tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56277452011-06-08T02:46:18.831-04:00a yankees fan and a red sox fan battle it out in the blogospheresuckmonitornoreply@blogger.comBlogger5231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075671420913202332004-02-01T16:37:00.000-05:002004-02-07T11:04:44.466-05:00

Hate this interface? So do we. That's why we've moved the whole damn show to a new system that finally makes YFSF a fully interactive space, with new features, links, and--to toot our own horn--a pretty handsome new identity. No move is without its c omplications, however, so please bear with us over the next week or so as we get our new site up and running. Here's our new address:

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075566721567255172004-01-31T11:31:00.000-05:002004-01-31T11:33:38.326-05:00

Pete Rose Heartfelt Contrition Award of the Day Aaron Boone, on violating his contract and blowing out his knee: "I've beaten myself up a lot over it. But at the same time I'm fine."

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075490458981641702004-01-30T14:11:00.000-05:002004-01-30T14:22:35.013-05:00

Sold! Frank McCourt (no, the other Frank McCourt--"Angela's Ashes" didn't do THAT well) buys the Dodgers for $430 million, or $230 million less than John Henry shelled out for the Sox. That says something about the state of LA fandom. Nice to have Murdoch out of the ownership game.

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075409074564955782004-01-29T15:44:00.000-05:002004-01-29T15:46:09.326-05:00

Where have you gone, Mike Pagliarulo... (apologies to Messrs. Simon and Garfunkel)

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075403215798807452004-01-29T14:04:00.000-05:002004-01-29T14:08:31.013-05:00

It’s hard to argue with SF’s analysis of the would-be Pudge contract (note: it could go to an even-more-ludicrous 5 years, $50 million). You have to assume that the calculus here is aimed beyond on-field performance. The Tigers are not likely to capture lightning in a bottle with the addition of Pudge, as the Marlins did last year. That said, they do have a brand new and largely empty stadium

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075398347118244742004-01-29T12:45:00.000-05:002004-01-29T12:47:21.936-05:00

If accurate, reports that Pudge Rodriguez is closing in on a $40M deal with the Tigers show one or more of several things: 1) The Tigers owners are morons, overbidding against noone (see Hicks, Tom) 2) Scott Boras is a mad genius, able to extract blood from a rock. 3) Accusations of collusion may be overrated The Tigers are clearly counting that Pudge is the guy who can bring Maroth, Cornejo

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075391563108989092004-01-29T10:52:00.000-05:002004-01-29T10:54:17.750-05:00

Baseball owners may be thugs, but NHL ownership requires a special kind of thug! ESPN.com news services NEW YORK -- The NHL has suspended Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis for one week and the team has been fined $100,000 following an incident between Leonsis and a fan. Jason Hammer told The Washington Post that Leonsis placed his hands on his neck and tossed him down to the ground after

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075381924105791352004-01-29T08:12:00.000-05:002004-01-29T08:13:39.060-05:00

Another famous scribe apparently tuning in to the missives at YFSF! They have no shame... Sports of The Times: Yankees Should Think Big About A-Rod

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075229049936762412004-01-27T13:44:00.000-05:002004-01-27T13:45:43.200-05:00

While a certain ESPN columnist was noting MLB's progress on globalization over the weekend, this article was published under the sports news radar in the international section of the NYT: "Low-Wage Costa Ricans Make Baseballs for Millionaires" As Tim Rogers reports, Rawlings, baseball's official baseball concessionaire, produces its balls at a plant in Costa Rica where workers are paid

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075227281657949522004-01-27T13:14:00.000-05:002004-01-27T13:16:14.733-05:00

You forgot the last part: Pete Rose: look on face when Bud rightfully denies him reinstatement again: priceless.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075218590815462542004-01-27T10:49:00.000-05:002004-01-27T10:51:23.310-05:00

And I thought authors were supposed to autograph books as a courtesy.... Pete Rose: My Prison Without Bars, retail: $24.95 Pete Rose: My Prison Without Bars, autographed: $79.95 Pete Rose: My Prison Without Bars, personalized autograph: $99.95

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075167873522262112004-01-26T20:37:00.000-05:002004-01-26T20:46:05.513-05:00

A comment? Let's just say YF wishes injury on no one, but the simple reality is that the news that Aaron Boone will not be on the field for the Yankees for the foreseeable future comes as a great relief. A case of addition by subtraction. It's a shame that Joe Randa, a YF favorite who had been a free agent this winter, is now off the market. He would have fit in nicely. As for moving Derek to

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075167432886235332004-01-26T20:35:00.000-05:002004-01-26T20:38:44.966-05:00

This on the matter from Yankees.com: BOONE INJURES KNEE - MAY MISS 2004 SEASON Aaron Boone may miss the entire 2004 season after suffering a knee injury -- possibly a torn ACL --playing basketball last week. "I can confirm that the Yankees have been notified by his representatives that third baseman Aaron Boone suffered an injury to his left knee while playing basketball," said Yankees general

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075163505658303382004-01-26T19:31:00.000-05:002004-01-26T19:33:17.763-05:00

Or, could this be the opening the Evil Empire needs to slot in Jeets to third, acquire A-Rod, hence stealing all the off-season thunder? Or am I just a mad, baked-beans-on-the-brain conspiracy theorist?

