Yankees start to rebuild

The Yankees acquired slugging switch hitting first sacker Nick Swisher in exchange for Wilson Betemit and a couple minor league pitchers.

Swisher turns 28 in a few days, so he should just be coming into his prime. While the Yankees have always been known for great centerfielders, first base in Yankee Stadium has been home to such great stars as Gehrig, Mattingly, and Giambi.

Swisher has shown good power, belting over 20 homers, and driving in 80 runs. He also walks 90 times or so. While his average hovers around .240, his OBP is .350 or better. So, he appears to have a decent eye, which makes his 130+ strikeouts interesting. I'm predicting that by working with Yankee coaches, along with the protection of the potent Yankee lineup, he could become more selective. It would not surprise me in the least to see him bump the average up while adding to his HR numbers.
I'm predicting right now that he will put up these numbers:
.280 avg, 30 HR, 95 RBI while dropping his strikeouts total to under 100. Better numbers than these wouldn't surprise me at all.
It is expected that Cashman will pursue some of the free agents who become available today. Early indications are that he will try to sign CC, and Lowe. No word yet on whther Moose or Pettitte will return. But the trade for Swisher pretty much ends the idea of a Texiera signing.

And, in football news--J*E*T*S Jets Jets Jets
The New York Jets, who play in Giants Stadium, in NEW JERSEY, won in OT against the Patriots to take over first place. It was a pretty decent game, as the Jets looked to run away with it in the first half, and held on in the second, eventually winning on a field goal in OT. It was significant for the Jets because it gives them a few advantages in tie breaker situations against the Pats. The Jets schedule looks pretty favorable the rest of the way, and last year's 4-12 team could wind up 12-4, although 11 wins is more probable.
And the other tem that plays in the NJ Meadowlands, the Giants have a big test this weekend as they take on the Ravens. The G-men are favored by 7. If I were a betting man, and if forced to place a bet, I'd put my money on the Ravens and the points. But straight up, I'm looking for the Giants to improve to 10-1.

Go Yankees

Jets and Giants win

The Giants won a battle against the Eagles Sunday night, while the Jets pounded St. Louis. The game was over by half time.

The free agent baseball market will be in full swing soon. Manny Ramirez is one of the stars seeking employment. It's kind of interesting that due to his attitude and the amount of money he is seeking, his options are severly limited.

I really am looking forward to the Yankees movement in the market. They need to retool, and are probably going to seek out some pitching.

Early reports are that Andy Pettitte will be back. I'm not sure about Mussina, but these are both back of the rotation pitchers now. Moose is coming off what was his best year as a Yankee, but this will be his 19th MLB season, and that is a lot of pitches. Andy, too, was always one pitch away from a career ending injury it seemed.
Not sure what is going to happen with Joba and whether Phil Hughes will return from his injury riddled season. Mo had another great year, but he is not getting any younger. Lot of question marks on a staff that had question marks last year.
CC Sabathia and Dempster are 2 big names that may be available. Giambi will be released, and that means Mark Texiera may be pursued. Posada will be back, but who knows what they will get with him. The 2009 team may take a few weeks to introduce themselves to each other.

Go Yankees

Congratulations Phillies

It was a long season, and the Phillies came out on top. It was the first Series for the franchise since 1980, and only the second in their long history.

It was a well played Series, and while I had no team in this, I enjoyed thoroughly every game. It was well played ball.

The Hot Stove League kicks off today. Should be plenty of big names kicked about in the free agent pool, but the gem may be CC Sabathia.

No one significant is leaving the Rays, so they may be a force to be reckoned with for the next few years. Couple that with the good young pitchers they have to trade, and they may even get stronger next year. The Yankees and Sox need to reload.


Go Yankees

Giants and Jets win

The Giants battled the Steelers finally picking up a 21-14 win. This was a challenge for the G-men against a premiere team. The Steelers managed to shut down the Giants running game, and the highlight was a late first quarter goal line stand, stopping the G-men who were inside the 1. The Giant D was rocking as they picked off Big Ben 4 times. They also sacked him 4 times.
On the other side of the ball, Manning was 19-32, 199 yds. with a TD and 0 int.

The Jets eeked out a 28-24 win over the Chiefs. Favre continued to throw crazy passes into double coverage, and was picked off 3 times. Bret was 28 for 40 with 290 yards and a pair of TDs, but this was against a team that was a huge underdog.

In baseball news, the Phils won in an unbelievable ninth inning to go up 2 games to 1. I'm hoping to see them win, though I really have no dog in this fight.

Go Yankees

Giants win; Stupid Red Sox probably will

The Giants took care of the 49'ers today 29-17, in a game that wasn't as close as the final score. The Niners scored once on a blocked punt, so the G-men's offense really held them to only 10 points.
The Jets are playing the Raiders in the late (4:00) game in the NY area.

And the stupid Sox are playing a game 7 against the Rays tonight.

I can't believe it. I know the stupid Sox beat my Yankees by coming back from a 3-0 deficit a few years ago, but that was a Yankees team that had a staff that was out of gas. Last year's Indians (Boston also came back against them) team just didn't have the depth. But the Rays should have won easily once they wee up 3-1.
They are a better team, they have pitchers who are rested, and the staff was set up for the playoffs.

Stupid Sox.



Go Yankees

What's the deal with throwback Jerseys?

Last year this stupid thing started. The Jets were among the many teams that participated and played in the uniforms of the Titans, which was the original AFL team.



The team developed the nickname "Gang Green" and here they are wearing blue and gold. This is at least the second game this year that they have done this. It was interesting last year, and paid tribute to the NFL. Now, it's apparent that they are just looking to move merchandise.

It's stupid and needs to stop now.

The Giants are playing tomorrow night.

In the playoffs, the Rays lit up Beckett, while the Sox chased Kazmir. What was originally thought to be a pitcher's duel turned out to be a 7 HR slugfest with the Rays winning in extra innings.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers limp back to the West Coast down 2 games to 0. During the regular season, the teams split, and each team won all home games. It has continued through the playoffs.


Go Yankees

Giants Pound the Seahawks

The G-Men came to play today. They still have not allowed a first quarter TD, and the Giant offense is running like a well oiled machine as they put up 44 points against the Seahawks. The defense continues to prove stifling as they held the potent 'Hawks offense to 2 field goals.
The Giants are playing like they are the best team in football, and anyone thinking they just got lucky last year, must be reconsidering that now.
The defending Super Bowl champs are playing like they will do the improbable and repeat.
In the 4th quarter Manning came out of the game to give Carr a few snaps, and Carr drove the team in for a TD.
Manning wound up 19-25 with 267 yds and 2 TDs
Carr 1-1 with 5 yds and a TD
Jacobs rushed for 136 and scored twice
Giants put up at least a TD every quarter.

Looks like Peyton isn't going to be the best QB at the Manning's Thanksgiving dinner table this year