Bleacher Report - Articles by Patrick Read

Baseball 9/11: President Bush, NY Yankees, Roger Clemens & The Land of the Free

Patrick Read — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:01:22 -0400

Moral Courage Lifted A Free World To Its Feet Again

Washington DC

September 1, 2009

Intended for the youth, this is the true story about 9/11, the New York Yankees and how a free people showed their courage by way of the All-American past-time.

I offer my solemn prayer to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including to the NY Fire Department. They climbed those stairs leading up to towers ablaze while weighed down by more than just equipment.

Their courage in the face of overwhelming odds is truly something we can all learn from, which is to never quit and never surrender, even when up against unparalleled odds. The outcome of their action on 9/11 saved thousands of lives and all life is precious. Every single one.

Some may not remember what happened on 9/11—perhaps you were too young and have only heard bits of information.

Allow me to share with you the true story about 9/11 and how President Bush, Baseball and Roger Clemens came to lift the spirit of those living in the "land of the free" after having suffered an incredible attack.

They also lifted the spirits for all people in other nations wishing to become free too.

I was working at Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAFS), where rockets blast off into outer space. Next door to CCAFS is the Kennedy Space Center, home of the Space Shuttle.

I know what power it takes to launch a rocket, a power sometimes confused with something unnatural or fake. The power used to launch a rocket is not artificial; rather it comes right from the salt of the earth and not from a laboratory.

I was a Turnover Technician in 2001, working for a company that was building and starting-up Launch Pad 37B. We were hired by Boeing, who is a manufacturer of aircraft for air & space travel and had just built the world's largest ever rocket called the Delta IV.

I was a little overwhelmed about having such an important job, but was focused on just doing my best everyday and working as hard as I could.

I said my prayers every night and asked God to help those in need. Sometimes people get lost on God's highway and they are the ones I was taught to pray for—never for self.

I was going through my normal daily routine at the office on Sept. 11. It involved a lot of flipping through actual scientific data, following up with the building contractors, calling Boeing to make sure that each system was “set for go” and that they approved of what the builders had constructed.

I was sitting on the right side of our group arrangement when all of a sudden the phone rang. Thinking it was Boeing—who I was about to call—I picked up the phone and got the biggest shock of my life. My daughter hadn't been born yet, which was also a shock because the miracle of life far outweighs everything else on the planet.

It was my supervisor calling from his cell phone on his way to work, “Pat, a small passenger plane just flew into one of the World Trade Center Towers in New York City!”

His voice was excited and he was clearly upset. He knew I had a background in Air Traffic Control and that I served the United States Air Force for six years, with another two years serving in the private industry. That job is kind of like being a traffic cop of the sky.

At first I didn't believe him, “No way,” I reacted, “Large sized passenger aircraft can’t fly that low over heavily populated areas in this country.”

“Oh no—Jesus!” he cried, “Another one just hit the other tower!”

I heard the crash in the background on his radio and thought to myself, "that was no accident."

I immediately left the field engineer trailer and hurried over to the site safety trailer. I rushed inside and saw it on TV, two large passenger jets (767's) had crashed into the World Trade Center Towers, one after the other.

"They were hijacked," I said aloud. The field engineer from Boeing looked at me. "That was no accident. That was an attack," I uttered.

His hand flew to his forehead, “We have people in there," he cried. “I know,” I shuttered, “I am a New Yorker and have people in there too.”

Who is responsible? The hijackers are responsible, they're hate is and those allied to them are responsible.

And thus the war is against terror. Their hate kills and their distortion is what is being used to control others enough so that some bad guys half way around the world (some right here, like the Lackawanna-Six) would change their own history and convince others to fly themselves into buildings that were packed full of innocent human life.

The bad guys did this only to serve their selfish want and desire.

The question is: Who benefited the most from the War on Terror?

The answer is simple: The same country where the 9/11 hijackers all lived and where Osama Bin Laden is from too is who benefited most. The Kingdom that leads OPEC is the one who benefited the most. Saudi Arabia benefited the most from 9/11 and its resulting War on Terror. Why? They control the gas prices, which were very, very high and have been ever since the War began.

On the other hand, it is time for all people to be free and now they are being freed over there. Afghanistan proudly displayed blue-inked fingers after freely voting for the first time in their country's history. For the first time ever.

Smiling faces are unmistakable of their approval of freedom's ring which should be a lesson to the Saudi King to save the jewelry and just let all be free.

I am not blaming all of Saudi Arabia, just the elite and royal few; who prey on the massive amount of poor people, distort their history all while drinking from golden beer mugs, wearing big bling and handing out funny chains to foreign delegates that make them happy. Sadaam Hussein was much like that too.

Attention: In America we do not take kindly to monarch style governance, nor do we take kindly to the practice of slavery.

The Saudi should tell their people that the "fight" is internal to each individual; not external to others and that it is relative their own mind, body and soul.

Do you think they will? Of course not. Why? It is cheaper to keep them enslaved and it's seemingly all about the money for the Saudi royalty. And their "chains."

It can be said that 9/11 was an attack on the entire free world--whose capital city is in New York. They then sent their Crowned Prince into New York City to offer his charity for the sins of their sons.

The Prince may have expected Rudy to bow down, because he said "It was American's own Imperialism that was the cause of 9/11."

Rudy Giuliani swiftly scoffed at the Prince, turned away his so-called charity and immediately showed him the door out of our country. Rudy has been there and done that before with some pretty bad guys. He displayed sheer leadership that day and he made all New Yorkers and all Americans proud when doing it.

"Stand up for America," was the lesson that Rudy taught.

Awe inspiring is that one jet, loaded with those having moral courage, was taken back by heroic Americans who overtook the flying-coward. Their action ultimately resulted in a suicidal-pilot crashing that plane into a remote area where no one else could be injured.

Awe inspiring was a man named Todd Beamer (go to his memorial site) on that plane, who gathered a band of patriots and shouted "Lets Roll!" Here is a good article to remember Shanksville and those brave Americans who sacrificed for us all.

America has nothing to apologize for, President Obama. They hit us, not the other way around.

We're just a free people and they hate us for it. Imperialist? We do not stay where we are not asked, just ask the Irish-American about slavery and Imperialism. Ask them what war they're most proud of too--the Civil War is the answer. We won for all and all for one.

Stop the lies, because there is only one Imperialist country and it is not the USA.

America and President Bush "did do right," despite what inaugural poets might prose over. America will continue the fight to emancipate all and that means everyone, because "ALL are Created equal” and ALL were created to be free. Even you, even me.

CCAFS closed down for a long time after that attack of hate founded in distortion; and I sat glued to the TV watching on in disbelief. Utterly depressed and shaken to my core--those were people, not viruses.

The military blood in my veins boiled and my emotion ranged from complete despair over to anger and back to despair again. This roller coaster happened every single day and each American was on it.

"WE WILL NEVER FORGET"

What pulled the country up form that dark depression, that utter sense of helplessness, hopelessness and anger?

For me, and millions of other people around the globe, it was the All-American pastime. It was baseball.

Does the ESPN still remember, as does the MLB? I think so, but some of their partners are pretty querstionable; like NBC; who likes to use the bully pulpit and pick their winners for all of us; instead of letting it all play out on the open, and free field. They like to interfere with their cheer. Note to NBC: Special favors only serve to sell out liberty in the land of the free.

What lifted this nation back to its feet again after 9/11?

It was President Bush who did the talking for all of us after the attack. While standing in the rubble of Ground Zero and shouting on with the construction worker, iron-worker, the police and firefighter—the country and the whole free world listened up.

“The people who knocked over these buildings will hear all of us soon!”

A thunderous applause erupted and ALL of Congress (even Nancy Pelosi) voted and passed a Declaration of "War on Terror." Not just one group or man, but all Terror and they are still out there too.

I will not forget, I promise my fallen brothers, it smolders in my soul like the rubble at ground zero. I will not forget.

“The nation sends its love.”

"Go get ‘em, George!”

“God Bless America!”

“USA—USA—USA!”

It's called patriotism and as a country, we lost that somehow and are now only interested in name calling and hate. I think we learned that hate is a killer though, so don't hate--but try and forgive.

The type moral courage displayed at Ground Zero lifted us all, as one nation under God, once again. We stood united; we stood for justice, for peace and we stood for those who couldn’t stand anymore. United, we stood.

For now, our effort over there (play this as loud as you can) is focused on those who distort the Koran for their own selfish purpose and are the same that have had this country under attack for more than fifty years.

Moral Courage Lifted A Free World To Its Feet Again

For some reason that part of our history is not taught in school.

Maybe the teachers are only serving their so-called “union," who donates their money to one political party in order to win favor. Again, special favors only serve to sell out liberty in the land of the free.

In the end, only truth will prevail.

The great "Union" Army of the Civil War freed all and gave all independence—even the Irish Catholic who was brought here in shackles too. They used Irish salves to free slaves and our country has not stopped freeing slaves ever since.

I can say that the War has been a success and hope has been spreading throughout the Middle East ever since. They had blue ink on their fingers, President Obama. Recall Afghanistan, the women with the blue ink and their smiles of sheer joy. They are now another freed slave.

Our “reconstruction effort” is going just fine, Mr. Dolberman--Count that if you can. That silly "how many days since the end of the war" propaganda is annoying to those who serve.

Of course, Keith would already have known that our military is in the normal process of reconstruction had he ever served. He didn't serve though and that is why he doesn't know. He just doesn't get it.

Which brings me to Chris Mathews: this is a guy who thinks that the Democrats won the Battle of Gettysburg and he gleefully proclaimed it so on election night. Great, except for one thing--The Republicans won the Battle of Gettysburg--regardless of the chill up Mathew’s leg.

His name was Abraham Lincoln and he "weren’t a democrat." The distortion against our beautiful American history is purposeful and self serving, much like those who distort the Koran.

So again, what lifted the United States of American back to its feet again?

It was the type moral courage that Bud Selig once had when he cried, “play ball!”

It was the type moral courage that a man named Jack Buck, (watch his poem) who courageously stood on a baseball field after a terrorist attack on the free and addressed the whole world, saying:

“We are a blessed people and have rushed to help other nations; anything, anytime, anywhere…War is not in our nature… We won’t start it, but end the fight and will always protect what is right…We have no choice…and as our fathers did before, we shall win this unwanted war.”

I do it no justice; the fans did much better and so did Mr. Buck.

This is the type of courage that I like. It sends a chill down my spine and on my arms. The 21 gun salute didn’t hurt either.

And so it was, “play ball” and teach us all about moral courage—like our fathers did before and their fathers did too and so on through our great country’s history (though not taught anymore).

We can fight it out on a field during any given game and watch on as spectators, like they did the Civil War, where men display courage to do the right thing.

It was President Bush who displayed Moral Courage when he flew to Yankee Stadium only mere weeks after that attack. We sat in fear for his safety, each of us, together as one.

Ole George stood up, stood tall, he walked right out to the mound after having received advice from another great American, the modern-day Joe DiMaggio, Derek Jeter who said, “Throw from the pitcher’s mound and don’t bounce it,” he smiled, “They’ll boo ya.”

Good ole “Joltin' Jeter” has a lot of courage himself and knows how to keep people loose when the pressure is on> He proves it time and time again. Thanks for that advice, Jete.

Our president, with the United behind him, walked tall and walked proud out to that mound. He glanced at the guest mound and shook it off without hesitation. He toed the professional rubber and gave the crowd a thumbs-up sign—who responded as loudly as I’ve ever heard any stadium—and he threw a fastball for a strike.

The whole world saw it and it defined what moral courage is all about. His approval ratings were the highest of any President in American History, afterwards some tore him down for their own selfish reason. They sold him out so they could win.

But, the man who put the whole country on his shoulder wasn’t wearing a flak-jacket that day.

Thaaaaaa'aaaaa Yankees WIN!

He had nothing on but a pinstriped baseball uniform. He was a gritty, aging bull-dog from Texas. He is on twitter.com @RogerClemens

I recall an interview from that time. Clemens recollected the city in the aftermath of the attack. He would drive to the Stadium in between stops at the local Fire Departments, while trying to cheer them up and offer some solace.

He could smell that fire burning its sickness everyday. And though drained from it all, during Game Three of the 2001 World Series, he approached Babe Ruth's Memorial and rubbed his forehead for luck.

When he was on the mound he frequently looked to the sky for reassurance and noted the sickening orange-gray glow which replaced a clean, crisp, free air . That polluted air was brought to us by terror and it had surrounded the New York City sky line for over a month. It enveloped us all.

He looked out at the stadium and saw all eyes fixed on him. Tired, they were looking for hope, for answers, for joy, for understanding, for a miracle, for anything to believe in again.

He must have reached deep-down to achieve what happened next because he got mad and the Rocket's red glare carried him, the team, the city, the country and the free world back to a winning spirit.

He did it by using his moral courage. He did it by feeling their pain and responding to a once free people knocked down to the ground. He picked that free people right back up and shouted, "we ain't done yet!"

Two Texans, neither to be messed with, stood up for this country. Those actions will speak louder than any words spoken by the most blow-hard of all newsmen. Both already proved their character and honor in the wake of 9/11.

On that night, after the President had left the field, we all worried that someone might take a shot at Roger Clemens, who had no flak-jacket on.

Yet there he stood in the wide open field of play, before a maxed-out stadium filled with 55,820 weary fans and an entire planet looking on.

With each passing second, the City came back to life, back to smiling, back to shouting, jumping and cheering. It had been over a month since they had an outlet and it was the President and Roger Clemens who gave them one. The two had actually delivered a day, which I never thought possible.

And it didn't matter what team you rooted for on that day, we were all rooting for the Country. This is what Legend is all about.

Roger Clemens threw for seven innings, allowing only three hits and one earned run. He even picked off Craig Counsel, the speedy Diamondback second baseman who thought he might get a false lead on New York and on Clemens. He was wrong and got called out.

Clemens threw for all of us that day. He gutted out 109 pitches and 68 strikes. He walked three and struck out nine; and provided his own bridge to Mo (he didn’t even need any federal bail out money to do it).

The game took place on Oct. 30, a night game with field conditions “unknown.” The Yankees won that game for the world and did it with the help of its ever loyal market watching on.

Baseball healed a nation. Baseball lifted the Free World back up again, to its feet, for those who couldn't stand anymore. Once upon a time in New York City, after terrorist got us in the back, we all finally stood united.

I remember the day that we got divided again. Nancy Pelosi stood on the House floor in 2003 and proclaimed Bush as evil. She had to say something to try and win the next election. She lost it and hasn't stopped trying to divide us since.

I thought I would take the time to remind you of some historical fact—not taught in school for some reason, but taught during the tribulation of life and recorded for those interested in truth.

I’m not sure where George is, but I know he took a bad beating in the press while others were looking for “what’s theirs.” He took that beating so much he has yet to defend himself properly. His courage and resolve have been shaken.

I do know what has happened to Clemens though. I’ve paid attention over the years. He has maintained his resolve and is still resilient.

Part 1 & Part 2. Those two articles are as complete as you will find anywhere about the recent Clemens drama, but by far, his performance in the wake of 9/11 drastically overshadows anything he ever did or didn't do relative baseball.

He used his moral courage and added a drive to succeed to power him self.

He relied on strong roots passed onto him from his days growing up in a good and decent family who had some tough times, but one with a lot of love and faith.

Pictured above is Roger in 2001, had he been using steroids, then his shoulders would have been bigger than Arnold Schwarzenegger's in the 1970's, with a neck the size of Atlas. Clemens was known for his work out regime, it was the toughest in all baseball.

The affluent will never get common folk at all. They don’t understand the drive, so they just make it up to cover for their ignorance.

Roger had an unparalleled work-ethic and he taught it to Andy Pettitte who recently taught to Joba Chamberlain.

See Nolan Ryan and his philosophy relative success for any pitcher. Work out harder than anyone else and you'll do better than anyone else given your field.

Clemens also passed a urine test in 2003 and we now know who failed, though not in its entirety. But these are incidental to the bigger picture...

Clemens ain’t hiding from anyone. He never has either. He demanded to go to the Hill. He demanded to be heard in court. Yet, no court wants to hear his case.

His case involves the right to a speedy trial, privacy rights, and defamation of character, interstate law and the loss of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. I can understand why no court wants to hear the case. It is a whopper of a case, to say the least.

He has been under investigation since 2005 and still there is no affirmative answer. Yet the Daily News promises they know the answer, as do those at NBC's partner--ESPN. Give me a break with the boat load of lies.

Has he made some simple mistakes in life, not relative baseball? Yes and so have you. Did his life become unmanageable? Yes, especially via ESPN and the Daily News’ docudrama. Does he believe in the Creator and does he help others to this very day? Check out his foundation.

Clemens is on Twitter @RogerClemens. Search him out and go say hello . Pay some respect to him for at least what he did in 2001. And yes, he will respond to you as he does everyone else.

He carried our country, nay the entire “free” world on his shoulders one magical day in October—where two Texans took the mound—one without a flak-jacket.

Roger Clemens:Mitchell Report, Depo's & Testimony Prove Brian McNamee Lied, P2

Patrick Read — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:19:32 -0400

Bringing A Legend Back Into the Game

Washington DC

Part One Linked Here.

Maybe just a move by those wishing for a "fair & level playing field," Roger Clemens' free agency price took a major hit a year and a half ago after a farce report.

And thus, so did a league full of high-priced players otherwise known as, "workers."

Note to all: socialism does not work, especially in baseball. People are naturally selfish, especially owners. They have the most invested too. But being selfish is not a mortal sin and not listed as one of the ten commandments. Instead it quite naturally creates competition which comes from it, quality.

Forget about "quantitative theory" (or utilitarian law) which seeks to place an average numeric value on a person, because people have too many varying qualities. Socialism's false ideology only seeks to justify a societal-means to an end.

It also allows for both slavery and abortion, or "another owning the rights of a 'person' endowed by the Creator.

Consider the Milwaukee Brewer's ownership who took their baseball revenue shares (redistributed from the Yankees) and turned around investing it in their Car Dealership. But maybe that will help their team—somehow.

It's almost like a politician who pays off his campaign-contributors with tax payer money (like the Auto Industry & Union or Citigroup) while taking away from an entire country full of tax payers. It is focused and intent with a target on absolute government control and actually only benefits the very few.

Obviously revenue sharing is not about the Brewer's market and this proves that it is really about padding another owner's bank account.

Is it possible that those pushing for "a fair & level market" just want to redistribute the total amount of revenues into the "poor-owner's'" pocket instead of the poor workers who they promise to help unite?

Afterall, where was Donald Fehr--who's job it is to represent the players--during this malay?

Selfish-owners are stealing from the market with League permission and pocketing the overall revenue. Revenue created by fans. That is unless you are with the Yankees, who actually pay their players (indentured servant) their just worth according to that market.

Clemens ended up with a clean urine sample in 2003, even after McNamee told another that he "thought" Clemens would fail. So much for McNamee's thought. If Clemens had been a user you can guarantee he would have failed a test.

Irony?

Now, on a day that David Ortiz all but dares federal agents to prove their case against his PED use, ESPN reporters are going out of their way to cover for a Big Lie by PaPee.

I know—what goose—right, ESPN?

My nephew just called to ask me "what supplements & vitamins was Ortiz taking?" He made his youth league All Star team and wants to perform well. He is researching vitamins and supplements as I type.

Great job, ESPN.

Come on David, get real. Life is about more than just stats or average numerical data. There is a major quality in life that goes missing from numbers alone. You are better than this, Dave. You are supposed to have a soul.

The ability to stand up with courage to any occasion is one of the qualities missing from numeric code. The Hall and its voters should consider this fact carefully.

Manny Ramirez stood up. He stood and dared agents to "move his & Ortiz's mountains" for the benefit of the league and of society itself. It's called arrogant ignorance.

How can Ortiz test positive for "vitamins & supplements" during a mutually agreed "Steroid Testing Program" which was established to give a ratio of players using STEROIDS?

Why would federal investigators care about "vitamins & supplements" anyhow? Do they now represent the Hall of Fame and baseball? If so, when will the amphetamine-cheaters be invesitigated, because that list is a whole lot longer than the current one.

Still other medias decry the 2003 test as "unreliable." Is a test that only shows specific chemicals in one's body as unreliable as... Brian McNamee?

Clemens was forced out of the game via false accusations made by a drug-dealing rapist who broke the law and was trying to stay out of jail by achieving “a deal” with Federal Agent’s Novitzky (FDA) and Parella (Prosecutor):

A) in order to keep his job title,

B) to protect his money laundering program and

C) to maintain a relationship with his family (though now divorced).

And now ESPN reports that maybe the test results were "unreliable."

Why did McNamee lie? Did he lie? Please, enjoy.

At what point did federal investigators decide to break from “the objective” (page 340, Mitchell Report) and "give a deal" to a drug dealer and self-professed liar, all in order to hunt down a player?

It wasn't until after his first two interrogations, according to McNamee when recorded by one of Hardin's private investigators, that he was offered immunity for drug-dealing and most likely (per his depo) his money laundering program.

At first, McNamee denied Clemens involvement. But he didn’t get a dealers' deal until he accused Clemens. Why is that?

Page 14, Dr. Ron Taylor interview by Oversight Staff, Dr. Taylor testified:

_______________________________________________________________________

Dr. Taylor: "A B-12 injection I would give. I've only given it twice in my career, and once was to Roger Clemens, as you know. It was on a home stand in Toronto on July 17 - 22, in that period. They haven't got it documented in the report, as you know. It said it was 7 to 10 days before July 28, 1998.

Investigator: "Okay. Do you remember giving the shot?"

Dr. Taylor: "Yes, I do."

________________________________________________________________

Brian, now about that deal? Maybe you should just write a book about what the feds did to malign you.

B-12 or not to B-12, that is the question:

B-12 is a co-enzyme, a natural bacteria type bi-product of a normal diet which includes meat. A vegan (Roger) is one who does not eat, nor consume any animal bi-products (milk, cheese, eggs)—nor any animals whatsoever (fish included).

When Clemens was asked at his hearing “if he was a vegan” it was a weak attempt (by the Rep from Boston—go figure [probably a friend of Mitchells too]) of putting him on the spot. It was a political ploy of demonstrating the absurd by being absurd; an attempt to make Clemens look bad.

Clemens gave the best of all possible responses, answering, "A what?"

The Boston Rep looked like an asshole as he went onto describe what a vegan was in front of the whole nation. Thank you, Boston—fans like “the meat” of the issue though.

Maybe you should ask David Ortiz if he eats vegetables too.

In other words, Boston can’t stand Clemens because he got a ring before they did—it’s all about their jealousy. Their Envy. They should go to church and make confession for their unclean souls before going to Communion again.

B-12 is crucial for the body’s' metabolism and provides every cell in the body with energy. Requesting B-12 is in line with Clemens going to Dr. Taylor and complaining of "fatigue."

Contrary to what "hip Congressmen" try to infer there is no way of telling how a professional, multimillion dollar athlete's body might respond to fighting stress.

Do they experience more physical and mental stress than the norm? They probably do.

Roger, your mother was right after all. She struck 'em out and wasn’t even there in the physical.

Have you seen the new "energy drink" ads on ESPN lately, such as "5 Hour Energy?" Guess what the primary ingredient is: B-12.

Millions of people take B-12 everyday and aren't laughed at for it. Hell, I'm drinking one right now and make no mistake about it—it is not winstrol!

Blue Jays Doctor Patrick Graham, said he never saw any evidence that Clemens was using steroids.

Dr. Graham further admitted to receiving B-12 and Lidocaine injections with Clemens, while working out with him.

As McNamee claims to have "not heard of Clemens taking B-12 until 60 Minutes", he must have known it as a physical trainer for the Toronto Blue Jays, responsible for training their ace pitcher, Roger Clemens.

Protocol outlined by Dr. Ron Taylor demands he knew as a professional baseball trainer.

In his deposition, McNamee outs himself. He put himself with Craig as he was treating the injury caused by Dr. Ron Taylor, who is of course accredited and a REAL doctor. Again, the injection was in July. Not June.

Abscessing

McNamee said the Winstrol "botched injection" pooled because he pushed it too hard. If it did pool, per Doctor Murphy, an abscess “would have resulted.”

Victor Conte said, “McNamee's statement was ‘inaccurate.’ Winstrol is never ‘pushed too hard’, it is a thin liquid. You start to inject it, and then bam. It's in."

McNamee states the abscess as being in July and that "Tommy Craig knew." Craig then swore that the only injection-injury that he knows about was relative Dr Taylor's B-12 injection.

The MRI shows no scar, no mark of an abscess, no developing abscess, or anything resembling an abscess, or a recently healed abscess.

MRI's are mechanical, and don't lie about missing abscesses. MRI's show everything, good, bad and ugly; and they don't succumb to any pressure to report otherwise.

An abscess starts off as an infection underneath the skin ands swells. It would cause great discomfort until treated.

They develop below the skin (NOT on the top layer—Like a "contusion") and with time it’d become bright red, to a head. They are professionally drained by trainers all the time and sometimes surgically.

More importantly, the tissue where the injection took place becomes exposed to infection as does the muscle.

An abscess would take months (sometimes years) to recover from; start to finish. It would take at least two weeks to develop (most likely longer)—and only IF TREATED—would take another two months to completely recover.

The fluid that was drained would have also consisted of "Winstrol," thus making a huge, "egg-sized abscess" bound to cause a serious injury, per Conte.

Consider Mickey Mantle's abscess which caused him to drop out of the 1961 Home Run Race spectacular. An abscess caused from an injection of cortazone forced The Mick to put down the bat for two months through season's end with no further play. At all. Roger Maris went onto earn the single season Home Run record.

Roger Clemens never even missed one game, let alone even lose one. And as Conte said, if he suffered an abscess from an injection he would have had an "egg sized" hole in his body.

McNamee's alleges that Roger learned to use "a small band-aid to cover the abscess, and stop the bleeding." That would be like plugging a hole in a damn wall with chewing gum.

McNamee also said, "I would rather be known a liar than a drug dealer." In the long run McNamee will get his wish.

Go to page 2....

Would a local shot of lidocaine help an ailing back?

Dr. Littner, of the Houston Astros, says it would provide relief for up to four hours. Clemens did have chronic back pain, hence the chiropractor.

Yankee’s Gene Moynahan, who was told he would go to jail of he lied, said that Clemens did get a shots for pain and recalled one prior to a game. Moynahan further testified that the Yankees allow for B-12 injections and don't even record it. Why would they, after all B-12 is a vitamin.

Two more Doctors and more trainers all warned with jail time for lying, support Clemens testimony.

Recently the Team USA manager was quoted as saying, "Clemens took three shots in the elbow and some in the shoulder just last year." Pain killers are common place.

Time and time again we read in doctor interviews how they pampered Roger Clemens because of who he was, their ace.

Are we expected to believe that they cared so much about Clemens that they missed an abscess site, which is something that Shanahan testified to as having "natural causes?"

A Little Background on McNamee.

Per Roger, McNamee told Clemens he should be going to him for B-12 injections. McNamee said, "It is what I do," and Clemens DID think McNamee was a doctor, so why not?

All medical personnel interviewed stated that various teams do not debrief the players on who is approved to treat the players with vitamin injections.

McNamee also owned a failed business venture, InVite Health which is a vitamin supply company—primarily web based (the new crime wave).

He said that he used to "pay Radomski for steroids and amphetamines by giving him vitamins." Yes, vitamins. It must have been one helluva lot of vitamins that Radomski was using because McNamee received several thousand dollars worth of illegal drugs in return.

This is the “program” that McNamee said Clemens was “with”—a money laundering scheme. But apparently Roger wasn’t with the program at all.

InVite Health is the company that Clemens told McNamee NOT to use his picture for in its advertising. A huge argument developed as result and is the reason McNamee said he was going to sue Clemens as early as 2001.

He also stated in his deposition, that the he and Radomski (who was also dealing GHB with Pete Rose Jr—the date rape drug used by Mcnamee to rape a girl in Tampa) used to "take care of one another."

I hope that includes revenue sharing from Radomski’s book—the one Mitchell promised us wouldn’t happen saying that no one involved would make “financial gain.”

Experience is the best teacher.

How did McNamee attain any experience in injecting patients anyhow? How would he know, for example, that steroid pills were toxic?

Where did he learn that type information in 1998?

He was hired in 1996 by the Jays after getting fired by Joe Torre--who never saw any reason to suspect Clemens either. Joe believes Clemens over McNamee.

Maybe McNamee learned it from his days that he was employed with the NYPD, in 1993.

Five days after the Mitchell Report was released, thirty NYPD Cops were busted for illegal use of steroids. "Five days after the Mitchell Report came out" seems a little too coincidental.

The drug ring included sixty employees in all, six cops were dealing and use goes all the way to the top; including McNamee’s former chief.

Personally, I would rather the police are strong when fighting crime. What is interesting is that McNamee was let go. And now he is knee deep in this investigation too.

Attempts by ESPN to obtain McNamee's personnel file through the execution of a FOIA was not successful. Apparently the Police Department is not public. They stated that McNamee was placed on suspension during his employment which ended in 1993 (the year he left).

Whose name is also in the news breaking article other than The Gambino Crime Family—just great, huh?

They strong-armed a pharmacist named Rossi into supplying HGH and steroids. Later, Rossi committed suicide in Jan. 2008 with only a one sentence letter left for his wife by a bottle of alcohol and some pills.

It read “I love you, I am sorry.” 35 years of marriage and he left a one sentence note?

The NYPD closed the investigation, citing there was a "suicide letter."

The Others.

Radomski “confirmed” that he and McNamee were being honest about Clemens and supplied checks written by McNamee and cashed by Radomski in 2004 and 2005.

There is only one problem though. Clemens is NOT accused of using in 2004 and 2005.

In his deposition McNamee claims that he gave Canseco Androl-50 pills (in June) and again provides detail that Canseco popped a couple in his mouth. Canseco says no MLB player would ever take Androl, it is too dangerous.

But then McNamee says in his depo that he gave Canseco the Winstrol (in September).

Jose says that McNamee is lying about everything and he has admitted to his own use; on top of supplying many other players with performance enhancers.

Why would Canseco lie now?

Mitchell said in the Report that his staff had talked to Canseco. Canseco in his affidavit says no one investigating for the Mitchell Report ever contacted him.

McNamee supplied Pettitte with HGH in 2003 that he attained from his family doctor; according to Andy's deposition. McNamee swore he got it from Radomsky in his deposition.

2003 is also the year that Radomsky--who Brian swore under oath took good care of him--sent HGH to McNamee in Texas. Afterwards, he pushed his drugs on Debbie. That is one elaborate set-up. I guess it good that McNamee had someone to "take good care of him."

Jason Grimsley, who's proven use initiated the case against BALCO (the start of it all), swore under oath that McNamee was NOT a HGH or steroid dealer, but an amphetamine supplier.

The LA Times printed a retraction after falsely naming Clemens in connection with Grimsley. I wonder, will the government do the same? Balco Judge Susan Ilston even questions the government's own "motives and tactics."

Grimsley knew this information about McNamee as result of his own exposure to him when with the Yankees in 2001--the same exact time McNamee claims to have been a steroid/HGH supplier.

The information which disclosed McNamee's supplier as a "Family Doctor"--NOT Radomski--came out in Pettitte’s deposition, who on page 21 admitted about his recollection relative to Clemens mentioning HGH to him in 1998 or 1999.

Andy Pettitte said that he was only "SPECULATING" about a passing remark which was made in the past and "hated to do that." He also said in his deposition that he "misunderstood Clemens."

Finally on page 18, Andy said that he first heard about HGH, not from Roger Clemens in 1998 or 99, but from BRIAN MCNAMEE in 2001 or 2002.

