text:
Results tagged ' Derek Jeter '
Fear becomes Reality…
During the off-season, when Robinson Cano walked for the cash in Seattle, I was worried about first base when the other holes popped up at second and third base. The Yankees weakly filled the other holes with injury-prone Brian Roberts and utility-man Kelly Johnson while spending millions elsewhere on the roster.
Shortstop has been a concern as an aging Derek Jeter attempts to make his comeback from a serious ankle injury.
Catcher was truly the only infield position of strength with newcomer Brian McCann backed superbly by Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine and John Ryan Murphy.
But first base was and still is my primary concern. The Yankees did nothing to bring a solid backup to the team as a hedge against Mark Teixeira's health. So, when Teixeira went to the DL this week due to a muscle strain in his leg, the Yankees had no legitimate first baseman on the roster. As it stands, Kelly Johnson has become the team's first baseman. When Johnson signed, Cano was still a possible return so Johnson was viewed as the team's super-sub. Then, Cano left and Alex Rodriguez was suspended for the season, and Johnson found himself as the starting third baseman. Now Teixeira's gone, and Johnson stands at first. It is great that he's so versatile, but the Yankees are so vulnerable with its current infield.
Yangervis Solarte has been a godsend but realistically I do not expect the guy to continue to play all season like he has in its first few games. He is an aging minor leaguer who had never gotten a major league shot and there's reasons for why that happened. Yes, late bloomers can happen, but I am too much of a realist to believe that the Yankees have struck gold with the minor league free agent. I like him in a bench role, but now he's the apparent starting third baseman along with another career minor leaguer, Dean Anna.
Mark Teixeira has always concerned me with his notorious slow starts and now he has other issues for us to worry about. I really thought that the Yankees needed to bring in a strong first baseman to help cover for Teixeira. This is where someone like Nick Swisher is really missed. An outfielder who can easily step in to play first.
When I heard that the Mets were dangling Ike Davis, I thought he'd be the perfect guy for the Yanks to pursue despite his underwhelming performance and injuries with the Mets. Son of a former Yankee (former Goose Gossage setup man, Ron Davis), I thought that Davis might benefit from a change in scenery. In a supporting role for Tex, Davis would be in a good spot to resurrect his career. The cost to acquire Davis would be less than acquiring a more frontline first baseman, but of course, on the day Teixeira was placed on the DL, Davis hit a grand slam to win a game for the Mets. It should be noted that on the same day, the Yanks did not score any runs in a 4-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Right now, I think that Ichiro Suzuki's presence on the roster is hurting the team. For the Yankees to call-up Scranton/Wilkes Barre first baseman Russ Canzler, the Yankees would have to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. The Yankees need more help for the infield than they do with the outfield. Alfonso Soriano provide good relief as the fourth outfielder/DH, and the ever-versatile Johnson can play there as well.
The Yankees need to go out and get Plan B for first base, and perhaps move Ichiro along the way.
Ready or not, here's the 2014 New York Yankees!…
Introducing the 2014 New York Yankees. With the demotion of Eduardo Nunez to AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankees have finalized, for now, their major league roster as the team heads to Houston to open the season against the Astros.
Starting rotation:
- CC Sabathia
- Hiroki Kuroda
- Ivan Nova
- Masahiro Tanaka
- Michael Pineda
No great surprises here. There was talk of a spring battle between David Phelps and Pineda, but I never expected Pineda to lose the last spot in the rotation regardless of how well Phelps pitched. I personally prefer to see Phelps as the long man in the pen. I think he is better suited for that role than Pineda and of course he'll be the first arm called upon if the Yankees lose any of the starters to injury.
- David Robertson
Again, no surprises. This job is Robertson's to lose. While the Yankees do not have any relievers with proven closing experience on the active roster should Robertson falter, Andrew Bailey looms in the wings when he returns to active duty later in the year. My hope is that Robertson takes the job and runs with it. He disappointed in the role a couple of years ago when Mariano Rivera was lost for the season and Rafael Soriano ended up as the team's primary closer. But that was then and this is now. It is my hope the Yankees never have to look for Plan B.
- Shawn Kelley
- Dellin Betances
This is an area of concern. It was great having a setup artist like Robertson. Kelley was good in the pen last year, but he's no David Robertson. I am hopeful that this is Dellin's niche after his previous prospect status as a future starter. I would like to see him develop into the clear-cut 8th inning option to set the bridge to Robertson. It's also great to see a NYC-born player on the main stage.
Lefty specialist:
- Matt Thornton
His departure in free agency was very quiet, but I was sad to see Boone Logan leave. I am not convinced that Matt Thornton is the answer. He's been a great reliever over the course of his career but his best days are behind him. The Boston Red Sox even left him off the post-season roster last fall. I thought that Cesar Cabral would make the team as second lefty, but the Yankees expressed a greater need for long relief in the early days of the season so that solidified a position for Vidal Nuno. Thornton may be starting the season as the Yankees' lefty specialist but I doubt he finishes it.
Long relief:
- David Phelps
- Adam Warren
- Vidal Nuno
I expect it to take a few months for Joe Girardi to find the right pieces for the bullpen but I fully expect him to make it a team strength by September. Tampa's Joe Maddon has shown a tremendous ability to piece together a strong bullpen from a collection of spare parts, and I have every confidence Joe Girardi has the same ability.
- Brian McCann
- Francisco Cervelli
Honestly, I thought the Yankees would trade Cervelli in spring training and make Austin Romine or John Ryan Murphy the backup catcher. But, aside from my disappointment with Cervelli last year due to his drug suspension, I do like the player and his intensity. McCann has been everything as advertised. I have been particularly impressed by how he was gone out of his way to get to know his pitchers. I had always heard he was a great team leader on the Atlanta Braves and that continues to hold true with his presence in the Yankees locker room.
First base:
- Mark Teixeira
Let's just say that I am cautiously optimistic there are no lingering problems related to last year's wrist injury.
Second base:
- Brian Roberts
- Yangervis Solarte
I really do not expect Roberts to stay healthy so I hope he proves me wrong. I was glad to see Solarte make the team over Eduardo Nunez, and I hope his success in the spring carries over to the regular season. But it will be a long time before we see Robinson Cano-like production at this position. I just hope the position doesn't become the team's Achilles heel this year.
- Derek Jeter
- Dean Anna
It will be bittersweet watching Jeter on his farewell tour, but a key to the season will be the performance of Jeter's backups as he won't be able to do this alone.
Third base:
- Kelly Johnson
Solarte will also spend time at this position, but overall, I am disappointed the Yankees did not do more to try and upgrade this position. I do not like uncertainty at both second and third, in combination with a 40 year old shortstop and a first baseman attempting to come back from a serious wrist injury. After years of rumors, maybe this is the year that Chase Headley becomes a Yankee. Time will tell.
Left field:
- Brett Gardner
The team has made a significant investment in Gardner despite their acquisition of Jacoby Ellsbury. While I love team speed, I always shutter when I think of the Yankees attempt to convert to speed in the 1980's with the signing of Dave Collins. I know this is a complete different situation that draws no parallel to the 80's disaster, but I still prefer the three run homer.
Center field:
- Jacoby Ellsbury
It still seems weird to see this name in the Yankees lineup. Nevertheless, he's here and I hope, really hope that he can stay healthy. I know, that's asking a lot. If he's hurt, Gardner slides to center and Soriano is the starting left fielder which will weaken team offense and defense.
Right field:
- Carlos Beltran
This might the position that I have the least amount of concerns with. I fully expect it to be business as usual for the 36 year old Beltran. He's happy and excited to be in the Bronx, and he's played under more difficult conditions in the past and has prospered.
- Alfonso Soriano
I expect some of the team's older players to rotate through DH, but Soriano should get the bulk of the at-bat's in what most likely will be his final year in pinstripes regardless of whether or not his playing career continues. I can see Derek Jeter getting a healthy number of DH at-bat's but this goes back to how well Jeter's backups at short can perform.
Role to be determined:
- Ichiro Suzuki
In actuality, he'll be the team's fifth outfielder. I expect Soriano to be the first option should any holes open in the outfield. This is a sad way for a Hall of Fame career to end. I had hoped that the Yankees would trade Ichiro to a team that had a greater need for his services than they do out of respect for the legendary player. It may still happen, but at this point, I'd rather see someone like Zoilo Almonte as the reserve outfielder behind Soriano.
Ichiro aside, I think the two most vulnerable players for roster moves are Dean Anna (when Brendan Ryan returns in May) and Vidal Nuno (I can see Cesar Cabral being promoted in mid-April).
I'd like to say that I am very optimistic about the 2014 season but the uncertainty of the infield and the unproven bullpen give me hesitation. I do not think the Yankees have done enough (despite all those dollars) to close the gap with the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Neither the Toronto Blue Jays nor the Baltimore Orioles will be pushovers in what is arguably baseball's toughest division.
I do feel better about this team than last year's version. People have said the Yankees over-achieved to reach 85 wins and that the Yankees are still an 85 win team despite the upgrades. I think they can reach 90 wins and perhaps a few more if the pieces come together (younger players take it to the next level, the right in-season acquisitions, and strong overall performance from the team collectively). It may not be enough to reach October, but the Yankees will help determine who does go.
I am glad that the baseball season is upon us. It should be an exciting and memorable year. Time for Joe Girardi's masterful encore performance…
Feeling better than last year, but…
With the current state of the Yankees' infield, I remain worried if Plan A does not come to fruition. I still have not been able to wrap my head around Kelly Johnson being the everyday third baseman. I feel that he is so much more useful in a utility role. It would be great If Eduardo Nunez, Yangervis Solarte or Dean Anna could step it up to the next level, but that's not something I am counting on. Maybe the source of my discomfort with the infield is that Stephen Drew is still available. I know, he costs money and maybe it's too much for the Yankees given their huge off-season investments. However, Drew would secure third base (with a little help from his "friends", i.e., Nunez, Johnson et al).
With questions about Mark Teixeira's wrist and how that will impact his power, whether or not Brian Roberts can prove he is still the player of yesteryear, and Derek Jeter's ability to bounce back from a severe ankle injury at an advanced age, we do not need third base to be a question too.
Catching is set. This is the best I've felt about the position since Jorge Posada was in his prime. I like Francisco Cervelli as the back-up, but if his trade value could help other areas of the team like the infield or the bullpen, then I'd be in favor of a trade. I feel that Austin Romine or John Ryan Murphy are capable of supporting Brian McCann.
For a change, the outfield is not a question mark. It's great to know that the outfield is so good that Alfonso Soriano is the fourth outfielder and Ichiro Suzuki, a sure-fire Hall of Famer, is essentially a man without a position. Of course, that could change quickly if injuries were to impact Jacoby Ellsbury, Brett Gardner and/or Carlos Beltran. I am hopeful that this is a major move forward in the developmental progress of prospect Mason Williams so that he, along with Slade Heathcott, can be serious contenders for Soriano's spot next year.
Nothing against David Phelps, but I am pulling for Michael Pineda to secure the fifth spot in the pitching rotation. I really like Phelps as the long man. He provides the consistency, support and flexibility that Ramiro Mendoza brought to the team years ago.
I am cautiously optimistic that the duo of Shawn Kelley and Dellin Betances will provide the level of set up support for David Robertson that Robertson provided for Mariano Rivera. That will go a long way toward determining how successful the 2014 Yankees can be.
There are not too many Plan B's available on the current roster. As current set, the Yankees will need the cards to fall right for them to contend in October. This could be a 90-win team if all goes right, but conversely, it could just as easily be an 80-win team if it does not.
In my opinion, the Boston Red Sox remain the team to beat. They are the champions until proven otherwise. The AL East, perhaps baseball's most competitive division, has improved. Tampa Bay, Toronto and Baltimore have all made solid off-season moves. The O's were quiet for most of the off-season but their late signings of Ubaldo Jimenez, Nelson Cruz, and Johan Santana could pay dividends. Never underestimate a team managed by Buck Showalter. Tampa Bay has arguably baseball's best manager so it's a certainly that he'll have his team in the race at the end.
This is my first prediction for the final season standings in the AL East:
- 1. Boston Red Sox
- 2. Tampa Bay Rays
- 3. New York Yankees
- 4. Toronto Blue Jays
- 5. Baltimore Orioles
But you could probably throw these team names into a hat and pull them out in random order and it could be the potential finish. I doubt Boston or Tampa finish anything worse than third, but the other three, including the Yankees, have the potential of finishing anywhere in the standings.
This should be a very fun and exciting year…
We asked and he delivered…
Budget, Smudget…
What more could we have asked of the Steinbrenner family? Seriously, the Steinbrenners opened their purse strings this off-season even if the infield is in a state of flux. Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran, Kelly Johnson, Brian Roberts, Matt Thornton, Andrew Bailey, and last but not least Masahiro Tanaka. For a team that stood pat the previous off-season, the Yankees over-compensated this year.
It would have been nice to Robinson Cano's bat mixed in with the new offense, but if he had stayed, it's likely that Tanaka would be in Chicago or Los Angeles, and Beltran would be with the Red Sox or another team that expressed interest. Time will tell if it was the right move, but I think the Yanks were wise not to throw a quarter of a billion dollars at Cano.
When Brett Gardner re-signed with the Yankees this week, he mentioned that it didn't matter if he got what he did or twice as much, it wasn't going to change his lifestyle and he wanted to be a Yankee. It's the last part of the previous sentence that Cano didn't feel. That only reinforces the Yankees decision to move on. I do not realistically expect Brian Roberts to recapture his glory days. I would have preferred Kelly Johnson at second with the Yankees bringing in another third base solution, but when you spend as much as the Yankees did in the last few months, something has to give. With the Yankees, you know that a spring trade or a July deadline deal is not out of the question.
Sure, the team is banking on another stellar managerial performance by Joe Girardi, but I feel much better going into this season than I did last year. Last year, it literally felt like a team that wouldn't make it the distance. This year, I feel the team has a legitimate shot. A few guys need to step it up a level but that's within the realm of possibility. It's not exactly like we are asking Brendan Ryan to be the second coming of Derek Jeter.
The wild card is obviously Michael Pineda. If he continues to pitch like he is capable of, he will bring so much to the end of the rotation. A healthy and productive Pineda is far superior to the inconsistency that Phil Hughes provided. With Jesus Montero 40 lbs overweight in Seattle, this could be the year that Pineda makes "the trade" pro-New York.
Masahiro Tanaka may be billed as Andy Pettitte's replacement but next year, he'll most likely be current teammate Hiroki Kuroda's replacement. But for now, I am very glad that Kuroda is there to serve as mentor for his countryman. I've wondered if Kuroda's presence, along with the Yankees money, brought Tanaka to New York. If I was coming to a foreign country, the idea of another American would be very appealing to me.
With the Yankees extending Brett Gardner, and the Cincinnati Reds doing the same with Homer Bailey, there should be no more Gardner for Bailey rumors. As a hopeful optimist for Michael Pineda and his spot in the rotation, this is a best case scenario. I am a bit concerned with two speed-first guys in the outfield (why do I keep thinking about Dave Collins?) but Alfonso Soriano brings the bat along with Carlos Beltran. I am anxious to see how Jacoby Ellsbury's bat plays in Yankee Stadium for 81 games rather than just the usual 9 or 10.
Andrew Bailey. I am not quite sure why the Yankees signed Bailey but he's a hedge against a David Robertson meltdown. Of course, Bailey won't be available until late season so if Robertson fails miserably, they'll need another solution. While Robertson has proven to be a great set up guy, the 9th inning is a different story. He failed in his brief audition before getting hurt the year Mariano Rivera was lost for the season with the knee injury suffered in Kansas City. Rafael Soriano stepped in and provided super relief following Robertson's unsuccessful stint. With Soriano now entrenched as the closer for the Washington Nationals, there's no safety net. Bailey offers the only proven closing experience yet he's not going to be an option until July or later. My hope is that Robertson seizes the role. I was skeptical when Mariano Rivera replaced John Wetteland and that one turned out okay. Alright, a little better than okay…
Sorry that my posts have been infrequent but I've been in the midst of a move from the West to East Coast. I am not in a major league city but I can get to New York for a weekend so that's all that matters. This should be a good year for making home games at Yankee Stadium after a few years of only away games while living in the Golden State.
I am so ready for the regular season to begin and yet the spring games are still a day or two away. Oh well, that's more time for the Yankees to strengthen the infield…
And the WINNER is…
For months, the talk centered on prized Japanese pitcher Mashiro Tanaka. He was highly touted as the most valuable free agent pitcher on the market. Of course, his free agency began slowly when there was doubt if his Japanese team would allow him to be posted, particularly after the posting fee was capped at $20 million. Nevertheless, Tanaka was subsequently posted, as we all know.
Almost immediately, the Yankees were regarded as the frontrunner. But given that any team to offer to pay the $20 million posting fee, it opened the field to any team that wanted to make a run at the latest Japanese import. Early on, there was talk that the Seattle Mariners would make a play for Tanaka. It was said that the Los Angeles Dodgers would not be outbid, and the Chicago Cubs were completely enamored with the idea of Tanaka headlining their rotation. The Los Angeles Angels and the Arizona Diamondbacks were other teams mentioned as strong possibilities.
I read that the Mariners were favorites because the team is predominantly owned by Nintendo and Los Angeles was cited because of its close proximity to Japan and its strong Asian community. There was talk that some team would make a surprise late bid, kind of like what the Angels when they signed Albert Pujols.
I never really expected the Dodgers to be "all-in". They had their own pending free agent to be in Clayton Kershaw and they couldn't make a ridiculously high bid without driving up their costs to retain Kershaw. They subsequently re-signed Kershaw to a $215 million deal, but I still didn't think they'd go hard after Tanaka. I did think the Chicago Cubs were a strong challenger for Tanaka despite prior rumors that he preferred a coastal destination. If I have learned anything with Major League Baseball, it's to never underestimate Theo Epstein.
But fortunately, when Tanaka finally made his decision, he was a Yankee. Almost instantly, the stories about his superior talent turned to questions about how he'll make the adjustment to life in America and how he is a #2 or #3 starter at best. Everyone is now quick to say that he does not have the talent of Yu Darvish, and I've seen the name "Kei Igawa" more than I'd care to in recent days. But still, this was a move that the Yankees HAD to make. With a weak farm system at the upper levels, they had no choice but to overpay for young pitching talent with solid upside. With the hype surrounding Tanaka (who went 24-0 in Japan last year), he also represents a gate attraction. With Tanaka in the fold, the Yankees become the second major league team to have two Japanese players in their starting pitching rotation (the first was the Dodgers with Hideo Nomo and Kaz Ishii). If the Japanese media made it a circus following Hideki Matsui, they'll have a field day following the trio of Tanaka, Hiroki Kuroda and Ichiro Suzuki.