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075163312005314122004-01-26T19:28:00.000-05:002004-01-26T19:30:04.153-05:00

Drew Henson in the house!!! ESPN.com - MLB - Yanks' hole at 3rd: Boone's possible ACL tear

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075157362924900192004-01-26T17:49:00.000-05:002004-01-26T17:50:54.890-05:00

Good points. My point, or rather, my belief, is that if Rose's status is reconsidered, then so should Jackson's, Weaver's, etc. I don't believe that Rose's status ought to be changed, just as I don't believe that Jackson's should either. But, if Rose gets reconsidered, so should the others. I just want a little consistency.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075154742813274092004-01-26T16:55:00.000-05:002004-01-26T17:07:15.186-05:00

The sad reality that players like Joe Jackson--or in the 19th century, Joe Devlin--were not given the opportunity to make pennance and return to the game does not, imho, mean that no opportunity for redemption should be offered to modern players. The world and the game have changed. If there is some injustice in the case of Jackson, aren't we just compounding the problem by holding new players to

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075058051611647722004-01-25T14:14:00.000-05:002004-01-25T14:16:14.450-05:00

Interesting post, YF. It's going to take me some time to digest and formulate my disagreements (ha ha), but at first glance I think we are on the same page on many items here. I have to sink into Stark's column, but I have a few questions and thoughts (and forgive me if these are answered in that column, I will get to reading it soon), in no particular order: 1. In re: attendance. Are the

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1075047448267510502004-01-25T11:01:00.000-05:002004-01-25T11:18:59.293-05:00

L'affaire Rose: It's always nice to see a baseball book at the top of the bestseller charts--we are a fan base that reads!--but it's hard to evince any real enthusiasm when the author is Pete Rose, and the work in question is such a shameless amalgam of opportunistically deluded self-pity. Like SF, I stand firmly in the camp that calls for Rose's continued ban from the game. Rose committed

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1074864513327682342004-01-23T08:28:00.000-05:002004-01-23T08:30:02.140-05:00

Read this (from today's Times) and ask the following questions: 1. How stupid is Pete Rose? 2. Why should MLB spend more than two nanoseconds considering this guy for reinstatement? Nowhere in the story does it say that Rose is speaking about the possible negatives associated with gambling, about how it has adversely affected his life. His visit to Foxwoods is a money grab, simply put. He

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1074806106714012452004-01-22T16:03:00.000-05:002004-01-22T16:27:24.246-05:00

George W. Bush: Statesman, Sportsman, Gourmet Which of the following did Dubya tell a patron of the Mexican Teepee restaurant yesterday, where he was dining with D-Back owner Jerry Colangelo and Angel owner Arte Moreno: A: "It's time for labor and management to come together." B: "We really need to rethink that antitrust exemption." C: "Economic exploitation of the public must end." D: "Go buy

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1074638302051993732004-01-20T17:38:00.000-05:002004-01-20T17:39:47.310-05:00

Not much blogging from this end - too much invested in the glorious Super Bowl run-up from the Pats. Go team!

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1074347361824729002004-01-17T08:48:00.000-05:002004-01-17T08:50:44.293-05:00

It's been a long, long time since the Brewers were a real Major League team. w

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1074297572111718572004-01-16T18:59:00.000-05:002004-01-16T19:00:53.920-05:00

Hey, I think if we pitch in a couple of hundred bucks each, we can test our prognostication/management skills on real major league team! ESPN.com - MLB - Sale Brewing: Selig's family to begin selling team

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1074190816935087592004-01-15T13:19:00.000-05:002004-01-15T13:21:38.123-05:00

Yes, I am now back from the Raj. I see that in my absence Clemens has unretired, Dubya's heading for Mars, Stephon is a Knick, and Britney has been married AND divorced. So much to digest. As for bats and balls, India is mad mad mad for cricket. On a weekend afternoon in Bombay, there's not a street in the city that is not colonized by young bowlers and batsmen. The Maidans (the city's central

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1074188848870241472004-01-15T12:47:00.000-05:002004-01-15T12:49:01.903-05:00

Welcome back, YF. No need for you to give back any Humvee, however.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1073927457948382462004-01-12T12:10:00.000-05:002004-01-12T12:12:25.483-05:00

