From the High to the Lowe

The Yankees name always came up whenever Derek Lowe was available. Whether it was when Lowe was a free agent or at the Major League trade deadline.

Though he's had some success - 174 career wins, 21 wins for the Red Sox in 2002 - I've never been enamored of him as a pitcher and was always glad when he or others decided he would not don the Pinstripes.

That all changed today, when Lowe, who was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians last week, signed on with the Yankees. Lowe had said he was willing to start or relieve for any team. The Yankees clearly signed Lowe as insurance after CC Sabathia was placed on the 15-day DL Saturday with a sore elbow.

Lowe was in his first season with the Indians after being traded by Atlanta this past off-season. He had signed a four year, $60MM deal with the Braves prior to the 2009 season, but was just 40-39 over the first three years of the deal and lost 17 games in 2011.  Cleveland released him after he had posted an 8-10, 5.52 record in 21 starts.

Lowe was part of one of the best deals the Boston Red Sox ever made when they acquired him and catcher Jason Varitek for reliever Heathcliff Slocumb at the 1997 trade deadline. He was 70-55, 3.72 in eight seasons in Boston, and was a member of the 2004 World Series winners.

He then moved on to the LA Dodgers as a free agent and was part of a high profile divorce when it was learned he was having an affair with Fox Sports' Carolyn Hughes, who was covering the team at the time. The two later married.

J.P. Morgan Gongs Phil Hughes

The Gong Show was classic 1970's television. Made on the cheap (it would be perfect for today's watered down television). It featured 'B' list celebrities like Jaye P. Morgan and Jamie Farr who would judge talented, semi-talented, or more likely, really bad acts. When the judges couldn't take it any more they would grab the big gong stick ('cause I don't know what you actually call the drumstick with the big marshmallow looking thing on the end) and slam the gong, crushing the hopes of the performer. (My wife and I still refer to anyone named Gene/Jean as "Gene, Gene, The Dancing Machine") Last night the gong would have been heard loud and clear when Phil Hughes put the Yankees in a 4-1 hole and then couldn't hold a 5-4 lead. The only missing was the over sized cane to yank him off the mound. The Red Sox went on to a 9-5 win to even the three game series with A.J. Burnett facing Jon Lester in the rubber game tonight.

Hughes had a chance to step up and grab the #5 spot in the rotation, but after getting slammed by Oakland last week, he wasn't much better in Fenway Park. The California native started the game with mid-90's velocity, but his speed began to peter out as his location faltered. Derek Jeter had given the Yankees 1-0 lead in the 3rd with an RBI single off Red Sox starter and winner Josh Beckett, but Boston took the lead in their half of the inning. Dustin Pedroia followed a single by Marco Scutaro and a double by Jacoby Ellsbury with an RBI ground out to tie the game. Hughes retired Adrian Gonzalez, but Joe Girardi's decision to intentionally walk David Ortiz backfired when Jed Lowrie singled in the go ahead run.

The Red Sox extended their lead to 4-1 in the 5th when David Ortiz crushed a pitch to the deepest part of the park in center field with a man aboard. One wonders what Francisco Cervelli was thinking as he watched Ortiz stand at home plate for 10 minutes, then raise both arms to the sky as he stood on home plate after circling the bases. With Beckett on the mound the Yankees could have been, but they got off the mat and actually took a short lived lead.

Beckett hit Mark Teixeira to start the 6th and then threw a wild pitch to move him into scoring position. Robinson Cano delivered an RBI double to halve the Red Sox lead and Nick Swisher worked a good at-bat to draw a walk. Eric Chavez ripped a fastball into the right field corner that skipped past Josh Reddick and tied the game. It was ruled a 2-run double with an error added in to allow Chavez to reach third. Eduardo Nunez's fly to center brought home Chavez and just like that the Yankees had their first lead of the night.

