YankeeDoodle

*pouts* Yes, quite precious, ain't it? Between how much the Yanks pitching staff is in disarray right now, whatever moves the FO is contemplating (and if they're as stupid as the Griffey Jr. one was), and now, users trying to make new deals... Does Epstein read blogs and boards? Hope not. If the Yankees FO checked theirs, it'd be a lot of screaming and head-hurting going on. There better not be a Yanks-Sox trade blockade. Hee, I kid. Ok if we take Canseco?

You guys are not picking up another ace...no way! I don't know the salary of Oswalt, but I think he's good in Houston, too.

Why doesn't MLB let the players pick which team they want to represent when they're inducted? Schilling's borderline in right now...but as ESPN's Skip can't-remember-his-last-name likes to say, "there's a hall of 'very good' and 'hall of fame'". Hey, welcome! Are you a Florida fan by any chance?

yankthis: I was watching "Sixteen Candles" - and your user name just reminded me of the line, "No more yankie my wankie. The Donger need food." Wonder if Steinbrenner would be interested in a foray into reality television on YES? Oh yeah, back to "fixing the Yankees" - anyone have any ideas, post 'em. When the real deals hit the fan, will be posting. Lots of speculation on Cashman, Stick Michael and Tampa faction's moves, but so far they've rejected more deals than entertained. Such as Baez for Duncan. Phew. And the Griffey Jr. thing that's done (as in not).

Not happening. Clemens LOVES Houston; they love him right back. Are you kidding me? The Astros look like they're ready for lift-off; all they needed was some bat power to propel that sick pitching line-up, with Clemens, Oswalt, *Pettitte, and Lidge as their closer. They could contend for a slot at the Wild Card...some have already set-up a NLCS re-match. *Another one that got away... Sizzlin: This team clearly is not known for its chemistry. And I don't expect anyone to be buddy-buddy-chummy-chummy or whatever now, but if they're going to be surly and a jerk, at least produce, BBB. It's your teammates and the Yankees fans that have to pick up/watch the turd you leave on the mound every time you pitch. Scouting reports say that Brown is nasty when "that slider's working". It's not. It hasn't been. And I have reservations that it ever will.

LIAR! Y'all love reading those A-Rod bashing threads...I guess this is a bit boring for your liking? Throw in a cyber jelly bean jar for anyone who gets closest to his numbers? :dunno: Well, I'll be sure to bolditalicizeunderline any "interesting" points. Hmph. Serves me right for trying to piece together a coherent argument (in his favor?). Nah, I wouldn't be completely honest. I just wanted to see how many of you could give A-Rod any cred given the stipulations without gagging over yourselves.

AHH! I thought I said NO SPAM! Still on page one...

Was I too verbose for you? Yeah, that's where I got the stat from, too. Just staying inside the lines, Rodriguez is a fun player to watch, and he would be a good player for MLB to promote - with the exception of those three markets that have extreme distate for him, but he's someone to help move away from the steroid cloud - and not only does he have offense, but he has speed and defense (when he was at SS, and there's not reason to doubt he'll improve at third). Wow, a grudginly belated gift from the Talk Sox posters...on top of that Rolex you might've gotten, A-Rod.

Crosby in in RF today...Sheffield must be hurting bad? Williams has been hurting bad ALL SEASON, Torre! It used to be that the Twins couldn't beat the Yankees when it mattered (postseason); well now it matters because both teams are fighting for a play-off berth.

Actually...I was referring to the Knicks. *shudders* If ppl get on Cashman's tarp, for which on some moves he has no say - Isiah better start producing! Err...67 days is it until FREEDOM? AKA when KB's contract expires. Still have to eat up Giambi's though, but at least he's churing out the stuff. Still working on Bernie's 401 k plan. We're incredibly, incredibly generous here. Also it should be mentioned that half of those front-offices not only manage the payroll, but they manage the clubhouse, and players want to stay in those places and come there. The Patriots, Spurs, and the Cardinals (Pujols would take a pay-cut just to stay in STL), they all create a pleasant environment and I really commend that. The Red Sox has good clubhouse chemistry - Manny's a big part of that. Now, what's that saying, "Winning breads chemistry" - I guess this is part deux - "What happens to said clubhouse when they DON'T win?" Edit: Because if they're going to have the caviar and eat it too...better start giving something in return: MLB's most overpaid players I understand the Boone-y doesn't have offense - but he still has some glove. And Sosa can still give SOMETHING occasionally with the long-ball (lots have been solo-shots). But whatwhatwhat has KB given the Yankees?

About the front-office comment...in baseball alone I would throw in the Athletics, the Braves, the Cardinals; in football the Patriots, in basketball the Spurs - all whom have either more limited resources or manage a cap - which I suppose Epstein is trying to run...Moneyball with money? Oh New York teams are so screwed on this.

