Joe Torre Runs The New York Yankees & A-Rod Under The Bus...

Things are quiet in Birdland; however, in the Bronx and Los Angeles, there's a saga taking place right now and it has nothing to do with what's going on with the Hot Stove. Just today, various media outlets have reported the former Yankee and current Dodgers manager, Joe Torre has a tell-all book about his tenure in New York titled, "The Yankee Years," and it isn't good.

Joe Torre -- who has been classified as a manager who was nothing short of dignified through the toughest all challenges -- lashes out against his former employers and Alex Rodriguez.

In an explosive new book called "The Yankee Years," Torre gets most personal in his attacks against Alex Rodriguez, who he says was called "A-Fraud" by his teammates after he developed a "Single White Female"-like obsession with team captain Derek Jeter and asked for a personal clubhouse assistant to run errands for him.

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Teixeira Now A Yankee; Pavano & Orioles Sign Koji Uehara

The big news of today in baseball was the unveiling of Mark Teixeira as a Yankee. We all know the details, and we know he didn't want to come to Baltimore; alas, seeing him in pinstripes was a little surreal after all that took place this off-season.

Mark said all the right things in his press conference, and only spoke glowingly of his new employers, but I'll be interested to see the reaction when comes back to his hometown for Opening Day.

Well, the other news that really intrigued me was that Carl Pavano found work in Cleveland. His deal is worth $1.5 million plus heavy incentives which he could earn an additional $5.3 million based on starts and innings pitched. The Indians got a pitcher on the cheap -- mostly because of his adventures in New York -- however, if he can be a .500 pitcher or better, he'll help them out greatly.

Now onto Baltimore...

The Orioles finally added another pitcher as they inked Koji Uehara to a two-year, $10 million according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. The report also notes that the deal could be worth as much as $16 million over two years if he meets performance milestones.

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Teixeira Going To The Yankees...

It looks like the Yankees have swooped in and got Teixeira.

From Boston.com: Sports Illustrated.com and ESPN's Peter Gammons are both reporting that the New York Yankees are on the verge of signing first baseman Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract.

It looks like New York -- as some thought -- may have swept him away with a last minute surprise (or they just kept things hush-hush). The deal is contingent on the slugger passing a physical, and it looks like Boras might have pulled out an old card -- going to the Yankees for a last minute deal (can anyone say Johnny Damon?).

Obviously spending a ton of money doesn't necessarily mean a World Series or the playoffs; however, one must think the Yankees are indeed the favorites now to take the AL East title.

I guess a year where New York finished in third place, plus a new ballpark have turned them to revert to opening up the checkbook and spending freely.

For a team asking for more money to subsidize their ballpark, they sure can dish it out. My lord, let's hope they don't ask for a bailout -- sheesh. It's time for a salary cap of some sort and may he never win a World Series.

They have given out $400 plus million worth of contracts to three players, and you wonder why teams like Minnesota, Oakland, Kansas City and the Indians have continuous turnover of players.

I'm curious to see how Oriole fans will react to the news, and I'll be turning on the radio to hear the carnage.

The Angels Out of The Hunt For Teixeira

Ah, it looks like a team has withdrawn from the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes -- the Los Angeles Angels. Perhaps because they play on the wrong coast, the Angels might have found themselves in a race that seemingly they would not win.

From ESPN: The Angels' departure from the Teixeira sweepstakes leaves the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles as the four teams still in the mix for the premier position player in this winter's free-agent market.

Angels general manager Tony Reagins revealed before the winter meetings that the team had offered Teixeira an eight-year deal. The size of the team's offer was undetermined.

The Angels really needed Teixeira's bat, and although they are pretty much assumed to be the favorite to win the AL West, his bat really strengthened their lineup during the 2008 regular season.

I guess at this point, one could assume they will go after Manny Ramirez, or some of the other big boppers on the market.

Teixeira Saga Coming To An End Soon? What About The Yankees?

