By the Skin of their teeth

Congrats on your Redskins' amazing win yesterday, Mark.

I fell asleep during the Patriot game last night, which was probably a good thing. Strange that their only 2 losses this year are at home and that the home games this year have all been rather poor.

(Trying to move the conversation over to the new blog)

Swo, never have been a Buffalo fan, but I have been an Islander fan and watched owners decimate the team.

The Islanders were once a great franchise despite the Roy Boe ownership. But they have fallen apart and current ownership is picking their management from the stands.

Even worse I have been a Knick fan all my life and to see what they have done to that franchise is abominable.

I think their record now is 1-2, .333, which could be their best winning percentage in 5 years, or so it seems.

Mark has a new mailbag up.

Agree with you on Schmidt, Mark. One thing I'd like to point out is that 2003 and 2004 are the ONLY years that Jason Schmidt has posted more than 13 wins in a season. An "ace" --or even a # 2 guy in the rotation-- needs to have more than two seasons in his career with 15 or more wins.

Secondly, about Pettitte. He will be 35 next June. Let's remember that he has thrown 212 postseason innings in his career. That is like adding another complete season to his career... so for all intensive purposes if you are thinking of signing him, make him "36" since those postseason pitches also take a toll.

Yeah Mike, but he also missed quite a bit of 2002 and 2004 with injuries.

I also read that Sammy Sosa wants to make a comeback...that's nice but good luck trying to find a team.

Yup, but point is, when you have pitched as many postseason innings as Pettitte (or Glavine, Smoltz, etc.), you may as well add a year to their service time.

Yeah, I saw about Sosa. I needed a good laugh and he provided that.

True true.

I actually didn't see the missed kick and the drive of the Cowtoys during the final minute. I did, however, see the blocked kick, return, and penalty that led to the game winning field goal. All I can say is, blame TO!!!! Hahahaha. Sorry, but any team that has that miserable excuse for a lesser life form on it deserves to lose.

There have definitely been some crazy endings to football games this year.

"Super Bowl XXVI was one of the most fun days of my life, watching Mark Rypien and Co. torch the Bills for the team's third Super Bowl title."

Ouch! That's two knocks against Buffalo teams in 3 days. Are you guys conspiring or something?! :-P

Just had a thought: Mark has mentioned before his baseball-Giants-fandom. Interesting that he'd be down on Schmidt. Is it really that he is down on Schmidt, or is he secretly rooting for the Giants to keep Schmidt?

Just kidding. I, too, agree on the Zito over Schmidt thing. Yeah, Zito may not be the dominant, #1 spot in the rotation power pitcher that some people think we need. But he is a consistant winner, something that would help the Yankee rotation. Besides, we have a #1 in Wang. Mussina with a new contract would be our #2 or #3 (take your pick.) Zito would be a #3 or #4 guy. Not bad for a #3 or #4, don't you think? Although, I do seem to recall reading some where that the Yankees don't seem to be showing much interest in Zito right now....

Hey, Buffalo did go to 4? straight Superbowls, right?

Of course, they lost all 4, and only 1 was close....

Or were any of them close?

Sorry, I seem to be rambling right now. I'll shut up.

And of course we killed the Bills in 2 Super Bowls too, and would have had the record for most points scored in a Super Bowl if it weren't for Tasker LOL or Leon Lett

However, I liked Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas, both class guys......

I recall that Buffalo had a basketball team in the NBA and conducted one of the weirdest trades in professional sports.

If I recall correctly the Buffalo Braves traded their team to the Boston Celtics. And the team that had been the Celtics became the Buffalo team which relocated to San Diego as the Conquistadors.

Bob McAdoo and Ernie DiGregorio were players involved in that transaction too.

After opening this basket of worms now I have to go look it up to see if I have it close to right.

Interesting article on Matsuaka (sp)....http://www.sportsline.com/columns/story/9780830

Dang Paul, never heard of that trade

Maybe they became the Clippers. The Conquistadors may have been just an ABA name.

No luck finding the details yet.

I found this so far:

* In June 1978, Braves owner John Brown "traded" the team for the Celtics. Celtics-turned-Braves owner Irving Levin then moved the team to San Diego, renaming it the Clippers.

Was that the same Brown who owned the Kentucky Colonels?