The realist in me knows not to expect top of the rotation stuff from Tanaka. I know the Yankees want more, but I'd be very satisfied if he could give the Yankees what Kuroda has for the last two years. This is most likely Kuroda's last year, and it is good that Tanaka will have a year to spend under Hiroki's wing. I think that will greatly aid his transition to the United States and MLB.
I thought that it would take a contract of 7 years, $140 million to sign Tanaka. So, the Yankees did overbid in that regard. Today I saw an article that one GM speculated the next highest bid were the Cubs and D-Backs at $120 million. I really doubt the gap between the Yankees and the others was that great. The same source mentioned the Dodgers were at $119 million which doesn't make sense as everyone knew it would take $120 million plus to sign Tanaka. My guess is the Cubs and Dodgers were in the vicinity of $140 million plus. Not bad for a pitcher who has never thrown a major league pitch.
While I would still like to see an additional pitcher brought to camp, there is potential with a rotation that features CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Masahiro Tanaka, Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda or David Phelps. If Pineda could possibly show the potential that caused the Yankees to trade for him (prior to the injuries), the rotation could be very strong. While I would not be opposed to seeing Bronson Arroyo or Ubaldo Jimenez signed, I think the Yankees need to focus on the infield. Yes, they've brought in San Diego's Dean Anna, signed Kelly Johnson, Brian Roberts and Scott Sizemore, and still have Eduardo Nunez but there are too many questions. What happens if Mark Teixeira struggles in his return, or Derek Jeter? Neither of those positions are air tight without getting into the holes at second and third. Jeter will be 40, and Teixeira is a notoriously slow starter. April could be a very challenging month.
My preference would be to find a decent third baseman so that Kelly Johnson could be the primary second baseman. But the team is probably enamored with the idea that Roberts is capable of rebounding from the injury filled years that have plagued him since 2009. Scott Sizemore is nothing more than camp fodder. One magazine I read said "But other than OK pop and a few walks, offers little even when healthy". Anna is nothing more than a potential reserve.
Catching and the outfield is set, but there is still work to be done in the infield and in the bullpen. I agree with the choice to anoint David Robertson as the closer, but there needs to be an insurance plan in place. Grant Balfour would have been a great option but he is now a Tampa Bay Ray once again. I don't want Fernando Rodney, but the Yankees need someone who is capable of closing games if Robertson is not up to the task. If Boston can find an elite closer as their fourth choice last year, there are potential arms that can be found. I really hated to see the departure of Boone Logan. Not much has been written about it, but I can only hope that Matt Thornton is a capable, albeit older, replacement. I know the team has long admired lefty Cesar Cabral so perhaps this is Cabral's year to take it to the next level. I'd also like to see Dellin Betances take advantage of his opportunity and become a force in the pen. I guess every team thinks they can follow the Tampa blueprint for bullpen success given how the Rays are always able to craft something out of nothing.
With pitchers and catchers reporting to training camp in a few weeks, I am sure that the transaction wires will be busy as teams, and most notably the Yankees, look to create playoff caliber rosters.
For the Yankees, while it will be great to see Brian McCann show up to become his orientation with the Yankee pitchers, the cameras and the reporters will be flocked around #19, Masahiro Tanaka, as he begins his pinstriped career. Time to build upon last year's 85 wins and return the Yankees to October baseball. With the commitment the Yankees have shown this off-season, it's clear their last move was not their "last" move.
Go Yankees!
For the 2014 Yankees, there is still much work to do…
The highs and lows of the Hot Stove League, thus far…
For Yankees fans, the off-season started nicely. After early speculation that manager Joe Girardi might jump to the Chicago Cubs, he re-signed a long-term deal with the Yankees and expressed it was his desire to remain in New York. All good.
Then, Derek Jeter quickly signed a one year deal with negotiations that where smooth, quick and efficient (unlike the prior Jeter negotiations). It remains to be seen if we'll get the Jeter of 2012 or the injured, aging 2013 model, but there's no question that Jeter must finish his career in pinstripes. I don't think Derek would want to go anywhere else at this point anyway, but still, he is the face of the franchise and he'll forever be remembered as one of its legends. In the distant future, when the old greats from the 50's Dynasty era are gone (Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford, among others), it will be guys like Jeter that maintain the honor and tradition in baseball's most storied franchise.
The Yankees struck fast in signing free agent catcher Brian McCann after last year's parade of backups in the starting role. It gives the team its first legitimate starter at the position since Russell Martin left, and the best offensive bat at the position since Jorge Posada retired. This is a move that places backup catchers Francisco Cervelli, J.R. Murphy, and Austin Romine in a better position to succeed. At first pass, I expect Cervelli to take the backup job in spring training but the other two are capable. On the days that McCann slides to DH, the catching position will be capable hands.
Next came a big surprise. I honestly did not see the Yankees signing centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. While I have been a fan of Ellsbury's work, it didn't seem to be a great need for the team. Brett Gardner has been an effective centerfielder, and has the speed to burn. Still, Ellsbury's signing upgrades the position and allows the Yankees to slide Gardner to left where he a defensive upgrade over Alfonso Soriano. The concern here is that by making Soriano the full-time DH, it does limit the DH opportunities for Derek Jeter and Brian McCann. Soriano's bat is still very valuable, and it's much needed in the lineup.
Then came the bittersweet day of Friday, December 6th. The night before, there had been reports that second baseman Robinson Cano had flown to Seattle, but in the morning, the early reports indicated that talks had stalled or perhaps even ended. It gave a brief ray of hope that he'd come back to the Yankees, but those hopes were soon dissolved when it was reported Cano had agreed to a 10-year $240 million deal with the Mariners. While it's tough to lose a great player, perhaps the team's best, it is simply too hard to justify those numbers. I have enjoyed the early 30's version of Cano at second, but in his late 30's and early 40's, the prospect doesn't look too promising at $24 million per year. That's a huge chunk of any team's overall payroll. I think of when Chase Utley was the premier second baseman, but now, with injuries, he has become a shell of what he once was. What happens if Cano does not age well? I guess I am not a gambling man and would prefer that the M's take that bet. $240 million can be better spent by spreading it over multiple positions rather than locking it into only one.
This is where I find Robinson Cano to be extremely selfish. You can't begrudge anyone from wanting as much money as they can get, but this is a team game and every team has a budget…even the Yankees. If it were me, I would have taken the Yankees offer of 7 years at $175 million because the average annual salary was stronger and I'd know that the team would be more flexible in other areas by not being locked into so many years. For those additional three years, it would be up to me to perform and if so, there would be a reward. It also would have kept the Yankee legacy intact and ensured a potential place among the team's legends. But now, Cano is just another player who took the money and ran. He proved that money is more valuable than wins, and money is more important than helping build a strong supporting cast of quality players. That doesn't mean Seattle doesn't have quality players, they do, but they are a long way from contending. It is very possible that when they are ready to contend, Cano has started his career regression due to age that's inevitable for everyone.
Cano has carried the "lazy" rap for years. While he is an exciting player at times, it was frustrating when he didn't hustle. I think of someone like Dustin Pedroia, whose motor is always running. He creates opportunities that otherwise wouldn't be there because he is alert and proactive. He seizes the opportunities and takes advantage of them. That's what winning ball players do. Cano is not that guy. I have never thought of him as a team player, and I didn't view him as a player who helped raise the performance level of those around him. Rest assured the Yankees will miss his offensive production at the position. At this point, I have no idea who will be the second baseman in 2014. Kelly Johnson seems better suited to help replace Alex Rodriguez at third base, in a platoon situation. Omar Infante signed a four year deal with the Kansas City Royals, and Brandon Phillips is starting the downward slide that comes with age. David Adams, a young player who had the talent but couldn't show it at the major league level during brief auditions, was non-tendered and is now a Cleveland Indian. It looks as though the Yankees will fill second base with a bargain basement fill-in, much like they did last year with first and third bases. I wish the organization was better stocked with up and coming second base talent, but that does not appear to be the case. I personally thought Infante would have been the best short-term option, but the Yankees allowed them to get beat by the Royals in signing the player. You know it's an odd year when the Yankees get beat in free agency by both the Royals and the Mariners.
But enough about Cano, he is gone and so is his Yankees legacy.
Around the same time as the news had broken about the former second baseman signing with Seattle, it was reported that starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda had signed a new one year deal with the team. This was very good news to hear. Kuroda is much needed, and I am grateful that he chose to delay his return to Japan by a year or head back to his home in Southern California. So, Cashman has filled 200 of the 400 innings he previously stated were needed this off-season.
After the tumultuous events of the day, news broke on the evening of December 6th that the Yankees had signed outfielder Carlos Beltran. At 36, he is no longer the player he once was, but he is a "gamer" or as George Steinbrenner would say, a warrior. Even an aging Beltran is an upgrade over an even older Ichiro Suzuki or the outfielder still primarily funded by the Los Angeles Angels, Vernon Wells.
But after the three free agent signings, the news has mostly been about departures. Phil Hughes was the first to depart, signing a three year deal with the Minnesota Twins. It was probably a good move for Hughes. Minnesota will be less pressurized and he should have the opportunity to flourish, much like Carl Pavano was able to resurrect his career in Minneapolis after leaving New York. I certainly did not expect the Yankees to re-sign Hughes after the season he had last year, but I thought he'd go to Southern California and saw the San Diego Padres as a good fit. Nevertheless, Minneapolis is a fun city and it's a good ballpark.
A couple of other notable defections occurred in the bullpen, where Joba Chamberlain signed a one year deal with the Detroit Tigers and Boone Logan went for three years with the Colorado Rockies. Of the two, it is Logan that I really hated to see leave. He was a trusted left-handed reliever, but it really didn't seem like the team made much of an effort to retain his services. They obviously had other priorities, but I suppose the Yankees are hopeful that a less expensive options like Cesar Cabral will step up to fill Boone's role. It was a foregone conclusion that Joba had thrown his last pitch for the Yankees. But admittedly, I was surprised he went to Detroit. There are worse things to do than to go to a team that is probably the best one in the American League right now, but I thought that Joba would go to the Kansas City Royals since it is closer to his hometown roots. The one year deal does give him an opportunity to try and restore the promise he once had with the Yankees. Plus, if he wins a World Series, it will help give his career a further boost.
The Yankees also lost last year's starting catcher when they traded Chris Stewart to the Pittsburgh Pirates. This move was a given after the McCann signing combined with the surplus of backup catchers.
For as crazy as December started for the Yankees, the week of the baseball winter meetings was extremely quiet. The Yankees still have much work to do. On paper, after consideration of all plusses and minuses, they are not noticeably better than last year's 85 win team. They still need a quality starting pitcher, a second baseman, and bullpen help. Brian Cashman has his work cut out for him between now and spring training.
I honestly do not know where the Yankees will go from here. I'd like to see the free agent signing of a pitcher like Matt Garza, but so far, the Yankees have not been one of the team's linked to the pitcher. Same with Bronson Arroyo, who is certainly capable of eating a large number of innings as a #4 starter. For second base, the latest reports have the Yankees interested in Darwin Barney of the Chicago Cubs but I have no idea what he would cost in terms of talent in a trade. I will feel much better about the 2014 Yankees once the additional starting pitcher and second baseman are in the fold, but at least it is reassuring to know that Hal Steinbrenner wants to win as much as the rest of us do.
Happy Holidays!
An Interesting Day…
Where do we go from here?…
December 6th. For years, this has been the anniversary of my graduation from Air Force Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. But on December 6, 2013, it may have been the most tumultuous day in Yankees history in terms of arrivals and departures…or at least in recent memory.
The day started with news that talks had broken down between Robinson Cano and the Seattle Mariners. It stirred renewed hope that Cano would find his way back to the Bronx, but as quickly as the reports had come about the Mariners' CEO blowing a gasket at salary demands from the Cano Camp and ending talks, the reports came that Cano had accepted a ten year deal from the Mariners for $240 million. Cano never called the Yankees before taking the offer, but it was a given they would not match.
It's hard to watch your team's best player walk away for nothing. But in this situation, I think the Yankees made the right call. After the fiasco of the Alex Rodriguez contract and what an albatross it has become, it is clear that extended contracts are not good for baseball. I saw one writer yesterday who wrote that the only player worth a ten year deal, right now, would be 22-year-old Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout. I think that's a fairly accurate statement.
When the Yankees signed CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira to long-term deals in 2009, both of those players were significantly better players than they are today. They can continue to perform at a high level but at this point, it is equally possible for them to continue performance regression.
I can remember how painful Jason Giambi's had become by the end. Even David Winfield's ten year contract, regardless of how great the player was, had been a mistake as the player and the owner were bitter enemies by the time the contract expired.
I thought the Yankees' offer of 7 years for $175 million was fair. If the Cano Camp (Team Jay Z or rather, CAA) had been more sensible in their meetings with the Yankees, I am sure that Cano probably could have squeezed out an additional year. However, Cano was dead set on getting a ten year contract, so that clearly nailed the coffin on his Yankees career. Of the two organizations, the Yankees and the Mariners, I feel strongly that the former would be more willing to take care of Cano at the end of the contract. In other words, at the end of 7 years, if the player was continuing to play at a high level, the Yankees would pay a new contract commensurate to performance with a premium paid for past accomplishments such as they've done with Derek Jeter. I know the Jeter negotiations were very tense a couple of years ago but this off-season's re-signing was at a higher dollar amount than any other team would have paid. As for the Mariners, I highly doubt that Cano will be in Seattle at the end of the ten years. When he begins the eventual downward trend as he ages, Seattle will be looking to move the contract, even if they have to pay cash, to cut their losses. The odds that Cano would have been in New York at the end of 7 years would have been substantially greater.
I am not sure that Cano has fully comprehended how he has trashed his Yankee legacy. I personally have no desire to ever see the player honored in Memorial Park and have absolutely no qualms with the team re-issuing #24 to another player. Maybe time will heal the feelings, but Cano showed no loyalty or respect for the fans of New York and simply took the money and ran. He was a good Yankee, but he was not a great one. For a player who enjoyed being a star in New York City, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to being out of the spotlight. The crowds attending Seattle away games will be smaller and will have far fewer "home team" fans in attendance. With the Yankees, it's like being a rock star as Jason Giambi once said. Nothing against Seattle, it is a beautiful city and a great ballpark, but it is a team that is, and will continue to be, inferior to the much stronger Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, and Oakland A's. They do not have a history and tradition of winning and I do not expect that to change. Cano has his money. Good for him. But his days of playing for an organization that wants to win every year and considers missing the play-offs to be a disaster are over.
With Friday's flurry of activity, it was almost an afterthought that the Yankees also lost outfielder Curtis Granderson. Grandy has a good player for most of his Yankees career, but of course, he missed the majority of the 2013 season due to injuries. He leaves the Yankees for a tougher park to hit with the New York Mets. Maybe his game will play well for the Mets, or maybe he becomes the next Jason Bay. The Yankees did not show a strong desire for Grandy's return after he rejected the team's qualifying offer and had more preference for guys like Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran, Shin-Soo Choo, or even the Dodgers' Matt Kemp. At the moment, with the signings of Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran, there wouldn't have been any room in the crowded outfield for Granderson. While the Yankees have stated they intend to keep Brett Gardner and move him to left field (pushing Alfonso Soriano to DH), I still suspect that Gardner will be expendable in the team's pursuit of quality starting pitching. I see the DH role being better utilized for guys like Derek Jeter and Brian McCann as ways to rest them than moving the admittedly defensively challenged Soriano there on a full-time basis. My feelings about Granderson's departure are significantly different than those of Cano. I felt that Granderson made the best decision for him both personally and professionally. I am thankful he was a Yankee and I wish him well with his new team. I am sure that he has a few more productive years ahead of him.
Friday also saw the return of starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda and the addition of outfielder Carlos Beltran. It's apparent that Beltran's arrival is tied to Cano's departure since the team finally acquiesced to Beltran's desire for a third year, but both signings are essential for the 2014 Yankees. With only CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova holding down spots in the starting rotation, Kuroda is a key anchor for the rotation. He may be no more than a #3 starter next year, but he is a strong stabilizing force. The Yankees still need more starting pitching besides the hope that Michael Pineda and/or some of the Triple A arms will be able to take spots.
I really was unsure if Kuroda would return. It has been said that he wants to play a final year in Japan before he retires, and there was talk that he might be interested in returning to Southern California since his family still lives there. But Kuroda is an honorable man, and it was so telling in his final year with the Los Angeles Dodgers when he didn't want to be traded because the Dodgers were the team he started the season with and he didn't want to go elsewhere. I did wonder if the pull off the Dodgers, assuming they were interested, would have been too much. But I think Kuroda has enjoyed playing for the Yankees and his sense of loyalty led him back to the team for one more year. It's a pleasure to have him back in the fold.