It seems to be the whole Mark Teixiera hunt according to those in the know from mlb.com may soon be coming to an end.

At this point, I just think that if Teixeira really, really wanted to sign with someone, he would have done so. Obviously, he and his agent Scott Boras are playing an interesting game of financial chicken -- to get the most money out of a team who'll be hoodwinked into signing him.

I think Teixeira is a fine player; however, do I think he's being close to A-Rod or Albert Pujols at the plate -- no. Despite what I feel, he's probably the surest thing on the market and he'll get what someone wants to pay him.

MLB.com: Decision day could be right around the corner for Mark Teixeira, according to a Major League source familiar with the negotiations. The source anticipates the free-agent first baseman's highly anticipated announcement within the next few days.

The field of serious bidders from Day 1 includes the Red Sox, Nationals, Angels and Orioles, with the depth of the Yankees' interest still difficult to measure.

The source believes the Red Sox remain in the lead for Teixeira's services in spite of the statement by principal owner John Henry on Thursday night that "it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor." This followed a meeting with Teixeira and agent Scott Boras in Dallas and was, in a sense, consistent with the volatile relationship between Boston and Boras over the years.

"This is going to end the old-fashioned way," the source said, maintaining that money will not be the decisive factor. "He wants to be on the East Coast, and his wife wants to be there. I believe the decision will be based on family and geography."

If you take the above paragraphs for what it's worth, it looks like Mark will not be considering sunny California, but the East coast. I've not heard anything much from Baltimore, Washington or Boston; thus, it is anyone's guess where he'll go.

Well, there's a new twist in this ongoing drama, as the New York Yankees - the Evil Empire - are looking the slugger.

The New York Times: The Yankees are interested in signing Teixeira, according to two people in baseball with knowledge of the matter, but for the moment are unwilling to pay him more than $160 million over eight years, one of them said.

The Yankees’ offer is less than what the Red Sox presented Teixeira last week. Boston’s offer is believed to be for eight years for close to $170 million.

They do have a use for Teixeira, as he's on the right side of 30 and his credentials speak for itself. In the end, I think New York may be posturing -- they could always swoop in and get him -- however, I think it is to keep the Red Sox on their toes, drive up the price, and make this game even more interesting.

The Evil Empire, The Yankees Introduce Their Big Ticket Items

With all for the conjecture and the kind words about the Yankees, just say why you joined the team -- um, for the money.

It's always about the money.

A.J. Burnett Now A Yankee...

ESPN is reporting that A.J. Burnett will be the newest member of the Yankee pitching staff.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves were also in competition for him; however, Baltimore didn't want to give Burnett the years he wanted and also were not a viable option for him as winning served to be important a factor.

The deal with New York is for five years, 82.5 million dollars.

Burnett may turn out to be Carl Pavano II -- ok, it may be a stretch -- but his history should be enough to give anyone a pause; alas, that's obviously not the case. It looks like A.J. was good enough and also healthy at the right time to get the chance to make even more money.

I guess he got the money and the years he wanted.


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The Evil Empire & Sabathia

I think a 160 million dollar contract over seven years -- guaranteed -- can change the mind of anyone quick. The Yankees pulled out all the stops to acquire him; therefore, I think this move was done out of desperation and also attention.

They are moving into a new ballpark in April, and fans of the Yankees -- take no offense -- think it is their manifest ... Read Moredestiny to end up in the playoffs each year.

I think that's what makes the Yankees so respected -- but also reviled -- so I can imagine the pressure on him will be beyond immense.

Sorry, I don't care who you are, you never give a pitcher more than 4 years -- tops.

A lot of teams never heed to this, and someone his size, you've got to wonder how he's going to hold up when he is 33, 34, 35. Yeah, C.C. is a a freak of nature, but you have to wonder about the pressure of New York City, and if he could be much better conditioned.

C.C. obviously strengthens any rotation -- assuming they get the NL version of him and not the one from the AL of '08 (oh my, how people forget); however, the Yankees are no lock to make the playoffs with him on their roster.

