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News of the Day – 11/27/08

Jimmy Gobble, Turkey Stearnes, Yam Yaryan and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving … here’s the news:

  • Boras talks, but does anyone believe him?: The LA Times reports that Scott Boras claims to have received multiple offers for Mark Teixeira.  However …

Boras would not say which teams had extended offers, or even how many. He characterized the offers as bids Teixeira had the right to accept, as opposed to informal discussions about contract parameters without firm offers attached.   He declined to set a timetable for Teixeira’s decision.

  • Mark Feinsand of the News reports that the Yanks don’t believe the Angels are really interested in C.C. Sabathia.

One Yankees official didn’t seem too concerned with the news of the Angels’ supposed interest in Sabathia, which the Bombers believe is designed primarily to speed things up with Teixeira and his agent, Scott Boras.

“It sounds like they’re trying to get a message to Teixeira,” the official said. “That’s the guy they really want.”

Boras has been seeking a 10-year deal for Teixeira, but the Angels reportedly are reluctant to go higher than seven years.

  • FoxSports‘ Ken Rosenthal has news of Andy Pettitte speaking “more than once” to Joe Torre about joining the Dodgers:

… lest anyone forget, Pettitte has a history of changing teams as a free agent when he does not feel completely wanted.

Go back to 2003, when the Yankees dragged out their negotiations with Pettitte, only to lose him to the Astros despite making a significantly higher last-minute offer.

Or, go back to 2006, when the Astros would not budge off their one-year proposal to Pettitte, only to see the Yankees grab him by offering a higher salary and the option to return for a second year.

Pettitte lacks the leverage he had in either of those negotiations. Not only is he older, but he also posted a 5.35 ERA after the All-Star Game last season.

His first choice is to stay with the Yankees. The Yankees say they want him back. But at the moment, the Yankees are focused on the top free-agent starting pitchers — CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.

For Pettitte, the Dodgers would represent a viable alternative.

  • Ben Shpigel of the Times notes the seemingly slow start to the free agency period, and wonders if its the nation’s economy at work here.
  • Larry Dobrow at CBSSports.com takes us along on his “Premium Seating” tour of the new stadium.
  • Ivan Rodriguez turns 38 today.
  • On this date in 1972, the Yankees make one of their best trades ever, acquiring third baseman Graig Nettles from the Cleveland Indians for catcher John Ellis, infielder Jerry Kenney, and outfielders Charlie Spikes and Rusty Torres.
  • On this date in 1974, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends George Steinbrenner for two years as a result of Steinbrenner’s conviction for illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon and others.

And finally, a special treat for you all … follow this link to a Google Images collection of Life Magazine photos pertaining to the Bronx Bombers.

I’m taking tomorrow off.  Be happy and healthy this holiday … and catch up with you on Saturday.

Categories:  Diane Firstman  News of the Day

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One comment

1 OldYanksFan   ~  Nov 27, 2008 11:02 am

I don't believe the Angles need CC. They are a pitching heavy team that lacks offense. Vlad is a year older and maybe gone after this year. They gave up a decent 1Bman when they got Tex. Maybe they are afraid to offer Tex 7/$140, knowing the Yanks or Sox might offer 8/$160? Are they waiting for the Yanks to gett CC, so Tex will be easier for them to land?

Why drag their feet on Andy? Is there a scenerio where they DON'T need a league average (or maybe better) lefty for only 1 year? Even if they got CC and AJ/Sheets, could they possible prefer a long term deal with Lowe over 1 year of Andy?

While I believe the economy might effect prices this year, I believe next year will be much worse, Now, there is a little bit of 'Obama Rebound'. Now, things LOOK really bad, but next year things WILL BE really bad. If the Auto Makers situation is not resolved in the best way possible, will Detroit, the Brewers and other teams have fire sales?

I say the Yanls should offer Tex 7/$133 and force the Angles to make a move. See if the Sox get involved. Between 1B and the OF, we will need 2 big bats. If we get Tex, it makes getting a decent deal on our OF next year will be easier. Would anyone here complain if we got Tex at 7/$133?

Also, considering the economy, won't there be some serious salary dumps at the ASB? If the A's are not kicking ass, will Holliday be up for grabs? Might Lackey be on the block?

It seems to me, this and next year, Yankee money should have tremendous leverage. I want CC, but why overpay, especially if it goes to 6/$150? The Yankees LOOK like they are in desparation mode while I think they are in the drivers seat.

Sheets is 30 and making $12m. If he's healthy, he's worth $18m. Why not throw him a deal with a base of $10m and incentives up to $20m? I would throw a bunch of incentive deals out there. If they are accepted it means the player has faith in himself and wants to play in NY. Same with Cameron.

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