OK, I found that answer:

In 1964, Brown bought Kentucky Fried Chicken from its founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, and built the company into one of the world's largest fast food chains, before selling it in 1971. From 1973 to 1975, he was the owner of the Kentucky Colonels ABA team. In 1976, he purchased the Buffalo Braves, the NBA team that would later become the Los Angeles Clippers. From 1978 to 1979, he owned the Boston Celtics NBA team. Following his term as Governor, he resumed his career in the restaurant industry. In 1991, he formed a partnership with recording artist Kenny Rogers, co-founding and serving as CEO of Kenny Rogers Roasters, an international chain of wood-roasted chicken restaurants. Since 1990, he has founded several other restaurants including Miami Subs, Chicken By George, and Roadhouse Grill. He currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

From All Movie Guide: From the 1950s through the 1980s, Irving H. Levin produced independent movies in Hollywood. A former WWII-era flying ace who completed 31 missions over Germany and was decorated with a Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Stars, and a Bombardier Wing, Levin launched his film career by producing such low-budget films as Bert I. Gordon's The Beginning of the End (1957) and Crashout (1955). Levin teamed with Gene Klein in the early '60s to found the National General Corp (NGC). With the company, Levin produced such films as Divorce American Style (1967) and The Cheyenne Social Club (1970) starring James Stewart and Henry Fonda. Levin teamed with actors Sidney Poitier, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Ali McGraw, and Barbra Streisand to form First Artists in 1969. With this company, they produced such films as Sam Peckinpah's The Getaway (1970) starring Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw.

Levin bought most of the interest in the Boston Celtics in the early '70s, but following their 1976 championship season traded their franchise for John Y. Brown's Buffalo Braves, renamed them the Clippers, and sent the team to San Diego (they have since moved to Los Angeles). Levin hung on to the team for a few seasons, but then sold them and used the money to form SLM and return to film production. With this company, he produced films for Fox and MGM including Shoot the Moon (1982) and Romancing the Stone (1984). Toward the end of the '80s, Levin founded New Century Productions. This company produced a few films before it merged with New Visions in 1989. Levin died of cancer on March 20, 1996, at age 74.

~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

So I think the way it happened is all the Buffalo Braces players became Boston Celtics and the new owners of the Celtics had the same team they had in Buffalo except now they were the Celtics.

Thus all the Celtics players ended up in San Diego and were Clippers.

Very bizarre event.

Rob, SB 25 (I hate the roman numerals) was close. Norwood wide right. Giants 20, Bills 19.

As for Muss/Randy, I commented that they have to drop to 3/4 in the rotation. At their ages, you can't think of either of them at 1/2 anymore. With Wang at 1, Yanks need to find a 2.

Yup, the old Buffalo Braves are now what is the L.A. Clippers. (Like the Sacramento Kings are what used to be the Cincinnati Royals and the Phila. 76ers once were the Syracuse Nationals and the Golden State Warriors were the S.F. Warriors and before that the Phila. Warriors). I remember those mid-70s Braves teams. McAdoo, Ernie D, Randy Smith and Gar Heard I believe.

From just about the NBA's inception to his death in 1964, Walter Brown owned the Celtics. # 1 is retired for him (# 2 is retired for Auerbach).

John Y. Brown is a dirty word for Celtics fans. He almost drove Red out of Boston in the late 70s. He made some moves behind Red's back that Red didn't care for, and Auerbach basically said "it's me or you, but someone has to go" and Auerbach almost went to the Knicks. John Y. Brown was married to Phyllis George.

The Conquistadors were an ABA team. They are the team that Wilt Chamberlain went to coach after he retired in 1973.

Fagan, I was about to delete your comment, as I have grown accustomed to doing, but instead I decided to answer it.

I answer the questions each week that are most representative of what I am being asked. Last week, I received more than 1,100 e-mails in the mailbag, but 850 of them were about A-Rod (I kid you not).

Seeing how I addressed Alex in last week's mailbag (the entire thing was about him), I decided to give that tired topic a rest.

Of the remaining 250 e-mails, I'd say that 50 were about Phil Hughes, 175 were about Zito/Schmidt and the rest were either not questions, profane nonsense from Sox fans or questions I have answered before.

When I get good, thoughtful questions, I answer them. You'd be surprised how few of them there are.

Plus, I think it serves my readers better to go in-depth on a topic rather than to give them a 25-word answer and move on. That, my friend, would be called being lazy.

But thanks for reading. For somebody that hates the Yankees and all they stand for, it's good to know you care enough to read.

As for Schmidt, I think he'd be a decent signing for an NL team, but like I have said time and time again, if I'm the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, White Sox or any other contending AL team, I stay away. NL pitchers don't translate well in general. Signing a 34-year-old NL lifer makes little sense.

Yes, I corrected myself on the Conquistadors. I was working first on my memory and then I looked up the facts.

There were a lot of changes in the NBA in the years it was absorbing the old ABA.

Before the Kings moved to Sacramento they were the Kansas City-Omaha Kings I recall.

The Braves had a lot of great players, like Nate "Tiny" Archibald, Adrian Dantley, Swen Nater, Bobby Weiss, Gar Heard, Jim McMillan, Marvin Barnes. I know I am missing some.

