You want "above". And I seem to recall that the strike zone reinterpretation was especially hard on him (perhaps because he had been accustomed to getting marginal strike calls on outside pitches) - maybe that was the four-years-ago glitch?

I don't understand why Glavine would leave the Mets to join the Yankees - unless I missed something, the former still want him.

I'm biting my nails hoping Cash doesn't stoop to signing Meche and his "live arm."

But if we were to sign him, would that set some record for oldest pitching staff ever, and perhaps the pitching staff with the most wins ever? Hell, bring in Roger, lets have 4 starters all close to or over 40 and all over or approaching 300 wins!!

5 If we see Kenny Rogers in pinstripes next year, you are paying for his pine tar.

As for Glavine. I'd say there's about a 1% chance that the Yankees can sign him. He's really chomping at the bit to return to Atlanta, and only the Mets' money is keeping him around. In the AL he'd have to worry about the DH and why would he want to do that if he didn't have to?

It's funny though, I remember listening to Mike and the Mad Dog just a few years ago (summer of 2003, maybe). And Chris Russo went on a two hour rant about how Glavine was "shot," and how he didn't have anything left. Glavine had an ERA under 2.50 for the rest of the 2003 season, and he's been solid ever since.

Give me Zito or Lilly over Glavine. Younger and AL tested.

New additions to the 40 man - Sardinha, Kennard, and Chase Wright.

http://tinyurl.com/u8n65

Any one know more about Wright? He was old for High-A, but ok numbers.

Obviously he would prefer Atlanta, but he's likely concerned that it would be difficult to get Ws there. In which case, the Mets would be a good second choice and would likely get him the 10 wins easily. This guy is not going to pick up his last 10 at a third team -- it's against his nature.

Man this is a brutal off-season. I can't believe the amount of money being thrown around for the junk on the market. It's kind of like the dot-com boom of the late 90's. I remember seeing some classmates of mine with some obscene offers - even though they managed to have a GPA way below the average for the entire graduating class.

Oh well, when you are a commodity then it doesn't matter if you are a baseball player, an engineer, a garbage man, or anything, if your services are needed then you will get paid. Hmm....now I know why prostitution is such a profitable business. Those services are always in demand.

But like many others, I'll be shocked if he leaves the NL. It would still be a great addition for the Yanks.

The other thing is something I didn't think about at all until Aviezer brought it up yesterday. Type 'A' free agents, like Aurilia, will cost the Yanks a 1st round draft pick. No way Ca$hmoney gives up a 1st round pick, especially since there are so many sandwich picks now between the 1st and 2nd rounds, which potentially lessens the quality of second (and later) round picks (hat tip to Keith Law).

I think there is a cut-off date after which the Yanks don't lose any draft picks. Whatever moves the Yanks make, it will be after that date.

Check out these rates (H/9 HR/9 BB/9 K/9)
2004 (A): 10.47 0.42 5.97 5.34
2005 (A): 8.00 0.63 4.31 6.88
2006 (A+): 7.14 0.08 3.23 7.52

Looks like he learned the value of throwing strikes. What pops out most last year is that he gave up 1 HR in 119 innings. The problem is he was old for that league at 23. But as a lefty he still has value even as he's most defintely not a prospect.

I imagine he'll start the year at Trenton.

I could tolerate Jeter losing out to Santana or Mauer, but I'll be sick if another Twin steals it from him.

I don't understand the Ortiz hype that is still out there. Every "expert ballot" (e.g. USA Today, ESPN) seems to have one first-place vote for Big Papi. Ortiz and Hafner are both burly, power-hitting DHs with clutch tendencies playing for non-contenders. In an apples-to-apples comparison, Hafner is better.

I would go:
1.) Jeter
2.) Santana
3.) Mauer
4.) Dye
5.) Guillen
6.) Hafner
7.) Guillen
8.) Sizemore
9.) Ortiz
10.) Ramirez

Notice Morneau, who will likely finish 1st or 2nd, is not on the list.

10 G
62 IP
5-2 record
4.52 ERA

He had 1 very bad start vs. Seattle (6 ER, 2.1 IP, 23.14 ERA). Remove that start and the numbers read:

9 G
59 2/3 IP
5-1 record
2.45 ERA

Having said that, I'd be shocked if the guy ever played in the AL.

Why'd the Mets decline the option? They seem to like old guys even more than we do....

Rumor that Jeter and Morneau tied for MVP.

If it is true, at least it was only half a terrible choice. Since when did 3rd best on team = league MVP??? Stupid RBIs...

31 I might be wrong, but I think this year's eligible players would be grandfathered in the old CBA, with the new one going into effect in December? Am I right, anyone?

OK, I found a link to the rankings, but not to the methodology. I think it covers a 3 year period but I'm not sure.

http://tinyurl.com/ybbxpx

And I think the changes from the new CBA go into affect next year.

The rankings are broken down by positions (all catchers, DH/1B/OF, 2B/SS/3B, starters, relievers).

I still vote for Daryle Ward.

While money is not Glavine's primary issue, it never hurts. The 2 incentives to come to the Yankees would be winning and money.

I'd give him 12-13 mil for one year (inbetween Lily and Zito). He wants to win a WS along with his 300... so the Mets (and maybe the Yankees) are in, the Braves may be out. If he wants to pitch next year, he can go to the Braves with cash in his pocket, and (hopefully) a WS under his belt.

We were willing to spend 20mil/yr for DM... so splurging on Glavine for one year, until Hughes is ready, ain't gonna break the bank.

Glavine should be league average at worst, but probably better.... eats lots of innings, is great under pressure, and as Cliff says, will be good for the kids.

Just look at what the Yankees have been dealing with: Giambi, Wilson, Guiel(although I like him), Sheffield(please!), and even Philips to some degree. Mientkiewicz could really solidify this infield. Jeter and Rodriguez made quite a few errant throws last season, a guy like Mientkiewicz could really cut down on that. Not to mention he's a gutsy player and he brings a certain, what I would call "personal rivalry" with the Red Sox with him...that part would just be interesting.

I've been reading the board lately and all the suggestions of Hillenbrand and Aurilla I just find absurd. People are suggesting another malcontent...a station to station guy, with a questionable glove, or Aurilla who I can only equate with that old Jetsons episode where Asto was taken back by Mr. Gottrockets and named Tralfaz (Yuck!)...Aurilla (Yuck!).

I'm sure you all know in the late 90's the Yankees had some platoons going on, especially leftfield. Right now the Yankees are covered everywhere with hitters that can flat out rake. Dropping a great defender like Mientkiewicz in the mix to anchor the infield defense is just good baseball. In fact you can even keep the cheap Phillips around to platoon with Doug on occasion. I really feel it could work...and I'll be dropping by the board to keep mentioning this point.

Hillenbrand...no! Aurilla (Yuck!). Mientkiewicz...I think yes. I'm sure I'll be crucified on here with all kinds of hitting statistics to make me look foolish but so be it. I'm steadfast in the belief that an excellent defensive firt baseman is the key. The reason Giambi is being looked at as a fulltime DH is defense, so let's see the Yankees replace him with a great glove first and foremost.

I don't have time to look up any other defensive numbers, but my guess is that Mientkiewicz's advantage with the glove isn't much, and not enough to overcome his left-handedness and his mediocre bat.