failure Scot Schoenweis 2 years ago.

We watched part of Don Larsen's perfect game again on the MLB Network yesterday. Earlier there was also a piece on Christy Mathewson. In both cases, Bob Costas was involved. Bob is great, or was great (now very good), but must he be involved with everything baseball related?

The Yankees are still looking for more city money for the new Stadium.

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You Say You Want a Resolution

New Year's is a time for resolutions. We think these are some of the ones the Yankees family came up with this year.

Alex Rodriguez
I will not "Vogue" while play third base.
If we make the playoffs, I'll get more than 2 hits. Either way I'll have fun out there.

CC Sabathia
I will leave some of the post game spread for my teammates.

A.J. Burnett
I will stay off the disabled list.

John Sterling
I will not refer to CC Sabathia as Chubby Checkers or Coca Cola. Anyone know what rhymes with Teixeira?

Joe Girardi
I won't lie to the media about injuries. Last week Brian Bruney got a paper cut reading the Sunday paper. I don't know any more, I swear. Get off my back.

Brian Cashman
I will try to cut down on how much I use the word "process". It will take some doing though, because it is a process. Damn.

Melky Cabrera
If I'm not traded, I promise to eat more low fat foods and get more than 2 hits a month.

Mariano Rivera
I'll cut down on losing tie games.

Chien-Ming Wang
I will appear on the post-game show.

Robinson Cano
I will be consistent.

Derek Jeter
I'll date Marissa Miller.
I won't pose as a car salesman.

Michael Kay
I'll continue to make every ball sound like it's hit to the warning track.
I'll continue to use street terms. Are you down with that?
I won't laugh at everything Paul O'Neill and Al Leiter say.

Suzyn Waldman
I will not cry at opening day's first pitch.

John Flaherty
I will try not to be so white bread. Pass the mayo.

Andy Pettitte
I will be a Yankee.

Hank Steinbrenner
I will say something outrageous at least once. Look ma, top of the world!!! See?

George Steinbrenner
I will have a Paul O'Neill day at the new Stadium.

The New Yankee Stadium
I'll watch the Yankees raise the World Series championship banner on opening day, 2010. Okay, that's next year, but you catch my drift.

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The Christmas Yankeeland

For those of you celebrating Christmas, we hope you got everything you wanted and more and are sharing the day with friends and family.

The Yankees brass certainly got what they wanted this holiday season, but there's more going on than just CC, A.J., and Tex.

The Yankees, believe it or not, did get a bargain this week when they avoided arbitration by re-signing 2-time 19 game winner Chien-Ming Wang to a one year, $5 million contract. Wang matched his career high in wins in 2006 and 2007, and was 8-2 this past season before rupturing his Achilles tendon in an interleague game in Houston on June 15.

As part of his Turn 2 Foundation work, Derek Jeter hosted 500 top academic achievers in Central Park this past week.

The Yankees signed catcher Kevin Cash to a minor league deal as insurance in the event that Jorge Posada isn't ready when the season rolls around. Cash, who spent the past season in Boston as Tim Wakefield's personal knuckleball catcher, hit .225 in 142 at-bats with 3 home runs and 15 RBI.

One spoof site says the Yankees have signed Santa Claus to a long term deal, but no good will come of it. Meanwhile a NC Observer columnist doesn't like the spending spree, but understands the logic behind it. Even better is this Providence Journal article talking about how wonderful the Red Sox are with their money.

The new MLB Network will kick off on New Year's Day with the first TV re-broadcast of Don Larsen's perfect 1956 World Series game.


The humorous Peter Abraham has a funny take on the "Night before Christmas".


Alumni News

A nice article on Donnie Baseball's son Preston and his own battle to make it to the majors.

Dennis Werth was a mediocre ball player for the Yankees ('79 - '82), but his son Jayson was just a member of the World Champion Phillies and his daughter Hannah is one of the top volleyball players in the country.

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Holiday Hot Stove

My Pinstripes would like to wish a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and any other holiday greeting we left out, to our loyal readers (and any newbies).

As we mentioned yesterday, we already got a great gift in the signing of Mark Teixeira. But where does that leave the rest of the market right now?

