All about Andy

Brian Cashman is a genious. Plain and simple.

Today was a good day. I'm stoked we didnt end up with Lily or Meche.

Great writing, Karl. Hopefully they will revisit salad bars in your school all the while protecting the salads from terrorists.

Salad terrorists are the worst kind and we must be ever vigilant.

Welcome back, Brian, ikf it really is you. We still think you may have been kidnapped by aliens when you went to the ball game in Atlanta.

its amazing how little it takes to make some people happy

i wouldnt worry about his post season record, mark, he probably won't be called on to pitch more than one game a year, in the alds, if that. with a 14-13 record last year, he can be your team's .500 pitcher like tim wakefield is for boston. i wouldnt expect more than that because mussina is good for 4-5 over .500. rj has a long shot at stayig up with another .500. pavona won't last past spring training unless he hurts himself sleepwalking earlier. that leaves wang to make up the difference. how long has it een since someone won 3o-plus games? that kid's good, though.

Mark and all true Yankees fans,

I am so very pleased to have Andy back in pin stripes. It is going to be a very endearing moment when Andy starts his first game at Yankee Stadium in 2007...chills baby! But anyway i will never forget how crushed I was at the end of the 2003 season when Pettitte was put to the side by Georgie and then pitched up by the Astros. Especially after such an amazing ALCS against the RS. Over the last 3 seasons, just think of what a huge impact Andy would have made. I truly believe the Yankees would have won 1 if not 2 WS rings or atleast got to the WS all three years. Kevin Brown, Javier, Randy, Pavano, Wright,ETC.. have not been able to get the job done. And its great to have a another season with Andy on your Yankees, because he should have never left and I welcome him back!

Thanks for the welcome back Paul, Jtorres (Jorge is it?) and others. I didn't get kidnapped, some stuff came up for a while which kept me away from the computer and i never got back into my online groove. I'm still not online as often as i used to be so don't expect me to post the way i did in the beginning of last season but i'll be around.

Eitherway, good points swolansky (in the last post) about the Nick Johnson idea. You're right about it being a lot easier to come up with a 1st basemen of course, and now that i think of it the Yankees still have Eric Duncan down on the farm training at 1B. So i think the Yanks will be well suited to give Andy Phillips another shot, and if he doesn't get it together then i suppose they can try Eric Duncan.

I would not go after any other first baseman than Andy Phillips, unless Mark Teixeira became available. He will be a free agent after the 2007 season anyhow.

mark, you are always forthright about these things. so how did mlb reporter alyson footer beat you, the nyy beat reporter, out on getting the scoop and writing the breaking story on andy pettitte's signing with the yankees today? shouldnt you have been offered first dibs on that story? or isnt that the way it works? also is she a girl? not that there's anything wrong with that. better luck next time. or does luck have anyting to do with it? thanks for responding.

Regarding Nick Johnson...he had a terrible injury at the end of last year (broken leg) and we don't know how he is recovering from that or how ready he will be at the start of 2007.

BTW, what are the Royals thinking? $55 mil for 5 years of Meche and $5 mil for a year of Dotel?

For a $50,000 rule 5 pick...Josh Phelps could turn out to be a steal.

excuse me, i have to run, but arent you a sort of statistician? so i was just wandering before i go, how many baseballs did they use last year. i mean like in the majors.

Paul: I went to the link you offered up last night. GREAT information there!! thanks, Ellen

where do old baseballs go?

hi ellen and dont be mad at me because trot aint never never never comin back. i liked him to but i didn't do it.

and what is that "other thing" that is "like opinions" that you keep mentioning? is it something you can say here?

I am having a pettitte party!!!!!!!

Thank you, Paul and Angel, for your kind words about my article. Here is the link again for anyone who did not see it:

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=30261§ion=Opinion

Yes, the guy did actually say salad bars are homeland security threats. So be careful, everyone, next time you eat at one in case it's been poisoned by Al-Qaeda's Salad Faction. Crazy. Fortunately, on Thursday we had a brief meeting with some other, more sane people from the food services in the district who seemed willing to work out some sort of experimental compromise. We'll see how that goes.

