Big Hurt Maybe Goin' Back To Cali

The Mariners must not have been keen on signing Frank Thomas to help infuse some power into an anemic offense. Further, Jason Giambi will not be threatened by another aging DH, as Thomas has an offer to sign with Oakland and another team:

Frank Thomas was close to signing with the Oakland A’s on Wednesday until another team made an offer at the last minute, according to a baseball source. The second offer, from an undisclosed team, at least temporarily put the brakes on the A’s deal, which would reunite the aging slugger with the team he hit 39 home runs for in 2006.

Report: Brewers Sign Cameron

According to ESPN, the Brewers have reportedly come to terms with centerfielder Mike Cameron. The deal is supposedly a one year contract with a club option for 2009.

A-Rod and the Yankees can scratch Cameron off their centerfield wishlist, allowing Melky Cabrera to live another day in pinstripes.

The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with center fielder Mike Cameron, according to major league sources.

Cameron, 34, hit 21 homers and drove in 78 runs for the Padres last year. He will miss the first 25 games of the 2008 season, as he serves a suspension under the terms of baseball's drug-testing program.

Cameron will presumably play center field for the Brewers, who have reportedly spoken with Bill Hall, the team's center fielder last year, about moving to third base. If that happens, Ryan Braun would shift from third base to left field.

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Pettitte: We Don't Need No Santana

Andy Pettitte finalized his one year deal worth $16 million today. However, the most interesting part of his return was in regards to Johan Santana.

According to Pete Abe, Pettitte does not believe the Yankees need Santana in 2008.

Andy Pettitte was asked whether the Yankees needed to get Johan Santana. He gave an interesting answer:

“I guess there has been a lot of speculation that we need a true power arm, ace or whatever. I disagree with that,” he said. “I think Wang is an absolute stud. I think he is an ace. I understand he struggled in the postseason but that’s going to happen. I’ve struggled in the postseason before then come back and pitched extremely well. … To say we need (Santana) to be successful, that’s hard for me to say.”

Pettitte later said that pitching in 2009 at the new Stadium is something in the back of his mind.

During the 1990s dynasty years, the Yankees may have never had a true ace to head the pitching staff. However, the sum of the parts added up to top flight rotations built around names like Cone, Wells, Duque, Clemens and of course Pettitte. All of which were proven veteran all star pitchers and/or capable of shutting down an offense in a big game.

As currently congregated, the 2008 pitching staff holds three starters at or below 23 years of age. Though Hughes demonstrated a hint of big-game ability while relieving Roger Clemens during this year's ALDS, the 21 year old still has much to prove. Joba Chamberlain pitched in several key spots while setting up for Mariano Rivera, but the 22 year old has yet to start a game in the bigs. Finally, Ian Kennedy tossed a grand total 19 major league innings last year.

There's a lot of uncertainty regarding these three youngsters, and I, like many Yankees fans, would be excited to watch it all unfold. Hank Steinbrenner may have other ideas, however, ideas which would culminate in a two time Cy Young winner donning pinstripes. All told, it's a tough decision which may not have a right or wrong answer.

Mo Will Accept 3-Year Deal

According to The Daily News and The New York Post, Mariano Rivera may accept the 3-year contract offer as soon as today - though the Post believes a Mo redux could wait until Turkey Day.

After returning from the Dominican Republic tonight, Mariano Rivera is going to huddle with his representatives tomorrow and according to several sources is expected to accept the Yankees' three-year, $45 million offer early next week.

As I said a few days ago, Hank Steinbrenner's unnecessary machismo would not go over well with a classy guy like Rivera. Lil' Stein should have kept his fat mouth shut, and The Post reports Mariano would agree:

The future Hall of Fame closer isn't happy about Hank Steinbrenner talking as much as he has about the contract offer that will make Rivera the highest paid closer by $4 million.

Once again, Hank, stop pretending you've been running this franchise for more than a month and reserve the wiseass comments for the Miguel Cairos of the world.