According to several sources, the Mets are deep into talks with Derek Lowe, the best starting pitcher left on the free agent market. Unable to come to an agreement with their own free agent Oliver Perez, the Mets would be wise to sign Lowe even if they have to overpay by a bit. Lowe is a much more consistent pitcher than Oliver Perez has ever been.

The Mets' current rotation consists of stud Johan Santana, John Maine, who showed a lot of wear and tear this past season, and Mike Pelfrey, who was outstanding in the second half. In addition to Lowe, the Mets should be trying to sign Ben Sheets to a 2-year deal as well unless they want to count on youngsters like Jon Niese.

Manny Being Where?
The Mets meanwhile will also not seek to sign Manny Ramirez (perhaps owner Fred Wilpon's losses in the Ponzi scheme are affecting this team more than we know) according to a team source. So where does that leave Manny?

Ramirez certainly won't be returning to Boston though the Red Sox will be looking for another bat. The Dodgers still remain the favorites to keep the "Manny being Manny" show going, but we have to think the Nationals will throw some big money out there as they are in desperate need of a crowd draw. One team we don't hear mentioned when Ramirez's name comes up is the Baltimore Orioles. Peter Angelos has always thrown money around like there's no tomorrow, and usually not in the smartest way. But if he can bring in Manny for say 3 years, it would be a great signing. Ramirez would absolutely destroy Camden Yards. He would also be able to exact vengeance on the Red Sox 19 times a year.

Who'll Don the Sox?
So where do the Red Sox turn now? Perhaps to slugging outfielder Adam Dunn. Though not the player that Teixeira is, Dunn would appeal to the Red Sox philosophy of high on-base percentage guys in the lineup. Dunn has only played 127 of his 1000 games at first base, but he could slide in there with Kevin Youkilis moving to third base. The Red Sox are concerned about Mike Lowell's hip and may try to move him, which they definitely would have done had they signed Teixeira. Youkillis meanwhile will not get a long term deal prior to spring training, according to his agent Joe Bick.

Halo there
The Angels have inserted Kendry Morales as their first baseman, for now. (Remember when Andy Phillips was "supposed" to be the Yankees regular first baseman or when Bubba Crosby was to be their regular center fielder?) We can't imagine the Angels relying on Morales to hit on a regular basis, but stranger things have happened. We also don't expect the Angels to stay out of the Manny Ramirez tug of war, even if they publicly say otherwise.

GM Tony Reagins has decided to "go with the kids" after saying the Angels would not only go after Ramirez, but wouldn't pursue Pat Burrell or Bobby Abreu either. That also means that long time Angel Garrett Anderson will have to find a new home.

Anybody Home?
There are plenty of free agents out on the market that still aren't getting big time offers. Be it the economy, the wait for the bigger names to sign, or something unforeseen, there are plenty of good bats still available to all the teams in baseball.

Abreu, Burrell, Milton Bradley, Orlando Hudson, and Dunn are the top tier bats still out there. At the next two levels you have Rocco Baldelli, who feels a change in diagnosis and meds could make him more durable, Anderson, Jim Edmonds, Jason Giambi, Jeff Kent, and Ken Griffey Jr.

The two top relievers out there are Trevor Hoffman, who we see still somehow returning to the Padres, and left-hander Brian Fuentes. The Cardinals rescinded their offer for Fuentes after feeling that Fuente's reps were jerking them around.

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3rd Night of Hanukkah or Christmas Comes Early

It doesn't matter how you slice it. Whatever holiday you celebrate, you've gotten this season's big ticket items. CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and now you can add your very own Mark Teixeira. Big Tex is coming to town on the wings of an 8 year, $180 million contract. Sticker shock? Nah. Small peanuts for a big cash(ew) team.

The Washington Times had reported earlier today that there was to be a decision today on Teixeira's future. Most thought the Red Sox would be inking him to a new deal despite owner John Henry's claim that the Sox were back away. Teixeira's current team, the Angels, decided a new deal was too rich for their blood and had pulled out of the running. Fringe teams like the Nationals and Orioles were thought to have offered, or were preparing to offer, a mega-deal.