I kind of hope the Red Sox sign Schmidt, so we can hear he is the greatest ever with a 6.30 ERA 5-12 record until he has a shoulder injury July 15.

Yup, the KC-0maha Kings, and before that the Cincinnati Royals (with Oscar, Jack Twyman, and the ill-fated Maurice Stokes).

Maybe all of the Braves did not become Celtics. Swen Nater played on the Braves in 1978 and then the Clippers 1979-1983.

I got to see Nater play when he was on the 1976 Nets back when they were in the ABA playing at the Nassau Mausoleum (thanks, Swo).

He was supposed to be the savior for the Nets but he did not last a full year there.

The Nets won the ABA championship in 1976, but after Nater was gone.

The Nets had the player whom I think is the greatest basketball player ever, Julius Erving.

Michael Jordan notwithstanding, Julius Erving was amazing end to end of the court.

Dr. J unbelievable as a Net. Him, Billy "the *******" Paultz. I think Larry Kenon and Bill Melchionni were on those teams, too. Loughery the coach if I jog my memory correctly.

I am awake Ybrenner...Julius Erving my all time favorite player Paul,,,,although when I saw him was towards end of his career

Right you are, Mike.

I never met Julius but I hear anyone who met him liked him.

Some great players on those Nets teams....John Roche, Wendell Ladner (RIP), Mike Gale, Brian Taylor, John Williamson. Ahhh, even Kim Hughes.

Forgot Williamson. Got to go for now. Have a good evening.

I'm beginning to understand what they mean in football when they say "any given Sunday", lol.

I was hoping they'd just win (or not get blow out) for your sake, Mark. The exciting ending was a huge bonus.

Not a huge bonus angel LOL...if your a Cowboy fan....

I guess not. Those are tough to be on the losing side of.

I really can't stand TO...wish he would disappear.....Dallas deserved to lose yesterday, 11 penalties for 153 yards didn't help either

Hey all.

Must be football season, based on the nature of the posts. I just had fun writing a couple of AP essays. Whee.

My Packers meet the Vikings this week in an intense border rivalry to decide who is more inept. I have my money on the Packers right now, though the Vikings have a wonderful talent for choking that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

As you might guess, my sports loyalties really are not very popular in Minnesota. But no one's hurt me over anything...yet.

Hey Mike-how bout those Badgers? (sorry, I couldn't resist)

Personally, I think college football's a lot more fun to watch. The rivalries are more intense, the fans are better, the stadiums are bigger and louder, there's so much more history, the rules are a bit better (except the new clock rules this year), and there's always a great game, every week. The NFL just has too much parity blah to be fun.

For anyone who's counting:

2 days till the Matsuzaka deadline.

15 days till the AL MVP is announced.

Catch you all later.

According to the WasWatching blog there is another Japanese pitcher likely to be posted, LHP Kei Igawa of the Hanshin Tigers.

http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=igawa

Here is the Kei Igawa website.

http://www.k-igawa.com/

It would help if you could read Japanese, though.

I know that the winning bidder for Matsuzaka will be announced wednesday. But, which is it japanese time or US time?

It won't be announced. Interested teams have until 5 pm Wed. to make a bid on Matsuzaka. Once the high bid is known, then that bid is given to Seibu and they have four days to decide whether on not to accept it. They are NOT told which team made the bid. Now as for what happens after they accept the bid, I don't know if the winning team is then made public at that time.

**or** not to accept the bid.

**winning team's identity**

Sorry...busy....

Thanks Mike.
Why do they need four days to decide whether to accept the bid or not? Can they not decide before hand what figure would okay the deal?

Good question, Vik. I guess it's for legal reasons, paperwork, etc. But a good question why they need 4 days to make up their mind.

Good articles on MLB.com regarding Matsuzaka.

And for clarification, here is an excerpt from one of them.

If the bid is accepted, the identity of the "winning" organization will be revealed for the first time and would have 30 days to work out a contract with Matsuzaka and his representative, Scott Boras.

Mark, to respond to the incredible game you witnessed this past Sunday...My roommate is a HUGE Cowboys fan (we have a $10 bet that they won't make the Super Bowl) and although I am a Niners fan (yikes) I stick it to my roommate after every pathetic Cowboys loss. I was really ticked off when the Cowboys got down within the 30 yard line to kick the field goal because I thought it was over. "Mr.Automatic," as my roommate calls Vanderjact, was in for the kick. I reminded him of his choke against Pittsburgh last year in the playoffs just as the kick was blocked. The last 4 seconds of that game produced one of the best laughers I have ever had. From the blocked kick to Sean Taylor running around like he's in the circus to the 15 yard facemask. And to top it off, some bum kicker (Novak) nails the GW. My roommate looked like he had just messed his pants. I was on the ground laughing. WOW, if only I had been there to witness it in person!

