Pinstripe Alley

Bullpen hopefuls: Jonathan Albaladejo

2010-02-09T16:00:28Z

New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo reacts as Tampa Bay Rays' B.J. Upton, left, rounds the bases after hitting a fourth inning home run during a baseball game Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

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Jonathan Albaladejo is hardly a sexy choice for the final spot in the New York Yankee bullpen. Albaladejo, though, has impressed Manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland enough that he has made the team out of Spring Training in each of the past two seasons.

So, want to or not, we have to consider the sinker-balling right-hander a legitimate candidate to make the Opening Day roster again in 2010.

Albaladejo is one of those pitchers who is an innings-eater. A guy who does a decent job pitching an inning or two in the middle of a game, or just swallowing up innings in games when a team is behind. Yet, given chances by Girardi last season to move up in the bullpen pecking order, Albaladejo was never able to show that he had what it takes to consistently get key outs late in games.

He seems like a guy who is good enough to be on a big-league roster. He just isn't quite good enough to be truly important to a bullpen.

Albaladejo, 27, posted a 5.24 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP in 32 2009 appearances while shuttling between Scranton and New York. Fairly ugly numbers, and while he might be capable of somewhat better than that he is probably a guy destined to be a journeyman, shuttling from team to team for a few seasons.

As for this season, I could live with him making the team. After all, he is not completely terrible. As long as he isn't asked to get important 7th or 8th-inning outs. Whether he makes the team or not, we will probably see some of Albaladejo in New York at some point this summer.

New York Yankee notes: How the Bombers could fall apart

2010-02-09T12:41:05Z

Here are a few New York Yankee-related stories to entertain you while we wait impatiently for Spring Training, which is just a few days away.

As we know, the Yankees are one of those franchises in sports that you either love or hate. And we know Yankee-haters are just dying to see the Bronx Bombers fall flat on their collective $200 million faces after winning the World Series in 2009. The Orange County Register has a photographic, and sometimes light-hearted, look at how that could happen in 2010.
Bench? What bench? NoMaas is not impressed with the collection of spare parts General Manager Brian Cashman has assembled for the Yankee outfield.
Speaking of Cashman, he says Joe Girardi, Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter will have to wait until after the season to negotiate new contracts.
FanGraphs says Joba Chamberlain lost an average 2.5 miles-per-hour off his fastball in 2009, the biggest drop of any pitcher with at least 50 innings in the big leagues last season. We saw last post-season that Joba can still dial it up, but he just doesn't bring the same heat when he starts games.
Just like Derek Jeter used to work his way through the Maxim Hot 100 before Minka Kelly got ahold of him, Alex Rodriguez seems to be into Hollywood starlets. Seems he has moved on from Kate Hudson to Cameron Diaz.
River Avenue Blues tries to put together a former Yankee farmhand All-Star team.

Winn finalizes $1.1 million deal

2010-02-09T04:18:44Z

Winn finalizes $1.1 million deal

It's not $2 million like initially reported.

$1.1 million plus $900K (that Thames signed for) equals $2 million, the amount Cashman said he was under budget. So the roster looks to be set.

Thames signs minor-league deal

2010-02-08T21:06:04Z

Thames signs minor-league deal

Marcus Thames has signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees. Another right-handed bat to add to the outfield competition.

Young Pirate (and ex-Yankee) might not be so young

2010-02-08T20:39:54Z

Young Pirate (and ex-Yankee) might not be so young

I think everybody admits this is speculation, but usually rumors like this aren't completely fabricated out of thin air (see steroids).

The most to prove in 2010: Hitter's Edition

2010-02-08T19:00:21Z

More photos » Bill Kostroun - AP

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Robbie Cano is entering his age-27 season, the heart of his (historically speaking) prime. We've seen a Cano that makes us want to scream and another that surprises us he doesn't hit .400. Cano can be good enough to hit third for the $200 million New York Yankees but hasn't shown enough run-producing ability to warrant that. Now I know batting average w/ RISP is laden with problems (like small sample sizes and year to year vicissitudes), but Cano has never once, in his five-year career, hit better w/ RISP than without. And he's often hit significantly worse (an average of .50 worse, .306 career vs. .256 w/ RISP).

