Friday, December 21, 2007

Clemens Clean...in '06

Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte came clean in one instance. Though they were named in a 2006 LA Times article, as being included in Jason Grimsley's affidavit, both Clemens and Pettitte were not included in the affidavit, which was made public yesterday. Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons, also both in the Mitchell Report, were also erroneously mentioned by the paper. The newspaper is to run a retraction and apology in today's edition.

Sammy Sosa, Pete Incaviglia, Geronimo Berroa, and Allen Watson were not named in the Mitchell Report, but were included in Grimsley's tale of cheat.

In the case of Sosa, Miguel Tejada, and Rafael Palmeiro, their mention came from a conversation they had with Grimsley while all were with the Orioles in 2005. The four wondered how they were going to play the next season with the banning of amphetamines.

The affidavit also listed José Canseco, Lenny Dykstra, Glenallen Hill, and David Segui, all of whom were in the Mitchell Report.

Clemens Clean...in '06

Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte came clean in one instance. Though they were named in a 2006 LA Times article, as being included in Jason Grimsley's affidavit, both Clemens and Pettitte were not included in the affidavit, which was made public yesterday. Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons, also both in the Mitchell Report, were also erroneously mentioned by the paper. The newspaper is to run a retraction and apology in today's edition.

Sammy Sosa, Pete Incaviglia, Geronimo Berroa, and Allen Watson were not named in the Mitchell Report, but were included in Grimsley's tale of cheat.

In the case of Sosa, Miguel Tejada, and Rafael Palmeiro, their mention came from a conversation they had with Grimsley while all were with the Orioles in 2005. The four wondered how they were going to play the next season with the banning of amphetamines.

The affidavit also listed José Canseco, Lenny Dykstra, Glenallen Hill, and David Segui, all of whom were in the Mitchell Report.

Friday Hot Stove

One more day until it's officially Winter, but here is the latest from the hot stove.

Buster Olney says that the Padres are the front-runners to land Mark Prior. As we mentioned yesterday, Prior is from the San Diego area.

Now that the Tigers have signed Dontrelle Willis to an extension, GM Dave Dombrowski would like to do the same for slugger Miguel Cabrera.

Carlos Silva's 4-year deal with the Mariners turned out to be for $12 mill per year. What are these people thinking? If Silva is getting that, shouldn't Santana get at least double?

We all remember the controversy back in '04 when Doug Mientkiewicz refused to give up the baseball from the World Series' final out. This year, the Red Sox' Jason Varitek had the ball. Then said he gave it to Jon Papelbon, who didn't know where the ball was (perhaps they're passing it around like the Stanley Cup). Now word comes from Papelbon that his dog at the ball.

Cubbies fans are not happy with the possibility of Wrigley Field's naming rights being sold. Technically, you are already a gum.

According to the Seattle Times, the Mariners and Reds are the front-runners to land the O's Erik Bedard.

The Rockies have signed Kip Wells and Mark Redman to shore up their pitching staff.

Friday Hot Stove

One more day until it's officially Winter, but here is the latest from the hot stove.

Buster Olney says that the Padres are the front-runners to land Mark Prior. As we mentioned yesterday, Prior is from the San Diego area.

Now that the Tigers have signed Dontrelle Willis to an extension, GM Dave Dombrowski would like to do the same for slugger Miguel Cabrera.

Carlos Silva's 4-year deal with the Mariners turned out to be for $12 mill per year. What are these people thinking? If Silva is getting that, shouldn't Santana get at least double?

We all remember the controversy back in '04 when Doug Mientkiewicz refused to give up the baseball from the World Series' final out. This year, the Red Sox' Jason Varitek had the ball. Then said he gave it to Jon Papelbon, who didn't know where the ball was (perhaps they're passing it around like the Stanley Cup). Now word comes from Papelbon that his dog at the ball.

Cubbies fans are not happy with the possibility of Wrigley Field's naming rights being sold. Technically, you are already a gum.

According to the Seattle Times, the Mariners and Reds are the front-runners to land the O's Erik Bedard.

The Rockies have signed Kip Wells and Mark Redman to shore up their pitching staff.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

This Week in the NFL - week 16

Wow, just 2 weeks to go in the NFL regular season. Hard to believe. It also means less than 2 months until spring training! Here's this week's picks.

Thursday

Steelers -7.5
at Rams
The inconsistent Steelers should be able to cruise in this one.

Saturday

Cowbys -10.5
at Panthers
Unlike the debacle that was the Seahawks-Panthers game, the Cowboys will bounce back from last week's loss in a big way.

