Happy Thanksgiving

Let me wish all of you who celebrate this Holiday a Happy Thanksgiving. We don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in México, but my best feelings are with you.
Talking about baseball, our great 2B, Robinson Canó, made his debut yesterday in the Dominican Winter League. He is playing for the "Estrellas Orientales". He had two RBI's with 2 singles.

And Mark, you can be sure me and Russ will be rooting FOR the Cowboys.

Go Robbie, represent our dominican heritage.
I'll be keeping an eye on him while he's playing winter ball

Merry Christmas everybody!

Wait...

Happy thanksgiving to all, especially those rooting against the cowboys!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy watching the Cowgirls lose today...hehe...I hope! :D

I rented the crossword puzzle movie Wordplay starring none other than our beloved Mike Mussina...pretty good so far! Everyone should check it out :)

Anyway, hope everyone enjoys their tryptophan-induced haze today...I know I will!

JTorre, I think there is nothing better than after today having a 4 game lead on the Redskins...that is worth rooting for!!! Go Cowboys!!! And everyone have a healthy, happy, Thanksgiving!!! Go Titans on Sunday!!!!

I am almost wishing the Redskins win on Sunday vs Carolina....maybe they will tie (:.....Rooting for the Redskins is like cheering for the Red Sox....notice how they both have "Red" in their names? Hummmm....interesting....

GAME TIME!!!! COME ON COWBOYS!!!! DON'T LET ME AND JTORRE DOWN TODAY!!!

All this talk about football is getting to me. This is why I hate the off season. I have never watched a complete football game in my life but I will today. I probably won't understand things but I'll try my best.
hmmm.... Which will I root for, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers or The Dallas Cowboys? Well, the Bucs are up 7-0, I guess I'll root for them.

Well, I'm going to go watch the game now. Like with baseball, I can't be on the computer and watch the games at the same time. I'll be back when its over. I hope I don't get bored to death. lol

Well, I'm rooting for the home team now.

End of first half. 21-10. GO COWBOYS!!!!!!
3 TD for Tony Romo. How I like this kidd.

I'm wondering: Can Tony Romo play 1st base? He is right handed.......

Good first half JTorre, got to keep it up....3 wins in 11 days, that would be great....GO COWBOYS!!!

Paul: I'd like to know your oppinion about the new member of the crew. I'm watching same patrons as that fraud "named" kaylee

We'll win today Russ. And we're going to see what other members of the family say. LOL

TOUCHDOWN!! That is right JTorre.....kaylee is a fraud???

Yeah, Russ. Kaylee is a fraud. That nick appears in almost all MLB teams blogs. Kayle is a fan of, at least, 29 MLB teams.
INTERCEPTION!!!!!!!!!!!

Romo is really enjoying his game

TOUCHDOWN...AGAIN!!!

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!! See that quote? Romo is tying team's record with his 5th TD pass today. He ties with Troy Aikman. I'll say it again. How I like this kidd

Really? That is surprising, I have seen her on this blog before....great, great game so far.....

Cowboys are giving us a great Thanksgiving gift. 35-10. And counting...........

Where is Mark? Thanksgiving, Dallas, another win...doesn't get any better (unless Yankees win the Series).....38-10!!! YES

Wow, how about Tony Romo? Five (5) touchdown passes, tying a team record. This kid really is something.

Agree, Andrew. Romo is really something. Nice and easy win

Worry about your own disaster of a team. Go Cowboys

Was that the same Tampa team that beat the 'Skins? How 'Bout them Cowboys!!! Great win 'Boys!!!!!

In case you missed it:

Ex-Yankee pitcher Pat Dobson dies at 64

Pat Dobson passed away at the age of 64. Dobson had a lifetime record of 122-129. He was a member of the 1968 World Champion Tigers and was one of the four twenty-game winners on the 1971 Baltimore Orioles along with Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally and Jim Palmer. Dobson joined the Yankees in 1973, and went 9-8, 4.17 in 2/3 of a year for them that year after starting the year by going 3-7 for the Braves. He went 19-15, 3.07 in 1974 (matching the 19-15 of Doc Medich---the Yanks finished 89-73, 2 GB of Baltimore that year) and 11-14, 4.07 in 1975 for the Yankees. His career lasted from 1967-1977 for the Tigers, Padres, Orioles, Braves, Yankees and Indians.

Dobson's career ERA was 3.54.

Happy Thanksgiving again, folks. I am back from being out all day and catching up.

Thanksgiving is a bittersweet time for me personally. Today marks the anniversary of the burial of both of my parents. Unusual they were buried on the same date, yet 5 years apart.

Sorry to hear about Pat Dobson. He was a favorite of mine when he was on the Yankees and I followed his career after he left for Baltimore.

Jorge, I really do not know yet about the person you asked about. I think not; someone trying to hard makes me suspicious.

You're a Cowgirls fan, Jorge? I thought you were better than that. :-(

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.

Paul, I hope you had a good day despite the sad memories that anniversary must bring you. I hope the good memories bring you some comfort.

Sorry for your loss Paul. I can't imagine how you are feeling today. I am sure you had great memories with your parents and today was time to reflect on them. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Well, I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I know I did; I know I gained a least 10 lbs.

I think you guys will be happy to know that the Cowboys/Bucs game didn't bore me to death. I actually liked it a little, not nearly as entertaining as a baseball game, but not bad. That Cowboy QB, I think his name is Tony Romo, is really good. 5 TD passes in one game is incredible, and even I, a novice when it comes to football, can figure that out. This won't be my last NFL game, that much I know.

Now that's a wrap for me. Since there isn't anyone online now, I guess I'll log off.

Bye for now.

Antonio Ramiro Romo. Son of mexicans. Dating Jessica Simpson. Yeah, there must be mexican blood

My new column for the fan club newsletter is up on our website.

http://www.lvyankeefanclub.com/columns/

if you want to check it out.

Our fan club's Internet radio show hosted by Ty and Uncle Joe will resume 6-8 pm on December 3rd.

Carlos Lee headed to Houston.

Thank you for the good news about Lee going to Houston, Mike. I think Lee is a very good player and I did not want him to go to Boston. Now the only high profile option for the sox is JD Drew.

Thanks for the kind words, Angel and Russ.

Very good article, Mike. You know, as you seek a new job, sports writing might be an option you should consider. Your encyclopedic memory for stats and facts from long ago as well as current times would prove invaluable.

I happen to know the Chicago Sun-Times has a really weak sports department. Maybe you could convince them to kick that Cowley booob to the curb and replace him with you.

I have been in a tryptophan/turkey coma since I arrived home last night and I am still tired. Maybe it helped that I ate more turkey today.

But turkey is my favorite food so it is hard to stop.

The conspiracy theorist in me considers that my friends fed me turkey to stop me from talking but it did not kick in til I got back home. Ha! Foiled again!

Thanks, Paul.

Astros make it a two-fer, getting Woody Williams as well.

HELLO MY YANKEES FAMILY! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Finally, some life on the blogs.

I had a great thanksgiving, but I'm still not over all that cognac I drank last night; It didn't settle right.

Jays close to signing Barajas.

Where does this leave Zaun or Benjie Molina?

Yanks still need backup C.

The WasWatching blog links to this Globe and Mail (Canadian national paper) article.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20061125.JAYS25/TPStory/Sports

It suggests Zaun is being courted by the Yankees and Red Sox. Now that could also be a negotiating ploy. Everyone wants to be feted by the rich unlimited spending Red Sox and the build from within Yankees.

Russ, you keep forgetting the part about the Skins being awful. I know they stink. I'm the first one to tell you they stink. So you can make fun of them all you want, it doesn't bother me. I'm just hoping they get a good-enough draft pick.

What would make me so happy would be the Cowboys missing the playoffs by one game, since it would be the loss to those awful Skins that would haunt the Cowgirl fans.

