Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to all you Sliding Into Home readers and your loved ones.

I hope 2009 brings you everything you want and more.

Now go get wasted!

Oh before I forget, I also want to thank all of you for a very successful first year for Sliding Into Home. You guys have no idea how much I truly appreciate it. Hopefully 2009 is even better.

See you guys next year.

Jim Kaat on Teixeira and the Yanks Bullpen

From Jim Kaat:

The latest deal by the Yankees gives them the gold standard for first basemen in Major League Baseball. Mark Teixeira is a tremendous combination of hitting for average and power, and on top of that, he's an excellent fielder. It solves their problem at first base, which has existed since Tino Martinez was not retained after a terrific run with the Yankees.

If you're a Yankee fan, you have to feel they may have bought the World Series ring that has avoided them since 2000. However, most of you that have read my thoughts or listened to them on the YES Network over the years know I'm a pitching guy. No matter how well Teixeira does, it still will be the guys at the end of the game that decide their fate. Unless they can just outscore everyone, and that never happens against good pitching. This should save some infielders a few errors on errant throws. This guy is good around the bag.

Anyone know who they're counting on to pitch the seventh and eighth inning yet? That's where I'd spend my money. But, like I said earlier, I'm a pitching guy... I always have been, and I always will be. I'd overpay Andy Pettitte for one year because he's "been" and "done" more than any of the new crop.

As I said before I would probably overpay for Pettitte too, but at this point I don't believe anyone is going to give him much more than the $10.5 million the Yanks offered him so I don't think the Yanks should up their offer.

With the bullpen I think the Yankees will be fine. Between Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, Damaso Marte, and Jonathan Albaladejo, I think the Yanks will be fine from the sixth inning on.

I see the bullpen setting up like this:

Long Reliever: Aceves/Giese

Middle Relievers: Ramirez, Veras, Albaladejo, Coke/Marte

Setup: Coke/Marte, Bruney

Closer: The Greatest

I think that should be fine.

Don't forget, they also have Mark Melancon in AAA who may be ready to join the big club very shortly. And that's without even mentioning the five or six other arms the Yankees have in the minors waiting in the wings.

Giambi and Abreu May Be Looking at One-Year Deals

As it has been recently, today is another slow day for Yankees news, so here's some more news from around the league involving two former Yankees.

From Buster Olney:

Keep hearing this: Thanks to circumstance, players such as Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu might be forced to settle for one-year offers.

Giambi only deserves a one-year deal, but I'm surprised there's nobody out there looking to give Abreu at least a two-year deal.

I think Giambi will eventually take a one-year deal with the A's, and I could see Abreu going to the Dodgers. That would change if they ended up re-signing Manny, though.

Angels Sign Brian Fuentes

This isn't Yankees news, but it's relevant since the Angels figure to be contenders in the American League once again.

After losing Francisco Rodriguez to the Mets and Mark Teixeira to the Yankees, the Angels responded today by signing Brian Fuentes to a two-year, $17.5MM deal. Fuentes will receive $8.5 million in '09, $9 million in '10, and has a $9 million vesting option for '11 based on games finished. In 2008 Fuentes was 1-5 with 30 saves and a 2.73 ERA in 67 games with the Colorado Rockies.

With K-Rod's velocity dropping more and more each season Fuentes is a nice replacement. Now the Angels have to figure out a way to bolster that lineup after losing Teixeira.

Yanks Still Want Pettitte - At Their Price

From John Harper:

After signing Mark Teixeira, the Yankees began whispering that Andy Pettitte might have waited too long to accept their take-it-or-leave-it $10million offer, and that they might just decide to move on without him.

However, a person in regular contact with Yankee brass said Tuesday he believes the club still wants Pettitte back and believes a deal will get done, perhaps as early as next week.

According to this person, someone in the Yankee organization was putting out that word as something of a scare tactic, knowing that Pettitte badly wants to pitch for the Yankees next season. "They just want him at their price, that's still the bottom line," the person said.

The Yankees need Pettitte, his veteran leadership, and his ability to eat up innings. I also think Pettitte needs the Yankees. You think his legacy in this town, or around baseball, will ever be the same if he decides to go pitch for the Texas Rangers? Plus, I highly doubt anyone is going to give him much more than $10.5 million.

Hopefully these two sides come to an agreement shortly. I really don't understand what Pettitte is waiting for. Reports have said that he has been allowing his agents to drag this process out this long, and if that's the case then he looks even worse.

12/31 Winter Ball Report

Mexican Pacific League

- Ramiro Pena (Culican) went 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored. The three hits raised his average to .283.

Venezuelan Winter League

- Francisco Cervelli (Lara) went 0-for-2 to drop his average to .267.

- Carlos Mendoza (Lara) went 1-for-4, he's now hitting .300.

- Luis Nunez (Zulia) went 0-for-3 with a run scored.