Welcome to the Bronx, Carlos Beltran! Granted, the Yankees have more to do if they want to return to October baseball, but Beltran is one of the post-season greats. Some guys thrive when the pressure is on (unlike Alex Rodriguez) and Beltran is a leader in that category. It has always been said that he wanted to play in the Bronx and had been willing to sign for a discount when he ultimately signed with the Mets. He finally gets the chance at the latter stages of his career. He is an offensive upgrade over Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells, and helps to offset the loss of Cano's production.
It is interesting that the 2014 Yankee outfield will be comprised of two guys who played for the opposing teams in the 2013 World Series. One with a ring and one without. At the moment, they'll be joined in the outfield by Brett Gardner and Alfonso Soriano although, as previously stated above, I think Gardner will be moved for pitching help.
December 6th will long be remembered as the day the Yankees lost Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson, but brought in Hiroki Kuroda and Carlos Beltran. There is much work yet to do with Cano's loss, but the arrivals of Beltran, Brian McCann, and Jacoby Ellsbury bring guys with something to prove. Kelly Johnson is also a Yankee and the starting second baseman at the moment, although I do think he'll be the super-sub by the time the team breaks camp next spring. I do not know who will be the second baseman in 2014 but the Yankees will figure it out. As David Robertson said, they always do.
From Beantown to the Bronx…
I have heard many Yankee fans voice frustration about Jacoby Ellsbury's contract (primarily the length, not the dollars). I know that he has had his health challenges, but I like the move. I respected Ellsbury during his days in Boston and I like the elements of his game. It can be argued that he is Brett Gardner, but he is a better version. As a player who once said that he'd never play for the Yankees, it is nice to see that the history and tradition of the organization were overriding factors, in addition to the monetary reasons. The Red Sox weren't going to extend the years to Ellsbury so it was inevitable that he'd leave. There is a sting with the Red Sox Nation that he went with the Yankees, and there are probably parallels to the Cano situation (dollars over loyalty), but at the end of the day, I am glad that Ells is a Yank.
And then there's next week…
As the baseball winter meetings loom on the immediate horizon, there should be more activity for Yankees fans. This winter is so dramatically different than last year's status quo approach. After missing the play-offs and the retirement of a few players, there were more holes to fill. Brian McCann solidifies the catching position, and Francisco Cervelli will return, after now that he's completed his 50-game suspension and is healthy, to be McCann's caddy. McCann gives the Yankees a better catcher than they had in 2012 starter, Russell Martin, and the strongest offensive threat at the position since the retired Jorge Posada.
Jacoby Ellsbury gives the Yankees options. He strengthens the team up the middle, and like McCann, has a swing that tailored for Yankee Stadium. He may not hit a lot of home runs, but he'll be a terror on the bases. His presence, despite what the team says publicly, makes Brett Gardner expendable. For a team with weak prospects at the upper levels, it will take a Brett Gardner to bring a quality return. The Yankees need better starting pitching, a second baseman, and some help in the bullpen. They also need to cover for the expected absence of the Loser, Alex Rodriguez. So, if there are any certainties, it is that the Yankees will be active next week. I am sure that the website, MLB Trade Rumors, will be busier than Grand Central Station over the holidays.
Ala The Walking Dead, let's say goodbye to those that we've lost…
- Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners
- Curtis Granderson, New York Mets
- Phil Hughes, Minnesota Twins
- Chris Stewart, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Mike Harkey, bullpen coach, now pitching coach, Arizona Diamondbacks
Thanks for the memories, but rest assured, we'll be okay.
Go Yankees!
The Anticipation…
The 2013-14 Hot Stove League has opened for business…
The baseball offseason is always interesting. In November, when the Hot Stove League open, there is more talk and speculation than real action. There is the occasional free agent signing, like Marlon Byrd to the Philadelphia Phillies, but for the most part, it's the most boring part of the winter.
Baseball fans get excited as the baseball winter meeting approach in early December. The 'name' free agents come off the board and there are a few major trades as teams look to improve their rosters for the coming year.
Then, in January and early February, things go quiet again until the excitement of pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training begin to fill the air.
The key is what teams do in December. Doing something versus doing nothing can be the difference in an invigorated fan base. With the Boston Red Sox fresh off a championship season, the Yankees and their fans need something to be excited about. Hope needs to be restored in the Yankees Universe. The Steinbrenner family have an enormous responsibility of the owners of baseball's most storied and valued franchise. Sure, it is their right to do nothing and cut salaries if they so choose, but it is not good for baseball. MLB needs a successful Yankees franchise as much as the fan base demands a winner.
From early indications, it does appear that Hal Steinbrenner is taking a more proactive role. He plays down the speculation that the team is resolved in its intent to bring salaries below $189 million and he recognizes the weaknesses of the current roster. So, what is he going to do about it? Time will tell, as the saying goes…
I am still not 100% convinced Derek Jeter can be the player of old or just an old player. He might be able to play a serviceable shortstop if healthy but the Yankees need more. I want Jeter to play for the Yankees his entire career and he is clearly a future Hall of Famer but this is the season of transition for the legendary player. He needs to work on playing other positions, whether it is third base or left field, to give the team its greatest value. It is obvious Jeter has the ability to exceed my expectations but I think the odds are against it. I am just being a realist. Age doesn't slow down for anyone. Well, except for maybe Mariano Rivera…
The "gift" that keeps on giving…
The unresolved Alex Rodriguez situation casts an ominous shadow over the team. I believe the Yankees should proceed as if A-Rod will not be a member of the 2014 team but that's easy for me to say. The Yankees have to be prepared for a scenario that allows baseball's most vile player to return to the field in 2014. Personally, I look forward to the day A-Rod turns in his pinstripes for the final time. I do not expect the Yankees to go out and land a premier third baseman like Evan Longoria but they need more than they had last year. I respect Kevin Youkilis but his best years have passed by and at this point, he is too much of an injury risk to re-sign. I heard the rumors the Yankees had talked with the St Louis Cardinals about David Freese but I don't think that would have been the solution. It's too bad that former number one draft pick Eric Duncan didn't work out as this would have been his prime opportunity to take third if he had been successful and not released. But still, there are Scott Brosius-type third basemen that can be found.
After years of knowing the back end of the bullpen was secure, the Yankees have uncertainty. The heir apparent to the great Mariano Rivera is top set up man David Robertson. However, there is risk. When Mo was lost for the season in 2012, Robertson failed in his brief audition as closer before Rafael Soriano took the role and ran with it. I like Robertson as the key 8th inning guy but I am not convinced that translates to 9th inning success. I really do not want an aged option like Joe Nathan as I would prefer younger arms. My hope is for Robertson to succeed but there does need to be a safety net in case it doesn't work out.
I am looking forward to key bullpen roles for guys like Dellin Betances, Preston Claiborne, and Adam Warren. With the right moves this winter, the Yankees bullpen should be a strength even if we no longer get to see #42 warming up.
I do remember the sense of some uncertainty when Mariano Rivera replaced John Wetteland and that turned out well. Granted, David Robertson will never be Mariano Rivera but he can be successful in his own right. With the right bridge from the starters to his late inning arrival, he can be successful.
The April Iceman Cometh…
Mark Teixeira, I really hope your wrist has healed and is stronger than ever before…
But first, or rather, but second…
The perceived success or failure of the Yankees' offseason will be tied to a single event…whether or not they re-sign second baseman Robinson Cano. While that's a huge part of the 2014 equation, the true testament will be how the team bolsters the starting rotation behind CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova. Nevertheless, I hope the Yankees can retain Cano even if the player has the desire to go for top dollar regardless of who cuts the checks.
Speaking of the rotation or lack thereof…
It is hard to get excited about potential names like Ricky Nolasco. I remain hopeful Hiroki Kuroda returns for one more year and Michael Pineda is finally able to fulfill the promise that brought him to New York. It's hard to speculate who I would want added to the team as there is no possibility for an acquisition of David Price or Felix Hernandez. As Pineda has shown, arms carry great risk. I have liked free agent Bronson Arroyo but he does not exactly fit the 'younger arm' mold.
Well, for now, the uncertainty and disappointment of the 2013 season still looms but soon the promise of the 2014 season will be upon us. I said it last year and it did not happen so I'll say it again:
Hal Steinbrenner, the message is simple…excite us! Signed, Yankees fans.
To the Victor goes the spoils…
Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox…
I know, I never expected to see the words appear on my blog. But you have to give credit where credit is due and the 2013 Boston Red Sox proved that they were the best team in baseball. This is a team that hit the bottom with the 2011 collapse in September that cost beloved manager Terry Francona his job, followed up by a year of Bobby Valentine that ranks as one of the worst teams in recent memory.
Proving that he is nobody's fool, GM Ben Cherington deserves much of the credit. I am not sure how much the decisions can be attributed to Cherington or to Larry Lucchino, but the deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year to unload salary-draining dead wood was genius. The malcontents were shipped to the West Coast, while the recaptured dollars were re-invested to good clubhouse types like Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino and Koji Uehara among others. The pieces made for good chemistry and the team, beards and all, became a very cohesive unit.
This may have been the first time that I ever pulled for the Red Sox in the post-season but they gained my respect and I thought they were the team to beat.
Naturally, I hope this is the end of the Sox championship run that started in 2004, but for this off-season, they are the champions of Baseball. Again, congratulations to the Red Sox, the city of Boston, and the Red Sox Nation.
Turns up like a bad penny…
I am so tired of Alex Rodriguez and anything A-Rod. His battle against the MLB is extending the inevitable suspension and is likely throwing a monkey wrench into the Yankees off-season plans. For a team that appears bent on getting under the $189 million salary cap, A-Rod's salary is substantial. Will they be freed of it, for a season, or will they be responsible for some portion thereof, or does A-Rod win to bring his salary back in full? I think the latter is very remote if impossible. I, for one, would accept a year of no A-Rod even if it means the entire salary counts against the cap. The guy is poison and I don't think the team will win again with him on the roster. Yes, they won in 2009, but teams generally do not win with such narcissistic players.
Rest assured that no decision Alex Rodriguez makes will be in the best interests of the Yankees and Major League Baseball. MLB needs the authority to end this foolish A-Rod farce and banish him for his sustained PEDS use and lies. I'd love a lifetime ban but I doubt that happens so I want nothing less than the original 214 game suspension.
Introducing the 2014 Yankees…
Check back with me in a few months.
There will be changes, but I am not sure that they will be the moves necessary to return the Yankees to AL East and American League prominence. I saw one New York paper running an article this morning that indicated the Yankees may go after the Detroit Tigers' Omar Infante should free agent Robinson Cano. No offense to Infante, but what a drop off. I don't think it is smart to pay Cano $300 million, but hopefully the Yankees and Cano can find common ground that is mutually rewarding for both.
I have seen the Yankees linked to free agents Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, Ervin Santana, and A.J. Pierzynski. Yes, Beltran is a good post-season performer but you need to get there first. As a McCann fantasy owner this past season, I was frustrated with how much time he spent on the DL. I've always thought Santana was a decent pitcher, but he's not a frontliner. Then again, when you've lost Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and possibly Hiroki Kuroda, you just need arms. The Yankees will most likely lose Curtis Granderson so the Yankees will spend most of the winter just trying to fill holes rather than being able to focus on adding significant upgrades.
It would be nice if some members of the farm system were ready to take the major league stage but that does not appear to be the case. We may see Dellin Betances in the bullpen as the Yankees look to find a quality setup specialist for new closer David Robertson.
I do not want to lose Robinson Cano but then again, I do not want the Yankees to give him an A-Rod like contract that will become a financial albatross in future years. I may be the only one who feels this way, but I am not excited about a 40 year old Derek Jeter at shortstop with bad ankles. The Yankees really need to find a younger shortstop who can spell Jeter and perhaps push #2 to DH more times than not.
Mark Teixeira, cold starts and a bad wrist. Second base…currently there are nothing but crickets. Shortstop…see aforementioned comment about DJ. Third base is really anybody's guess. Catcher needs more than a backup catcher who can't hit and a proven PEDS user. Right field is even older than shortstop. Left field, at the moment, only shows the largely unreliable Vernon Wells. Centerfield is truly the only position that I feel comfortable with, and even that carries some injury risk. On the pitching staff, CC Sabathia is starting to show that he's on the downward slide, and Hiroki Kuroda could very well be pitching in Japan next season. The enigma, more commonly referred to as Ivan Nova, will be in the rotation but who really knows what we'll get. Adam Warren, David Phelps, Manny Banuelos (if he can make it back), Michael Pineda and others form the pool that Joe Girardi will be picking from.
In the bullpen, it is no sure thing that David Robertson will succeed as a closer. In 2011, when the great Mariano Rivera went down for the season, Robertson had first crack at the job and failed. He gave way to Rafael Soriano who proved very capable in the role. Going into 2014, at the moment, there is no safety net for Robertson. This is truly an off-season of uncertainty and it doesn't help that A-Rod is doing his part to ensure greater uncertainty.
The Red Sox, the Rays, the Jays, and the O's must be loving this. I can only hope that GM Brian Cashman and the Steinbrenner Boys prove that they can check Ben Cherington's move and bring championship baseball back to the Bronx where it belongs.
I miss October…
Wait, we're not playing?…
This is odd. The AL and NL Division Series are underway and no Yankees. Yes, we've been spoiled but I still do remember those horrific 1980's. This year kind of had that 'Steve Kemp' feeling to it, except that manager Joe Girardi managed his butt off to ensure the team didn't finish in the cellar.
A week or so in, and it's already been an odd off-season with Alex Rodriguez and his battle against MLB. Personally, I hope MLB throws the book at A-Rod and that his sentence turns out to be more than 211 games. I was surprised he decided to sue MLB and the Yankees doctor who treated him, and that he feels MLBPA representation is not in his best interests. In other words, it's A-Rod's world and we live in it. The moon, the sun and the stars revolve around him. He is simply the most egotistical player that I've ever seen. I wasn't alive when Ty Cobb played so I cannot compare the two.
It's disappointing that A-Rod's fate will be drawn out through December or later. I hope that it does not impede the Yankees' off-season. They should proceed as if they will not have A-Rod and I am sure that would be their wish as much as it is mine. If the team (i.e., Hal Steinbrenner) wants to come in under $189 million for the 2014, the key will be an A-Rod free season so that the Yankees can have some salary relief. But if they wait to see how the A-Rod situation plays out before addressing third base, we'll be looking at a season with a Lyle Overbay-type player at third. I would like to see the return of Kevin Youkoulis, but Youk has proven you need a strong Plan B when you put him on the field.
Age is just a number…
I really do not know what we'll get from Derek Jeter next year. I don't believe that he'll have the stellar farewell tour that Mariano Rivera had. Not that next year is DJ's last year, but it will be the descent to the end. He could be the starter at short, and he could be a regular fixture at DH. He might be a continued regular on the DL. It's anybody's guess what we'll get next year. But the known fact is that we'll not get the All-Star of past years. At 40 years of age, his better days are clearly in the rearview mirror.
Wanted: Catcher.
Windy City Joe…
As hard of the Chicago Cubs have made it known they want Joe Girardi, I would be surprised to see his return to the Bronx. I know that he's talked about the Yankees being his dream job and he enjoys a good relationship with Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman, but at the end of the day, Girardi is still a Chicago guy. The guy who wins a World Series for the Cubs will be a legend. The next guy to win a World Series for the Yankees will be #28. From a sheer challenge standpoint, history and tradition aside, I'd have to go with the job that presents the greatest challenge. For this reason, I am fully expecting Girardi to bolt for Chi-town. As a huge Donnie Baseball fan, I'd like nothing more than to see #23 return to the Bronx. If the Los Angeles Dodgers underachieve in the play-offs, there's a good chance that he can be had. So, if there's a possibility of Mattingly coming back to New York, I have very mixed feelings about the Girardi situation. I like Girardi as a manager and he did a great job this year. But I will always be a Don Mattingly fan above any others.
My only hope is that I don't lose out on both…
No, the Grandy Man can't…
Now that the Chicago White Sox have apparently expressed interest in Curtis Granderson, I don't really see a scenario that Grandy stays in New York. He is a Chicago guy and at 33, it does not make sense for a team that needs to get younger, to give a long-term deal to an older player. So, I think we've seen the last of the Grandy Man in pinstripes.
Years with lots of $$$$$$$…thanks, but no thanks…
So, that leave us with Robinson Cano. I have truly enjoyed this guy as a Yankee and he has been a great second baseman. But the A-Rod situation has proven to me that very long-term deals never pan out and eventually become an albatross. So, as much as I like Cano, if another team throws a 10-year deal out there, it's time to cut bait. I'd rather go with a younger team that has the potential of challenging for a World Series in a few years than try to hang on with older, long-in-the-tooth players and hope for lightning in a bottle.
Looking to the future…
I am not sure what this off-season will bring. I am not sold on Hal Steinbrenner as a Yankees owner. So far, he has struck me more as a bean counter than a passionate owner who wants to win. I admit that I could be so wrong about this perception and I truly hope that Hal does prove me wrong. We do not need wreckless, stupid decisions that hurt baseball, but Hal can make the decisions to field the best possible team in 2014. I do not feel that we did that in 2013. We went with the 'bargain basement' specials to field the team and there's no way the team would have succeeded had they made the playoffs.
The Yankees were really hurt that no prospects took it to the next level to the main show this year. There are no Derek Jeters or Andy Pettittes or Jorge Posadas or Mariano Riveras waiting in the wings. I am really not sure where the next core is going to come from. At the moment, the New York Mets have the more promising future rotation. As we know, pitching wins championships.
Last year, the Boston Red Sox looked like a bloated, past their prime team. But with that spectacular deal to unload salaries with the Los Angeles Dodgers, they made the right moves to win the AL East this year and should most likely advance to the ALCS or World Series. Can the Yankees do this? It's really up to Brian Cashman to produce. There was no optimism last off-season as a Yankees fan. I really hope that changes this year, but the realist in me expects it to be more of the same…