If anything, I think the Yankees STILL need to get much, much younger. Well, now it looks like they are after Lowe, Burnett and Sheets -- at the same time!

I hate to say it, but what's going with the Yankees this week is why people hate them. Wow, you'll have a hell a starting rotation with Andy Pettitte or Joba Chamberlain in the mix, but it's still no guarantee for the playoffs. What happens when Sheets or one of those five get injured considering how much money is now bwing handed out?

If anything, the Yankees are exactly what capitalism is about -- then again, the way things are going, why would think something is wrong with the economy?

Before I go, well I as an Oriole fan really do not look forward to seeing him on the mound multiple times per season.

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Giambi?

While Oriole nation watches and wonders whether or not Mark Teixeira signs with Baltimore, MASN's "What They're Saying About The Orioles" notes a brief little snippet from CBS Sportsline profiles on free agent first basemen.

It mentions someone who has been nothing but a nemesis to the Orioles, especially when it comes to the longball -- Jason Giambi. It now looks like they may be some scant interest in the slugger or this just might be a figment of someone's imagination; however, I am taking it all with a grain of salt.

He won't get anything near the $120 million, seven-year deal it took for the Yankees to sign him away from Oakland, but after hitting 32 home runs in 2008, Giambi should be able to find a job.

Potential suitors: A's, Yankees, Giants, Blue Jays, Mariners, Orioles.

Now Giambi is a free agent after the Yankees declined his option, and from the looks of it, he's not been garnering much attention. While he has not hit for average in several seasons and is a liability in the field -- he still hits for power, drives in runs, draws walks and has a relatively good batting eye.

I'm against signing guys on the wrong side of thirty for the most part; however, if Giambi is cheap enough -- and I mean cheap -- the Orioles might want to take a chance on him.

Then again, we have a serviceable hitter in Luke Scott, and also potentially Lou Montanez -- assuming he makes the club in spring training -- could serve as DH and do the job Giambi could accomplish.

Plus, they are both obviously just not one-dimensional players unlike the former Yankee slugger.

Happy Trails, Mike Mussina -- Calling It A Career

It looks like former Oriole and Yankee Mike Mussina is pushing towards retirement. No matter you feel about him, you cannot deny the career he's had. He will more than likely be a Hall of Famer for sure.

From all appearances, the venerable Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com just broke the news about a 1/2 an hour ago.

Fox Sports: Yankees right-hander Mike Mussina is retiring.

Mussina will make his decision official later this week, major-league sources say.

The Yankees, who are aggressively pursuing free-agent starting pitchers, were not expecting Mussina to return.

Mussina, who turns 40 on Dec. 8, is coming off the first 20-win season of his 18-year career. He is selling his home in Bedford, N.Y., according to one source, and planning to spend more time with his family in Montoursville, Pa.

Mussina held off his announcement until the completion of baseball's award cycle. He recently won his seventh Gold Glove, tied for sixth in the American League Cy Young award voting and even received one eighth-place vote for Most Valuable Player.

A first-round pick of the Orioles in 1990, he finishes his career with a 270-153 record and 3.68 ERA.

His victory total falls short of the unofficial Hall of Fame standard of 300 wins, but his candidacy for the Hall will be enhanced by the fact that he pitched in the Steroid Era and spent his entire career in the offensively oriented AL East.

Like I said, he's had one hell of a career. I'm sure at this point, his family commitments are tugging at him, and baseball has been very good to him.

Happy trails, Mike.

A tip of the hat to Cheryl of Bottom Feeder Baseball for emailing me with the news...

Are The Yankees Out Of The Running For Teixeira?

Could one of our main rivals be out of the Mark Teixeira race?

From the New York Post: FREE agency began at midnight today. The raging speculation has been that the Yankees New York Yankees will sign CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and another high-end free agent or two such as Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe or A.J. Burnett. General manager Brian Cashman termed that conjecture "crazy talk."