There's no way he'll be the #3 hitter with Tex in the mix now, but he could still step up and be an excellent #5 hitter. To do that, he'll have to hit better than .206 (his 2009 BA w/ RISP) and .256 (career BA w/ RISP).

Is it something psychological with him, or is it really just bad luck in RBI opportunities? His BABIP is .267 w/ RISP (vs. .346 with nobody on), so there certainly seems to be an element of luck, but my eyes tell me he presses and either gets too aggressive or too passive (the real test, line drive rate w/ RISP, does not seem to exist on the interweb). Fortunately for Robbie, he's not counted on to fill the run-producing five-hole. That will likely fall to Posada, Swisher or Granderson (at least against RHP). But if Cano is ever going to turn into the perennial All-Star we think he can be (rather than the guy who never lived up to his potential), this would be a fine year to start.

Gutty, gritty Brett Gardner will also feel the pressure this season. He'll likely be handed a full-time position out of Spring Training since the Yankees felt comfortable enough to trade away last year's starting centerfielder, Melky Cabrera. If he can merely reproduce last year's offensive output (.270/.345/.379, 26 SB, 5 CS, 107 wRC+), he'll be an asset. Whether he can do that over 500 PA (vs. 284 last year) is another story: can he survive starting for a full season? Will he get exposed playing everyday? Is he the long-term solution in centerfield? We'll likely have an answer at season's end. If Gardner can hit at an average-ish level, his baserunning and defense will make him an above-average player.

Curtis Granderson was acquired to play good defense and make the team younger. He'll feel the heat since he's declined each of the last two years, required two top prospects to get him, and is filling in for a beloved Yankee who made an indelible mark on postseason lore with a historic double-steal. Of the three candidates, Grandy has the most room for improvement from last year, which was well out of line with his career norms. But if anyone can handle the heat of New York, it's Granderson: if you've seen or heard interviews with him, you'll know he's down-to-earth and has his head on perfectly straight.

Poll

Who has the most to prove this year?

Here's a time-waster quiz to tide you over until spring training

2010-02-08T16:34:02Z

Since the Jeopardy baseball quiz was such a disappointment (Cubs, Pirates, Cubs, Pirates, the Babe), here's a Yankee- oriented quiz. Just identify the source and/or object of the quote. Please note: Nothing quotable has been said recently. Scoring 0 wrong- pat yourself on the back. 1-3 wrong, pat someone else on the back. More than that- what are you doing on this site? I'll post the answers in a few days if necessary, but it shouldn't be too hard for most of you.

1. On the first day of spring training he told the players to "line up alphabetically by height."

2. Identify both speaker and whom he was speaking about- "he couldn't spell 'cat' if you gave him the C A."

3. Identify both parties to these quotes- Mrs Yankee " You don't know what it's like having 30,000 people screaming your name everywhere you go." Yankee- "Oh yes I do."

4. Again, both parties- "He's a mouse studying to become a rat."

5. "In one year I went from Cy Young to Sayanara."

6. "If I had known it was about some kid trying to score with a girl I never would have done it."

7. Woman at summertime function to Yankee wearing a white suit- "why [Yankee], you look cool in that suit." [Yankee] "Thanks, you don't look so hot yourself."

8. "If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself."

9. "Hit'em where they aint." (He was a Yankee briefly at the end of his career).

10. (Again, speaker and subject) "We need Mr. October, he's Mr. May."

Good luck.

Feedback appreciated. If this amuses, we could throw together another.

Bullpen hopefuls: Boone Logan

2010-02-08T16:00:27Z

As we continue to look at pitchers who are probably in competition for the final spot or two in the season-opening New York Yankees bullpen, let's turn our attention to a pitcher the Yankees acquired via trade this off-season.

That would be 25-year-old left-hander Boone Logan, who came to the Yankees as part of the Javier Vazquez deal.

Logan has a less-than-impressive resume in parts of four big-league seasons with the Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves. In 127.2 innings, he has surrendered 158 hits and walked 58, a career WHIP of 1.69 -- way too high to be considered a trustworthy relief pitcher.

Logan has a career ERA of 5.78. Looking further, he is a left-handed specialist type whom lefties hit .266 off throughout Logan's career. He was better against left-handed hitters in 2009, however, as they hit .231 against him.

Logan has two avenues open to him for making the Yankees. If Manager Joe Girardi really wants two left-handers in his bullpen, Logan is the obvious choice. The Yankees dealt Phil Coke to Detroit and included Mike Dunn in the deal with Atlanta, so Logan has a clear path as the second lefty.