I really like Miguel Cairo. He has done a great job for the Yanks each time he has been a Yankee.

However I wonder if there is any merit in thinking of Mark Loretta as a utility player?

Also if ARod is traded for pitching Loretta has played a fair number of games at 3B, as well as at 1B. He plays all infield positions and even pitched 1 inning in Milwaukee.

I dont think its wise to spend 4M (which is probably what Loretta will get) for a backup/utility player. However, I would like to have Loretta on the team as a fulltime 1B.

"My Packers meet the Vikings this week in an intense border rivalry to decide who is more inept."

Karl, that made me laugh. Especially since the Vikings lost to the Niners (I am in mourning and have been for several years). But I'm sorry to say that this isn't the game to pick the most inept. Raiders already own that distinction.

Can't really argue with Loretta playing 1B next season for the Yankees, if they sign him, but he shouldn't be a long-term fix. I say a one- or two-year deal at most, if it comes to it.

I still think Travis Lee would be a good signing for the team...very cheap, and though he struggled last season, he's still relatively young and is one of the best fielding 1Bs in the game.

Travis Lee is a very good option too. Average hitters become above average hitters or even good hitters when playing for teams like NYY/Bos/Cleveland without a lot of expectations because of who they hit behind.

Would Travis Lee want to come back to the Yankees? His last stint didn't go so well.

(2004: played 7 games and got hurt, missed the rest of the season.)

I'm not sure he is the answer. He is a not-so-young 31, and his career average isn't that great (.256).

In my mind a career avg of .256 elsewhere translates to atleast .280 with yankees. At 31, he has atleast 5 or 6 more decent yrs at 1B. And he will be relatively inexpensive.

How abt teaching Melky to play first. I think he can do it.

No.

They should sign Donnie Baseball to first base instead of bench coach.

Having Mark Loretta at first base for the Yankees isn't such a bad idea. He's a great hitter, and a solid fielder ( something the Yankees lack at first base).

However, I don't think the Yanks will go after him as aggresively as the Mets and Red Sox will.

Matsui should be taught to play first, not Melky. Cabrera is an excellent outfielder ( with a better arm and greater range the Hideki), so it'd be a waste to stick him at first.

-Zachary

http://baseballmaniayankees.beeplog.com/

*Sigh* election nights are so endless, and I'm so sick of listening to all the rhetoric right now. And I can't even vote until 2008.

Am I right in saying that in five days' time we'll know who won the Matsuzaka sweepstakes?

On other topics...Melky at first would definitely be a waste of their best defensive outfielder. Not that the others are bad, but Melky's still better. I'd consider moving Damon to first base due to his weak arm, and he would certainly have good range at first. However, I am a bit leery of moving outfielders to first base after this year's, um, debacle.

I think the Yankees can get just as much offense out of Travis Lee as they could out of Andy Phillips, which makes it kinda pointless to sign someone when you already have someone to do the exact same job just as well. I'm not saying Andy's the answer, but I don't think Lee is.

Rob: I won't ever believe a team is more inept than the Vikings. (The Packers have at least won things during my lifetime). The Vikings never let me down and make me so happy when they lose. No history + biggest idiot players + most problems with the law + talent for flopping under pressure + ability to get one's hopes up briefly then crush them + inept front office + ugly uniforms + dump of a stadium = worst team ever, hands down.

I don't think Matsui has quick enough reflexes to play 1B. Hence the Melky suggestion.

I'm running late today...

Anyway, first post will be:

Johnny Sain, RIP.

MLB has a story of the death of this great pitcher at the age of 89. Sain was a four-time 20 game winner for the Boston Braves 1946-1948 and 1950. Together with Warren Spahn (Spahn and Sain and pray for rain) they led the Boston Braves to the 1948 NL Pennant. Sain led the league in wins in 1948 when he went 24-15. He outdueled Feller in Game 1 of the WS that year, winning 1-0, but lost Game 4 2-1.

Late in 1951, Sain was dealt to the Yankees, and he was on three WS champs, 1951-1953. He stayed with the Yanks until 1955, when the team traded him to the KC A's, where he finished his career. Who did the Yanks give up in 1951 for Sain? Lew Burdette.

While with the Yanks, he went 11-6, 3.46 and 7 saves in 1952, 14-7, 3.00 with 9 saves in 1953, and 6-6, 3.16 with a league leading 22 saves in 1954.

He had a career record of 139-116 with an ERA of 3.49. His WS record was 2-2, 2.64.

Later, Sain became a popular pitching coach with the Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota, Detroit and Atlanta. He was the pitching coach for the 1961 Yankee team. He was let go after 1963, when Whitey Ford became player/pitching coach for 1964 (cost-cutting move)?? Moving to the White Sox, he developed the trio of Joel Horlen, Gary Peters and Tommy John.