Ok you guys, the Yankee fans on this board get it, there are some real pricks in our fanbase. :thumbdown Then why still go over there and browse those infuriating messages? I could find you a dozen of other Yanks boards that have left pages of well-wishes for Matt, ones that rival the sappy card you signed in fifth grade when the star soccer player broke his arm - and some cellophane flowers. I say this because it seems that by going over to the YES Boards it makes you look like you are hell-bent on showing that NYY fans are disgraceful jerks - and by my definition anyone who's a fan of this organization must show class that for decades the Yankees have epitomized. But most importantly, it detracts from the original intent of the first message (posted by none other than yankeessuck013), that the true Yankee fans see through any barriers in team colors, and keep Matt in our thoughts and prayers. DO I NEED TO CLARIFY FURTHER?! Thanks.

Err - but we don't need a 2B man. Cano's hitting well, and when he gets more field work he'll do better with the glove. 26 to 6: What do you think about going after Canseco? He'd fit in great with Sheff and Giambi, right? And how about Jennie Finch for some pitching? VH1 could start a show, "Surviving Kevin Brown" - all we'd ask for in return is a bag of chips and a carbonated drink. There'd have to be an on-set chiropractor, and BBB's not real "bendy" - so the pole stuff or whatever that Conseco tried would not work...(it's only as distrubing as seeing him pitch).

Oh wah, it was our old line-up against Johan Santana who has his stuff back on a more consistent basis. And to those Yankee fans who were jubliant when they re-gained the top of the AL East...since the first week! Took us three months to climp up that moment; won't even let us check out the scenery before you push us back down. The Padres are one game over .500, and they're in the division lead...and none of the other flailing teams, Dodgers (sorry Moose?) and Giants (still hopping on Barry "rehabbing knee" Bonds to return?) are completely out of it. If they were in the Central (I guess either league), they'd be so far gone.

New millenium: 1-1. Doesn't matter in which the manner one loses; sweep or choke, some may be more memorable than others, but bottom line is a loss is a loss, a win is a win. The Yankees have TWO wins, entire 2005 season, when trailing by the 8th. Clutch? Rally? Not to mention absolutely sucking when not scoring a gazillion runs (4? too much to ask?). At times when the SP has been solid...the bats get cold. Or the bullpen blows it. The Angels have dominated the Yankees for awhile - this isn't anything new. The White Sox looked terrible against the A's in that series - still have a lot of ground kept. And glad we can give the fans in KC and TB something to smile about. Heh.

SMALL! Be BIG! YAY! Let's go!! Or else we'd call up Henn, and if so, please please don't lay another egg. Small Wang, Yankees pitchers of the year? soxie: Do you know the chances of getting struck by lightening twice? By this, I mean how many times can the Yankees bottle it. Looked awful against Santana - didn't anyone changeup tell them to lay-off on the chaneup? Bernie make sure, be positive that the ball is fair - lest you return to the batter's box and look horrendous when striking out. Minnesota's a respectable opponent, but they're offense should not beat us...I mean, the Yankees have some, too? Better show up to give the pitchers some run-support - ok A LOT.

yeszir! Ok, that was what, post #6? Dooley noted can't even get past page one without a reference to A-Rod's anatomy. And all you ppl who commented in those six-page sagas - where are you? If you bring some meat I'll allow a thinly-veiled shot? Yeah, Pujols numbers during his first five years are amazing; he's probably the only one right now who can stack up to Rodriguez offensively. And I think he's one of the guys who will stay in St. Louis (can't fault him; fantastic town) - he'd even take a *gasp* pay cut. The leaders in HRs at age 30 were Ken Griffey Jr. and Juan Gonzalez - who after age 30, each have had seven trips to the DL. Ok, to comment on the comment Rodriguez made about the "Brandon" Arroyo slap - I interpreted as "I thought it was a good play because I really wanted to drive home a run and I would've done everything in my power to do so" - and what was not said was, "...and even some not in my power, but it's in the name of team. It was against the rules? Oh. Mr. Torre said if I argued with the umpire long enough, they might side with me!" Typical Yankee soundbite, I guess? And I'll add that I listen to his comments with a tater tot in each ear. Alex, you are taking the entire town out to dinner when you do win that championship! Hammer: Ok, touche about the championship ring. Would you then want Trent Dilfer to QB your Super Bowl team, than Peyton Manning who by this logic has a history of not getting over the hump. And no, you can't cop out with a "rather have a great defense and efficient QB". If Manning had that kind of defense, he'd be sipping ice tea and handing the ball off.

First about Prior and Wood a couple posts ago - something in the waters on Chicago's North Side? When Prior got back, only to get hit by that line drive in the elbow - they've gotten some pretty bad breaks. Well, they can always pull a Maddux, stop by Atlanta, pick up a ring, and THEN come back (they have Leo Mazzone, too). (Only kidding Cubs fans...but there have been talks about Wood being shopped) Ok, perhaps this wasn't clear, but it's like you go to the market, and all the "goods" offered to you is a BUNCH OF CRAP! Do you still buy? Even if you have to eat crap? Sorry, we already have that from Brown's starts on the mound. And what little there is out there...we can't get. Until further notice, I'm going to say that new Yankees pitching aquisitions aren't familiar with the AL East yet (allowing the hitters to make adjustments) - so once they have played the Red Sox a couple times, then we'll see what happens. Hmm, maybe when things get really bad, shall make a spreadsheet of which moves were by Cashman (?), Tampa faction, and which were by ol' Georgie himself. But off the top of my head...Sheffield and RJ was Steinbrenner's idea, Rodriguez was at Levine's suggestion (if he'd play 3B), Matsui signed under the advice of Jean Afterman. Signing Wright and Tony Wo[e] were the ideas of Tampa faction though... Back to Nomo. Is he starting on Saturday? I smell a NoNo for Nomo in the Big Apple? Or is that rotten sushi? I got nothin'.