But when it came right down to it, the Yankees played it slowly and wisely (as it turns out). They figured out who the real competition for Teixeira's services were, and how much money would be involved. Then they waited for some of the players to drop out and dropped some more millions on the pile.

The Yankees now have an incredible lineup, one even stronger than the nine they wrote in every day in 2007 when they scored runs (until the playoffs) like there was no tomorrow. Buster Olney was on with ESPN radio's Max Kellerman and the two speculated that Teixeira would bat in front of Alex Rodriguez with Hideki Matsui likely to be in the 5-spot.

Why? Tex should clearly bat cleanup to serve as protection for A-Rod not the other way around. A-Rod needs someone to take the pressure off of him and Matsui, nor anyone else in the lineup, will do that.

What about the outfield and DH? The Yankees now have Johnny Damon, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Hideki Matsui, and Nick Swisher for 3 spots in the outfield and 1 spot in the lineup as DH.

The time has come to trade Hideki Matsui. We love Godzilla, and he's been an effective run producer, but his body and defense have deteriorated as has his power. If you are going to have Swisher, you might as well use him. He's not a good defender, so you can give him the bulk of at-bats at DH, throwing some time to the aging legs of Johnny Damon. We could see the Yankees waiting to deal Matsui until closer to the season opener to be sure that Jorge Posada is healthy and ready to be in the lineup every/almost every day.

Swisher can occasionally player either of three outfield positions to spot players some rest. The season could open with a Gardner/Cabrera platoon in center field. You don't need a mega-watt star at every position. Mike Cameron is definitely NOT needed or necessary. Gardner/Cabrera could battle for time in the 9-hole in the lineup. If both continued to suck, you can look elsewhere, perhaps a veteran who would come cheap via a trade.

The lineup we would put out there:

Damon
Jeter
A-Rod
Teixeira
Nady
Posada
Cano
Swisher
Gardner/Cabrera

Happy Holidays!

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Yankees Get Teixeira

per Jon Heyman...details to follow.

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Yankees Going out for Some Tex-Mex?

SI's Jon Heyman is reporting that Scott Boras is now in talks with the Yankees and Angels for free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. This comes after Red Sox owner John Henry said Boras' contract demands (notice we didn't say Teixeira's demands) were too high - believed to be $184 for 8 years.

The Angels were previously thought to bid $165, but are probably willing to up the ante. The Yankees, meanwhile, were thought to be debating whether to go after Teixeira or Manny Ramirez. (You know where we stand on that topic).

The Yankees may be waiting for the final numbers to fall into place before coming in with a big bid like they did with Johnny Damon prior to the 2006 season. Just keep Mike Cameron out of My Pinstripes.

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Sox: We're not Competing on Tex

Whether he's to be believed or not, Red Sox CEO John Henry said that if it comes down to money, his team will not be able to compete for free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. After meeting with Teixeira and his agent Scott Boras last night, Henry said, "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

Of course you can't believe everything you hear/say, especially from a team owner. The Angels, Nationals, and Orioles are all ready to pony up big money, so don't feel too bad for Tex if the Sox don't come through.

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Freezing Our Asses Off Hot Stove

Red Sox Nearing Deal with Big Tex?

The rumors first came from a Boston TV station and now others are chiming in. Boston's front office is in the state of Texas with Mark Teixeira hammering out a deal with agent Scott Boras. That's right the Red Sox are close to signing the free agent first basemen.

What makes this particularly aggravating is that the Yankees never really jumped into the pool. They have never made an offer to Teixeira, despite a huge hole in the Yankees lineup. Perhaps the length of the contract - Teixeira has been receiving 8-year offers - has them spooked. Think Jason Giambi. Maybe they would rather go with a short-term solution like Manny Ramirez, who they think they can get with a 3-year deal.

Teixeira is a premier first baseman, both with the bat and the glove, and could provide long-term protection in the lineup for Alex Rodriguez (Nick Swisher won't do the trick). Mike Cameron certainly isnt' the answer for the Yankees lineup.