Like Spahn, Sain came up to the majors in 1942, and then lost three full seasons due to service in WWII.

I should add, Sain hit .245 with 3 homeruns, and that he was born on the exact same day as Phil Rizzuto.

Good morning everyone.
I agree with you, Karl, about the Travis Lee-Andy Phillips opinion. I don't see any advantage signing Lee when we have Andy. Of course, as Karl, I'm not saying that Andy Phillips should be the everyday 1B, but he is a fine backup player. And I wouldn't move another OF to 1B. A solution COULD be trading Giambi for some pitching and moving Alex to 1B. This way we won't have to watch so many errors in the field. Then, getting a good fielding and an average hitting 3B, not necesarilly an outstanding hitter.

I'd like to know what are your oppinions about the rumors involving Clemens and Pettite back to the Yanks. I have to admit that both are still recognized pitchers, but I wouldn't like this movement. The answer is in youg arms. We have Randy and Moose. Should we add two more veteran pitchers. Then, let's go for Greg Maddux and ask Fernando Valenzuela to make his return to the Majors.

No. No. No.

The rotation already has a soon to be 38 year old (Mussina, once he re-signs) and a 43 year old in Johnson. The rotation needs to get younger.

Why would you take on someone who will be 35 next June (Andy) or a guy who is 44 NOW? (Clemens).

Now if the Yanks lose Mussina and replace him with Pettitte, that'd be a different story, but that's not the case here.

Running late...back later.

We have Randy and Moose. Should we add two more veteran pitchers.
Posted by: jtorresmesias@hotmail.com | November 8, 2006 10:21 AM

Sorry if it was not clear. I should said "We have Randy and Moose. Why should we add two more veteran pitchers?"

Hi guys, long time no talk! I finally have a working computer again, yay! Hope everyone has been well!
Mark, thanks for all the great mailbags you've been doing and nice Redskins win over the Cowgirls :)

So I haven't read thru all the posts I missed so don't know if there was any discussion on the Gold Gloves but..Congrats to Jeter for winning his 3rd! That was a pleasant surprise! Moose got robbed AGAIN and it makes me mad..especially since it was in favor of Pine Tart! I was kind of hoping Posada might win one as well, but of course they have to give it to Pudge EVERY year *rolls eyes*

Anyhoo, when do we find out who won bidding rights for Matsuzaka? Is today the day?

Oh and have any potential trades for Sheff been discussed? I heard the Indians are interested in him and I have long been wanting Andy Marte or Victor Martinez for 1st next year..this might be our chance huh?

And, does anyone have any updates on Moose's contract negotiations? I heard his one request was that he make more than Pavano, lol--can't blame him! I also heard negotiations are going well and 2 years 25 mil is possible and that the deal should be announced (hopefully) soon.

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!
How is the prettiest and sweetest "witch" of the whole universe spending this off season?

My dear Gina. About Matsuzaka, as we know, today at 5 pM ET is the deadline. Then, his team (I think it is the Seibu Lions) has 4 days to say if they accept the bid or not. So, we won't know which team is the "winning" team until Sunday or Monday

Hey Jorge! How goes it? :)
I decided to make the offseason pass quickly by throwing myself into work, lol. In addition to my regular job I also just got a job as a tour guide, showing tourists the wonderful city of Brotherly Love, lol. The plan is to spend so much time making money that I don't even have time to spend it, then once it piles up, splurge on a shopping spree and winter vacation! :D How bout you, what have you been up to?

Can't wait to find out who the winning team for Matsuzaka is!

Oh and I almost forgot... Paul or anyone else who knows how to do that little trademark symbol thingy on the computer..can you show me how to do it? I need to use it to mess with my friend about something. Does your computer have to have a special key for it, or is it just a combo of keys you press to get it to show up?
Thanks! :)

The Indians have Casey Blake and Shin-Soo Choo in RF, and I don't even need to tell you who their DH is. It's a good idea, Sheff for Victor or Marte, but I just don't see it happening.

Probably. I can go in.

Gina, great minds think alike. Like you, I'm spending offseason working very hard. So, as soon as I get enough money, I'll be your tourist, and you'll be my tour guide ;-)
Remember I told I was going to get a car for my son? Well, last Monday we received it. He's as happy as you can imagine. I wonder, if I got a Mitsubishi, will the Yankees get a Matsuzaka?

Hey, my friend Vikram. How have you been?

Ohh, good point Swo. Casey Blake showed tons of potential last year so no way would they give away his RF spot. Yet, I have read that the Tribe is one of 3 teams to show interest in Sheff..I wonder what they want him for? (another of the teams is the Padres I think, can't recall the 3rd tho I have heard Tiger rumors.. he'd have to DH there but I'm sure he'd love to be reunited with Leyland.)