In fact, in an exclusive interview with The Post, Cashman strongly indicated the Yankees will not even sign Sabathia and Teixeira in tandem.

"At the pricetags I have read, that is fantasy land, not reality land," Cashman said yesterday of bringing in Sabathia and Teixeira. A Yankees executive said the club has not even created scenarios for assembling a 2009 roster in which it signs the most attractive starter and position player in the free-agent market.

The plan is to concentrate on starting pitching, namely Sabathia, and - at best - Teixeira is a backburner issue in case all the rotation avenues prove fruitless. Teixeira was pushed further to the backburner yesterday when the Yanks obtained Nick Swisher, who, as of now, projects to be the starting first baseman.

Could this be good news for O's fans? I don't know. I could see Swisher being the first baseman -- or a utility guy who could play anywhere. Teixiera will be expensive, and the Yankees are targeting Sabathia; however, I don't think money may be an object with them with a new ballpark opening up in the spring.

At this point, I think Boras and Teixiera just wait things out and see what fruits the market bear and if they get their demands before he even signs with anyone.

C.C. Sabathia Offered Monster Contract...

It looks like the Yankees really, really want C.C. Sabathia...

From the NY Daily News: The Yankees made the first move Friday in what they hope will be a winter pitching spree by offering star lefty CC Sabathia a contract believed to be worth $140 million over six years, according to multiple baseball officials.

If Sabathia ultimately signs for that much or more, it'd be the biggest deal for a pitcher in baseball history. Johan Santana inked a six-year, $137.5 million contract with the Mets last winter. The Yankee offer is "slightly better" than Santana's deal, according to one official.

The Yankees aren't stopping there, either. In the next day or so, sources said, they will make first-strike offers to AJ Burnett and Derek Lowe, as well, in an effort to solidify their starting rotation.

Let's see if he accepts or waits out the market. It's rumored that he wants to stay in California and play in the National League; however, money always talks...

Joba Popped By The Cops For A DUI

Oh well, just because you throw the ball hard real well does not mean you're a role model or some demi-god.

Not that it matters to Yankee fans that Joba got in trouble...

The wunderkind reliever-starter got popped by the cops in Nebraska for driving under the influence in Nebraska earlier today.

From the Asbury Park Press: New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain was arrested for driving under the influence early Saturday morning near his hometown of Lincoln, Neb.

Deborah Collins, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska State Patrol, said that the 23-year-old Chamberlain was pulled over after being observed speeding in a 2006 BMW 75i shortly after 1 a.m. on U.S. 77.

Chamberlain was arrested after an odor of alcohol was detected and an open container of alcohol was observed on the front passenger seat. Chamberlain was taken to the Cornhusker Place Detox and booked on charges of driving under the influence, having an open container of alcohol and speeding.

Oh well, no big deal, eh? Seriously, no matter if you're the town drunk or professional athlete, driving drunk is a big deal, and he's lucky he got caught. I shudder to think what would have happened if he hit someone or something, had his career in peril for stupidity, or even worse hurt or killed another person or himself.

Joba is talented, and although he's young, he's a role model to many; thus, let's hope it's a one time thing. Though I don't care for the Yankees, I'd hate for this guy to face anything that would harm his career and image.

Thanks to Ian from Sox and Dawgs for the notice...

Has The Bidding for Teixeira Already Begun?

(take my blog post article title with a grain of salt -- teams officially cannot talk with free agents until after the World Series...)

Well, it looks like Steinbrenner II -- Hank Steinbrenner -- has once again opened up his mouth and announced the Yankees grand plan to get back into the playoffs. Aside from the obvious targets for their desire -- A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and Derek Lowe -- they want one other big name ticket item for their trophy case.

Mark Teixiera.

Needless to say, there's no doubt that they were going after the Maryland first baseman, considering they have millions upon millions coming off their books and Giambi will not most likely be re-signed.