Here's a full list of Yankees playing in the Venezuelan, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican winter leagues:

Dominican Winter League: Robinson Cano and Wady Rufino are playing for Estrellas de Oriente. Melky Cabrera and Wilkins Arias are playing for Aguilas Cibaenas. Abraham Almonte is playing for Leones del Escogido. And Amaury Sanit are playing for Tigres del Licey.

Puerto Rican Winter League: Ian Kennedy and Jonathan Albaladejo are on Indios de Mayaguez. And Bernie Williams will play for Gigantes de Carolina.

Mexican Pacific League: Ramiro Pena and Jorge Vasquez are playing for Tomateros de Culiacan. And Walter Ibarra is on Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

Venezuelan Winter League: Francisco Cervelli, Edwar Gonzalez and Carlos Mendoza are playing for Cardenales de Lara. And Edgar Soto and Luis Nunez are on Aguilas del Zulia.

You can check out all of their Winter Ball stats here.

Some Minor League News & Notes:

- Oneli Perez has signed with the San Diego Padres - Thanks to my very smart readers for bringing this to my attention.

- 2B Prilys Cuello, INF Ramon Pena, and OF Alvaro Ramirez have all been released.

12/30 New Stadium Photo Update

Here's some new shots of the new stadium. All pictures are from Shutterfly member KEVINF279.

A big thanks to Kevin for the great shots.

(click to enlarge)

There are many more photos on Kevin's Shutterfly gallery here.

For the main updates page click here.

Will Carroll is a Smart Dude

This is a few days old but I wanted to post it anyway. It's from Will Carroll over at Baseball Prospectus:

So the Yankees have signed Mark Teixeira. Along with CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, they’ve committed a load of money to three of the top free agents available this year, making everyone cry “checkbook” at Cashman and Company.

Thing is, the Yankees payroll has gone down at this point. I’m not the math guy or business guy around here, but using the available contract figures and terms, the Yankees are just south of $200 million before arbitration. With players like Melky Cabrera and Xavier Nady eligible, that figure (around $186m) will go up, but not significantly.

Yes, the Yankees spent a lot of money, but they didn’t suddenly spend money they didn’t have. They used money coming off the books and backloaded to work with money that’s coming off the books next year as well. I’m not defending them against charges that they’re “buying championships” but I would like to see some acknowledgement that the Yankees aren’t in some new era of spending. They’re just still spending, like they always have.

Like the title says, the dude is smart.

Another Owner Wants A Salary Cap Because Of The Big Bad Yankees

First is was Mark Attanasio saying "At the rate the Yankees are going, I'm not sure anyone can compete with them," Attanasio said in an e-mail. "Frankly, the sport might need a salary cap."

Now, Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane adds his two cents:

Astros owner Drayton McLane is one of the wealthiest men in the country and is accustomed to hearing about multimillion-dollar deals being made in any of his numerous business ventures.

But even McLane finds himself astonished at the kinds of cash the New York Yankees have been throwing around this winter. So much so that McLane said he would be in favor of Major League Baseball adopting a salary cap.

“We would love to have a salary cap, but the (players’) union has been very resistant to that,” McLane said this past week.

Enough with the salary cap nonsense.First of all, like Mr. McLane said the players' association will never go for it. And second, the Yankees spending hasn't really gotten them much. The last time I checked the Yankees hadn't won a World Series since 2000, so this whole idea of buy championships is nonsense. When the Yankees win 10 World Series in a row, then you can start bitching about the league needing a salary cap, until then, shut up. Move on and find something else to worry about. How about your own teams for example?

12/30 Winter Ball Report

Dominican Winter League

- Melky Cabrera (Aguilas) went 1-for-4 with a stolen base. He's now hitting .417 in the DWL playoffs.

- Wilkins Arias (Aguilas) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and one walk.

Mexican Pacific League

- Ramiro Pena (Culiacan) went 1-for-4. He's now hitting .271 in the MPL.

Puerto Rican Winter League

- Jonathan Albaladejo (Mayaguez) picked up his 13th save of the winter with another 1.1 innings of scoreless ball. He did not allow a baserunner and struck out one.

- Tough break for Bernie Williams. He suffered a serious quad injury and his comeback may be over.

Venezuelan Winter League

- Carlos Mendoza (Lara) went 1-for-1, he's now hitting .313 in Venezuela.

Here's a full list of Yankees playing in the Venezuelan, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican winter leagues:

Dominican Winter League: Robinson Cano and Wady Rufino are playing for Estrellas de Oriente. Melky Cabrera and Wilkins Arias are playing for Aguilas Cibaenas. Abraham Almonte is playing for Leones del Escogido. And Oneli Perez and Amaury Sanit are playing for Tigres del Licey.

Puerto Rican Winter League: Ian Kennedy and Jonathan Albaladejo are on Indios de Mayaguez. And Bernie Williams will play for Gigantes de Carolina.