I wonder, if I got a Mitsubishi, will the Yankees get a Matsuzaka?
Posted by: jtorresmesias@hotmail.com | November 8, 2006 01:17 PM

Oooohhhh, good omen! Let's hope so!

Oh and also, about the whole Sheff trade thing, I did hear a rumor about a 3-way trade between us, the Indians and Padres. I later read that rumor was false, but maybe that is what the Indians want with Sheff, to acquire him and then trade him for other needed pieces.

Yeah, Gina. I'm sure Brian Cashman will make his job quite well, as almost always. He'll get what we need trading Sheff.
I'm sure you're excited about Moose getting closer to reach an agreement with the Yanks, aren't you?

This PJ Pilittere dude in the AFL is looking pretty good so far in his limited play. For someone who continues to hit so well without playing every day, maybe he's the answer to the Yankees' need for a backup catcher?

Oh, and I don't think I need to mention it, but Rasner just keeps on going in the AFL. Just 1 unearned run over 4 innings with 4 Ks in his start yesterday...ERA is down to 2.86

I am doing fine Jorge. How are you? and how about you Gina?

Vik, I watched the video you shared with us about Indian traffic. It was awesome. I mean, traffic in México City is very busy, but what you showed us some days ago is literally a chaos

Baseball America released its analysis today of the Top 10 Yankee Prospects.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/262804.html

8 of the top 10 are pitchers.

1. Philip Hughes, rhp

2. Jose Tabata, of

3. Dellin Betances, rhp

4. Joba Chamberlain, rhp

5. Ian Kennedy, rhp

6. Chris Garcia, rhp

7. Tyler Clippard, rhp

8. J. Brent Cox, rhp

9. Mark Melancon, rhp

10. Brett Gardner, of

Baseball America also projects the Yankee 2010 lineup.

Catcher Francisco Cervelli

First Base Eric Duncan

Second Base Robinson Cano

Third Base Alex Rodriguez

Shortstop Derek Jeter

Left Field Melky Cabrera

Center Field Johnny Damon

Right Field Jose Tabata

Designated Hitter Bob Abreu

No. 1 Starter Philip Hughes

No. 2 Starter Chien-Ming Wang

No. 3 Starter Dellin Betances

No. 4 Starter Joba Chamberlain

No. 5 Starter Ian Kennedy

Closer Mark Melancon

_________

Glad to see Randy Johnson is not included.

"I'm sure you're excited about Moose getting closer to reach an agreement with the Yanks, aren't you?
Posted by: jtorresmesias@hotmail.com | November 8, 2006 01:45 PM"

Oh yes, am I ever!! I hear that the Phillies are courting him also, appealing to his Pennsylvania Pride, lol, I would love to have him playing only a few subway stops away from me like that, but I'd still prefer he re-sign with the Yanks. The rotation needs him! Hopefully they will finalize something soon and they really need to lock up Cairo for next year too!

I also heard that Bernie filed for free agency.. that disturbed me a bit. Could not handle him playing for another team.

Doing well thanks Vik! How bout yourself?

Ummm, hey ybrenner? Can we NOT talk about politics here? Kthxbye.

Interesting about the 2010 lineups. Mo recently said he wants to play 3 more years tho I think, so he could be around in 2010 still! Personally I do not think Damon should still be playing CF in 2010. And, I don't know anything about this Mark Melancon, but am I the only one who thinks there's a good chance that BAMF (Bruney) could eventually be our closer?

Excellent Gina

Good to have you back Gina.

I do not know about Melancon at all. Maybe Mike or Swo or someone else has some insight.

My guess is that Mo would fade out as closer and mentor in his replacement over 2008-2009, maybe also 2010.

Apparently, the comment section on the latest entry on the Red Sox blog is deactivated.

I looked back at the baseball America 2006 prospects released January 9, 2006.

1. Philip Hughes, rhp

2. Eric Duncan, 3b/1b

3. Jose Tabata, of

4. C.J. Henry

5. Austin Jackson, of

6. Eduardo Nunez, ss

7. Marcos Vechionacci, 3b

8. Christian Garcia, rhp

9. Jeff Marquez, rhp

10. Tyler Clippard, rhp

I am sure there are reasons the Red Sox blog was deactivated.

Continuing back in Baseball America archives. This list was posted Nov. 8, 2004.

Top 10 Prospects for 2005

1. Eric Duncan, 3b

2. Robinson Cano, 2b

3. Philip Hughes, rhp

4. Steven White, rhp

5. Dioner Navarro, c

6. Christian Garcia, rhp

7. Marcos Vechionacci, inf

8. Melky Cabrera, of

9. Bronson Sardinha, 3b/of

10. Chien-Ming Wang, rhp

I looked up Melancon and Cervelli. They were both at Staten Island (short season) so both may be a reach.