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Tycoon Helped A-Rod Diss Boras

Meanwhile, it turns out Alex Rodriguez took the advice of an unusual friend in ditching his agent, Scott Boras. This unlikely source of knowledge used his $52 billion net worth to convince A-Rod to do so.

The imminent A-Rod deal now involves the billionaire Steinbrenner family, the biggest agent in professional sports, two money men from Goldman Sachs, the second wealthiest man on the planet and the best player in major league baseball.

That's a lot of dough involved with one piece of paper.

(Source)

One "Mo" Signed, The Other Not Yet

According to Mark Feinsand, Jose Molina agreed to a two-year deal worth $4 million. The Yankees finally found a reliable, solid back up catcher via trade last summer. Now, they made the obvious move, bringing him back for the next few seasons.

Also contained in Feinsand's article is Mariano Rivera maintaining his desire for a four year contract.

Ok, Mo, we get it. For all the otherworldly accomplishments you've notched on an unmatched playoff belt, it's time to take the $15 million per season and sign on the dotted line. Everyone laughed when Billy Wagner got a more lucrative contract then The Sandman, but this deal will allow him to laugh back.

Let's go. We got a Houston lefthander to lure back into Yankeeland.

A-Rod Back, Bonds Indicted

Jeter may have some tax problems, but A-Rod is back in the building. Rumored deal is still 10 years, $275 million. Rodriguez will soon begin his assault on the alltime homerun record.

Leading us back to the current "record holder," though the new home run king may have taken himself out of the record books for A-Rod because . . Bonds is cooked.

His trainer, Greg Anderson was released from prison today. The same trainer who authorities have been trying to turn states evidence the last four years. Did he flip?

Did the government finally say enough is enough and decide to make their move on Bonds?

Fact is, the feds have a positive test for Bonds from somewhere.

Maybe years ago Mr. Anderson decided to take a DNA sample from Barr-oid back in 2002 when he was a walking pharmacy and placed it in a safety deposit box - just in case he would one day need it for a rainy day.

Looks like the black cloud's following big ol' Barry now...

Lil' Stein Continues Talking Big

Hey Hank, will you shut your big fat mouth already?

You offered Mo a contract, now let the front office do its job.

As Burt Lancaster once said, "I don't relish shooting a mosquito with an elephant gun."

Maybe Hank should take some advice from J.J. Hunsecker.

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Posada Deal IS In Hand; 4 yrs $52 M

Guess I wasn't just being "optimistic" about Jorge Posada as the catcher has a deal in place for 4 years at $13 million per season. Mariano should follow, possibly offering Andy Pettitte enough incentive to keep on pitching.

Posada had the Yankees by the bolsillos and earned himself an extra year and an extra $10 million. Had New York negotiated with Rivera & Posada this Spring, the closer could have been had for two years (instead of the three he'll get) and the catcher could have been had for three years (instead of the four he got).

From the ESPN report:

The New York Yankees and Jorge Posada agreed Monday night to a $52.4 million, four-year contract that keeps the catcher off the free-agent market.

Posada, a five-time All-Star who is 36, said Sunday he was "really close" to an agreement with the Yankees and his preference is to remain with the only major league team he's played for. A person familiar with the talks confirmed the deal to The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team didn't announce it.

Hard to fault the Yanks for overpaying for Posada, regardless of his age. The Bombers have no viable replacement in the farm system. Cervelli is overrated and Jesus Montero is a teenager. Neither one is within earshot of Yankee Stadium, and years away from breaking a big league roster.

The free agent class includes chronically injured and overrated Paul La Dooshbag as well as Yorvit Torrealba, a low .200 hitter with a fraction of Posada's punch.

The only solution was giving Hip Hip the keys to the vault.

Pettitte Declines Option

ESPN reports Andy Pettitte declined his player option for 2008. So much for Brian Cashman's hunch.