Welcome back, Roger. And give back the Humvee, you asshole.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1073173943979246592004-01-03T18:52:00.000-05:002004-01-03T18:53:32.966-05:00

Required reading, a truly great piece of baseball journalism. Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / How the A-Rod negotiations ended with Red Sox shut out

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1073173710983647792004-01-03T18:48:00.000-05:002004-01-03T18:50:15.123-05:00

Buzz floating that Pete Rose admits he bet on baseball in his new autobiography. My two cents: so what? Rose deserves his banishment, and an admission of his past sins should have no bearing on his standing. If Selig uses such a mea culpa as a means to commute Rose's sentence, then shame on him. Since when does such an admission undo past sins? And how about all those players unable to "

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072965553939494242004-01-01T08:59:00.000-05:002004-01-01T09:00:20.466-05:00

As YF trots around India two weeks from even peeking at the blog, I couldn't help but post the following re: Wells bolting from his verbal promise to the Yankees for the warm climes of San Diego: "It looks like he's going to do to us what he did to Arizona," Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said of Wells yesterday. "What comes around, goes around, I guess." Not exactly a ringing

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072653179698914072003-12-28T18:09:00.000-05:002003-12-28T18:14:03.280-05:00

Merry holidays and a joyous new year to one and all. The year's end seems an appropriate time to review the good and the bad in our national pastime over the past 12 months, so, to start, here's a shortlist of things to celebrate and be thankful for, in no particular order: -Derek Jeter. A gracious star who makes the most of NY, always says the right thing, and plays with athleticism and

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072263274578702462003-12-24T05:54:00.000-05:002003-12-24T09:27:04.500-05:00

Jeez, this Curt Schilling appears just too good to be true, perhaps the most mature star to come to Boston sports in a long while. I was surfing SoSH this morning, and Schilling just posted under the handle "Gehrig38". He's no Kevin Brown, it appears. Don't let people make something out of nothing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey folks, on

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072262992184697062003-12-24T05:49:00.000-05:002003-12-24T05:50:51.013-05:00

Hey, maybe John Henry et. al made the right financial and baseball decision, but I can't help but feel that the last 10 days has been bad, karmically speaking, for the Bosox.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072210466982904862003-12-23T15:14:00.000-05:002003-12-23T15:15:25.513-05:00

In the spirit of the coming New Year, and in homage to our own local Times Square tradition, John Henry apparently will drop Larry Lucchino off the new Green Monster seats during the final 1.8 seconds before the deadline...

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072209541676976902003-12-23T14:50:00.000-05:002003-12-23T14:59:59.590-05:00

Reese = very strong sabermetric acquisition. Meanwhile, meaningless, self-imposed A-Rod deadline #2 approaches....

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072208527467587572003-12-23T14:42:00.000-05:002003-12-23T14:43:05.593-05:00

Welcome to Pokey Reese. Another Theo-stamped move, a superb fielding 2nd baseman who hasn't shown a great proclivity for offensive prowess, Pokey strengthens the middle of the field. Pitching and defense improved again.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072202573417524522003-12-23T12:59:00.000-05:002003-12-23T15:01:01.483-05:00

Paging Tina Fey: Reported by AP: "Pop singer Michael Jackson has found a friend in another celebrity who's had his own brushes with the law: former baseball star Darryl Strawberry. Strawberry, a member of the Without Walls International Church in Tampa, ministered to Jackson during a trip to the singer's Neverland Ranch this weekend."

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072188477888083412003-12-23T09:07:00.000-05:002003-12-23T09:08:56.263-05:00

Tell me if I am out of line here, but I don't see how the A-Rod/Manny non-deal is holding up signings like Grieve. I read that Hicks was upset that he "missed out" on Grieve because of the lack of certainty regarding the trade, but I fail to see how a near-major-league minimum (non-guaranteed at that!) signing of a spare part was at all influenced - they could have signed him regardless of the

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072154566004701442003-12-22T23:42:00.000-05:002003-12-23T07:04:05.950-05:00

One excellent question, not yet asked, as far as I can tell, in any major news outlet: Why isn't Manny Ramirez, in addition to A-Rod, being asked to restructure/defer money, saving Hicks cashflow in the current day and therefore making the deal workable? Just wondering.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072131777511905582003-12-22T17:22:00.000-05:002003-12-22T17:23:55.030-05:00

I guess one difference we have is in our expectations. I don't expect Orza or the PA to have any care whatsoever about PR - that much should have been clear from the last labor negotiation. Orza is in a position of power - he absolutely can't (and really, shouldn't) give the Owners a crack to crawl through, and I don't really see how, other than acceding, he can do that. Prickly, maybe, but

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072130787660819762003-12-22T17:05:00.000-05:002003-12-22T17:08:17.326-05:00