But after retiring Carl Crawford to start the bottom of the 6th Hughes walked Josh Reddick. Girardi should have pulled his starter right there, but Jaosn Varitek made him pay when he reached out and cued a ball down the third base line. Instead of hopping into the stands or ricocheting off the side wall, the ball took a weird hop off the wall and got by Brett Gardner for a game tying double. Hughes stayed in to get Scutaro for the second out before Girardi went to LOOGY Boone Logan to face Ellsbury. Logan had struck out two batters with the bases loaded to help win Tuesday's game, but this time out he grooved one to the Red Sox centerfielder who turned on it for his 24th home run of the season and a 7-5 Red Sox lead. Jason Varitek then put the game away in the 8th when he smacked a 2-run home run off of Luis Ayala.

NOTES

Derek Jeter had two more hits last night and finished August with a .387/.435/.472 split and 13 RBI in 25 games. He also had a league high 41 hits for the month.

No matter how A.J. Burnett does this evening, he probably has the #5 spot in the rotation locked up. Hughes has shown he can be good in short spurts and that would be better for his dipping velocity as the game goes on. Burnett, meanwhile, may be nothing more than an innings eater, but he's not suited to the pen. Neither pitcher figures to even be part of the post-season plans, though Hughes could be in the pen.

Robinson Cano finished August with a 1.014 OPS, 7 HR, and 29 RBI. His month also included a 16 game hitting streak.

Yankees Draw 1st Blood

Yesterday I pontificated that I thought it was important for the Yankees to make a statement in their final regular season series with the Boston Red Sox. Last night's 9-5 Yankees' win did just that.

It was a satisfying win on many levels. A huge offensive game for Alex Rodriguez. A battering, literally and figuratively of top notch Red Sox starter Jon Lester. 7 stolen bases against catcher Jason Varitek and the Sox pitching staff. And most importantly, an effective start by Joba Chamberlain.

The man for whom the rules were written, went six innings for the first time in a month and a half. He allowed three runs and looked like the aggressive, hard throwing Joba that the Yankees will need in the post-season. He threw 86 pitches and was one out away from allowing just one run, when David Ortiz hit a 2-run home run off of him in the top of the 6th.

But Chamberlain also worked himself out of jams. It was something he hadn't been able to do of late. The Red Sox had 2nd and 3rd with just no out in the 5th inning, but Chamberlain retired Varitek on a foul out, struck out Alex Gonzalez, and got Jacoby Ellsbury to ground out to Mark Teixeira to retire the side.

Chamberlain's teammates were aggressive at the plate, as well as the basepaths, in giving him an early lead to work with. Derek Jeter singled to start the 1st inning, stole 2nd, and scored on Rodriguez' single. With a man aboard in the 4th, A-Rod hit a long home run into the second deck in left field for a 3-0 lead.

The Yankees then loaded the bases on Lester before Melky Cabrera hit a line drive off the pitcher's right leg. Lester went down in a heap and left the game with a bruised quad. The Yankees continued to pile on the runs and Joe Girardi mixed and matched the bullpen as the Yankees earned their 98th win.

It was a tremendous game for Rodriguez, who finished 3-3 with two walks, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases. Remarkably, despite missing a chunk of time at the beginning of the season, A-Rod is just seven RBI shy of 100. The home run was his 581st, two shy of Mark McGwire for 8th place on the all-time list.

Varitek Remains in Beantown and other TGIF Hot Stove News

Jon Heyman is reporting that Jason Varitek has agreed to a new 2 year deal to remain with the Red Sox. The team captain had hoped to get a deal similar to the one Jorge Posada signed prior to the 2008 season, but Varitek's offense scraping the bottom of the barrel this past season.

The deal is worth $5 million for this year, with an option for 2010 in which Boston can accept at $5 million or Varitek can at $3 million. The contract also includes $2 million in performance bonuses for the 2010 season.