"I have spoken with Brian Cashman, who has reiterated what Hank Steinbrenner said about the Yankees wanting to give Andy all the time he needs to decide about next season," Pettitte's agent, Randy Hendricks, said Monday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Accordingly, we are declining to exercise the option for 2008 and Andy will declare free agency in order to free up a roster spot for the Yankees.

"If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement. He appreciates the Yankees' willingness to give him the time he feels he needs. I do not expect him to make a decision for quite some time."

To me, there are three possible scenarios to consider:

• 1) Pettitte decides to retire, forcing Brian Cashman to make a blockbuster deal for Roy Oswalt, Johan Santana, etc. and possibly mortgaging the future in doing so. However, failing to land a big time pitcher would equal an unstable rotation including three rookies and a 39 year old declining Mike Mussina.

• 2) Andy simply needs more time and to see his buddies Posada & Rivera signed before making a commitment. He eventually signs to a similar deal including another player option for 2009.

• 3) He pulls an A-Rod, hits the free-agent market, and signs a 3 year $40+ million contract with another team. Kei Igawa makes a triumphant return to the rotation by walking 6 and serving up two grand slammers in his season debut.

If you chose selection #2, like me, you understand options #1 and #3 could equal disaster for next year's edition of the New York Yankees.

Report: A-Rod Told Yankees $350 mil or bust

• Before opting out, Alex Rodriguez informed the Yankees he would require a guaranteed contract of $350 million for the Yankees to earn the right to retain his services, ESPN reporter Buster Olney said. Apparently Daisuke Matsuzaka's posting fee ain't got jack on A-Rod. Boston needed 50+ million to talk to Matsuzaka, but the Yankees needed SEVEN times that to keep Rodriguez in pinstripes. Scott Boras has taught Alex well. One can only hope Rodriguez rots in a Giants uniform for the next decade. Maybe then he will have learned his lesson.

• On the other hand, Bobby Abreu will remain a Yankee for at least one more year, barring a trade of some sort, as the Yankees reportedly picked up his option today for the 2008 season. This is a no-brainer. A Miguel Cabrera deal would have made things interesting, but New York cannot be dumb enough to part with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain for anything less than Johan Santana. Plus, Cabrera's a free agent in two years.

Why the Yankees Lost

The Hardball Times explains Why the Yankees Lost in the ALDS. I don't know if everything HBT decrees to be indisputable is accurate, but it's hard not to agree with this specific criticism of Joe Torre's management:

In game one, he was too slow with the hook on Wang—it wasn’t a case of a guy getting unlucky that night, Wang was throwing bad pitches and getting properly punished for it. Torre should have lifted him after it was 4-1, brought in Hughes instead of Ohlendorf, and maybe given the team a chance. Instead, Ohlendorf turned a decent lead into a huge lead, and the game was over halfway through. Then Torre inexplicably brought Hughes in for mopup duty.

The article then goes on to criticize Torre for not pulling Joba Chamberlain during the 8th inning of game two. The author believes Mariano Rivera should have been inserted, and although a winning result was not guaranteed, it was the smart move. I think this is more hindsight is 20/20 than an obvious first-guess scenario.

Chamberlain dominated the first two batters he faced in the seventh, and although wild in the eighth, history would imply Joba capable of eventually recovering. The inexplicable presence of 1,000 swarming mosquitoes defecting from Lake Eerie's windy conditions also pokes a noticeable hole within the heart of the author's argument.

The perspective on Jorge Posada's future seems skewed as well:

Posada’s strikeout to end the season was possibly his [last] at-bat as a Yankee. After his spectacular regular season, Posada will be an attractive free agent to most teams, and the Yankees—despite not having any apparent replacement for him arriving any time soon—might be willing to let him leave. Posada might not be keen on returning anyway, with Joe Torre likely out the door.

After spending the entire regular season with a batting average hovering around the .335 mark, there's no doubt that Posada's postseason line of .133/.235/.200 is wretched. However, "not having any apparent replacement" provides all the reasoning New York needs in refusing to allow a Jorge adieu.