Tomorrow I have a holiday concert, with rehearsals from 8:30 till 3-something and the concert at 7. It will be pretty awful, so I suppose I should get some sleep-with happy dreams of Andy Pettitte on the mound in pinstripes next year. I'm wondering if he should start the home opener, though I completely understand starting Wang. It'll be interesting. I'll try to check in at some point tomorrow, most likely at a very late hour.

I'm there!

We're all happy about having Andy back home. But there is another reason to be happy with this great notice. Now we have six starters (assuming Igawa will sign soon). So that means an extra power for our bullpen, because Scott Proctor will be there. We won't need Scottie to become a starter. He can remain in the pen, which is another great notice.
No doubt about it. We've got the best GM in all MLB. All my respects to Mr. Brian Cashman.

I was having a bad day and that just brightened up my day!! Thanks soo much Brian Cashman, you are the best GM ever!!!!!

I'm hearing Doug Mientkiewicz as a possible option at first base...I'm not totally opposed to that, he's probably one of the best fielding first baseman out there, although Phillips is an excellent fielder as well.

Yikes, Doug M. is
1. impossible to spell

2. the worst hitter since Helen Keller

3. a complete jerk, as with the Red Sox ball issue

No, no, no to him.

Haha about your first point Paul, I actually spelled it without looking and was only 1 letter off. You're right though I don't know if his defense is that much better than Phillips' to override Phillips' superiority with the bat.

Alex, I looked up his hitting.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/mientdo01.shtml

No question he is a good fielder but his hitting makes Andy look like Babe Ruth.

Transactions
June 1, 1995: Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 5th round of the 1995 amateur draft. Player signed July 8, 1995.

July 31, 2004: Traded as part of a 4-team trade by the Minnesota Twins to the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox sent Nomar Garciaparra and Matt Murton to the Chicago Cubs. The Montreal Expos sent Orlando Cabrera to the Boston Red Sox. The Chicago Cubs sent Brendan Harris, Alex Gonzalez, and Francis Beltran to the Montreal Expos. The Chicago Cubs sent Justin Jones (minors) to the Minnesota Twins.

January 27, 2005: Traded by the Boston Red Sox with cash to the New York Mets for Ian Bladergroen (minors).

November 1, 2005: Granted Free Agency.

December 16, 2005: Signed as a Free Agent with the Kansas City Royals.

_______________

Ironic that the trade with Boston involved one of their future and now past Red Sox SS.

I wonder who will follow Lugo?

Am I the only person who does NOT want Clemens back?

Probably, Jenmatt.

Nope. I don't want Clemens back either.

I posted this somewhere...but I don't think here.

Anyone else think that Eric Gagne and the "Schwab" were separated at birth.

Besides interest in the "Eye Chart", the Yanks are looking at Dustin Hermanson. I'm not sold on that.

Hiya, Matt, how is the little guy?

I am ambivalent about Clemens. I would only take him back if they could move Johnson and Pavano.

The real goal this year is to bridge to the youngsters coming up and maybe give a few of them a larger chance than last September, specifically with Karstens and Rasner.

Besides the fact that Clemens is 44 and would be goin from the NL to the AL, why don't you want him Mike?

No idea what the Schwab is, Mike.

Dustin Hermanson? I thought he was injured.

I googled the Schwab and found Howie Schwab, of an ESPN game show. That is possibly the reference. But then I do not watch ESPN any more.

That's who I meant. Howie Schwab. He looks like Gagne's brother.

You just hit the nail on the head why I don't want Clemens, Alex....that and the preferential treatment...1/2 of a year, don't travel with the club if he isn't being used, etc.

Truth is, if he is doing the half a year deal and the Yanks really need another starter come July for whatever reason, I'd rather just call up Hughes.

Hermanson missed most of last year with back problems, hence my comment that I'm not sold on him. He had a good 2005 before the Chisox went to Jenks.

Yeah...to me Gagne and the Schwab are "separated at birth". Schwab's memory for sports trivia is amazing.

One player I would like to see the Yanks look at is free agent Todd Greene. He'll be 36, but I'd rather have him back (was with Yanks in 2001)as a backup catcher than use Nieves or Chavez. Greene went .289-2-17 for SF this year.