Mexican Pacific League: Ramiro Pena and Jorge Vasquez are playing for Tomateros de Culiacan. And Walter Ibarra is on Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

Venezuelan Winter League: Francisco Cervelli, Edwar Gonzalez and Carlos Mendoza are playing for Cardenales de Lara. And Edgar Soto and Luis Nunez are on Aguilas del Zulia.

You can check out all of their Winter Ball stats here.

Former Yank Showalter Praises Teixeira

Kat O'Brien spoke with former Yankees manager Buck Showalter about Mark Teixeira, and here is some of what he had to say:

"I think he'll do well. All multi-year contracts have some risk, but I think he's a great health risk. He's not going to embarrass you on or off the field. He's going to be prepared. He's got a real passion for (the game). ... If there's such a thing as a safe eight-year contract, that would be it. He's been so consistent and so healthy."

"When it's all said and done, I think he's going to rank up there with some of the great switch-hitters."

"He'll be there for the long haul. He understands the things that go along with being a major league baseball player and also a Yankee."

"I think people will really appreciate what a good first baseman Mark is. He's really made himself into that -- you forget he was drafted as a third baseman. If I was Alex or Derek or Robby Cano, I'd be excited about getting him. He'll make all three of those guys better with his defense."

He also warned that Teixeira is a slow starter, so we should all be patient with him in April. I think we will, gold glove defense can make a fan accept a slow start offensively.

Showalter also doesn't buy into the idea that Teixeira would have gone to the highest bidder. He believes that winning was also very important, and from the reports about a higher offer from the Nationals I tend to believe what Buck is saying.

From everything I've read about Teixeira he seems like he's going to be a great Yankee. The stellar defense and the .300+, 30+, 110+ per year will help too.

12/29 Winter Ball Report

Mexican Pacific League

- Ramiro Pena (Culican) went 0-for-4 to drop his avg. to .272.

Venezuelan Winter League

- Francisco Cervelli (Lara) went 2-for-3 with a walk and 2 RBI to raise his avg. to .276.

- Edwar Gonzalez (Lara) went 0-for-1.

- Luis Nunez (Zulia) went 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored. He's now hitting .444.

Here's a full list of Yankees playing in the Venezuelan, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican winter leagues:

Dominican Winter League: Robinson Cano and Wady Rufino are playing for Estrellas de Oriente. Melky Cabrera and Wilkins Arias are playing for Aguilas Cibaenas. Abraham Almonte is playing for Leones del Escogido. And Oneli Perez and Amaury Sanit are playing for Tigres del Licey.

Puerto Rican Winter League: Ian Kennedy and Jonathan Albaladejo are on Indios de Mayaguez. And Bernie Williams will play for Gigantes de Carolina.

Mexican Pacific League: Ramiro Pena and Jorge Vasquez are playing for Tomateros de Culiacan. And Walter Ibarra is on Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

Venezuelan Winter League: Francisco Cervelli, Edwar Gonzalez and Carlos Mendoza are playing for Cardenales de Lara. And Edgar Soto and Luis Nunez are on Aguilas del Zulia.

You can check out all of their Winter Ball stats here.

Sox Sign Penny and Bard

Rod Bradford is reporting that the Red Sox have signed Brad Penny to a one-year deal with a base salary of $5 million. Penny could make up to 8$ million with bonuses.

In an injury-filled season last year with the Dodgers Penny went 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA. For his career he's 94-75 with a 4.06 ERA. And as SI.com and MLB Trade Rumors points out he has struggled in interleague play, going 7-11 with a 5.08 ERA in 24 appearances.

They also re-acquired catcher Josh Bard to a $1.6 million nonguaranteed major league deal.

Todd Jones Cries About Yanks Spending

Retired Tigers closer Todd Jones writes a blog on SportingNews.com. Today he had this rant (hat tip to Scott Proctor's Arm) about the Yankees, their spending, and us fan. (I think Jones is just bitter about his 1-3 record with a 5.59 ERA against the Yanks in his career. Or maybe it's his 0-1 record and 14.85 ERA over the last three.)

First there was CC Sabathia. No one thought too much about that signing. The Yankees usually act like the spoiled only child who threatens to hold his breath until he gets what he wants. They wanted pitching, so they signed him. Now all Sabathia has to do is win 20 games and/or the Cy Young Award every season for the next seven seasons.

Then, there was A.J. Burnett. He was the first pitcher to use his opt-out clause to the tune of five years and $82.5 million. That's cool. He has the big fastball that general managers and fans love, and he won a career-high 17 games in 2008. Good for him.

But now comes Mark Texeira. I'm talking eight years and $180 million. And he's not even the highest-paid player on his new club?

Is it just me or does he sound very bitter?

Now that the Yankees have spent so much and have future Hall of Famers up and down their roster, they're supposed to win. Anything short of reaching the World Series will be a disappointment.

Uh, Todd, this isn't anything new. Where have you been? This is the Yankee way. 26 World Series championships will do that to you.

That is no way to go through a season. Baseball turns into a job really fast when you strap such an 800-pound gorilla on your back the first day of spring training and carry it around during a six-month-long regular season (and perhaps into the postseason).