text:
Would you be willing to answer a few brief questions about PlayStation Forums?
Do you mean the map unlock? Where it shows all the treasures and hidden stuff, this is purchasable from the black market.
If this is what you are talking about it just modifies your ingame map to show the location of everything.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mario & Sonic Olympic at the Winter Games - DS trailer
There's more than just skiing and luge on offer as Mario and Sonic take on the Winter games.
Comments (2)
Dragon Age Inquisition walkthrough Our guide to the massive third game.
GTA 5 cheats and stock market guide Every GTA 5 cheat code, plus a guide to making more money.
Loading... hold tight!


text:
|Prev Close:
|61.28 x 100
|91.77 x 100
|1y Target Est:
|Earnings Date:
|Feb 3 - Feb 9 (Est.)
|Day's Range:
|75.46 - 77.66
|52wk Range:
|46.40 - 79.49
|Avg Vol (3m):
|Market Cap:
|P/E (ttm):
|EPS (ttm):
|Div & Yield:
|1.20 (1.50%)
- TESORO CORP /NEW/ Files SEC form 8-K, Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement, Other Events, Financial StatementsEDGAR Online(Wed, Nov 19)
- Steven Grapstein to Step Down as Tesoro Chair Dec. 31, 2014Thomson Reuters ONE(Wed, Nov 19)
- Goldman Sachs Thinks Oil Refiners Can Gain 25% in Six Monthsat Barrons.com(Tue, Nov 18)
- TESORO CORP /NEW/ Files SEC form 8-K, Regulation FD Disclosure, Financial Statements and ExhibitsEDGAR Online(Thu, Nov 13)
- Why Tesoro Can Strike It Rich Without Lifting the Crude Oil Export Banat TheStreet(Sun, Nov 9)
- Tesoro Said to Study Restart of Shuttered Reformer for Chemicalsat Bloomberg(Wed, Nov 5)
- 10-Q for Tesoro Corp.Company Spotlight(Mon, Nov 3)
- Stocks Turn Mixed In Afternoon; Seagate Breaks Outat Investor's Business Daily(Mon, Nov 3)
- Tesoro (TSO) Earnings Report: Q3 2014 Conference Call Transcriptat TheStreet(Sat, Nov 1)
- The rally that keeps on giving!Yahoo Finance Blogs(Fri, Oct 31)
- Tesoro: Refining Its Way Higherat Barrons.com(Fri, Oct 31)
- Tesoro upgraded by Howard WeilBriefing.com(Fri, Oct 31)
- Tesoro Beats Q3 Earnings Estimates on Higher MarginsZacks(Fri, Oct 31)
- Tesoro Corp Earnings Call scheduled for 8:30 am ET todayCCBN(Fri, Oct 31)
- TESORO CORP /NEW/ Files SEC form 8-K, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, Regulation FD Disclosure, FinancEDGAR Online(Fri, Oct 31)
Add TSO Headlines to My Yahoo!+ My Yahoo! RSS
Press Releases
- Steven Grapstein to Step Down as Tesoro Chair Dec. 31, 2014Thomson Reuters ONE(Wed, Nov 19)
- Tesoro Corporation Delivers on Distinctive Performance Objectives with Record Results in Third Quarter of 2014PR Newswire(Thu, Oct 30)
- Tesoro Corporation Creates Full-Service Logistics CompanyThomson Reuters ONE(Sun, Oct 19)


