Mets get rid of Milledge

The Mets have traded troublesome outfielder Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals for catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church.

milledge.bmpIt's a good move for the Mets. They get the catcher they're looking for and they're gaining an outfielder that hit 43 doubles in 400 at-bats last season. Mets GM Omar Minaya likes his end of the deal as he interprets the trade as a step up in defense. Milledge was once the Mets top prsopect just a few years ago. Now after critcizing his teammates, coaches and the media, Lastings is gone.

A step in the right direction for the Amazin's. Get rid of a player who has more potential to get in trouble then his potential on the field. Good move Omar...even if you got back a bag of chips from the Nats.

My last memory of Milledge as a Met was that last Saturday of the season, when Dontrelle Willis hit a ball down the right field line and Milledge nonchantly played a double into a triple. Oh yeah, don't forget the fight he started against the Marlins that day..he said was trying to moviate his lifeless Mets. The Mets won that day, but when the season was on the line the next day...the Marlins went out of their way to end the Mets season. They did a good job, they scored five runs in the first inning and never looked back en route to ending the Mets season.

Good job Lastings...you moviated Omar to ship you out of town.
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QUITE FRANKLY: Just Fire Isiah

thomas3.jpgIsiah Thomas is still the Knicks head coach and still their president. There's a serious problem with that. The Knicks are 2-8 and on their way to another miserable season. We've already seen a sexual harrassment case against Thomas and Garden CEO James Dolan, a public war of words between Thomas and star point guard Stephon Marbury, Thomas throwing the team out of practice, and a team munity against Marbury. It's time for someone to take responsibilty and say enough is enough.

When asked about his status with the team and the current state of the Knicks, Isiah responded:
Via Mitch Lawrence NY Daily News:
"I just don't think that this is the time to panic, after 11games in the season.....This is not the time to just blow everything up and to say that the guys we've got here and the changes and the moves we made, after 11games, you judge it. That's not the way this league goes.

"Again, there is a lot of time here. I do understand the frustration and the venom and the anger, but that comes with the passion of the fans. When you get frustrated, the first thing you think about doing is making changes. But this isn't the time to make changes.

"Believe me, when that time comes, I'll be the first to say it. I've seen and been through a lot of situations in the NBA and this is not the time to abandon ship and make changes. We'll get through this."

When Thomas arrived in December of 2003 he came in and made changes to try and help a struggling franchise. He's traded overpaid stars, traded guys HE overpaid for, traded away several future draft picks, including the number 2 overall pick in 2006. He hired Larry Brown only to fire him a year later and take over himself. Dolan then proclaimed that Thomas would have one year to turn the Knicks around.....in March, Thomas signed a contract extension with the Knicks.

knicks072.jpgAnother accomplishment of Thomas' reign in New York was the infamous brawl last December with the Denver Nuggets. Thomas allegedly told his players to commit hard fouls beacuse Denver had their star players on the court during the final minutes of a blowout and he felt he was being shown up. An inicident that was disgraceful for the NBA and the Knicks organization.

A franchise that was once so respected and rich in tradition is now a laughing stock. Its time for Dolan to can Isiah and get rid of Marbury. How much worse can the Knicks possibly be without them? There's only one direction, and thats up and that's without Thomas leading the team. The Knicks are run as if they took those kids, who ask for your money for candy off the subway. How can anyone in their right mind run an organization like this? This is an embrassment to the city of New York. Madison Square Garden used to always be a hot ticket but it's no longer the place to be. For the most part people only go to the games so they can participate in the "Fire Isiah" chants. The Isiah Thomas New York Knicks are pitiful, woeful, disgusting, and horrid.

trademe.jpg It's time for a change at the Garden, start from the top and work your way through the organization and team. Dolan, wake up and smell the coffee. How much more of your money is Isiah going to waste? Thomas has commited crimes, has pushed people around the league and in the offices to the edge, he has angered a once loyal fanbase. It's time to listen to the fans (many who are Cablevision subscribers) and Fire Isiah. You've lost games, your pride, your diginty, your money and your fans. Firing Isiah can only make things better. Make the Knicks one of the NBA's elite again, make Madison Square Garden the place to be again....what more do you have to lose?

(Frank's articles can also be read at HotStoveNewYork.com)
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Richard Jefferson had his second straight 30 point game and New Jersey needed every one of them last night. A double digit lead in the second half almost disappeared, as the Sonics (2-11) made a run late but were held off for a 98-93 Nets win.

jefferson.jpgVince Carter back in second game since missing five games due to his ankle injury scored 15 off the bench. Jason Kidd added 14 points but Jefferson was the story. He also had 4 rebounds and 5 assists to go along with his 30 points. He is season average of 24.5 points a game is his career best.