I wonder if Yankees fans ever blush. What's so special about pulling for the bully at the end of the street who beats up on the smallest kid in town? What's cool is when you're rooting for a team that comes from nowhere. Most of us like the underdogs, and they still have their day in baseball, as we saw with the Rays this past season.

The Yankees should know by now that money can't buy a championship. You know, I have a feeling this won't turn how the Yankees are planning.

Why are people acting like this is something new? The Yankees spend money, it's what they do, and it's what they have done - for many years now. This fake outrage that so many people have shown in recent days is ridiculous. Get over it, and move on with your lives.

In 2009 the Yankees will likely have a smaller payroll than they had last year. Nobody seems to care about this. To me it sounds like something pretty significant, but that's just me. Yes, they signed the big three free agents on the market, but overall they should actually CUT spending. And in the process, they've made themselves a whole lot better.

Regarding us fans, I love rooting for the Yankees, and yes it's fun to root for the Yankees too. What's better than rooting for the most successful team in professional sports that's also consistently trying to improve themselves? It's certainly not rooting for the Minnesota Twins.

Also, I'm getting a little tired of Yankees fans being upset or ashamed that their own team spends money like the Yanks do. They spend to put the best product possible on the field. Isn't that exactly what every fan wants from his or her team? You think any Marlins or Pirates fan would feel bad if their team's spent the kind of money we do?

Don't feel bad, feel proud. After all, you're a big part of what makes this possible. If it wasn't for us fans the Yankees couldn't spend the way they do. We buy the four million tickets each year, we buy the hats and jerseys, we watch the YES network. And seriously, would you rather if Hank and Hal just pocketed the money? I know I wouldn't. But I guess then nobody could complain and make you feel bad, right?

This Week in Yankees History (12/28-1/3)

December 28th - January 3rd

December 28th

1947 - Former Yankees reserve INF Aurelio Rodriguez (19801-81) was born. (1947-2000) On August 4, 1980, he was purchased by the Yankees from the Padres. Aurelio would play in 77 games for the Yankees, hitting .283. On November 17, 1981, he was traded by the Yankees to the Blue Jays for a player to be named later. The Blue Jays would send Mike Lebo (minors) on December 9, 1981 to the Yankees to complete the trade. In 2000, he passed away from injuries after being struck by car that had jumped onto the sidewalk in Detroit.

1992 - Former Yankees hurler and long-time NL post-season rival Sal “The Barber” Maglie (1957-58) passed away. (1917-1992) Sal was purchased by the Yankees from the Dodgers for $25,000 cash and 2 minor league players in September of 1957. Sal went 2-0 with 4 saves for the Yankees. In 1958, he faded going 1-1 in 7 games, before being sold to the Cardinals. Sal had pitched for the Yankees, Dodgers and the Giants during the 1950’s.

1995 - The White Sox traded veteran OF Tim Raines to the Yankees in exchange for future considerations. The Yankees would send Blaise Kozeniewski (minors) on February 6, 1996 to the White Sox to complete the trade.

2001 - Outgoing New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announces the Yankees and Mets have reached a tentative agreement with the city to build a pair of $800 million, retractable-roof stadiums. Mayor-elect Michael Bloomberg, who is concerned if the city can afford what is believed to be the largest private-public venture history, will have final word on the $1.6 billion cost of the proposed new ballparks agreements. Neither of the new stadiums would be built with retractable-roofs, due to projected construction costs.

2005 - Yankees LF Hideki Matsui has decided not to play for Japan at next year's World Baseball Classic games, so he can concentrate his efforts on winning a World Series with the Yankees.

2005 - Free agent veteran reserve INF Miguel Cairo and the Yankees reached an agreement on a $1 million, one-year contract.

2007 - Former Yankees player Jim Leyritz is arrested in Florida. He had crashed his car into another vehicle, killing the occupant. He was charged with DUI manslaughter. Leyritz was also driving with a suspended license.

December 29th

1885 - Former Yankees OF Frank “Pudgie” Delahanty (1905-06, 1908) was born. On August 22, 1905, he was purchased by the Highlanders from the Birmingham (Southern Association). He hit .230 in 101 games for the Yankees. On May 16, 1907, Frank was traded by the Highlanders along with Walter Clarkson to the Cleveland Naps for Earl Moore. On July 9, 1908, he was signed as a free agent with the Highlanders. Frank would hit .256 in 37 games for the rest of the 1908 AL season.

1893 - Former Yankees reserve C Salvatore “Joe” Smith (1913) was born. Joe appeared in only 14 games during the 1913 AL season, hitting just .156.

1911 - Former Yankees reserve INF Billy Knickerbocker (1938-40) was born. On February 15, 1938, Billy was traded by the Browns to the Yankees for INF Don Heffner and $10,000. Billy took over Don Heffner’s role as Yankees reserve INF. On December 31, 1940, Billy was traded by the Yankees to the White Sox for C Ken Silvestri.