There's No Place Like Home

After reports circulated that Rafael Furcal was about to return to the Atlanta Braves, for whom he played shortstop from 2000-2005, Furcal decided to stay put with the LA Dodgers. The shortstop signed with the Dodgers prior to the 2006 season and is expected to ink a new 3-year deal. In response, the Braves have decided to stop doing business with Furcal's agents, The Wasserman Group.


News and Rumors

Trot Nixon has signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jon Heyman feels the Mets and their own free agent Oliver Perez are too far apart on money to come to terms on a new deal.

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Yankees Going After Tex

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the Yankees are back in the mix for free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. With rumors of big offers and talks concerning Teixeira and the Angels, Red Sox, Nationals, and Orioles, the Yankees have shifted some of their focus off of pitching and back to the lineup.

The addition of Mike Cameron certainly didn't add much to the offense, and the Yankees are aware they still need a big bat or two.

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Vegas Update - Day 3 Conclusion

C.C. Sabathia has a contract, A.J. Burnett is closer to one, and the Mets strengthened their bullpen. Those were the highlights of day 3 in Las Vegas. In addition, the Orioles have reportedly made a 7 year, $150 million offer for Mark Teixeira, who has also made progress in negotiations with the Red Sox. The Angels will certainly stay in the mix as well. Teixeira is said to want to play on the east coast, but Sabathia was said to have wanted to stay on the left coast.

The Rays dealt enigmatic starter Edwin Jackson to the Tigers for outfielder Matt Joyce. The Rays just seem to collect outfielders. Of course they have one less with Rocco Baldelli most likely leaving as a free agent.

Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports says the Phillies are close to signing Chan-Ho Park. Doesn't seem like that long ago that the Rangers made that huge mistake signing Park to a mega deal.

No bats have been banned from the bigs yet, but Bud Selig wants the bat manufacturers to make better quality products. Can't blame Bud for that, but is that all MLB is going to do?

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Vegas Update - Day 3 - 11:40 EST

Things should start to fall into place now that CC Sabathia has set the bar for this year's free agent contracts. Trade talks are still in the works too. The Twins are reportedly now part of the Jake Peavy talks as they seek to acquire Mark DeRosa from the Cubs.

According to the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays have talked to the Astros about Ty Wiggington.

Scott Boras is still looking for a 5 year deal for Manny Ramirez according to the LA Times. The Times is also reporting that the Nationals are willing to offer Mark Teixeira an 8-year, $160 million deal. We find this hard to believe.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 12/9

Word from the Boston Globe is that the Red Sox are showing interest in Andy Pettitte. The Red Sox actually offered the most money when Pettitte left the Astros in 2003, but the lefty wanted to "come home again". Well now Andy is playing hardball. Let's just say this. This isn't David Cone or David Wells. If you sign with Boston, don't ever expect to be treated the same way in NY again.

The Sox are also showing some interest in Carl Pavano. Don't worry Carl, we could care less what you do.

According to Mark Feinsand of the News, the Yankees are a preparing an offer to free agent, oft-injured pitcher, Ben Sheets. It's expected to be in the range of 2 years and $30 million. (We asked Peter Abraham about this on his live video chat this morning). Brian Cashman also confirmed that no offer has been made as of yet to Mark Teixeira.

Both the Yankees and Mets are asking for more public bonds to help finance their new ballparks.

In case you manage to get tickets to a game next year, here's the company that will be helping with guest services.

Ken Rosenthal says the Yankees are looking at Nick Punto as a utility player for the coming season.

A nice article from ESPN Magazine on Thurman Munson's old locker.

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Vegas Update - Day 2 8:20 AM EST

Jon Heyman of SI and Joel Sherman of the NY Post expect the Mets and free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to work out a 3-year deal, worth app. $37 million, before the end of the winter meetings.

Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been" about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.

It's hard to believe the Angels wouldn't match such an offer or bump it up a bit to keep K-Rod.

One team rep feels the Red Sox will sign Mark Teixeira. Why does that count any more than what we think?

These updates from Fox's Ken Rosenthal:

The Braves and Cards are trying to work out a deal that would send Rick Ankiel to Atlanta, but thus far the Cards are asking for Mike Gonzalez, and that's a no-go for Atlanta.