Melancon 7 games, 0-1, 3.52 2 saves. 21 years old

Cervelli 42g switch hitter, .309-2-16 20 years old.

Melancon was considered a top closer out of Arizona but developed elbow trouble, and he dropped to the 9th round, where the Yanks grabbed him this past summer.

The fact that Eric Duncan dropped out and is still projected to be in the Yankees' lineup in the future shows just how fertile the Yankees' farm has become in recent years. I'm looking forward to trips to Trenton and Scranton and see how they all do in 2007!

I know nothing about Melancon, sorry. My knowledge is strictly from High-A and up. Mike's got this one covered.

It's 5 pm. Do you know where D-Mat is going??

Seriously. The bidding period is now over, and now we wait for Seibu to accept and see who won the bid.

Pete Abe says the Yanks announced an hour or so ago that they did make a bid. Depending on how fast Seibu accepts...we could know tonight.

Also, Sam Borden of Daily News is leaving to go to FLA.

Josh Barfield to Cle. for 2 players.

Bud Black now SD manager.

With Ron Washington as Texas mgr., and Art Howe skipping out as a Phillie coach to go to Texas as bench coach, Zito now interested in Texas.

Jeff is welcome here along with anyone else who behaves like a civilized human being.

Happy Matsuzaka deadline, everyone! lol.

It would be nice if Seibu hurries up and gets this over with and doesn't leave us hanging here.

Thanks for the prospect list, Paul, I have heard of all of them except for Melancon and Chris Garcia. Any information on them would be greatly appreciated! The lineup is interesting as well, though somehow I think a lot of those players will end up being blocked by free-agent signings. I have never heard of the catcher and was a bit surprised Matsui was not there, though he could be gone by then I guess.

Ugh, orchestra concert tonight. I'm feeling pretty burned out right now and need some rest.

Orchestra concert this early in the year? Our concerts are usually right before the holidays.

I wouldn't be too happy about it, but so far he hasn't done that too me or anyone else on this blog, not like you are now.

http://www.yankeesprospects.com/player.php?id=52&pos=110

for Garcia.

"Hello, Mr. Kettle, my goodness you look black today." Mr. Pot

Just for your edification, Yankees fans, I have decided to use the redsoxnation38 screen name here since using the screen name with my actual name has created headaches because of Fagan's pyschotic ways. You all understand what I mean. I strongly encourage you, on large communities like this, to use a screen name that does not include your actual name, and does not link to an actual e-mail address. This helps deter headaches from people like Fagan. On my BoSox Banter blog, I delete his comments on a regular basis, but not before copying them and sending them to MLB.com, as the powers that be requested so we can keep getting his new screen names terminated.

Regarding the Red Sox blog, after multiple comments from myself and several people, Fagan's defamatory comments were deleted, and MLB.com is in the process of terminating his ybrenner screen name. Thanks to everyone who has pitched in. We all know that these blogs are a better place without the presence of a man who obviously has nothing good to say about anyone.

That said, I will let you all back to your conversations. As some of you Yankees fans that post on my blog know, you are welcome there. I am deleting Fagan's comments on a regular basis to make it an enjoyable Fagan-free zone. And if you see his comments there, it just means that I haven't had a chance to eliminate them. Those who choose to post on my blog and happenupon any Fagan comments, please just do as you do here and ignore them. They will be deleted soon enough.

Absolutely, Andy, wondered why few others realized that.

I did not realize redsoxnation was Jeff. For some reason I think every new name is that aforementioned psychopath until proven otherwise.

I understand, Paul. I look suspiciously at new posters on my blog and any MLBlog. It is sad but true. I have been in communication with an executive-level person at MLB Advanced Media, who apologized for having to endure with Fagan. He said they have received numerous complaints about him over the weeks and months. ANd he urged me, and everyone else, to not let one bad apple spoil it for everyone else. It is difficult to show restraint - as I have failed to do at times - but ignoring his comments here and on my blog are worthwhile since his comments will are deleted on a regular basis, as they should be.

For the record, and I know this was a point of commonality a week or so ago....

I am making butternut squash with dinner tonight.

If I recall correctly the last night I had some there were 14 or so of us coincidentally having it the same night.

You better make sure you're not eating Placido Polanco's cousin...

I wonder what all the so called "experts" that said Detroit was built perfectly for playoffs (when they beat yankees) have to say now.

Is Placido Polanco's cousin a vegetable? Is this a Sunny von Bulow joke?

Anyone knows how many teams sent their bids for Matsuzaka? I've read that Rangers and Yankees did so. But, who else?

Jorge, I assume that the Red Sox and Mets did as well.