1928 - The Yankees waived veteran 3B Joe Dugan to the Braves.

1933 - Yankees Owner Jacob Ruppert refuses to release All Star OF Slugger Babe Ruth from his MLB player contract, thus preventing him from becoming the manager of the Reds. Babe Ruth will never receive another chance to manage a MLB team.

1952 - Former Yankees reserve INF Dennis Werth (1979-1981) was born. Dennis was drafted by the Yankees in the 19th round of the 1974 MLB amateur player draft. He hit .222 in 76 games with the Yankees. His best Yankees season was in 1980, hitting .308 in 39 games. On March 24, 1982, Dennis was traded by the Yankees to the Royals for minor league player Scott Behan.

1972 - Former Yankees reliever Jim Brower (2007) was born. Jim appeared in only 3 games in 2007 with no record, before returning to Scranton (AAA).

1974 - Former Yankees 1B/DH Richie Sexton (2007) was born. His stay with the Yankees was short-lived however; after 22 games in 2007, in which he went to bat only 25 times, Richie was released on August 15th. He had hit .250 with 1 HR and 6 RBI’s in the Bronx.

1975 - Former Yankees P Jarret Wright (2005-06) was born. On December 28, 2004, he was signed as a free agent with the Yankees. He went 16-12 in 43 games with the Yankees. On November 12, 2006, he was traded by the Yankees along with cash to the Orioles for P Chris Britton.

1977 - Melissa Ludtke, a female Sports Illustrated sports writer, files suit against MLB, the Yankees and NYC officials for denying her access to the Yankee Stadium locker rooms to interview players during the 1977 World Series.

2004 - Former Yankees reserve C Gus Niarhos (1946, 1948-1950) passed away (1920-2004). He was attending Auburn University on scholarship, when a scout for the Yankees signed him. After World War II broke out, he served in the U.S. Navy. Gus spent his 1st 3+ years in the MLB with the Yankees. Yogi Berra was the up-and-coming catcher, and in 1948 Gus platoon at catcher with him while Yogi also played in the outfield. He appeared in 1 game in the 1949 World Series against the Dodgers, which the Yankees won. The White Sox picked him off waivers from the Yankees in 1950. Looking back at his start with the Yankees he said, “That was a tough organization, if you were a catcher. They had Bill Dickey. Then Yogi came up. From '49 on, it was just forget about being a catcher with the Yankees." – Gus Niarhos.

December 30th

1927 - The Yankees released two veteran players: INF Ray Morehardt and P Joe Giard, they have retired from MLB.

1930 - Former Yankees minor league INF Milt Graff was born. Milt was traded by the Yankees in February of 1957 in the Bobby Shantz trade with the A’s. He was unable to break into the crowded Yankee INF. Milt was originally signed by the Pirates in 1949. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 1955 MLB minor league player draft.

1940 - The Yankees swapped starter Monte Pearson (1936-1940) to the Reds for INF Dan Lang and $20,000 cash. Lang will never play for the Yankees at the MLB level.

1995 - Free agent starter Kenny Rogers is signed by the Yankees to a 4-year contract. The Gambler went 18-15 in 62 games for the Yankees. On November 7, 1997, he was traded by the Yankees along with cash to the A’s for a player to be named later. The A’s would send INF Scott Brosius to the Yankees to complete the trade in November.

2002 - Citing that this will probably be his last MLB career season, 40-year old All Star starter Roger Clemens agrees to a $10.1 million, 1-year deal with the Yankees. The 19-season MLB veteran, who has won the Cy Young Award 6 times, is 7 victories shy of 300 MLB career wins mark.

2002 - The Yankees resigned free agent P Christian Parker.

December 31st

1914 - AL President Ban Johnson's efforts to strengthen the Yankees succeed when he arranges the purchase of the team by Colonel Jacob Ruppert and Captain Tillinghast L'Hommedieu Houston for $460,000 from current owners Bill Devery and Frank Farrell. After Detroit owner Frank Navin refuses to let manager Hugh Jennings go, the new Yankee owners will name longtime Tiger hurler William “Wild Bill” Donovan to managing the team. Under the new owner regime, the Yankees will make the most important trade in franchise history, when they purchased Babe Ruth from the Red Sox in December of 1919.

1919 - Former Yankees P Tommy Byrne (1943, 1946-1951, 1954-57) was born (1919-2007). Before the 1940 AL Season, Tommy was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent. Tommy went 73-50 in 249 games in 10 seasons with the Yankees. He won 15 games each during the1949 and 1950 AL seasons. Tom was named to the 1950 AL All Star team. On June 15, 1951, he was traded by the Yankees along with $25,000 to the Browns for veteran P Stubby Overmire. Tommy was re-obtained by the Yankees in September of 1954 from Seattle (PCL). In 1955, he won the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award by going 16-5. He would pitch 2 more seasons for the Yankees, before retiring in 1957. He later became the Mayor and Owner of the Wake Forrest, NC Country Club. Tommy passed away on December 20, 2007.