The other avenue for Logan is based on the health of Damaso Marte. The veteran lefty reliever is outstanding when healthy, as we saw in the 2009 playoffs and World Series. Marte missed a huge chunk of the season with shoulder problems, though. If he can't stay healthy for a full season, someone will have to get an occasional left-handed hitter out in the 6th through 8th innings.

Logan would be the likely choice at this point.

He has sort of a typical young left-handed pitcher reputation. Good stuff, inconsistent control and command. Not a guy I would feel great about trying to get key outs, at least not right now. But, it's tough to give up on 25-year-old left-handers with quality stuff. So, we will just to see if Logan can finally harness his talent and help the Yankees.

Around the Yankees Galaxy 2/8/2010

2010-02-08T09:00:28Z

-No news is good news as we start what figures to be another slow week for baseball. Aren't we just about due for another name to be released from the 104 anonymous positive steroid tests in 2004? (kidding)

-Hopefully we can end any speculation before it starts this season:

"Jeter's place in Yankee history is obvious, so I think you can pretty much assume from there" - Hank Steinbrenner

So there's no need to talk about contract nonsense. Derek Jeter will either play baseball for the Yankees in 2011 and beyond, or he won't play baseball. Let's leave it at that. Which isn't to say that the sentimental choice is always the best one - 40 year old middle-infielders are pretty uncommon in baseball history (especially ones who play their position well), but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

-No Maas asks the obvious question. Let's remember this is Boras talking, although hiring him to essentially run your PR says something about you as well.

-It's now been two years since the trade that never happened, and some people still don't seem to get it. There are two sides to the coin - "can't miss" prospects routinely do miss, but veteran players often see their careers derail due to injury or ineffectiveness. I think it's important to remember that the Yankees passed on Santana because they figured to sign Sabathia the next offseason.

Around the Yankee Galaxy: Who'll be #5?

2010-02-07T12:00:24Z

More photos » Elise Amendola - AP

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Joba Chamberlain is looking forward to the opportunity to win the fifth starter spot -

As a competitor, you want to be out there every fifth day and get that opportunity to fight and claw for your teammates.

That's what you're there for. I want that opportunity. I have to go out there and prove it, and I understand that. Nothing is handed to me and I like it that way, because that's the way it's been my whole life and my whole career. I'm going to go get the bull by the horns and get after it in Spring Training, and see what happens.

You've got to love his attitude.

Johnny Damon should've taken the two-year, $14 million deal the Yanks offered him and will be 'lucky to get whatever he gets,' according to an unnamed AL executive.
The Tigers and Braves are among the teams still interested in Damon, who is apparently seeking a two-year, $22 million deal. Good luck there, Johnny.
If Curtis Granderson wants to bounce back from a disappointing 2009, he needn't look any further than secondbase. Robbie Cano was among the best hitters at taking outside pitchers the other way (which he failed to do in 2008). Too often, Grandy tried to pull those pitches and grounded out or popped up. If Kevin Long can fix that problem, we may see a huge year from him.
Babe Ruth was born 115 years and one day ago, but the party at his museum in Baltimore was pushed to next Saturday because of the snowstorm.
On this day in 1949, Joe DiMaggio became the first baseballer to earn six figures when he signed a $100,000 contract.
A-Rod's 500th homerun ball sold for more than DiMaggio earned that year.

Stats and Standings Competition

2010-02-06T20:32:27Z

Stats and Standings Competition

Sign up to compete with other members of Pinstripe Alley in a stats and standings prediction competition! I will definitely be doing it, not sure who else will be!

You can sign up for a group here.

The groups ID #'s are 6 and 7 (stats 6 standings 7) and both groups passwords are payankees

Please make your ID your SB nation ID.

Hope to see you compete with us!

Papelbon's Future with the Red Sox

2010-02-06T16:40:00Z

More photos » Elise Amendola - AP

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon watches as the Los Angeles Angels celebrate their 7-6 win in Game 3 of an American League baseball division series in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009.

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After hearing that it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Jon Papelbon is in Boston after the 2010 season, I reached out to Logan Lietz of Over the Monster. Here is the interview:

BC: What year do you think Jon Papelbon will become a free agent?