The Blue Jays are meeting with shortstop Rafael Furcal's agents, but the chance of signing the free agent are slim.

The Phillies are still looking at Delmon Young of the Twins, and have jumped into the Jake Peavy trade talks.

The Rangers are quietly shopping shortstop Michael Young according to an AL executive, so says Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown.

The Dodgers inked veteran Mark Loretta to a one year deal, meaning that Nomar's days in LA are numbered.

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Viva Las Vegas

Yankees Warm up Their Wallets
This year's winter meetings kick off in Las Vegas today with some big time names expecting to accept deals before the get together concludes on the 11th. While top names will probably get scooped up, there's a good chance that second tier free agents may not get the offers they're seeking because of the economy.

The Yankees big focus is of course CC Sabathia. They have a huge offering sitting out there that Sabathia is in no hurry to accept. The Brewers are reportedly so desperate to keep him, they may be willing to put in an opt out clause, so Sabathia can become a free agent again after 3 years.

If the Yankees can't land Sabathia, is Plan B to overwhelm A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe with offers? We've expressed our displeasure at this plan, since Burnett's mental and physical make up is up for debate, and Lowe, for the most part, didn't seem to love pitching in the AL East. Part of Plan B (maybe it's Plan C) is also to meet Andy Pettitte's salary demands.

The one advantage the Yankees have of course is the amount of money they can spend. This is an even bigger advantage in these tough economic times.

We've heard all about the need for pitching and totally agree with it, but the Yankees have to be looking to strengthen their lineup too. Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez, and Adam Dunn are among the names out there. While we put Teixeira and Ramirez on the top level, and Dunn a notch below, there's a significant drop off after that among the remaining free agents.

Rumors and Truths
A quick truth (well a rumored truth)...with Ivan Rodriguez gone and not enough confidence in Brandon Inge, the Tigers went out and acquired Gerald Laird from the Rangers last night for two prospects, one of which is Guillermo Moscoso. That news comes from Ken Rosenthal, who also says the Cardinals are ready to make a serious run at Burnett.

Jason Varitek's days in Boston are over. The Sox long time leader declined arbitration last night as he continues to look for a multi-year deal.

The White Sox reportedly dealt Jermaine Dye to the Reds, but both sides quickly shot it down as nonsense.

The Twins broke off talks with Casey Blake, who is insistent on getting a guaranteed third year.

The A's dropped out of the running for free agent Rafael Furcal after the shortstop rejected their four year offer.

Joel Sherman of the Post was on with Mike Francesa last night and expressed what a lot of the pundits feel - that Manny Ramirez will be back with the Dodgers. Part of Sherman's reasoning was that most teams haven't forgotten how Manny acted before he left Boston.

Will try to update you through the next 4 days as deals come down. In the meantime, take our new poll. After CC Sabathia, who is the most important player for the Yankees to sign?

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The Daily Yankeeland/TGIF Hot Stove

Talk about your mixed bag. The Daily Yankeeland and the Hot Stove are one abbreviated post today due to an oh so busy schedule. We're still laughing at yesterday's news of David Ortiz telling reporters that Alex Rodriguez will play for the Dominican Republic in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Papi, you honestly believe Turkey-Rod will make his mind up that quickly? Do you not recall his flip flopping for the last WBC?

At least this news about A-Rod has to do with baseball, not his latest Madonna episode. BTW, the scuttlebutt (Been watching too much NCIS) is that A-Rod is already cheating on the Kabalah Kook. And in case you missed it, check out this photo of A-Rod at KK's concert. Did he just escape from "Project Runway"?

Anyway, back to business.

Brian Cashman has already met with Scott Boras and is planning on talking to CC Sabathia before Monday's winter meetings begin. Tyler Kepner of the Times reported that Cashman also flew to Washington today to meet with Boras and another of his clients, Mark Teixeira. The Daily News reports that Cashman also spoke with Boras about Derek Lowe.

Andy Pettitte has spoken with Joe Torre, but Torre feels Pettitte only wants to play for the Yankees.