The idea that "Posada might not be keen on returning" is an exercise in futility when you consider that the birth, maturation and ultimate success of his career all came within the Yankees organization. His family grew accustomed to life in the Big Apple, and in turn, the city grew accustomed to chants of "Hip Hip Jorge!" As much as Posada admires Torre, when words like 35 million are preceded by a nice fat dollar sign, blind loyalty takes a back seat.

Prediction: Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada will all be playing baseball in pinstripes come 2008. However, the man deciding on where they hit in the lineup or pitch in the rotation will be Don Mattingly.

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Free Agent Frenzy

Joel Sherman opines in his column today, that Alex Rodriguez may instruct his agent, the satanic Scott Boras, to avoid an using opt-out clause:

I believe Boras has begun the public bluff about just how many teams can allocate astronomical dollars as a way to lure the Yankees to bid against themselves. Because I think Alex Rodriguez wants to stay a Yankee. He has played in Seattle and Texas, so he knows this stage fits his legendary self-perception. For a man who obsesses on routine and preparation, Rodriguez has formed a comfort level with people, places and patterns that allow him to flourish as a Yankee.

My gut says, right now, Rodriguez wants Boras to make it happen at the highest possible price with the Yanks. That is why Boras has opened the imagination to what the Red Sox or Mets or Angels might pay, even if it is just his hypothesis or fantasy. The idea is to get the Yanks to bid, bid, bid when only they can bid.

More than citing unnamed sources or unsubstantiated rumor, Sherman is relying on a reporter's most important, fickle weapon. His gut.

Meanwhile in Texas, Rangers management is hoping and praying that Rodriguez decides to opt out, thereby suspending the multi-million dollar subsidy remaining on his contract.

Fallout Begins

I'll believe it when I see it, but Mariano Rivera implied he would seriously test the free-agent market:

“They had the opportunities and they didn’t do nothing with me,” Rivera said, according to the Star-Ledger of Newark. “So we’ll see what happens. ... This is a business."

Then there's Jorge Posada who could draw a ton of interest from the Mets should he decide to play elsewhere:

"I'll talk about that later," Posada said, according to The New York Daily News. "We just lost a series. There's nothing to talk about, nothing to talk about Joe Torre, nothing to talk about right now."

Andy Pettitte has a player option for 2008, but barring an offseason injury, appears a probable member of next year's rotation:

"The biggest thing for me is just my family," he said, according to the Star-Ledger. "I have to get somewhere where I can talk to them about it and figure out what I'm going to do."

Last but not least, Alex Rodriguez:

"One of the reasons I came here was to help this team win a world championship," Rodriguez said Monday night. "I have failed at that."

Let the vigil begin. To be fair, Rivera tempered his comments by concluding "I would never hold anything against [the Yankees]."

Sheffield Hangin' Em Up?


Gary Sheffield will be mulling over a possible shoulder surgery this off-season. He has already had untold amounts of cortisone shot into his body, and any potential steroid use would also contribute to his 38 year-old body breaking down.

When it comes time to decide whether to have offseason right shoulder surgery, Sheffield has to think of himself.

Some think Sheffield won't walk away because he has $28 million left on the table for the next two seasons. Others believe the lure of 500 career home runs or another World Series ring is too great.

They are wrong.

This is not about glory or money. It's about pain.

That's why it would come as no surprise if Sheffield retires.

Wouldn't that just be a shame. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

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In other news:

Cubs President John McDonough squashed any rumors of an A-Rod deal being in place. The Chicago Tribune agrees.

"I laughed when I heard it - it's outrageous," McDonough said.

Added Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who managed Rodriguez in Seattle when A-Rod broke into the league: "There's no truth to that story. Do you think his agent (Scott Boras) would fall into a trap like that? He wouldn't do that."

So now that that is settled, Alex Rodriguez can focus on hitting a homerun per playoff game played this October.