LL: After contract discussions in January failed to net a long-term deal, yet again, it’s hard for me to imagine Papelbon being a member of the Red Sox past 2010. According to reports, he declined a two-year contract for around $15-16 million initially, before ultimately accepting the one-year deal for just over $6 million. Papelbon has been pretty vocal about his desire to test the free agent market and is pretty adamant about being paid like a top-notch closer should, something I’m not sure the Red Sox are prepared to accommodate. It’s an interesting situation, though. After just a few seasons with the club Papelbon has become the all-time saves leader, one of the faces of the franchise, and is a real representation of Boston’s developmental success in recent years. On the other hand, Epstein hasn’t hesitated to let players of his caliber go in the past if the asking price is too high -- Perdo Martinez being a good example of that.

BC: Do you think it is already decided that Dan Bard will be the closer of the future, or do you think the next year or two will decide that?

LL: I think that Daniel Bard is one of the main reasons why the Red Sox were fine signing Papelbon to just a one-year deal at this point. Bard will be one of the individuals to watch when monitoring this entire situation. If he does well in his current role as one of the set-up guys, it’ll obviously be easier to let Papelbon go following 2010. On the other hand, if he struggles we may see the Red Sox make a concerted effort to retain Papelbon long-term before he becomes eligible to test the market. At this point, I don’t think Boston is necessarily banking on Bard being the closer of the future as much as they are simply continuing to gauge his readiness, so to speak.

BC: Is it possible for the Red Sox to keep both Papelbon and Bard on the team for the next 5-10 years?

LL: While it is possible that both Bard and Papelbon become part of the Red Sox’s long-term plans, it’s also highly unlikely. As I said, Papelbon is doing his best to campaign his way into a large long-term contract, and with Bard waiting in the wings the chances of Boston appeasing his request is slim to none.

BC: Could the Red Sox try to trade Papelbon rather than non tender him or let him go to free agency?

LL: Trading Papelbon is not a farfetched idea by any means. Management has stated their willingness to go out and get a bat mid-2010 if need be, and if Bard does well, Papelbon could be movable. That scenario becomes more likely in the event that Josh Beckett does well enough to garner a long-term contract extension as he has been the other big name thrown around in potential mid-season trades. Adrian Gonzalez’s representation has recently declared him too expensive for San Diego’s long-term plans, so we’ll see how attractive Papelbon is to the Padres if the situation comes to fruition.

BC: Any other inside info or commentary you have about the prospects of Papelbon not being in a Red Sox uniform in the future?

LL: As far as inside information regarding Papelbon’s future with the Red Sox -- like I said, there have been numerous reports here and there suggesting that Papelbon has heavy interest in testing the free agent market. I think the fact that he declined a two-year deal that would have paid him around $8 million a year in favor of a one-year $6.25 million contract is telling. Not to mention the fact that Papelbon has even stated in the past that he isn’t adverse to playing in a Yankees uniform if the money is right.

BC: What uniform will Papelbon be in in the following: 2011, 2012, 2013?

LL: Personally, I think that Papelbon finishes 2010 in a Red Sox’s uniform before subsequently signing elsewhere. Where he signs is anyone’s guess, but wherever it is, it will likely be a long-term deal worth a lot of money -- which is certainly warranted given his success and consistency the past few years in Boston.

Thanks again to Logan for the help. Continue reading after the jump for my analysis/opinion

Personally, I agree with Logan on the last question. I do think that Papelbon will finish 2010 as a member of the Red Sox unless something crazy happens. As much as I think Papelbon is a great closer, I would HATE to see him in a Yankees uniform. He represents everything that I hate in a player and also has called out Mariano Rivera in the past. I would hope that Paplebon signs with an NL Central or West team so I don't have to see much of him in the future.

Also, this year will be a very interesting year for Boston. If Bard struggles, do the Red Sox pay Papelbon? If Bard pitches well enough do the Red Sox just let Papelbon go? Tough decisions!

P.S. I'd like some feedback on whether or not I should keep doing Q&A's.

Saturday News: The Tools of Ignorance

2010-02-06T12:00:50Z

More photos » Wang Yuguo - AP

Is China the next Latin America?

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One of the best things to happen to me this week is this post over at our sister-site, Beyond the Boxscore.

If you have an interest in sabermetrics, there's some must reads there (most of which I haven't read yet, but I will).