Yeah, Yanks did pursue, but the Reds tried to dump the colossal salary on the one team in baseball that they thought was stupid enough to bite, and surprise surprise! - Yankees did not want to pick it up. So the Reds shot it down. Three more days...sounds like it's coming down to the wire. Anyone that's DFA'd/on waivers, no prospects, that's what they're looking at - mainly a pitcher first and then CF - I wouldn't be surpirsed if they didn't make an acquisition in that area.

As in the Yankees acquiring the Burnett and send Pavano back to Marlins, and I would presume picking up much of the tab in extending Burnett who has health concerns and covering Pavano's contract since the Marlins don't spend much? Back to square one. Doubt it because we're looking for cheap washed-up pitchers DFA'd/on waivers for no prospects and the checkbook is starting to hit the fan. Applications?

Don't the Rangers have one of the best infields in the AL, perhaps with the exception of Soriano who's adequate enough - with Teixiera, Blalock, and Young? Well the Rangers aren't trading everything they've got... Edit: Gah, think I misunderstood your post, BoSox21 - the Rangers wouldn't get any return pitching - gotcha and agreed. Facing the AL West with Chan Ho Park? Yeah, right.

Ok, so to the championship point - does winning, or I suppose until further notice - NOT winning a championship, validate or discredit a player's accomplishments? When one looks at the other sports; Dan Marino never won one (Joe Montana did), Wilt Chamberlain only got one (when you compare how many Russell had), and Ted Williams never got the Red Sox a ring - though he's widely considered as one of the best hitters (if not the best) of all-time. Is baseball more lenient in its standards in winning championships; I've hardly heard anyone make the case that Barry Bonds is not the best player of all-time because he never won the World Series. Whereas with Marino it's "he's a TD mammoth, but he never won the big one." If it's a team sport, is it expected that one guy is going to carry the entire load? A-Rod was interviewed on ESPN and he said that his career is not complete until he does win the World Series. He's constantly berated in the towns that he's left; especially since they've done better since his depature - you guys won the championship when he didn't come - coincidence? Then again Jeter has more rings than any active shortstop, and all that's said is, "he's not that good blah blah...not even the best on his own team", so there's just no winning either way? Unless it's Michael Jordan. - and who knows how things would've turned out if Portland drafted him first.

Yeah - I know what you're thinking - just what this board needs, another Alex Rodriguez thread. BUT this one is designed to strictly focus on his baseball abilities and on-the-field play, please. Would appreciate if you kept your thoughts about his sexual oritentation, fashion taste, or whatever irrelevant tidbit, out of it. As of this posting, the front of ESPN.com is allllll about Alex Emmanuel Rodriguez (yes they spelled out his middle name). The tangibles (Rodriguez's stats vs. all-time leader at 30): HRs: Hank Aaron -342 A-Rod - 409 RBI: Hank Aaron - 1121 A-Rod - 1176 Hits: Pete Rose - 1540 A-Rod - 1825 Runs: Rickey Henderson - 1058 A-Rod - 1197 So yes, I know many Red Sox fans spite him (and Mariners and Rangers). But if you were to momentarily shelve your "bias", how would you rank him among the all-time greats, and barring injuries or unforseen circumstances that would shorten his career, how do you think his career will turn out? Pass Aaron in HRs? Will he win any championships, with the Yankees no less? :dunno: Interested in your opinions. And while you're at it...vote (scroll down to SN poll) for what you associate A-Rod with: -$252 mil contract -Baseball's best player -Record-breaking stats -Doesn't produce in clutch -Never will be DJ ^ Vote based on whatever for that

He was in good spirits, and I think that any player in sports knows the dangers that's involved. He'll be fine. Both CT scans came back negative. Sorry if this is inappropriate, but he has one of the coolest-looking soul patches I've seen in sports in awhile!

They've ALWAYS needed him as a starter - he just CAN'T start. Big difference. Guy is a magnet to the DL. Some help is better than none? Isn't it surprising that the 1-2 punch in Chicago is Buehrle-Garland...not Prior-Wood. Yankees. Have. No. Pitching. Done. Said. Desparate? Yes. Have much of a choice? No. Cash has actually shot down many trades - so it's not like he, or Tampa faction, or Steinbrenner, or whoever makes these deals, are jumping on every trade whim thrown their way. More ax might still fall before everything's said and done, though.