Ah, Mark...you must be obsessed w/the Cowboys. You can't even wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving w/out getting a "the best part is rooting against the Cowboys" in. If the Cowboys miss the playoffs by one game, they sitll will be twice as good as the Redskins this year, thus, a successful season. Keep getting your digs in, that is OK, maybe the Skinless skins can win a foot ball game this weekend over Carolina and beat the Giants later on..or is that too much to ask for a team that only has 3 wins? Dang, they are one game ahead of Oakland, stand up. I think it will kill Mark to once give Dallas a little credit for beating an undefeated team this year...calling JTorre and I "Cowgirl" fans....we won't stup to your level...righ JTorre....hope everyone had a good turkey day......

Lol, so if the redskins won one game and the cowboys won 3, it is a successful season? I doubt that.

Both will be watching from home come playoff time when the Giants overcome adversity

Now back to baseball, I still think Zito is better than Lilly and the Yankees should go after him, unless the price is too outrageous. And I agree w/Yankee fan, we need a back up catcher.....

I think we should send all out taxes to Paul in next couple of months,,,he will give us a discount, won't you Paul? LOL

Yes Vince, if Cowboys don't win the Super Bowl, the 2nd best thing is they are better than the Skins. Kinda like Boston and NY. Since NY didn't win the World Series, the next best thing is they have a better record than Boston. Can't stand 'Skins or Joe Gibbs, they rate up there w/Boston. The Giants and Eagles are too far behind...LOL

Stop fighting guys. When its all said and done, the last men standing will be my Panthers. Not the Skins, not the Cowboys, not the Giants.

The Panthers? Well, better them than two out of the three teams you just mentioned.....but we beat them already this year...LOL

lol how did you start liking the panthers, vik?

Hey guys! Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and the Black Friday after, whether you spent it shopping or drinking...personally I did the latter and now I have a bad headache :D

I have a small request... is there any way the Cowgirls love can be eased up on just a bit? This is a NEW YORK Yankees blog, hence most of us don't like the Cowgirls and I can't speak for every Cowgirl hater, only myself, but all the professions of undying love for the 'Girls kind of hurt my eyes :\

Sam...the Giants are too far behind? Really? Have you looked at the standings lately? 'Girls have been looking up at Big Blue's butts most of the season and when the Giants beat TN Sunday they'll be tied again. Also, the Giants have already played the most difficult parts of their schedule, 'Girls have not. I think you need to go find that Yankee thong you were sporting during the playoffs, then you will see the Giants' dominance for what it is! :D

Speaking of the Giants... has everybody heard they are building new stadiums for them and the Jets and also building the nation's largest retail space/mall around the Meadowlands...I can see the traffic on Route 17 already! And I want the Jets out of NJ, not there permanently.. send em to Rockland County where they belong! :)

Oh and one last thing.. I saw the headline on mlb.com saying "Astros sign Lee, Williams"... for one horror-filled split second I thought they meant Bernie!! Thank the Good Lord they meant Woody! Jebus almost gave me a heart attack!

I think russ meant his hatred for the giants is far behind his hatred of the redskins, nothing to do with the standings.

So now that arkansas was embarrassed, if ND beats USC does that mean every person thinks florida deserves the national title bid over Michigan? Those have to be the only logical choices because now michigan is the strongest one loss team, and ND was whipped by the wolverines so they can't get in over them. USC would be a 2 loss team, arkansas is a 2 loss team, rutgers is no longer undefeated. Louisville lost to rutgers, west virginia lost to louisville.

Secondly, assuming rutgers wins with their 28-0 lead, if they beat west virginia do they play the winner of the ACC in the orange bowl? I get the feeling the orange bowl this year is ACC vs Big East.

I would also think florida ohio state would be in the nat champ, with michigan in the rose bowl.

If USC wins i think they prob play ohio state.

Now if USC beats Notredame and loses next week I also think they do not deserve to be in the title game over Michigan.

I lived in Carolinas for 4yrs and got my Masters from Univ of SC Vince. Thats how I like them. Infact I like all Carolina teams except Clemson.

Ohhh okay, thanks for the clarification. In that case.. my bad Russ! Very hung over, not thinking entirely straight. :)

I am not really into college football this year since Miami dropped out of the running some time ago. I am rooting for Michigan for the national championship because that's Jeter's team! Can't stand Florida, can't stand Ohio State (too many wannabe thuuugs, lol) and can't stand USC aka the University of Spoiled Children ;) So, Go Michigan -- win it for Jeter!

A24, I never said the Giants were far behind. I think the Giants will probably win the NFC East. I am commenting on the Redskins since Mark brings them up all the time, especailly in his "Happy Thanksgiving" comments. Cowgirls? Is that like the Giantgirls? or the Redskingirls? Don't quite understand that....I think the Cowboys will go 10-6, and hopefully make the playoffs. Giants aren't dominating anything. When is the last time they won a Super Bowl?

Vik, have you ever had a Kingfisher before?

Thanks Vince...I agree, enough NFL, back to baseball talks.....I am just excited about Dallas being halfway descent this year as they have stunk for about the last 10 years.....

I am rooting for USC, do not like Notre Dame at all.......

Again, my bad dude, I misinterpreted your comment about the Giants being far behind. And no there are no Giantgirls or Redskingirls.. there are other disparaging names that both teams can be called, but the 'Girls thing only works with the Cowgirls. And that is one of my nicer nicknames for them! :)

Cowgirls will miss playoffs.. T.O. karma! :D

GO PATRIOTS!!!

However, living here in Ohio, I don't really think it matters who plays Ohio State. Michigan, USC, and Florida I think will all lose by 10 or more come Jan 8th.......OSU is darn good.

I don't like TO neither, we agree on that.

Yes Alex. I have. Why ask?

The team that I think will represent the NFC in the SuperBowl is the Bears. They look like the real deal.

They play the Patriots tomorrow in Foxboro (Patriot home) and I expect the Bears to win. The Pats beat Green Bay last week 35-0 but at home they have been a different team.

LOL I think even Jesus hates T.O! I'm just sooo glad he left Philly being that I live here and hate the Eagles and all...now it is easier for me to tolerate Beagles fans during football season cause at least we can all unite against TO!

Just wondering, My dad's friend had some at his house when we went for Thanksgiving and I saw that it was the Number 1 beer from India.

I agree Paul..I picked Da Bears as Da next Super Bowl champs early in the season and so far they've not made me eat my words. By far the most balanced on both sides of the ball.

I think Fosters (Australian) and Haywards are the best beers in India. Thats my personal opinion thoough. Indian beers are stronger and NOT as well brewed as american and european beers.

lol I love those Foster's commercials...

Fosters: Australian for BEER!!

I agree on the Bears. Don't want to play them in Chicago come January....but that is a good month, my birthday is in January

The Fosters we drink in the US is brewed in Canada under license by Molson.

The Bears appeared like they were the real deal last year too. Until they go punched in the nose by the Panthers in the second round of the playoffs.

I did not know that abt Fosters, Paul. Amazing how much you can learn even on a blog where the regular bloggers are nothing more than just a bunch of jokers. lol.

The best Fosters commercial is the REMOTE CONTROL. I love thos commercials too.

I like the Fosters commercials better than I do the actual beer.. only beer I can drink is Miller or Bud Lite, everything else is waaay too heavy for me. I've always preferred the lighter stuff when it comes to coffee (Dunkin Donuts kicks Starbucks' ***!) and beer.

I hate light beer and light coffees. Corona and starbucks regular all the way.

Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses...........

Corona is actually good but it gives me heartburn. Starbucks coffee gives me stomachaches (luuurve their hot chocolate tho) plus I have attitude about conforming to their tall/grande/venti thingy. When I do go in there, I stubbornly insist on only saying "small" or "medium" and they--equally stubbornly-- act like they don't know what I'm talking about!

I too hate that tall/grande/venti thing and the fact that they dont have bagel toasters. But I love their coffee. So what can ya do.

Love the smell, but don't like any kind, never had a cup in my life. Hot chocolate, now your talking...

They do make great sandwiches and bakery items too. Also, they treat their employees really well unlike so many other corporations, they give them stock options and stuff--I respect that.

Sam you've never had coffee? I'm jealous--I am sooo addicted already in my 20s and I know it is only going to get worse!

No, I am 37 never had it. I grew up w/my dad who drank coffee in morning, then put it in a pitcher in the fridge for ice coffee for dinner...yuck LOL

Watching John Daly, won the first skin on the first hole worth $25,000 and he said, "that will pay for my first alimony check"...