He told Andy that it would help him repair bad tissue in his elbow and that he got it from his family doctor. Andy said, "If I knew that he got it from a Mets trainer, I would have never done it."

Andy did not testify in order to protect his ailing father which took his own display of great moral courage.

But, why wouldn't McNamee just have gotten the PEDs for Pettitte in 2003, from the same place he swore to getting them for Roger prior to 2003?

What's more is, if Andy and Roger were such great-friends; who worked out all the time, traveled, took family vacations etc; then why didn't they talk more than once over six years about PEDs?

Clemens is anti-drug.

His testimony about his family, his sister being brutally murdered because of drugs, and his mother pulling his brother from college clearly suggests Clemens is anti-drug. I don't think Clemens has ever taken an acting lesson in order to fake emotions that well.

This claim was made further evident by the way he "lit into McNamee" for pushing the drugs on his family, of which Debbie told Roger later that night.

McNamee did not contest this account before Congress. Nor did he contest how he came to inject Debbie—he pushed it on her—like a drug dealer would.

Clemens immediately went through McNamee's luggage and yelled at McNamee. Again, it went uncontested in front of Congress.

If Roger was anti-drug it would certainly explain why Pettitte never approached him or tried to clear things up when confused—especially if it were 2005 and Pettitte had already used in 2003; regardless of passing-fancies in 1999.

One clever Representative said, “well Mr. Clemens, how could you have been talking about your wife’s use to Andy Pettitte in 1999; when your wife didn’t use until 2003?”

Sneaky, huh? He left something out, though.

When asked in “2005,” about what he would say if asked about HGH, Clemens likely thought back to his last exposure to it—which was in 2003 regarding his wife, for which he yelled at McNamee.

The Ol Cummings Move. How long did that one take to come up with and why is he so apt to believe a drug-dealing rapist? I know your constituency and will ask them personally.

Go to the last page, 3...

Dr. McNamee, Hotel Room, Stat.

Pettitte did not go to his best friend in 2003, for what ever reason. Instead he went to McNamee, who told him "[HGH] helps the tissue repair itself," and then injected Andy "up in his hotel room."

Andy didn't feel right so he quit and rightly so. The fact that McNamee had to go to his doctor to get the "stuff" for Andy should have sent up a red flag, that McNamee was NOT a doctor.

Maybe McNamee was staying at a Holiday Inn Express though.

About names being held private, see the Hearst Corp., who filed a grievance against the Feds for NOT releasing the names to them when formally requested, but then turned around and gave those names to Mitchell with nary a request filed at all.

Right now, McNamee is training a pitcher (great idea kid; you should run away—not walk) from Long Island, trying to make it in the Independent League.

George Mitchell apparently missed this "financial benefit." Do you still believe that Mitchell did a good job?

Georgie Porgie, Puddin and Pie, why in the heck did you let McNamee LIE?

There are major misses that were overlooked regarding the Mitchell Report!

Luis Perez (catcher) had a list of names, complete with drug of choice, from the Florida Marlins, but Kevin Hallinan (Chief Of MLB Security) was told not to investigate the Marlins by George Mitchell.

Perez had 20 more big names for the Mitchell Report, and Hallinan declared "it was the biggest find of all. Virtually all of the 98-03 Marlins were using." Red Sox Ace Josh Beckett and World Series MVP, Mike Lowell, both played for the Marlins during this time.

Guess who was their legal consultant? Oh man, you guessed it—George Mitchell. Guess who owned the Marlins back then? Wow—current owner of the Boston Red Sox, John W Henry.

Mitchell has “consulted” the Red Sox since 2002, after serving and leaving the Board of Directors of the Florida Marlins in 2001 and seemingly following the ex-owner of the Marlins, John Henry, to Boston.

Paxton Crawford, Boston Red Sox Pitcher in 2001, admitted that he was “using PEDs with six other players,” and they were "laughing about it in the locker room."

Crawford was not asked to name the six players with the Red Sox that he was using with. Later, the Red Sox won the World Series after 86 years, only three years after Paxton and his six and Perez and his 20 (Beckett/Lowell).

There are reports that show Mitchell "missed" a lot while investigating as a Senator as well, but how "truthful" is this report?

If McNamee is telling the truth, then about ten doctors (all of whom gave a Hippocratic Oath to not harm patients) including one chiropractor, trainers and otherwise citizens subject to jail for lying, are all lying.

The MRI is lying too, and quite miraculously!

OR could it be that McNamee was telling the truth in his interview with Rusty Hardin’s private investigators; that he was just saying what he was being told to say in order to avoid jail time, maintain a relationship with his wife (who left him anyhow), be involved with his family, be there for his son in need, and retain a future in physical training?

Come on, how would McNamee be able to launder money if he was in jail?

Stinger: "It is what it is"

McNamee is just playing a game, like he was when he called Clemens and was taped.

He told Congress he “knew he was being taped by Clemens in December 2007.”

And 17 times he tried to get Clemens to implicate himself.

McNamee apologized, and said again and again, "What do you want me to do? Tell me what to do. I will do anything, even go to jail." If Clemens would have told him "what to do," that he lied and needs to recant, and then Clemens would have tampered with a federal witness, which is punishable by law.

Securing tampering charges is not something one would do to a friend, especially when they contend to only "trying NOT to hurt a friend" and thus justifying or making an excuse for lying.

He knew he was being taped is pretty strange, isn’t it? Clemens might have tipped him off a little when he said, “I’m at the office and don’t know who is listening to us;” but you can hear McNamee’s voice change when he realizes that he might be being recorded.

Being taped by someone and having Barb overhear your conversation in the office are totally different things. McNamee said he knew he was being recorded—which tells something of a suspicious man. He projected his means of to an end, probably picked up from the days of being a cop.

This "set up attempt by McNamee" is precisely what a disgruntled, ex-employee who was fired two months before being interrogated might do, if he were a former undercover detective. One said of keeping manufactured evidence and one admitting that he was “going to bring Roger down” as early as 2001 and then bringing it up again in 2003 to Clemen's friend, per Andy's deposition. Does that sound like a nasty grudge to you or what?

McNamee is one who is an "ex-super cop" with high arrest numbers, and used to getting criminals through implication while acting as an undercover cop. McNamee actually said, "I'm in your corner. I'd also like not to go to jail, too." He didn't want to go to jail.

Sound like motive enough to lie?

At the beginning of the tape McNamee said "...this (illness) is real man, everything else (the allegation) is a joke."

Maybe it is a joke, but if "it" is what "it" is, then take it for what it is, from a New Yorker. "It" may be what McNamee says "it" is...."a joke."

In a recent Sports Illustrated article, McNamee watched Clemens on 60 Minutes, and reacted: "His mood darkens, however, when Wallace asks Clemens, "What did McNamee gain by lying?" "Evidently not going to jail," the pitcher replies. "Jail time for what?" Wallace asks. "Well, I think he's been buying and movin' steroids."

"I'd rather be called a liar than a drug pusher," McNamee says, his voice rising.

There is that pesky motive thing again, “I would rather be known a liar, than a dealer."

A trainer's trust worthiness is extremely important to athletes, who trust them with their bodies and careers.

McNamee said he would rather be know a liar than a drug dealer, so clearly it is either one or the other. He told Congress he was not a drug dealer, so I guess that leaves McNamee a liar.

Defamation worth.

Before McNamee's defamation, of which he may have to indemnify, Rocket’s last contract was signed with the NY Yankees for $28 million, and $22 dollars. That is $28,000,022 per year, ending in 22, which is his Yankee Jersey number, 22.

That is $549,020 per hour; which has got to hurt in arbitration cases between pitchers and other owners.

It makes for a pretty high "pay-ceiling" (with no floor) for which all professional entertainers or athletes should be thankful.

Imagine the tax revenue. Imagine the tax revenue of the man who pays that salary.

Think of who hired Bud Selig who commissioned the Ex-Senate Majority Leader and Red Sox Legal Consultant, George Mitchell. Numbers matter.

McNamee lied about the abscess. He lied about locations. He lied about dates. He lied about frequency of use. He lied about details meant to support his lies. He lied about his program too.

What else is he lying about?

For now, McNamee’s' strategy to fight the defamation, on the wise advice of Emery, is to TOTALLY DEFAME thus decreasing the monetary amount ($28,000,022 per year) that McNamee would be held liable.

It comes down to actual proof-proof. Not syringes kept in a disgruntled employees home for seven years and certainly not when that employee threatened to sue his employer for “not being with the program” (InVite Health).

New York Yankees: Chien-Ming Wang Needs Shoulder Surgery, Done for the Year

Patrick Read — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:59:29 -0400

The last pitch that Chien-Ming Wang threw (video here) for the 2009 season was on July 4, and it made Jorge Posada immediately jump up and rush to the mound.

Posada must have heard something that spooked him because he frantically waived Yankee Manager Joe Girardi to the mound with Yankee Trainer Gene Monahan quickly in tow.

The amazing thing is that Wang remained expressionless through the obvious terrific pain. He is one cool-hand.

On the same day as the pitch that popped his shoulder, Wang said, "I am afraid that if it takes surgery to repair, that would be the worst case. And I hope that wouldn't be the case."

Welcome to the Worst Case.

After tonight's loss to Tampa Bay (6-2), the Yankees announced on WCBS that Wang, after having seen Dr. Andrews, is done for the year with a tear in his right "capsule" (or fibrotic cover to the shoulder joint).

Of Wang, Yankee Skipper Girardi said, "It's a tough loss for us. And I feel for him, because he's been through a lot in the last 14 or 15 months, with the foot injury and now this—hopefully this will be the end of the surgeries for him and he will have the rest of his career to be healthy."

Earlier reports speculated that Wang may have torn a scar in his right shoulder. It's still unclear whether this injury is the result of the scar or a new tear.

What is clear is—Wang has had health issues this year.

An early-season hip injury put him out of the Yankee pitching rotation for months and may have caused him to overthrow the ball to generate more power, leading to the now shoulder tear.

Certainly his adding the slider back into the mix didn’t help things either, as he had suffered a shoulder injury in 2005.

The result of the '05 injury led to the Yankees telling Wang “NOT TO THROW anymore sliders." (note to Joba Chamberlain )

Instead, they taught him his highly touted sinker-ball.

In Sports Illustrated article dated April 2008, Wang said, "If I want to be a Tier One pitcher, then I'll have to add my slider back."

He added it back before last year's season; but suffered a fluke foot injury icing his season. And he hasn’t been the same since re-adding the slider.

Perhaps the Yankees will re-visit the slider issue with him again.

The injury is similar to A-Rod’s hip injury, with the exception that A-Rod had a bone spur causing a cyst to develop on his labrum (or fibrotic cover the hip joint).

Wang’s injury will leave the Yankees crying for more depth.

All things considered, if the Yankees do not pull the trigger now on a Roy Halladay deal, then they ought to consider Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez.

He is a 2.45 ERA with Texas this year and hyped an opponent batting average of .121; striking out 12 batters in 11 innings of work in eight appearances.

"El Duque” sat out in 2008 with an injury and last pitched in the Majors in 2007, when he went 9-5 with a 3.72 ERA in 27 games (24 starts) for the Mets.

He's healthy and wouldn't cost the Yankees any prospects at all.

Roy Halladay: New York Yankees, Pull The Trade Trigger. Doc Rings Worth it

Patrick Read — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:21:43 -0400

"I'm Your Huckleberry. A fight for (Rings)--that's just my game."

By Patrick Read

Washington DC

With Tier-1 talent, hot prospects & "Cash," the Yankees are the ideal trade-mate for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The question is: "Is Doc Halladay and consecutive rings worth it?

Many say that Roy Halladay (2009: 2.73 ERA, 4 CG, with a 11-3 record), who is being shopped by the Toronto Blue Jays, "would never be traded within the American League East. After all, why would Toronto want to make their job of competing tougher?"

This type response is bornashet and heard all the time; as if the internet isn't at their finger tips.

Tell it to David Cone, Roger Clemens and David Wells that "Toronto would never deal an Ace within their League." Clemens was traded to NY even after two consecutive Cy Young’s in '97 and '98. Each has been dealt between the Yankees and Blue Jays; and all were League Aces.

At first glance, it’s clear that Toronto would be worse off without Roy Halladay; but not so fast, speed-racer.

Toronto isn't shopping Halladay around to get better "this year", are they?

Toronto is looking to rebuild and to better their team in order to compete in the AL East for tomorrow; not today. They have no choice and know that they can not stop the Yankees from signing Halladay next year, when he becomes a free agent.

So why would they "shoot themselves in the foot" by barring a team from a trade, when that team has all the right tools for a brighter Toronto tomorrow?

Toronto will deal Halladay to whoever gives them the best young talent in return, keeping their pay-role low and future bright; which is where the Yankees walk in.

The Yankees are deep in "cheap, powerful, young talent" and they have the pockets to absorb their losses and Halladay's Check. From my count, NY still has about $20 million dollars left over from last years' pay role. And the Yankees always spend more money on pay-role than they did their previous year.

In other words; Steinbrenner could've been waiting for this one. He realizes that they will have to make sacrifices in order to put Halladay on this year’s team and next years team, in order to take the Rings.

In 2 years time, Doc will be 34, Posada may not be a catcher, Matsui may not be a Yankee and no one knows who else will still be Back in the Bronx.

So, buck up and get real Yankees. The opportunity to win it all this year, the first in the House that Fans Built, is on the line and so is next years chance at bling too.

Who can replace Doc Halladay and AJ Burnett--the anchors to Toronto’s rotation, one lost by Toronto last off season and one in the balance?

One would think that the current starters are out of consideration, for obvious reasons. NY is already one man short in the rotation, so don’t count on any starters (like Joba) going to TOR.

Here is a list of low-cost, young, top talented players that could (in some combination) be put together for Toronto in return for Doc Halladay.

Chien-Ming Wang could effectively replace Halladay as Toronto's "Tomorrow Ace" and save them big money too. Wang is 29 years old with a lot of quality years still on the horizon.

The Yankees could offer Wang, Brian Bruney, Austin Jackson (or Nick Swisher) and Francisco Cervelli. The Yankees would still have Phil Hughes and Alfredo Aceves in the Bull Pen and (of course) Doc Halladay as a starter.

Considering that Wang is an established league ace who has beaten Halladay out in Cy Young votes (earning 38 wins in consecutive seasons) The Jays might be all-in on Wang; regardless of Wang's injury, because (again) Toronto is looking to the future--and not for performance this year.

Wang signed a one year contract during last off season for $5 million; which is $9 million less than what Halladay earns. This move would save Toronto about $4.5 million for the rest of the year and give them a leg up on securing him as their future.

If Toronto is not interested in a Wang opportunity, then there is younger, more cost effective talent abound in Yankee Universe.

Joba Chamberlain vs. Phil Hughes

Some try to protect Joba "and" Hughes from a trade option for Halladay, but only one of these two is a proven starter.

Joba's highest ERA as a starter in the Majors is 4.2, and as of June he was the second lowest ERA on the team. He did have the lowest ERA on the team last year, and was in the top ten MLB wide. He is currently a 4.05.

Panicked e-fans have been complaining about his starting performance this year; even though they would be a lot more panicked had Joba gotten injured in July while throwing heat. Suffice it to say, Chamberlain has been on an Injury Prevention Program and is now ramping back up.

One doesn’t lose 6 mph from their fastball unless they are in need of serious surgery. He has hit 98 mph as a starter in three games this year. Do you think he just doesn’t "want" to throw hard or could it be that he is being told to hold-back? I would say the latter. In the mean time, Yankee fans "get" to watch him develop as a Major Leaguer; skipping the minors altogether. Hype that.

On the other hand, Phil Hughes has been a league stand out performer in the set-up role with a .74 ERA in 24 innings of work. But he has never shown real success as a Major League starter despite three years of trying and having already spent 3 solid years in the minors (2004-2006).

As a starter last year Hughes hit double digits in ERA until injured, and was a 7 ERA this year until his last 3 starts which brought him down to a 5.45 ERA.

Hughes could be a center-piece for a Halladay trade as well

Hughes, Cervelli, Nick Swisher and Juan Miranda would catch Toronto's attention. All are making the league minimum and each have bright, bright futures.

Although the Yankees have found it hard to fill the set-up role prior to Hughes, Dameso Marte was acquired last year for just this role and is en route to return to the Yanks soon; after recently jacking it up to 93 mph in a rehab start. There are also some eye-raising pitching for Trenton too, among them is Zach McAllister (92 innings pitched with a 2.25 ERA).

There are other big time starters in the Yankee Bull Pen too, and the best among them is Alfredo Aceves.

Like Joba and Hughes, Alfredo Aceves is a (thus far) dominant, dynamic pitcher's-pitcher. He is a starter by nature, even going 7 innings this year of 1-hit-ball in the minors, flashing Orlando "El Duke" Hernandez (bull pen free agent alert) type brilliance.

And like both Hughes and Chamberlain, Aceves is lights out in the pen. In 46 innings of big league play, Aceves is a 2.53 ERA. An Aceves trade would require a complete stir up of Minor League talent.

Alfredo Aceves, Brian Bruney, Juan Miranda, Austin Jackson (or Eric Hinske) & Cervelli. The Yankees would still have Phil Hughes, Marte, Phil Coke and Robertson in the bull pen and (of course) Doc Halladay as a starter.

The Starting Rotation could look like this:

Doc Halladay, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnette, Andy Pettitte and Joba.

It would be great to keep Hughes in the set-up role; I agree. It’s been water-shed moments having Hughes prove himself in the bull pen. Perhaps this article had it right all along, Hughes is a natural in the set-up role.

Either way, the good thing about trading prospects is that they can always be regained in the future.

But, the question still remains though, "are two consecutive World Series Yankee Rings worth it?"

In the words of the immortal Casey Stengal, "Kid, I like you and would love to keep you around all season, but we're trying to win a Championship up here."

New York Yankees Plagued: Posada Down & Alex Rodriguez Needs Hip Surgery.

Patrick Read — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:29:39 -0500

"Ain't fakin, there's a whole lot of shakin going on. "

Washington DC

The first Bronx setback came when Jorge Posada experienced pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder about one week ago. He was immediately pulled away from his typical training regiment and told to sit on the bench.

Posada has had more than one operation on his right labrum, which is the connective tissue at the shoulder and likened to kryptonite to any SuperCatcher.

The Yankees tried to hide his first labrum surgery in 2001. Subsequently, Jorge had other small procedures on his right shoulder, including an operation to remove shoulder cartilage.

But the labrum is a whole different story, especially when chronic.

There are not too many players who come back from one labrum correction; let alone two and none have come back to 100 percent.

Mark Mulder, Rob Nen, Jason Schmidt, Mark Gubicza, and Mike Scott are several who never fully recovered. The full recovery span for athletes takes about a year. Normal folks expect a two year recovery from labrum corrective surgery.

Chances are, Jorge may end up as the Yankee DH—leaving Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon on the bench.

If so, then it means that Jose Molina will be behind the plate—and unfortunately—hitting from it too. He, Cano and Cabrera made for the worst offense on the team in 2008.

Considering that Matsui, Damon and Posada all played at the beginning of last season, and at the end of the season (less Jorge, add Pudge) were Nady, Gardner and Abreu; it just doesn’t seem like the cure to the Yankee offensive woes is to improve at first base, but worsen in right field all while the “terrible trio” remains in place.

Just think, the Yankees committed to $500 million dollars for three players before the start of spring training, but might feature Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera and X. Nady as their primary outfielders.

It would be like putting 20-inch chrome rims on a rusted out Nova (No Go). Plus, which player would be asked to "make room" for another catcher?

.......

In addition to all this, a report that Alex Rodriguez has a cyst located in his hip surfaced yesterday, after the Dominican Republic-Marlin Game.

Alex went 2-for-3 on the day, but made an unexpected early exit due to discomfort in his hip. He was later given a MRI which confirmed the cyst.

The type of cyst which A-Rod suffers is not known. There are two different types of bone cysts, one much more serious than the other, but both are life changing.

Typically, a bone cyst is the result of the thinning of the bone and joints, and causes pain when stressed. They are normal hall marks of aging and common to osteoarthritis patients, who lack bone density.

Typically, athletes have greater bone density than most people, so it's probably not "thin and brittle bone," which would be a god send.

The other reason for a hip cyst, accorind to the Journal of Joint and Bone Surgery, is physical injury. The result is a bone spur, growth or calcium deposit. If landed on the wrong angle, a calcium deposit could break his hip.

They are caused by impacts of opposing forces at the joint, leaving abnormalities throughout the bone. A serious fall on the hip could cause one.

The good news is that, typically, bone cysts are not cancerous.

But if the cyst in A-Rod’s hip is indeed the result of impact, then he will have to have it surgically repaired, which would require drilling a hole into the cyst and packing it with bone chip & antibiotics until fully healed.

If he opts for "rehab", then he an the Yankees will risk a fracture.

What type cyst he has is NOT known yet. And the Yankees have promised not to talk until it's been properly diagnosed without any doubt. The Yanks will not take any chances with A-Rod's health, so if he needs surgery, then he will get as soon as possible.

Because of the hips density, it will need plenty of time to fill back in and heal before anything sport related is even considered. As scary as it sounds, this is the better type cyst to suffer.

It's still not good news, especially when considering the Yankee Terrible Trio will be playing and Alex might not.

He may need hip replacement surgery when older, but technology could change.

Either way, some winces of pain—minus those caused by a prolonged Witch Hunt & Bud Selig's Posse Seeking Punishment—will sure to be seen on A-Rod’s face this season.

Hopefully, for the Yankees, those winces won’t reflect on his play. So far it hasn't.

With A-Rod and Posada facing dilemma, the Yankees would do well to get some insurance at the plate.

Now that Manny is gone, what bat is left to divert from the potential Yankee offensive disaster from repeating and is immune to Selig's Posse—who should have started investigating the Commissioner’s Office & focused more on cleaning up all of baseball and not just Yankee Players?

Maybe a mid-season trade for Jason Giambi could be in order, or possibly Adam Dunn. In the meantime, Yankee fans had better pray that Cabrera and Cano experience a reawakening at the plate, lest all that good money spent in the offseason go nowhere but to the dogs.

The Grapefruit Express: 2009 New York Yankees Spring Training Fan Guide

Patrick Read — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:00:38 -0500

Baseball's Annual Renewal - Spring Training.

Location History Relative to the Yankees:

Tampa Bay has officially housed the 26-time World Series Champion New York Yankees since 1996. It was originally named Legends Field, but was renamed in 2008 for their future Hall of Fame Owner, George M. Steinbrenner.

The Yankees also added another 1,000 seats last year; tipping total capacity to 11,000 seats--the most in the League.

Steinbrenner Field is a shared facility and is also home to the Single-A Tampa Yankees and the Hawks of Hillsborough Community College. It's virtually across the street from Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers.

Tampa serves as a Rehab Center for injured Yankee Players and is the unofficial Headquarters for Yankee Operations. Needless to say, it's been the location for some heated off-season meetings.

Prior to 1996, the Yankees had called many a Florida city "home," including Fort Lauderdale on Florida's east coast (1962-1995); and on Florida's west coast, Tampa's nearest neighbor—St. Petersburg housed the Yankees from 1952-1961.

George M. Steinbrenner Field (link)

Steinbrenner Field rests atop a 31 acre plot of land and is a state of the art training facility. The Field has the exact fence-dimensions of Yankee Stadium, complete with the white-facade and a 100-foot High Def screen in Center Field.

There are several practice fields on the compound as well and a make-shift Memorial Park featuring all 16 Yankee Retired Jerseys with Placards at the Grand Stand Entrance. Go an hour early, if interested.

Steinbrenner Field (MAP) is due east of the airport, from which you can take Spruce St. (616 East) to 92N (N. Dale Mabry Hwy) and the field will be on the left.

The Box Office is open from 9-5 M-F and 10-3 on Saturdays. Call (813) 875-7753 for information. Tickets (purchase online) range from $17 to $37. There are also 12 luxury suites for those who like to roll in style.

A great feature open to the public is fan access to the scoreboard. Fans can either send messages to their favorite Yankees or send personal wishes to family or friends.

It cost $30 and is a must do for any parent, plus proceeds go to charity. Don't forget the camera...

Spring Training Moments:

Clemens first Yankee Spring Training in 1999, but let's stick with recent years: Joba's starting debut in 2007 and Yankee's catcher Francisco Cervilli getting plowed at the plate in a game against The Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Afterwards, Shelley Duncan retaliated and was suspended for "attempting" to spike Johnny Gomes. After Duncan's hard-slide, tempers flared (pictured above) as the benches cleared, proving that Spring Training is still as competitive as the regular season and that some good ol country-style hardball is but one play away.

If you like history, watch this Spring Training Video of the 1937 Yankees, featuring Joe DiMaggio and Lefty Gomez with spikes up.

The Area:

Tampa Bay has the largest port in Florida and the tenth largest nationwide. The bay splits into two bodies of water—Safety Bay & Hillsborough Harbor which are separated by McDill AFB.

Directly to the north of McDill are: the International Airport, Steinbrenner Field and I-275—a must know interstate when visiting Tampa. To McDill's west is Downtown Tampa.

I-275 is a by-pass that runs parallel to the airport, bridges over the bay to St. Petersburg, and out to the ocean's shoreline and Gulf Blvd.

There is a full service Enterprise-Rent-A-Car at the airport.

Autograph Hunt:

Players are more accessible to the fans during Spring Training, but a little effort will be required.

The best time to get autographs is early, about 8:30am, when players are going out to the fields to warm up for practice.

The ideal location is the walkway by the Right Field fence.

The new members should be all too willing to sign a few autographs as first-time Yankees. Be sure to ask "Mr. Sabathia, Mr. Burnette and Mr. Teixeira" for their personalized signatures to you (or family) & get a photo of him signing it as a nice Yankee Momento for the Mantle.

Food:

The Field has a grand stand with concessions where the typical is on hand: pizza, fries, popcorn, and unsalted nuts just like the Stadium in New York. But most New Yorkers know to stick with tradition and order Joey Chestnut's favorite—Nathan's Hot Dogs (order year round).

If out on the town and you'd like to play it safe, then Tampa has all of the typical franchise bar-grills: Outback, Carrabba's Italian, and Hooters. For a more local taste, try Bern's Steak House or Gallagher's.

When in Tampa, you should order fish. Grouper is great during the spring, as is the Mahi-Mahi, and Alligator Tale is always good—year round.

Lodging:

To the west of the airport, there are more reasonable hotels like Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, Quality Inn, or Comfort Inn. The closest hotel to the Field is a Howard Johnson's.

It is quite a treat to stay on the water in downtown Tampa—try the Westin or the Marriott at Waterside. There is also a very nice Hyatt as well. Use caution: do not stay too long, you may not want to ever leave...

Other Activities:

If you like golf, then bring the sticks because you will be in for an end of winter treat. Northdale and Pebble Creek (featuring Mulligan's Irish Pub) are two of Tampa's most-honored emerald link-style golf courses.

A complete day should consist of a round of golf, a trip to the beach, lunch at Gallagher's, a night game and then a night out to downtown-Tampa's, Channelside Strip.

Busch Gardens is only a short drive down I-275E/S. Treasure Island is also available for more family fun, as is the Tampa Zoo, Lowry Park. If that is not enough and you have a couple of days to spare (and are not traveling to see more baseball) then Orlando is about a 2 hour drive inland.

If in from the north, then your very first trip should be directly to St. Petersburg, taking I-275W over the Bay to ocean-side and visit the beach.

Stop at Cadillac Jacks for a beer and a burger, and take a deep breath of the salted, warm air because it is still winter up north.

If there isn't time, then there is a beach near downtown at Channel Side. Order the clam strips on the Board Walk.

Relax. Stretch. Let a deep breath out and think - Damon, Jeter, Tex, A-Rod, Matsui, Posada, Cano, Nady, Swisher? ... Joba, CC, Wang, Pettitte & AJ... Ramirez, Marte, Veras, Mo...

... Manny?...

... And don't forget your camera.

Manny Says "No" To LA Joe Torre: Perfect Storm Brewing Yankee--Red Sox Rivalry.

Patrick Read — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:51:09 -0500

ey Manny, Wanna Starring Role in the Next Torre Book??

Washington DC

The Perfect Reasons Cause the Perfect Storm

In an ironic move, the Los Angeles Dodgers offered the highly-touted lightning rod, Manny Ramirez, a one-year, $25 million contract right after the ex-Yankee Skipper Joe Torre, released a dramatic tell-all book about his former players in New York.

Torre appeared on Larry King and explained that he wouldn’t have written anything any different than what’s offered in the book, which is expected to be released in the coming days.

Excusing the hypocrisy of a coach who is highly heralded for protecting his players from the mass media, Torre almost directly gave the same reason for his new book, “A-Rod is a lightning rod, and no matter what’s said or done relative to him, there will always be a huge reaction."

Like the type reacton required when releasing a new tell-all?

News of Torre's bheind-the-scenes look at the Yankees and several key players broke last week, just days after Manny had turned down LA's second offer of 2 years, $45 Million.

Since the book has been released, LA has now made a third offer for 1 year and $25 million.

Manny rejected LA again.

Some authors take liberties in their books to create buzz over its release—take any neo-history book for example.

Or take Radomski’s new thriller which names more than 300 players not mentioned in the Mitchell Report. Note to self: Do not make deals with criminal elemens lest they take advantage and a mess ensues. .

There is an obvious bias against the Yankees already, and Torre is cashing in on the feeding frenzy.

Joe, The Yankees, Manny and the Book.

Perhaps he blames A-Rod for the team not winning a title, despite Joe’s own failure in post-season succes. He was 0 for 7 since winning the title in 2000. A-Rod didn't don the stripes until 2004, so how does Joe explain 2001, 2002 & 2003? At least A-Rod earned two MVP awards.

There seems to be some spite between Joe and his ex-players; but professionals are expected to take it up behind the scene. An old addage comes to mind, "What happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room."

"I knew it was you Fredo. You broke my heart."

LA Joe’s penalty for his new book might be the loss of Ramirez to the very target of his new “screen play;” but like his new commericals says--at least LA Joe can still enjoy his “wheat grass.”

I liked him better with a closed mouth and green tea--like he used to have when a Yankee. Now I am unsure if he ever really was a Yankee or was he just like an old lady, keeping a diary for his new drama??

Not only does Joe seem to resent the Yankees, but now he may have ruined LA chances at retaining Manny for reasons personal only to Joe.

Manny's Market.

According to a Dominican Source, it was rumored that the Yankees had offered Ramirez a three-year, $75 million deal—but maybe that source just got it wrong.

“Only fools count out the Yankees when it comes to free agents," a source said of Ramirez. "Hank (Steinbrenner) wants him, but he isn't alone in the organization. They need somebody to protect Alex (Rodriguez)."

Why would Manny take $25 million a year in New York? Even if the market recovered, Manny would be another year older next offseason, and competing against A-Rod for top-dollar would be less likely.

Add to the mix that A-Rod and Manny work out together during the offseason, and are friends. Manny wants to break 700 homeruns (he meant to say 714—Babe Ruth's record), so fans could watch the most interesting record chase of all-time—on one team.

No wonder jealousy is everywhere, but baseball needs it stories. Its’ legend is priceless.

Look at all the anti-Yankee articles written this offseason. There are Boston writers who proclaim that the “Yanks are just trying to buy it.”

The same writers bashed NY for signing Giambi for 7 years, $120 million. “They’re just trying to buy it," was again the talk out of New England.

So, explain what Boston just tried to do with the Mark Teixeira situation, other than to show hypocrisy and offer him $170 million for seven years—$50 million more than Giambi’s contract. That’s one Hell of an inflation rate.