Grade adjustments: Henry: Sorry, not buying your line here. Yes, he’s working from power, but his financial decisions remain, at best, opaque. Theo: I neglected to bump his grade for the potential Magglio deal, so he goes up in my book. Nomar: The man has a right to say he wants to stay in Boston. But he should have taken that deal. So, yes, points off. Orza: What do I want from Orza? Better pr

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072128927434950762003-12-22T16:35:00.000-05:002003-12-22T16:36:24.750-05:00

OK, here goes. John H: B+. I don't really think Henry has done much of anything wrong. Beyond posting a cryptic message at SoSH, he's flown under the radar, hasn't been snippy (he let Leisure Suit Larry do that for him), and is working, baseball-wise, from a position of power. Larry: F. Pisses off A-Rod (supposedly), pisses off Orza (definitely), pisses off Henry (see: US Airways one-way

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072126617526037052003-12-22T15:56:00.000-05:002003-12-22T15:57:55.340-05:00

Don't have time quite yet, but I have some different thoughts re: grades. Will grade your grades soon.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1072126476516950712003-12-22T15:52:00.000-05:002003-12-22T15:55:52.513-05:00

The dependable Peter Gammons, reaching the red zone on my hypocrisy meter with this from his latests column on the A-Rod deal: "Complicating things was Hicks' hopeless leaking of information in Texas, which clearly disgusted Henry, who does his business where it should be done -- in private." From the man who lives on inside dope? Come on! Meanwhile an A-Rod-for-Manny scorecard: John H.: C-.

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071931875748942172003-12-20T09:51:00.000-05:002003-12-20T09:52:10.610-05:00

Just to clarify - I understand that A-Rod and the PA are under absolutely no obligation to concede anything to ownership.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071894821175986692003-12-19T23:33:00.000-05:002003-12-23T09:44:08.640-05:00

I understand that only a shred of this must be accurate, but if it is even remotely true, then Orza and the Player's Association are really misguided. In this scenario, the PA supposes that Rodriguez becoming a FA as early as '05 offers him some kind of benefit greater than the restructuring proposed by the Red Sox. The Red Sox proposal (as represented in the press) would commit over 150M to the

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071869504495027112003-12-19T16:31:00.000-05:002003-12-19T16:32:39.030-05:00

What to talk about? Millwood accepts arbitration in Philly, so when and where will the likes of Maddux and Ponson end up? Will Vlad sign in Baltimore, to be followed by the re-acquisition of Sidney and then Lopez or I-Rod? Will the AL East eat its own next year? Still so many weeks until pitchers and catchers report, so many unanswered questions. Lastly, and I have no basis for this, but I

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071788406005370852003-12-18T18:00:00.000-05:002003-12-18T18:00:59.920-05:00

"Due to the unique and complex nature of the negotiations surrounding the proposed transaction involving Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez and the number of teams involved, the negotiations did not reach a successful conclusion by the deadline set," Selig said in a statement. "I have terminated my permission for Boston and Alex Rodriguez to continue pursuing this transaction at this time." What

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071787156746273432003-12-18T17:39:00.000-05:002003-12-18T17:40:48.670-05:00

Was that trade really between the Yankees (Cashman) and the A's (Beane) or between "Brian's Fantastic Cash-men" (BC's rotisserie team) and the "Beaneball 9" (Billy's roto-team)? I hadn't realized that Cashman was even relevant still...

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071786341429564962003-12-18T17:24:00.000-05:002003-12-18T17:26:34.966-05:00

Note that according to ESPN neither the Sox nor the Rangers asked for an extension of the deadline. Meanwhile, under the radar, a trade between Cashman and Billy Beane: Chris Hammond to Oakland for 2 apparently solid prospects: a 23 y/o pitcher (2.09 era in 51 games in a ball) and a 21 y/o infielder (roughly .285 w/ 85 rbi between a and aa).

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071785776303723572003-12-18T17:16:00.000-05:002003-12-18T17:17:09.950-05:00

The hangup in the talks: How much money the Red Sox would pay the Rangers to defray Texas' cost of absorbing Ramirez's contract. According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, the Rangers have dropped their demand of $5 million for five years to $5 million for three years. I am violating my own proclamation by posting this, but don't you think the Red Sox can make that 15M up just in A-Rod bobblehead dolls

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071784571410068552003-12-18T16:50:00.000-05:002003-12-18T16:57:04.513-05:00

As with all labor negotiations, if there is a bargain close at hand, there seems little reason to arbitrarily cut off negotiations. So if this is the case, you'd think there's good cause for an extension. The irony that the Yankees summary dismissal of Trammell might end up, in its own way, killing the Sox chance to acquire A-Rod is, admittedly, quite appealling from a purely partisan perspective