text:
Ireland Rail Tours
Dublin, London & Edinburgh 11 days from $2387
There's a wild beauty to the British Isles that has never been tamed. It's waiting for you on comprehensive tour of Dublin, London, and Edinburgh. Explore the streets of these perennially vibrant cities, and indulge in the many creature comforts of the warm and inviting Irish, Scottish, and English cultures.
Departs from April 2015 to September 2015.
Limerick, Killarney, Dublin & Belfast 11 days from $1799
Explore the Emerald Isle on this 10-day tour through the classic cities of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Departs from April 2015 to September 2015.
The Emerald Isle Express 9 days from $4559
Experience the best of Ireland on this 9-day vacation to Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Killarney, Limerick, Galway, Connemara and more. A private heritage train takes you throughout the country, and after comprehensive sightseeing enjoy stays in luxury five-star Irish Castle, City, and Country Hotels.
Departs from September 2015 to September 2015.


text:
Burger Battle, Day 3: Quick and delicious
Burgers cooked and assembled quickly, making them ready to enjoy with almost no lag time, are not just the domain of the fast food restaurant.
Ebola vaccine safe in first 20 people studiedAn experimental Ebola vaccine appears safe and triggered signs of immune protection in the first 20 volunteers to test it, U.S. researchers reported Wednesday.
Blood can show 'pre-cancer'Many older people silently harbour a blood "pre-cancer" — a gene mutation acquired during their lifetime that could start them on the path to leukemia, lymphoma or other blood disease, scientists have discovered. It opens a new frontier on early detection and possibly someday preventing these cancers, which become more common with age.
Teens with history of concussion more likely to use drugs, alcohol
US Ebola screening program finds co-operation but no disease
Inside Out Theatre and MoMo Dance Theatre explore sex and disability in Fully Functional
Inside Out Theatre and MoMo Dance Theatre partner up to explore sex and disability. Sisters in the City Fully Functional is the first co-production between Calgary's only two mixed-ability performance
Fashion & Beauty
Canadian design duos Smythe and Beaufille to release blazer collaboration
How to get party-ready red lips for the holidays
Lamb Development Corp.'s latest venture the Orchard begins to bear fruit
Doctors to check "brain age" for signs of dementia
Cajun culture swinging in backwater Louisiana
Lafayette, La., is the "capital of Acadiana." You'll find the city about 190 kilometres west of New Orleans as the crow flies. This is pure Cajun country, composed of swamps and backwater bayous and the most unique culture in all of the United States.
10 Things: Think beyond a bowl of mixed nuts10 fresh ideas for easy holiday party snacks
On men: 'They just seem to be in such a state of anxiety'"Men have fascinated me, maybe too much," begins Laura Kipnis' new book, "Men: An Ongoing Investigation." "They're large and take up a lot of space."
The signals sent by a kissOur lips are the body's most exposed erogenous zone. Unlike in other animals, human lips are uniquely everted, meaning they purse outward. They are packed with sensitive nerve endings so even the slightest brush sends a cascade of information to our brains, which can feel very good.
'Street Food Diaries': Bring street food creativity into your kitchenRecipes for the Americana Burger, Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
KitchenWise: Recipe for eggnog triple playEggnog is a funny thing. We crave it for one month a year, then never think about it again. And when we do crave it, we love to pretend that this sinfully rich drinkable dessert (basically, it's melted
Ingredient of the week: PorkThis week's ingredient spotlight is on pork, with six recipes including DIY bacon, a grilled lemongrass pork banh mi, and a pan of pork chops.
How to handle the odd girl outMy 11-year-old daughter has been friends with a pair of twins since kindergarten. She has more in common and fun with one than the other, and so would like to invite her to things without the other twin.
Holiday Entertaining: Three cocktail recipesRecipes for roasted cider, ruby spice bubbles, ginger fashioned
The Healthy Plate: Recipe for winter white bean bruschettaParties can be tricky territory for the healthy eater. If you host, you want to serve guests something tasty enough to make the occasion feel special.
Dad in-training: Minding the family playlistI take seriously the task of introducing my kids to music, whether it's playing an instrument, singing, or dancing along to whatever happens to be emanating from our remarkably eclectic library.