Or was someone just trying to drive the price up on a team who lost its first baseman??

A New Source of Contention? The Stadium. The House that Who Built?

Other writers whine about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg not charging the Yankees taxes on the government bonds lent them. They cry outrage. To them I would say this; "at least the tax payers of New York City will get their money back."

Some professional team’s demand their city pay for the stadium and residents then become really outraged. How can the public be charged for admission to a publicly financed building??

The Yankees are not asking for any help at all. They’ve donated luxury suites to the city—seats that normally would sell for $20,000 per game—and already pay an incredible amount in property taxes.

Imagine what it costs in taxes to own a park in the most expensive place in the world—not because of its luxury, but because of its population. It's worth is result of rental units—aka commercial property.

The Yankees also disclosed that they were considering moving the location of the new stadium out of the Bronx for that very reason.

The settlement between the Yankees and the city called for the city to offer tax free bonds, and in return, the team would donate luxury suites to the city. However, the city is selling those luxury seats instead of using to reward heroes... like fire fighters.

That’s right. The city is selling something like a business would—for profit—from their citizens who paid for them already by way of lost tax revenue.

Nonetheless, the friction is good for the best rivalry in all of sports, and baseball needs those types of story lines to survive.

The Belly of the Monster.

Hence the reason that Manny finds himself in the belly of the monster of a perfect storm.

On one hand, Torre just laid the smack down on the Yankees—players and the organization alike. I think it’s safe to say that Torre will never coach the Yanks again.

Maybe Torre's new name should be "Fredo Joe."

No Yankee player-- nor coach-- should ingratiate Joe and read his book, and thus have to answer questions about the book after every game—dragging the fans through more drama.

Manny, meanwhile, already has more drama in his everyday life than the average person.

Will he trust Joe to keep him out of his next book? Will his new one be called, “The Manny Years” or “The Dodger Years”?

What could possibly come out about Ramirez? His attitude, professionalism, his prima donna behaviors? Would you expect “LA Joe” to have anything negative to write about Manny?

The Reversed-Curse Reversed.

Not to mention the mass amount of irony should the Yankees sign Manny in a sort of Ruthian Encore a near century after getting The Babe from Boston, which cast the "Curse of the Bambino" on the Red Nation.

Call it karma for the Boston fanatic who buried Poppi’s jersey on hallowed ground trying to cast his own selfish spell.

Call it karma for Manny feeling scorned by a manager who shopped him publicly, and even while on the air during a game against the Yankees mid-season.

Call it karma for Boston’s legal consultant, Geroge Mitchell, leading baseball from pureness with his report.

Call it vindication for Manny, who sniffed out his future with the Sox and called them on it.

Maybe Manny would best serve baseball if he donned the pin stripes and reversed the Yankees own World Series curse.

After all, it would be talked about for decades to come. How the Red Sox let the Babe go, and the penalty was nearly a century between World Series titles—and then did the same thing again by letting Manny go.

Call it history repeating itself.

Two things are certain—history repeats itself, and karma is a bitch. Yankee Fans want to see Manny do the Super Manny pose for them—in Fenway—walk-off style, and begin a new era for the curse, “The Curse of the Man Ram.”

Yankee Manni-acs are lining up for the showdown already, despite reports suggesting that the Yankees have reached their max free agency number.

The Yankees can petition to add another "type A player" because of the amount available, considering NY lost "A players" in Moose, Giambi and Abreu. They should be allowed to replace them

Who replaces Abreu—considering the Yankees scored 200 less runs last year than in 2007?

Did you know that Emanuel "Manny" Ramirez is originally from New York City? He immigrated there from the Dominican at the age of 14—and stayed put until he moved away to play ball for Cleveland.

He possesses a serious grudge against Boston, and he wants vindication—much like Torre did against the Yankee front office. Manny’s grudge wasn’t about the fans or players, but about management.

Manny said he wanted to play for the Yankees—even while playing for another team. Steinbrenner said that he wanted to see Manny as a Yankee. Were they each lying?

Start Spreading te News....

The last report about the Yankees getting Manny said that New York would have to shop Nady and Swisher to save about $14 million on its payroll.

The latest report, filed last week, stated that Nady and Swisher are still being talked about by the Yankee Front Office.

Of course, there is always Matsui too. He offered to waive his no trade clause last year. There is a market in Seattle for him.

Then there is also Johnny Damon. He, Matsui and Nady are nearly the same type of player—a left-fielder who hits for average.

The difference? Damon and Matsui each make $ 13 million. Swisher nets $10 million. If New York is trying to save money, then they should keep Nady and deal the more expensive extras instead.

And just like the Teixeira signing, there is an eerie silence as Red Nation holds its collective breathe waiting for the perfect storm to slam into Boston, making for some real “dirty water”.

A "Manny in Pin Stripes" Hurricane. A perfect—for so many reasons—real history making "Yankee Storm".

Joba Chamberlain: The Ace, The Debate, Injury Prevention & The Year Ahead.

Patrick Read — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:48:13 -0500

Those who can - start. Those who can’t - relieve.

Jan. 4, 2009

Washington, DC

Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Doc Gooden, or Nolan Ryan (all power pitchers) could have each gone to the pen and dominated too but they were too well suited as Starters.

It seems as though the second lowest ERA of the 2008 season in the American League is not good enough for some to admit that Joba Chamberlain is an ace's ace and should be one of the staples of the Yankee rotation.

Nor does the fact that he took down Josh Beckett in his rookie year during a nail biter of a game and won 1-0, sway some to the light that good pitchers shoudl start. If they can start.

See the recap here where it was said that, "(Joba) is what (the Yankees) have been waiting for as a starter."

Joba has a crippling combination of pitches; including a blazing heater clocked as high as 100 (at 22 years old), the best slider in ball and a "nose to toes" curve ball scary enough to make grown men look like little girls half swatting and half avoiding a scary bug. You know the move. Finally he has a change up, just to keep opponents more confused.

Here is some refresher information: In 2008, Joba went 3-1 as a starter with a 2.76 ERA. As a reliever, he went 1-2 with a 2.63.

IN case you are a little confused, its a bad thing for a reliever to get a win or a loss.

So, where would you say that he has more success or is more effective for a team?

As a reliever, Joba is only used when the Yankees have a lead; and the Yankee's poor offense (who scored 200 fewer runs in '08 than in '07) rarely afforded them the typical lead going into late innings.

In April, the Yankees suffered through nine games (nine!) without using Joba and he earned two out of three losses by the end of May, when he was "the best reliever in the game."

It seems as though the mass media outlets need to stir up a little controversy for circulation and thus they're at Joba Chamberlain once again, despite the Yankees already stating that Joba WILL start 2009 in the rotation.

And way too many vulnerable fans listen to ESPN. "He would be the best reliever in the business," they cry.

Talk about overkill and exploiting one's talent. But I'll play along: since Joba is going to the pen, then we can also make A-Rod a leadoff hitter. He would be the best in the business after all.

Joba Chamberlain is too good to be a relief pitcher. Those that can - start.

Techniques to keep Joba injury free and hurling fire...

As Nolan Ryan had just finalized his four year contract as the Texas Ranger's Team President this off season, he gave the baseball world food for thought, especially regarding pampered pitchers.

"To me, it's a matter of physical conditioning, and then you get into the area of mental toughness. That's what we're trying to address now."

This is a man who has thrown more than 200 complete games and once threw six complete games at the age of 42. His entire team threw six complete games last year.

As of right now, Ryan is seeking to do away with the pitch count in its entirety saying, "the only time I was on a pitch count was when I was injured."

1.) Ryan's answer? Work out harder and then when you're out there a long time, it doesn't feel as though your tired at all. His new motto is to have his pitchers out last the other teams starter. A little bit of the 1980s flare would be sound advice nowadays.

Joba is already on a work-out routine, as he described it given him by Clemens. He lost weight last year as result of just beginning his new work out program. He should have a stronger arm in 2009 as result.

2.) Joba could learn to control the urge of overthrowing the pill, just like most young pitchers do too. Take it easy for the first half of the serason--remember, Joba skipped the Minor Leagues and is not looking back. *He got injured in August after throwing 100% until going on the DL.

Just like in golf when one tries to juice the ball off the tees, eventually he will tire of looking in the woods and then learn how to be consistently in the fairway.

Don't over-swing, instead let it be natural; the result is surprising. The ball still goes as far as when the golfer swings out of his shoes at it; but by keeping the mechanics under control (and weight on the heals) with proper torque, the ball is a lot easier to consistently find.

Or take steps to avoid injuries by way of mechanics, like was suggested last April. It's only a matter of proper arm position during the wind-up. It requires a proper set up too.

Joba slumps forward in his set up.

It makes his head whip back and forth during his wind-up. It's hard to throw strikes when your head is all over the place. Imagine the catcher trying to catch the ball while moving his head.

His set-up makes it very hard for the arm to be in the same slot time and time again. The result of too many (or too drastically) moving parts is a lack of consistency. Keep the spine in line and wrap the body around it for torque.

3.) Dr. Mike Marshall, who holds major-league records for games pitched in one season (106!!), relief innings pitched (208 1/3) and consecutive games for a pitcher (13!!), all set with the LA Dodgers in his 1974 Cy Young season, helped diagnose Tommy John with the torn ligament.

He got his doctorates after baseball, and now says he has perfected a technique called the Maxline Delivery.

Read about it here. Joba's 2008 injury is not anything to panic over. It's merely a concern - primarily as result of his arm not getting into the proper slot and too many sliders.

Joba's stuff is scary enough without him having to overthrow, look at Pedroia - the league MVP - fall out of the box scared as Joba throws a slider after his heat.

4) Joba Could End the season in the Set-Up Role as part of inning management.

That means post season play too! Unless someone else has earned the spot, then it would be the best of both worlds. In series-type play Joba can play in more games as a reliever, and the Yanks would save innings pitched on his arm too.

5) Joba should ditch the change up and learn the sinker.

Just like Wang, Joba had a shoulder injury, though Wang's more serious. The Yankees answer for Wang to avoid injury was to stop Wang from throwing the slider and learn the sinker - which went onto become his best pitch of all and it only took him one off-season to learn it.

6.) The Yankees Could Go with a 6 Man Rotation in 2009. This would take the strain of the season off of each of the Yankee pitchers and promote less stress leading to less injuries. Anything it takes to keep the rotation healthy ought ot be considered - a lesson hard learned in 2008.

Joba & the Set Up Role - The New Mo? Say it ain't so ...

At issue is the comparison of Mo to Joba. But what's being left out of the discussion is the success that the Yankee bullpen had after John Wetteland, with the likes of Jeff Nelson and Ramiro Mendoza - who invented the term "BRIDGE."

Are we suggesting that Nellie and Mendoza are power pitchers? They're weren't.

The other piece of information not being said is that if Mariano Rivera could pitch more than four innings and handle the impact of being a starter, then he would be in the rotation and not in the pen. But, his body frame demands that he be a reliever.

Mariano started off in the Minor Leagues as a starting pitcher; true, but in his second year, he blew out his elbow and had Tommy John surgery.

In 1995, when Mo was first called up to the bigs, he was a starter and he went 5-3, with a 5.5 ERA. Does that sound like Joba's first year as a starter at all?

Anyone with a brain can see the difference between Mo and Joba right off the bat. Mo is skinny and short, and to get mustard on the ball, he has to overthrow; thus the Tommy John Surgery and the move to the set-up role.

Joba is over 6 foot tall and 200-plus pounds and has a smooth arm--it doesn't look like he is throwing the ball fast until you hear it go by.

A Starter from The Start.

Joba's college coach at Nebraska saw him warming up and throwing heat to the tune of 96 mph. He said that he thought Joba was throwing about 85 and then looked at the radar gun and was shocked to see 96. Joba led the Huskers to their first ever College World Series as a sophmore with a 2.8 ERA.

After earning his job as a starter for the Cornhuskers, Joba never played another position outside of Team Ace, which is where he is headed on the Yankees as long as they want a perennial ace of the league in their rotation.

Of seeing Joba for the first time as a starter, Vin Scully said, "Wow. The hype following this kid is for real. He throws the first one at 99 high and inside and then the second one is a curve ball thrown at your ear. It's not even fair."

If the Yankees absolutely need a power pitcher as the set up man, then they should find someone who may not be able to go the distance that is required to be a starter. Where can they find one?

With Joba the Heat in the rotation, the Yankees are four deep right now and don't have the best rotation in the league, not even in the AL; the Red Sox are five deep and maybe seeking out a sixth for their rotation.

So the answer cannot be to move the low ERA on the team to the bullpen.

Replacement for the Set Up Role?

Two words: Phil Hughes.

He came in relief of Clemens during the 2007 playoffs against Cleveland and threw five shutout innings on the biggest stage of his life: post-season play in the American League.

I said it last year and will say it again: Phil Hughes can start the year in the bull Pen as the potential set up guy. As a matter of fact, he throws 96 and could be considered a power type pitcher too. Given his injuries, the pen may suit Phil perfectly.

Phil should start off in the majors learning as much as he can as a reliever and then when someone goes down to injury, Phil can slide into the starter role.

Outside of him, the Yankees already have a great bullpen. They picked up Marte last year and signed him to three years this off-season, a solid lefty who will figure out the AL hitters.

New York also has Jose Veras, there is also Edwar Ramirez, a computer engineer looking guy who has a change up (palm ball) that would make even Fred Astaire do a stutter step. Finally, the Yanks have Aceves, Roberston & Danny Giese as well.

Joba cometh to start; he is big, he is fast, and he has the most scary stuff in all the bigs; just ask Yuke how he feels about facing off against Joba for seven innings in a row.

The truthful answer would be, "not good. I'll have to wear pads when I go to the plate whenever he pitches, just in case."

Joba may just be the No. 1 in the rotation, especially if the Yanks get Andy Pettitte back, which would give them two lefties and the last time they had two lefties they were in the middle of the rotation and the Yanks won the World Series. The lefties were Wells and Pettitte.

The rotation should turn out to be:

Joba, CC, Wang, Pettitte, AJ - plus maybe a trade for Peavy or Halladay too.

So come now, children of the Yankee Universe. Be strong and shout: LET'S GO YANKEES...what a warm up song too!

Yanks Should Finish Off-Season STRONG: Andy Pettitte & Manny or Giambi

Patrick Read — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:02:25 -0500

Washington DC

Dec. 28, 2008

It was in 1992 when a young Andy Pettitte was finally drafted by the New York Yankees, who were starving for a left-handed ace in their rotation.

In his first year of Single-A ball Andy went 10 & 4, then in 1993 he went 12 & 9 and he ended his minor league career in 1994 with a record of 14 & 4 before getting called up in 1995.

He never fell back to the minors again...

It only took Andy 3 years to become a staple in the Yankee rotation and in Pettitte's first year on the team (1995) the Yanks got a sniff of the World Series, but lost the ALDS to Seattle. NY went onto snag their first baseman, TINO.

One year later, in 1996, Pettitte had the low ERA on the team, threw over 220 innings and the Yanks won the World Series ending an 18 year Championship drought - the first since my friend Thurm was the Yankee Captain.

Since his arrival the Yankees have gone onto 13 consecutive post seasons, but haven't won one World Series Championship without him - call Andy a good luck charm.

The Boss once said, "It's all about pitching. Pitching. Pitching. Pitching" and Pettitte fills the expectations.

He would go onto become the epicenter of the Yankee Rotation and of what would become known as the Yankee Core Players - Pettitte, Jeter, Posada, Williams & Mo.

The Yankees have kept their "home-grown" stars (core players) in tact more so than any other team in baseball and their core players are still together and playing for the Yanks (save Bernie - who may end up on the Yankees bench as a switch hitting pinch - pending his performance in the WB Classic).

Even though many fans and some writers whine about the Yankees not "growing talent" or that "they're trying to buy it;" it is clear to see that the Yankees already grew them because they're still on the team and winning...it would be a mere cop-out to say otherwise.

Some suggest that Andy Pettitte is done - washed up, over the hill & that it is time for him to just move on.

I would remind these people that the same thing was said of Mike Mussina last off-season - just before he went on to win 20 games and was in line for the Cy Young.

It was most likely said by the same people now saying the same thing of the 36 year old Yankee Great, Andy Pettitte.

These are typically your garden variety Phil Hughes fans - or "youth movementeers." What a sham that turned out to be - youth movement my foot.

It should also be pointed out for these young-bucks what Pettitte did for NY two years ago, when Mussina wasn't himself. Lefty virtually carried the team into the Post Season where he once again put on a clinic in the now infamous "bug game," giving-up only one run through seven innings work - regardless of Cleveland's little helpers.

Come to think of it - exactly one game later Phil Hughes came in relief of Roger Clemens and threw five shut out innings. Hughes was in the pen...

Considering his stats it might be a good idea to keep Hughes in the minors for one full year, but on the other hand it might be best for the Yanks to use Hughes in their Bull Pen, especially as NY has already said that Joba will start off in the rotation. He proved in 2007 that he can come in from the pen and dominate. He did it on the biggest satge of his life - post season play in the AL.

Plenty of other pitchers have made their way to the rotation from the Pen (David Cone comes to mind) and Hughes could benefit the Yankees while pitching in relief and developing under the watchful eye of Girardi, Eiland, Wang, Mo & Pettitte as opposed to trying to develop while pitching to lesser players.

If Phil is promising, then let him learn up in the "bigs." Where better to learn how to pitch in the big leagues - than in the big leagues?

"Lefty" would allow the Yankees to stagger their starting pitchers right handed to left - which is a big advantage.

The last time the Yankees had two lefties in their rotation they won the World Series (Pettitte & Wells).

The Yanks could secure Pettitte if they added some incentive for Andy to reach for - much like they did for Joe Torre.

Some say that the Yankees showed Joe the door by offering him a cut in pay - even though he could have made 2.5 million more if he achieved his "goals."

"Showing someone the door" is cutting their pay by 6 million (a third of his total pay) and then stating that his last year's performance warrants such a cut in pay.

Why not offer the same carrot-on-a-stick to Pettitte, a performance based contract?

The Yanks could offer 10 mill base and an additional million for ERA achievement, another bonus for record achievement (as if ones record determines their worth - which it doesn't Hank, especially when your team cant score any runs) and finally a bonus for post-season success as well.

The only way the Yanks would have to pay-off the contract is if Andy delivers in 2009, which would make the money spent well worth it.

Andy - unlike other stars - didn't go on the DL once last year. He pitched through the pain and had a relatively average year. It wouldn't be considered a bad year if he weren't Andy Pettitte.

I thought Pettitte would have won more than 16 games last year too, but then again - no one thought the Yankees would score 200 less runs in 2008 than they did in 2007.

Hank said that Andy's record was the concern and reason for the cut in pay - which is complete and utter BS.

Hank, I give you Joba Chamberlain - who had a 2.60 ERA and only went 4 - 3.

How did that happen, you might ask? It happened because the offense gave no support to the starters. In this game pitchers still rely on the offense to score runs.

The answer isn't to cut your pitchers, the answer is to get people that can hit the ball.

Last year starting pitchers lost thrity games (30!) when giving up less than 3 runs.

Does Cashman expect us to believe that it was all the starters (Pettitte) fault for ending the post season streak? What, is 3 runs too high a number for the Yankees offense to overcome? I would have never thought so, but it's exactly happened last year.

If the Yankees have to cut one's pay, then dock Cano, Cabrera and Molina because Pettitte doesn't get to hit.

The Yanks should just say no to the Training Wheels and stick with what is already a known quantity. Chose Andy Pettitte over Phil Hughes.

It's hard enough to produce one star pitcher from the Minors, the Yanks have only produced three in 30 years - Guidry, Righetti and Pettitte. Now we're supposed to believe that the Yanks have 3 home-grown Aces from the Minors, right now? I gotta bridge for sale....

The only new, home-grown star in NY is Joba.

Of course last year the Yankees lack of offense was giving away wins like they were fliers at an Obama rally and thus far the Yankees answer to an ailing offense last year is to get rid of 2 one-hundred RBI guys (Abreu / Giambi) and replace them with one (Teixeira).

WITH OVER 90 MILLION OFF THE BOOKS, NY STILL HAS 20 PLUS MILLION LEFT .......

Should they just pull up and not spend it?

Just like every other team in the MLB, when NY loses players to Free Agency they usually replace them.

At the end of this off season the Yanks lost Abreu (100 plus RBI, 20 plus HR), lost Giambi (100 plus RBI and 25 plus HR), Carl Pavano, Mike Mussina, Ivan Rodriguez, Wilson Betimit etc

They've replaced 2 big-bats with Mark Teixeira.

Anyone can see - one bat is not two bats, so who will be the next bat that averages more than 100 RBI per year that the Yankees sign? Again - they had 200 less runs last year than the had in 2007.

Signing Manny to three years should be a no-brainer, unless the Yankee Brass allow themselves to be bullied by the pop-sports media who are in the bag for their own teams anyhow.

If NY pulls up, and doesn't sign Manny (who said he wanted to be a Yankee, before Hank said that he wanted Manny to be a Yankee too) then they have to either sign Adam Dunn or Re-Sign Jason Giambi in order to retain the RBI lost from last year's team.

Swing for swing Giambi is one of the most productive hitters on the Yankee Squad - regardless of his low batting average, which doesn't account for walks or hit by pitches.

Giambi had 4 less RBI than Abreu last year, but had more HR, a higher On Base Percentage, and scored more runs all while getting more than 150 less at bats than Abreu - the former right fielder.

He's also one of the most underrated players in all of baseball & we all know why - of course in retrospect his seven yr $120 mill seems like child play now.

Yankee fans do not expect to see Melky in the Out Field this year & at least Dunn or Manny could play right field, with Nady in Center (a familiar position to him) and Damon/Matsui in Left. This type outfield allows NY to play the best bats and also leaves the DH open for Damon or Matsui (depending on who plays the field).

If NY did re-sign Giambi, obviously he would DH and the Bench would finally get a make over - something that has been a long time coming. Matsui or Damon would be on the bench for a pinch, as opposed to Molina and Moeller - like last year.

I say thank goodness because I remember the bench during the 90s and how it was used. Back then NY used to stock pile seasoned players on their bench, where the likes of Dave Justice, Daryl Strawberry, Cecil Fielder, Tim Raines, Jim Lehritz & Ruben Sierra all did serious (series) damage for the Yanks.

If the Yanks were trailing or the game was close - by the 6th inning the opponent would have to deal with an onslaught of pure hitters in the pinch - brilliant!

My motto for the 90s used to be, "don't worry - its not even the 7th inning yet." The Yankees were always in the game because of their offense - and the game would end after the 6th because of their SOLID BULL PEN.

An aging Bernie could be just what the Doctor ordered & just in time for the new house....

Burn Baby, Burn ...

After two years and at the age of 41, Bernie still wants to play and will appear at the World Baseball Classic playing for Puerto Rico.

What happens if the old switch hitter does really well during the off-season games? Could NY use an aging bat on their bench who is a switch hitter - has the most success in Yankee Post Season History & is a REAL Yankee with four rings?

Or would he command too much respect from his team mates, fans & opponents? He might inspire some of the youth to play all the muchharder (Cano / Cabrera). He is Legend.

Is keeping a core together necessary?

Could the New House be one that a team built - as opposed to just one player - comprised of Yankee Core Players & the New Core(Joba, Tex, A-Rod and CC) too?

Will it be, The House that George (Steinbrenner) Built or Brian Cashman's house?

Bring Bernie Back to "bailout" the burned-out bench.

Time To Re-Ignite Roger Clemens & "The Kurse." NY Yankees 5 Back in Wild Card

Patrick Read — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:39:04 -0400

Forget About Carl Pavano, Phil Hughes, & Darrell Rasner Saving This Season

“Reignite The Kurse With The Rocket Revenge Tour”

__________________________________________________________________

Washington DC - Aug. 26, 2008

This week, Aug. 29, will mark the one-year anniversary of Roger Clemens throwing seven shutout innings against Boston, providing Hank’s “answer to Beckett,” (postgame video) while squaring off against the Sox’s ace and his former team for the first time since 2003. Clemens won.

When walking off the field after facing the Red Sox for a final time, Roger Clemens received a standing ovation

Now, with the New York Yankees only five games back in the wild-card race and on the brink of snapping their record 14-consecutive postseason appearances, all while in the last year of "The Cathedral of Baseball."

This season hinges on what pitchers are going to fill the fourth and fifth roles of the starting rotation.

A year removed from Colorado's famous comeback—they were under .500 mere days before June (sound familiar?)—when the Rockies were sparked in the biggest rally in modern baseball by an 11-game win streak and made the postseasons for only the second time in team history.

One thing is for sure—anything is possible.

In just one year’s time, the Yankee’s pitching staff has been thoroughly decimated to a mere fraction of what it was intended to be: Wang, Pettitte, Joba, Moose, and Hughes.

Steinbrenner has recently related that the Yankees have been crushed by injuries by blows with the likes of ace, Chien Ming Wang, having missed more than 45 games. To top it off, the Yankees announced last week that an October return to the rotation for Wang is now...unlikely.

Wang is done for the season.

After enduring five months of Brian Cashman’s “Youth Movement,” one thing is certain: The youth movement has now gotten very old for fans.

Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy were injured early on in the season and have each missed 80 games. Before exiting stage left, when the two "Future Yankee Stars" were healthy, each had an ERA of over 10.

Kennedy, with a mere oblique strain, has made comeback appearances on two different occasions this year, and each instance has spelled disaster for the Yankees. After the first comeback, Kennedy expressed his displeasure with the New York “way of life” and looked forward to getting back to Scranton—where he may call home for a long time, unless he's traded.

In his last two starts, Kennedy has gone a total of 10 innings pitched and has given up 13 hits leading to a total of five runs.

Hughes has yet to make his first comeback appearance, and his health is steadily progressing after having pitched with a broken rib. Hopefully his comeback appearance will be better than his initial debut earlier this year...but that's unlikely.

On Aug. 22, Hughes pitched in Scranton for 3.1 innings and gave-up 10 hits and allowed eight runs to score. While he did have six strikeouts and only one walk, which could give faith to those more optimistic—the real damage came in the form of hits.

When Hughes “misses his pitches,” his missed pitches are bad and the result usually is not a walk—his missed pitches are meatballs that linger over the middle of the plate. Thank God Hughes’s miscues are only to children down in the minors, because if he is that bad down there...I won’t finish that thought.

During his last two games in Scranton, Phil has thrown a total of seven innings and has given up 13 runs on 18 hits—hey, he only gave up one walk and got 10 strikeouts. It seems as though Hughes needs to find the black of the plate a little more and go from edge to edge; he needs to work the ladder instead of throwing meatballs anywhere.

After finally, making it back from rehab to Scranton, at least his ERA is better now; he has improved to an 8.47 ERA. This is a disaster waiting just around the corner for Yankee fans.

Pavano has been injured for two years with five different injuries and has collected $39 million for only 20 games pitched. He faced the Orioles on Saturday and gave up three runs on seven hits over five innings and got out of serious jams twice. His last appearance in Scranton was bumpy too, as he gave up five runs in 4.1 innings to minor-league players.

Last but not least, Joba Chamberlain has been out for three weeks, and he may not even make it back to the rotation this season, which would be a mistake, unless management likes to keep its youth movement thoroughly confused

On the other hand, would it be worth the risk to start him again in an almost-certain lost season? Joba has recently said that he will return to the team as a starter; but Joe Girardi has yet to confirm it.

Somehow, through all the tribulation, the rotation has kept the score to three runs or less more than 75 times out of 130 games, but 24 of these games resulted in losses and that was with Joba.

Yes, other teams have injuries too, but no other team has had to face their injuries all at the same time and with such pivotal players.

With only five weeks left in the season, Yankee fans are pondering whom to rely upon to complete the rotation, which is comprised of Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, and Sidney Ponson. The last two spots will either make or break the team’s chance at extending the postseason streak and provide for a possible bridge of winning seasons into the new Stadium.

Would you rather rely on Darrell Rasner and Carl Pavano in must-win games?

Or would you to rely on Roger Clemens, who makes those around him want to play better, to fill one spot and provide the team a chance to win?

As Yankee fans ponder whom to rely upon with just over one month left in the season, they would do well to remember that the best pitcher in the last 50 years, who was ranked 15 on Sport’s Illustrated’s “Best Players of All-Time List,” is a free agent.

Yes, it is time for the next generation of players to leave their mark, but so far, the mark is a failing grade. It is time to rely on the proven veteran—unless George Mitchell is the Yankee manager and can now pitch.

Roger Clemens is the All-Time Cy Young Award Leader with seven.

Rocket is third with the most strikeouts all time, having just been surpassed in a season that he has been shunned by the league, regardless of how the fans feel.

He is seventh in games started.

Clemens is eighth all time in wins.

He is 14th in strikeouts per nine innings.

With these all-time records, people should remember that he has maintained excellence, like Nolan Ryan has, throughout his 24-year career. Needless to say, he ain’t no “flash in the pan” like some.

It is time to blow it up and send a Yankee shockwave, league-wide, through Yankee Universe, and really shake things up enough to confuse every manager that was planning on preparing for Pavano or Rasner and now has to get ready for "the Rocket." Opposing hitters would equally be abuzz.

In the last year of the "House that Ruth Built," why not give fans the chance to send Clemens off with some dignity—who is known for rubbing Babe Ruth’s Forehead before each start?

24 years is a long time to make the bull-do, to never quit, and to protect his own teammates by throwing chin music when deemed appropriate. It is a long time for ESPN to make money off of all of the "Rockets" highlight reels and for papers to do the same in the circulation of the name, Rocket—so, why go out with a whimper?

Instead, “Reignite the Curse with the Rocket’s Return” and close the door on Ruth’s house with a like-type story, a man that initially played for Boston and ended his baseball tenure in New York—and much to Boston’s chagrin—the marketing alone would more than pay for it.

The Yankees would ensure one thing by rehiring Clemens—if Clemens finally does go into the Hall of Fame, then he would go in as a Yankee and not as one of George Mitchell’s Red Sox—which would really steam some Boston Beans.

Unless the Yankees are willingly taking this disgraceful season sitting down—just like they took the Mitchell Report sitting down—the fans say, “win at all cost.” It is, after all, their money that is lining everyone’s pockets, from owner to player.

After the “report” was released, Hank said “Don’t rush to judgment,” as did Yankee Captain, Derek Jeter, along with many other players.

Joba Chamberlain believes Clemens and still stays in touch with him, texting Roger everyday. Jorge Posada, who worked out with Clemens, said that he “believed the Rocket” and Mike Mussina said, “There is something about Roger that makes everyone around him better.”

Could that type leadership help the team? Everyone wants to do better with Clemens on the team.

After Joba Chamberlain was injured in Texas, Hank Steinbrenner said, “I have never seen a team so decimated by injuries,” Hank went on, “I am not giving up on this year though – I will get a “TOP VET” if I have too.”

Well Hank, what’s the hold up here?

If you “haven’t given up on this season yet,” then why wait to sign that “Top Vet” to pitch? Do so now, before the 15-year postseason streak is broken in the last year of the Cathedral...that your father built.

There is only one chance to keep the streak alive, and the time is now.

I don’t think Hank is lying, and I have covered him since last fall. He is a very direct man, who is short and to the point. He said Joba would start this year, and Joba is a starter; regardless of what all the “experts” on ESPN opine.

Hank said that Mussina had to change his style, and he did so, and now has 16 wins and is being talked about for the Cy Young. Hank said that if certain players couldn’t produce, then they would be dealt with...“so-long” Farnsworth and Sexson—maybe we’ll see you later, Melky Cabrera.

What is clear to fans: When Hank talks, things happen.