The Orioles and Cubs seem to constantly be talking trade, usually concerning Brian Roberts. They did swing the ho-hum Felix Pie-Garrett Olson deal, and now are talking about a deal involving Cubs left-hander Rich Hill.

The Mariners have signed veteran DH Mike Sweeney to a minor league deal. The one time sweet hitter is perennially injured and has averaged only 58 games a year over the last 3 seasons. The Mariners have also reportedly been talking to Bobby Abreu.

The Rangers will be without the services of Joaquin Benoit for at least half of the 2009 season after the reliever underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff.

Catch me if you Can

Steve Goldman of YES' Pinstriped Bible thinks the Yankees need to come to Spring Training better prepared in the catching department. We couldn't agree more. It's already been stated that Jorge Posada won't be ready for the first Spring game. Goldman points out that the only Yankees catcher with experience, other than Jose Molina, is Kevin Cash, who doesn't carry much of a stick. As last year proved, you can never have enough bats, and without knowing how healthy Posada will be, (and how effective) it's even more important.

Goldman mentions Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks, who are looking for a big return on their 25-yr old property. We like Texas' Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who has been mentioned in trade rumors a lot, but he has yet to prove he can hit big league pitching, and the position may not be his future.

The remaining free agents are, for the most part, 36 years of age or older. Greg Zaun can still, but can't throw out anyone. We saw how little Ivan Rodriguez has in the tank. Paul LoDuca? No thanks, Barnum & Bailey should be the only circus in town. Jason Varitek can't hit any more or he'd already be back with Boston (not like he would ever sign here anyway).

Yeah, that's what we thought. Kevin Cash will be Molina's back up.

Vegas Update - Day 4 - 11:30 AM EST

Jason Varitek may just be a Boston Red Sox again after all. The Boston Herald is reporting that Varitek's agent Scott Boras has had in depth discussions with Boston regarding a 2-year deal. Money will be the biggest issue here as Varitek, looking for Jorge Posada like money, is coming off a horrid offensive season.

With Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz no longer available, the Cardinals are making closer Brian Fuentes their top priority.

Ramon Vazquez has been holding out for a 2 year deal and it looks like he'll get his wish. The downside is that it means playing for the Pirates.

The Diamondbacks have inked infielder Felipe Lopez to a one year deal.

The Dodgers have reportedly made a 2 year offer to retain the services of Rafael Furcal.

The Royals agreed to a 2 year, $9.5 million deal with former Yankee, Kyle Farnsworth.

Vegas Update - Day 4 - 11:30 AM EST

Jason Varitek may just be a Boston Red Sox again after all. The Boston Herald is reporting that Varitek's agent Scott Boras has had in depth discussions with Boston regarding a 2-year deal. Money will be the biggest issue here as Varitek, looking for Jorge Posada like money, is coming off a horrid offensive season.

With Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz no longer available, the Cardinals are making closer Brian Fuentes their top priority.

Ramon Vazquez has been holding out for a 2 year deal and it looks like he'll get his wish. The downside is that it means playing for the Pirates.

The Diamondbacks have inked infielder Felipe Lopez to a one year deal.

The Dodgers have reportedly made a 2 year offer to retain the services of Rafael Furcal.

The Royals agreed to a 2 year, $9.5 million deal with former Yankee, Kyle Farnsworth.

Monday Hot Stove

When the A's traded for Matt Holliday it raised more than a few eyebrows. Now we're really wondering what Billy Beane is up to. He's reportedly offered free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, a 4-year, $48 million deal. Furcal told "El Caribe" that he received an offer to play second base for the Mets and will be mulling that over as well.

WEEI in Boston reports that the Red Sox have offered their long time catcher Jason Varitek a 1-year deal. Varitek's agent Scott Boras wants Jorge Posada type money, but Varitek was nothing less than awful at the plate in his walk year.