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071784196065031892003-12-18T16:49:00.000-05:002003-12-18T16:50:49.216-05:00

This just in from Jayson Stark: The hangup in the talks: How much money the Red Sox would pay the Rangers to defray Texas' cost of absorbing Ramirez's contract. Bottom line: nobody has any fucking clue what the negotiations involve - this report contradicts almost everything that has been reported about what still needed to be worked out, unless of course the Sox are resigned to the fact that

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071783962787848272003-12-18T16:46:00.000-05:002003-12-18T16:46:56.216-05:00

From what I have read, the teams have agreed upon the terms of the trade. So all that is left to work out is the restructuring of A-Rod's deal. News reports say that Orza is in Florida today for a Bubba Trammell-related issue, so he's not available (who knows if that is accurate, of course). I therefore question the timing of the "deadline". Again, the constipation of the system is a real

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071783654752257522003-12-18T16:40:00.000-05:002003-12-18T16:41:48.043-05:00

Regarding the deadline, it is imposed, so far as I understand, because the Sox have asked for the right to negotiate directly with a player contracted to another team, a situation that is rightly regulated by a (theoretically) impartial power, that being the commissioner. And there is some broader implication here beyond the teams involved: this trade has constipated the entire system, as teams

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071782293583528342003-12-18T16:18:00.000-05:002003-12-18T16:19:37.216-05:00

Hey, I understand that MLB wants this wrapped up so that other things can happen, and the trade banter seems to be, at least to me, a massive league-wide energy suck, but how the hell does Bud Selig get off setting a deadline for the completion of this deal? Why can't the teams continue to talk at their leisure, and consequently at their own risk? For the "good of the game"? Please. The Red

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071782473742430282003-12-18T16:17:00.000-05:002003-12-18T16:22:07.293-05:00

You've raised the essential issues that might come back to haunt the players, but it would be good to hear an independent source or two--or a few competing opinions--discuss the potential fallout. You mention Zimbalist, but why not other academics, economists, legal authorities with some expertise in labor relations, someone from the NLRB, Marvin Miller? One Globe piece, and not an especially

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071776062601922422003-12-18T14:34:00.000-05:002003-12-18T14:35:16.030-05:00

From what I have been reading (mostly at Sons of Sam Horn, an invaluable resource, populated with pseudonymous writers, lawyers, and eponymous team owners even!), the big issue is obviously precedent-setting. Applying the contract-reduction dogma to other situations, it has been posited that Owners would be able to demand that players reduce their contracts in order to facilitate trades. In

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071775483937807822003-12-18T14:24:00.000-05:002003-12-18T14:25:37.356-05:00

Published this morning. Give the Globe some credit, even if you don't think the article all that deep. Of course, you might get angry because they didn't quote Andrew Zimbalist... Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / Baseball law expert cites 'perverse irony'

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071772570447112082003-12-18T13:16:00.000-05:002003-12-18T13:37:03.686-05:00

The squelching of this deal seems destined to go down in history as prime evidence of just how out of touch the PA is with the fans, if not its own membership. Clearly, that's the way the League, the ownership parties, and even the players involved are spinning it. And obviously the Boston mediahave a big stake in seeing this deal go through. But I'm not so sure I agree--yet. First, if the

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071767045043888902003-12-18T12:04:00.000-05:002003-12-18T12:04:58.653-05:00

Oddly, a Dan Shaughnessy column that's quite useful. Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / He's laboring under a delusion

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071757835752871582003-12-18T09:30:00.000-05:002003-12-18T09:31:29.013-05:00

Curt Schilling, the Sox newly acquired pitching ace, expressed empathy for the players involved in the deal, especially Ramirez and Garciaparra, two teammates with whom he said he was looking forward to playing and whose futures are being held hostage by the Rodriguez squabble. "As a player, if Alex Rodriguez wants to go to the Boston Red Sox, I can't imagine the players' union stopping him from

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071698920100525112003-12-17T17:08:00.000-05:002003-12-17T17:09:32.890-05:00

The Boston Red Sox and players union officials were in disagreement Wednesday afternoon about how to restructure Rodriguez's contract that would allow the team to complete a trade with the Texas Rangers for the reigning American League MVP. "Their offer is not good enough," Gene Orza, the union's No. 2 man, said in a telephone interview on Wednesday. Major League Baseball has set a deadline of 5

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071688451348847672003-12-17T14:14:00.000-05:002003-12-17T14:15:03.903-05:00

Meanwhile, in the Bronx, it seems like there’s a nasty case of Back to the Future developing. Why does it all of a sudden seem like we’ve been thrust ino to the mid 1980s. Mattingly’s back, and of course Willie’s still around (truth be told, we’d prefer an unretired Pags over Boone at 3rd). Meanwhile, George has seemingly foresaken the wise counsel of Stick Michael and Brian Cashman for his