...and I don't want to pay $11 mil to Clemens for just 1/2 a year.

Dustin Hermanson? Not at all. He's not the type of pitcher we need. And I'm sure that Brian Cashman knows that muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch better than us.
He was a starter, at the beginning of his career, mostly with Padres and Expos. Mediocre stats. Then, he became a reliever. Just one good year, 2005, when he was 2-4, 2.04 ERA and 34 saves. Surely he was injured last year, since he pitched just 6.2 innings. Righty. 34. Not what we need.

Proctor, Myers, Farnsworth, Karstens, Rasner, Mariano. Where does Hermanson fit?

Ooops, I forgot two of the BAMF's: Britton and Bruney

Any news about Igawa's deal?
And deadline is coming fast for the Red Flops trying to have an agreement with Matsuzaka

How much $$ do the Cubs have? Am-Ram, Sori, DeRosa, Lilly and now Jason Marquis.

With Marquis, we now know what a 6.02 ERA can get you. Sheesh.

Remember what I wrote yesterday, Jorge. The 14th is the deadline for Matsuzaka to be (pardon me, Stevie Wonder) Signed, Sealed and Delivered. Meaning all i's dotted, t-s crossed, physical etc. So the $$ issue really may have a Dec. 12th deadline---three days away.

Yanks have until the 28th (My b/day) to finalize all with Igawa.

Mike you just asked an interesting question, "How much $$ do the Cubs have?"

The fact is that ALL the teams could spend like the Cubs and the Red Sox if they choose to. This was a record year for Major League Baseball. With attendance, concessions, merchandise, television and radio rights and licensing the teams are ALL flush with cash.

There are some (Loria, Pohland, among others) owners who pocket that money and some (Steinbrenner) who consistently invest it in the team. However, all have the power. Only a few choose to use it.

Hye Paul, he is doing great, but he is FAR from little, lol. Gonna be a big boy. Thanks for asking though. Wish I could chat in here more, I miss it, but am kept pretty busy.

and as far as my feelings on Clemens, we just got rid of one HUGE ego is Sheff, no need to bring another one on, who will only be here part of the season for buttloads of money. I use to love Roger, and stuck up for him all the time, but when he did that whole I am retiring bit, then turn around and resign, that did it for me. He never had any intentions of retiring, he is just addicted to the media hype. If someone retires for a year or 2 and then realizes they just cant stay gone, thats one thing, thats love for the game. Like what Junior Seau did in San diego, retires, then signs with the patriots like 7 minutes later, thats just ignorant.

We're all happy about having Andy back home. But there is another reason to be happy with this great notice. Now we have six starters (assuming Igawa will sign soon). So that means an extra power for our bullpen, because Scott Proctor will be there. We won't need Scottie to become a starter. He can remain in the pen, which is another great notice.

No doubt about it. We've got the best GM in all MLB. All my respects to Mr. Brian Cashman.

Posted by: jtorresmesias@hotmail.com | December 9, 2006 01:32 AM

Jorge, well said.

I am sooooooooooo stoked about getting Pettitte. We get a proven starter who has performed well in NY in the past, didn't take on long term committment, and added depth to our rotation. Cashman is absolutely showing why he is a great GM right now. There is NOTHING out there to warrant spending tons of money, and if Pettitte doesn't do well, he's gone in a year anyway. (Pettitte WILL do well, though. Plus, anybody to make Pavano less likely to make the rotation is an upgrade.)

See what happens when you are too busy to check the Yankee news for a couple of days? You miss out on things. I guess I'm gonna have to become a video-every-day-type of teacher so I can have more time! hehe

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=171207

The Innocent Empire!

Wow, and did anybody read the articel in the SF chronicle that a rod for bonds would be the perfect trade? Bonds would put up "gaudy numbers" in yankee stadium and A rod would "flourish and be the celebrity the giants need".

Yeah that's perfect if we weren't trading a third baseman 12 years younger with better numbers at this stage of his career for an AL DH with a history of steroids slowly breaking down and in his mid 40's. Wonderful journalism.

Vince, with that report, it sounds like Haight Ashbury's drug trade is thriving.

Back later, I gotta take it easy today. My ribs are killing me.