The NY Times reported last week that Japanese baseball officials are upset at the pursuit of 22-yr old amateur pitcher, Junichi Tazawa. Japanese pros have to play 9 seasons before having the opportunity to pitch abroad. Some MLB teams and Tazawa are trying to skirt the system. That includes Boston, which has reportedly made an offer to Tazawa.

According to MLB.com, rumors have resurfaced of a Mark Teahen to the Cubs trade. The Royals are reportedly interested in second baseman Mike Fontenot and pitcher Sean Marshall.

The East Valley Tribune reports that the Diamondbacks have made a 1-year offer to free agent infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez hit .290 with 40 RBI in 300 at-bats for the Rangers this season, taking advantage of injuries to Hank Blalock and others.

Despite rumors the contrary, the Randy Youngman of the Orange County Register does not believe that Mark Teixeira will return to the Angels next season. Teixeira told ESPN's Erin Andrews he wants a new deal, wherever it is, by Christmas. Youngman's thoughts are based on a gut feeling. Probably just gas.

Derek Lowe is reportedly seeking a 5-year contract worth $75-$80 million. We hope the Yankees aren't dumb enough to even come close to that level with any offer.

Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley slipped and fell on ice at his home in Pennsylvania, breaking his leg. He's expected to make a full recovery by Spring Training.

Monday Hot Stove

When the A's traded for Matt Holliday it raised more than a few eyebrows. Now we're really wondering what Billy Beane is up to. He's reportedly offered free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, a 4-year, $48 million deal. Furcal told "El Caribe" that he received an offer to play second base for the Mets and will be mulling that over as well.

WEEI in Boston reports that the Red Sox have offered their long time catcher Jason Varitek a 1-year deal. Varitek's agent Scott Boras wants Jorge Posada type money, but Varitek was nothing less than awful at the plate in his walk year.

The NY Times reported last week that Japanese baseball officials are upset at the pursuit of 22-yr old amateur pitcher, Junichi Tazawa. Japanese pros have to play 9 seasons before having the opportunity to pitch abroad. Some MLB teams and Tazawa are trying to skirt the system. That includes Boston, which has reportedly made an offer to Tazawa.

According to MLB.com, rumors have resurfaced of a Mark Teahen to the Cubs trade. The Royals are reportedly interested in second baseman Mike Fontenot and pitcher Sean Marshall.

The East Valley Tribune reports that the Diamondbacks have made a 1-year offer to free agent infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez hit .290 with 40 RBI in 300 at-bats for the Rangers this season, taking advantage of injuries to Hank Blalock and others.

Despite rumors the contrary, the Randy Youngman of the Orange County Register does not believe that Mark Teixeira will return to the Angels next season. Teixeira told ESPN's Erin Andrews he wants a new deal, wherever it is, by Christmas. Youngman's thoughts are based on a gut feeling. Probably just gas.

Derek Lowe is reportedly seeking a 5-year contract worth $75-$80 million. We hope the Yankees aren't dumb enough to even come close to that level with any offer.

Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley slipped and fell on ice at his home in Pennsylvania, breaking his leg. He's expected to make a full recovery by Spring Training.

Calling on the Ghost of the Bambino to Smote the Red Sox

Seriously, can we get a little help here? The Rays were seven outs away on Thursday night of reaching their first World Series. We already had the Red Sox obituary 90% written when Boston came back from a 7-0 deficit to force a game 5.

Then it was Josh Beckett last night, fighting off a strained oblique, to hold the Rays to two runs on four hits in five innings. Let us make this clear- we don't like Beckett, but he's gained our respect. Something his big mouthed teammate with the ketchupy sock will never get from us. Beckett says he's not hurt, but he clearly is. He doesn't have to point out to the media how much he aches and what he has to do to compensate for it or how big his bowel movement was that morning. He just goes and pitches, and he's become one of the best big game pitchers in baseball.