Sunday

Giants -3
at Bills
Are we concerned? Damn straight!

Browns -3 at Bengals
Big upsets have occurred in this series, but not this week.

Packers -8.5 at Bears
No reason to have any confidence in da Bears right now.

Colts -7 vs Texans
Texans have been as unpredictable as the Colts have been injured.

Chiefs +5 at Lions
Maybe because we just needed to take an underdog.

Jaguars -13 vs. Raiders
We hate the big point spreads, but the Jags are hot.

Eagles +3 vs. Saints
Okay, so we took another dog. And both these times have been tremendous dogs this year, if you know what we mean.

Cardinals -10 vs. Falcons
Even the Cardinals can't blow this one. Right?

Bucs -6.5 vs. 49ers
The Niners can't think they would win 2 straight.

Patriots -22 vs. Dolphins
Back to the agony of defeat.

Seahawks (NL) over Ravens
Questions about the Ravens QB has the line off.

Jets +8.5 at Titans
Jets have been awful, but that's an awfully big spread for the Titans

Vikings -6.5 vs. Redskins
Big WC game

Chargers -8.5 vs. Broncos
Tough one to predict

This Week in the NFL - week 16

Wow, just 2 weeks to go in the NFL regular season. Hard to believe. It also means less than 2 months until spring training! Here's this week's picks.

Thursday

Steelers -7.5
at Rams
The inconsistent Steelers should be able to cruise in this one.

Saturday

Cowbys -10.5
at Panthers
Unlike the debacle that was the Seahawks-Panthers game, the Cowboys will bounce back from last week's loss in a big way.

Sunday

Giants -3
at Bills
Are we concerned? Damn straight!

Browns -3 at Bengals
Big upsets have occurred in this series, but not this week.

Packers -8.5 at Bears
No reason to have any confidence in da Bears right now.

Colts -7 vs Texans
Texans have been as unpredictable as the Colts have been injured.

Chiefs +5 at Lions
Maybe because we just needed to take an underdog.

Jaguars -13 vs. Raiders
We hate the big point spreads, but the Jags are hot.

Eagles +3 vs. Saints
Okay, so we took another dog. And both these times have been tremendous dogs this year, if you know what we mean.

Cardinals -10 vs. Falcons
Even the Cardinals can't blow this one. Right?

Bucs -6.5 vs. 49ers
The Niners can't think they would win 2 straight.

Patriots -22 vs. Dolphins
Back to the agony of defeat.

Seahawks (NL) over Ravens
Questions about the Ravens QB has the line off.

Jets +8.5 at Titans
Jets have been awful, but that's an awfully big spread for the Titans

Vikings -6.5 vs. Redskins
Big WC game

Chargers -8.5 vs. Broncos
Tough one to predict

Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?

Earlier reports of the Tigers and Dontrelle Willis making good progress on a contract extension were not just rumors. The recently acquired lefty agreed to a 3-year, $29 million deal, with incentives that could push the value above $30 million in total.

Willis had to have realized his value is not what it once was. And though he could certainly re-establish his value, another bad season would have meant a possibly big hit to his value on the free agent market after the '09 season.

Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?

Earlier reports of the Tigers and Dontrelle Willis making good progress on a contract extension were not just rumors. The recently acquired lefty agreed to a 3-year, $29 million deal, with incentives that could push the value above $30 million in total.

Willis had to have realized his value is not what it once was. And though he could certainly re-establish his value, another bad season would have meant a possibly big hit to his value on the free agent market after the '09 season.

Thursday Hot Stove

The Phillies have dropped out of the running for free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse, but have agreed to terms with free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins. Jenkins, who spent the first 10 years of his career in Milwaukee, is expecting to get a 2-year, $13 million deal.

As expected, the Mariners and Carlos Silva have agreed to a reported, 4-year, $44 million deal, pending a physical.

Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief. 36-year old, 1-year wonder, Ron Mahay has agreed to a 2-year, $8 million deal with the Royals.

The Rockies are looking into free agents Marcus Giles and Todd Walker for their vacant 2nd Base job.

The Padres have inked Jeff DaVanon and Robert Fick to minor league deals.

The Tigers and Dontrelle Willis have made some progress in discussing a long term deal.

Thursday Hot Stove

The Phillies have dropped out of the running for free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse, but have agreed to terms with free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins. Jenkins, who spent the first 10 years of his career in Milwaukee, is expecting to get a 2-year, $13 million deal.