1924 - Former Yankees P Ted Gray (1955) was born. On June 30, 1955, Ted was signed as a free agent with the Yankees. He will appear in only 1 game with no decisions before being released in July of 1955 by the Yankees.

1940 - The Yankees send P Bump Hadley to the Giants for the waiver price. Also they traded reserve INF Bill Knickerbocker to the White Sox for C Ken Silvestri. The military will claim Ken Silvestri for the next 4 years.

1971 - Former Yankees P Esteban Loaiza (2004) was born. On July 31, 2004, he was traded by the White Sox to the Yankees for starter Jose Contreras and cash. He appeared in 10 games for the Yankees posting a 1-2 record, before leaving the team for free agency in the winter of 2004.

1974 - Free agent starter James “Catfish” Hunter, who posted a 25-12 record with the A’s, signs with the Yankees ending an unprecedented bidding war, when he inks a 5-year, $3.75 million dollar contract. This is triple the salary of any other MLB player. His Yankees pitching career record was 63-53. He won 23 games in 1975 and 17 games in 1976 for the Yankees. He will retire at the age of 33 in 1979, after a 15-year MLB career. He will win election to the HOF in 1987.

1980 - Former Yankees P and Manager (1930) Robert “Sailor Bob” Shawkey (1915-1927) passed away (1890-1980). Bob Shawkey finished his Yankee pitching career with a record of 168-131, a 4-time 20 game winner after being obtained from the A’s for $85,000 in 1915. Bob will manage the Yankees in 1930 to 86-68 record before being replaced by veteran NL manager Joe McCarthy.

1990 - The Yankees purchased starter Scott Sanderson from the A’s. He would go 16-10 in 1991 and 12-11 in 1992, before leaving the team for free agency.

2004 - After the Devil Rays decline his 2005 $8 million contract option, free agent 1B/DH Tino Martinez, who had hit .262, 23 HRs with 76 RBIs for the Tampa, signs a 1-year, $3 million contract to rejoin the Yankees. Martinez played in New York from 1996 through 2001, he was replaced by free agent 1B Jason Giambi. This time, he is acquired as insurance in the event Giambi's fragile health due to steroid use continues to fail.

January 1st

1874 - Former Yankees P Ned Garvin (1904) was born. Ned appeared in 2 games with a 0-1 record in September of 1904.

1881 - Former Yankees OF Rudy Bell (1907) was born. He appeared in only 17 games in 1907, hitting just .212.

1910 - Former Yankees P Charles Devens (1932-34) was born. Charlie went 5-3 in 16 games for the Yankees. He had been a college star baseball player, before signing with the Yankees.

1923 - Former Yankees HOF OF William “Wee Willie” Keeler dies in Brooklyn, NY, at age of 50. In 19 MLB seasons, Keller hit .341, amassed 2,932 hits. He won consecutive batting titles in 1897-98. He played for the Yankees from 1903-09. He hit over .300, three times for the Yankees, including .343 in 1904. Willie was elected to the HOF in 1939.

1924 - Former Yankees 1B and MLB Coach Earl Torgeson (1961) was born. On June 17, 1961, Earl was signed as a free agent with the Yankees, after being released by the White Sox. He hit .111 in 22 games before becoming a MLB coach on September 2, 1961.

1942 - Former Yankees minor league INF Bill Bethea was born. Bill was obtained from the Twins on waivers in 1965, but he never played for the Yankees at the MLB level.

1955 - Former Yankees minor league P LaMarr Hoyt was born. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 5th round of the 1973 MLB amateur player draft. Hoyt never played for the Yankees at the MLB level. On April 5, 1977, he was traded by the Yankees along with P Bob Polinsky, OF/DH Oscar Gamble, and $200,000 cash to the White Sox for shortstop Bucky Dent.

1974 - Former Yankees GM Lee MacPhail takes over as AL President, succeeding Joe Cronin, who retires. MacPhail will serve in this role until 1984. He will join his father, Larry MacPhail, as a member of the Hall of Fame in 1998.

2006 - Former Yankees reliever Paul Linbald (1978) passed away. He appeared in 7 games with no decisions after being purchased from the Rangers. The Yankees will send him to the Mariners after the 1978 AL season.

January 2nd

1963 - Former Yankees P David Cone (1995-2000) was born. On July 28, 1995, Dave was traded by the Blue Jays to the Yankees for P Marty Janzen, Jason Jarvis and Mike Gordon. Dave went 64-40 as a Yankees starter. He was 2-0 in 4 World Series with the Yankees.

1973 - Rumors appeared nationwide in the sports media that the Yankees were being purchased from CBS Inc., by a Cleveland group of investors.

1977 - Former Yankees P Scott Proctor (2004-2007) was born. On July 31, 2003, Scott was traded by the Dodgers along with OF Bubba Crosby to the Yankees for veteran INF Robin Ventura. Scott went 11-10 with 1 save in 190 games with the Yankees, before being traded back to the Dodgers on July 31, 2007, for INF Wilson Betemit.