Via ESPN.com:
"With all of us out there, it just makes us hard to guard and everybody benefits," Carter said.

In the fourth quarter with a minute to play the Nets lead was down to one. Seattle had various opportunities to tie but could not deliver. The victory was the Nets' second straight after a six game losing streak (five of those Carter was out with his right ankle injury).

Via Julian Garcia NY Daily News:
"You never take for granted winning, especially when we tasted six losses in a row, especially playing on the road," Lawrence Frank said

The Nets (6-7) finish their west coast swing Sunday in L.A. against the Lakers.

(Frank's articles can also be read at HotStoveNewYork.com )
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Rivera to agree on 3-Year offer from Yanks

According to the NY Post , Mariano Rivera will accept the Yankees 3-year $45 million contract. Rivera is expected to meet with his agent and his representatives today. The deal can be announced early this week.

riverastays.jpg If and when Rivera signs, Alex Rodriguez' 10-year $275 million contract will follow. A-Rod is expected to win his third MVP award Monday when it is announced.

There were many reports this week stating Rivera wanted a fourth year. It appears that Rivera will be just fine with the 3 years offered from the Yankees.For the first time in his career he tested the open market as a free agent. He has been with the organization since 1990. He along with Derek Jeter, recently re-signed Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte are the only holdovers from the championship years ('96, '98-2000). He currently ranks third on the all-time career saves list with 443.

The greatest closer of all-time will finish his career in the Bronx, which should make many fans proud. The end of the game still belongs to Mo and no matter what the price...he's still the best at what he does. Not a bad job by the Yanks top honchos. Posada,Rodriguez, and Rivera are back in the Bronx, now things should look a lot better for Pettitte to come back..the last missing link.



HotStoveNewYork.com
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Yanks now focus on 'pen

luis_vizcaino70216n.jpgThe offices down at Legends Field in Tampa are pretty busy these days. In the last week we saw the Yankees re-sign catcher Jorge Posada and close in on an agreement with third baseman Alex Rodriguez. They are also awaiting word from Mariano Rivera on whether he will accept their 3 year-$45 million offer. They offered free agent Mike Lowell a 4 year deal and now are prepared to focus on the bullpen.

The top priority logically would be Rivera, but in the event he decides to reject the Yankees offer and skip town, it's believed that they will look at Milwaukee Brewers closer Francisco Cordero as his replacement. The Yanks are also looking to bring back reliever Luis Vizcaino. Both are reprepresented by Bean Stringfellow. The Yanks have contacted Stringfellow on both players. The talks on Cordero have been described as "general", while talks on Vizcaino have some juice behind them.

Via Anthony McCarron, NY Daily News:
"They're interested in bringing him back and he's interested in coming back," Stringfellow said. "We agreed to talk at a later date, perhaps this week. We've gotten numerous calls on Luis. He enjoyed his stay in New York."

Vizcaino struggled in his first couple months in the Bronx. As the season went on, he became one of Joe Torre's most reliable guys out of the pen, until a dead arm hit him in September. Overall Vizcaino finished 8-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 77games.
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A-Rod in Pinstripes Should Make Everyone Happy

arodhappy.bmpAs the old expression goes "those who laugh last, laugh best". In the case of Alex Rodriguez, his agent Scott Boras, and the New York Yankees, who exactly is laughing last? One thing is for sure, they'll all be laughing their way to the bank. Yesterday Rodriguez and the Yankees agreed to the outline of a 10 year $275 million contract. It will be the richest contract in sports history.

There are many questions you can ask yourselves on this situation:

- Did Boras overplay his hand by convincing himself and Alex that there was $350 million out there on the open market?
- Was there ever $350 million out there?
- Did A-Rod come back to the Yankees to salvage his reputation or because he really wanted to be a Yankee?
- Did Rodriguez really decide it upon himself to reach out to the Yankees or was it a trick up Boras' sleeve?
- The Yankees said they would NOT talk to A-Rod or Boras if he opted out, didn't they?