text:
A journey into Cebit's heart of Greenness
If you listened very closely at Cebit last week you could hear a strange sound. Was it the winds of change as the world's biggest, most sprawling IT show gave it self a verdant makeover and committed itself to the cause of Green IT? Almost. It was actually the sound of the IT industry exhaling as it realised it just might have …
Must... resist.... Can't.... Can't... resist....
Every watt is sacred.
Every watt is great.
If a watt is wasted,
The EU gets irate.
I am sure someone with more time on their hands could come up with a very catchy pro-efficiency jingle along those lines - I'm sure the Pythons would conscent.
Green Software
When the next linux distro comes out, and it can run on LESS resources than the last one, THEN we'll be getting somewhere.
As long as software developers keep coming out with crappy unpolished bloatware like MSWindows and the average Linux distro, just to name a couple, then we're not going to get anywhere. We'll just be buying more and more, and throwing out still working hardware. The whole business model is based on the fundemental act of dumping.
On Unrelated Phenomena
Ignoring the fact that average desktop-oriented GNU/Linux distributions are only marginally related to the issue in hand (they make a great topic for a flame, though!), it might be worth pointing out that most Distros come with a choice of software, of which some is particularly suited to running on lower hardware requirements (think KDE-->Xfce, for example).
Most read
- Product round-up Ten excellent FREE PC apps to brighten your Windows
- Hi-torque tank engines: EXTREME car hacking with The Register
- Review What's MISSING on Amazon Fire Phone... and why it WON'T set the world alight
- Product round-up Trousers down for six of the best affordable Androids
- Why did it take antivirus giants YEARS to drill into super-scary Regin? Symantec responds...