1991 - The Yankees signed free agent starter Mike Witt. Mike was obtained from the Angels for All Star OF Dave Winfield in May of 1990. He posted a 5-6 record in 16 games. He would only appear in 2 games in 1991, posting a 0-1 record due to injuries. He would miss the 1992 AL season due to injuries, in 1993; Mike appeared in 9 games with Yankees, posting a 3-2 record.

2003 - Former Yankees OF Art Metheny (1943-46) passed away. Art hit .247 in 376 games for the Yankees.

2008 - Former Yankees reliever Gerry Staley (1955-56) passed away. On September 14, 1955, Gerry was selected off waivers by the Yankees from the Reds. He appeared in only 3 games with no record for the Yankees. On May 28, 1956, he was selected off waivers by the White Sox from the Yankees. He would be one of the key members of the 1959 AL Champions White Sox bullpen.

January 3rd

1891 - Former Yankees INF John Dowd (1912) was born. John appeared in only 10 games in 1912 for the Yankees, hitting just .194.

1912 - Former Yankees OF Stanley “Frenchy” Bordagaray (1941) was born. On January 27, 1940, he was sent by the Reds to the Yankees to complete an earlier deal made on August 5,1939. The Reds sent players to be named later and $40,000 to the Yankees for 1B Vince DiMaggio. The Reds would send OF Frenchy Bordagaray and Nino Bongiovanni on January 27, 1940 to the Yankees to complete the trade. He hit .260 in 36 games for the Yankees in 1941. On March 23, 1942, Frenchy was purchased by the Dodgers from the Yankees.

1920 - The secret deal made on December 26, 1919 to sell Babe Ruth to the Yankees for $125,000 (twice the amount ever paid previously for a player) is announced publicly. Red Sox owner Harry Frazee also secures a $350,000 loan from the Yankees as part of the deal.

1923 - The Yankees pluck 2 rookies from the Red Sox in two separate deals, P George Pipgras and OF Harvey Hendrick. Yankees received P George Pipgras in exchange for backup C Al DeVormer. George Pipgras would win 93 games as a starter for the Yankees. Harvey Hendrick would be a reserve OF for the Yankees.

1965 - Former Yankees INF and MLB Coach Louis Sojo (1996-99, 2001, 2003) was born. On August 22, 1996, Louie was selected off waivers by the Yankees from the Mariners. He would prove to a valuable reserve INF for the Yankees. His best Yankees season was in 1997, when he hit .307 in 77 games. After leaving the Yankees thru free agency, he returned to the team on August 7, 2000. He was traded by the Pirates for minor league P Chris Spurling. After retiring as an active player in 2003, he was minor league manager in the Yankees farm system, later a MLB coach for the Yankees.

1973 - A group of investors, headed by Cleveland, Ohio shipbuilder George Steinbrenner, purchases the Yankees from CBS, Inc. for $10 million. Mike Burke and Gabe Paul are among the limited partners in the group acquiring the Yankees. Gabe Paul would replace Mike Burke as President of the Yankees.

1974 - After the Yankees was denied by the MLB Commissioner’s office, the signing of former A’s Manager Richard Williams as their new manager for the 1974 AL season. The Yankees signed former minor league OF Bill Virdon as their new manager. Although the former Pirates skipper will manage for 2 years in New York, he will never win a game at Yankee Stadium because the Yankees will play home games at Shea Stadium due to renovations of their stadium. Bill was originally signed by the Yankees but was traded to the Cardinals in the Enos Slaughter trade in 1954. Bill went 142-123 as Yankees Manager before being replaced by Billy Martin during the 1975 AL season.

1977 - The Yankees newly signed free agent starter A.J. Burnett was born.

1997 - Yankees signed free agent P Willie Banks. Willie had been a #1 draft pick of the Twins and a former New Jersey All State High School pitcher. He will go 4-1 in 14 games, before being traded on June 3, 1998, by the Yankees to the Diamondbacks for minor league players Scott Brow and Joe Lisio.

2001 - The Yankees signed free agent P Todd Williams. Todd will appear in 15 games with the Yankees with a 1-0 record in 2001.

2001 - The Yankees traded reliever Jay Tessmer and minor league player Seth Taylor to the Rockies for P David Lee.

2003 - Former Yankees P Joe “Professor” Ostrowski (1950-52) passed away (1916-2003) On June 15,1950, Joe was traded by the Browns along with pitchers Tom Ferrick, Sid Schacht and 3B Leo Thomas to the Yankees for OF Jim Delsing, Pitchers Don Johnson, Duane Pillette, INF George “ Snuffy” Stirnweiss, and $50,000. Joe went 9-7 in 75 games with 10 saves for the Yankees.