As expected, the Mariners and Carlos Silva have agreed to a reported, 4-year, $44 million deal, pending a physical.

Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief. 36-year old, 1-year wonder, Ron Mahay has agreed to a 2-year, $8 million deal with the Royals.

The Rockies are looking into free agents Marcus Giles and Todd Walker for their vacant 2nd Base job.

The Padres have inked Jeff DaVanon and Robert Fick to minor league deals.

The Tigers and Dontrelle Willis have made some progress in discussing a long term deal.

Prior, Santana Not on Hank's Xmas List

As Hank Steinbrenner sits down on Christmas to unwrap his packages, it's unlikely they'll be an ace left-hander, or oft-injured star under the tree. Prince Hank told Newsday's Kat O'Brien that there's only an outside chance of Johan Santana becoming a Yankee, and though they have explored it, it's unlikely Mark Prior will be in the Bronx either.
As for Santana, "We've got to do things based on what we think is best. I think myself and [general manager] Brian are going back and forth. I think we're comfortable staying where we are, and I certainly think we'd be comfortable getting Santana, too."
SI's Jon Heyman believes that Santana will become a Yankee if Hank overrules Cashman concerning what player's are to be included. Hank seemed to confirm that with this statement:
"The decision is my decision," Steinbrenner said. "It doesn't matter one way or another what somebody ... you have to take advice, but ultimately, the owner has to make a decision.

Prior, Santana Not on Hank's Xmas List

As Hank Steinbrenner sits down on Christmas to unwrap his packages, it's unlikely they'll be an ace left-hander, or oft-injured star under the tree. Prince Hank told Newsday's Kat O'Brien that there's only an outside chance of Johan Santana becoming a Yankee, and though they have explored it, it's unlikely Mark Prior will be in the Bronx either.
As for Santana, "We've got to do things based on what we think is best. I think myself and [general manager] Brian are going back and forth. I think we're comfortable staying where we are, and I certainly think we'd be comfortable getting Santana, too."
SI's Jon Heyman believes that Santana will become a Yankee if Hank overrules Cashman concerning what player's are to be included. Hank seemed to confirm that with this statement:
"The decision is my decision," Steinbrenner said. "It doesn't matter one way or another what somebody ... you have to take advice, but ultimately, the owner has to make a decision.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Minor League Updates

Found out updates on key players thanks to a link from Peter Abraham. Chad Jennings, who blogs about the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees, spoke with farm director Mark Newman and found out the following:

Juan Miranda will start the season in Triple-A, splitting time at 1B and DH with Eric Duncan. Newman and the Yankees still have high hopes for Duncan, but the rest of us are getting a little concerned about the local boy.

Mark Melancon and J.B. Cox will be ready for spring training after undergoing elbow surgery in 2007. Humberto Sanchez will not be ready, as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The Yankees are trying to resign Bronson Sardinha to a minor league deal. The Hawaiian born outfielder, who made a big splash this past spring training, was recently removed from the Yankees 40-man roster. The Yankees have also signed infielder Nick Green, who was with the club in 2005, to a minor league deal.

Finally, Newman stated that any open bullpen spots will be a battle royale between every un-slotted pitcher in camp, current minor league starters included.

* * *

Couple of other quick notes - Darrell Rasner signed a minor league deal the other day, and could still win a spot in the Yankees pen as a long man. Meanwhile, he'll be at Scranton, where Dave Miley will return as manager.

Minor League Updates

Found out updates on key players thanks to a link from Peter Abraham. Chad Jennings, who blogs about the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees, spoke with farm director Mark Newman and found out the following:

Juan Miranda will start the season in Triple-A, splitting time at 1B and DH with Eric Duncan. Newman and the Yankees still have high hopes for Duncan, but the rest of us are getting a little concerned about the local boy.

Mark Melancon and J.B. Cox will be ready for spring training after undergoing elbow surgery in 2007. Humberto Sanchez will not be ready, as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The Yankees are trying to resign Bronson Sardinha to a minor league deal. The Hawaiian born outfielder, who made a big splash this past spring training, was recently removed from the Yankees 40-man roster. The Yankees have also signed infielder Nick Green, who was with the club in 2005, to a minor league deal.

Finally, Newman stated that any open bullpen spots will be a battle royale between every un-slotted pitcher in camp, current minor league starters included.

* * *

Couple of other quick notes - Darrell Rasner signed a minor league deal the other day, and could still win a spot in the Yankees pen as a long man. Meanwhile, he'll be at Scranton, where Dave Miley will return as manager.