With Gregg Maddux being just signed by the L.A. Dodgers, Byrd being signed by Boston, and Gary Sheffield, who was waived by Detroit, recently stated that he wants to play for the Red Sox, what other “top vet” is still available?

The only “top vet” that remains available is Roger Clemens, when considering that the other is David Wells, who just played in the old timers game the week of the All-Star Game.

There are so many in the media that opine that Roger is done, he is too old and not good enough anyhow. When will these same people ever learn to not count Roger out, or are they just hoping aloud that he doesn’t return?

Last year, Clemens was a 4.18 ERA, translated to this year, and he would have the second-lowest ERA on the team, but there are naysayers that speak to the record he had of 6-6; judging by this year’s Yankees, anyone can see that a great performance by the starter doesn’t always equate to a win, and yes, he was injured last year as well, but don’t let that fool you.

A 4.18 ERA is one of the lowest of Clemens’s lengthy career, and the last time he threw that high was in Boston, and he followed the 4.18 year with a 3.5 ERA in 1996. Clemens then went on to win two consecutive Cy Youngs in Toronto, boasting a minus-three ERA and then won another Cy Young in NY with a 3.6 ERA.

In 2004, Clemens won the Cy Young in Houston with a 2.98 ERA and the next year threw his lowest career ERA with a 1.87, but he finished third in the Cy Young voting. In both years, he led the Astros to the postseason. Pitchers do not just “lose” that type of talent, especially when it has been proven year in and year out for a lengthy 24-year career—he is a proven talent.

One might say he is too old, but those with that opinion might consider what Joba Chamberlain has recently said, “Rocket’s work routine is legendary.” If that doesn’t convince you that he is in shape, then consider what Curt Schilling said, “Rocket was responsible for turning my career around. He really lit into me about my being out of shape.”

Judging by Clemens's last four years, he has only been injured twice—once with NY and once while an Astro. He pitched in 17 games last year with the Yankees and 19 games the year prior with Houston, where he threw a 2.3 ERA.

The fact that when Clemens was brought in last year—and Yankee fans went ballistic—should prove to everyone that Clemens is welcomed in New York, despite what Mike Lupica tells fans what to think.

There is a term that defines Little Mikey Lupica pretty well: Narcissism, where the patient suffers from the delusion that everything is all about himself, or maybe he just has a Napoleon Complex, which a lot of those shorter people suffer.

Miguel Tejada is facing down the same federal “perjury investigation” as Clemens, but with more proof against him than does Roger. Miguel is having another career year, despite the Democrats attempt to “clean a private business up.”

He just appeared in Yankee Stadium and played shortstop for the NL All-Star Game, where he put on a clinic.

Needless to say, the so-called distraction of the investigation is not distracting Tejada one bit.

Barry Bonds was recently welcomed back to San Francisco for an All-Time Greatest Outfielders Ceremony—which was the Giants' way of accepting Barry back, regardless of “alleged abuses.” Bonds recently filed to have the majority of perjury charges dismissed, as the original Balco Judge, Ilston, remains suspicious of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office for their motive and tactics.

Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez was named in the Mitchell Report, and he was just signed by the Yankees not more than two weeks ago, but the catching position isn’t New York’s “Achilles Heal,” because Jose Molina is still in the rotation at least two games out of every five.

The offense is a source of contention for the Yankees, which Pudge does help, as does Xavier Nady.

The offense was strengthened by the return of Hideki Matsui, but one cannot say the offense is the only problem that the Yankees have faced this year.

One cannot say that the offense is the main problem, which was made evident by the fact that Molina and Robinson Cano play at the same time, who lead the team with Yankees lowest batting averages—despite Melky Cabrera being sent down for a lack of offense.

The problem that the Yankees face, since Joba went on the DL, is pitching. And the “replacement pitchers” will decide the fate of the last year of the Cathedral and the streak gained in it.

One cannot replace Wang and Joba with lesser type pitchers and expect to win – when the Yanks were barely scrapping by when Joba and Wang were healthy.

Reignite "The Curse" with the "Rocket Revenge Tour" and New York will make it to the postseason. Besides, it’s my birthday today, and this is my wish...;o)

Comments below if you'd like...

Brett Favre To Start For Green Bay Packers in 2008 & Here's "Proof "

Patrick Read — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:09:06 -0400

When The Cat's Away, Mice Will Play

Aug. 3, 2008 - Washington DC

Watching the continuous news-opera called "MisGuided Light," starring Aaron Rodgers, I happened across a “tip of the hand” from a Rodgers interview and then a Roger Goodell interview about Brett Favre’s fate; aside from today's breaking news that Favre will show up at camp on Monday, Aug. "4" at 1 PM, which disclosed that Brett would be welcomed back.

What has not been offered yet, and has not been made clear is whether Brett will be welcomed to stay and play, which is where this article comes in.

The Aaron Rodgers and Roger Goodell interviews aired on ESPNNews (Air Dates: Aug. 1& 2, ‘08). I researched the information for third-party verification to what I had just recorded, and sure enough, it was there.

Indications came from three sources about Favre’s fate; during an Aug. 2 Roger Goodell interview(aired in its entirety on ESPNNews Aug 2 and 3), during an Aaron Rodgers interview and before both, during an interview with close Favre friend and veteran wide-receiver, Donald Driver, who actually talked to Brett and all revealed Favre’s fate.

While in Buffalo, Roger Goodell said of the so-called “bribe” of $20 million offered Favre that, “it was a personal decision for Favre to make and a business decision by the Packers to offer.”

He showed his confidence in Favre's ability and more insight saying that it boils down to “whether or not Brett wants to play. He’s a great player and having him on your roster makes you a better football team.”

Realizing the strife that the off-season media circus and its reporting was causing fans, Goodell made clear the Brett Favre had asked Goodell to help guide him during the negotiation process with Green Bay, and then said that he would "reinstate Favre no later than Monday," forcing the issue towards resolution once and for all.

As early as July 31, Favre said his, “intent was to play,” and, “that is where I am.” Putting the two pieces of information together, and that Goodell is in close contact with Green Bay management; along with the Aug. 3 news that Favre is considering to reject Mark Murphy’s $20 million “grease”, one clearly can see that Favre will at least play.

Having researched what the in-house insight offered, there’s further verification regarding Favre’s future. Albeit buried at the end of the article and modified by the interviewer, Aaron Rodgers told us what “will” happen regarding Brett Favre and Green Bay.

Aaron was asked by interview-modifier, Tom Curran of MSNBC Sports, what would happen if Favre reported as early as this weekend?

Rodgers answered and made Green Bay’s intentions clear saying, "When the decision finally comes down (“I think”—as inserted by Tom Curran) we will be able to bring him in and move forward together."

After picking up and running with the news scooped here, by the Bleacher Report, Tom Curran also reported that Ari Fleischer, former Presidential Press Secretary turned media relations professional and founder of Ari Fleischer Sport’s Communications, had just left the team on Friday, Aug. 1;after prepping the team on media relations.

Fleischer had just appeared in recent months about Roger Clemens' apparent perjury trap, saying that, “In largely covered issues, honesty is always the best policy.”

Ari would not suggest anyone say, “When the decision comes down, we will welcome Favre back”, unless the Pack had made the decision already.

So, bam folks, there it is. They are apparently waiting for the decision to be formerly announced after finalization so that they can welcome No. 4 back and move forward.

After talking to Brett the week prior, Fox Sports broke that Donald Driver said, on July 30,

"He's a legend. It is just like if anybody else walked in here, and wanted to come back and play (which Favre does), then you “have to” welcome him back in. You take your hat off to him. He's one of the greatest players in Packers history, as well as the NFL."

Coupling this fact with what premiere Packer players and Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, have just said this past week, and after having been briefed on July 30 by the media-relations professional, then one would have to deduce that Favre will be on the Packers this season, unless Ari told them to be dishonest, which isn't likely.

Trading Favre will never happen or it would have been done already, and Thompson would have never suggested that Favre would be "placed on the Packers' active roster only, but he had to filed for reinstatement first."

If Favre wasn't important to the Packers' management, then they would have never offered the cash and 10-year marketing deal to him. The fact is that Favre is the franchise's face and cannot be replaced that easily. He is too important, which may be the reason for ownership to want and "farce" him out.

Unless Thompson lied about it, the fans can expect to see Favre wear the Green and Gold made so famous by Vince Lombardi, who never minced words or misled the Packers' fans.

To further illustrate that management has had a long-term plan about Favreand how to handle his decision to maybe retire during this off-season, Mike McCarthy gave an on-the-field interview during the same ESPNNEWS airing Aug. 1, and offered this piece of critical information, saying, “The ($20 Million) offer to Favre has been on the table for months. I first heard about it during his retirement speech.”

Brett indicated in that speech to all that he “could still play and knew that, but just wasn’t 100 percent committed,” so why wasn't the $20 million offered and made public then to bring it to a pleasant resolution?

Is it because management wanted an "ace up their sleeve" to take advantage when they knew Favre would change his mind and want to come back?

That emotional outbreak for a speech occurred last March, which is now four months ago. Leading back to Favre’s announcing that he would like to return, he gave the explanation to Fox News’, Greta Van Susteren, that McCarthy had been “rushing him” about his commitment level for weeks in an apparent attempt to force, or rush the issue.

The Bleacher Report first broke that Favre had never filed official retirement documents weeks before he verified it “on the record,” and also questioned the motive for him to have to file for reinstatement when he was never technically retired to begin with.

Favre said that Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson were pressing him for a 100 percent commitment for weeks, leading up to the “March ESPN Retirement Special,” and indicated that Packers' management had not been honest with the fans regarding several points surrounding his retirement, especially about using a Packers' issued cell phone to talk it out with other members of the NFL.

How would management know whom he called and when? Did they subpoena his phone records even though there is no legal case, or was it just an invasion of privacy? It seems more likely that they were speculating in hopes of making Favre look bad to fans. Instead, it backfired.

Management had a plan to handle Favre this past off-season, and the issue of Favre playing must have been fully covered by Green Bay management. They had plans to "bribe" Favre as early as March per Mike McCarthy admitting that is when he found out about it, and they may have forced Brett's retirement to benefit themselves.

It certainly does not benefit the team by letting the better quarter back go, and it does no good to berate No. 4 in front of the fans, who, in the end, pay the bill.

Favre and his agent "Bus" Cook had not mentioned any offers "being on the table" before this past week and were obviously being widely covered in the media.

Something that is “on the table” means that it was placed on the table, or as better put, “It was tabled by committee.”

Any one that has attended a board meeting would attest to the chairman of the board (Mark Murphy-President) “tabling” an issue as outlined by Robert's Rule of Order, which simply is another way of saying that a vote occurred and the issue was agreed upon to be re-visited at a more appropriate time.

Relative a "bribe to force Favre's retirement," there is never an appropriate time for that type discussion by committee, but McCarthy made clear that it was discussed and planned well in advance of ESPN "news broadcasters" announcing it.

It does not mean that Favre was offered this “bribe” four-and-a-half months ago; it means that the CMurphy brought to attention the reality of it being an option. McCarthy gave us management's insight of its intention to force Favre to retire and turn his back on the records, the fans, and the Hall of Fame.

To support the thesis, Nancy Pelosi recently “tabled” the discussion on the U.S. Drilling for Oil on American Soil, and Congress held a revolt. The Speaker left with her loyalist, turned off the lights and the cameras, but the opposition, who wanted to at least discuss a way out of high gas prices, remained on the floor in protest, but to no avail.

That “should” give the reader a firm grasp of the term “table” as used by any board whom votes on issues.

During the same interview, McCarthy went on to say that, “This is being handled by the front office and I am grateful. Whe...whe-n, uh; IF they agree, then we will welcome Brett back.”

You have to love McCarthy because he let's slip the truth all the time with simple speech mistakes. On Aug. 3 coach McCarthy said, "Brett and I will have a conversation. After the confirma-, confirma-, uh, conversation I will then talk to all the players and public about how we will mover forward."

All this added together means one thing: Favre will be the starter. They already told Rodgers that "there will be an open competition to see who starts," thus proving that their commitment was not a strong commitment at all., or that their word of an open competition was just another lie.

Rodgers is happy to have the opportunity to earn the position, if he can, away from No. 4. Guaranteed, Brett Favre will start this year, unless you really believe that Rodgers could have done better in the playoffs last year, which very few in history could have.

Favre will get to keep the records going, display his favor towards the NFL’s rich history of legends and has shown loyalty to Green Bay and its fans.

Green Bay fans have paid the price this past off-season, by the “disinformation” used by Packer management and in concert with mass media.

ESPN obviously makes its bread and butter (profits) from the league, whom they are in contract agreement with to air their games, provide their own livelihoods, and show the cheerleader-style highlight reel to show off the same players that they oppose when scandal strikes.

ESPN wishes to keep certain scandals going because controversies increase its circulation, shock-journalism increases the parent company's profits, but only lessens their loyal market, which consist of real fans whom make no money, but spend a lot to support their teams and are the reason that the media makes its money in the end.

The ratings game in the media demands a higher price of advertising after all. Consider ESPN’s ratings during the Clemens scandal, which rated higher than the last World Series.

The Neilson rating system of recent sporting events is based on the people that chose to watch events like Congressional hearings, or the last year's NFL playoffs; where Favre took the Super Bowl Champions into, overtime which is something that even "the perfect Pats" couldn’t even do, but we have to believe that ESPN thinks that Rodgers can do better.

During these events, like the Super Bowl, advertisers spend up to $20 million for one-minute spots and it is all based on the fans that "tune-in." They may soon decide to "tune-out" and link up to watch it on the Internet in the future and avoid making the media richer and hold them to account for their own indiscretions.

Seems clear to me that the media benefits from their league-relationships and could care less about remaining loyal to their customer base—the fans that may end up making them pay the price in the same manner that they have had to regarding off-season antics and how the media chooses to cover them.

For those more “fair-weather fans” that bought into Rodgers being better than Favre, and supported ESPN's promotion of Aaron, who still stink-it-up by saying Favre only got lucky last year because of the talent around him, and that he will go back to being an average QB:

Brett had 4,000+-yards passing last year, threw 28 TD passes last year, had a QB rating of 95+ last year, which is second only to Tom Brady (who has the most talent on his offense), and had the highest yards/ pass ratio of his career.

Good thing the Pack never listened to him about making real investments for improved talent. What happened to the “talent” that was around him last year that will force him to be so average this year?

If Green Bay is so talentless, then what will Rodgers do, who can barely make it out of practice? It is the same talent, and if the Pack is worried that they wasted draft picks on QBs, it is their own fault.

Why would they need two more QBs when they wanted to commit to Rodgers? Maybe Rodgers wouldn’t commit to them after this year. He is an unrestricted free agent starting next February.

If so committed, Green Bay could trade one of the younger QB draft picks anyhow—or maybe Rodgers will give them more “value,” because certainly making $12 million while riding pine is a waste.

With those kind of numbers, Aaron has to earn that job away anyhow, or he alone will have the reputation for ending the steak and the legend’s career without ever playing a whole game, which would not reflect kindly on his own market value.

It is sad, but true.

______________Update on August 6, just before Midnight_____________________

Announced August 6, 2008 - Favre has been traded to the NY Jets. New York has a massive void in their market with the departure of Strayhan (Giant's Ex-Captain) and Jeremy Shockey (Giant All Time Best TE), so the city who relies heavily on heros, especially since 9.11, now turn to Favre to lift them up and give them the optimism that Pack fans have enjoyed for 16 long years.

As for the predictions that Green Bay will be better than the Jets - search out when the last star who won a Bowl for Green Bay was forced out of his normal postion. It is Vince Lombardi, who had the Head Coach position and was the General Manager, but was forced to the front office alone.

Vince Lombardi earned Green Bay 2 Super Bowl Championships, but after Lombardi fulfilled his "office duties" for one year, he then went back to his passion and became the Head Coach once again, but not in Green Bay. He retired a Washington Red Skin.

If you actually believe that Favre was not good becuase of 2006 ad 2007, then ask yourself what changed in 2007. They added talent that Favre could finally shine with and shine he did. He put on a clinic with surrounding talent last year, especially in the Play Offs.

If you think that Rodgers is the future, then ask yourself where Aaron will be after this year, when he becomes a Free Agent. Do you think he will stay in a place that will come to despise him, who already chant "We Want Brett?"

Good luck in Pack-Land to all the Pack-Fans, but take it one game at a time to ease your frustrations.

Of course New York has a MEDIA that will hold the OWNERS to account for the continuous lies.

The NY media understands that the massive FAN BASE butters their bread AND not owners, of course NY is a country within a state too, so ESPN has to remain beholden to other smaller market teams and their ownership.

In NY it is all about the fans and not the owners. Owners in NY call out players for performance and are not dishonest in public, especially every day.

________________________________________________________________________

Favre's Green Bay Packers & "President's Men" Try To Put Team Together Again

Patrick Read — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:04:06 -0400

"ANY PRESS IS GOOD PRESS” IS A MOTTO FOR THE MEDIA.....

NOT FOR TEAMS OR THEIR PLAYERS

_______________________________________________________________

Washington DC - Aug, 1 2008

Yesterday, the Green Bay Packers welcomed Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to President Bush, into their "family." Ari just happens to be running a PR company out of New York City named "Ari Fleischer's Sport's Commuciations.

It was no mistake that Fleischer was with Green Bay on their down day, but he was reported to be "only a guest speaker" and not a PR Trainer. What a great "spin-opportunity," but where was the Packer President with his bag full of monies to pay for Ari's services rendered?

We now know Mark Murphy flew to Favre and "tried the bribe" to make Brett retire and "own him that much more" to certain marketing demands for the next 10 years. If Favre takes that money to retire early, he will kick himself every day when he really gets old.

No. 4 can't play for too much longer, as he considers taking himself out of the game for greed's sake over money, which he would make more of by simply fulfilling his contract. I cannot see it happening at all.

Don't be fooled into thinking that $25 million is a lot of money for the most popular sport of all, whose players make less than baseball players, and some hockey players too.

Besides, it isn't like the Packers wouldn't have a position for him after he stops playing. After all, he is Brett "I Am Legend" Favre, as ESPN's two-Johns might say.

He can make money outside of football and would make more while sitting anyhow. $13 million, multiplied by three years, equates to $39 million, and in typical style, Green Bay management offered him $20 or $25 million, probably to cut losses and save more money for itself.

Any experienced salesman worth their own salt could tell Brett about revenues earned from marketing campaigns and the commissions that come along with them.

Brett, ask Murphy where he got the number $20 million from, and what the company's projected net profit was as a basis for the offer. Projections do not just fly out of thin air. Footballs do though, and maybe they think Brett is too overwhelmed to do real business.

Mark Murphy and Mike McCarthy (Green Bay's version of the Irish M&M Boys) ought to know what the term "indentured servitude" means as it is a shunned term by most Irish because about 1.5 million of them "sold themselves into slavery" to the wealthy during a certain famine in order to find the promised land.

Of course, this is modern-day America. Even those who are desperate cannot sign any enslaving contracts to those more wealthy because it is illegal now, right? Nowaday we have the American Dream and part of it is the business of football; of which Murphy and McCarthy seem all to willing to "own another who is desperate" to continue his playing and extend streaks.

It is all very ironic, considering their own cultural history that they've seemingly turned away from and masked the reality of what is happening. Do the Irish M&M Boys think that they will not benefit from Favre's continued legacy? Or could it be something else motivating their back alley-type dealings and continuous lying to Pack Fans?

In order to play football professionally, one has to practice his whole life, but when good enough they can get offered money in Green Bay not to practice and get paid not to play too, but that doesn't smell fishy at all, to some on ESPN.

On July 31, the Green Bay management said that they "did not have practice today," but claimed in the same report that it wasn't a coordinated effort and had, "Nothing to do with Brett Favre and whether or not he would not show up at camp on Thursday. It was a scheduled day off."

Was Ted Thompson lying to the fans, to football, to the league, to history, and to the Hall of Fame for his own benefit? He is lying to Brett, who he says "is a part of their family and always will be." Lying and trust are not issues in any family that I know of, but they are issues when running most every business though.

Goodell must have known what they had in store because the reinstatement papers were filed Tuesday, he stalled it that afternoon and said he wouldn't act on them Wednesday either.

So Thursday's news breaks about the bribe and now Favre wouldn't be eligible to practice until Friday afternoon at 4 PM. What a great gig, and a well-timed play Goodell and Thompson have going on against Favre.

WHY in the world would Brett Favre cause any pressure to a team who is positive about their decision over quarterbacks; and are committed and moving on anyhow?

The fact they have offered Favre money not to play, have told him not to show and have said that they would neither trade him nor release him, tells everybody that they are confident in Favre.

Does Green Bay's management actually expect the public to buy that they have moved on as they scramble more frantically than a QB out of the pocket in dark alleys for moves and media approval, especially given the recent spin doctor's presence in all this?

What, Ari just happened to be in town and wanted to stop in to say "hello team" and "good luck?"

Favre is obviously a major concern, so do not be surprise when Favre is wearing gold and green as a starter again.

The proof is having a PR-Pro, guest-speaking politician, who is from New York City and an expert at the spin-game just casually dropping in a state half a country away.

The same guy who sold the War is now selling the Packers' attempt to rid the league of a legend. Again, if it were no big deal, then Fleischer would not be there, so it is a big deal only because the fans would hand the Irish M&M Boys their asses for sitting the better QB while they watch their team lose.

Where is the commitment? Where is the confidence? Guaranteed: it is in Mississippi and the double-talking jivers want to get their spin into the media as fans who pay the tab have no more patience. Who breaks first? The fans, the owners, or Favre?

Green Bay is not sure Thompson didn't ruin their chances at returning No. 4 to the line-up which betters their chances at winning this year, regardless of their poor, sleepy heads over Favre trying to retire every year.

Let's all see the results of Mr. Fleischer’s' work tomorrow and what the team's new motto becomes. Right now, some Packers want Favre back and some are "the company's yes-men." We all know about "spin", and as some say, the spin stops here. How does management think that this all started?

Green Bay said that they were "moving on" and were "committed to Rodgers being their future," but they have not committed to him in writing by extending his contract.

If the Packers were moving on, then why haven’t they just moved on yet?

If Favre wanted to retire, then why did he ask the collectors not to place the word "retired" in association with his name?

Ted Thompson said, "Let Brett file his reinstatement letter and then we will add him to our active roster." He fulfilled what was requested of him by Thompson, filing for reinstatement, and now needs to be added, as promised, to their active roster, but instead of being honest with "part of the family", they tried to "grease" Favre.

Goodell said that he was "not going to take any action on Tuesday over the request." Instead, he wanted to allow for the owners, whom he represents, to better their own chances of doing what’s best for their business while his lack of action since Tuesday lessens Favre's chances for a triumphant return to Lambeau Field, to HIS team.

Gene Upshaw is nowhere in sight during all these negotiations between the league, a team, and its player. Goodell was elected by the owners to represent their league and thus, by default, be their mouthpiece. Apparently, Green Bay now needs a bigger one, though.

Then Green Bay falsely reported, according to Favre, that he had "made calls from a team-issued cell phone." How would they know that information?

It's illegal for the government to break the invasion of personal privacy law (FISA), much less a private business. Apparently they do not have, nor recognize, the Privacy Act of 1971 in Wisconsin.

Proving that he is already losing the PR battle, Favre denied any tampering charges along with all calls made from a team cell phone. His God-given talent alone is what allows Favre to have the upper hand in all this, not his PR guy.

He should have never allowed his PR man to respond to this smoke-screening attempt of asinine allegations in the first place. Thompson is just hoping that Goodell will bite on the accusation and take the public's eye off the ball!

On July 30, echoing management's words, coach Mike McCarthy said to ESPN, "Er, uh, um, we've committed to Aaron Rodgers being our starter and are moving on (they have yet to extend his contract) and uh, er, you can never say never though."

I am not picking on McCarthy, he just is in the middle of the perfect-storm, but those are not the words of one who is committed.

ESPN went on to say "The team is unified under Rodgers," but today, Donald Driver said, "I understand that Favre has filed reinstatement paperwork so just like anybody else who wants to play, we should welcome him back. He is a Legend, and the best Green Bay has ever had, and maybe the NFL."

Mr. Driver offered his statement after having talked to Brett just last weekend, something others in the spotlight have said they have not done at all.

Hmmm—er, um, uh, wow. Does it really sound like anyone is unified or committed to any one, set plan?

Sometimes people have an annoying quality about them—called a brain—and aren't so easily programmed. They always seem to observe and think things on their own. Drat, right Ted?

This all has turned into one massive PR parade, starring Green Bay, not Favre. It really does rival the media blitz surrounding Roger Clemens, and it too is being lost by the player, which does not exactly equate to what is true.

PR battles do no one any good, other than those employed to work them, like those on ESPN who continuously opine on how Brett should just retire. They know that Ari Fleischer is a PR pro. He was just on television mere weeks ago, giving his expert PR opinion about Clemens, whom ESPN and most media pundits dig at every chance they get.

Maybe ESPN just wants Favre to retire so that they can hire him, like they have so many other former pros. But fans think that Favre is too busy adding to his records while he still can, and there is plenty of time for other work in the future, while only a limited amount of time for his body to keep playing.

Amazingly, Skip Bayless is in Favre’s corner, along with this writer, but the rest of his cohorts are like sharks feeding in bloody water.

Brett Favre should now take his own career into his own hands—actions speak louder than words. He should show up at camp on Friday, and let them deal with their own mess. At this point they have dug their own hole and have repeatedly lied about it, too.

Green Bay has to either break the consecutive-game record while sitting the franchise face and legend, let him tryout and win the job back, or trade Favre. Which do you think they will do?

Here is a link for fans to sign a Petition and show their support for Brett to be allowed to play. If interested, hit the link and just sign the registrar.

It is all about the fans after all, which makes the business so rewarding. It is about the masses and THEIR money, and obviously marketing to them, which now Green Bay is trying to do by making Favre a salesman.

He is not a salesman, he is a Hall of Fame quarterback who "owns" records, though fans might be assured that as an All-Star athlete, he can make a pitch as well thus motivating the fans and making more money for the team's ownership.

Will Green Bay better their rival Bears' chances at a Super Bowl ring? Will they better the Vikings' chances? They are lying about trading Favre within the division, and The Legend will either play outside the division or in Green Bay.

I think it is the latter, but the Packers did just bring in PR-Pro Fleischer too and probably did so to prepare for the perfect storm.

Try this on for size Green Bay management, BE HONEST and say...

"We want to apologize to the fans of football for all of the off-season commotion and thank you for your patience. Green Bay hopes to have Brett Favre stay and play as a Packer to help us make the playoffs this year. We also want Brett to help the team pave the way and secure its future under Aaron Rodgers too, but not until it is apparent that Brett can no longer play. He is a Legend and we owe him a debt of gratitude.

We have committed to Aaron and offered him an extended incentive-based contract that will benefit his play, because we have faith that he is good enough to win too. Earmarks are set to reward his play regardless of the number of snaps he might take and we await his commitment to our franchise as we have committed to him. We look forward to Aaron remaining a Packer after this year's contract is up. He could become a free agent, but we have faith that he means what he says and that he wants to be Green and Gold.

The time for Brett to step down will never be an easy time for us, but will become clearer in the future. Nature will take its course and Brett himself will know when that happens, as will all of our fans who have been very supportive of us in this turbulent time. After last year's stellar performance, what is clear is that Brett is still able to win. We trust Brett to be honest with us about when he doesn't feel well enough, because we really are a family and he is a legend of the game and a hero to us all."

Just try it, because honesty is a good thing, and Green Bay could have the best of both worlds. Why in the world is it so much an issue to have too much talent? Start Favre and let Aaron step up and take No. 4's job away from him.

If management has faith in Aaron, then they will let him try. The 49ers gave the ball to Steve Young when Joe Montana was injured and Young ended up winning the MVP that year and secured the future of the franchise.

"Any PR is not good PR" for teams or for players. Controversy increases circulation, while it costs the ones reported-on their jobs if it is a negative reflection, like the PR that surrounded Michael Vick or Adam (Pacman?) Jones.

So suit 'em up and play some football already. No more stories, no more controversy, no more lies, and no more "business" in the media to help yourselves.

Football fans, whose massive wallet pays your owners and thus the players, are not interested in soap operas or gossip columns—they're interested in stats and records though, because that is something more concrete in which a fan can count on and trust.

After all, numbers do not lie, but people do and all should take that into consideration. A fan's trust and resulting loyalty should never be forsaken either, whether by team or by player.

Now, hug it out already and let's play some football. I don't know about you, but I'm psyched.

Brett Favre "Greased" to Retire. 4, Ignore Roger Goodell & Get To Work Already!

Patrick Read — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:22:00 -0400

Time Is Money...Especially When the Market is Hot

________________________________________________________________________________________

Washington DC - July 31, 2008

In head-spinning breaking news today the Green Bay Packers have reportedly offered Brett Favre $20 million over the next 10 years if (and only if) he retires and stays retired. But Favre makes $13 million per year playing football, where he is a legend and accepted by all, excpet for those whom own/manage the Packers.

The day Brett Favre sells out on the fans, on the sport that made him so rich and beloved, on these records that are continuing to mount-up as he plays every game; it will be a sad day for the game.

It would be known as "The Day Green Bay Killed Foot Ball," and Legend Brett Favre let them do it too.

If Favre wanted to retire, then why did he ask the collectors to not place the word "retired" in association with his name?

Having lived in Mississippi for 3 years I can not for the life of me see Favre turn his back on the game, especially after all this "hub-bub." Nor will he turn his back on the people of Mississippi, who are always there for their boy and look to him as a living legend. Down there he is known as "the good ole boy who conquered the north and its elitism." He is a hero down there, and being bought-off by big northern-cash would not tide well at all.

The Packers have said that "(they) are considering a trade to another NFC North team." If Favre were smart he wouldn't say, "Show me the money;" he would say, "Show me the trade negotiations in writing and let me in on them too."

It is his career and the Packers have moved on after all; and nothing verbalized is worth the hot, steamy-air it's spoken with unless a certain players'-association representative is there too.

Green Bay has already lied by saying, "If Favre files reinstatement papers he would be added to our active roster," so why should Favre trust them now? It is one helluva family that Teddy has for himself there in Wisconsin.

On July 29, Roger Goodell’s office verified that the NFL received Brett Favre’s request for reinstatement as it was requested of him to file by Green Bay's GM, Ted Thompson, in order for Brett to play.

Also two days ago, Goodell said that he was "not going to take any action on Tuesday over the request." Instead he wanted to allow for the owners, whom he represents, to better their own chances of doing what’s best for their business. Goodell was elected by the owners to be represent their league and thus by default, be their mouthpiece.

Gene Upshaw is no were in sight during all these negotiations between the league, a team, and its player.

The team ordered Favre to file for reinstatement with Goodell eventhough Favre said he never officially filed any retirements documents. Instead of accepting the Pack hero with open arms and a big ole smile, Green Bay's management wanted the commissioner to do their bidding for them and thus began the circus.

They must have thought that 4 really did not want to play, but Favre called their bluff saying "Trade me then, and just see if I want to play or not."

Green Bay said that they were "moving on" and were committed to Rodgers being their future; but they have not committed to him in writing by extending his contract which ends in a year. Everybody knows now that talk is cheap, especially in Green Bay. How committed can they be to this team's future and its fans without committing on paper?

If the Packers were moving on, then why haven’t they moved on? Are they admitting that Favre is a better quarterback than is Rodgers by seemingly black-balling Favre’s market? By forcing this issue into the spot-light Green Bay is admitting that Favre is too good for them to compete against, thus admitting that they are making a mistake with Rodgers. They don't want to lose games to their franchise-man while he plays for another team - a rival team. They also want to save face - like a child might.