Doc says 6-8 weeks for it to heal. Of course the colder it is outside, the more they ache.

About Matsuzaka: He'll be signed. Boras is just holding out s long as possible for the best possible deal. If he doesn't sign he goes back to Japan for a lot less money, to a team that doesn't really want him. Boras won't let that happen.

About Clemens: I'd love to have him back, too. He's still a great pitcher, he's a leader in the clubhouse, and sets a great example for younger pitchers. I doubt the Yankees would allow the "not travelling with the club" perk, at least they wouldn't last year, so that wouldn't be a problem. And I don't think the retirement thing was a ploy, I think he really expected to retire but was persuaded not to by Pettitte and the advantage of playing at home. Also the chance to play with his son.

Imagine how peeved Randy Johnson would be if we got Clemens back! Remember the stories of the rivalry between he and Schilling in Arizona? Clemens would be twice as bad! Maybe it would be enough to convince Johnson to accept a trade.

Andy, It is possible that Matsuzaka won't be signed. He wouldn't make as much money this year but if he has another monster year in Japan, Boras can significantly up the price on him next year when he's a free agent. Only time will tell.

Proposed Red Sox penalty for tampering with Drew and subverting the bid system with Jampanese baseball:

1. Daisuke Matsuzaka is considered a free agent and all teams except the Red Sox may bid for his services December 15-January 14, 2007.

2. JD Drew is considered an unrestricted free agent and all teams except the Red Sox may bid for his services December 15-January 14, 2007.

3. Red Sox forfeit 1 first round draft choice to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

4. Red Sox must pay the posting fee of $51.111 million to the Seibu Lions on or before January 15, 2007.

5. Larry Lucchino is prohibited from acting for or on the behalf of the Boston Red Sox, its affiliates or assigns, nor any other concern of Major League Baseball, from the present to January 15, 2008.

6. Any further prohibited acts by the Red Sox will require that the present ownership relinquish rights to the team in an immediate sale during a 2 year probationary period ending January 14, 2009.

I should be the next Commissioner of Baseball. I would exact those penalties above.

Alex, if Matsuzaka has to go back to Japan this year, he and his team will both lose tremendous face. He would probably fire Boras to deflect as much of the Japanese critism as possible. There is a report that the Lions have even threatened to send him to the minors as punishment if he doesn't sign with the Sox.

Paul, please don't mess with the Sox' front office. I think they're doing a fine job for us. And I think forcing them to keep Drew is better than taking him away.

Yeah that's a good point Andy, I'd still be pretty amused if they can't sign him though.

This Pettitte thing sure seems like 2003 in reverse.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16126100/from/RS.1/

Ha, ha, good point, Andy, about Drew.

This is the Red Sox slogan for 2007:

Nancy Drew and Lugo too!™

So as i'm walking to the communications building my back just completely tightened and I can't sit up. Umm, does anybody know what just happened? This pain is excruciating

nvm i just hobbled to the nurse...I have back spasms....stupid connecticut weather.

Vince, so many possibilities, such as pinched nerve, pulled muscle.

Most schools have an infirmary. I would call or visit them.

Ouch. I once had them when I was at the Stadium for a game.

Yeah I just went, she didn't know how it happened but said sometimes stress and cold weather, along with slouching for long periods of time can send your back into spasms

That was quick.

haha well I actually went like a half hour ago. She told me to lie down with ice compressors but I have papers to write so i'm on painkillers instead.

Mike, that is not actually the worst place to get them because you're supposed to have your back on a hard sufrace and not slouch...the seats are almost designed for spasms haha. I'm sure being so far away from home was a pain though...no pun intended.

I was a little at ease when some kid I know's mom came in and told the nurse he was having emergency surgery because he was hit last night and broke his jaw in two places and dislocated another part of it....6 weeks with a wired jaw. Rough break.

Especially during finals week.

Vince, when you lie down try also putting a soft pillow on your chest/torso and resting your arms on it. That can help relax the muscles in your back. But the best remedy is a good massage therapist.

I've had various back pains over the years. No surgery, but no fun, either.

Hey. A few comments i wanted to make.