Guinness for me. :-)

Diamondbacks and Brewers make six player trade. Brewers get Estrada, which turns Miller into a backup.

Where do you get this info from, Mike?

Mike's insane clearly.

I wouldn't rule the panthers out until they are mathmatically eliminated, they are one of those under the radar teams every year. hhah Vik, the only team I like in the Carolina's is clemson, and I hate USC, but I did get a kick out of today's game (no pun intended). So now it looks like a Rutgers win next week and they are in the Orange bowl....who would have thunk it?

I'll take cool Bud Light.

Bud Light is 50% bilge, 50% swill, and 50% backwash.

I like a red beer like Molson Rickard's Red, or a Sam Adams Winterfest or even better a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat.

Maybe a Harpoon Heffenweiser or a Labett Bleu Dry.

Or maybe the best beer I ever had, Pete's Wicked Strawberry Blonde, which I first experienced at one of Boston's finest dining establishments...right on Friend Street near the old Boston Gah-den: *******®.

OK Yogi, well when Bud light is the most expensive you can afford, you learn to like it haha. Just be happy I'm not buying natural ice, which deserves no proper noun recognition.

Haven't we had this discussion before? Several times???

The best beer is free beer.

College students have a built in radar for keg parties. We used to find them all the time.

Of course, when we found them we all waited until we were 21 to consume the beer.

Andy, just don't mention the war to the Germans.

No one expected the Spanish Inquisition!

It's on mlb.com

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061125&content_id=1745907&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

How so, Vik and Vince?

Lilly news from Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1164149417404&call_pageid=969907739730&col=970081600908

and Zaun:

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1164235812633&call_pageid=969907739730&col=970081600908

Russ, you see, the opposite of Boys is Girls. Hence, people who don't like Dallas often refer to the Cowboys as the Cowgirls. Sorry that went over your head.

As for me being obsessed with the Cowboys, you couldn't be farther from the truth. I detest the Giants and Eagles just the same, but it has long been a Turkey Day tradition to root against Dallas, because they play every year. Doesn't matter if they're 10-0 or 0-10. I'll root against them the same.

And I don't get what you mean about undefeated. They've already lost 4 games, including one to the lowly Redskins. Don't you remember that one?

My Redskins are toast. They're not good. I don't expect more than another two wins or so out of them, but that's OK. If they're not going to get to the playoffs (which, clearly, they're not), I'd just as soon have them really stink up the joint for a better draft pick.

As for the Panthers, I happen to like them a lot. I lived in Charlotte during the 1998 football season and went to most of their home games. When the Skins are dead in the water, I usually pull for the Panthers. Of course, I hope the Skins put up a nice showing Sunday. I'd like to see Jason Campbell get some good experience over the next 6 weeks.

My Trojans are taking care of business tonight. Get through this one, beat UCLA and it's on to the BCS title game and the Buckeyes. Man, that would be great.

mark that would be a terrible fate for me, those are my two least favorite teams in college football.

Sorry to hear that, Vince. I've been an SC fan since 1989, and after going through some lean years, this last four-year stretch has been so much fun to watch. I never thought they'd even contend for a national title this year, so the fact that they're in the hunt here in November is amazing.

I personally am rooting for Florida or Michigan to make it to the championship. Esp after finding out that neither can be in the orange bowl, which forces me to root for rutgers, which is pathetic because I don't like rutgers.

who would have thought A-rod was a dirty communist :)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0611250213nov25,1,7033009.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

For those wondering about Ty Wigginton, Anthony McCarron of the NY Daily News reports that the Yanks looked into a trade for him with TB but TB's demands were too high.

Hey all, hope you all had great Thaksgivings. I had a lovely time in Chicago but got back in time for Notre Dame-USC. Not shocked at all by the outcome and USC should go to the National Championship, barring a loss to UCLA next week. I rooted for Notre Dame but don't have anything against USC and they're on a pretty incredible run-this is a rebuilding year??!!

It's late and there's been no significant Yankee news, so I'm off to bed.

Hence proved. Notre Dame is overrated. They play two ranked teams and get BLOWN OUT by both. Anybody wanna have a friendly wager. I say Ohio state will lose to USC/Florida in the championship game. Big 10 and Notre Dame are both over rated. To some extent Big 12 also.

Thats not funny Cooper.

Thanks and happy thanksgiving to you too!!
i actually rooted for the cowboy, lol. I like them!!

Glad USC won last night. If they get by UCLA, the will play Ohio State, and in my opinion lose. Ohio State is just too good this year, especially w/Mr Heisman, Troy Smith. The game will be semi exciting..

Mark, I said, you can't even give Dallas a little credit for beating an undefeated team this year,the Colts. And if you remember correct, we smoked the 'Skins the first time around. Like I said, anything short of a Super Bowl, doing better than Washington is 2nd best. I guess you have to resort to name calling a team that is twice is good as yours...wonder what nickname you will use against Ohio State vs USC, since clearly, Ohio State is better......

You're wrong, Russ ... I give Dallas all the credit in the world for beating the Colts. It was a gutty win and they did a great job. Romo has been much better than I expected. I never said your team wasn't any good, I just said I don't like them, and I get enjoyment rooting against them. Though I think I dislike the Giants more. n

My Skins stink. I know that. They'll probably get smoked by Carolina today.

However, when my team falls short of a Super Bowl, it makes no difference to me whether they are better than Dallas. It's like the whole Yankees-Sox thing. If the Yankees don't make it to the World Series, I don't see why you would care what Boston did. It just doesn't make any sense to me. That's what classless fans care about. As a fan, I worry about my own team. That's what matters.

Now, I'd understand if the Redskins, Giants or Eagles got to the Super Bowl, that you would root your hardest for their opponents. I get that part. I'm sure you rooted for St Louis in the 2004 World Series against Boston. I totally get that.

I just found the credit for the above story amusing because it obviously wasn't something I expected when I googled Alex Rodriguez. Sorry If I offended anybody.

I care about what the Yankees do if they don't make the World Series because a lot of Sox fans love the fact that Yankees got bounced in the 1st round this year. Therefore, I care the Yankees did alot better this year than the Sox did, I guess for argument sake. Actually, I hope Washington beats Carolina. Dallas then would have a game up on Carolina. I am hoping Washington beats the Giants later on too. I am not sold on Romo yet. He's had a good 5 games, I want to see how he handles the Giants on the road next week.

Actually, for the Super Bowl, I root for the team w/the least Super Bowl wins...don't want them to catch Dallas' 5 championships......LOL

My brother bet some money on the Eagles/Colts game tonight and I have to sit there and watch it in order to cash in (if his team wins). As you guys know, I don't know much about football, so I need your help. Who, in your opinion, is the better team? Name some of the important players on both sides. And who do you think will win?

Boy, is this an intense game of chicken the GMs are playing or what? Not a single one of the oft-talked about free agent starters has been signed yet. We're now about 2 weeks away from the deadline for arbitration, meaning there would no longer be any draft pick compensation, and their asking prices will continue to go down. It's just a matter of seeing who bites first. We shall see.

Actually, Pittsburgh and S.F. each have five SB titles, also.

Going back to the first recognized (modern era) NFL championship in 1933, and counting the NFL titles (pre SB I) along with SB titles, the Packers have nine, five under Lombardi. The Bears have seven, the Giants five.

The NFL didn't start with SB I on Jan. 15, 1967.

More beer, free agent, NCAA and NFL talk..

Someone mentioned Pete's Wicked Ale, I luuurve that stuff! And I am not usually the type of beer conneiseur (sp) that would drink flavored beer. I think Pete's has a Honey Brown one and that is my favorite.

Thanks Mike for the links to news on Lilly and Zaun. The Jays are still talking to Lilly huh? I really can't imagine why he'd want to go back and play under Gibbons, and I think that is a big advantage for the Yanks.

As for football, Bears at Patriots should be the most exciting game of the week. Can't wait! I predict a victory for Daaaa Bears.. they are just too good to lose. And, navypinstripes, Donovan McNabb (Eagles QB) is out so the Colts will beat up on the Eagles badly, no contest. Eagles are done. Hope ur bro didn't bet on them!