Green Bay will not let him play for just any team, which alone might be tampering with the mandatory “level playing field between each market” outlined in the NFL’s Anti-Trust Exemption Act, which basically allows for a monopoly with certain conditions, one being a level playing fields between competitors.

It is survival of the fittest, unless you happen to own the fittest, and then it is "straight- arm the game and hold legends prisoner."

This all has turned into one massive PR parade starring Green Bay, not Favre. It really does rival the media-blitz surrounding Roger Clemens and it too is being lost by the player, which does not exactly equate to what is true.

Green Bay falsely reported Favre had "made calls from a team-issued cell phone." How would they know that information? It's illegal for the government to break the invasion of personal privacy law (FISA), much less a private business. Apparently they do not have, nor recognize, the Privacy Act of 1971 in Wisconsin.

Today, July 31st, Green Bay welcomed Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to Prersident Bush, into the mix. He is now running a PR company out of New York City named Fishburn Hedges, but maybe he'll suggest a new name - "Packers Burn Bridges."

Green Bay said that they "did not have practice today," but it wasn't a coordinated effort to enusre that Favre would not show up. Pray tell, are you reading my mind or just projecting your guilt??

Does Green Bay Management actually expect the public to buy this, especially given the recent spin doctor's presence in all this? What, Ari just happened to be in town and wanted to drop in to say "hello team" and "good luck?"

A PR professional guest-speaking politician that is an expert at the spin-game just wanted to drop in. Let's all see the results of Mr. Flischers' work tomorrow and what the team's new moto becomes!

Proving that he is already losing the PR battle Favre denied any tampering charges along with all calls made from a team cell phone. His God Given Talent alone is what allows Favre to have the upper-hand in all this, not his PR guy. He should have never allowed his PR man to repsond to this smoke-screening attempt of assinine allegations in the first place.

Thompson is just hoping that Goodell will bite on the accusation and take the publics eye off the ball!

PR battles do no one any good, other than those employed to work them, like those on ESPN who continuously opine on how Brett should just retire. They know that Ari Fleischer is a PR-Pro, he was just on television mere weeks ago giving his expert PR opinion about Clemens, who ESPN also digs on every chance they get.

Maybe ESPN just wants Favre to retire so that they can hire him, like they have so many other former pros, but fans think that Favre is too busy adding to his records while he still can, and there is plenty of time for other work in the future, while only a limited amount of time for his body to keep playing.

Amazingly, Skip Bayless is in Favre’s corner along with this writer, but the rest of his cohorts are like sharks feeding in bloody water.

Brett Favre needs to look out for his own career now and his own livelihood, because we know Gene Upshaw could care a less. Goodell represents the owners, and certainly not the fans, because the vast majority of them want Favre to continue to play, so that they can watch a living legend make history with every pass and every game he plays.

Once again, where is Gene Upshaw?

Given this information, what Brett should do now is make Green Bay appear as the bad guy. He should ignore everyone and just show up at camp at 7:30 Friday morning, and put the press on them as much as Green Bay management has on Favre.

He fulfilled what was requested of him by Thompson, filing for reinstatement and now needs to be added, as promised, to their active roster.

Earlier in the month, Mike McCarthy, Green Bay's "Head Coach" (not psychologist) said that they had committed to Rodgers and are moving forward with Aaron as their starter, beginning at training camp (note: he did not say all year).

He said they did not know what would happen if Favre showed up at camp, or who would be the starter, which is not showing anyone's commitment to Rodgers being the starter.

On July 30, McCarthy said to ESPN, "Er, uh, um, we've committed to Aaron Rodgers being our starter and are moving on (they have yet to extend his contract) and uh, er, you can never say never though."

ESPN went on to say that "the team is unified under Rodgers," but today one player said, "I understand that Favre has filed reinstatement paperwork so we look forward to Brett showing up (at camp) and will welcome him with big smiles."

Hmmm—er, uh, wow Does it really sound like anyone is unified or committed to any set plan?

Yesterday Green Bay said that Favre would only get individual drills at camp and not be allowed to work with the team. Does this sound like someone who is doing best by their team, or someone who’s doing best by their own wallets? Mike Murphy has turned into a greaser—one that pays another off, including interest.

Regardless of what help Favre can show young Aaron, Green Bay will not let him. Why don’t they just commit to Rodgers, allowing Favre to come to camp, and help out before traded to really be a part of “their family”—as attested to by Thompson back in March.

They all know Favre wants to play, and now he wants to play for another team as result of this back stabbing-circus, but now the Pack does not want him to do or go anywhere. It is what it appears to be, which everyone knows is true, so can they at least grow up and say goodbye with some class?

If Favre is part of the "family", then straight-talk him and come to an agreement instead of running to Mommy-Press, always looking for approval or trying to get someone in hot water. Or is this just part of the family's business?

Rodgers is not Steve Youngby any means of the imagination! When Rodgers receives the league MVP, while amicably replacing an injured legend in his first season of actual playing time, then you may compare Rodgers and Young. Until then, it is a sinful comparison to any football purist, as is going with a first-season quarterback over the proven record-breaking-legend.

Favre, not Rodgers, “The Great Unknown,” is the only three-time AP MVP in NFL history, and already has a ring against New England, whom the Packers hope to beat this year, maybe.

Favre has the NFL Records for:

Career NFL Touch Down passes at 442, Career NFL Passing yards at 61,655, Career Pass completions at 5,377, Most Consecutive Starts among NFL Quarterbacks at 253; or 275 total starts including playoffs, and most Career Victories as a starting quarterback (160).

It is pretty clear that wasting time only allows for Favre to look worse in the public at the hands of Green Bay, so he would do well to do what Aaron Rodgers is doing, which is "focusing on himself."

Obviously, the league is not looking out for him, nor is the union, and if the Packers have a family like that, it must be the most dysfunctional in the NFL. It is his career, his money, his contract, and his livelihood at stake—not Goodell’s.

Favre called Green Bay’s bluff and filed for reinstatement. Now he needs to put up or shut up, fight or flight, sell out or play-it-out in the game he loves...he makes more playing anyhow.

Favre ought to show up at camp regardless of funny little papers that say he can play. He said he never filed to retire, right? And Green Bay said if he filed to reinstate that they would add him to their active roster, right?

He should ignore the NFL nazi's,who are tampering in markets not their own, as it is # 4's life, and his money. It sounds like Favre has Green Bay by the shorts but no one would know it, becuase the Pack management continues to cry to Mommy-Medi-uh, er, ah, um.

Maybe the union could jump in while the water's nice and hot, to help out whom they are paid to represent, which means,

"CALLING GENE UPSHAW, REPORT TO FAVRE ASAP, HE IS BEING DEALT WITH BY OWNERS, THE LEAGUE, AND THE COMMISSIONER WHILE YOU ARE WHERE?? ASLEEP?!?!"

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," is this true of football stars that are more likened to indentured servants bound by enslaving contracts?

I don't see "the right to forced retirement" in these, the Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence, but I did find where age discrimination is illegal in America.

NY Yankees Catch Another Break, Get Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez for Kyle Farnsworth

Patrick Read — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:59:21 -0400

YANKEES OFFENSE & DEFENSE CATCH ANOTHER BREAK

Washington DC

July 30, 2008

In their usual prime fashion, the New York Yankees have shown their committment to winning the World Series this, the last year of Yankee Stadium. After all, what better way is there to honor The Stadium than to play the final games of the year right there in it?

Save the dirt for the baseball purists, because the fans will take the win and cherish it more than sod anyday, though Hank has said that NY will move the dirt and sod to the New Stadium, too.

In breaking news today, after the Yankees took Baltimore 13-3, the Yankees announced that they have let go of Kyle Farnsworth, who is now en route to Detroit to join ex-Yankee Gary Sheffield.

In return, the Yankees have snagged the 14-time All Star catcher, Pudge Rodriguez, who won the league MVP in 1999, and was Rookie of the Year in 1991, while with Texas.

The only negative in this is that New York picks up Pudge's $10.6 contract while shedding Farnsworth's $5.6 million. It will cost them $5 more million per year, and that may mean that Jarrod Washburn stays a Mariner.

He's hitting .295 this year, but “I-Rod” is a career .302 hitter. In 2008, he has 32 RBI, with 16 doubles and 33 runs scored, which will only help the Yankees' inconsistent offense.

Considering that Xvaier Nady (X) has already contributed, Pudge may just blow it up in NY and go on an all-out offensive terror, while providing that bat that has been missing behind the plate.

Kyle was allegedly very upset about receiving the news after the game today from former teammate turned coach, Joe Girardi. He wept in the locker room as he said his good-byes.

Farnsie gave the Yankees a great year in 2008, adding two pitches to his 98 mph fastball. But with Damaso Marte just retrieved from Pittsburgh, the Yankees either opted to stick it out with Jose Veras and the others in their bullpen, or Detroit demanded the scrappy veteran.

In 2008, Kyle Farnsworth pitched 45 innings, giving up 18 runs for a 3.65 ERA. He had a bumpy ride of it last year, but in the offseason, he added a slider and a curveball to his repertoire, and it had good results for him. In the last 11 games, he has only given up two runs, which gave him real value, making this trade possible.

Pudge’s impact will mean that Jorge Posada can now, in good conscience, get his much needed surgery, which has a six month recovery period. He should be back in April. It also means that Jorge may end up platooning at first and/or DH next year.

It also brings into effect Jason Giambi, as this could mean the end of the Giambino in the Bronx altogether, though why wouldn't they opt to keep “The Big G” for his bat and make him a full-time DH—if that’s what he wants?

Jason Giambi's run-production alone demands that he should at least be offered a contract, and his market is undoubtedly down since 2001.

It also means that Chad Moeller will either be sent back down or be placed on waivers for another team to pick up. Considering that their minor-league affiliate just lost McCutchen, Karstens, and Ohlendorf, one might think Chad Moeller would add some talent to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Yankees.

Maybe with Pudge at the plate, Jose would draw bigger crowds for NY in AAA, and his $2 million wouldn't even come close to being the highest paid on the team.

There are still more free agents right now that would be dirt cheap, and they can only help NY win. The bench is still a problem, and bringing in Jose Molina to pinch hit does not solve their offensive issues.

The Yankees haven't had a serious bench since Ruben Sierra, Tim Raines, David Justice, Cecil Fielder, and Darly Strawberry.

Here is some offensive help that would be cost effective.

Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees & Tampa Bay Rays Stand Still In Perfect Storm

Patrick Read — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:14:15 -0400

The Big 3 in the AL East Race: Nothing Gained - Nothing Lost

________________________________________________________________________

Washington DC - July 28, 2008

The American-League-East-leading Tampa Bay Rays went into tonight’s game with a one-game lead over the Boston Red Sox and a three-game lead over the New York Yankees; and all three lost keeping, the stadnings still.

Blue Jays 3, Rays 1

A.J. Burnett (TOR) improved his ERA to 4.5 with seven innings pitched and 10 strikeouts bettering his record to 12-9. James Shields (TB) dropped to 9-7 with a 3.66 ERA only giving up three runs in 7.1 innings.

B.J. Ryan got his 20th save of the season. The Rays are now 21-28 on the road, and 2-3 on this road trip after the first game of their Toronto series.

LA Angles 7, Boston 5

Jared Weaver (LA) gave up two runs in 5.2 innings and improved his record to 9-7 in game one of their series as LA has won five straight against the Red Sox. LA’s bullpen gave up two runs, as the Sox battled back from being down 7-2.

Francisco Rodriguez got the save while en route to a record-setting pace of 44 saves on the year. Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) took his second loss of the season, giving up five runs which all came in the sixth inning as the results of two home runs. Justin Masterson, future 'pen hopeful, came in to replace Dice and gave up another run.

Balt. O’s 13, NYY 4

Jeremy Guthrie (O’s) improved his record to 7-8, and his ERA to 3.49 while pitching 6.2 innings and only giving up one run. Mike Mussina (NYY) lowered his record to 13-7, and his ERA to 3.56 giving up four runs in the second inning and another two runs in the fifth.

In the top of the sixth, Brian Robertson came in to stop the bleeding, but he gave up another five runs including a grand slam to Adam Jones raising his ERA from 1.46 in 12 innings to 4.97 in 13.

Edwar Ramirez got the other two outs in the sixth improving his ERA to 2.39 in 37 innings. He was followed by Damaso Marte, who has a perfect 0 ERA in NY, with two appearances and he struck out two in the seventh while allowing no runs.

Kyle Farnsworth had two strikeouts in the eighth, but he gave up a two-run home run and lowered his ERA to 3.65.

Preview

Look for NY to try and take advantage of the other two leaders as the Yanks are playing the last-place team in the O’s, who put up Cabrera (4.83ERA) versus NY’s Darrell Rasner (4.86ERA).

The Rays have a losing road record and are on the road in Toronto, facing Toronto's ace, Roy Halladay (2.2 ERA). The Rays counter with Matt Garza (3.83 ERA).

Finally, Boston has lost five straight games to LA and squares off against LA's ace, John Lackey (3.02 ERA, 8-2). The Sox counter with Clay Buchholz (5.85 ERA, 2-5).

Two days left to the trade deadline.

Jays Are Talking Roy Hallady Trade & NY Yankees Could Set Their Future Right Now

Patrick Read — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:37:49 -0400

Roy Halladay Could Solve The Yankees Rotation Concern for Years To Come

Rumors have buzzed for over a month that Toronto ace Roy Halladay wanted to be traded, and yesterday WCBS-Radio (Yankees Pre-Game) broke the news that the Jays are indeed quietly talking to teams about a possible trade, one day after a high-level Yankees meeting in Tampa to discuss improvements.

It was said that Halladay initially stated that he wants a shot to win a championship, and then Toronto tried to quash the story, saying that they were not interested in trading and just needed a good July. At almost the end of July, things are still not good for Toronto. Halladay again approached Toronto management about his desperation to win a World Series.

The Jays contend that they will not trade Halladay to a team in the American League, but as seen in the off-season negotiations, every team has its price.

According to Yahoo Sports Toronto had been talking to LA Manager Joe Torre about AJ Burnett when Joe asked for Halladay, and was told by the JAYS that it would cost a tier one player/prospect and they have now been negotiating ever since.

Sportsnet.ca (Canada) was told by Halladay that he "wants to win a World Series more than anything else in his career, and would like to do it in Toronto if they have a chance," and "it gets very frustrating wishing for the same thing every year, it is like the movie Ground Hog Day."

That is him being polite because he didn't attach the odds to that chance Toronto has of winning while he is still under contract, which is for 2 more years. Translated it means, "I have got to leave, but also want my fans to know that I love them and cherished my memories in Toronto and had a real good time, but it is time for me to win a World Series now. I am so sorry."

So, what could the New York Yankees offer Toronto, how about some "tier one player/prospects" that they can build their own future around, instead of just one guy?

The Yankees offered Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and Melky Cabrera in turn for Johan Santana in the Nashville meeting. However, Minnesota did not answer in time.

The Yankees eventually thought twice of making such a big trade for a pitcher who has had tendinitis of the elbow so significantly that he had to have it scoped by a doctor.

Minnesota, who also said they would not trade Santana to an American League team, later approached the Yankees about reinserting their original offer. This proves that every team has their price. Whether it be pitching, defense, or offense there is always a deal that could be worked.

The Red Sox changed their original offer for Santana as well, in an apparent dance-off with New York, further proving that everything is negotiable.

Considering that the Yankees just acquired Xavier Nady (centerfielder) to play outfield, one has got to wonder whom he is going to replace. Johnny Damon has played an outstanding left field with speed and a glove for two years.

Bobby Abreu has too many miscues in the outfield which have cost a lot of runs. He even has Reggie Jackson shaking his head, but the Yankees haven’t pulled him yet.

Maybe the Yanks put “X-Nad” in center, Cabrera in right (with the arm) and leave Damon in left. This would make Abreu the full time DH who could give rest to others.

On the other hand, Melky Cabrera could be traded to entice Toronto, as he was just offered in the post-season. This year, he has been in a bit of a slump at the plate. Slumps don’t last though and Melky did have a great year last year.

Shelley Duncan has played outfield, too. He made an impression last year but has slumped a little this year. With no real chance to recover, he was sent down.

Joe Girardi has said in the past that Ian Kennedy has lost his position on the rotation, and he was sent down to the minor leagues after struggling in the first couple of months. Well, he went nine innings and gave up one run recently, so he has regained some notoriety.

Phil Hughes is still around, though rehabbing a broken rib. Last year, he was a true gem and the Yankees have said he was their future star of the rotation, but more so than Roy Halladay?

There are other notables, including Kyle Farnsworth. He has given up only one run in the last month while pitching 10 innings and has added two pitches to his 98 mph fastball. Another is LeTroy Hawkins, ex-Colorado Rockies phenom who has struggled in NY. Many do the same though in the media mecca that is NY, for example, Randy Johnson.

Jose Veras has been strong for the Yankees in the bullpen as well, but the Yankees are now going young in relief now. Another reliever is Danny Giese, who was a starter’s sensation on the minor league AAA WB-S Yanks, touting 24 innings with less than a 2.00 ERA.

Other recent prospects to make a strong showing this year for New York are Brian Bruney, featuring a 1.59 ERA in 11 innings of relief, Chris Britton who has a major league ERA of 1.55 in 54 innings, and Brett Gardner whose bat has been red-hot during the current seven-game win streak that has landed the Yankees two games instead of seven just weeks ago.

All of that equates to some combination of major potential and unllimited possibility for Toronto.

For NY, just imagine a Yankee rotation which goes: Halladay, Pettitte, Chamberlain, Chien Ming Wang, and Mike Mussina; plus a bullpen of Giese, Rasner, Ramirez, Marte and Rivera.

George always said, "It's all about good pitching. Pitching. Pitching. Pitching." Of course he likes his offense too.

Other names the Yankees have allegedly shown interest in are AJ Burnett (140 innings with a 4.60 ERA) and Mark Teixeira. He is in his last year of his contract, and the Braves may look to cash in with a trade before it’s too late.

Finally, the Yankees also discussed a Barry Bonds acquisition but have not commented on whether or not they’ll commit. Bonds is asking the league minimum, and the Players Union is in the process of filing a grievance against the MLB for collusion by owners to keep Barry from playing.

Also seemingly banned is Roger Clemens, who is another listed Free Agent whose market is way down and may be in the grievance as well.

The worst of all performance enhancers were not drugs, like greenies which were legal until 2003 along with HGH and Steroids.

It was Major League Baseball changing the ball composition, lowering the pitching mounds, and lessening the distance to the fences by about 75 feet on average; all of which undoubtedly “enhanced performance.”

Yankees, Hank Says "What Needs To Be Fixed, Will Be." Bonds, Clemens, Teixeira?

Patrick Read — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:46:16 -0400

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On As Yanks Look to Improve.

Washington DC - July 23, 2008

IN breaking news the AP reported that Hank Steinbrenner is to gather brother Hal, special adviser Gene Michaels, President Randy Levine and GM Brian Cashman in a high-level meeting in Tampa Bay “leaving no stone unturned” as put by Hank.

Steinbrenner said that he “would mention Bonds, and they’d cover everything,” and also indicated that what needs to be fixed, will get fixed, "We're playing great. That's the key thing," Steinbrenner said. "Considering we're not 100 percent because of the injuries, it's pretty impressive. Where we can add, we'll look into it."

This latest report may contradict what Hal Steinbrenner said just days go of "no prospects being traded" in order to fix this team, but unless Yankee ownership is not all-in to win, then they will have to look at free agents, or those approaching free agency as the deadline draws near.

The Front-runners to fix what’s broken are Matt Holiday, Houston Streets, Mark Teixeira, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. Regarding the latter 2, the Players Union is reported to be in the process of filing a grievance against the MLB Owners over allegations of collusion in keeping them out of the game and unemployed.

Looking at the Yankees so far this season one would have to point out the bullpen, whose regular bridge to Mariano Rivera is on a rollercoaster game-costing ride. And then I have to look at the offense, it’s bench and of course the bad defense in right field.

Farnsworth has been better this past month, but how can one not improve on a 4.11 ERA as of June 27^th who is considered a “set up specialist.” Since then he hasn’t given up any runs at all, but has also only pitched in 9 innings and is a 3.35 ERA right now.

The laws of mathematics means every 3 appearances Kyle makes to sit a team down he will give up at least 1 run-which could hurt the Yankees. He has given up 16 runs in 43 innings pitched, which means every 4.5 games he will give up at least 1 run; coupled with Veras and it is not all rosy and cheerful in the bullpen and certainly not the kind of reliability you want in the set up role meant to hold a lead to set up the closer.

IN the last month Jose Veras had pitched 8 innings and has given up 3 runs, 5 hits with 4 walks. With all the ate innings troubles so far it’s been a God send that the starters have been doing so well.

The occasional slip up became all too common in late inning relief after the starters go at least 6 innings, sometimes more, while holding the other team to relatively low scores and end up getting burned by The Veras and Farnsworth connection,

Between Jose and Kyle they will give up at least 1 run per game, and maybe more. These are not runs that are comparable to a starter who throws 7 innings, gets fatigued and then gives up runs; these are 1 inning-at-a- time pitchers who suffer not from fatigue as shown by innings pitched, but from just bad pitching.

In the pitching arena the Yankees rank 7th in the American League, with a 3.97 ERA in one of the least amount of innings pitched at 899. NY has given up the highest amount of hits at 893 in the top 7, with the most amount of runs allowed at 424, while only 397 were earned, showing a need for a better defense as well.

With 44 innings under his belt I would now say Ross Ohlendorf is still a minor leaguer, with a 6.53 ERA -something not needed on the team in the last year of The Stadium. There is also Billy Traber who has 12 innings and is a 6.0 ERA. LeTroy Hawkins is not “last-year” Yankee material, despite what Cashman says, Hawk has 44 innings pitched and is a 5.71 ERA.

On the other hand Giese (2.59 in 24 innings), Ramirez (a 2.48 in 36 innings) , Robertson (a 1.50 in 11 innings) and Rasner (a 4.8 in 72 innings as a starter, those number will come down when pitching for only one innings) a are all keepers.

Rumor has it that Huston Streets is available for trade, but the White Sox and the brewers are talking to him already, as are the Mets. f the Yankees are interested in letting some of the many prospects move on then Streets is a good pick up, but Hal has said that the “Yankees will not trade prospects.”

If they are not, then the only Free agents are Freddy Garcia, who had just performed some work outs for the Yanks a month ago. Will he be able to pitch effectively after being out so long while recovering from surgery, and will he be reliable in the pen for a 1 inning stand? It is a big risk, but maybe worth it in a surprise showing if his arm strength is back.

The only other Free Agent worth talking about is Roger Clemens. He is still listed as a Free Agent, and rumors aside the Yankees can not let the Daily News, Henry Waxman, nor his friend the Red Sox’s Legal Consultant, George Mitchell, run the team into the ground during the final year in The Stadium.

Roger is being investigated, yeah-so what. So is Miguel Tejada who was just featured in Yankee Stadium as an ALL-STAR and he put on a clinic.

Clemens was a 4.18 last year while injured, is not nursing from surgery, is undoubtedly in shape given his infamous grueling work ethic as made clear by Joba chamberlain who still texts Roger on a daily basis, and has the heart of a lion.

I do not buy all this scandal business which has made some in the media filthy rich. If he was a user, then he would have shown a dramatic change in physique which he never had, just look at any picture and it is plain to see that Clemens was not a user. The whole sordid story is all in this one article as opposed to a chop-shop type marketing blitz made to sell parts for more money.

If it matters to anyone the Daily News got most everything wrong regarding The Rocket, but must have made a mint in the process while riding his coat-tails. McCready denied the affair, and said she never saw anything suspicious, Shaun Kelley took and passed a federally administered polygraph, Blair Kelly and Jeff Bagwell both ended up refuting what the Daily News reported as well, but then again they used an unnamed source In each “story.”

The Yankees would ensure that Roger goes into the Hall a Yankee - or not at all. The guy deserves to get a proper send off, and the fans want to say good bye to the Ace they have watched for 24 years.

One of Rocket’s all time low ERAs was in 1995 and he had a 4.18. In the following year he threw a 3.6, which is .01 away from his 3.5 Cy Young Winning ERA in NY when he won 20 games in 2001. If the bull pen is in need of help, then putting Clemens in it might be an answer and his ERA would be much lower, guaranteed.

Just compare Farnsworth’s 43 innings pitched to Mussina’s 141 innings pitched to figure out which role is the more physically taxing.

Clemens is less than a 1.5 ERA in his first two inning splits, which is how long he might be in a game as a reliever, and is the best option who requires no prospect trade, and could pitch as a starter or reliever who is listed as a Free Agent. With his market being so low he will be close to being “free” this time too.

Robertson (1.59 in 11.1 innings) , Rasner, (4.83 in 77 innings as a starter, who would have a lower ERA as a reliever) Ramirez (2,48 in 36 innings) and Rocket (Rx4 connection) could be the best we’ve seen in the pen since Nelly-to-Mendoza-to-Mo.

The marketing spin alone would pay for Clemens, and Phil Hughes will be back as will Chien Ming Wang, who will both be added to the rotation, unless Rasner stays put.

My next best guess is to fix the defense by getting a better outfielder, or by making one. Miscues in the outfield always equate to runs as opposed to first base or shortstop where the ball usually stays in the infield. In the outfield if the ball is missed it goes to the wall; and that means run-time city. Who’s the worst outfielder on the team? For me, it is simple.

Bobby Abreu needs a look at, he pulls up on flies, is wall shy lacking proper range in the outfield (not on base) and the arm is great when he can get to the ball and throws it online, which is a rarity. He is Reggie Jackson in right field, minus the bat and October.

Bonds could play right field because he did play left in San Francisco last year, and he might be an improvement over Abreu so far this season. Then again it might be an injury waiting to happen. He could also help out platooning DH with Abreu, adding real power to the bench, which is something that the Millennia-Yankees have not had at all since Ruben Sierra years ago. Bonds alone fixes the offense and allows for a proper bench to platoon, or come in while late in the game to ensure a lead, or take one.

How about the trade rumors over Mark Teixeira? Before Jason Giambi came to NY he was a third baseman, an outfielder and only later a first baseman. Could Teixeira play a better right then Abreu? He has younger legs, and plays all-out at first indicating that he wouldn’t shy away from nor pull up on any balls hit his way. That would be an excellent offense saving, long term move by Hanks-Yanks.

Also a Free Agent is Hank Blalock from Texas, but he has 6.2 million left on his contract. He is hitting .278 with 5 doubles, a triple plus 4 home runs. We know he has a glove because he plays third, so would have to transition to play outfield, and it might be too late in the season for that.

Matt Holliday is another potential fix for an injured offense but it is rumored that The Rockies want to mandate Atkins in the deal as well. Holliday certainly has the right attitude and a big bat to boot, but if the league is being pressed then we may see Bonds in pinstripes before too long, 10 days is what Boris said Bonds would need to be in game shape.

If I know Hank I would think there would be some revenue sharing tax breaks that resulted if he bailed out the league and signed Bonds, and Clemens that is unless the league wants to actually face collusion charges – again.

Caleb Campbell & Lion's Dilemma: He's a Recruiter & It IS About Troop Morale

Patrick Read — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:55:13 -0400

Having listened to and read up on the Caleb Campbell issue, and what the mass media calls “a move to help enlistment numbers,” it is time to get it right already.

Let me take the time to apologize to some ahead of time, but this one hits close to home for this vet, whose brothers are "still in it to win it." I'm just another ignorant soldier talking about sports and the war, the exact same conversation is taking place on every base in the military.

Campbell isn't the first athlete to join the service: Joe Louis joined the Army as did Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams was a pilot in the Army Air Corpse, Hank Greenberg, Billy Southworth, Bob Feller, Billy Martin, Stan Musial, Smokey Bill Read, and Bobby Mercer among many others. They all make soldiers proud, and none; including Caleb, expected special treatment.

Caleb Campbell was commissioned and signed a contract two years ago locking himself into military service, and pride for country until 2010. He finished his officer training school and was told he would be eligible to play professional sports in accordance with the then Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Having already listened to Mike Greenberg this morning on ESPN Radio trash the issue with his self-professed ignorance it is time to set the record straight, before full-blown media hysteria takes place on how evil the military is for not letting poor Caleb play a sport.

Giving Greenberg a pass, he said that he thought that it was because keeping Campbell active might attract recruits to join up, and increase numbers.

Now, to correct Mike, Lt. Campbell is a Recruiting Officer – look out Berkeley! His job is to attain quotas of enlisted men and women, go out into the public; to state parks, to malls, and most of all to high school and college campuses to much the dismay of many. They recruit others to join during a War on Terror with two fronts; Battlefronts Iraq and Afghanistan; and are demonized for it too.

He is not any closer to going over to Afghanistan or Iraq then he is of going to start as the new quarter back for Green Bay. This is all being sold you by way of some AP reporter who doesn’t know what it means to be a soldier, other than the fact that he is a hired mercenary reporting as he is told.

He probably has a guaranteed location in the states, while others suffer what is referred to as a “Wish List.” What would those he recruited think of him while over-there listening to him play games on the Voice of America Radio while in Baghdad driving a Hum V next to Curly-Joe?

One organization really said that "the NFL draft might actually save a soldier from the war," as if he didn't volunteer at all, and had no parental guidance-or will of his own. Did the Vietnam draft just happen again and someone forgot to tell us? Maybe that publication was thinking that a game was acutally more important than issues outside the realm of sports - real issues that impact the world, per say.

There once used to be "community drives" in support of soldiers past, maybe we could bring those days back and start by donating some microphones to scrap for our boys over-there.

Campbell said many classmates approached him with curiosity asking why he didn’t have to serve his term out. The fact is, regardless of him saying he could have had the best of both worlds in serving/recruiting for the Army while playing for the Detroit Lions, it is a morale issue and Caleb got too big, too fast.

It is way too public and now all the soldiers know about it, and unless they can release all those boys who have jobs waiting at home for them, than sorry Caleb-drop your rocks and grab your socks.

Plus what if some protestor got really out of hand on 'ole Caleb?

It isn’t about his classmates. It is about the ones he and his classmates order about on a daily basis, and sometimes to their deaths. The enlisted men are over-there sweating it out every day, stinking like pork sweats and no bath for a month, seeing no loved ones, no girlfriends, eating Meal Ready to Eat kits, not knowing how they’re families are doing, not seeing their kids and living every day under the threat of being shot, or blown up whilst being in 115 degree weather and in a perma-state of ball soup.

They serve so that their kid brothers and sisters, cousins, neighbors, or kids won’t have to do the same thing, and some get injured bad, while others don't make it out, but move on in grace.

The last thing a soldier, or the military wants to think of is how that guy is back in the states, making millions, partying with cheer-leaders (no, not ESPN reporters), playing football and traveling about the United States while they are in a place like Fallujah, or Hallabja - where there is proof of WMD's and it is just not reported.

Take it from a Veteran, this is not about NCAA rules and regulations, this is about the enlisted. Not the officers, but the millions that serve them and thousands that die under them who need their morale to be positive and need society to be supportive, which doesn’t mean demean their service and all those dead by bringing them home from what some call a worthless war-that smarts.

The troop morale should not be undermined, especially while some say that all the Iraqi government has to do is to care for its’ people and then we can come home. What has been going on over there for the past thousand years? It is an ongoing religious war that has roots back to the 12th century, along with having ties to Hitler.