Another big veteran on this Sox team, which is John Sterling's words, "gutty" and "gritty", is catcher Jason Varitek. The Sox captain could very well be playing his last days in a Red Sox uniform. He's a free agent to be and wants a Jorge Posada like contract (5 years). But Varitek hasn't hit in a month of Sundays. He still calls a great game, but swings a wiffle ball bat against 95-mph fastballs. But last night Varitek reached into the past and hit a James Shields delivery into the seats in right field to put the Sox ahead for good 3-2.

A Jason Bartlett throwing error contributed to an insurance run and then the biggest difference, besides experience, between these two teams came to the forefront. The Red Sox were able to send out Hideki Okajima, Justin Masterson, and Jon Papelbon to combine for four hitless, scorelss innings to even the series up at three games apiece.

The finale is tonight at the Trop with Jon Lester facing Matt Garza. We don't have to tell you who we think will win tonight's game. Now if some spectral force could have an impact...

Calling on the Ghost of the Bambino to Smote the Red Sox

Seriously, can we get a little help here? The Rays were seven outs away on Thursday night of reaching their first World Series. We already had the Red Sox obituary 90% written when Boston came back from a 7-0 deficit to force a game 5.

Then it was Josh Beckett last night, fighting off a strained oblique, to hold the Rays to two runs on four hits in five innings. Let us make this clear- we don't like Beckett, but he's gained our respect. Something his big mouthed teammate with the ketchupy sock will never get from us. Beckett says he's not hurt, but he clearly is. He doesn't have to point out to the media how much he aches and what he has to do to compensate for it or how big his bowel movement was that morning. He just goes and pitches, and he's become one of the best big game pitchers in baseball.

Another big veteran on this Sox team, which is John Sterling's words, "gutty" and "gritty", is catcher Jason Varitek. The Sox captain could very well be playing his last days in a Red Sox uniform. He's a free agent to be and wants a Jorge Posada like contract (5 years). But Varitek hasn't hit in a month of Sundays. He still calls a great game, but swings a wiffle ball bat against 95-mph fastballs. But last night Varitek reached into the past and hit a James Shields delivery into the seats in right field to put the Sox ahead for good 3-2.

A Jason Bartlett throwing error contributed to an insurance run and then the biggest difference, besides experience, between these two teams came to the forefront. The Red Sox were able to send out Hideki Okajima, Justin Masterson, and Jon Papelbon to combine for four hitless, scorelss innings to even the series up at three games apiece.

The finale is tonight at the Trop with Jon Lester facing Matt Garza. We don't have to tell you who we think will win tonight's game. Now if some spectral force could have an impact...

Seeing Stars

Over the weekend we learned who would be starting in this year's All-Star game, along with the reserves for each team. As usual, there are many deserved selections and some that made us go "WHAT?". And of course the fact that every team must be represented, and rightly so, has an effect.

Starting with the American League. Not a bad job of fan voting, though our own Derek Jeter shouldn't be starting, nor the Red Sox David Ortiz. Milton Bradley deserved a starting nod.

Dustin Pedroia has been red hot, but Ian Kinsler could have taken that spot, but that's not really a big deal. Jermaine Dye should have gotten an outfield nod over Ichiro.

It would be difficult to not include all 3 Angels pitchers, but Mike Mussina should have been selected.

The biggest disgrace of course is the selection of Jason Varitek, who was hitting .217 when the selection was made. He was a player's choice, and in actuality he finished a very distant second to Joe Mauer. But since Mauer was selected by the fans, so Varitek was the next choice. The players know less than the fans do. At least the fans are voting based on a popularity contest. A.J. Pierzynski should have been the clear cut choice.

The AL final vote for the last roster spot is between Jason Giambi, Evan Longoria, Jermaine Dye, Jose Guillen, and Brian Roberts.

We're biased, but we also think that more than 3 Yankees should be on the team in the last All-Star game at the Stadium.