Actually, it's a "Polanco has a butternut squash-shaped head" joke. :-D

Vik, we've been saying this for several weeks now, but there is no "built perfectly for the playoffs". This is the first couple of paragraphs from Tom Verducci's column in the mid-series edition of SI:

"Unlike the American institution that was built by baseball's kings (Ruth, Mantle, Koufax) and dynasties (Murderers' Row, the Swingin' A's, the Big Red Machine), the World Series of the wild-card era is the pull of a slot-machine lever, a game of chance ignorant of form. Regularly populated now with second-place clubs or flavor-of-the-month teams more than dominant regular-season franchises, the Series is where unpredictability, not greatness, reigns. And with this 102nd edition, a very unexpected, unconventional and at times unholy series, the Fall Classic fell even deeper down the rabbit's hole.

"Forget about playing for posterity. The Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals fought over who had the more deserving claim as the official underdog of the World Series. The Tigers were vying to become the most unlikely champion of all time, having strung together a record 12 straight losing seasons before winning the 2006 American League pennant. The Cardinals were competing for the title of worst world champion of all time, as measured by regular-season winning percentage; St. Louis had 83 wins, which ranked them 13th among major league teams this year."

I believe the Cubs put in a bid also.

That joke went over my head, Swo. No idea what he looks like.

And the squash was good tonight.

Jorge, we can only guess who has bid. Not sure Major League Baseball will announce who is bidding.

Fagan ... enough is enough. Your anti-Japanese remarks (which have rightfully been deleted) were the last straw.

You are no longer welcome here at all. Every comment of yours will be deleted. I'm not even going to read them, just do a daily sweep of your postings with a nice little click of the delete button.

Thanks to all of you. I just hope Seibu won't need FOOOOOUUUUR long days to analize if they accept the highest bid. I've read that even them won't know which team has the best proposition, but just the amount of it.

About the posting:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15628298/

Thanks Mark for suvh good news about that "piece of you know what".
And the same question to you: Do you know how many teams made their bids for Matsuzaka? Which ones?

suvh = such.
Sorry

I always love the part about "speaking on condition of anonymity because of confidentiality". Confidentiality no longer means you can't tell, it just means you can't tell who told.

Thanks Andy for the link. It would be very good if we know tomorrow who made the highest bid, as the article says

It's already Thursday in Japan....

They will probably be *** holes and make us wait the whole four days lol.

Tonight's poll question: Does this make you laugh, cry, or throw up?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15630193/

Wow, cheap shots at abreu who is 7 years younger. You knew shef had to make a fool out of himself eventually.

Thanks for that Sheff link, Andy. He really lives in a world of alternate reality.

But wait a few minutes and it will change.

Earlier this year he wanted to finish his career as a Yankee. He insisted the option be exercised.

Now he wants to talk to George Steinbrenner but will not because of middlemen or because he is old and sick. Both were given as reasons.

He really wants to remain a Yankee and alternately never felt comfortable here.

Really....you can only shake your head and say, "OK."

Jim Baumbach on the Newsday blog had a similar take so you know this article was not a fluke.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/blog/2006/11/nobody_like_sheffield.html

Short of naming the stadium and the team after him I am not sure what will make him happy. But he did promise revenge.

As for his own potential revenge, Sheffield vowed that he will get the Yankees somewhere, sometime. "When you let me go, I have a chip on my shoulder," he said, "and I'm coming with it."

I heard rumors the yankees posted a 27 million dollar bid on Matsuzaka and no other team posted for over 20....but it is just a rumor at this point.

The identity of the bidders and the amounts are tightly held secrets so anything read, I think, are merely guesses.

The commissioner's office told teams to not even acknowledge that they made a bid. Not sure why, but the mystery possibly makes more hype for this deal.

Folks, don't believe anything you read about the Matsuzaka bidding. It's all pure guessing. This whole process is very secretive, so anything you read is speculation.

I don't believe you, Mark.

Or was that more rhetorical?

When I get home tonight, going to watch the Dallas/Skins game from last Sunday, please don't tell me the outcome.....

Pete Abe reported on his blog:

2006 draft pick Mark Melancon recently had elbow surgery and will be out for a year. Cashman said they had a feeling this would happen but took him anyway in the ninth round based on his potential.

Some other interesting prospect info from the WasWatching blog.

http://www.waswatching.com/archives/2006/11/jesus_montero_n.html#comments

I did not realize that one of the scouts recently fired was one responsible for the Jesus Montero signing. However he might be a beast at 1B with a lot of power.

Quotes from Cashman on the Pete Abe blog, including the one on Melancon.

Some quotes include A-Rod, Giambi as full-time DH, and needs for 2007.

(and on one quote of Cashman's-- it sounds like Villone and Craig Wilson could be gone, Cairo may not be back, and no confidence in Andy Phillips...)

As for the Pavano in Arizona...I had read that in the Post a month ago and mentioned it on Sunday.

Now I guess it's on to the next blog

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>