As for NCAA...if your team is out (like mine is) root for Jeter's team! Go Michigan! :D

Right, Pitt and SF have 5 SB titles. Dallas I believe didn't come into league until 1960 or so.

The Giants lost Offensive Coordinator Lombardi to GB after the 1958 season (and its 23-17 OT loss to the Colts in the title game on 12/28/58 [my dad was there]). Lombardi's 1st year w/GB was 1959, when he went 7-5.

The following year, after once again losing the title game to the Colts (31-16), the Giants lost Defensive coordinator Tom Landry to the expansion Cowboys. Landry went 0-11-1 in his inaugural coaching year of 1960.

I should add that Lombardi retired after the 1967 season and winning SB II 33-14 over the Raiders. In 1968 he served as Packer GM. He came out of retirement in 1969 to become coach of the Redskins. He went 7-5-2 in his only year as Redskin coach.

In the summer of 1970, Lombardi fell ill with colon cancer. He died 9/3/70 at the age of 57.

I recommend an excellent book, "When Pride Still Mattered" by David Maraniss for those interested in reading an excellent Vince Lombardi biography.

Dunno if it's been mentioned here but there are rumblings on Pete's blog about Villone to the Indians. How does everyone feel about that? I'm not sure I like it..I know Villone really struggled in the later part of this season but with the emergence of Bruney, next year we wouldn't have to use Villone as much just to eat innings in the first half. Plus, lefty relievers are a rare commodity- should we take this to mean that he will definitely be replaced with someone better?
Last but not least Villone's a local...JERSEY BABY!

Oh and if it is true about Proctor being in the rotation next year--a bullpen w/o Proctor AND Villone? Not sure I'm feelin' that one.

Next show is scheduled for 1 hour.

7-8 next Sunday eve. Dec. 3rd.

I don't know if it was mentioned, but the colts will absolutely blow out the eagles. The eagles are without mcnabb and have no notable receivers, the colts have manning along with harrison and wayne...it will be a blow out.

I don't mind villone leaving, I do mind proctor starting. It would be the same mistake the sox are making with papelbon

off this week again, Vince? Tried late, but nada. Guess your show and ours are back next week. Our show just 7-8 though, what with the offseason.

"My Skins stink. I know that. They'll probably get smoked by Carolina today."

Go figure. You should try using reverse psychology more often, Mark. :-)

Mike, you can reserve the other hour for Carl Pavano bashing!

Wait, never mind, I forgot he carries a gun.

yeah no show this week, i'll be back at 4-5 next sunday.

Shucks, it looked like the 9ers might actually get their 4th win in a row and have a chance to get the division lead, but St. Louis wouldn't lay down.

And Mark thinks HIS team is pathetic.....lol

Vince, I disagree with you about Proctor. I'd love to give him a shot as a starter. He's a 20-game-winner waiting to happen. Sure, it's important to have good relief pitching, but I'd rather have my best pitchers starting and giving me 200 innings, if they have the stamina and the repertoire of pitches. I think Proctor has both.

I doubt Proctor ever wins 20 games if he starts, that is a feat not many ever accomplish, especially relievers turned starters. Proctor has good stuff and would make a solid 4 or 5 starter, but four or five starters do not win 20 games.

Thanks to a24diun and Vince for your input on the Eagles/Colts game. Its a good thing too, my brother bet against the Eagles. So, going by your predictions, I'll be a few bucks richer after the game tonight.

Anyway, I think Proctor is better suited in the bullpen. I think if he starts he'll do fine, but only as a 4 or 5 starter. With what he accomplished last year, I don't think I'd like a bullpen without Scott Proctor very much.

wait you bet for the colts? or for the eagles to win?

colts

Actually, quite a few successful starters spent the first year or two of their ML careers as relief pitchers. That used to be a very common way to break in a young pitcher.

Proctor was a starter for several years in the minors and the Yankees were planning on moving him back to starting last spring.

"Torre believes that Proctor's stuff makes him more conducive to being a starter, as he could utilize his variety of pitches to his advantage. As a reliever, he throws his fastball most of the time, occasionally mixing in his offspeed and breaking pitches." - from Mark's article of 11/20.

Yes, I know, players like Derek Lowe make the transition. I am not saying Proctor cannot start. Like I said, I think he would be a solid four or five starter, but I also think he can be a dominating 7th inning man and to me, that is better utilization of his potential. If he is going to start for two months before the rookie recruits are ready, I don't mind, but I don't think weakening our bullpen just because now we have bruney and adding another mediocre starter is the solution.

oh ok Navy, yeah smart move.

Liriano started the season as a reliever and then was moved into the rotation.

It would seem to me that a reliever that did not already have 4-5 pitches in his arsenal would have more difficulty moving to the rotation than someone like Proctor, who already has more of a starter-like reportoir available to him.

Exactly. I'd like Proctor to be dominating in the bullpen than to be just ok in the starting role. But, while I'm not too sure that the Yankees will make that move, I see where they're going with this. Its not a ridiculous idea, I just don't think its the best one.

Btw, the two thoughts are exclusive. I was not naming Liriano as somebody that didn't have 4-5 pitches available to him. I have know idea how many different pitces he throws.

My opinion is that the discussion of Proctor-to-the-roation is an insurance move more than anything. I really don't think that is plan "A" for Cashman and/or Torre.

Right Rob, I agree.

What is it about Proctor that makes you think he's not a potential 2 or 3 starter?

Changing the subject, is anyone going to watch the eagles/colts game later?

I think that Proctor would not be able to make the transition well enough to become a 2 or 3 starter. I'm not saying that he'll never be able to, but I just don't think that, if the team goes that way, he'll be able to make it in the 2007 season.

Does anyone know anything about physics?

I do, or at least I think I do. I was in the same position you were last year. This year, it's bio.

I'll prob watch a little colts to make sure mannning tears it up.

I was hoping the Giants would shut out the Titans but guess not.

Good Vince, then I won't be alone.

Ok Mark, here is what I'm not getting. Let's assume that an object has no unbalanced force acting on it. Is the object in motion, slowing down, at rest, or speeding up. I think its at rest but I'm not completely sure. What do you think?

Well, yeah it would be at rest assuming that it isn't moving. But I think that something can be moving and still have nothing acting on it, like if it was falling.

He is Andrew.

I can be whatever you want me to be.

But if it was free falling wouldn't it be accelerating by free falling, 9.8?? You're Andrew??

If a bear sneezes in the woods do the trees fall?

Speaking of Bears, the Pats lead 17-10. I missed the first half of the game but so far it looks like a good game.

Ok, its at rest. Last question, do you know anything about gravitational acceleration, the formula perhaps? I wasn't in class the day it was taught and I didn't get the notes on it.

If you do:

What is the gravitational acceleration on a planet where a 2 kilogram mass has a weight of 16 newtons on the planet's surface?

Except the refs made a bloody awful interference call to give the Bears great field position and a TD.

I love Fig Newtons™.

Giants **** the bed again.

Sorry, I can't remember any physics lol. I forgot that stuff as soon as I finished 11th grade last year.

Thanks for your help anyway. I appreciate it. I probably will forget physics after this year as well. I'm already starting lol.

Patriots won 17-13!

Angel, go figure that the Skins D comes to play once they're already 3-7. Oh well. I figured at least they'd get a good draft pick, but now they'll probably win enough games to make it mediocre.

At least they're showing heart. More than we can say for the Giants :-)

That Giants loss was unacceptable. How do you give up 24 points in the 4th quarter and blow a 21 point lead?

Touchdown Colts
up 7-0

Andrew, did you, ummmmmmm, by mistake perhaps, kidnap the entire Giants team at halftime?

Ummmmmmm no, I was just down in the basement and I didn't see any of them down there.

Andrew you'll have to look for something small and hidden though. I saw the players running around on the field, but they seemed to be missing their *stones* during the 4th quarter... so I imagine you may need to get out a magnifying glass to find them there.

The skins D looked very good today, Mark.

The less said about the Giants the better, lol. When a team gets decimated with injuries, that is the time when you need your remaining players to step up, not capitulate. And thats what they've been doing. What a pitiful 4th quarter - blowing a 21 point lead is inexcusable.