text:
Tomas received a loan from Dorothy to install potable water in his house and offer a safe home to his family.
0% repaid
We loan because...
Sometimes it only takes a helping hand to give someone the opportunity to improve their situation. We have benefited from the opportunities available to us and want to share.
About us
Individuals and small businesses who wish to give a lending hand to other entrepreneurs around the world
Team started by a small business making soaps & natural bodycare on their homestead in the N. Calif. mountains.
Location: Humboldt County, Ca. USA Team website
5 messages. Join the team to get in on the action!
Have feedback on lending teams? Click here.


text:
Hugh Jackman Heads to the Gym (PHOTOS)
James & Anne: Oscar Hosts!
Watch Anne's first Oscars ad! Read More »
2011 Oscar Nominees
See who made the cut for this year's Academy Awards! Read More »
When you're as buff as Hugh Jackman, there's no skipping a day at the gym.
The Aussie hottie was snapped by the paps as he left his home in NYC to pump some iron at the gym. Hugh, who killed it hosting the Oscars in 2009, recently offered some advice to upcoming show hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco. He told the Los Angeles Times:
"Just remember put everything into the opening. Everyone remembers the start of the show. You do your opening and all of that and then don't worry too much because, after that, it's just a room full of people -- increasingly upset people -- who haven't won."Glad he was able to share his knowledge!
Check out the rest of the photos in the gallery and let us know in the comments -- are you excited for the Oscars?
Photo Credit: Bauer Griffin Online


text:
Add to Wish List
Reserve in store
Sleek and minimalist eco faux nappa envelope clutch in silver tone with a slim flat shape and detachable wrist strap.
Flap front closure featuring an engraved Stella McCartney magnetic clasp fastening.
This item is available to pre-order. Your credit card will not be charged until your order has been shipped. The estimated shipping date for this item is: .
For further information visit the Customer Care area.
The Beckett is designed to fold flat so it can be shipped using less paper and packaging, reducing our environmental impact.
This bag is made from Eco Faux Nappa, an innovative material with a coating created from over 50% vegetable oil, a renewable natural resource.
The lining has been created from recycled plastic bottles.
This is part of our ongoing commitment to animal and eco friendly fashion.
65% Polyurethane, 35% Viscose
Spot clean using a soft damp cloth with a small amount of neutral cream, for ink stains, use a pencil rubber.
Avoid scrubbing in order not to damage the surface of the bag and when not in use always store the item in its protective bag.
Width: 31cm
Height: 21cm
Depth: 1cm


text:
I am an AFOL from Croatia and LEGO is my rediscovered hobby - fortunately, with the full support of my girlfriend (she made me write this ;) ).
My main interest are motorized vehicles and I'll try to make a video of every creation and published it on: YouTube. I also have a flickr account so feel free to check it out.
Some of my creations were blogged on The Lego Car Blog:
Hot rod pick-up
Red Baron
Hot rod - Lucky 13
I look forward to your comments and opinions.
Thanks for visiting! :)


text:
Underwriters exercise their option to buy another 3.8 million shares of the laboratory product supplier's stock.
In his new role, Greg Kawakami will be responsible for the sale, transfer or exchange of real estate owned by the company and its affiliates in Hawaii, Alaska and California.
Trafigura AG is selling a majority stake in its Corpus Christi holdings — which serves operators in the Eagle Ford Shale — for nearly $900 million.
The Charlotte-based hotel chain (NYSE:STAY) said in an SEC filing that each of the 21 million "paired shares" in the offering consists of a share of common stock of Extended Stay and a share of Class-B common stock of ESH Hospitality.
Two more leading securities analysts have issued new opinions on YRC Worldwide.
The Colorado-based homebuilder applied with NYSE for a ticker symbol and has begun wooing investors.
Fifth Third Bancorp has sold $300 million in preferred stock, partly to finance its continuing efforts to buy back its own stock.
Semiconductor manufacturer will be spun off by former MEME Electronic Materials and begin trading today.
Palm Beach resident Wilbur L. Ross, a billionaire investment guru, has formed a "blank check" holding company seeking to raise about $400 million and invest it in distressed companies.
Duke University spinout Regado Biosciences priced its public offering of 10 million shares at $6, meaning it will raise about $56 million after adjusting for underwriter discounts.
Solar energy business SunEdison Inc. borrowed the first half of a $300 million three-year project finance credit facility.
Big Lots Inc. is on a hunt for ways to open its doors to more consumers.
While some guests may be upset about Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando's recent ticket hike, Wall Street is pretty happy about it.
St. Louis-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Mallinckrodt has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire San Diego, Calif.,-based Cadence Pharmaceu ...
Tesaro, which has said it plans to apply for approval in the U.S. of a drug designed to mitigate the effects of chemotherapy, is raising $100 million ...


text:
Todd Schavrien returns as the team's Director of Operations
May 24, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Big 12 Champion Missouri wrestling team has announced several additions to the coaching staff, as confirmed Thursday by head coach Brian Smith. Included in the changes is the promotion of former volunteer assistant Joe Johnston to a full time assistant position, along with two former Mizzou grapplers – Mark Ellis and Todd Schavrien - returning to join the coaching ranks.
"We're excited about these additions to our staff," said head coach Brian Smith. "Every one of these coaches knows exactly what we are trying to do as a program and will be integral in us getting back on the podium at NCAA's."
Johnston takes over as an assistant coach after spending the last four years on Missouri's staff, with three of those year spent as the team's volunteer assistant. The Kansas City, Mo., native joined the Mizzou staff for the 2008-09 campaign after spending two years as an assistant coach at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
"I'm extremely excited about getting to be even more involved in helping our team achieve their goals on the mat and helping them become good men off it," said Johnston. "I have loved being a part of what is happening here at Missouri, and I think we are only going to keep getting better as a team."
He was a two-time All-American at the University of Iowa at 157 pounds, which included a runner-up finish in 2005. This past April, Johnston competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, competing at the 66 kg weight class in Freestyle.
"I know Joe is looking forward to taking on more responsibility as a full time assistant," said Smith. "He retired from Freestyle competition after this year's Olympic Trials to put his time and effort into coaching and our program."
Mizzou's first All-American at heavyweight returns to his alma mater as the volunteer assistant coach. Ellis became the second Mizzou wrestler to win a National Championship, finishing in first place at heavyweight at 2009. He picked up his second career All-America recognition in 2010 when he took sixth. The last two years, Ellis has been training and competing in MMA. He won his first career bout via submission over Jake Heun on Aug. 27, 2011.
"Mark Ellis brings a great work ethic and passion for our program and will make an immediate impact on our upper weight classes," Smith claimed.
Returning to round out the staff, Schavrien comes back to Mizzou and will serve as the team's Director of Operations. Schavrien claimed the Big 12 title at 141 pounds in 2011 and went on to become an All-American later that season with a sixth place finish at the NCAA Championships. A three-time NCAA qualifier, Schavrien spent last season as an assistant coach at Drexel University.
"Getting Todd to come back to Mizzou was so important for us," Smith said. "He brings a great attitude and will assist in running the day-to-day operations of the program."
Additionally, the program will be expanding the current wrestling facility to allow for an Olympic development center. More information will be released as the projected progresses.
Stay up-to-date on the program by following them on Facebook (facebook.com/MizzouWrestling) and Twitter (@MizzouWrestling) and visiting mutigers.com.
More Headlines
Wrestling Kicks Off Season At Cyclone Open...
Mizzou wrestling begin the 2014-15 season this Saturday in Ames, Iowa for the annual Cyclone Open...
Tiger Style Open At No. 6 In USA Today / NWCA...
Mizzou wrestling continues to garner preseason recognition, as they came in at No. 6 in the first...
Alumni Prevail Over Current Tigers to Kick Off ...
Missouri Wrestling kicked off its season Saturday morning with the second-annual Alumni Black &...
Cox And Waters Travel To NWCA All-Star Classic ...
Mizzou wrestling sophomore J'den Cox and redshirt senior Alan Waters travel to Philadelphia, Pa. ...
Alan Waters Added To 2014 NWCA All-Star Classic...
Mizzou wrestling redshirt senior, Alan Waters, has been announced as a late addition to the 2014 ...
J'den Cox To Compete At NWCA All-Star Classic
Mizzou wrestling sophomore J'den Cox faces an early season test next month, as he is set to...
Wrestling Completes Tentative 2014-15 Schedule
Entering their third season in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), Mizzou wrestling has completed ...
Mizzou Wrestling Ranked Preseason No. 1 By MAC ...
Mizzou wrestling earned top honors in the team preseason rankings by the conference coaches, as...
Online Stores
Official StoreOfficial Online
AUCTIONSOfficial Mobile APP
Top Videos
- Schedules


text:
New Garden Hotel
No availability found through our partners. Please contact the business directly or check some of our recommended alternatives.
How has this hotel rated in the past?
Travelers also recommend:
TripAdvisor Reviews New Garden Hotel Sosua
Travel Blogs from Sosua
Our last day of service
... the 70's, I don't feel old because of that. Spending this time with these younger playful and energetic people has revitalized the youth in me. I feel connected to the teachers and the kids in a way that would not have so easily happened at home.
Beyond all of that, we're here for one last day with the neighborhood kids and everyone was feeling a mix of emotions about that. Sadness, accomplishment, happiness, gratefulness for what we do have, and hope. ...
It's Thursday and nobody's salty
... that and other important teenage vernacular from Aline and his other instructors (#swag, #tagsforlikes, #myB (that may be from the early 90's), #r/t (he doesn't actually understand that one yet))
The heat is quite grueling to us ('you gringos sure drink a lot of water' was over heard), but there's rarely a complaint even while working.
We've been outside or in open air classrooms from 9-3 each day ( with a 2 hour break to walk ...
Running in the Dominican Republic
Running on the beach in 30 degrees heat and 90% humidity is hard work!!!
I ran barefoot once, sprint training in the soft sand...it was a mistake as all of my toes blistered.
I can only run on the weekend and it is tough running on the sand but I am glad that I can run ...
Being still and letting go
... br> from Spain to Mexico and was told he had to go through Santo Domingo. Once he
landed here, he discovered that there were no flights from the Santo Domingo to
Mexico. That was 35 years ago, he has never left. Then there are others like Bill and Donna who came to the DR six years ago for a three week vacation, loved it, came back the
next year for what they thought would be three months and have since not only
made it their home, but at 60 years of age, ...
... gulped up the coconut water and it totally hit the spot.
** Peter wanted to get an oil change squared away on the boat, and as that is easier done with an empty boat, Caleb and I obliged. We joined up with Amber, Justin, Drew and Roz from We Don't Neaux and went on an expedition to some waterfalls we had heard about. There are 27 waterfalls lines up through the jungle, and you pay admission and get a guide and are led through them ...


