WHAT IS SANTANA WORTH?

The talks are on.

But what is Johann Santana worth to the Yankees? What would you be willing to give up?

Let's assume that us signing him to an extension will be part of any trade.

Your thoughts....?

Hank Speaks

Interesting interview. I think I'm really going to like this guy.

Your Yankees 2008 Coaching Staff

Hitting coach Kevin Long and first-base coach Tony Pena will return, Dave Eiland has been promoted to pitching coach, Rob Thomson becomes the new bench coach, third-base coach Bobby Meacham, and bullpen coach Mike Harkey
I was worried that Joe wouldn't get the elite coaches. With calling up Eiland for that no good Guidry and getting Meacham to replace the turncoat only shows, this Joe, knows what he's doing.

BREAKING NEWS: A-ROD IS REALLY ALEX RODRIGUEZ

Friends,

As you probably have heard, Alex Rodriguez hasbeen humbled by a $275 10-year deal to remain a NY Yankee. The ESPN.com article reporting this news is a fascinating read on multiple levels, I strongly suggest you all read it. And by fascinating, I mean bewildering. Almost comical, in fact.

Friends, we now live in a world where the heads of Goldman Sachs are concerning themselves with the fortunes and futures of baseball players. And we also are told by the Yankees de facto head cheese that Alex Rodriguez is actually making a "sacrifice" by accepting this record-breaking deal.

As a baseball fan, I'm turned off by all of this information. As a closet populist, I am actually depressed that the pastoral game of baseball (although let's be honest, the game hasn't been true to itself for quite a few years) has become the plaything of billionaires. Alex Rodriguez will be worth a billion dollars one day, if it hasn't happened yet. I'm sorry, I refuse to call the guy "A-Rod" any longer. That nickname is a cover-up for his true nature. His real name is "Alex Rodriguez, Inc." And both parties are sorting out language on how to give Alex Rodriguez a bonus for breaking Barry Bonds' all-time home run record? What further incentive does a guy who makes $27 million a year need? This game is losing me, people.

Alex in, Mariano Out, Lowell In

Rumors are swirling that Alex could sign by the weekend. The latest I've read is 10 year $275 million with incentives up to $300 million. Wow

Mariano was offered 3 year $45 million. 1st I heard he wanted $54 million. Now I hear he wanted a 4th year.

Also, the Yankees are interested in Mike Lowell to play 1st base. Just what the Yankees need another first baseman. I could see if they don't sign Alex. So it will be Doug, Andy, Mike. Giambi and Matsui as DH. Am I missing something is Doug a free agent?

Are the Yankees not interested in pitchers? They're losing their closer. They need starters but have questions. I say sign Kris Benson. Or at least Anna Benson. She'll keep my interest more than the platooning 1B and DH revolving door.

Alex to Hal - Let's Talk

It's being reported by reporters who report that Alex Rodriguez told Scott Boras, bitch better go sit in the corner. Alex wants to talk with Hal S. about a possible deal. Scott will (at least for now) stand aside.

The numbers floating are 10 year $275 million.

There aren't many teams that can go mid-$20 millions/year. His options are limited.

Maybe Alex can down off his high whore and smell the money. If it's about the money, he's not going to get many/any more offers like the Yankees. He's not going to play for a team that can spend to get to the playoffs. It looks like the Yankees have the leverage in this deal. To leave $50-$100 million on the table while in your early 30s would be crazy. This is his last big payday. He may get a similar contract ala Barry Bonds after 10 years if he's still playing.

Take the deal or get out. If he plays the Yankees and signs somewhere else wow. But stranger things have happened.

Mariano, Take This Or Leave It

Hal Stein. made an offer of 3 year $45 million. Mariano wants a 3 year $54 million.

So there's the deal. Posada wants back. Hal wants Mariano. The fans want Mariano. He's got the number of years now take the deal.

Who will give him $45 million +? We should all be worried that someone will.

Posada All But Re-Signs

It's being reported by me that Posada is about to sign a 4 year $52.3 million deal. Or somewhere abouts. This is great news for Posada fans. Though I'm disappointed there will be no Girardi as player-manager. I've convinced he could still play better than Nieves.

Keep going Cashman. You've got some more players to re-sign. You better treat this like your job depends on it. Abreu was a good start. Posada makes it better. Do this thing.

Turncoat, Thy Name Is Mattingly

Does anyone's opinion of Don Mattingly change now that he'll be in a different uniform? Maybe once the season starts things will change. It's just seems strange that he would be on another team. There aren't many players that this would seem odd. Nowadays players come and go. He's just one that you wouldn't expect to go. Though Mariano and Jorge could go. Andy went and returned. Derek's the only one left. I always thought Don would be a Yankee for life.






In a related statement, George Steinbrenner striped Don Mattingly of his Greatest Yankee Player of the '80s.

He has given that title to Mike Pagliarulo.

Steinbrenner was heard saying, Pags is the Greatest Yankee Player of the '80s. He better honor that title or Steve Balboni will go after that thing like it was a meatball sub.

Hank

I like Hank Steinbrenner's style. He's very open and straightforward. It's refreshing. We'll see how effective it is.

Pettitte Declines Option

Check it out here. This doesn't worry me, however. I felt he was going to file for free agency anyway, he needs to get his too. But the Yankees should be desperate to get him. They should be desperate to save him. He is our last, best hope, for peace.

The Hinge

The Yankees 2008 season depends on one man: Andy Pettitte. If the Yanks can lure him back, we will have as good a 1-2 as anyone in the league and it would take a lot of pressure of the Chamberlain--Hughes--Kennedy trio that I expect to round out the rotation. If he retires, I don't see how we can truly compete next year.

The one positive: Andy's agent has said it's down to NY or retirement. Is a 35 year old with an outside shot at the HOF really going to retire?

Check out these numbers: 201-113, .640 pct. If he could get to 225 and had that percentage, he'd have a shot.

Report: Torre to Dodgers

It feels weird, doesn't it? You can't blame a 67 year old man for taking that job. Joe doesn't have a season to waste. But it doesn't feel right. It's too soon. If the Dodgers win, is Joe going to be crying about it like he did with us? Is he going to talk about how it was the best one, as he did with us? Does he make you laugh like I did? Can you tell him anything like you could me? Is he the lover I was?

Uh...sorry. But you get the picture.