A-Rod & Wrigleyville Continued

The rumor mill is in mid-Winter form. The NY Magazine article which sparked so much online interest was discussed Sunday night by, who else, Scott Boras. Resident Yankee village idiot, Randy Levine also offered his two cents on the topic.

Every sports page covered this "non-story." Newsday - Daily News - Bergen Record - Chicago Sun-Times.

Via the ESPN article:

"Great players with great demand create great rumors," Boras said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Sunday night. "While I would enjoy having lunch with Mark Cuban and [John] Canning, at this point of the year that conversation would not include Alex Rodriguez. I have not talked to anyone."

Canning, chairman of private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners LLC, is thought to be a favorite to buy the Cubs from Tribune Co., which is in the process of being purchased by an entity controlled by real estate investor Sam Zell. Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner, submitted an application to examine the Cubs' finances.

Speaking before Sunday's 7-5 win over Toronto, Rodriguez said the report was "nonsense," as far as he knew.

Yankees' executive Randy Levine also responded harshly to the magazine piece.

"It's a silly story, and we don't believe it," he told ESPN.com's Buster Olney on Sunday evening. "However, if it was true, it would be grounds to disqualify the applicant even before he went through the process, because it would demonstrate a disregard for major league rules and procedures, and we're confident the commissioner would feel the same way."

Levine later said he spoke to Bud Selig, and the commissioner agreed with Levine's interpretation of the story, and its possible implications. A player can neither have part ownership of a team nor negotiate for future ownership.

We'll have to wait and see if there is any merit to these Cubbie rumors, but would anyone be surprised if Boras utilized sinister, unethical business practices in order to gain leverage for a client? Especially when that client is his most cherished, most talented rainmaker of his agency.

As far as Levine, I would rather have the Yankee Stadium vendors step in for him and the 99 other Presidents, VP's and Assistant VP's that clog up the Yankees front office. Everytime I see Levine and his cronies overflow into a given press conference, I feel like I'm watching the "Greed is Good" speech from the film Wall Street.
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A-Rod's Second City Rumblings

Alex Rodriguez to the Cubbies? New York Magazine reports that his agent, Scott Boras, has already opened talks with the potential new owner of the Chicago Cubs about a mega deal.

A new report says Alex Rodriguez’s agent has spoken to a potential new owner of the Chicago Cubs about a bank-breaking deal that could give A-Rod a cut of the team.

The powerful Yankee third baseman is eligible to opt for free agency 10 days after the World Series ends this fall. And, New York magazine reports, super-agent Scott Boras is already talking to who he thinks is the favorite group vying to purchase Chicago’s first-place team.

According to the magazine, Boras is peddling a Second City deal that could go for an average of $30 million a year over 10 seasons, with much of that cash backloaded for the 32-year-old Rodriguez - who would then be given the right to buy a chunk of the Cubs at the contract’s conclusion. The report does not indicate who would pay for this proposed, precedent-setting deal.

There will be a ton of these rumors swirling once the World Series concludes, but I didn't think serious speculation would begin so early. Looks like Mark Cuban will waste zero time making a big splash, should he call Wrigley home in the near future. There is a definite possibility that this entire story is simply "Boras Being Boras," drumming up the free agency drum a little early. If the story is true, isn't this just a tad bit of tampering going on?

Interesting Free Agent May Join '08 Class

As ESPN already reported, Cuban homerun king Alexei Ramirez could potentially join the likes of Andruw Jones and Torii Hunter as a 2008 free agent. The 26 year old Cuban shortstop/outfielder is renowned in his native land as a legitimate slugger, but the level of competition remains a factor.

Some believe that the Cuban baseball league is comparable to that of Class A ball in the United States' minor league circuit. Should that contention be true, it would be hard to imagine Ramirez's power numbers holding up in AAA, much less against big league pitchers.

I've heard Yankee followers already state Ramirez as a necessary replacement for Bobby Abreu, who has a club-option for 2008. That idea borders on ridiculous, especially when considering that Buster Olney already reported that the Yankees are all but decided on picking up the rightfielder's option.