I took a little break, as news was very slow until the trade deadline, until a fluffy of deal in the last 36 hours. The Yankees and Mets were quiet, and I think both Brian Cashman and Sandy Alderson accomplished what they needed to.
Well be doing a CTV show in the fall on the Knights of Columbus' activities on Staten Island, and with that, I had the opportunity to interview Yankees' GM Brian Cashman. Mr. Cashman and a gaggle of players graciously assisted with a lemonade stand for Megan Ajello during "Hope Week", and we focused on the team's charitable activities. I also got to see him in action with the real media, deftly sidestepping questions.
The Yankees at the time we in negotiations with Colorado for starter Ubaldo Jimenez, who ultimately went to Cleveland for a far inferior package of prospects than required from the Yankees. Since Mr. Cashman's efforts are focused on improving the Yankees and not restocking the Rockies, he was correct in turning down a deal sacrificing 4 MLB ready players.
Mr. Cashman has also taken heat as Theo Epstein added pitchers Dan Haren and Eric Bedard to his rotation. Here are three pertinent questions:
1. With the Yankees now a game out of 1st, are the Red Sox really some uber team if they had to add Haren (good) and Bedard (not so much) to their rotation?
2. Aren't the Yankees better off with recent and potential "adds" Rafael Soriano, Jesus Montero, Ivan Nova, Manny Banuelos, Eric Chavez as well as Alex Rodriguez on their roster?
3. How sure are you that Ubaldo Jiminez is still the pitcher that started last year's All-Star Game? His drop-off is parallel to that of Phil Hughes.
As for the Mets, kudos to Sandy Alderson, as pitcher Zack Wheeler is exactly the type of prospect they needed in return for Carlos Beltran. And as hard as this is to say, the Mets arc is a lot higher chasing the NL Wild Card with next year's team.
Now to the NFL:
1. Thank God everyone came to their senses, and ended the game of Russian Roulette they were playing with two-fully loaded guns! If only the NBA would do the same.
2. The Jets took a high risk flyer on Plaxico Burress, but one that could do the same thing for Mark Sanchez that it did for Eli Manning.
3. Giants coach Tom Coughlin, all talk of him being replaced quashed because of the lockout, is definitely on the hot seat this year. His players have grown tired of his act, and another collapse will cause Mara Tech to turn on him.
4. Why do I believe that Chad Ochocinco will become a model student in New England?
5. Randy Moss to the highest bidder mid-season?
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