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071687273260995252003-12-17T13:54:00.000-05:002003-12-17T13:55:25.250-05:00

Well, if the deal goes down, the Red Sox will have barely two homegrown players on their roster: Trot Nixon and Lou Merloni. Not that better minor league development, skillful drafting, and generally fine dealing over the last few years haven't helped them swing several important deals in the last few years, but there will be no claims, from this party, of the Sox' ability to develop and play

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071685711688505732003-12-17T13:25:00.000-05:002003-12-17T13:29:24.013-05:00

Looks like A-Rod/Manny is back on, with Nomar and Williamson to the Chisox for Ordonez. Big trouble in Yankeeland...

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071684531145853712003-12-17T13:08:00.000-05:002003-12-17T13:09:43.733-05:00

The press release omitted a paragraph: "Following the press conference, Sheffield will berate various members of the media as well as stand-ins for two teammates, in order to prepare everyone for the coming season".

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071682311599163702003-12-17T12:30:00.000-05:002003-12-17T12:32:43.843-05:00

Foregone conclusion from Yankees.com: YANKEES SIGN GARY SHEFFIELD The New York Yankees announced today that they have signed free-agent outfielder Gary Sheffield to a three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year. He will be introduced at a media conference at Yankee Stadium today at 2:00 p.m. Sheffield, 35, joins the Yankees after leading the Atlanta Braves with a .330 batting

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071526362343395312003-12-15T17:12:00.000-05:002003-12-15T17:13:33.106-05:00

NOW we can see the Expos grand strategy in full, it just took some time. The Vazquez trade and the Vlad release all were in order to bag....CARL EVERETT?!??!?!

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071498771648579462003-12-15T09:32:00.000-05:002003-12-15T09:34:02.216-05:00

Sox adding Foulke is another masterstroke by Theo. He now has major flexibility with Kim and Williamson, both inexpensive, young, tradeable, and he didn't give up a thing. Also, Cashman re-upped by a club option for '05? Is Steinbrenner imposing a death sentence or what?

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071454188282180142003-12-14T21:09:00.000-05:002003-12-14T21:10:38.233-05:00

One of the first phone calls Paul Quantrill made after agreeing on his yet unannounced two-year contract with the Yankees was to a Dodgers official. Quantrill thanked him for his time with the Dodgers, told him how exciting it was to be a Yankee and finished up his sentiments with this kicker: "I'm really happy to be getting away from Kevin Brown."

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071293968494305812003-12-13T00:23:00.000-05:002003-12-13T00:40:16.186-05:00

There's no question you're right. As Steinbrenner has reasserted control of this team they've become disorganized and reactionary. The loss of Pettitte, as we've both noted, is a tremendous blow: a stable presence, a consistent winner, a link to the Yankees dynasty. The truth is that he was easy to admire but difficult to love--a retiring Texas transplant never really comfortable as a public

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071263335056435862003-12-12T16:08:00.000-05:002003-12-12T16:10:21.280-05:00

If this is true, and not from the Onion (I got this off of ESPN), then shame on Roger. He's worried that they'd take away his Hummer? Isn't the guy worth $50M? Clemens is taking the weekend to decide whether he'd like to pitch for the Astros, where he would join friend Andy Pettitte, he told local talk show hosts from KKRW-FM Radio. Rumors have been circulating since Clemens announced his

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071254150715981492003-12-12T13:35:00.000-05:002003-12-12T13:37:24.546-05:00

There is now a trend, amongst some of the national (as opposed to the biased local) media, to say that the Yankees loss of Pettitte isn't a big deal, that if you stare at his numbers long enough you realize that had he accepted the 39M the Yankees finally offered the team would have been stuck with a greatly overpaid pitcher, one who isn't a whole lot better in the postseason than he is during

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071231821933938462003-12-12T07:23:00.000-05:002003-12-12T07:24:29.123-05:00

What Epstein/Henry are doing with the Red Sox stands in interesting contrast to the Yankees offseason moves. The Sox clearly seem to be working in the interest of both finance and chemistry, whereas, to these eyes at least, the Yankees seem to be responding like rotisserie owners. The potential Rodriguez/Garciaparra/Ramirez merry-go-round has clear roots in the team checkbook, but is a deal

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071230796903749422003-12-12T07:06:00.000-05:002003-12-12T07:07:24.310-05:00

I guess there's a chance that the Pettitte situation was just a baseball decision, that the Yankees didn't think that Pettitte was worth keeping, that they figured there was a chance he'd stay out of loyalty but that if he left, no big deal. If so, why did they think that? What, exactly, over the last 9 years, made him so unimportant, so replaceable?