The snorts of disgust my husband produced during that last quarter was almost worth the loss, lol.

the second worst game I have ever seen. Only the playoff loss to the niners up 38-14 was worse. This is worse than 97 when they blew it against the vikings in the playoffs. I'm done with them, they're finished this season, lose the rest of the games to get hart in the draft and call it a year.

Good grief, the Giants spend a lot of time publicly throwing each other under buses.

Come on ... the loss to the Vikes in the playoffs had to be worse than this. And what about the Carolina playoff game last year?

Thanks to Steve Lombardi of the WasWatching blog, today was the birthday of Joe DiMaggio (1914) and Bucky Dent (1951).

http://www.waswatching.com/archives/2006/11/bucky_the_clipp.html

Yankees born on the exact same date and year:

Bernie Williams and Denny Neagle

Alan Embree and Mark Wohlers

Clay Bellinger and Gary Sheffield

Tony Clark, Ramiro Mendoza and Andy Pettitte

I'm not sure of any Yankees with my birthday, though I was born on the 70th anniversary of the sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees (1/3/90). I guess I was destined to become a Yankees fan with that.

The Giants...wow. Vince Young looked like he was back in Texas. My Packers don't play till tomorrow night, when they get a fun trip to visit the suddenly healthy Seattle team. Whee.

I think Scott Proctor would be a reasonably successful starter, but I think he can be more valuable if he continues to have years like last year out of the bullpen. As long as the workload doesn't hurt anything, though.

Only 4 days till the HS Hockey season starts in MN-I suppose you're all thrilled about that, lol.

Can anyone fill me in about draft pick compensation under the new CBA? I know how it works with the whole Type A and Type B thing, but since the December 7 deadline for arbitration has been eliminated, does that mean compensation doesn't end until later in the offseason?

Boston dot com is reporting Boras and the Sawx are worlds apart in negotiations. The sawx are offering (of course) a low ball $7-8 mil a year (long term - up to 6 years) and Boras is looking for $15 mil and 3 years where DMat becomes a unrestricted free agent.

Care? Don't Care? Take it for what you will.

Checking the main page out...

Danys Baez to Orioles...Orioles rebuilding bullpen with him and Jamie Walker.

Randy Wolf to Dodgers...

BTW, did anyone else see the Tawny Kitaen story over the holidays? Apparently busted for drugs.

She used to hit Chuck Finley better than the Yanks did.

Amazing, signing Baez for over $6 million a year. Now there is a pitcher who actually was worse in the NL than in the AL.

Swo there still is the arbitration deal but the date was changed. I asked for details on Pete's blog but did not get the info yet.

Hi everybody. It was a good weekend for me, since my favorite soccer team (América) advanced to the semifinals in the Mexican Soccer League. We'll face our big rival (Guadalajara) Thursday and Sunday.
About Scottie, I think it's a "B" plan. If Cash can't get nothing better via trade or FA, then Proctor could get the 4 or 5 spot. The market is still crazy. $19 million for Báez. Incredible.

I read over here that Alfonso Soriano is trying to convince Cubs officers to let him play in the Dominican Winter League. He wants to play for "Estrellas Orientales", same team Robbie Canó is already playing for.

Today's birthdays anniversaries:
Bruce Lee (1940)

Jimmy Hendrix (1942)

Caroline Kennedy (1957)

The HOF ballots are out. I am sure Gwynn and Ripken will get in on the 1st try. Ripken will get over 98% of the vote, I am sure.

For the complete list, go here:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061126&content_id=1746008&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Writers can choose up to 10 names. A candidate needs 75% to get in (and no, they don't round off if you have 74.7%).

As for me, there are eight names on here I would put in with no problem. If I were to fill out my ballot with 10, choosing the last two would be the tough part.

What will be interesting is to see who the "Joe Cowley's" are for this vote. I.e., the person who votes for say, Bobby Witt. I remember when some nitwit voted for Walt Weiss.

I just read on the WasWatching blog some great news about Job Chamberlain pitching in Hawaii Winter Baseball League.

http://www.waswatching.com/archives/2006/11/hawaii_winter_b.html

This is a quote from the posting:

Joba Chamberlain, rhp, West Oahu (Yankees)

Like the Arizona Fall League, teams were hesitant to send top pitching prospects to HWB, but because Chamberlain signed late, the Yankees wanted him to get more innings. The 2006 supplemental first-rounder from Nebraska didn't disappoint. He pitched at 93-95 mph with his fastball while touching 97. While he's shown a plus slider in the past, his breaking ball lacked definition in HWB and was somewhere between a slider and a curve, thrown in the low-to-mid 70s. Chamberlain already has a solid-average changeup at 81-82 mph with some fade. He can pound the zone with his fastball and boasted an astounding 42-3 strikeout-walk ratio. He was the only pitcher in the league to show true top-of-the-rotation potential.

________________________

42 SO to 3 walks! WOW! I hope to see him in pinstripes soon.

Yes, I mentioned Chamberlain was doing great in my last column. Didn't go into the specifics, though. I would guess he would start at Trenton AA---if not there, then at LEAST Tampa (high A). Usually good college programs are equivalent to AA, so that is why I guess Trenton.

Check out this website, esp. the column on "Singling out for special mention". Yes, he singles out Joe Cowley, but also read about how the writer singles out the people putting Frank Thomas so high on their ballot...esp. the ones who had Frank above Jeter. Jeter, 34 for 39 in SB. Frank Thomas? 0 for 23 in times he could have gone 1st to 3rd on a single. Not once this year could he go 1st to 3rd on a single (Giambi was 4 for 23). For the whole article, go here:

http://www.yesnetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061122&content_id=1413900&oid=36019&vkey=5

Thanks for that link, Mike, to the Hall of Fame ballot.

These are players on my ballot, if I were to have a ballot.

Rich Gossage

Tommy John

Bert Blyleven

Andre Dawson

Don Mattingly

Lee Smith

Tony Gwynn

Jack Morris

Dave Parker

Jim Rice

Cal Ripken won't need my vote, as I think there are 10 others, at least, who are worthy.

I am aware Mark disputes Mattingly's induction into the Hall; I just disagree.

If I could replace Joe Cowley, my ballot would be this:
1- Cal Ripken Jr.

2- Tony Gwynn

3- Don Mattingly

4- Rich Gossage

5- Lee Smith

6- Tommy John

7- Dave Concepción

8- André Dawson

9- Steve Garvey

10- Jack Morris

So......has anyone been able to find out when and if draft-pick compensation ends under the new CBA?

Swo, since no one is answering the question I am researching it.

Here is the first link I found with any information.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061024&content_id=1722211&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

My eight I would go for would be

Blyleven, John, Gossage, Gwynn, Ripken, Rice, Trammell and Dawson. Those are the easy ones for me.

Picking the other two would be hard.

The Post reported today that ESPN will have an 8-hour miniseries next summer chronicling the 1977 Yankee season (30th anniv.). Actor John Turturro will be playing Billy Martin.

This from Associated Press, occasionally a good source, but just as often wrong.

Free Agent Deadlines

• The restriction is eliminated that said teams could only re-sign their former players who became free agents by Dec. 7 (or Jan. 8 if offered salary arbitration) or else lose rights until May 1. Deadline for clubs to offer salary arbitration to their former players who became free agents is moved to Dec. 1 from Dec. 7. The deadline for players offered arbitration to accept offers is moved to Dec. 7 from Dec. 19.

Tender Deadline

• The deadline for teams to offer contracts for the following season to unsigned players on their 40-man rosters is moved to Dec. 12 from Dec. 20.

-- Associated Press

So a lot will be happening soon.

This Friday, Dec 1, is the arbitration deadline.

I am very excited about Joba Chamberlain's potential.

Conventional thought brings him to the Yankees in 2009.

But he played college ball. Is that not over a longer period of time than a minor league season? The real concerns with inexperienced pitchers are arm strength, endurance, and injury.

Does college ball alleviate the injury issue from additional exposure?

I would rather see a young pitcher learning his craft and getting a 4.86 ERA with a strong upside than Randy Johnson pitching 5 innings every 5th day with an 8.65 ERA.