Let's start with the fun stuff: how do you say that? I'd have said L-O-B, rather than lob, as in toss.

The Hardball Times likes Verlander's new extention, calling it a bargain for the Tigers while still setting up Verlander for an AJ-esque extention at 31. The free agent starters to watch are down to Josh Beckett and Cliff Lee.

Mustn't ever let a chance go by.

Steve Lombardi of WasWatching thinks the pitching staff will miss Jose Molina. I acknowledge that the Yankee pitchers pitched their best when Molina was behind the plate.

But that doesn't mean that they pitched their best because Molina was behind the plate.

Steve is kind enough to list BABIP for the catchers over the last 3 years: in each season, Yankees pitchers posted BABIP 8-15 points lower with Molina behind the plate than with Jorge there. Pitch selection could make a difference, but more likely the difference is Posada catching more 'junk' innings from mediocre pitchers at the end of games that are not save situations.

Oh, NYPost. If you need a Damon fix:

If you turn them down for that, you deserve one year for $3 million or whatever he is going to get. In February, teams have got guys in place. My feeling is that now he is going to be lucky to get whatever he gets. It’s still supply and demand in this game. And Johnny’s arrow is in the middle or going down.

The thing that baffles me about this is how could a professional misjudge this market for a 36 year old LF/DH? Just counting the teams with openings and the number of players available meant there were going to be several players left without chairs. Cashman said as much as the winter meetings.

MVA: Most Valuable Asset (Non-Cervelli Division)

2010-02-06T05:38:59Z

A couple weeks ago, there was a post on The Hardball Times about who was the most valuable asset in baseball today. The story discussed not who was the best player in baseball, that title (according to THT at least) belongs to Albert Pujols. A close second is Joe Mauer, who can be considered more valuable simply because of the age advantage he holds on Pujols as well as the fact that he plays a far more premium position. The latter reason suggests decline on Mauer's part though, catchers tend to peak earlier and rarely hit in their 30s the way they did in their mid to late 20s.

The article goes on to dismiss household names like Sabathia, Utley, Rodriguez, Halladay, and Ichiro, arguing that their advanced age will also deny them the chance to continue to put up their regular numbers a great deal longer.

A more realistic winner for "MVA" would be someone like Zach Greinke or Evan Longoria. That is, a young, proven superstar locked in with his team for a long time.

This got me thinking: Who is the "MVA" of the Yankees? It could be argued that Sabathia, Rodriguez, or Derek Jeter are the most important assets to our current team. What about a few years down the road though? Sabathia, Rodgriguez, Burnett, and Teixeira will all still be with the team, but some may not be as productive as others at that point.

It could be Robinson Cano, he's still relatively young and locked in with our team for quite some time. He plays a premium position with solid defense and was no doubt an important contributer on 2009's championship team.

It could even be Joe Girardi. Love him or hate him, he did contribute on our World Series win last year as well.

Maybe even Jesus Montero. Sure, he has yet to play a game past AA, but with the way his power numbers already are, many can see him making a huge impact in the Bronx in 2011 whether he's playing Catcher or Left Field.

Maybe it's not even a player at all. Perhaps it's just the aura of the Yankees. As one of cinema's greatest actors once said in a rather good movie no less: "You know why the Yankees always win?.... It's 'cause the other team can't stop staring at those damn pinstripes."

I was originally going to knock this poll down into a simple survey, but the amount of options seemed rather great, so I'll make it an open-ended question: who is the Most Valuable Asset* in the Yankees' freanchise today?

*As the title says, this of course does not include Francisco Cervelli. He was given that award years ago. This is more or less a consolation prize for the others.

If 'baseball' was the final category on Jeopardy

2010-02-05T17:06:19Z

If 'baseball' was the final category on Jeopardy

How much would you wager?

Take the test and see how you do. But remember, only 30 seconds per question and no looking up the answers...

There were some toughies but I got 8/10. Considering that, and assuming I'm tied with the other contestants, I'd wager all but a dollar (especially considering the recent ease of their sports questions).

I'd like to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee (fan)

2010-02-05T17:00:29Z

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As reported by Ken Belson -

For Mets fans, Oct. 19, 2006, is a date which will live in infamy... The place: Shea Stadium. The scene: Bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth of Game Seven of the NLCS. The moment: Carlos Beltran watched a curveball from Adam Wainwright cross the plate for strike three. Game over. The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Mets and advance to the World Series.