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071187322855846152003-12-11T19:02:00.000-05:002003-12-11T19:02:49.826-05:00

So Kevin Brown is apparently on his way here, for Weaver, two minor leaguers, and a few million bucks. Pettitte, Weaver, Clemens, Johnson, two minor leaguers and cash for Vazquez and Brown is the net situation. Is there a more clear indication that Brian Cashman and his staff are mere puppets? Will YF agree that there is one, and only one, person running the show here? The strategy with

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071157768468430502003-12-11T10:34:00.000-05:002003-12-11T11:02:02.216-05:00

It's a done deal...or maybe it's not. Who knows. With Colon gone, the Yankees long game--if they had one--has officially backfired. And let's be frank: the Yankees' situation is dire without Pettitte. The Sox have added one blue chip to their rotation. Th e Yankees, thus far, have added one (Vazquez) but also lost one (Roger). If Pettitte departs, they will be down one. And even if they add Kevin

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071143866763757752003-12-11T06:57:00.000-05:002003-12-11T06:58:32.483-05:00

It's funny, almost every single quote in this article could have been planted by the Hendricks. We'll see what happens... http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/144737p-127963c.html

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071108781219074352003-12-10T21:13:00.000-05:002003-12-10T21:14:26.186-05:00

Just wondering if the whole Pettitte-almost-an-Astro thing smacks of the Bernie Williams-is-almost-a-Red-Sox from few years back to you. Who's to say this isn't all a major ploy by the Hendricks brothers to get George to ante up millions? I will believe this signing only when Pettitte gives a news conference.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071104266885023482003-12-10T19:57:00.000-05:002003-12-10T19:58:32.140-05:00

Report: Free agent Pettitte on verge of deal with Astros By RICHARD JUSTICE Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle Free agent lefthander Andy Pettitte, one of baseball’s winningest pitchers, is on the verge of an agreement with the Astros, industry sources said today. The sources cautioned that some details remained to be worked out and that the deal still could fall apart if the New York Yankees

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071098599941871842003-12-10T18:23:00.000-05:002003-12-10T18:24:05.606-05:00

I do agree with you on the Sheffield thing, with more facts at hand it's clear that he is, as we say, a tant. A greedy tant at that. But I also wouldn't be at all surprised if the Vlad situation gave the Yankees the opportunity to sprint away from Sheffield once that deal hit a snag, rather than loll away. In other news, ESPN is currently reporting that Pettitte is about to sign with the

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071087191713503782003-12-10T14:55:00.000-05:002003-12-10T15:13:57.436-05:00

There is no reason to believe that the Yankee negotiations with Sheffield were intentionally done in by the Yankees in order to pursue Vlad, and the fact that this deal has hit the skids clearly belies the Braves disingenuous claims that it has long been written in stone. If the Yankees were the ones calling off this deal, you know Sheffield would be the first one complaining to the press.

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071077999718327372003-12-10T12:39:00.000-05:002003-12-10T12:40:44.903-05:00

Steinbrenner also played heavily on Yankee tradition in courting Sheffield, telling him, "I want guys who are Hall of Famers, and I want you wearing that Yankee cap in the Hall. When you get to 500 [home runs] we'll make it a big issue. I think you'll do it in three years." Huh? The Boss has lost it (if he ever had it to begin with), and this exchange should scare the crap out of you.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071065115125873532003-12-10T09:05:00.000-05:002003-12-10T09:06:00.653-05:00

Surprise, surprise, the Yanks are "back" in the Guerrero sweepstakes. I don't believe a word coming out of the Yankees front office re: Sheffield's "additional" demands. This is all backtracking following Guerrero's release from the Expos. On the other hand, I don't see how Atlanta has a case for compensation. According to today's papers, they are asking for compensatory draft picks, which

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071058357414120752003-12-10T07:12:00.000-05:002003-12-10T07:13:22.810-05:00

Soap opera. Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox / The Rodriguez watch heats up

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071024194070785872003-12-09T21:43:00.000-05:002003-12-09T21:43:58.590-05:00

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – Boston Red Sox owner John Henry lashed out at Nomar Garciaparra's agent on Tuesday, saying it was the "the height of hypocrisy" to accuse the team of betrayal even though the star shortstop rejected the team's lucrative, long-term offer last spring. "He says we're being disingenuous. I take great umbrage at that statement," Henry said at the opening of the

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071008093128211992003-12-09T17:14:00.000-05:002003-12-09T17:15:37.873-05:00

Colon to Anaheim for 12M per. I think we had an argument about his value - didn't you predict he wouldn't get above 10 per year?