From CNNSI.com: The Yankees' interest in Teixeira seems to make clear that longtime Yankee Jason Giambi will not be brought back. Even if the Yankees fail to sign Teixeira, they have determined they want to upgrade their defense at first base. The Angels, Orioles and perhaps the Giants and Mariners are among teams expected to show interest in Teixeira.

Baltimore needs the bat -- we need a Grade A first baseman -- however, will the organization spend the money when they are more than a couple of pieces short to be a contending team. Furthermore, he will demand a huge contract -- a nine figure one -- and if the Orioles don't improve (presuming he even signs with the team), will he want out much like he did in Texas?

I have no idea if the Orioles will attempt to sign him -- maybe they will, maybe they won't -- but the price will be high, and more so the case as Teixiera's agent is Scott Boras.

I've been on record as saying it would be a complete waste of resources to sign him, but we might as well gauge his interest and see what comes of it. If the likelihood of he signing with the organization isn't good -- let's spend the money somewhere else.

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles: Baltimore, Md - May 27th, 2008

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles; Balto. Md - May 28th, 2008

Photo Gallery: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles: Baltimore, Md - May 26th, 2008

After a 5-game skid, the Orioles thanks to the brilliant pitching of Garrett Olson, Aubrey Huff’s three-run homer in seventh, along with Nick Markakis going 3-for-4 and breaking out a slump with a solo homer in the sixth, Baltimore beat the New York Yankees, 6-1. The woeful New York bullpen opened the game for Baltimore and wasted a great effort by youngster Darrell Rasner.

The story of the game besides Olson’s performance was Nick Markakis finally coming out of a deep slump. Baltimore’s number three hitter came through big on Memorial and he knows better than anyone that he needs to hit in order for the Orioles to win. As well, he was marvelous in the field as he gunned down Johnny Damon at home in the third inning thanks to a laser throw. I think that play embolden the Orioles, gave Olson even more confidence and showed the Yankees, despite everything, they’ll be hard to beat unlike in past seasons.

Despite having A-Rod in the lineup, the Bronx Bombers were limp and the Orioles took advantage.

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles: Baltimore, Md - May 26th, 2008
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Alex Rodriguez = Tight Wad and Slumlord?

We all know Alex Rodriguez is a good ballplayer and can flat out rake; however in today's New York Times, he's seen as nothing more than your typical landlord and nothing more than "cheap" when it comes to his real estate and charitable endevaors.

Not good for a who's image as an athlete is so well crafted, yet whose veneer is so thin.

The veneer of Alex Rodriguez’s real estate empire of working-class housing is staged to disguise his inner Mr. Potter...

The paint is camouflage for the mottled backside of the complex, where an exhausted appliance sits on a porch, cardboard is taped over broken window panes and missing spindles give rickety banisters the look of a snaggletooth smile.

Some residents here tell tales of roaches overtaking kitchen cabinets in a bumper-to-bumper crawl to the corn flakes, of carpets stained in the 1990s and quick-trigger evictions.

For a man worth well over $300 million and counting, this is shocking.

An examination of his high-rolling corporate side, as well as a glossy A-Rod Family Foundation short on largess, reveals a portrait of Rodriguez as a player about to enter Yankee Take II solely for business purposes, primarily as a branding tool. He emerges as an obsessive pursuer of cold, hard numbers on and off the bases, with serially disingenuous nods to his ever-challenged image.

A-Rod isn’t exactly a slumlord — some renters interviewed at his other properties had milder complaints — but he has become a landlord caricature among dwellers who hold him accountable for, say, the stack of molding mattresses by the dumpster at Newport Villas on MacDill Avenue...

To them, he isn’t A-Rod, a regular-season crackerjack on the verge of a Yankees deal potentially worth $300 million. To them, he is Tight-Rod, an apartment tycoon, who, renters say, has jacked late fees to $100 from $50 on units that run around $600 a month.

“He’s got everything, so why take money off our backs?” ” said Roberto Santiago, standing next to his neighbor, Ruiz.