Lion's Coach and Vietnam Veteran, Rod Marinelli, said of Campbell, "He was issued a helmet and all ready to go." Coach would do well to recall the helmet of honor which is required of all who sign to "serve." It is what it is, an unfortunate delay of one who voluntarily made a promise - he wasn't drafted by the military.

This war is not a game and ESPN ought to take better care for those that fight and die in it. Then again, ESPN is owned by Disney who's considering a merger with CNN. Jane Fonda was married to CNN owner Ted Turner and she was a war sympathizer, just on the wrong side.

She actually went to Vietnam and visited the Hanoi Hilton where McCain was held prisoner for 5 long years after being shot down in a Navy Jet. She turned troops over to the North Vietnam officers because they were trying to pass notes to her, that said thing like, "Hey, can you tell my mom I am still alive?" or "What year is it?"

These type politics are of the same mind frame that want to merge with ESPN/Walt Disney so it is consistent that they pollute the subject of soldiers voluntarily fighting for our way of life in such a poor manner.

Ms. Fonda-Turner protested openly in the US against our troops and joined John Kerry in France in support of North Vietnam cheering him on as he threw his medals away…the same medals that represent military-honor and for which millions have died, yet he just casually tossed them aside like trinkets to feed the politically starving. It's a good thing the 60s aren't around anymore.

So maybe ESPN’s ignorance is just your typical on-the-job training of those wanting to merge with CNN's Ted Turner, which in itself is "TnT."

ABC is also partnered-up with ESPN, and is owned by Viacom who owns cable-wide networking for whom the broadcast avenue is made available to those who report "newsworthy events." They tell us how bad or most recently successful the Bush Administration has been, but then glorify the war with shows like Generation Kill while young eyes watch in shock and awe.

Ask a soldier how he feels if you can’t take a vets word for it.

The media’s job is to take your eye off the ball to make you forget the troubles and help you spend your money on its parent corporation and their sponsors. Happy consumers spend the most, and those that the corporations push into office give the best benefits to them.

Military Enlisted Numbers actually went up, in some cases by 156%, despite the War on Terrorism, and their Battle Fronts in Afghanistan and Iraq; and in lieu of rising death tolls, yet those at NBC and ABC report that the enlisted numbers are down. THe military has not made some of it's current quotas because their golas are based on the previous years numbers and the highest amount of enlisted occured directly after 9.11.

Of course you will not hear that from Tom Brokaw of NBC, which is owned by GE, one of the largest of all military contractors; and polluters of the world who actually got tax breaks from the Democrat ruled Congress in 2001 to clean up the Hudson River which they polluted with PCB’s (not WMDs). Needless to say The Sierra Club and the NY Times are not happy at all about it.

These reporters on the war come off plainly like sympathetic humanitarians but will not report their own parent companies improprieties - which is of course hypocritical of the disingenuous pontificators.

You can visit the actual military websites "rather" than listen to glorifed boobs - at USAF, USMC, ARMY, and Navy to learn more about troop morale, Caleb Campbell and what the actual soldiers think and then you will not have to listen to what corporate reps want you to believe the soldiers think because you will know first hand, from the soldier himself.

NY Giants Trade "Saint" Jeremy Shockey for Unproven Talent - Fans Left in Awe

Patrick Read — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:08:54 -0400

July 22^nd, 2008.

On April 26th, 2008, Michael Strahan gave one piece of advice for his team as he was deciding whether or not to retire, “Do not trade Jeremy Shockey, we need Jeremy Shockey!”

Not that it was a deciding factor for Strahan, but it was an issue for the then team captain. And the Giant’s did not take the advice, trading Shockey for two draft picks, a second rounder and a fifth.

Say good-bye to the best ever New York Tight End, check the vid to make sure. Man, NY does not know what they just did-warning. NY fans miffed saying "see ya" to half their bowl winning team. Hopefully fans won't have to see the Saints v Giants anytime soon.

Just weeks ago Jerry Reese, Giant’s GM, said there was "no way they were considering a Shockey trade, that they just listened to the offer." Nixon just listened too, and what happened to him?

Reese could have just shown Shockey some respect after all the media-professed lack of importance regarding Shockey. Reese could have said that the Giants needed Shockey on their team; like Strahan did.

The Chicago Bears went as far as to even serenade Brian Urlacher in a screaching re-mix of some Sound of Music retake live on TV to make him happy.

After the Giants "entertained trade ideas" Shockey felt unwanted, it shook his confidence and confused him. His reaction was to say he didn't want them either. Can you see the schoolyard yet?

How would you like it if you got caught sweet talking Shockey's girl at a party? Well, that's what happened, and Shockey got all "shockey-like."

There is a reason that fighter pilots are so cocky. Jeremy played every game like it was a super bowl, with supreme confidence and never gave up, not even a yard.

Number 80 inspires others around him, and was just very aggressive towards opponents, and with big talent comes big media attention.

ESPN, and many in the media say that the trade "eliminates distraction from the Giants." Shockey did demand attention which took it off of the other guys who didn't want it, nor do they like it. NY won the Super Bowl right, so how bad was the so-called distraction anyhow?

ESPN, headquartered in New England, is already rubbing the salt into the Patriot-Busting NY Giant wounds, saying "Shockey's fantasy rating goes up by leaving Eli Manning for Drew Breese."

Why was Jason Taylor even considered for a trade? It was the constant media blathering about, interferring and reporting every minute of Taylor's off-season like some tabloids do soap opera stars. The probing reporters even got Bill Parcells involved in the off season rant, just like they did Shockey - who is a far easier target.

Jeremy is young, tough, and full of piss-and-vinegar coupled with a media inflated ego which they in turn effectively popped, thus the trade. 80 is all heart getting his arms inked up with post 9.11 icon and making NY proud while he was knocking dudes over like barbie dolls, and literally carrying half a team's defense to the end zone (above).

He felt snubbed becuase his team didn't step up for him. It was an ego thing, like Taylor said. He wasn't exactly asking to be sung a lula-by, he was asking for clarity from his team about what was being offered everyday in the media.

Several of the greats have been the same and were mostly worth it. He was never T.O-bad, no one was, but I give you Lawrence Taylor, LT, #56 -the crazed dog! And now Shockey has already vowed revenge on the Giants.

With so many "flash-dancers" in the game today it was kind of nice to see a gruff knock-out puncher "put up or shut up" style player. He even called one ex-Giant Coach turned rival- "a dork."

Plaxico Burress, a friend to Jeremy, did not expect this trade, and was "shocked" as he questioned the timing of the trade in awe. I know, who needs him too, right? He only caught the Super Bowl game winner. Who needs a Super Bowl championship anyhow, who needs football for that matter, let’s all go play checkers, now that’s a sport!

The Giants officially released that they have 5 tight ends, which might be one to less then they need. Hopefully they’re not considering to trade Eli because they have 4 quarterbacks, or of letting Jacobs go because they have 8 other backs, don’t even think about letting Burress or Toomer go (like Ike) because they have 11 wide receivers.

Coach Coughlin said, “We have five young kids who are all vying for the position, (the tight end) will be a very competitive position in training camp." Really, how come- isn’t there a shoe in?

In 14 games this past Super Bowl winning year Shockey opened up the offense for Eli Manning to hit up Amani Toomer, Plaxico Burress, and for “Thunder and Lightning” to finally be realized in Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad Bradshaw; who I refer to as the "Killa’ B's (along with Burress)."

Unproven talent is taking the league over. There is no proof for these replacements to garnish such praise over yet - no matter how much they are hyped.

Jeremy was drafted in 2002, and proved himself a valuable commodity as the Giant’s tight-end right off the bat. He was one man that the team and its fans could rely on.

Stats don't lie, instead they tell it the way it is. A rookie replacement, and second and fifth round draft picks, really?

In only 6 years of play Shockey became 4th in All-Time Giant Receptions, 1st amongst tight-ends, 11th in All-Time Giant Yards, and 12th in All-Time Giant Touchdowns—leaving some pretty darn big shoes to fill. I say again, he did all that in 6 years.

In 83 games, Shockey made 371 catches for 4,228 all Giant yards and for 27 Giant touch-down. He must have been off in 2007, after all he only averaged 10.9 yards per carry, which is .5 less then his career-average, but then again he missed the last games because of injury.

Shockey had 57 cacthes in 15 games answering the question of who Manning thought more reliable. After all he had a bad year for someone who hasn’t fumbled the ball in 3 years. He’s got glue for hands, boulders for shoulders and a steal chin. He was a "goon ship" that carried more thugs than Attica State Prison.

Boss, Number 89- not Bravaro, made 9 catches in the regular season over the period of 8 games, 4 of which were losses.

Fans would do well to recall the long draught felt in New York after Mark Bravaro was gone. Who do you remember being this good since # 89? Jeremy is the kind of guy who tells you that he is going to smack you hard in the face before he does it, and then he does it.

The Giants will miss having such reliable threat that could carry defenders around like stuffed animals on their side. Jeremy was the best Giant TE since Mark Bavaro aka Rambo - who also won championships, and liked Shockey's play, though Shockey has better numbers - sorry Mark, liked the book though "Rough and Tumble."

Shockey did have the common courtesy, and respect to not wear Rambo's number - take a hint Kevin- it's a "rough and tumble" number on your back that should have been retired already.

Boss "could" be a good permanent replacement, and "could" whind up being something that Shockey already "is," the best - stats don't lie, GM's do. In his rookie-year Shockey had 72 receptions for 894 yards, but good luck Kevin.

There have been a flood of Tight Ends in NY, and none were as good as Shockey...ever. Let's see here- Bavaro, Boss, or Shockey; who doesn't fit? I guess Shockey and Bravaro because both were done away with like yesterday's trash.

The Giants have sold a lot of their championship team. First it was their defense that was changed as NY turned away from Gibril Wilson, and Kawika Mitchell and opted to not sign Craig Dahl, who was injured in his rookie 2007 yr but had 5 sacks. Then Michael Strahan retired. Now they got rid of their mouth-pieced pro-bowler who took attention away from Eli.

Boss will not fill the shoes left him, just like Rodgers won't fill Favres either, but I wish them luck all the same in their attempt in replacing Legends of the Game.

So long Jeremy, thanks for all the records, and the push to the Bowl in 2008. Say hello to the French Quarters, and have a Hurricane at Paddy's for me- just try not to remember NY too harshly. I knew it was cold in New York, but just didn't know it was that cold.

Man is he going to break somebody's beak this year or what? Hopefully it isn't anybody that plays on the Giants.

Jorge Posada's '08 Done? Hideki Matsui Chose Rehab & Damon Returns to NY Yankees

Patrick Read — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:32:00 -0400

Johnny Damon returns tonight against the Twins, while Posada goes on the DL and may be out for the season. Hideki "All Heart" Matsui opts out of season-ending surgery to help the team.

Washington DC—July 21, 2008

It was announced today that Johnny Damon is making his comeback appearance tonight against the Twins, and a sigh of relief was heard in the Bronx that resonated across Yankee Universe.

Damon had injured his shoulder (after his foot) on July 4, while streaking back—he's never been shy with the wall—and jumping into the wall, robbing Kevin Youkilis of a home run, which earned him his first career visit to the DL.

Johnny’s batting average this year is an all-time high at .319, second only to fellow “disabled-lister,” Hideki Matsui. Matsui is swatting a Yankee’s best .323, which is his all-time high while playing in the MLB.

News also broke today that Matsui is refusing season-ending surgery. He has confidence in his rehab program and believes that he and his knee will be back this year to help the team as a DH.

Dr. Scott Rodeo examined Matsui and advised that Hideki get season-ending surgery on his left knee. This came just after the same surgery on his right knee last November. In case you’re interested, Rose preformed that procedure as well, and he must be making a good buck off of ol' Hideki.

Matsui had fluid drained last week, and he has felt better lately. What’s more inspiring is his determination, saying, “I have a strong desire to play this year and be a force for the team. That is more important to me right now.”

Brian Cashman chirped up, saying, “Hideki hasn’t responded well to rehab so far, therefore I am not optimistic.”

Hey Brian, good thing we don’t have Bernie Williams on the team to round that bench off. Then again, you got rid of him because he played too well in 2006, and "Torre always used him" instead of lesser players. Who would want that type offense in their postseason anyhow?

So fans can trust that the Yanks won’t be grabbing Bonds, given the GM’s wont to lose, as made apparent by that nagging offense which was just solved with the power acquisition of Richie Sexson?!

Matsui’s decision to tough it out, and take one for the team is a positive for the Yankees, yet fans were stricken again, as it was also released that Jorge Posada may have season-ending surgery as well. He should seek out the advice of disabled-list veteran, Carl Pavano.

Last April, Dr. James Andrews diagnosed Posada with a tear in his subscapularis muscle, causing Jorge’s first career visit to the DL. An upset Posada reassured all that he signed a “clean contract” in the offseason, and didn’t think his shoulder was any worse than it had been in years past.

Jorge was advised that rehab would work fine, in lieu of surgery

Since his return from the DL, Jorge has not been the same, and he has not been an everyday player, which is a far cry from his past. Posada has said that he was frustrated that he couldn’t play, and said that he was upset because he wasn’t allowed to play, but now realizes his season may be done.

It would be nice to have Jorge on the bench. Not as a player, but as a DH or pinch hitter, like Matsui.

Posada will have his decision made for him tomorrow, the 22nd, after he gets his MRI results.

If the Yanks lose Posada and Matsui, then the Yankees will need more depth on offense, not Richie “I’m hitting .215” Sexson, but Barry “Gimme a Bat Already” Bonds.

Phil Hughes and Brian Bruney are both making good progress as well. Thank goodness, because as the Yanks' offense continues to flail about, they had better be able to rely on good pitching, a decent bullpen, and maybe (pray to God) an improved bench.

Farnsworth hasn’t given up a run in just under a month’s time. It's true—but he has also only pitched six times this month and it’s the 21 of July. He has a 3.43 ERA this season for good reason, and if there was confidence in him, then he’d play more.

Veras has given up three runs in his last three appearances, while Hawkins has given up six in as many appearances. Traber has given up four runs in his last 2.1 innings, picking right up where Farnsworth left off.

The Yankees would do well to give Dave Robertson (six appearances, one run) and Edwar Ramirez (three runs in 14 innings!) more time in the later innings.

As it is right now, Andy Pettitte has had to create his own bridge to Mo, most recently being just yesterday. "Lefty" did the same in his last start, which he won—with Ramirez closing the game against Toronto. Moose has had to do the same thing as Andy.

The bullpen is more unreliable than it is deep, so all starters should start thinking the same way until Bruney is back, and either Rasner (three bad outings since May 21) and/or Hughes take some spots over in the "game-costing" bullpen.

Hughes has made relief appearances, most recently last year in his postseason gem, and Rasner was sought out this preseason to help the team in the bullpen, like he did last year.

Hughes and/or Rasner, Robertson, and Ramirez could replace Traber, Hawkins, Veras, and Farnsworth handily in relief, or at least strengthen the bullpen.

I vote for Robertson in the sixth, Rasner in the seventh, and Ramirez in the eighth...The R³ Connection!

The rest can come in with big leads, when losing big, when the "connection" needs rest, or as dreaded long relievers.

If you can’t hit the ball because of half the team is injured, then you cannot score runs (barring an all-out walk-and-steal fest). Therefore, whenever the Yanks do get a lead, they had better be able to hold it.

Robinson Cano & Friends Bring The NY Yankees Back In Amazing Win Over the A's

Patrick Read — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:16:26 -0400

Washington DC

July 19, 2007

54,183 fans took their seats in the Stadium today, bearing a 98-degree heat index to watch a scorcher of a game that went 12, blazing, back-and-forth innings, ending in a 4-3 nail-biting Yankee win.

Joba Chamberlain was all aces, hitting 100 mph four times on the speed gun and showing dominance as a saving grace for the rotation in his eighth start this season, despite Johnny Damon's past concerns.

The Yankees' phenom went six full innings, giving up six hits while only allowing one run, improving his ERA to a Yankee rotation's low: 2.52.

And in typical fashion, this one-run outing did not earn him a win, due to some falling stars in relief, which has bitten Joba four times so far this season. He threw 96 pitches, 62 of which were strikes, while ringing up eight strikeouts, five flyouts, and five groundouts.

The other story of the day has got to be Robbie Cano (four for six), and the second half of the lineup, which combined for 11 of the Yankees' 13 hits. The other two were by the Yankees' captain, Derek Jeter (two for six).

Also showing his real stuff was Edwar Ramirez, who held the A’s offense scoreless for two innings after Mariano gave up one in the ninth. Edwar struck out four, walked one, and gave up no hits at all, improving his ERA to 2.50, the second lowest in the bullpen behind Mo.

Joe Girardi is now pumped up for the second half of the season.

Game Recap

Striking fear into the Oakland lineup, Joba hit the very first batter, Ryan Sweeny (2-4), with an 89 mph slider after being up 0-2 in the count on him. The A’s catcher, Kurt Suzuki (2-6), then grounded into a 1-6-3 double play.

Joba started off Jack Cust with knee-buckling curveballs, and then followed them with a slider and a fire-balling heater clocked at 99 mph for strike three.

In the bottom of the first, Jeter grounded out, followed by a Bobby Abreu (0-4) walk, and then A-Rod (0-5) struck out swinging. Jason Giambi (0-2) moved Abreu over with a walk, and both were stranded as Jorge Posada (1-5) struck out, ending the first inning. 0–0.

In the second inning, Joba gave up his first hit up the middle to Carlos Gonzalez (1-5) to lead the inning off. Bobby Crosby (1-6) then grounded to Cano for a forceout at second, and the speedy Crosby made it safely to first.

Joba started Mark Ellis (0-4) off with curveballs to set up the heat. He threw three straight fastballs, each were strikes, and the last one hit 99 mph, fanning a swinging Ellis.

The Yank’s hot bat, Cano, led off the bottom of the second with a single to left, and moved to third on a Wilson Betemit (2-4) shot into the center-field hole for a double. Melky Cabrera (2-6) then singled to right, scoring a smiling Cano while moving Betemit to third.

Brett Gardner (2-6) continues to make his case to be a full-timer, smashing a double, scoring Betemit while moving Cabrera to third. Then Jeter and Abreu both struck out, ending the rally. 0–2 Yanks.

In the third inning, Joba rang up two more A’s batters, allowing no runs, and Cano ripped a double in the bottom of the inning, but was stranded. 0 – 2 NY

The A's went three up, three down in the fourth, with another Joba strikeout. And then the top of the order stranded Gardner, who singled, and Abreu, who walked—resulting in more missed opportunities and no runs.

The score would remain 2-0 Yankees until the fifth inning. Matt Murton (2-4) roped a hanging curve about chest high and out over the middle of the plate into left field for a double.

Joba wants that curve to fall inside in order to set up the heat or slider. Or he could throw the fastball high and inside to set up the curve for a strike, too. It's truly an amazing arsenal Joba has to choose from to fool the batters, and scare the hell out of them at the same time.

Wes Bankston (2-5) singled to center, moving Murton to third. With guys on first and third, Joba rang up Jack Hannahan (1-4) with three straight heaters, the last one hitting 101 mph on the clock!

Murton scored on a Sweeney sac fly. With the bases loaded, Joba got out of trouble working a Gonzalez popout to end the inning. 2–1 Yanks.

In the sixth, Joba went three up, three down and ended his pitching display. The Yanks left three more runners stranded, scoring no runs in the sixth. 2 -1 Yanks.

Jose Veras (3.06 ERA) came out in the seventh, testing to be the bridge to Mariano. Wes Bankston led off with a single to right. Next, Hannahan bunted a popup to Veras, and Sweeney struck out looking. Suzuki came up and hit a shot to center, past Melky, moving Bankston to third.

Jose lost a bit of control, walking Cust to load ‘em up, and then he really lost control with a wild pitch, scoring Bankston and tying the game 2, 2.

The Yanks went three up, three down in the bottom of the seventh.

In the eighth inning, Kyle Farnsworth (3.43 ERA) held strong, getting the A’s to go three up, three down, but the Yanks went four up, three down, with an Abreu walk, who was stranded yet again.

Enter the ninth, and the Sandman—Mariano Rivera (1.25 ERA). Hannahan led off with a single, and was then pinch-ran for by Raja Davis, who stole second off of Posada.

With shades of Dave Roberts from 2004, Sweeney hit a single to left and the speedy Davis scored, giving the A’s a 3-2 lead. Fans watched in bewilderment as Sweeney then stole second, too. With electricity in the air, a cool Mariano struck out the next three batters.

Giambi led off the bottom of the ninth with a walk, and was pinch-run for by Justin Christian, seemingly to offer the A’s a taste of their own medicine. With Posada at the plate, Christian jolted with a nice step-stealing move, but tripped and fell over an imaginary wire, leading to the first out.

Posada then grounded out, leaving the Yankee fans gasping for breath as there were two down in the bottom of the ninth with what was a once-slumping back of the order.

Smiling Robbie then blasted a shot into left for a double. He was followed with a Betemit single to left, scoring Robbie and tying the game. Melky got some too, singling to center and moving Betemit into a game-winning position at third. But Gardner popped out. 3-3.

Edwar Ramirez put on a clinic for two innings, the 10th and 11th, throwing mastery while mixing his changeups, sliders, and fastballs, which left batters scratching. He didn’t give up any hits, only walked one, and struck four batters out. Edwar the hero!

Lenny DiNardo, who came up in the Red-Sox's system, took over in the bottom of the 11th, after Streets and Blevins.

Robbie Cano knocked his fourth and final hit to center for a single. Betemit laid down a perfect bunt down the third-base line, moving Cano over. Cabrera and Gardner both flied out, stranding a runner again, and forcing another inning.

David Robertson, who is making some noise on the Yanks as a rookie call-up, came in for the top of the 12th. The first batter was Carlos Gonzalez, who hit a shell to left to a "never wall-shying" Gardner, streaking backwards and demanding the coach's attention as he leapt with faith into the wall, fully extended to make a game-saving first out. You won't see that great play in the 12th on ESPN though. They're more interested in a Red Sox player making a good play while losing!

Robertson then gave up a single to Crosby and then walked Mark Ellis with some questionable calls by the ump, James Hoye. Robertson tipped his hat to Gardner. Dave came back with a strikeout on Don Murphy, and got Emil Brown in a groundout, ending the inning with a hold.

Jeter led of the bottom of the 12th with his second hit, a line drive to center. Abreu grounded out softly to the pitcher, and Jeter got over to second. DiNardo intentionally walked Mr. Rodriguez, and then unintentionally walked Richie Sexson, who came in to replace Christian.

Bases loaded, bottom of the 12th, with one out and up steps Jose Molina to the plate. With a 1-2 count, Molina took one for the team and was hit by a pitch. Jeter scores. David Robertson gets his first one, a 4-3, back-and-forth pitcher’s duel, testing each of the bullpens...and Thaaaaaa Yankees Win!

On a side note, nothing is wrong with Wade Boggs, he wore the interlocking NY at the All-Star Game because of this stunning development. Actually, he said on ESPN (before the first Sox-Yanks Series, in Fenway) that he always roots for the underdog.

Bobby Ray Murcer, 62, Called Safe At Divine Plate. A Yankee Sorely Missed

Patrick Read — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:03:00 -0400

July 12th, 2008

Washington DC

Bobby Ray Murcers' smile was a big as his heart. After a long battle with brain cancer, which was diagnosed on Christmas Eve in 2006, suffering no more he ascends to meet "his friend Thurm" as Gods' new announcer / all star outfielder.

Bobby , an Oklahoma native, was a five time All Star Golden Glove outfielder who played for the NY Yankees starting in 1965 at Phil Rizzuto's beloved position- Short Stop. In 1969 he then took on another Yankee great, and his friend Mickey Mantle's position, in center field. He was rose to the top at both.

He left his heart in New York while being obtained by San Fransisco in 1975, then by the Chicago Cubs in 1977, before finally rejoining the Yanks again in 1979.

Upon his return to New York, about half way through the season, he was stricken with grief on August 2nd as Thurman Munson, the then NY Captain, was killed in a plane crash while flying home to see his family in Canton, Ohio.

His friend stayed at Bobby's house the night prior. Bobby still had a house in Chicago, so Thurm, and Lou Piniella stayed at Bobby and Kays. Murcer was the last Yankee to see Thurm alive, taking a tour of the plane before take-off.

Bobby said he watched Munson up there flying in to the black of night, and couldn't believe it was the Yankee Captain. "He didn't have enough hours in that thing for me," said Bobby. In sheer wonderment Bobby watched on smiling as Thurm took for Ohio on August 1st.

Being a paper boy in 1979 and from Thumans' farm team home-town, Syracuse, Munson was my guy. I "called" being Munson everyday at Wadsworth Park during the summer. I was truly shocked having awoken to see the headlines on that day.

Ironically, I went on to become an air traffic controller and even worked in Ohio, but still could not muster that Murcer type strength to go to Canton. No-way. Instead I looked into it.

I's too often said that the crash was Thurmans' fault. He had a meeting at 4pm, and while at the airport at 3 he quickly asked 2 other pilots / friends to go for a ride and make some practice approaches with him. One of them was an instructor pilot.

I wonder what must have happened to distract everyone at the same time, which was the real cause of the crash.

Just know that Thurman Munson saved two lives the day his plane crash-landed nearly 900 feet short of the runway. He never stopped flying, always trying to boost power, and pull up.

He didn't cower, didn't shirk his responsibility, and didn't dive underneath the seats. He fought to the very end in an attempt to overcome the overwhelming variables, and then landed as safely as one could.

It was an accident and no one is to blame. Mere wind took the Yankee hero home. Factors added up, and became insurmountable regardless of the fearless Captains' bravery.

His last words were made our of concern for his friends, "Hey, are you guys okay?" His friends couldn't get Thurman out, he was pinned in the cock-pit.

"Thurm, are you alright?"

"No," he mumbled, "I can't move. I can't move."

Engulfed in thick jet-fuel smoke his friends had to get out quickly. All this happened in mere minutes, and the fire department (located at every airport) sped to the scene in a hurried three minutes time.

Munsons' landing saved both their lives, but no one could his. It was meant to be.

Later Jerry Anderson said, "Turman did not panic. He never gave up, he kept on fighting and flew that plane all the way down to the ground. It was the same way he was at the plate in the bottom of the 9th, game tied 3-3. He saved my life that day."

Three days after the biggest tragedy of all, Bobby Murcer was asked to eulogize Thruman and his words were palpable.

In a cracking voice, Bobby showed strength again, saying "My friend Thurm, he might have been number 15 on our team, but he will always be number one in our hearts, both in life and in love."

Bobby gave solace to Diana, and the Munson Family summarizing that Thurman had left the physical life for the one beyond where he will live on forever. The same remains true now.

After the crushing ceremony, and heroically demanding that the team play that same day, Bobby was asked by Billy Martin to sit it out.

Bobby snapped too saying that he owed this game to his friend Thurm and instead of sitting it out he hit a shot to the heavens in the 7th, and in the last inning Bobby came through yet again hitting a walk off single for his best friend.

He never used that bat again, and instead gave it to Diana Munson. That is how much a class act Bobby Murcer is & that is the type legacy he leaves for all of baseball - and its fans.

No matter the team, Bobby Murcer taught the world that no matter where you come from or what you do that it is your character, most of all, that matters. We lose that lesson sometimes, whether player or fan - and now Bobby can teach it every single day to those who bother to read into the story - and not just the stats.

That was the saddest day in my sports fan life, when at the age of 9 watching on as the plate remained clear of anyone before the game. It didn't hit me until I looked on with an emptied heart as the Yankees had to use a different catcher. It was gut wrenching, and never the same after that, but somehow Bobby made it better.

The strength Bobby displayed was dumbfounding, and there was not a dry eye in the house as he collapsed after the game into Lous' arms. How could that happen - within mere days of losing his best friend and captain, Bobby Murcer had the fortitude and character to reach up and pull a star down from the heavens.

Without any weakness seeping into his being, he reached down, resolute, and did the thing that dreams are made of - he played for his lost friend. He won that game that he told Billy that he had to play for his friend - he called the REAL shot like no other before him.

Bobby made a country sigh and gulp, cheer and cry all at once. He made it alright to be happy again - and isn't that what life is all about? Picking your chin up, remembering those that have fallen - respect - and the ability to move on in the comfort of knowing that the fallen one lives on in us?

I tell you now - there is no greater example of greatness

These are the things of Legend.

Bobby left the game of life before his time, at age 62. Separately these are two relevant numbers to Bobby. An un-retired number 6 was his friend Mickey's original Yankee number, who didn't care for it because of the pressure of being next in line to Babe, Lou, and Joe Di. Bobby was also from eras that totaled 6 World Series Championship Titles.

Later, Bobby showed grace as Derek Jeter decided to don the Murcer number 2, who took over Thurms' old title of captain. Bobby dropped his original number 1, which was soon afterwards retired for his coach, Billy Martin-who also tragically was called home before his time.

The Yankees would do well in retiring a number for Bobby, ex-Yankee great player, and announcer. 6 was special to Murcer, who definitely handled the pressure of being next in line well. Or like Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra, who share retired numbers, Murcer could have his # 2 retired in the same respect, while leaving it on Jeters' back for him, and the fans. Or maybe NY could co-reite # 1, along with his Coach Martin, because both are exactly that with fans old enough to remember.

Bobby is currently number 183 in the all time most career home runs with a career average of .277. He knocked 1,862 hits and has an on-base percentage of .357. Murcer was called safe stealing bases 127 times. During his playing years he was the youngest player to earn 6 figures for good reason.

Bobby left the baseball field in 1983, and became a color commentator on radio through 1985. He called the games for WPIX until 1998, and then went with WNYW until in 2001 the YES Network signed the best in the business.

In 1986 he became Yankee Management, and then in 1987 he entered the world of TV Broadcasting. Altogether he won 3 Emmys for his announcing skills, ability to be fair, and his expert insight.

He gave it to the fans straight too; the good, the bad, and the indifferent- fans always got his honesty. In 1989, being the consummate manager, he went on to become Co-Owner of the Oklahoma 89ers Minor League Baseball Team.

Always with grace he believed Roger Clemens, saying "With all the testing nowadays, if he passed all his tests then I can't convict anybody based on allegations alone. I can't assume anybody's guilty because of the testimony of a disgruntled ex-trainer."

Being about serving others, Bobby answered baseball's call of duty, and served for 2 years, 1967 and 1968 in the US Army. Unlike other athletes who cut and run, Murcer was a real Yankee and one of the last of those that found honor, not money, in service.

With strength going into the unknown, he followed the examples of his mentors: Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford Joe DiMaggio, and Billy Martin who also took pride in serving society while fighting for democracy, and they all make soldiers proud.

He turned from the tobacco, and became an anti-tobacco activist in the 1990s, even having a bill in Oklahoma named for him, The Bobby Murcer Tobacco Addiction Bill. The YES Network sponsors the NY Smokers' Quit line, undoubtedly due to Bobby.

His charity was B.A.T, Baseball Assistance Team, which benefits those that played the game whom are down and out. One will not find any owners there. He sponsored a charity golf tournie, and has raised 1 million dollars for the Cancer Society.

After finding that his tumor was not benign, in true Murcer strength, and humility, he said "My heart remains true to the Yankees fans. I believe that you are the very best in baseball. It is your steadfast spirit that keeps me so optimistic." He was operated on 3 days after being diagnosed, on December 28th. In March, MRIs found he had some scarring.

He was then interviewed on Michael Kays Radio Showed saying, "I want to thank you fans so much. I can feel you, and I can feel your love. Just know that I am in a good place."

Murcer strength and character to overcome the odds allowed him to make it for opening day, and announce one more inning. He got a standing ovation.