The answer to all those questions is simple, 10 years $275 million. Money talks and in this case, there was a lot. The greatest player of our time (no, not Barry Bonds) will now finish his career with the greatest franchise in sports. Whether you love Rodriguez or hate him, he's now a Yankee again. We all have our opinions, our reasons and our facts on why we love or hate A-Rod but any way you look at it, this is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Take a look at it...

yankeeslogo.bmp The Yankees:
They get the best option to play third base. They get back the best player in the game. A-Rod's production from the right side of the plate can not be matched. His presence in the lineup keeps them with a true cleanup hitter and leaves Derek Jeter in the second spot and Robinson Cano in the lower third of the lineup. With Alex staying in pinstripes it now gives him and the Yanks endless possibilities for marketing. They will have their mega-star for their network and for their new stadium in 2009. It also adds to the legacy of the Yankees franchise. Once A-Rod goes into the Hall of Fame, he will go in as a Yankee. The best players of all-time have been Yankees, Alex Rodriguez will now be one of them.


arodinterview.jpgAlex Rodriguez:
Is known around baseball as the best player in the game, possibly all-time. This now personifies him as a New York Yankee and not as a rent-a-player. Years down the road he will be remembered for reaching milestones and accomplishments wearing the Yankee pinstripes, something that very much matters to Alex. If he can produce the way A-Rod can, then the burden of the fans will be lifted and they will shower him support and love. The Yankees are built to win a championship every year so it's logical to think that sometime over the next 10 years he WILL produce and help the Yankees win a World Series. He likes the attention and he likes drama...no better place for that then New York City. Oh by the way...he got a $275 million contract and can make up to $314 million if he breaks the all-time Homerun record, so how bad can that be?

boras.bmp Agent Scott Boras:
Super agent or not, he got his most profile client the richest contract in sports history..AGAIN. His payday for this contract will be around $14 million. Whether his bluff was called or not, his job was done and was done in a very public fashion. Say what you want about him and his tactics, but he still is leaving this situation a happy man. His toe to toe battle with MLB, the Yankees, and the media will no doubt draw him interest from other avenues (players,teams, companies), thanks in part for his aggressiveness and fearless approach.

The Fans:yankeefans.JPG
You either love or hate the guy, but now that he's back it's time to support him for the better of the team. He is going to do some amazing things within the next 10 years, things we will only get to see a few times in a lifetime, so sit back n enjoy. You don't see any of the young pitchers dealt away in a deal to get someone to try and replace Rodriguez. He will now be very much apart of the Yankee legacy and tradition. He is baseball's best player and he will come through in October, he will. If he didn't come back then realistically, who would be playing third base on Opening Day next year? Whoever it would've been, couldn't compare to Alex. You will be able to say in the future that you saw the greatest player of all-time play for your favorite team. Also, the way in which the Yankees have run under the new Steinbrenner sons’ regime has to get you excited. Their decisions have been based on baseball needs, not wants. They turned a franchise that was in shambles just a few weeks ago and turned it back into the top organization, all while being on the job for about 20 minutes.

A-Rod is staying in pinstripes and that should put fear in a lot of teams around the league. Maybe it was the best thing for everyone involved for it to be this way. How miserable would everyone be if it hadn't ended like this? So many things could’ve gone wrong if Alex would've left the Bronx, but in the end he did the right thing and stayed. It was the right thing for him, his legacy, the Yankees, the Yankees legacy, the fans, and his agent. Now, all he has to do is win a championship and life will be complete for Alex Rodriguez.
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A-Rod and Yanks close to deal

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Nets lose game and Carter

This was a matchup as good as the one in the Garden last night, the Nets' big three of Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter against the Celtics' Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. You had enough pop and punch in East Rutherford to draw you away from the evening's festivies across the river.

vince-carter-injured.jpgFor New Jersey things didn't end up the way they had hoped. The big 3 from Boston got the better peformance and led it's team to victory 112-101 over the Nets. Not only did the Nets lose the game, they also lost Carter in the 3rd quarter. Carter sprained his right ankle after a dunk and landing on Pierce's foot. He would be escorted out of the arena after the game sporting a protective boot and on crutches.
Via Julian Garcia NY Daily News:

It's just one of those freak accidents that you hope is not bad," said Jason Kidd. "It could be severe, it could be mild."

The Nets trailed as much as 21, going into the 4th quarter. But Boston held on down the stretch. The big 3 from Boston combined for 73 points and 27 rebounds as the Nets big 3 combined for 62 points.
It's not just about the three of them versus the three of us," Jefferson said of each team's stars. "There were guys across the board who were having an impact."

The Nets (4-2) and Celtics (5-0) play again Wednesday night in Boston. Carter surely will be a spectator for that game, as his injury last night appears it will knock him out for at least a few days. More will be known today as his ankle will be further examined.