Again, I guess the way A-Rod is portrayed is how the rich stay rich.

Money is A-Rod’s identity, engraving his social standing, with Warren E. Buffett on his I.M. buddy list. As any Buffett-phile knows, philanthropy stats are valued, too.

But A-Rod is a star constantly locked in a contradiction of conscience as evidenced by his charity. The homey surface of the AROD Family Foundation’s Web site, which promotes a slogan of helping “families in distress,” belies its cap on generosity.

Rodriguez has earned nearly $200 million over the past decade, but, according to 990 tax records dating to 1998, he is a cheap tipper to his foundation.

In eight years of available documents, donations averaged $30,000 a year and gifts distributed to the community averaged $13,000 a year. In 2002, A-Rod did not contribute more than $5,500. In 2006, the foundation did not give away more than $5,090 despite a fund-raiser that collected $368,000.

This is all disturbing -- he's closer to a nicer looking male version of Leona Helmsley than a superstar everyone should like.

Is Alex being picked on by the media? Maybe; however, as a man who is worth as much as he is, ther's no excuse for the way he's handled his properties and charitable causes.

Maybe he's not running it all, or perhaps he needs to hire new financial and property representatives, but this is one more chink in his armor.

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Recommended Reading: Curt Schilling's 38 Pitches...

No matter what you think of Curt Schilling as an athlete or a person, he's brought a unique perspective to the blogosphere and baseball fans everywhere.

In his recent entry on his blog, 38 Pitches, he talks about how it is for a player to ponder a trade, especially when it is one of his teammates or peers who may go through it.

As a fan, no matter who you root for, it's a must read.

An excerpt: As fans you have your perspective. There are large contingents of fans in both markets, NY and Boston, that lean towards the Bill James approach to players and their teams, and probably an equal amount of ‘old schoolers’ that believe their eyes tell them all they need to know, even when not backed up by stats or facts.

As players we have the advantage, and disadvantage of a very unique and different perspective. There is a human element at work for us that not even the most ardent fan can understand. On one hand there is “My God, we might add the most talented pitcher in the world to an already established World Champion roster”. On the other hand, the hand you either can’t understand or don’t care about is the fact that these deals usually involve one or more people that have literally become family members.

Read More at 38 Pitches...

An Ultimatum by Steinbrenner II: Hank Tells the Twins Take Or Leave It By Today…

Hank Steinbrenner, now in charge of the Yankees has made a proclamation again. This time he wants to the Twins to decide in his offer for Minnesota ace, Johan Santana or to table the motion.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark:

The Yankees have told Minnesota their offer of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and a respectable prospect for Johan Santana is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition, not a conversation-starter -- and they want an answer by the end of the day Monday, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports.

"This is not a bluff; it's just reality," Yankees senior VP Hank Steinbrenner told The New York Times Sunday night. "It's a fact. The Yankees will not be used to jack up the price on people -- whether by agents or other teams -- ever again. That's over."

Sources told ESPN's Buster Olney that the Red Sox are willing to include center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury in a deal, but they would not include Ellsbury and left-hander Jon Lester as part of the same deal.

Considering the 100-year plus war with the Red Sox, the Yankees are always subject to change their mind will do anything to play one-up on their arch-enemy.

However, I do have one question, for anyone in the know -- what's happened to George? Has he really given up all control?

Bug Spray Used In the 2007 ALDS By The Yankees For Sale...

For all those Yankee fans or baseball memorabilia buffs who have always wanted a piece of history to add to your collection, here's chance to pick up a unique piece!

Well, Major League Baseball has an auction online for a can of bug spray used in the Yankees' dugout when those tiny midges swarmed Cleveland's Jacobs Field will be among the items up for bid in a Major League Baseball auction of memorabilia from the 2007 postseason.

The auction for the can, plus more than 50 autographed and game-used items, runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7. Fans can bid online at MLB.com.