1. I think it will be especially hilarious if after committing nearly $300 million to new (mostly mediocre) players and a new manager, the Chicago Cubs finish in 3rd place or worse in their division. I wouldn't want Lou to go through that, but still i just think that would be pretty amusing.

2. I think it would be even more amusing if the Red Sox failed to beat even the Blue Jays for the second consecutive season.

3. "About Matsuzaka: He'll be signed. Boras is just holding out s long as possible for the best possible deal. If he doesn't sign he goes back to Japan for a lot less money, to a team that doesn't really want him. Boras won't let that happen."

Posted by: ataustin@aol.com | December 9, 2006 02:37 PM

That comment i found a little amusing too. It's Scott Boras. He cares about himself not his clients. It is a very real possibility that they don't make a deal with the Red Sox, because there are no rules regulating business that Boras can do individually with the Seibu Lions. I'm not saying i think this will happen, but if Boras is unhappy with the Red Sox offer, he can personally buy Matsuzaka from Seibu himself and make him a free agent to go anywhere. I know it seems unlikely, but think about it, Seibu would do it. Because if the Red Sox don't make a good enough offer, then Seibu doesn't got the bid at all, not a penny of that 51 mil, then they also won't see a penny when Matsuzaka is a no-strings free agent next year. That would mean it would be a lot better for Seibu to take a personal bid from Scott Boras to get at least something for him rather than lose him and get nothing in return.

Again, i'm not saying i think that will happen, i just said that because i thought the Scott Boras comment was funny about how he wouldn't let that happen to his players...if there were any agent to do what i just explained, it would be Scott Boras.

Oh another important point i meant to add to that, the reasoning Boras would do that, is because of the extreme amount of the bid the Red Sox made, the contract they offer him will probably reflect that, as in it won't be nearly as high as it could be. So if Boras were to gain personal rights to Matsuzaka and make him a free agent, he could find a much, much larger contract.

But really i just said that all for the sake of speculation and an interesting possibility, i personally feel that Boras will get a fairly lucrative, 3 or 4 year deal for Matsuzaka in Boston this week, making him a free agent in a few years to get the big money then. That scenario is a lot more practical.

I should be the next Commissioner of Baseball. I would exact those penalties above.
Posted by: paul1040@aol.com | December 9, 2006 02:53 PM

Paul, you'd be a much better Commish than Selig or Larry Lucchino. Yes that's right I said Larry Lucchino--I read that he is actually being considered for the job when Selig retires in 2009. Scary huh? Do you think he would actually get it? How would that be anything but completely unfair to us in any way shape or form? How could someone who was quoted as saying "the evil Empire's tentacles extend into Latin America" actually be considered to be the Commish of ALL MLB teams?

BTW, off-topic but does anyone ever take those lame Quiz Farm quizzes about "which Yankee are you most like?" I just found a Yankee Legends one and scored as Yogi Berra, woohoo! Looking for one featuring the 06 Yanks though...

Thank you Andy, I will keep that in mind

Brian, I didn't suggest that Boras would sign out of concern for Matsuzaka. See my next comment of 03:02 PM. If Boras does not get a deal done with the Sox, Matsuzaka will, in all likelyhood fire him and he'll get nothing.

As far as Boras buying Matsuzaka from the Lions:

1) See previous paragraph;

2) Even if he did, Matsuzaka couldn't play in the majors this year. He'd have to play someplace else or sit out till next year. MLB rules prohibit Matsuzaka from playing with any team but the Red Sox next year unless the commissioner's office determined the Red Sox didn't negotiate in good faith.

I don't know how much English Igawa knows, but between Randy, Andy and Gator, he has some very good tutors.

...for pitching that is...not for learning the language...lol

Hey all, can I trouble any of you football fans for some fantasy advice?

Who would you pick between Kevin Jones and Cadillac Williams as your second RB? Most of the sites that rank players have Jones above Williams and I think Jones is generally better, but he has to go up against a tougher D (Minnesota) than Williams does (Atlanta.) Not sure whether to make this decision based on who is better ranked or who faces a weaker D.

Thanks in advance...this is my playoff game so want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row.

Oh and Mike...if Igawa needs any help learning the language I'm sure Mussina could give him a few pointers. I mean, is there anything Moose DOESN'T know? :D

Gina, the Ducks are a hockey team.