Diana Kay-his high school sweetie who he married in 1966, and Bobby went on fighting displaying true Murcer strength and class, doing appearances and going to book signings for fans, who were desperate for him, and his book "Yankee For Life: My Forty Year Journey In Pinstripes"

Never splitting up, nor divorcing Kay and Bobby serve as a model for society, and their love endures.

Players should take a real lesson from Bobby, which is to be humble.

After his victory against Toronto today, Joe Girardi wept heartily, saying "He was such a Great Guy. He was my hero when I was just a kid." Fans join Joe in his sadness, but all must know that he is once again with his friends.

"The Boys of Summer":

Thurman "Our Captain" Munson. Alfred "Bello or Billy" Martin. The Original M&M Boys - Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris. Joltin' Joe DiMaggio, "The Yankee Clipper." Charles "Casey- The Old Professor" Stengel. James "Catfish" Hunter. Bob Lemon. Phil "The Scooter" Rizzuto. Elston Howard. Clete Boyer. Joseph "Marse Joe" McCarthy. Allie "Superchief" Reynolds. Charlie "King Kong" Keller. Herb "The Knight" Pennock. James "Bob" Shawkey. Vernon "Lefty" Gomez. William Dickey. Charles "Red" Ruffing. Ludwig "Lou or The Iron Horse" Gehrig. Urban Shocker. George Herman Ruth - "The Babe, Bambino, or Sultan of Swat." Aaron Ward. Earle "Kentuck Colonel" Combs. "Long Bob" Bob Meusel. Tony "Poosh Em Up" Lazzeri. Miller Huggins. Clark Griffith. John McGraw. Mel Allen. Cory Lidle.

That is only a fraction of stars who summarize the Yankees, who Bobby is now with, featuring "Murderers Row", "The Bronx Bombers", and "The Baby Bombers."

Imagine the smiles passed as Bobby talks on to John McGraw, first of all owners of the Yanks, despite an attempt to keep the AL out of NY by the Giants. McGraw managed, and owned the then New York Highlanders-originally the Orioles as result of pretensions. Bobby might tell John that one Tug McGraws' son, Tim, honored him as the 2007 Good Guy of the Year. Catholics loved him too, naming him 1969 most popular Yankee.

Somehow I think they already know. Maybe Bobby presses them on though about the ex-New York Giants. Despite the snub bhy the Giants, Mr. Gordon allowed the Giants to play at Hilltop Park when their park, The Polo Grounds, burned to the ground in 1911. In 1913 the Highlanders were welcomed to the New Polo Grounds where the name Yankee became the new nickname used in the press for the team.

Afterwards the yanks left the New Polo Grounds and built the House where Bobby, Billy, Thurm and Lou all played and all dreamed about those who came before them as they channel the Spirit.

Maybe he is asking Col. Jacob Ruppert and Captain Huston, who brought on Miller Huggins from the Sox, and thus the Babe - about how he exactly accomplished that feat. Or is prying into the term "Insurrectos", as the Yanks were referred to by some. He certainly must be curious about the term "Yankee," which were Dutch names for children, Jan and Kee... Yankee.

He must be getting big applauds by all the Boys for the now 26 World Titles, the most of all sports, world wide. Here are some famous quotes by, and for Bobby.

Bobby is holding a mic in one hand, and a bat in the other while with "The Boys," and undoubtedly giving his buddy's a piece of his mind. Maybe not Billy, but definitely the rest of 'em. Bobby is probably with an arm around him, griping at Thurm "for getting in that damned plane, and costing us that season!"

To his wife Kay, and his children Tori and Todd- please know that your Dad is smiling, while with the ones in his heart, who will always be there. As Gods' love is umlimited, and knows no bounds, your Dads' love will be especially with all of you as well. I know you are strong as well, and God be with you in your time of sorrow. Don't forget that Big Bobby Smile, nor to smile that exact same way.

Bobby Ray Murcer, you will be missed in the physical world, but will live, play and be loved well beyond - always.

Born May 20th 1946 - Re-Born with grace July 12, 2008

Green Bay Packers Could Keep Aaron Rodgers On Ice- Keep Brett Favre & Play Both!

Patrick Read — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:50:10 -0400

FAll things being equal in the game of "must win now" football, which is played by all teams in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers might do well in considering letting go of Aaron Rodgers, if his ego is that fragile, instead of the widely publicized cold shoulder given Brett Favre.

Why did Favre say he wanted to retire? Who cares, but I would say he looked pretty down and out to me, and who wants to go through camp year in and year out when they are the experts on the team?

Many players pull fast ones to get out of training camp, and no fan should forget that some experience real tragedy (death) endured by these players at overwhelmingly hot camps with over bearing equipment.

Yes, Green Bay was/is to make Aaron Rodgers their future "hopeful" replacement of the current franchise player in Favre...when he retires. The Pack has not listed him as retired though, have they? I read reserved next to the word retired, and believe that a player is considered reitred after he officially files those papers with the league. Bretts' Labor Lawyer could have a varitable field day with this mess.

Rodgers is contracted until 2009, and then its free agency. On the books, Favre is contracted until 2011. No one knows if Rodgers will even want to stay on with the Packers. His market has undoubtedly gone down by his being on the Packers, and he may want to leave. So, the Pack might not even have Rodgers for their future regardless of whether he plays or not this year. He cashes those checks, and people act as if he is not happy? He almost makes what Favres does-who at least earns it.

Chris Carter, now broadcaster specialsit, has copmpletely changed his tune from this afternnon when he said, "If Favre wants to come back, I do not see how the Packers can say no because of a rookie who is not yet a proven quantity, and Favre is." Now he says that Favre should be released, that is-as of 12:39 am Sat morning. I thought I should qualify that for Chris. Released? With no gain by the Packers? No way.

Stop the games, and take a breathe for both Favre and the Packers.

Brett doesn't have to be released unconditionally, nor does Thompson need a reinstatement from Goddell.

Favre was never "officially" deactivated because Brett was smart enough to never file official retirement paperwork. He wasn't 100% committed to being retired! He is only on the "retired/reserve" list giving each the opportunity to settle this maylay, but remember who it was that placed him on that list.

Do not be fooled, Thompsons' letter to ESPN (?), stated that if Favre wants back in, then they would activate him on their roster." Meaning if Brett wants to play, then he will be in Green and Gold!

Why not just keep both, and play both? This is a win - win sitaution for everyone involved. Young did it with Montana, and won that job as Joe got hurt, and Young went on to win the MVP that season. Romo took the job away from Bledsoe too. Let them both play, like Eli taking the job from Warner.

Favre Fans now have every indication to believe that Brett is not done playing, as illustrated by his family, his text messages asking to talk about rejoining the team, and his request of not placing the word retired attached to his collector items just yet. Now he has asked for an unconditional release which is consistent with him being a gamer-who wants to play on still. We are talking Legendary gamer too.

As illustrated by the Dallas Cowboys, who have hired on Pacman Jones, or Adam as he wishes to now be called, (also TO) NFL teams play the game to win the Super Bowl this season, not next, and certainly not five years from now. Imagine the controversy that Dallas faces with these two. The Packers problem, on the eflip side, is they have too much talent now, and that is considered a bad thing? Perspective is required.

It is hard enough just getting the Super Bowl, much less planning for it five years down the line by way of a rook. Teams like Dallas take what is, and not what could be.

Also relevant is the fact that Green Bay drafted Brian Brohm, and Rodgers was rumored to be on the chopping block. Aside from Favre, Green Bay has three quarterbacks on their roster. What's more is that Aaron Rodgers has yet to play a full game from start to finish, drawing more risk in a potential Packers release of Favre.

Rodger the Rook vs Favre The Phenom is no contest.

With Favre, the Pack almost made it to the Super Bowl, but for a nasty good Giants defense, and a deadly cold game played on the "frozen tundra" (shown above) that went into overtime. Save the argument about the interception, because more than likely, Green Bay wouldn't have been there without Favre.

The Pack has about the same team as last year, if Favre is the quarterback. What guarantee is there that they will be better with Rodgers? There is not any such guarantee. Actually, their odds with Rodgers probably decrease.

The reason so many say not to take Favre back is because of the damage that it might cause Rodgers' confidence, who again, has yet to play a full game. Eli Manning did not wait for four years to play, instead, the team committed right away and gave up Collins. Collins is not Favre, though.

Rodgers, and his backup quarterbacks just drafted, could be the Packers' future, maybe even a fan favorite, but neither are that right now. The Packers are staring a gift horse in the mouth with the way they are treating Favre, who IS a fan favorite, IS the best available quarterback, and IS the face of their franchise.

There are certainly plenty of teams that could use a potentially good quarterback, and they've all been named as possibilities for Favre. So, how about trading young Rodgers, even if it only means one more year with Favre?

That is about as guaranteed as one team can get to making the postseason, which most teams do not accomplish for very long spells of time.

I could tell you this, if given the chance, the Yankees (the Packers of baseball) would trade just about any rookie to get one more year with Lou Gherig, who held a record in baseball that Brett "The Iron Horse" Favre now holds in football, which is the most consecutive games played by a starting quarterback.

Green Bay manager Ted Thompson could do well in keeping with the guaranteed winner that is Favre, who holds the record for most touchdowns, taking it from Hall of Famer Dan Marino.

The Pack should hold off on Rodgers, in lieu of Favres' return, plain and simple. If the kid can't understand why, or is too fragile to accept why, then show him the door. Not Favre, the best quarterback in a very, very long time—without exception.

Not only that, but Thompson should also keep the Packer fans as happy as they can, after all, the fans flip the bill. Keeping Favre would also help preserve the Packers' rich history in the NFL.

No doubt that Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi are watching on from above in wonderment of what the hold up is with keeping the tradition of packing in the winners on their team. A team that got their name from the Indian Packing Company, the oldest name still in use by any NFL team, bar none.

Prospects come and go every year, as made evident by the Packers drafting two quarterbacks this year. Legends? Well, those come about once in a lifetime.

Tired Sports Fans Could Boycott ESPN For One Week Thanks To Free MLB.TV

Patrick Read — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:00:14 -0400

July 10th, 2008

Washington DC

I watched ESPN’s First Take yesterday, and listening to Skip “To the Lou Gently” Bayless’s (that link gives you the rumor on Skip) latest rant about athletes who make too much, and teams who shouldn’t ever lose; when it hit me how fans could voice their concern, and have a real impact on ESPN.

This on the heels of tonights' PTI crew, who filled in for Cornheiser and Wilbon. Dan Shaughnessy and this fat, beefy chunk of a guy playing the Bermen wannabe role, took the opportunity to nail Giambi for his past use of legal drugs, while praising Josh Hamiltons' felonious use of illegal drugs.

These two said that the reason Hamilton deserves a second chance is because he was honest, despite everyones' knowledge of Giambi's honesty well over 5 years ago, much less Pettitte-who ESPN reminds us fans of every other day.

Giambi lessened his own market, was honest to a fault, and forced by Selig to coopperate for his knowledge about legal drugs, which turned out to be the biggest fraud of all. Indeed the dealers who were the only ones breaking the law, got deals from the government, and walked off scott free, while athletes are being set-up by the same government for "lying." Polticians would do well to beware if lying is the all out greatest sin, as ESPN pontificates to it being.

What is more is that these ESPN boradcasters then equate Barry Bonds not playing right now because of racsim. Mind boggling, huh? These three were all brought up within mere seconds of each other. Really what Bonds suffers from is a backlash brought on by none other than....ESPN.

As if anyone on ESPN is a priest with the power of absolution. Instead of just saying what ESPN wants to hear is true for their own financial benefit, maybe Bonds could go on an all out cocaine, and alcohol binge. He could then committ to a 12 step program, and afterwards go to ESPN for forgiveness, instead of a priest!

Good job ESPN, you report what you're told, or what makes you the almighty buck regardless of integrity that used to be required of all journalist. In other words you are fakes, bud.

Why do you think that ESPN is lushing over the Tampa Bay Rays right now, who flops every year after mid-season? Who is Tampa threatening to take out of this years post season run? We are only starting to see the dmise of Tampa Bay in the last couple of series, but it shouldn't surprise anyone-unless you buy what ESPN sell you. No offense intended to Rays fans, just illustrating the ESPN take here.

The market drives ESPN, and all small markets, or those who compete agasint ESPN, is the constant target of their inciteful bash fest. Tampa is the exception to the rule, which proves the rule. Where has the coverage been for the Mainers, another small marketer?

The vast majority of fans country wide belong to small market teams simply because most teams have a smaller fan base, than say the Red Sox. It is a vicious cycle too, because how is a team to grow in this day without ESPNs' support? They are the only national sports broadcast network, and they are huge! Some market have to go outside their physical location to grow, which means they depend on national coverage, aka -ESPN.

Instead of supporting, or at least being objective while covering small market teams, ESPN goes out of their way to "cheerlead" against them. When was the last time you heard ESPN offer high light reel commentary in support of the Blue Jays over the Red Sox? The Jays are a perfect example too, being from a separate country and in a smaller market.

The Yankees own their own broadcast network, where ESPNs' Fred Hicks used to work, before the earings. The Yanks comepete against ESPN, as if Joe Public couldn't tell by ESPNs take on them. So the Yanks do not care. ESPN only serves to tick out of state Yankee fans off, which will only serve to make ESPN all the more phony. Unless they can make up a team with NYY history, I think they are trying their hardest.

What an opportunity for Yankee fans to unite with smaller market fans against a common nusiance, ESPN. They might want to express their displeasure over their continually biased reporting, which is a far cry from the 1980s Chris Berman style of "rumbling, bumbling and stumbling" about for both teams. By the way, if you haven't heard his meltdown from last January, there is an embedded link to it towards the end of the article. It's a must-listen, but warning—adults only!

The MLB provided an opportunity for us, the fans who have fallen victim to ESPNs' constant favortism of bigger market teams who make them money. We can now voice our displeasure with ESPNs' sold out morality, and biased coverages through the use of MLB.TV.

All fans, regardless of market size, are eligible for one week of FREE MLB.TV, and their promotion for “every team, and every game.” I am just curious as to how a baseball-fan boycott would affect ESPN, its revenue, its advertisers and sponsors, its executives, all the way down to their ranting, raving reporters, save Mike and Mike.

Boycotting ESPN for one week would certainly hit them where it hurts: right in the fat ol' wallet!

Besides, Bleacher Report has partnered with Fox Sports. Fans could enjoy The Best Damn highlights after watching the games on MLB.TV; or watch the MLB reporters instead of the drama-queen style reporting found on the clearly biased ESPN. Fox is a competitor to ESPN, their ABC Sports, and NBC, which will all tie in as you read on.

This little suggestion is a Generation X'ers way of protest, but it would take the blogs to get the word out, because this writer has no discretionary budget, nor one for advertising or paying players off who I like in the form of commericals because they make me money.

Without fail, ESPN offends me every day, so much so that I have done a little research.

How did ESPN start?

In the 1970s Rick and his father Bill Rasmussen, being from Massachusetts, and hockey enthusiast were both working for the World Hockey League's New England Whalers, a small time team, in a small time market. Just a test, quickly name Bostons pro hockey team. It took me a mintue, I remebered the black and gold uniform, those orving hockey and Boston don't really mix so much.

Bill was also a sports reporter working for NBC, who paid him to cover the Whalers, not partner with them. Rasmussen was working both sides of the coin. At the same time he was a sales man for the Whalers, selling commercial spots while reporting on them too, thus providing the seed for ESPN's ability of crossing the lines. His son, Rick, was the Whalers' public-address announcer, too. How were teams covered who played against the Whalers back then, who knows?

The Rasmussens were hoping to collect enough scratch to start threir own broadcast network, to most teams and their fans peril, who find no benefit at all by ESPN's existence. Having placed himself, and his son in an apparent conflict of interest between NBC both Bill and Rick were fired.

Soon afterwards, in 1979, having learned that satellite technology was much cheaper than cable networking, Bill bought 24-hour blocks of time, and—"de-na-nah, de-na-nah"—ESPN was born.

Rick and Bill soon hired on Chet Simmons, who held the title of CEO for nearly two decades, before becoming the USFL’s first League Commissioner—seemingly one great benefit stemming from airtime exposure.

Later in 1998, George Bodenheimer took over as the Directing Officer and CEO of ESPN, and in 2003, ESPN acquired ABC Sports. NBC’s competitor sold out to Bill and Rick as karma would have it, and Bodenheimer was running both networks.

ABC was allowed to retain its title, which is a good thing, because for this kid from the 1970s, I would have been ticked if ESPN had openly taken over the Wide World of Sports accomplished by real journalist for cheerleaders with a mic.

Currently, Disney owns ESPN, is a competitor of YES (the Yankees Broadcast Network), and NBC. Boston knows this, as they have blamed our revenue for 10 years before winning their own title, thus alleviating any ring envy. I will stop right there.

Does Goofy know that he supports some pretty questionable morals and political views by way of ESPN, or is Goofy just turning the blind eye. Fans would do well if they equated ESPN with Walt Disney, and yes-Goofy too. Their highest baseball ratings in the last several years were the result of the Clemens trial, ex Massachusetts great, and now much maligned.

Karma is a funny thing sometimes, because a new cheap media is out there for anyone willing to take advantage. Although, many cannot benefit from family relationships in this area, unless your dad is Al Gore, who invented the Internet (joke). Oh what a tangled web we weave..... when the internet can show ESPN's ability to decieve.

Market Generatation is doomed by ESPN

ESPN roots agasint anyone whose market is not big enough to cover their costs, otherwise known as market generated coverages, and subsequent rants by ESPN for those markets that they find financially appealing. IN the words of Fred Durst, they did it all for the nookie. Meaning ESPN bolsters one team over another based on their own ability to profit.

ESPN is impacting small markets in a negative manner, and then turn around and sell you that it is the Yankees fault, so it's okay to hate the Yankees. When is the last time you heard any of these clowns cheerlead for Kansas City, or Seattle for more than one week, one month, or one year? Seen a Houston game lately, or how about the Marlins?

It is great seeing Milwaukee obtain CC Sabathia, who now looks to reach the postseason for the first time since 1982. Everyone likes the underdog. Been there, done that, too. But has ESPN covered them one time in the last couple of weeks? No, they’re more interested in the second-place team in the AL East. That is bad for baseball altogether.

The reason that ESPN hates the Yankees is because George Steinbrenner is a competitor. He owns YES, which is the broadcast network of the Yanks (Yankees Entertainment and Sports) and owns the rights to all Yankees games aired. They have to pay Steinbrenner to show Yankee games, instead of a local carrier who covers that team.

What other team gets direct revenue from the boradcast of their team? None do, broadcast networks buy the rights from the MLB, who then shares the revenue MLB wide. That is all but one.

Now, given that the almighty buck is what these ladies are really cheering for on ESPN, it is no wonder why they do not promote, nor air, small-market teams. But these beauts cheer for one team over another, and that is not something that journalist do. Simply put, they are not journalist. And they are having a negative impact on small markets, rahter than no impact at all, and these fans are the vast majority of fans as well!

Advertising money is based on ratings, which is based on market strength. Tah-dah, now you know why Boston, L.A., and Chicago all get love, and the Yankees, Kansas City, Seattle, Marlins etc. do not. Simply put, it is a matter of how many fans are upset, versus how much money is made from “flirting” only with the big boys on the block is the logic which drives ESPN cheer leaders.

Advertisers market directly to us, so fans have a lot of power, but little way of flexing that fan muscle—until now.

What would happen if fans boycotted ESPN Baseball for one entire week? Fans could view every game, and every team that they want; which really is a great deal for the price for a whole season at $120. You get all games on demand, plus hometown radio.

It suits this writer well, as I am a displaced fan in Washington DC. Through MLB.TV, I can listen to Sterling's pregame and postgame, and then mute Michael Kay, who is getting better. He did well against the Boston Mob on Sports Reporters two weeks ago.

It is a huge organization that needs a good bubble bursting! A bubble exists when the market has reached its potential, and with reporting like this, ESPN is over-extended at best. Not that we could pop that huge bubble, however we can take some revenue away by diminshing their ratings!

Doing that would only remind them they started with one honest sports man, in Chris Berman, who also snapped recently around media day before the Super Bowl. If you haven’t already, give it a listen. *Warning, harsh language. For adults only.*

Don’t even get me started on what these “people” did to Miggy Tejada, but let Pedro Martinez off the age hook, along with El Duque, too.

Here is the kicker. By boycotting ESPN for one week, fans would probably, more than likely, turn to Fox Sports and their highest-rated program, The Best Damn Sports Show Period.

Equally interesting is the fact that the Bleacher Report has recently partnered up with Fox Sports online, whose main competition is none other than ABC and NBC.

The difference is this: The Best Damn Sports Show Period has real athletes who have actually, at some point in their lives, played the sport for which they now report on except one, not all.

ESPN? Most went to law school, which is downright depressing, seeing as how they are doing the sporting page when possessing a law degree. Follow the money though. All lawyers do.

Need proof of ESPN's bias?

Here is a whole nationality that is boycotting ESPN. Some fans go back and forth about regional bias. Bob Ryan is certainly one who illustrates his regional bias on ESPN, aslo being from Boston. Shocker?

Here is one that points to ESPN's hatred of the Yankees. One of ESPN’s reporters was recently suspended for calling out fans of Boston, albeit in a not-so-flattering way, which is in line with…Skip Bayless, whom the girl had worked with several times before her suspension, and undoubtedly took cue from.

Then there is Peter Gammons, who goes goo-goo over Red anything, plus there is also Jackie McMullen. Of course, there is the infamous suspension of Notre Dame and Jesus hater, Dana Jacobson, which is interesting because ESPN didn’t even go on record for about a week after the incident.

To quote her directly, she said “F*ck Notre Dame, F*ck Touchdown Jesus," and look out for lightning, because she went with, "F*ck Jesus" too. Golic should have decked the self professed Michigan fan sooner, and it wasn't made public (at first) because it was a promoted by those who like Boston College. Rival this "lady of the night", you were discussing this religious rant while at a roast..open to the public, but you will never see that public event now. By the way, 70% of all Americans are Christian. And Notre Dame doesn't consider Michigan their rival team, sorry to disapoint, that prevlige is reserved for a more west coast team.

Trust me, we Irish Fans don't even know what team like Michigan, or Boston College is upset with, other than an "inter-religious war," as it's called. The Irish have 11 national championships, more than any other college football team around, and they get hit like that all the time with nary a response. So I say, F*ck Mssss. Jacobson! SHe was reportedly drunk, see above Hamilton remarks, and not on steroids or HGH.

Mike Lupica, long time presence of the Sports Reporters, is right there with her. He graduated from Boston College himself, along with other occasional Boston journalists who fill in from time to time. There are just too many to list.

So, have you banned your sportscaster today?

:o)~

Jason Giambi Stache Day Turns Win Streak For NY Yankees-Beat Rays-Ask Fans Help

Patrick Read — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:38:17 -0400

Washington DC

July 9th, 2008

Before 53,552 fans at Yankee Stadium on a hot, humid day, the NY Yankees are finally showing rays of hope, and seem to be warming up with their fourth straight win against AL Leaders.

The Yankees just beat Boston twice in a row, who won today murdering the Twins 18-5, and now just beat up the Rays for two in a row as well, giving this skeptic something to look forward to other than football season. Don't get too excited because the Yankees only scored 2 runs, a sign that the offense still needs help, but it was one more than enough for a big ol "W."

The story of the day has got to be Sidney Ponson, who went 6 innings; giving up five hits, one run, two walks, four strike outs totalling 87 pitches, 50 of which were strikes. Not too bad for a second chance, who has two wins so far with NY, and one no-decision.

The only run scored against the Yanks today was a homer blasted by Carlos Pena leading off the sixth, tying the game one to one after the Yanks scored in the first on a Jason Giambi single (1 for 3,plus a walk) scoring Derek Jeter (2 for 4). After the "missed pitch" to Pena, Ponson settled right back down and retired the next three batters.

The score would remain tied until late in the game. Veras pitched the 7th inning stiking out two with one ground out. Then Kyle Farnsworth, who has been enigmatic at best, pitched a one-two-three inning as well, thus allowing for a proper bridge to Mo.

Mariano Rivera, who has been getting a little scary lately, walked one and then nothing more in the ninth; four up, three down. Jorge Posada (0 for 3) walked to lead the bottom of the ninth off, and was pinch runned for by Justin Christian, a speedy little kid who has rockets for cleets. He took second on a Robbie Cano (0 for 3) sacrifice bunt, and then tore off for third beating the Rays sure arm catcher, Navarro. The opportunity for the Yanks fizzled though, as Melky Cabrera (1 for 4) whiffed, and Benjie Molina (1 for 3) then struck out, which is getting to be all too familiar. In the 10th inning Mariano went one-two-three again; striking out two, and getting a ground out.

In the bottom of the 10th Captain America, Derek Jeter, walked with one out. Then, with the sun shining rays of betterment on NY, Bobby Abreu (1 for 4) ripped a change up that was down and in for a double into the right field gap. Fleet of foot, Jeter bolted all the way home from first base for a walk off win. Joltin Derek Jeter gave the final winning score to the Yankees for a 2 to 1 squeeze over the soon to be setting Rays.

Now to the nitty-gritty: Giambi's Day, his mustache, and the Yankees' request for all of their fans to vote Giambi in for the All Star Game.

Today before the game The Yankees handed out 20,000 fake mustaches in a Ghiambino-style celebration before the game, save the pasta. After the game Joe Girardi even wore one for the post game interviews. This is what it's all about, having some fun; but it ain't no fun losing, as Andy Pettitte might be heard saying. Giambi is healthy this year, and is on fire picking up another RBI today bringing his total to 54, only 3 behind team leading Abreu, but with about 20 less games as well!

"The Big G" credits the 'stache for the luck, but it isn't luck at all. He was slupming a long time ago, grew the moustache and now? Well look out because even Lady Liberty, being from France, wants to grow one too. Most ball players are superstitious, but the whole team is waking out of a half-season long slump, and streaking. Mr. Steinbrenner remains silent as Giambi's stache grows ever so boldly, even if it is against team grooming policy, and now the "luck o the 'stache" is growing out of control paying dividends for the whole team, and their mustache wearing fans.

To honor Jason Giambi tell the Yankees to keep him on next year by voting him onto the All Star Team. This vote will be the tell all whether he stays in NY next year or not, the Yankees have officially asked fans for their input. If the fans do not vote, then rest assured it is "bah-bye Ghiambino" next year. But maybe we can get some speedy little rascal to take his place, so he can bunt, and steal bags all day. Who knows, but I don't think the little rascal will be parking em off Beckett, and most all other pitchers league-wide, or leading the team in run production.

If the fans vote enough, which is unlimited by the way, then Jason may just retire a Yankee after all. And why not? Because of injury years? He is loved by the vast majority of fans, but all need to hop on the bus, Gus - and vote for "The Big G" to play, especially hit homers in the HR Derby. What good is the HR Derby in the "Last Year of Ruth" without a Yankee (A-Rod) smaking some out? The last time Giambi was in a HR Derby (2003) he hit 9 out in a row, which is a record too! I voted this year about 125 times for Giambi so far, they votes are unlimited, and Yankee fans reading this should as well.

Go here, and vote for Giambi, email it to all your friends and relatives; and send the Yanks a message that without Giambi they would be much worse than is Toronto this year. No pitcher throws strikes to this guy, and for good reason. One swing, that is all it takes. Instead, he forces the pitcher to throw strikes to A-Rod, because Giambi has an upper-cut that is meant to cause damage. Giambi is is "Damage Incorparated." He has a better eye than he does a mustache too!

Giambi is always on base, whether a smash or a walk, or even hit by pitch. I remind you of last spring, A-Rods home run escapade...who hit behind A-Rod? Giambi did, forcing strike to Alex. It's all about respect, and respect Giambi pitchers do. Now, the Yanks respect the stache as well! I realize he had a bad year here and there, but he is finally 100% healthy, he even stole a bag this year, and got a triple -the first one since 2002! It is a great sign for things to come if nothing else.

You can also vote via cell phone, and text your selection of A2 into the number in this link. No excuses.

It isn't my money, nor yours, but I bet his market has gone down markedly anyhow. It's all about Giambi, the Big G, stache boy...my boy - who looks like Thurman Munson. Munson's stache was better, even better than the Gooses. But I am biased about it, Thurman Munson-my all time favorite.

Giambi has said to have signed about 70 balls that will be given out at random to fans who vote. The above pictures shows that Giambi is there for the fans, the question is do the fans return the love?

Now...will the Yankees make a move this year or what?

Girardi said after the game, "pitching and good defense is what wins games." Agreed, the Yankee pitchers are hurt though, and don't forget, coach, about the bats! What was once a dominant Yankee offense has sputtered, and the same bats that used to win games too. Just ask the unlikely heroes named O'Neil, Martinez, or Brosius whom are all now Yankee Legends about walk offs, or most recently Bobby Abreu.

This is the Babe Ruth' House (#3 All Time HR King, 714), with Gherig (AL Record RBI King, 184), Joltin Joe DiMaggio's 56 game Hit Streak, Mickey Mantle who hit the longest homer ever at 610 feet (that's a tenth of a mile!), or the other M&M Boy, Roger Maris (Single Season HR King for over 30 years), Reggie Jackson (MR. October), Thurman Munson (my man, "Our Captain," 500 in post season play).....to name a few. None of these titles say "they played good defense" streak.

Good pitching and good hitting is what wins games, defense is for those pitchers that aren't exactly in their primes anylonger, and aren't very Yankee-Like - save Mike Mussina, who has the lowest ERA on the team despite the hole in right field.

The Yankees have no bench, and that is not Yankee-like considering Strawberry, Justice, Fielder, Raines, and in 2000s, Ruben Sierra. Boy, Cashman has got to be glad that he got rid of Bernie Williams because "he played to well in 2006, and cost others their postions (Damon)" right about now. Good job, Cash. Thank God he isn't on your bench, because who wants a switch hitter that averages about 400 in the post season anyhow?

Let's face it, it is also not Yankee-like letting three Aces (Santana, Sabathia, Harden) slip by, especially considering all of these injuries in the rotation in Wang, Hughes, and Kennedy all out; but not MOOSE. It seems as though the Yankees have adopted the west coast philosophy of small ball.

It is not Yankee-like to think that Ponson would be a better man in the Yankee rotation, but there he is regardless. Barry Bonds could do wonders for the Yankees, who have the short right field porch, and is talking to Boston, The Mets, and The Diamondbacks. Well, the Yankees are one team whose mystique could absorb the controversy, as the Yankees History alone is bigger, and more rich than any one person. Rumor has it that Bonds said he would donate all monies made to the children who attend games too. It sounds like someone is going to grab him up, and the Yankees need the offense.

Unless the Yankees are just going to let Mitchell manage their team for them now too, then all is fair in love and war. It wouldn't be Yankee-like to not make the post season, nor let another opportunity slip them by.

For now, the Yanks' weakness is still pitching, that hole in right field, and the slumbering lumber. Something the Yankee Management, and Steinbrenner, who ESPN despises because of thier spiteful competition with anothers' network, needs to work on. And swiftly so.

I wonder if the offense and the defense can get better simultaneously while keeping all bats in the line-up, or at least when they're healthy again. There is an idea to work on until that day.

New York Yankees Beat Up: How Bad? Try 9 of Last 14 Lost and Slumping Onward

Patrick Read — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:35:19 -0400

Hank, just tell us you have given it up this year, because no one likes getting beat up this much.

Washington DC

July 4th, 2008

With the Yankees playing this bad so far, as Joe Giaridi finally admitted, Joey Chestnut was a sports fan saving "grace" this holiday weekend, for anyone living in the Yankee Universe. I say squeeze, dunk, and stuff on Joey me boy!