But I do not know enough about pitching young pitchers before they are ready to know if that is a bad idea.

Joba Chamberlain is one of the many I'm excited about. I really want to start seeing some of these new faces this coming season.

No Mark, last night's game was worse. When they lost to the vikings leading 19-10 in the 4th, I did not expect them to go very far in the playoffs, thus would have just been heartbroken later on, this team is supposed to have a world of potential and this game broke their backs.

BTW Mark, thank you for addressing that idiot in your mailbag. To think getting rid of shef was ANTI-Yankee is ridiculous and made me cringle slightly.

In other news, the full time employee I worked with quit and gave no days notice, so I am officially the 2nd most powerful employee behind the manager. Haha, not bad for a month of work.

Interesting HOF ballot. I had 5 obvious choices: Blyleven, Gossage, Gwynn, McGwire, and Ripken.

After that, I don't remeber ever seeing so many borderline players on one ballot. I did a little research (take a lesson Mr. Cowley). Of the remaining pitchers Tommy John and Lee Smith are the best, both with decent credentials, but both benefitting from logevity rather than excellence.

Of the remaining position players there are 2 shortstops that compare to several other HOF shortstops, Trammell and Fernandez. Trammell had better hitting #'s, both won multiple Gold Gloves.

It's the OF'ers that really get interesting. Rice and Belle stand out from the others, but Bichette, Bonilla, Dawson, O'Neill, and Parker are very similar. Here's a comparison ranked by OPS:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/stats/historical/player_stats.jsp?statType=1&HS=true&HS=true&c_id=mlb&isCompare=true&venueID=&timeSubFrame=0&box3=XXXX111199XXXX&box6=XXXX113151XXXX&baseballScope=mlb&teamPosCode=all&timeFrame=3&box4=XXXX120225XXXX&sitSplit=&checkBoxTotal=0§ion1=2&box2=XXXX120028XXXX&box1=XXXX110974XXXX&sortByStat=OPS&HS=true&compare.x=&statSet1=1

Parker and Dawson probably get the nod on longevity. Bichette, Bonilla and O'Neill maybe just below HOF standards, but very close.

As I've said before, I think Mattingly belongs in, although he's right on the edge. Garvey is a notch below Mattingly, so not in.

So, for me, there are 14 players on the ballot that I think are arguably as worthy as many that are already in the HOF. But I can't vote for 14 so:

Belle

Blyleven

Dawson

Gossage

Gwynn

John

Mattingly

McGwire

Rice

Ripken

Fernandez, Parker, Smith and Trammell will have to wait till next year.

Hey guys. Siiiigh is football season over yet? PLEASE? Good Lord...what a mess.

About the whole Scott Proctor thing..I am in the camp that thinks he shouldn't be a starter. Although, I don't think that he would be a BAD starter, I agree that he is a No. 4 (3 at the best and 5 at the worst but probably 4) starter and to me, what he will give us in the bullpen outweighs what he could give us in the rotation. JMO. Especially with Villone not being back, and Mo's injury scare late last season, who else is gonna be our workhorse out of the pen? Farnsy?

I just think the bullpen is looking better than it has in many years..with only a few minor adjustments it could be ALMOST PERFECT! Thinking back to Quantrill/Gordon days, egads, is now really the time we want to start messing with it, especially by removing its most reliable member?

I do, however, agree w/whoever wrote that Proctor starting would only be a plan B/worst case scenario..Cash isn't banking on it. So with that said, hopefully--probably?--there is something he is working on that will stop this from happening!

OK done with that..Rant about 1b coming up.. :)

Press conference going on about now. To finally officially announce Mussina's coming back to Yanks on a 2 year deal.

I'm happy to remain a vocal minority about Proctor d:-)

I think he's a great reliever and would be even better as a starter.

Does anyone know if the Moose press conference can be listened to anywhere on the Internet? Or will it be a link on the Yanks page later?

Welcome Back Officially Mussina!! YAAAAAY!!!

LOL...you're definitely not in the minority about Proctor's wonderfulness in general though! I think we're all members of the Scotty Fan Club (anyone who isn't should go root for the Mets) and I could definitely see him being a good starter..I'm just skeered of Farnsy having to throw all those relief innings ;)

Because of the obvious issues, I don't even consider McGwire at this time. I also don't consider Belle because the guy was/is such a jerk (and yes, I do know of the jerks who ARE in the HOF). Parker gets left off because of his cocaine troubles. When there is an issue with a few players on the bubble, I eliminate some on the character issue in order to narrow down my ballot. It does matter to me what kind of representative they were for the game.

I could never go for Fernandez. A purely astroturf player. His numbers on grass decreased significantly from his Astroturf numbers. Esp. his numbers for the Mets and Yanks. I never cared much for astroturf or the "Willie Wilson" type player whose numbers were skewered because of the turf.

OK, 1b ranting time.

Shea Hillenbrand? Oh lawd please no!!! What he can do with the bat isn't good enough to compensate for the havok he will wreak in the clubhouse. I really don't want Posada getting suspended for trying to defend Torre's honor after Hillenbrand challenges him to one of his Trademark Fights (Paul where's the TM sign? lol) Nor do I want Farnsy suspended for dismembering Hillenbrand (remember, there are no disabled men, only men who have not p!ssed off Kyle Farnsworth yet!) LOL, I know I'm getting a bit *hyperbole ridden* now, but I can see all this chaos and more with Hillenbrand in pinstripes. I just cannot think of a worse fit as far as how he will destroy the clubhouse and he will destroy all the good vibes that people like Damon worked so hard to build up last season. JUST SAY NO TO SHEA!

Seriously, if we're gonna sign him why didn't we just retain Sheff and let him play 1st? Both are equally noxious, both play bad D, and Gary's probably a better hitter!

Just...no. Sign Doug Mintkiecwhycantispellhislastname, explore a trade to get Tex, let Andy Phillips play everyday, let Cairo play everyday for all I care! Just...no...Hillenbrand!

And the longer the Yanks go without making a move at 1b, the fewer candidates we have, and the more likely it seems that it will be Shea. Hence the rant!

Gina, this is what Pete Abraham posted on his blog about 90 minutes ago.

Mussina deal finally official

The worst kept secret in baseball ends today. The Yankees will have a conference call with Cashman and Mussina in an hour to announce his two-year deal.

I'll check back in later to let you know what was said.

Everyone here is against Proctor moving into the starting rotation, but everyone seems way too certain that he's going to be a mediocre 4 or 5 starter. All I would like to see is for him to at least get a chance to start, and if he does well, leave him in there! If he doesn't, throw him back into the bullpen! No harm no foul, as far as I'm concerned.

By the way, thanks for the information, Paul. I appreciate it. I assume draft pick compensation ends on the same day that it always has.

Just wanted to mention the great game the Giants played yesterday, and good job Redskins!! Those Cowgrils are in 1st place now!!!

Thanks, Mike, I saw that on Pete's page...just hoping to get a chance to hear him talk at his press conference.. I miss his voice coming thru my speakers :)

There is an mlb story on Mussina here.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061127&content_id=1746446&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

Rumors have Dave Roberts and Rich Aurilia going to SF.

There's also talk that SF is chatting up Boston about Manny, but as regards Manny, I'll believe it when I see it.

All I would like to see is for him to at least get a chance to start, and if he does well, leave him in there! If he doesn't, throw him back into the bullpen!
Posted by: swolansky@mail.colgate.edu | November 27, 2006 04:41 PM

Fair enough Swo, but what if he does do well in the rotation? Then how does our pen look, without him in it?

(Just operating under the logic that it would be easier to find a pitcher who would be comparable to Scotty the Starter than it would to find a pitcher who'd be comparable to Scotty the Reliever.)

*sigh* lol Sam I guess I expected that *eating my crow*

But, first place or last, Dallas still has to wake up in the morning knowing that they are the Cowgirls! ;)

Just read Mark's mailbag. The one person said that "RJ has nothing left..." I disagree that he has "nothing left", however, his 17 wins last year, alot of them were with great run support. His ERA went up to 5. I think he got around 6 runs a game for support. I see him in 2007 as again avg or below, over 5 ERA, 12 -14 wins or so, about a 4-5 stater. I disagree, I still think we need a top line starter because I think RJ, Moose, and Pavano will all land on DL sometime next year. Maybe I will be wrong....A24 I am sure the Giants will be fine, the will win next Sunday against the Cowboys....