text:
Tag: DavidWeiss
Woz visits Microsoft, shares words of wisdom
Woz's appearances in the media have, of late, have revealed more of his prankster hobbies than the seasoned legend of the computer age we know him to be. Recently, the Woz visited none other than Microsoft to give his book tour's speech, and David Weiss of the MacBU blogged some interesting notes fr...
Subscribe to Newsletter
Software Updatesmore updates
- Vizzywig 8xHD price tag now a very affordable $49.99
- Automatic targets teen drivers with License+ service
- Dropbox adds support for TouchID
- YouTube for iOS gets updated with full support for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iOS 8.0.1 update now available (Updated -- Don't update!)
- NFL Mobile updated for 2014 Season with new Fantasy Football features, NFL Now integration


text:
Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
1/2 Photos of Dutch Oven Hot Peglegs and Wings (Chicken)
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
10 mins
3 hrs
The short of the story: These are hot wings that fall off the bone. Some people do NOT like it when the wings are "wet" and these are definitely wet and drippy... but man, are they ever delicious! I buy the very large chicken wings for this recipe, the biggest ones I can find. Great for Superbowl Sunday. Enjoy!
Units: US | Metric
Serving Size: 1 (261 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Every recipe, menu, tip and how-to is right here, at your service.


text: 500 pts Science Trivia <Club VIP What type of fossils were supposedly embedded in a meteorite that landed in Sri Lanka? Click here to see the answer. Sign in to Participate Category: Trivia Ends: Friday March 15 at 9:59PM MDT Visit our sponsor: Click here for the answer. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! More Ways To Get and Use Points Karl Tyler Winter Prize PackageWhat Restaurant Does Missoula Need?Keurig Brewing SystemThanksgiving Gift CardToy Store Shopping Spree$100 GameStop Gift Card


text:
All Kids Rugs (448)
Shop by Color
Boys Rugs (200)
Girls Rugs (305)
Patterned Rugs (293)
Round & Oval Rugs (484)
Shag Rugs (194)
Solid Rugs (384)
Striped Rugs (319)
Braided Rugs (247)
Shaped Rugs (55)
Novelty Rugs (315)
Flower Rugs (231)
Bordered Rugs (79)
Shaggy Raggy Rugs (37)
Interactive Rugs (71)
Flat Weave Rugs (602)
Natural Fiber Rugs (269)
Activity Mats (42)
Custom Rugs (40)
Children's Rug Brands
The Rug Market
KAS Rugs
Surya Rugs
Capel Rugs
Chandra Rugs
Dash & Albert
Trina Turk Rugs
Creative Carpet Design
Designer Playroom Rugs
Learning Carpets
Designers Guild Rugs
POP Accents Rugs
Home Dynamix Rugs
Colonial Mills Rugs
Loloi Rugs
Jaipur Rugs
Nejad Rugs
Homefires Rugs
Dynamic Rugs
Shop for kids rugs the easy way -- at Rosenberry Rooms! Our collection of rugs come in every conceivable shape, size and color. Patterned pastels, vintage braided ovals, furry animal pelts and retro shags are set to add dash to the bedroom or playroom. Do you want a monogrammed rug where you can pick the colors and accents to make your own design? Many rugs come with custom choices. Whimsical playroom rugs go from educational motifs, round basketballs, hopscotch carpets to interactive carpets. Most designs come in a wide variety of sizes.
All Kids Rugs
Boys Rugs
Girls Rugs
Kids Patterned Rugs
Kids Round & Oval Rugs
Kids Shag Rugs
Kids Solid Rugs
Kids Striped Rugs
Kids Braided Rugs
Kids Shaped Rugs
Kids Novelty Rugs
Girls Flower Rugs
Bordered Rugs
Shaggy Raggy Rugs
Interactive Rugs
Kids Flat Weave Rugs
Natural Fiber Rugs
Activity Mats
Custom Kids Rugs
Join Our Mailing ListTO RECEIVE UPDATES AND SPECIAL OFFERS!
©2004-2013 Rosenberry Rooms, LLC. All Rights reserved. | 709 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603
ecommerce enabled by fastpivot | PRIVACY POLICY


text:
Pastor's Blog
Is it ever OK to tell a Lie?Posted by Danny Jones | 1 Comment »
On Wednesday night, June 20th, we will try to answer the question - "Is it ever OK to tell a Lie?" Recently, our adult Sunday School Lessons have led us through a study of Joshua. Joshua chapter 2 records the story of Rahab and the spies. After a thorough discussion ... Continue
How do we receive eternal salvation?Posted by Danny Jones | 1 Comment »
On Wednesday Night, June 13th - we will be studying a quote from Philippians 2:12 "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." What does this mean? Does the salvation that we have in Jesus Christ come to us by Grace or by Works? In Ephesians 2:8, the Apostle ... Continue
Seventy Times SevenPosted by Danny Jones | Comments Off
On Sunday Night, June 10th, 6:30 to 8 PM., we will have a special presentation from our Drama Team called "Seventy Times Seven" - a compelling, modern-day drama of tragedy and hope revisiting the age-old question posed by the Apostle Peter... How many times must I forgive? This drama was written ... Continue
Shunning?Posted by Danny Jones | 4 Comments »
On Wednesday Night - May 30th - we will be discussing "Shunning". I recently received an email concerning a situation at a 19,000 member Baptist mega-church on the west coast. Apparently one of their church members (approximately 25 years old) had committed a sin and it had been reported to ... Continue
The Gospel ProjectPosted by Danny Jones | Comments Off
This Wednesday Night, May 23rd, Richard Edfelt will be the Guest Speaker. Richard is a former Minister of Education at Northlake and currently works for Lifeway. He will be coming to share with us about the new cirriculum that Lifeway is producing for Sunday School and small groups called "The ... Continue
AWANA AwardsPosted by Danny Jones | Comments Off
On Wednesday Night, May 16th, we will be celebrating the achievements of our Children in our AWANA Program. Please come and help encourage our children to be Approved Workmen (who) Are Not Ashamed" (2 Timothy 2:15). Continue
Christian Libertarians?Posted by Danny Jones | 3 Comments »
On Wednesday Night May 9th, 2012 - we will be discussing Libertarianism. After many years of political gridlock in Washington, a third party appears to be emerging. Wikipedia describes the Libertarian party as the third largest and fastest growing political party in the United States. In the current Presidential race, ... Continue
National Day of Prayer (& Fasting?)Posted by Danny Jones | Comments Off
On Wednesday Night May 2nd, 2012 - we will have a special time of prayer for our nation. Thursday, May 3rd is the National Day of Prayer. In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill formally calling for the nation to have a National Day of Prayer each year with ... Continue
"Rise up" Revival – Wednesday Nights in AprilPosted by Danny Jones | Comments Off
This Wednesday Night - April 18th at 6:30 pm - our guest speaker will be Dr. Levi Skipper - pastor of the Concord Baptist Church in Clermont, GA. Levi is a graduate of Shorter college. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Seminary and his Doctorate from Luther Rice University. Before coming to ... Continue
"Rise up" Revival – Wednesday Nights in AprilPosted by Danny Jones | Comments Off
This Wednesday Night - April 11 at 6:30 pm - our guest speaker will be Rev. Earl Pirkle - pastor of the Central Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA. Earl has pastored Central Baptist for the last 10 years and prior to that he was pastor of 4 other Baptist churches since he ... Continue


text:
Welcome to Graysonside
Graysonside Guest House is a former Farm House offering high quality bed & breakfast and self-catering apartments at affordable prices. In 2007 we converted a stone barn to offer flexible accommodation for the business and tourist guest - offering space, quality and comfort. This was recognized by the English Tourism Council which gave us a five star gold and a breakfast award.
Graysonside Guest House is set within the Lake District National Park and is just a few minutes away from the centre of Cockermouth - home to one of our famous poets William Wordsworth. Graysonside is also in a very good location for Bassenthwaite, Loweswater, Crummock and Buttermere Lake. Due to its rural location Graysonside is streaming with wildlife, we are regularly visited by a red squirrel, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, an abundance of garden birds on our feeders and rabbits roaming the garden. You can sit and watch our wildlife from our breakfast room.
Graysonside business has increased year on year with a mix of business guests and tourist from all over the UK and abroad due to the facilities that it provides, including off road parking and a secure cycle lock up.
We look forward to welcoming you...
Janette and Andrew Likeman
Special Offers
Winter Special Offers
Book a short 3 night break this winter and receive a 5% discount on all Bed and Breakfast Tariffs
Contact us directly by phone or email to receive these special discounted rates this Autumn/Winter.
Enjoy an extended visit of 5 nights or more and receive 10% discount on all Bed and Breakfast Tariffs
These offers are available for any dates from Friday 31st October 2014 to Sunday 01st March 2015.
Excluding Xmas and the New year
The offers are available for all Bed and Breakfast tariffs and are based on two people sharing. Self-catering and single occupancy are not applicable.


text:
Cosmos comes to Long Island
The Cosmos, a renowned soccer club in the 1970s that was revived last year, was the lone bidder on a request for proposals issued by Nassau County last month to develop Mitchell Field. This will become the new location for the team's practice field. Videojournalist: Jim Staubitser (June 6, 2013)
Review: Nike Vapor Jet 3.0 gloves Redskins to Start Colt McCoy Over RG3 Raw: Sherman, Baldwin dig at NFL Sandoval wants 'new challenge' with Red Sox 'Real Sports' on Quincy Symonds Algieri's rise from Paramount to Pacquiao Beckham Jr.'s one-handed TD vs. Cowboys Algieri: 'Manny didn't give me a lot of holes' Pacquiao calls for Floyd Mayweather fight Billy Smith honored at Coliseum Chaminade 48, St. John the Baptist 29 Weigh-ins: Pacquiao vs. Algieri