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071004223785810302003-12-09T16:10:00.000-05:002003-12-09T16:12:56.966-05:00

I wonder if you sabermetrically analyzed the Schilling addition, it's impact on the staff ERA, and then sadded A-Rod and a middling second player and subtracted Manny and Nomar, and calculated runs scored/runs allowed differential from last year to hypothetical next (does that make any sense), where would you be? My point is that yes, you are right, the A-Rod deal goes far beyond sabermetrics (

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1071004011826213502003-12-09T16:06:00.000-05:002003-12-09T16:13:17.326-05:00

Nomar has been vocal in his "shock" at the A-Rod trade talks, at feeling impugned that he wasn't "notified" of the Sox' interest in moving him. I think Nomar should get a clue (remember, I like Nomar, so don't read this as anything but an isolated criticism). Nomar (apparently) turned down a 4-year/$60M extension during spring training last year, and if there's anyone to complain to it's his

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070985631252703802003-12-09T10:57:00.000-05:002003-12-09T11:01:15.936-05:00

I would also suggest that the A-Rod/Manny deal is one in which Sabermetrics are probably thrown out the window in favor of a broader world view. As noted, over at least a short term, Manny and Nomar are going to equal more in pure production than A-Rod plus one. So clearly the Sox management, even with Bill James at their side, clearly see that there is more to the game than numbers alone..

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070985279250649762003-12-09T10:36:00.000-05:002003-12-09T10:55:23.186-05:00

I think your analysis of the A-Rod/Manny/Nomar situation is pretty accurate, and I think I've pretty much changed my thinking on this matter over the past few days, at least in terms of analysis from the Sox perspective. While replacing Manny and Nomar with A-Rod and some much lesser player will inevitably mean a drop in offensive production (the Sox are certainly not going to equal their 2002

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070983377085628292003-12-09T10:22:00.000-05:002003-12-09T10:23:41.436-05:00

I think I ought to pipe in with my thoughts on the A-Rod/Nomar/Manny shenanigans going on in the baseball world. Since I first suggested trying to get A-Rod early this October, I have to admit I am pleased to see the Sox' brass following up, at least from a pure baseball standpoint. Let me break down some of my thoughts/issues: 1. Rodriguez is, hands-down, the best player in baseball, and

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070979819369682222003-12-09T09:23:00.000-05:002003-12-09T09:25:42.403-05:00

I couldn't help but catch the backsides of the NY tabloids today on the subway ride to work, articulating a snag in the Sheffield-to-the-Yankees situation, based on apparent additional money demands from Sheffield. I wonder if, in fact, this is actually Yankees-promoted spin instead (maybe he hasn't asked for an additional penny!), and that this is the Bombers' clever way of walking away from

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070916698359755962003-12-08T15:45:00.000-05:002003-12-08T15:53:27.746-05:00

Moving back to the Expos: I'm opposed to contraction. If MLB fixes its problems, imho, contraction would not be necessary. The League, as far as I'm concerned, should be looking to expand into Latin America, if not immediately than in the foreseeable future. For right now, a team belongs in our nation's capital. That's where the Expos should be going.

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070911500718601492003-12-08T14:25:00.000-05:002003-12-08T14:25:44.293-05:00

Amen.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070901879566459182003-12-08T11:14:00.000-05:002003-12-08T12:13:22.810-05:00

The Vlad situation should be shocking; it's a sad commentary on the state of that franchise, and frankly MLB in general, that it's not. The Vazquez deal, we were told, was made explicitly to free salary room for Vlad. Apparently not. Why is he now being allowed to walk? Why, as you've asked, wasn't he dealt last year? The Expos are a joke, and these latest shenanigans are undermining the

YFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09436950661350647283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070893132066668432003-12-08T09:18:00.000-05:002003-12-08T09:19:35.436-05:00

There is another question, actually a rhetorical question, w/r/t the Guerrerro situation: Why didn't the Expos trade him last year if they knew they couldn't re-sign him? Obviously there was never a chance to keep him in the fold, that fact is made transparent as they didn't offer him arbitratration even AFTER they traded Vazquez - it wasn't like they offered him arb. and then had to dump

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070888806243644112003-12-08T08:06:00.000-05:002003-12-08T09:20:22.373-05:00

So the Expos have cut Vladdy loose. This strikes me as especially pathetic, considering the Vazquez trade last week. Is there a better indication that the moving of Vazquez had nothing to do with improving the Expos comptetitive ability and everything to do with feeding the AL East fire? Not offering Guerrero arbitration illustrates how pathetic the Montreal situation is, how Selig and, by

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627745.post-1070834699611513462003-12-07T17:04:00.000-05:002003-12-07T17:22:25.076-05:00

Is someone reading our blog? First, the Sox make a move for A-Rod (portented by this scribe in early October!) and now today a Times beat writer refers to the Yankees as "gluttonous", a term I used just a few days back. Makes you wonder.

suckmonitornoreply@blogger.com