Anybody read the article on ESPN that a MLB Official said, "I wouldn't be surprised if Manny is traded by Saturday"?

I think Manny could very easily finally be traded but I don't think he would approve a trade to the Giants, which is the latest rumor. I think if he goes anywhere it will be the Phillies--BOOOO!! I don't want him here!

Mike, I'm not a fan of the "bad character" issue guys, either. But unless they were caught breaking the rules in extreme or habitual ways I don't believe in excluding them from the HOF. It's been overlooked way too many times in the past to start now. Do we go back and figure out who might have used speed? Better take Reggie out, he flattened his bat. Everyone knows about pitchers who doctored the ball. And if you want to eliminate jerks, start at the top with Cobb, Hornsby, and McGraw.

As far as Fernandez, I also don't believe in penalizing (or rewarding guys) for the ballpark they played in. That's what they were given and they made the most of it. How many of Rice's Green Monster home runs would have been flyouts in Yankee Stadium?

Just read some ESPN articles, incl. one on Manny. Believe it when it happens...If it does, Ortiz will be wearing out a path to first. He should get 170 walks.

Adam Eaton to Phils

Pete Abraham has some comments up from the Mussina press conference.

Andy, it's easier to leave them out now than put them in now and try to take them out later.

Sorry, that's the way I think and the way I'd vote.

I am about to be in a world of pain with a 2-day bio test beginning tomorrow and over 10 pages of (written, front and back) homework due tomorrow in the same class.

Gotta make room in the basement for my teacher.

Which ones, Mike? The suspected cheaters, the jerks, or the skewed stat guys? If you're talking about the (alleged) steroid users only, I can almost agree with you. And if it's proven that a particular player used steroids after they were banned, then I'd exclude them from the HOF. But I can't punish someone based on suspicion, or based on something I personally don't agree with but is not against the rules.

Andrew those Giants take up a lot of space.

All. I'm a take-no-sh** type of guy. I'm not a parent, but If I were, I don't tell my kid 20 times to knock something off. I tell him once. Am I a hard-***, yes--- and proud of it.

Would I have put LT in the Football Hall...no. Not right away, anyway.

Just because something was not done well in the past doesn't mean you don't fix it for now and for the future.

I only wish that when O.J.'s bust was stolen from Canton a few years back that whoever stole it would have driven to the Ohio River and dropped the bust in it. That or Lake Erie.

Ken Rosenthal's new column for FOX is up.

He has a HOF vote.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6212422

So if they were just now being considered for the HOF you'd leave out:

Ty Cobb

Rogers Hornsby

John McGraw

Babe Ruth

Grover Cleveland Alexander

Tris Speaker

Jimmie Foxx

Lefty Grove

Joe McGinnity

Hack Wilson

Ted Williams

Mickey Mantle

Whitey Ford

Don Sutton

Gaylord Perry

Reggie Jackson

Orlando Cepeda

Not a complete list, just some off the top of my head who had "character issues" or were well-known, though seldom or never proven, rule-breakers.

I know who all of them were, Andy. You don't have to remind me.

Some may get in, but not 1st ballot.

Others wouldn't be in at all.

Like I wrote, I am a hard-a**

It does depend on how they affected the integrity of the game. Let's also consider legal vs. illegal substances. McGwire/Bonds did so by using an illegal substance. Let's not forget, steroids are illegal in society.

As for Mantle or others on alcohol, it wasn't an illegal substance unless you want to go to the prohibition era. I'm not making excuses for alcoholism--I have some in my own family--but there is a difference between illegal substances and those that are legal, as well as a difference between substances clearly meant to enhance one's performance in unsportsmanlike ways.

Thanks, Mike. I did not include McGwire in my list either.

I also did not include Ripken. Though I cannot adequately defend my reason, I just did not. I am suspicious of him and just plain don't like him though I cannot say why. Maybe it is the ultra hype surrounding him.

Hype turns me off any allegedly great player [see Rodriguez, Alex] because usually they are not nearly as good as the hype.

Now Tony Gwynn was underhyped I think because he played in the shadows many times of poor teams. I really liked the way he played and he seemed to be an all around great guy.

The discussion of Dave Parker substance abuse surprised me. Maybe I forgot but it seemed like news to me. He was one of those players, like Dave Winfield, I always coveted for the Yankees when I say him play in All-Star games and on his own team. he was a feared hitter, sort of like Sheffield, but with less snarling.

Almost did not include Jim Rice on my list of whom I would include on my mythical ballot. He was a great player but I was troubled by some of the character things. I know the media did not like him but I also personally witnessed him with a few babes in the back of a car leaving Fenway more than once when he was allegedly married. But, really that does not affect his play on the field and he belongs in the Hall.

If that fool from Chicago gets a vote and probably will give his ballot less thought than we have already, why can't we vote?

As for McGwire, besides the suspicion of steroid abuse, I would also look at his 1989-1991 seasons and his last year. Really, his HOF candidacy rests on four years which are very much in question in which he hit 245 hr. Give him 140-150 hr in those years and his HR total drops into the high 400s...which along with the .263 batting average, means he is then NOT a slam dunk at all.

Parker, along with Keith Hernandez, Darrell Porter, Lonnie Smith, Vida Blue and others were involved in a cocaine scandal in the early 1980s.

You forgot Adrian "Cap" Anson, one of the worst racists baseball ever had.

An excerpt from baseballmusings.com (Dave Pinto has been on our club's show several times)

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that at least one writer won't be voting for Mark McGwire on the Hall of Fame ballot:

Back in 2005, during the weekend Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg were enshrined, three Hall of Famers on different occasions approached baseball writer Bill Madden with a request:

Protect the Hall.

"They said to me, basically in the same manner, 'It's up to you guys, it's up to you guys to uphold the integrity of this place,'" said Madden, the baseball columnist for the New York Daily News. "They said, 'Only you guys can do that.' I consider that a serious obligation."

Madden's later says he's leaving McGwire off his ballot.

I recall Hernandez was involved but I forgot the others for some reason. Porter was terrific for the Royals.

Paul, that's the danger of reducing the HOF vote to impressions and hype. My impression of Ripken is that he's a terrific guy, very charitable, sponsors youth baseball programs, and takes abandoned puppies for long walks on the beach. One man's hero is another man's demon. I was not a big fan because I don't like anybody who breaks Yankees' records, but I respect and admire his baseball skill and as far as I know, his character.

I know the HOF is not a life-or-death issue, but it's an honor that should be based on baseball not whether we like or dislike a player.

Andy, I heard he dragged the puppies by their tails.

I really didn't like Albert Belle and I didn't think he belonged in the HOF until I really took a hard look at his numbers. Was he a HOF-caliber player? I believe so. Was he a jerk? From all accounts that I've heard, yes. Should he be denied the BASEBALL Hall of Fame because he doesn't belong in the GOOD-GUY Hall-of-Fame?

Then ARod bit their heads off and drank their blood. But all proceeds went to charity.

Cleveland signed Dave Dellucci for $11.5 million for 3 years. Nice package for him.

I still think they need a left handed power bat. Sowers and 2 prospects for Giambi.

Indians have Jason Michaels and Dellucci now. Interesting.

This link lists the rules for HOF voting.

http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/rules.htm

I take # 5 seriously. I would never vote for Albert Belle (or Joey Belle either...LOL)

In other news...

South Korea is killing dogs and cats to avoid spreading the bird flu. (Huh?)

Rush Limbaugh is dating some actress, allegedly human. (Huh?)

Pamela Anderson and somebody (Kid Rockhead?) are divorcing. Egad, how can I go on with life after that news?

The world has gone mad and those items are somehow considered news.

Thanks for those Hall of Fame rules, Mike. No word of a breathalyzer test prior to accepting the ballots.

Kid Rock?

Between him and Tommy Lee, Pam sure can pick them....not.