-www.HotStoveNewYork.com-
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A-Rod to Dodgers? Torre: "Its Possible"

According to Joe Torre, Alex Rodriguez could be wearing Dodger next season. "It's possible," Torre said Friday before his annual Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation gala. Via ESPN.com

"You've got four or five clubs maybe that figure to be in the sweepstakes. There aren't a lot of clubs that are going to be able to pay the money."

arodwest.jpg If A-Rod decides to join Torre out west, he'll join hitting coach Don Mattingly as another former Yankee wearing Dodger blue, as well as former Yankees 3rd base coach Larry Bowa.

The relationship between Torre and A-Rod seems to be on good ground after this past season, which saw Rodriguez post remarkable numbers (.314 avg 54 HR 156 RBI).
"All I know is it was very comfortable for both of us," the manager said. "And I think my being uncomfortable came from the fact that I didn't think he was as comfortable. This year he just seemed to be a different guy in spring training."

Rodriguez is likely to pick up his third MVP in the coming weeks - his second with the Yankees. Whoever decides to pay A-Rod the $350 million he's asking for (and do you really think anyone will?) will be acquiring a great player with great talent. The questions will remain: Can he produce in the postseason? Is it worth spending that much money on ONE player? Is he a cancer in the clubhouse with his self serving attitude? These are the questions GM's and owners will have to ask themselves before handing out the big bucks for Alex. Or of course, A-Rod could always come back to the Yankees....pssh like that's gonna happen. I wouldn't count on the latter, but hey, stranger things have happened.

- www.HotStoveNewYork.com -
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A-Rod a Dodger? Torre: "It's Possible"

According to Joe Torre, Alex Rodriguez could be wearing Dodger next season. "It's possible," Torre said Friday before his annual Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation gala. Via ESPN.com

"You've got four or five clubs maybe that figure to be in the sweepstakes. There aren't a lot of clubs that are going to be able to pay the money."

arodwest.jpg If A-Rod decides to join Torre out west, he'll join hitting coach Don Mattingly as another former Yankee wearing Dodger blue, as well as former Yankees 3rd base coach Larry Bowa.

The relationship between Torre and A-Rod seems to be on good ground after this past season, which saw Rodriguez post remarkable numbers (.314 avg 54 HR 156 RBI).
"All I know is it was very comfortable for both of us," the manager said. "And I think my being uncomfortable came from the fact that I didn't think he was as comfortable. This year he just seemed to be a different guy in spring training."

Rodriguez is likely to pick up his third MVP in the coming weeks - his second with the Yankees. Whoever decides to pay A-Rod the $350 million he's asking for (and do you really think anyone will?) will be acquiring a great player with great talent. The questions will remain: Can he produce in the postseason? Is it worth spending that much money on ONE player? Is he a cancer in the clubhouse with his self serving attitude? These are the questions GM's and owners will have to ask themselves before handing out the big bucks for Alex. Or of course, A-Rod could always come back to the Yankees....pssh like that's gonna happen. I wouldn't count on the latter, but hey, stranger things have happened.
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Pettitte Declines ‘08 Option, Yankee Career Over?

On Monday night, Andy Pettitte informed the Yankees that he has declined his $16 million player option for 2008.

andypettitte-thinking.bmpThe decision to decline the '08 option doesn't mean Pettitte's time in pinstripes is over.
"He told me specifically this is not about waiting to see what kind of club we have on the field and anything regarding the manager," Yanks GM Brian Cashman said. "He's earned the right to take some more time, as far as we're concerned."

It appears that Andy isn't completely ruling out a return to the Bronx in 2008, but does need some more time to decide. Pettite told KRIV television last week "It probably wouldn't be real honorable for me not to do anything other than if I shut it down, shut it down or go back and play for the New York Yankees."

At the moment the Yankees rotation looks like this: Chein Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Kei Igawa could be placed in the rotation if Pettitte does indeed decide to shut it down. Joba Chamberlain could also be another option in the rotation but his '08 status depends on wheter the Yankees re-sign close Mariano Rivera. If Rivera walks, then it is more than certain that the Yanks will throw Chamberlain in the closer's role.

The offseason of change in the Bronx continues. If Andy does hang it up and go home, it would certainly be a huge blow to the Yankees and their fans. The heart and passion that Pettitte brings will be missed. The last time we sw him, he was leaving with a 1-0 Yankee lead in the 7th inning in Game 2 of the Divison Series. That night we saw Andy Pettitte at his best. Could that have been his last game? According to Andy...only time will tell.
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