Steal more fans away too, please, because that is the only thing to wake some of these spoiled brats up. In other words, take their money.

It is not good at all considering they're half way through the season, the Sox just got swept, and the Yankees lost out on that oportunity like they are this series too.

What could be worse? Try the Yankees having to face the Rays next. Just mind boggling! Even with Wang out, the Yankees have one of the best teams out there, but lack any heart. A-Rod is especially symbolic of not having heart, as he frollics about the city with youg children at home. Grow up, man!

Jeter said with a shrug while collecting nearly 20 million of fan donations, "We're just not playing well, or hitting well," making the manager look real bad in his first season back in NY. You are paid by fans to hit, and play...so do it, or don't play at all!

Let's face it, todays Yankees just don't like to win as much as Joe DiMaggios. This Yankee will not be going to any games like he planned. They are a disgrace to the Stadium in the final year of Babe Ruths' house, where Lou, Joltin Joe, Maris & Mick all played ball...to WIN.

Sorry coach, kick their proverbial asses though, again! Fat, dumb and lazy is what they are, to say the least; and one needs a priest so he can make confession, if still Catholic at all.

After going on one mean losing streak, losing four out of their last five games, and 9 out of their last 14, the NY Yankees have shown that a competitive drive is lost in their fat club house, as they are losing now five out of their last six, while scoring only four runs in as many losing games. Look out below, 500, here the Yanks fall.

Everyone likes to root for an underdog, but the Yankees are not an under dog with the highest of all payrolls, and it has been this way since 1999. They spend the most, and now may be viewed as the "biggest losers" of all; regardless of winning the most championships of ANY team in ANY sport.

When you spend 200 million plus, you are expected to win a lot of games, and NY fans (who foot the bill) now have two losers in the baseball, which is shocking. I just may end up pulling for the Mets, because the Yanks have all the talent in the world, but don't seem to have any "heart." Sorry Joey, you're all heart, but watch the cholesterol man and learn !

Willie Randolph, time to "swallow your pride" and come on home, the Yankees need you, because the only Rocket in NY this year might just get rained out, just as storms loom over NY possibly raining out the fireworks.

Hank is trying to shake it up again, and you may want to start by bringing Willie home to the bench, because he actually has six Championship rings, more than any player on the team right now, including the captain. Jeter needs to help Giardi light a fire under the Yankees fat butt.

Take it for what it is fans, if Willie is a loser then he should feel right at home with the Yanks, who may have already given this season up.

For now, Chestnut is the King of New York, all the rest haven't even come close to this kids success, save the NY Giants "Perfect Upset" over the Patriots, which was a God Send in hindsight.

Chestnut "roasted" the Yankees, pulling fans to actually root, and loudly for a man they can admire.

Something Yogi Berra, who has 10 rings, said long ago, "Never quit til the last out of the last game." He certainly didn't mean to quit before the halfway point of the season.

From this fans eyes the only Yankee with any heart is Jason Giambi, who may well win Comeback Player of the Year again.

I would say Joba has heart, but he is being controlled too much, maybe the result of ex-emotional phenoms' now harsh words, Goose Gossage! So I say the Giambino rules the Yankees. He should be leading that team, since he overcame adversity, grew a mustache, and is now crushing all others on his team in run production. And he looks like my favorite Yankee of all time now too, Thurman Munson, but with shorter hair, which alone is a shocker. It's true!

Hey Chestnut, could you help Edwar Ramirez learn to eat some hot dogs too? He needs to gain weight big time, then that change up might have more affect, especially if he adds a little "umph" behind the fast ball.

At least A-Rods’ new affair with Madonna could serve to entertain his fans who pay his salary, because watching the highest paid player in all of baseball, and its’ history lose is not. Especially after just putting one controversy, after another to rest. Meaning A-Rods flirting with the opt out, then Canseco, now it's Madonna! SHE IS 50 SOMETHING! The affair is not entertaining, to say the least, especially to the Rodriguez’s children.

Mr. AND Mrs. Rodgriguez have both disgraced their kids with their extreme selfishness, and left fans of the Yankees dealing with one bombshell after another. This isn't a soap opera- this is baseball?

With NY Fans showing up in loud support for Joey Chestnut, it seems as though the Yanks revenue may just go to the “DOGS.”

Hank, you would do well do bring back Giambi, Pettitte, and Moose next year too. That is, if you want to win still. Need to save money, then fire Cashman, and his boy Pavano..but why listen to fans, right? We just pay to watch you loose. You got my emails, along with a myriad of other fans, didn't you?

Things could have been different with a line up that is relentless. Instead, keep Abreu in right (wall shy and lazy), and sit Damon or Matsui when they're healed up, because they have offense. I am saying this, the Yankees need a sense of URGENCY.

With Matsui, Cabrera (or Gardner) and Damon the outfield is better, and so are the bats, which have been dead silent this season. Anyone in the outfield is better than Abreu, who costs more runs than he earns. Newsfalsh, now Damon is hurt too while flying into the wall, robbing a homer...get the hint ABREU!

JD Drew's homer ring a bell, you non jumpin girlie boy! It sickens me to watch Abreu play out there, where Roger Maris played, sometimes the Mick, and Paul O'Neil! None were wall shy, and noone ever pulled up on flies either.

With Damon, Matsui, and Cabrera playing (when healthy again) along with Giambi at first all bats are in the game, and so is the defense...but no, why win?

Keep Molina playing for Posada when resting his poor sore shoulder, because Benji can't hit at all, and it is in line with just giving up. Moeller is better at the plate, and just as good defensively.

Hey Hank, how about getting Sabathia instead of keeping all these kids? You would if you wanted to win, and CC is not Johan who had tendinitis, and a scoped elbow while looking for 6 years. No, I am not for selling the farm, but why have the farm take over the joint?

The Wilkes- Berry Scranton Yankees, or Trenton Thunder might do better than Girardi's team so far, who plays Betemet over Giambi, forcing Damon or Matsui (the best hitters) to sit , and leaving the HUGE hole in right allowing for more runs to score. DH ABREU! Instead of playing Betemet for Cano, who couldn't slump more if he tried. Recently he said, "I would give up my hits for a win," holy sheep dogs! Stunning. What Robbie, you're whole .250 average? It was lower a week ago too. If you hit more, they would win more. Just pathetic.

Paulie could do well for these guys as a hitting coach, because they dont take balls, and dont know how to foul them off on purpose. FOUL BALLS BURN A PITCHERS ARM UP, BOYS. It is all consistent with rolling over this year. Cabrera and Cano need to realize that they are expendable, "dontcha know that Milk men" are a dime a dozen?

Want to win with Wang injured, then just hire Rocket for the pen, or for the 5th spot. His splits in the first two innings are less than a one ERA if in the pen, and he was a 4.5 ERA last year..which is better than most right now! Get Bonds for offense too. Cheaters? Give us a break, cheating has been going on forever. Ever hear of greenies? Amphetamines have been in ball since the 1950s! And steroids have been in ball since the 1960s, so dont give us that excuse.

Kids Waxman? Please, with legalized late term abortions, and interns being abused you could give a sheeps' tail about our kids!

OR just let George Mitchell, and Dick Waxman manage this team entirely!

I am done ranting now, sorry fans. Yankees just lost again, now two in row to the Sox, after a thorough lashing by TEXAS, amongst many others. We get to lose to the Rays next too! In other words I am one ticked Yankee fan.

Off to eat a dog...

Go Joey Chestnut!

Is it a Sport? Thousands Chose Joey Chestnut Over the Yankees, who at least Won

Patrick Read — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:15:23 -0400

Washington DC

July 4th, 2007

It is the only game in town worth watching nowadays on this, the most Americana of all national holidays, July 4 weekend. Joey Chestnut won in an "eat off", the sudden death of competitive eating, against a man known to most by one name, Kobayashi.

Of course, the whole thing was sponsored by Nathan's in New York City, the home of the hot dog, and I don't mean A-Rod. Go to their web site and order some, 'cuz they are good. And unlike A-Rod, and his new affair, they are good for kids, too.

Hot dogs were invented on Coney Island at their Amusement Park, and I know...Chicago is ticked about it. Build a bridge Chi-town, and get over it. Celery salt on a dog is a crime, and so is ketchup, unless you're under 12 years of age.

There is a weiner named for the founding city, too, it is called a coney, and it is a spicy sausage in comparison. Personally, I like Hoffman hot dogs from Syracuse, NY; or Steiger Walds, who have won the "Dog of the Year" (sit A-Rod!) for consecutive seasons in NY. But no way I am downing 60 anything, unless it's popcorn.

Hold the relish Batman, Chestnut just beat Kobayashi last year, who was looked at as unbeatable with six consecutive Hot Dog Championships. That type of winning streak had to come to an end, because as Yankees fans now know, nothing lasts forever.

Now, there is a new streak in town. Two Championships in a row by Chestnut, who won last year's All-American contest while smashing the record (yes, they have records too) by eating 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes. What?! 66 dogs in 12 minutes? The result, as seen above, was a cash prize, and a big ole case of gut busting "meat sweats."

Forget 25-cents a day Catholic Charities, hire Chestnut. This guy, and his dogs alone, could feed a starving village for a month!

The two ended this year's competition, which was two minutes less this year, in a tie. After 10 minutes, they each downed a mind boggling 59 dogs. What can you do in 10 minutes?

In an eat-off, Chestnut downed Kobayashi again, stuffing five dogs in his mouth, faster than A-Rod looking for a date, totaling 64 on the day. Not even close to his record-holding 66 last year. His technique is called a "stuffer," who "chipmunks" his food into that big ol mouth.

Two championships in a row is a feat that even Boston fans could envy. And beating the favorite again, the Sox fans know the feeling as they are currently beating the Yanks for the second game in a row during "crunch time," pardon the pun to eaters everywhere.

Is eating a sport?

Of course it is. I contend that just about anything that requires an unnatural competitive drive to win is a sport. Prostitutes in the 1800s were referred to as "sporting women," and card players were "sporting men," alluding to the need for a result in monetary gain in order for it to be called a sport.

Chestnut took $10K in his latest victory, just hours ago. Heck, the fact that Joey Chestnut has a "tag," and Yankee reliever Edwar Ramirez doesn't, makes Joey legit!

Besides, as I learned from Mike Golic of ESPN Radio, they get meat sweats, which would turn any normal person's stomach vegetarian! It shows determination to say the least. And here I thought meat sweats were something that had to do with Giambi's last gimmick, before the 'stache. Just golden, huh?

If one can hunt Bambi for sport, by sitting there just waiting to take aim, then stuffing hot dogs down your pie-hole in an unnatural fashion, to the tune of 64 in less time than it takes for Manny Ramirez to beat up an old guy, then competitive eating is a sport as well.

The fact that it is being covered at all is an indication that hot dog eating is for real.

ESPN has covered the event, as have other publications, for quite some time now. Mike and Mike fully endorsed it as a sport, by inviting the top ranked eaters on the show for a display in a wing-eating contest, during baseballs' offseason.

The only Game in town, Hot Dogs beat baseball in NY, as this years' pastime, and they could probably beat the Yankees too...

For now, Chestnut is the King of New York, all the rest haven't even come close to this kid's success, save the NY Giants' "perfect upset" over the Patriots, which was a Godsend in hindsight.

Chestnut "roasted" the Yankees, pulling fans to actually root, and loudly, for a man they can admire. A man who beat the odds, not once, but twice by being all heart, and never quitting until the last dog was down.

Something Yogi Berra, who has 10 rings, said long ago, "Never quit 'til the last out, of the last game." From this fan's eyes, the only Yankee with any heart is Jason Giambi, who may well win Comeback Player of the Year again.

Hey Chestnut, could you help Edwar Ramirez learn to eat some hot dogs, too? He needs to gain weight big time, then that changeup might have more affect, especially if he adds a little "umph" behind the fastball...Steinbrenner would do well to watch this kid eat, he has heart, and he stole Steinbrenner's fans away, if only for a day!

Getch'er Hot Dogs here! No A-Rod, not you, sit down! A hot dog you are though, because you certainly ain't no Joe DiMaggio! His Yankees just like to win a lot more.

By the way, check this commercial out if you like dogs and sausages, it is the best, and bound to cheer up even the most frustrated of all Yankee fans.

I had to laugh while writing this piece, ah the power of humor.

MLB: Video Review / Instant Replay Being Considered For This Season

Patrick Read — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:15:38 -0400

Joe Girardi might be happier if "hit by pitches" become reviewable.

Major League Baseball is considering whether or not to permit video review and has drafted a memo to the umpires' union, outlining the possibilities. Video replay might be enacted as early as Aug. 1.

The rule change comes on the heels of a myriad of blown home-run calls, including one of the Mets’ Carlos Delgado’s homers at Yankee Stadium in May, and coincidentally, one by A-Rod, also at Yankee Stadium. Apparently it’s all a matter of give-and-take to the umpires, which leaves the game questionable to all.

Some have said coaches, like in football, should retain the authority for “throwing the flag,” while others contend that the umpires on the field should be responsible for calling for video review.

How would one penalize a team for being overruled by video?

In football, each team has limits on the use of video replay, and when video review upholds the call on the field, the result is a loss of a timeout. However, in the NHL, the referees choose when to go to video, and there is no penalty at all. The MLB looks to use the NHL's style of instant replay, and their war-room style supervision.

Another question: what is a reviewable play?

Certainly video replay should not be used to contest balls and strikes. Right now, coaches are discouraged from even contesting balls and strikes, because the game would be extended far longer than the already lengthy three-and-a-half-hour average time per game. Allowing for a review of balls and strikes would lead to boredom and a loss of interest by fans. As is, when anyone questions the umpires’ strike zone, the result is usually someone getting ejected, including the pitcher.

In the spirit of keeping the game exciting and limiting the time to a reasonable length, coaches should not have the authority to call for review. Nor should the field umpires have ultimate authority to call for review, simply because they will not want their calls overruled.

Instead, the MLB is considering enacting a “Video Review Supervisor” who would be positioned off the field, in order to deter any outside influences by either the fans, coaches, or players; again, like the NHL.

The Video Review Supervisor should have the ultimate authority to halt play by pressing a button and turning on a light viewable to all, assuring a pause in the game for review.

He would have a direct, wireless communication link to field umpires to ensure the call in question is made correctly, as opposed to field umpires just making it up as they go along.

Limiting reviews to home runs, foul balls, and fan interference would also serve to keep games within a respectable time limit; and give the video review a reasonable initiation to Major League Baseball, allowing for other plays to be added as seen fit in the offseason.

If expeditious, then plays at the bag, or plate, including "hit by pitches" (see above picture), could also be considered for review, making for one balanced and fair baseball game.

The NHL successfully enacted video review, and one hopes that baseball will as well. Football? Well, that's a whole other can of worms that still has yet to be solved.

Criminal-Element's Allegations: Tim Donaghy & The Brian McNamee Affect.

Patrick Read — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:11:41 -0400

June 11, 2008

Washington DC

The Federal Investigators involved in the Mitchell Report gave "deals" through plea bargain to criminals in exchange for their cooperation, which contrasts the Department of Justice's objective of "prosecuting manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors; and not the players" (p. 340, Mitchell Report) and instead of prosecuting the criminals the investigators found themselves working with them.

On Page 215 George Mitchell claimed McNamee was "possibly a sub distributor." If he was only "possibly a sub distributor" then what crime was he so guilty of that he was offered immunity? Considering that a court in California issued the immunity it must have been for a crime associated with California, like Balco.

Grimsley was related to Balco, and he named McNamee as a source for amphetamines and PEDs in his affidavit (here). Brian must have gotten immunity for the lies he told investigators regarding Grimsley. McNamee either lied to them then, or he is lying now.

In the SI.com article titled The 6th Man, Brian McNamee said, "(The Feds) just wanted to get (Roger, and Andy). I got hit by the bus, and it just kept on going." Why would the Feds be after players instead of a criminal, especially considering the Department Of Justice's objective, "to prosecute distributors, and not players?"

Keep in mind that steroids and HGH are "legal drugs," but banned from sports. What is illegal is selling illicit drugs without a license to distribute, nor a prescription, and so is administering them under false pretenses while pretending you are a doctor. In other words, everything that McNamee did regarding drugs was illegal, yet he is a free man, and IF Clemens used them, then it was NOT illegal at all. After all, he thought McNamee was a Doctor.

These "legal drugs" are merely banned from use by professional sports, so why would the government care that a player may have used a legal drug? It is not their business; it is the MLB's business. Yet Clemens is the one under investigation, while the one who actually broke the law is free.

Make no mistake about it either, McNamee lied to Congress, and Federal Investigators. He told Congress he "didn’t hear about Roger using B-12 until 60 minutes" is one lie. Another is, "I told the truth in the Mitchell Report." There are several lies in the Mitchell Report, one is "I never talked to Roger again about PEDs after 2001."

Clemens is under investigation for saying he had not had a conversation with McNamee about PEDs, which is not entirely true. He did talk to McNamee about PEDs, but not regarding his own use, it was about his wife's use. These are the grounds that Waxman thought appropriate to pursue a perjury charge against Clemens, but not on McNamee who is a criminal?

Waxman could at least be consistent with his "distribution of justice." If one lied about this, then they both lied about it; but only one is under investigation, as the other actual criminal (distributor) received immunity from a Federal District Court in California.

Does California have jurisdiction over Canada too, because despite any court in California, Toronto is the place where laws were allegedly broken? Congressional Staffers actually warned Canadians about prosecution for making false official statements. What a mess that would have been, and still may be. The Hearst Corporation has called out the Federal Government regarding their actions relative the Mitchell Report as well.

For either McNamee or Clemens though, the devil is in the details. On the Oversight’s website is the McNamee taped-interview with the Hardin PIs, McNamee said that, “Winstrol is white, not clear; and there is no way around it.” He was alluding to Bonds unknowingly using the “clear.”

Take a look at McNamee’s vials that he turned over and show me the vile with the white liquid. This is what Winstrol looks like, and as you can see it is a white liquid, like milk. Some of McNamee’s vials have dust on them, but inside the container is a clear liquid. Guess what else is a "clear liquid" that has been mentioned in conjunction with Clemens? If you guessed Lidocaine, then you would be right. The other vials are brownish red, which resembles

Not since Victor Conte and Anderson has a criminal been prosecuted, and sent to jail. On the other hand athlete, after athlete finds themselves on the short end of the stick. Who are they supposed to "get deals" from? Should they be able to tell big stories as well in order to get leniency, or should criminals just be prosecuted regardless of what they say?

Criminals like Radomski got probation, McNamee got immunity, and now Tim Dinghy is looking for a lighter sentence too. It is not the government’s job to clean up sports; it is the league's job. At best the government can only refer the "issue" to the leagues, and that is supposed to be worth leniency for criminals. The message sent to children is not one of harmony.

To what end will the government continue its witch hunt on players, and isn't it a bad precedent to set letting criminals go free so that the government (and their witnesses) can tattle on sports? Is there a "Cheaters of Sports" jail now, or just media attention? Whose interest is served in the government’s investigation of sports? It can't be the owners, because they knew about steroid use as early as the 1980's.

The government granted an Anti-Trust Exemption which basically allows for a monopoly with the exception of maintaining "a level playing field" between markets. The league ensures the playing field is equal, but lately the leagues have been left with bombshells in their proverbial laps.

It is not only the federal government perpetuating deals for criminals in exchange for "something bigger", but the media has also chimed in on the criminals importance with a "need to know."

Who cares about what these two-bit criminals have to say? The media does, and they subjectively judge who is being honest, and who is not. Criminals are also now using the media to spread stories that help support their allegations, and the media responds by using un-named sources, and protecting the un-named all the way to jail.

The Boston Heralds un-named source was wrong about the "Pre-Super Bowl Walk through Tape," and the Herald subsequently apologized, and swore off the use of un-named sources altogether.

Before the Herald, and Matt Walsh's story about Spy gate was the LA Times. Their use of unsubstantiated information led them to name Clemens in conjunction with the Grimsley Affidavit, for which they just issued a public apology to Roger Clemens last December.

The Daily News has gone in the exact opposite direction though proving one thing, their bias. This video is of Mike Lupica getting “caught” at the Clemens Hearing showing his bias, which is on constant display at the Daily News, and ESPN where Lupica is employed.

How far has the media spun recent allegations of cheating in sports, and to what end does the Federal Government even care? A “cooperative steroid dealer” to the NFL, David Jacobs, just shot, and killed himself over his being "a reliable witness" for the government. Certainly it is plain to see a criminal element exist in Professional Sports. We also have Tim Donaghy, ex referee with the NBA, who was caught betting on games.

Donaghy’s lawyer just released last night that the outcomes of NBA games were affected by interpersonal relationships between various teams and the referees. The NBA echoed Clemens saying, “(Donaghy) is just making up one big story in a desperate attempt to stay out of jail.” Clemens said the same thing of McNamee on 60 Minutes. Now, Donaghy's lawyer blasted the NBA, saying “the scandal runs much deeper.” Are we supposed to buy McNamee's story, but not Donaghy's? The media’s handling of two different criminals in similar situations is mind boggling.

The media constantly defends McNamee, but not Donaghy. Both McNamee and Donaghy are criminals who are looking to better their legal postures. McNamee wanted full immunity, and Donaghy wants a leaner sentence.

Ex-IRS Investigator Jeff Novitzky (who worked with McNamee) just experienced a set back in his Balco case. The jury refused to take the word of “DRUG DEALER,” Angel Heredia, thus dismissing two charges posed by the Prosecutors Office. It will definitely make for some big drama again if Clemens proves his case, and the monolithic news giants can make another mint off of correcting themselves, and demonizing McNamee.

McNamee’s good friend and co-dealer (Radomski) was under investigation as well, and got off with parole. Radomski gave the Feds evidence that proved that McNamee was involved in illicit drug dealing. He was found guilty on distribution charges, and money laundering along with other RICOH violations, and was encouraged to “cooperate” for a deal by prosecutors.

The Feds have checks from McNamee to Radomski in 2004, and 2005; years that Clemens is not accused of using. Radomski’s book is forthcoming, but he believes his “business partner”, McNamee. Then again, McNamee said in his Deposition that “he and Radomski always took care of one another,” and also let fly that he “paid Radomski for thousands of dollars of PEDs” in return for …..Vitamins.

Oddly enough, it is likely that McNamee allowed Radomski to launder money through his internet business. McNamee got busted, and he might have just said what investigators wanted to hear in order “to stay out of jail,” like Clemens said in the 60 Minute Interview; and like NBA Commissioner Stearn says of Donaghy. McNamee repeated this motive on the taped Clemens call, “I would also like not to go to jail.”

In keeping with the theme of deflecting personal responsibility to others in order to stay out of jail let's consider Donaghy. If what Donaghy says is true, then what will the government do to the NBA? It is a vicious cycle, and like McNamee, Donaghy will add-on to his story as well in order to appear more credible. Clemens has been under investigation since Jason Grimsley, in 2005; and barring any bias there is still no definitive proof one way or another.

B-12. Does it look familiar taking into account that it may have spent seven years in the basement of McNamee’s old house, when he was together with his wife?

How has this discrepancy over evidence not been reported yet? Where is the “Daily Screws” or ESPN on this one?

Now the media is saying that Jose Canseco, and Brian McNamee were both thought of initially as lying, and both ended up being right. How can they both be right, when Canseco says that Brian McNamee is lying about Roger Clemens?

With the treatment shown Brian McNamee, now all criminals who get caught while involved with sports are going to try to "cooperate", and throw others under the bus. The handling of McNamee has set a bad precedence. It is called the "McNamee Affect", and accusations made by criminals trying to save themselves will now all have to be as equally heard as McNamee, unless it is proven he lied.

Daily News and ESPN's Mike Lupica Gets Busted Being Biased at Clemens Hearing

Patrick Read — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:19:53 -0400

June 11, 2008

Washington DC

This is a video of Mike Lupica getting caught at the Clemens Hearing while showing his bias, which is on constant display at the Daily News and ESPN, where Lupica is employed.

I wasn't going to release this video, but given the recent rash of irresponsible reporting (McCready, Blair, Kelley, and Bagwell), all which cite un-named sources, and each giving readers erroneous information, it has become necessary to show that the Daily News is biased against Roger Clemens.

McCready has now "refuted" that any sexual relationship existed between she and Clemens....ever. But don't hold your breath to see a retraction from the NY Daily News because, as shown above, they are only out to smear others, and don't care about there own credibility. That doesn't sell papers, does it?

While covering the Clemens Hearing, on Feb. 13, 2008, everyone in the Press Room were handed Official Statements by any active party present, and willing to submit one. While in the Press Room I took note of Mike Lupica’s constant display of bias against Clemens, and his public support for Brian McNamee.

He would shake his head, and scoff as Clemens made various points, like “Why didn’t anyone ever talk to me about these drugs,” and “McNamee told me he saved that girl’s life (St. Petersburg Rape Charge),” and “I yelled at McNamee for bringing drugs into my house.”

Lupica was seemingly disgusted that Clemens would provide any explanation at all. He must have known all the answers himself, but has not shared his proof with anyone else. Lupica had yet to even review any of the evidence offered on the Oversight Committee’s Website before making his judgment, thereby proving his prejudice against Clemens, because the evidence was not made available until well after the hearing.

He was seemingly leading the charge against Clemens in the Press Room as the subject of B-12 arose, and Lupica again showed his lack of objectivity. Anticipating his reaction, which raised eyebrows to say the least, I started videotaping.

At this point in the video, Clemens had just gotten done answering questions from Rep. Davis about his use of B-12. Turn the volume on the video up, and you will clearly hear it. Davis turned to verify Clemens use of B-12 to McNamee, and McNamee answered, “The first time I heard about Roger using B-12 was on 60 Minutes.”

As flashy a catch phrase as this was, it was an outright lie. Dr. Taylor testified to injecting Clemens with B-12 and injuring him in the process. McNamee was Clemens's trainer, and placed himself there in his deposition while Tommy Craig (Head Trainer of the Jays) was treating Clemens for the B-12 injury. McNamee said to Craig, “What’s up with Roger?” Craig testified to only knowing of one injury to Clemens, and said, "it was from the B-12 shot." Yankees' Sports Psychologist Dr. Frank Pirozzolo, even said he used B-12, and Lidocaine along with Roger Clemens.

As we all know, the hearing became political in nature with the Democrats supporting McNamee, and the Republicans supporting Roger Clemens. Most in the media thought it shallow that the Republicans show this type partisanship during the hearing, even while their beloved Democrats defended the likes of a GHB-wielding rapist, like McNamee. Maybe they are comfortable with defending rapist though .

Rep. Cummings asked Clemens, “how could (he) have been telling Andy in 2005 about his wife’s use in 1999, when she didn’t use until 2003?” Just after this statement by Cummings, Lupica let out a room-filling gasp, pointed, and laughed; thus proving to all in the Press Room that Lupica had lost any, and all objectivity.

Hey Mike, tell us about how funny this is, according to the taped interview with the Hardin PIs, McNamee said that, “Winstrol is white, not clear; and there is no way around it.” He was alluding to Barry Bonds unknowingly using the “clear.”

Take a look at these pictures, and show me the vile with the white liquid. This is what Winstrol looks like, and as you can see, it is a white liquid, like milk. Some of McNamee’s vials have dust on them, but inside the container is a clear liquid.

Guess what else is a clear liquid that has been mentioned in conjunction with Clemens? If you guessed Lidocaine, then you would be right. The other vials McNamee admitted are brownish red and resemble B-12. This is a picture of a Yao You Pharmacy supply of Chinese-market only, B-12. Does it look familiar, taking into account that they may have spent seven years in the basement of McNamee’s old house?

How has this discrepancy over evidence not been reported yet? Where is the “Daily Screws” or ESPN on this one?

It seems to me that a clean Clemens, when asked about HGH, would have recalled his last exposure to it, which would have been in 2003 regarding his wife's use. Clemens may not have known what Pettitte was talking about, and assumed he meant Debbie's use. That is reasonable. Why would he recall a remark that was made 10 years ago, if he were clean?

Political maneuvers like Congressman Cumming’s happen all the time. Most recently, Nancy Pelosi took what the NSA Director said out of context as she stalled a much needed security bill (FISA-Foreign Intell Survellance Act), and subsequently the GOP literally walked out on the vote. This happened the very next day after the Clemens hearing. Being from Washington, these maneuvers do not take me by surprise, but apparently, it touched the funny bone of the NY Daily News.

Lupica loves his Democrats, and despises Republicans. Apparently Lupica loves his “Bam”, who is equally guilty of “bumper-sticker politics.” McNamee uses catchy phrases too. The problem with bumper-sticker politics is that they always end up in a wreck, like McNamee, and his bus.

McNamee went as far as to lie to Congressman William Lacey Clay when asked if he ever had any deals with the Prosecutor's Office. “No Deals,” replied McNamee. Yet his lawyer, Richard Emery, subsequently filed a motion to dismiss the defamation suit based on the fact that McNamee was operating under a deal offered him by the Federal Prosecutors Office of "absolute immunity." Fellow Democrat, and Chair of the Committee, Waxman, did not submit McNamee for perjury, after all, McNamee was being protected by the Democrats.

Lupica stopped laughing when Rep. Burton told McNamee “all we have here is lie, after lie, after lie, after lie; and there is one thing I don’t believe, and that’s you.” Cummings replied later, saying, “The person I believe is Andy Pettitte,” who was not even at the hearing.

Pettitte ducked out of the hearing after Jeff Novitzky visited him the Sunday before the hearing. Realize this. Andy Pettitte was forced to speculate in his deposition, saying (page 21), “I am only speculating, and I hate to do that. It was a remark made in passing 10 years ago. Not a detailed discussion at all.” Congressional investigators forced Pettitte to speculate further, instead of stopping him, giving their bosses the chance to take his testimony out of context, allowing for quite a show.

After taping the video, Lupica called me up to the chair, like a Judge calling for a side bar, and he threatened to have me “tossed.” We bickered back and forth, and I advised him that this was a public event, and that I was covering the story.

Lupica was upset that I had taped one of his reactions in his support of McNamee, and he then became part of the story.

Attendee David Quadrini of Northern Maryland was also in the Press Room. He said of Lupica, “I was disgusted by him. He was up there dancing in his seat all day, pointing fingers, laughing under his breath, scoffing, and making off-colored remarks. I knew then,” Quadrini said, “that Roger Clemens was not going to get a fair shake in the media.”

Mr. Quadrini was right. I recalled McNamee saying he turned down seven figures in return for Media Interviews. It occurred to me that he may have been offered this money from the NY Daily News, who also paid for a photo from a kid at one of Canseco’s parties. The NY Daily News reported that they had a photo of Clemens at Canseco’s party, and it spread like wild fire. They probably should have called Canseco, but it is consistent that they didn’t check their facts. Again.

Only those that have something to hide remain anonymous, as the Boston Herald recently found out. Their use of an “unnamed’ source regarding Matt Walsh, and the Rams' Super Bowl walkthrough tape, proved not to be true. The writer from Boston issued an apology saying, “(he) will never use an unnamed source for information again.” Apparently the NY Daily News was not paying attention.

Mike Lupica said that Roger Clemens turned the hearing into a joke. By my clear vantage point, Lupica is only projecting. Lupica himself was the only one joking around at the hearing. Lupica said Clemens talks too much, though I don’t know how else one is expected to fight defamation other than to give a detailed account of what transpired. How does one prove a negative? By law if one didn’t do something, then there would be no proof. Which, there isn’t.

What is more interesting is the governments role in this topic. The government is conducting official investigations, using tax payer dollars, on the use of "legal drugs." Will they be writing the MLB Rules Book next?