And a few words to YES and 1050ESPN radio guy Michael Kay and his sidekick Don Legreca, who actually ran with the idea more than Kay. The idea of having Mariano Rivera start the game isn't intriguing, it's completely asinine. The man made his living and his legend in the 9th inning. We don't care if the AL is up by 10 or down by 10, we want Metallica blasting on the speakers and Mo running in from the bullpen in the 9th inning. Period.

American League

Pos	Player	B/T
C	Joe Mauer, MIN	L/R
1B	Kevin Youkilis, BOS	R/R
2B	Dustin Pedroia, BOS	R/R
SS	Derek Jeter, NYY	R/R
3B	Alex Rodriguez, NYY	R/R
OF	Josh Hamilton, TEX	L/L
OF	Manny Ramirez, BOS	R/R
OF	Ichiro Suzuki, SEA	L/R
DH	David Ortiz, BOSº	L/L

Pitchers

Pos	Player	B/T
P	Justin Duchscherer, OAK	R/R
P	Roy Halladay, TOR	R/R
P	Scott Kazmir, TB	L/L
P	Cliff Lee, CLE	L/L
P	Joe Nathan, MIN	R/R
P	Jonathan Papelbon, BOS	R/R
P	Mariano Rivera, NYY	R/R
P	Francisco Rodriguez, LAA	R/R
P	Ervin Santana, LAA	R/R
P	Joe Saunders, LAA	L/L
P	George Sherrill, BAL	L/L
P	Joakim Soria, KC	R/R

Reserves

Pos	Player	B/T
C	Dioner Navarro, TB	S/R
C	Jason Varitek, BOS	S/R
1B	Justin Morneau, MIN	L/R
2B	Ian Kinsler, TEX	R/R
SS	Michael Young, TEX	S/R
3B	Joe Crede, CWS	R/R
3B	Carlos Guillen, DET	S/R
OF	J.D. Drew, BOS	L/R
OF	Carlos Quentin, CWS	R/R
OF	Grady Sizemore, CLE	L/L
DH	Milton Bradley, TEX	S/R

---

That's a fine looking NL squad, with the exception of old buddy Alfonso Soriano. He clearly should not be starting. Carlos Lee should be starting rather than being part of the final vote. How about the turn around for Christian Guzman, who nearly was released by the Nationals last year and is now an All-Star.

NL Final Vote - Pat Burrell, Carlos Lee, Aaron Rowand, David Wright, and Corey Hart.

National League

Pos	Player	B/T
C	Geovany Soto, CHC	S/R
1B	Lance Berkman, HOU	S/L
2B	Chase Utley, PHI	L/R
SS	Hanley Ramirez, FLA	R/R
3B	Chipper Jones, ATL	S/R
OF	Ryan Braun, MIL	R/R
OF	Kosuke Fukudome, CHC	L/R
OF	Alfonso Soriano, CHC	R/R

Pitchers

Pos	Player	B/T
P	Aaron Cook, COL	R/R
P	Ryan Dempster, CHC	R/R
P	Dan Haren, ARI	R/R
P	Brad Lidge, PHI	R/R
P	Tim Lincecum, SF	L/R
P	Ben Sheets, MIL	R/R
P	Edinson Volquez, CIN	R/R
P	Billy Wagner, NYM	L/L
P	Brandon Webb, ARI	R/R
P	Brian Wilson, SF	R/R
P	Kerry Wood, CHC	L/L
P	Carlos Zambrano, CHC	S/R

Reserves

Pos	Player	B/T
C	Russell Martin, LA	R/R
C	Brian McCann, ATL	L/R
1B	Adrian Gonzalez, SD	L/L
1B	Albert Pujols, STL	R/R
2B	Dan Uggla, FLA	R/R
3B	Aramis Ramirez, CHC	R/R
SS	Cristian Guzman, WAS	S/R
SS	Miguel Tejada, HOU	R/R
OF	Matt Holliday, COL	R/R
OF	Ryan Ludwick, STL	R/L
OF	Nate McLouth, PIT	L/R