Mets fans do not need to wait until October to recall this grim slice of team history. The nugget can be found amongst the 365 days of trivia and facts stuffed into the 2010 team calendar.

An inordinate number of questions focus on the team's ineptitude and paucity of standard bearers. No Mets players, we learn, ever hit three home runs in a game at Shea Stadium, but three visiting players did. Only one Mets player has ever been most valuable player in the All-Star Game. And so on.

The word "only" is used liberally, as in "only" one Mets second baseman has won a Gold Glove award. Anthony Young's 27-game losing streak gets fair treatment.

Oh, to be a Mets fan...

New York Yankee notes: Hank lives!

2010-02-05T14:00:52Z

Hank has been found! For the first time in very, very long time Hank Steinbrenner surfaced Thursday and talked a little bit about the state of the New York Yankees.

"The two trades that Brian did I was really pleased with and very proud of," Steinbrenner. a team co-chairman, said Thursday. "I think that is going to make a big difference for us.

"We needed another top-notch starter and got one," Steinbrenner said.

Thanks for approving, Hank. Now, please crawl back into whatever cave you have been hiding in and let Brian Cashman and your brother, Hal, run the team. They are doing just fine without you.

NoMaas has a terrific interview with BaseballAmerica writer John Manuel in which they discuss the Yankee farm system. Here is Manuel's take on the overall state of the farm system.

"Not bad, certainly not ideal, but then it's not usual for a team to both win a World Series championship and have a great farm system simultaneously. The system contributed heavily to the 2009 championship with a nearly completely homegrown bullpen, plus Cabrera, Cano and Brett Gardner being contributors from the system in the last five years, and then the system contributed again this offseason with the Granderson deal. I'd be satisfied but also cognizant of the need to bring more out of some of the system's top talents."
Here is the audio of an MLB Network interview with Derek Jeter.

Bullpen hopefuls: Sergio Mitre

2010-02-05T12:00:33Z

I started a series on New York Yankee bullpen hopefuls Thursday with a look at Mark Melancon. As optimistic as we may feel about Melancon, and as much as we may want to see him in New York, I am not sure today's candidate will give you the same warm-and-fuzzy feelings.

Today we talk about Sergio Mitre. Yep, like it or not Mitre is unquestionably a candidate for the last spot in the Yankee bullpen. And if you want to believe Manager Joe Girardi -- which I don't -- Mitre is also a serious candidate for the fifth-starter slot in the rotation.

Mitre was anything but impressive in 12 games (9 starts) for the Yankees in 2009. He was 3-3 with a 6.79 ERA and a 1.626 WHIP. Still, he is a favorite of Girardi's going back to when Mitre, 28, pitched for Florida and Girardi was the Marlins' skipper.

Mitre might be serviceable as the 12th man on the staff to pitch mop-up duty or long relief in blowout games. I can live with him making the staff out of Spring Training only if the logic is to allow a "prospect" like Melancon or Romulo Sanchez to get regular innings at AAA until they are needed in the Bronx.

To me, though, the best spot for Mitre is in the Scranton-Wilkes Barre rotation. That way he can be stretched out and ready to step in if the Yankees need a fill-in starter for a couple of games. Plus, he won't be taking a bullpen spot from a guy with a bigger upside.

The 'Legitimate' Home Run King

2010-02-05T00:00:30Z

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So says an advertising company in Roger Maris' hometown of Fargo, North Dakota. (If nothing else, they're damn good at drawing attention.)

If you live in the New York area, you can see and take photos of yourself with the World Series trophy in White Plains on Saturday. If you do, be sure to post them here.

It's a good thing the Yankees signed Sabathia and Burnett when they did because almost every young ace out there has recently signed a long-term contract: Felix and Verlander were the latest. Cliff Lee's got to be ecstatic - he'll be the premier pitcher on next year's free-agent market.

HotStove.com interview video

2010-02-05T00:00:22Z

Enjoyed my segment on HotStove.com this afternoon. Interesting questions, and I tried to have some fun with my answers. Also tried to make sure I gave appropriate praise to the Almighty Francisco Cervelli. The video is below. Let me know what you think.

Thanks to the folks at Hot Stove for inviting me on.