Tough call, Gina. Vikings are a pretty lousy team and Detroit almost upset the Patriots last week.

But then I think Atlanta as a team is totally demoralized and Vick has lost the team. But then Tampa has not won a division game yet.

Were it me I would pick Kevin Jones. But then I saw how he did last week.

I also don't do fantasy football and don't really know that much about other NFL teams. I am also usually wrong in my predictions.

Why did I even answer?

Gina, Kevin jones in a heartbeat. I had williams most of the season and dropped him. He is almost useless as a fantasy player, a really down year. He barely ever breaks 100 yards rushing and NEVER gets touchdowns. I think he had one fantastic game this season and other than that is useless, tampa's offense is not even as good.

Thanks Vince. Ironically I have only used Williams once or twice all season..for some reason he is on my can't cut list? Jones was pretty much the MVP of my team for the first 8 weeks or so then he began to drop off. And Williams had a good week last week but that's been one of the only ones all season, so you're probably right.

Paul, LOL @ the Ducks joke. *rim shot here.* You're scaring me about Vick though, I'm starting him tomorrow! He can disappoint you anytime, but he is the no.1 ranked QB on all the sites for this week, so I can't resist!

Williams is on your no cut list because you picked him in the first few rounds. However many no cut players you have is the amount of rounds in the beginning you drafted the players. Basically what im trying to say is you picked him so early that you can't cut him.

Pettitte trivia: Andy is the only pitcher since 1930 to win 12 or more in each of his first 9 years in MLB.

Andy has pitched 12 years in the majors and has had a winning record in all 12 years. The only pitcher in MLB history to pitch in parts of 10 or more different seasons with a winning record in each season is...Surprise!

Babe Ruth.

Here is an interesting article on Suzyn Waldman:

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=157365

The article says she's not coming back next year?

Oh darn, that's not it at all. Oh well....

Interesting article, Mike. I think she has shown a lot of improvement as an announcer in her first 2 years and for the most part enjoy her commentary.

Great to see the Red Sox getting into more messes! Though I do kinda hope they keep Drew. If they don't I hope they get slapped with some really nasty penalties.

If Larry Lucchino is the next commish of baseball, I will...do something, and it won't be very good.

Had my school's holiday concert today, which was hectic despite being shortened to only 2 and a half hours this year. It ends with everyone in every choir, band, and orchestra (about 600 total) playing 'Do you hear what I hear'. Quite loud. Being a string bass player I have to stand for the entire thing, and am now very tired.

haha Karl if it makes you feel better I can't move without feeling intense pain.

hey gentlemen...whats up? pettite is a sweet dude. glad he is home tonight. i think he;kk bring it home nex year bros. yeahh!!!

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=171334&format=&page=1

Ha ha ha ha ha ha

LOL!! The S*x could not be making it anymore obvious that this was a blocking bid all along. Dumba**es. Don't they understand that they already set a precedent of DMat being worth a lot of $$ by bidding such an obscene amount...now they are trying to lowball him in contract negotiations? LOL! I *knew* they'd do this too. Despite all the sportswriters that assured us to the contrary. Oh well, hope they have fun never doing business in Asia again and losing out on all the revenue that market would bring. And their misstep can only up Yankee fandom in Japan too! :D

Interesting article on Suzyn Waldman also. As a fellow female who is interested in maybe writing about baseball one day I really respect what she's done for women in sports broadcasting. On the other hand though, it is always in the back of my mind that she's a S*x fan!

I'm not positive about this but remember an MLB article saying that if there was not a good faith attempt to sign Matsuzaka then the team with the second highest bid would gain exclusive negotioating rights. Does anyone else remember hearing about this? Also Is it true that the second highest bid was placed by the Mets

I never heard about that, MC, but yes I believe the 2nd highest bid was placed by the Mets.

Also, even if that is true, the term "good faith attempt" is very arbitrary...who decides what qualifies as a good faith attempt, ya know? And on what basis do they make the decision?

Minor deals, but besides signing C Raul Chavez for a possible backup, the Yanks also signed to minor league deals INF Angel Chavez (19 at bats for SF in 2005, 25 yr. old) and Ben Kozlowski, a 26 year old lefty who is 6' 6" 220 pounds who started 2 games for Texas in 2002.