The biggest news today though is who won't be back next year. Greg Maddux has decided to calll it quits and will make an official announcement on Monday. Conveniently, Maddux lives in Las Vegas, site of the winter meetings. A sure Hall of Fame entrant in 2013, Maddux calls it quits with 355 career wins.

Speaking of Sabathia, Jon Heyman of SI reports that the Brewers are willing (and may have already) to up their $100 million offer to the lefty. Sources told Heyman that there two other teams, in addition to the Yankees and Brewers, that have made offers to the lefty.

The Atlanta Constition-Journal feels the contract offer to A.J. Burnett includes an attainable fifth year.

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The Winter of Our Discontent

This Hot Stove season is an even bigger one for the Yankees than last year's. The team is coming off, for them, a poor season and the team's roster is currently in disarray. Mike Mussina has retired. Andy Pettitte is whoring for more money. Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu have been cast aside. Other than an offer to CC Sabathia, trade talks for Jake Peavy, and salary arbitration decisions, this has been the slowest off-season for the Yankees (and all teams) in recent years. But that should all change next week. Oops! And the acquisition of Nick Swisher..duh.

The annual general manager's meeting is set to begin Monday, Dec. 8 in Las Vegas. That means that player agents will be able to bounce back and forth between teams in a short amount of time. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett are among the names that could walk away with new deals by the time the meetings end on the 11th.

The Yankees biggest focus right now is on their pitching. At the moment, the pitching staff consists of Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. Phil Hughes is certainly not being counted on as a definite as he was last season. We won't even get into Ian Kennedy.

Sabathia is of course the grand prize. But the consensus is that he prefers to staying on the west coast and in the National League, where he thoroughly dominated after being dealt to Milwaukee at the trade deadline. Money will be no object for the Yankees when dealing with the big left-hander so it will come down to Sabathia's preference, and possible pressure from the player's union to take the most money.

Burnett is number two on the Yankees hit list, but there's a significant drop off from the the one and two spots. Burnett doesn't have the resume Sabathia has and won't make nearly as much cash. But he'll still make plenty. Burnett probably won't agree to a deal until Sabathia sets the bar. He's looking for a 5-year deal in the neighborhood of $75-$80 million. Burnett has proven he can pitch in the American League, and more importantly, in the AL East. But there are concerns about his arm and his mental toughness.

The Daily News is reporting that the Braves, who are expected to officially announce their deal for Javier Vazquez later today, are reportedly set to offer Burnett a guaranteed 5-year deal. That 5th year is something the Yankees have been reluctant to offer.

Peavy is the best signed option out there, but teams are finding that the Padres are asking for too much in return. As we previously mentioned, Peavy has already shown his distaste for playing in the Big Apple, so a deal doesn't make a lot of sense. Widespread reports say that both the Braves and Cubs have broken off talks after failing to swing a three team deal.

The Yankees can always use left-handed pitching, especially if they part ways with Pettitte. The Mets' Oliver Perez makes for an interesting case. He seems to have recaptured the ability that he had in San Diego and lost after one season in Pittsburgh, but he can still be awfully inconsistent and wild at times. He went 25-17 over the last two season for the Mets, and threw a career second best 194 innings last season. After putting up a 3.56 ERA in 2007, he saw that number rise to 4.22 in 2008. You have to wonder if his stuff would translate to the American League.

Ben Sheets has had a fine career with the Milwaukee Brewers, but the 30-yr old is perennially hurt. His 198.1 innings this past season was only the 2nd time he topped 150 innings in the last 4 years. He's coming off a 13-9, 3.09, 158 strikeout season, but had trouble with his right triceps, forearm, and elbow this past season. We would definitely stay away from him.

There could be other pitchers on the move, such as those who will become free agents after the 2009 season. Plus those who were disappointments in 2008. Erik Bedard fits both those categories.

So what do we have? The Yankees have to go all out, balls to the wall, in an effort to land Sabathia. If they don't, that doesn't mean they should blow Burnett away with money. He's had one very good season and has had arm issues (see Carl Pavano). If the Yankees do land Sabathia, they may be better off going for a secondary option that is cheaper (Perez), or dealing for someone like Bedard. That will free up more money to shore up the offense with a player like Mark Teixeira or someone of that ilk.

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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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