Guess she can seek future hubby advice from Britney Spears.

ALL RIGHT! SNOW!

Football as I love it.******** the Metrodome. I may be a Steelers fan (what a comedown from February) but Viking games were much more fun to watch in the 1970s...

Mike it is very hard to repeat in the NFL (unless you are the greatest team ever like the Patriots). Oops, sorry.

Pittsburgh has had a tough year. But it does not diminish for a moment what they accomplished last year.

Repeating in the NFL is what makes an NFL team a true dynasty.

Only one team has ever won 3 consecutive NFL titles...the Packers (last NFL title in the pre-SB era, then the first 2 SBs).

The poor Bills...four straight AFC titles, but all people remember are the SB losses. Kind of like the 1956-1963 Giants. One NFL title and 5 losses in the title game in that span.

One dynasty that is forgotten is the Browns, who won all four AAFC titles (1946-1949). They then entered the NFL and right off the bat won the 1950 NFL title (and lost the title game 1951-1953, then won it back to back in 1954 and 1955). So between the AAFC and the NFL, Otto Graham played in the title game in each of his 10 professional seasons as Browns QB.

Actually, maybe the best Steeler team ever was one that didn't win the SB. After winning SBs IX and X, the 1976 Steelers started off 1-4. What they did in their next 9 games still amazes me. They won all of them in order to finish 10-4 and make the playoffs. In those 9 games, they gave up only 28 points. Six of the wins were by shutout. They then beat the Colts in Baltimore 40-14 in the 1st playoff round but lost Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier in that game to injuries. Without either one available for the AFC title game they then lost to the Raiders, 24-7. The Raiders went on to win the SB that year over the Vikings. That Raider team lost only one game all season.

I feel sorry for Pittsburgh

Later...

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061127&content_id=1746510&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

I don't know what to make of this. Remember he didn't exactly want to go to the Red Sox?

Ugh, the Seahawks are about to finish off the Packers after they blew the lead. Painful. At least I can blame the incompetent referees. Wow this guy is a blathering idiot.

As for my HOF ballot, I would definitely not put McGwire in. People who dodge questions at congressional hearings about their behavior on illegal substances should not be given any benefit of the doubt. He is a cheater in my mind. I am also too young to remember Albert Belle at his best, but he did not impress me when I did see him. Jim Rice...no.

Paul, I also have a strange, strong dislike for Ripken. Perhaps it's the media worship, the fact that he broke Gehrig's record, and that he was a good-but-not-great player beyond the streak contribute to it. I have also heard that during the final years of the streak, managers did not bench him, even when they probably should have, to avoid getting killed by the media. Stupid.

Glad to see Moose is officially back, and even more glad that Boston's talks with Matsuzka are stalling. I hope some other team signs Zito quickly so the Red Sox can not go after him if they can't get Matsuzaka.

If no deal is struck with Matsuzaka, I will have a lot of newfound respect for Scott Boras.

As for the Manny rumors...I'll believe it when it happens, much like Carl Pavano pitching in a game for the Yankees. Doubt it will happen, but will be happy if Red Sox get ripped off in the potential deal.

Packers just lost. ****. At least Shaun Alexander is on my fantasy team...see how much confidence I have in my Packers? lol...off to bed now.

It is frigid, very windy, and snowing in Duluth. Happy winter.

I'll be 45 next month. I saw Rice's whole career....a career spent in a time when 32 HR could lead the league and did (Graig Nettles, 1976).

From 1975-1986, Rice was one of the most feared hitters in the league and in baseball. Unfortunately for him, his career went downhill after the age of 33.

An interesting comparison. Rice had six top-5 MVP finishes in those 12 years, 1975-1986, and he won in 1978 (even though I still would go with Guidry). Had Rice not gotten injured late in the 1975 season and missed all of the postseason, the "curse" may have been lifted that year.

McGwire had three top 5 MVP finishes in his career.

It's hard sometimes to compare eras...esp. ones in which players hit 40 hr and led the league to ones where steroid-users hit in the 60s. Watch ESPN classics sometimes where they have an old Classic game on from the 1970s or 1980s. Don't those players look skinny? Even Reggie looks thin compared to some of the sluggers of the past few years.

You can compare a little across eras if you take into account some of the differences between the eras. But you also should compare a person to his peers. By being in the top-5 of MVP voting SIX times in 12 years, Rice clearly was dominant in his peer group and should be getting much more consideration regarding Cooperstown.

Yanks supposedly made a bid on Igawa...as did the Mets.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/story/475158p-399700c.html

For what it's worth...

a recent poll of about 20% of the writers with HOF votes show that only 25% plan on voting for McGwire.

To paraphrase what one writer said, "He doesn't want to talk about his past? Then I don't want to consider his past."

Four out of 5 dentists recommend against voting for McGwire.

The most difficult name to leave off the ballot I submitted yesterday, as posted above, was Paul O'Neill.

Does he have Hall of Fame stats? Maybe not.

Is there anyone who better embodies all that is good about baseball than Paul O'Neill? Hard to think of one.

He had a competitive fire that drove the Yankees. He was a special player and will always have a part in Yankees lore.

Agreed, Paul. O'Neill reminds me of old Reliable, Tommy Henrich. Stats not HOF material, but both are definitely winners.

Looking at today's news stories on the Yanks, there is minimal interest in Lilly, Schmidt and Meche. None in Zito. As for Igawa, I don't know what the posting fee would be (estimates are in the $10-12 mil range) but salary-wise, he'd be a cheaper #5 starter than say a Meche would be. $8 mil/yr for Wolf (coming off TJ surgery)--and who only once has won more than 11 in a season is ridiculous. The Eaton money was also silly. I would have to ask if Igawa equals, say, Ishii.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Brian stay young and cheap. Some of these youngsters could be getting more of a look and more responsibility than usual. That's not to say they will be rushed, but I don't think there will be any qualms in bringing any of them up mid-season.

A few stories out there are that the Yanks will be talking to Zaun today, and also with Aurilia going to the Giants that the Yanks may possibly have interest in Eduardo Perez. As for Bernie, who knows? There doesn't seem to be a fit for him.

Jim Baumbach of Newsday reports Zaun is returning to Toronto. The Blue Jays deal with Barajas fell apart before he was signed so they went back to Zaun.

Thanks, Paul. I don't get Newsday. I did see the Daily News and Post (as well as my hometown rag). Seeing the deal with Barajas fell apart, it then would make sense for Toronto to go back to Zaun...not to mention Benjie.

Thanks, Paul. I don't get Newsday. I did see the Daily News and Post (as well as my hometown rag). Seeing the deal with Barajas fell apart, it then would make sense for Toronto to go back to Zaun...not to mention Benjie.

Of course, that opens Barajas up for other teams, like our own.

Darn proxy errors.

Check out the latest on the Rumor Mill.

http://rumormill.mlblogs.com/

It's official. Zaun went back to the Jays.

Red Sox presented their offer to Matsuzaka, let's see if he and Boras accept it.

Ken Rosenthal reports:

The Jays had a two-year, $5.25 million deal in place with free-agent catcher Rod Barajas, but the talks collapsed after Barajas changed agents and declined to fly to Toronto for a physical, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

___________________

Why would a guy refuse to get a physical? That is strange.

As Olivia Newton-John said, "Let's get physical!"

More rumors...from ESPN:

O's to beef up pen even more by going after Williamson and Bradford.

A's have interest in Piazza for the role vacated by Frank Thomas.

An article wrote by Ian Browne for MLB.com, referring to the rumors that are sending Manny to the Dodgers:
A move to LA would also reunite Ramirez with Nomar Garciaparra and Derek Lowe, two players he won the World Series with in 2004. The Sox are said to be interested in Dodgers first baseman James Loney. In fact, the Dodgers are deep in highly regarded prospects, which could put them in good position to land Ramirez.

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ian, Nomar was NOT a part of that team which, after 86 years, could win a WS. He was playing for the Cubs.

There is no doubt that our great friend, Mike, would be a terrific addition to MLB.com. I'm sure he'd make the job much better.

Paul:
How I would like to hear Olivia Newton-John telling me "Jorge, let's get physical". I'll never forget the video of that song