The Mets were 2nd in the Matsuzaka sweepstakes with a bid of $38 million.

So what does everyone think.. if Boston doesn't sign Dmat in time, will that cause MLB to take a look at and revamp the posting process?

I feel like anytime boston cheats the system it will not be reviewed or altered because the other 29 teams in baseball will not raise a stink. Though maybe because they made a "yankee" move, this time will be different.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/478832p-402836c.html

I just find it interesting that he bashes teams for signing roid heads and then in the same article supports the signing of luis gonzalez, who hit 58 hrs the year he stole a world series, and then was never heard from again. Anybody remember his arms that year? I support the basis of the article, but stay consistant, even bonds never failed a drug test.

It is clear to me the way the Patriots are playing is a naked attempt to give me a bleeding ulcer.

Oops.

How is your back today, Vince?

Gina, I listed my proposed Red Sox penalties above, but after good counsel they may be allowed to keep Nancy Drew.

From what I remember reading MLB would consider it not a good faith attempt if it was seen as a blocking bid more than a serious trying to sign him bid. I found the article where I read this its below
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6158878

My god I was just reading a prosportsdaily forum. It is amazing how many dumb fans there are.

"the sox are brilliant because they will get their posting fee back to sign gagne and a setup man and they keep matsuzaka away from the yankees for three years"

It just blatant inaccuracy.

Paul my back is in a lot of pain. It is in constant pain today as opposed to mobile pain yesterday

baba o reilly might be my favorite song of all time.

Sorry to hear you are still hurting, Vince. Backpain is pretty awful.

Yeah, I'm used to stomach pains because I have acid reflux (now i'm medicated) but back pains are so much worse.

lol this is going to be an interesting show, I have spasms and greg has been sick all week.

What exactly is meant by back spasms? Is it just like you're back is locked up?

A second blatantly bad call against the Patriots. The officials are either blind or paid by Miami.

Giants are being robbed too.

Alex, basically my back is completely locked up and then every so often sharp pains enter my lower back.

Are they shooting pains?

No, more concentrated in a specific area....if i move side to side it especially hurts. I suppose if tomorrow it still hurts this much i'll set up a doctor appointment inbetween finals.

basically, my entire lower back hurts and if i move it hurts more intensely haha. It is a tightening bruising feeling I guess.

I found something else in that Madden article interesting. It seems that for all the $$ they spent last year on Glaus, Ryan, Burnett, etc., that now this winter the Jays have taken a step backwards.

Vince, regarding your post of 1:49---remember what P.T. Barnum said. "There's a ****** born every minute."

Mike I was thinking the same thing, I feel like the A's and Bluejays are probably the least improved teams so far this offseason. The redsox may get 2nd place by default.

From Peter Gammons:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=2692259

...and now a lot of places are all over the "Matsuzaka talks breaking down" story. It'll be an interesting week.

Can the Bosox Bungle this completely? If so, within a week we could get that as a Christmas gift to go with what we already have--the return of Pettitte.

lol oh yeah i forgot to add part of the blog on prosports also said "clement won his first 7 starts, and he will be back to add depth" First of all, wasn't the last word that clement will not pitch in 07? Second of all do they forget what happened after that? You revert to the last time somebody was healthy not the half season before that. It's like me saying had we signed sturtze back that he will solidify the bullpen because he had half a good season in 04.

Beckett needs a new attitude, schilling needs to maintain a body that has had issues here and there lately, papelbon needs to adjust to a starter, no small task, lester needs to be at full strength AND improve, wakefield needs to stop being torched by the yankees and make sure he won't get injured and tavarez was a flop last year and all sox fans remember is september as a spot starter, not the five or six games he single handedly lost in relief.

I'm sorry but if they don't sign matsuzaka, I am not terribly fearful of the staff they have to offer, and certainly not the bullpen. The offense might improve but I still don't think it is as solid as ours. Matsuzaka goes a lot further than people think, even if he only wins 15-18 like I think he would.

If they are THAT hopeful, maybe we can ****** them into taking Pavano...

hey, it's a thought.

Gotta go. Back later.