2003 - The Yankees released P Brandon Knight. On December 13,1999, Brandon was traded by the Rangers along with P Sam Marsonek to the Yankees for OF/DH Chad Curtis. In two seasons with the Yankees, Brandon appeared in only 11 games with no record.

2005 - MLB Commissioner Bud Selig approves the potential trade of the Diamondbacks NL All Star starter Randy Johnson to the Yankees in exchange for pitchers Javier Vazquez and Brad Halsey, minor league C Dioner Navarro, and $9 million dollars.

2006 - The Yankees signed former Red Sox CF Johnny Damon as a free agent.

2006 - The Yankees resigned free agent AL All Star CF Bernie Williams.

2007 - The Yankees signed free agent P Ben Kozlowski. Ben will not appear with the Yankees at the MLB level.

previous week

(As always I'd like to thank Fw57Clipper51 for his great contribution.)

Yanks Being Cautious With New Arms

From Pete Caldera:

Given the unprecedented career workload that Sabathia and Burnett faced in 2008, the Yankees intend to ease their prized new starters into form when pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 13.

"We’re going to be careful with them and make sure they peak April 6, not March 20," Eiland said, referring to opening day. "We’ve already got a plan in place."

Eiland didn’t divulge the details of that plan, but the cautious approach is no surprise given the Yankees’ $243.5 million investment in the two starters.

Eiland has already spoken to Sabathia and Eiland about the gradual approach. "We’re not going to jump right in the fire of spring training," Eiland said. "We’re not going to push them too early."

This is obviously a smart move by the Yanks. You want to protect all your pitchers, and especially those who cost you $250 million.

12/28 Winter Ball Report

Dominican Winter League

- Melky Cabrera (Aguilas) went 1-for-4 with a RBI.

- Wilkins Arias (Aguilas) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Mexican Pacific League

- Ramiro Pena (Culican) went 3-for-5 with a homer, a RBI, and a run scored.

Venezuelan Winter League

- Carlos Mendoza (Lara) went 0-for-3 with 2 walks.

- Luis Nunez (Zulia) went 1-for-1 with a double.

Big Guy's Winter Ball Week In Review

- Robinson Cano (Estrellas-DWL) finished the regular season with a .267 average. 1 Hr, 8 doubles, 15 RBI, 14 runs, OBP .333, 7 K--7 walks.

- Melky Carbrera (Aguilas-DWL) final regular season stats: 24 games, .312, 12 rbi, 19 runs, 1 HR, 6 doubles, OBP .393. Melky's Aguilas team made the playoffs. In his 1st game he went 3-4 with a double, 2 singles, walk, 2 RBI, and 3 runs scored.

- Jonathan Albaladejo (Mayaguez-PRWL) is having a marvelous winter league. As the closer for Mayaguez he made 2 more appearances this week covering 1.2 IP, 0 runs, 0 hits, 4 K's to pick up saves 11 & 12. He has not allowed a run in winter ball over 16 games.
Totals: 17.2 IP, 0 runs, 11 hits, 15 K--2 BB, BAA .175

- Bernie Williams just started this week in Puerto Rico for Carolina. He's played 3 games going 1-7 with a single and 2 strikeouts. Bernie's going to try to play for the Puerto Rican team in the WBC.

- Jorge Vasquez (Culican-MWL) recently picked by the Yanks as a free agent from the Mexican League, has had an outstanding winter league. 348, 15 HR, 46 RBI, 12 doubles, 50 K--23 walks, OBP .416, SLG. .636.

- Ramiro Pena (Culican-MWL) had a good week going 8-18, with 2 RBI and 2 runs. Totals: .280, 15 runs, 11 RBI, 2 HR, 14 K--3 walks.

- Walter Ibarra (Hermosillo-MWL) 0-5 this week. Batting .188 overall in sporadic playing with 2 RBI, 3 runs.

- Edwar Gonzalez (Lara-VWL) 1-2 with a run this week in his only game. 360, 11 RBI, 9 runs, 4 HR, OBP .402, SLG .613.

- Francisco Cervelli (Lara-VWL) playing sporadicly, .255, 3 RBI, 9 runs, 1 HR, RBI .369.

- Carlos Mendoza (Lara-VWL) recently resigned as a free agent is hitting .267 (4-15) in limited action.

- Luis Nunez (Zuila-VWL) only 2 games, .333 (1-3).

- Abraham Almonte (Escogido-DWL) only 3 games .333 (1-3), 1 RBI.

- Wady Rufino (Estrellas-DWL) only 2 games, .400, 2 doubles, 2 RBI.

- Wilkins Arias (Aquilas-DWL) 17 Gms, 12.2 IP, 15 ER, 16 hits,

- Jonathan Ortiz (Licey-DWL), only 1 game, 1.0 IP, 2 K's.

NOTES: Yanks AAA SWB team has announced it's coaching staff for the 09 season. Returning are manager Dave Miley and hitting coach Butch Wynegar. Scott Aldred was promoted from AA Trenton to be pitching coach, with Aaron Ledesma as infield coach. Chris Britton and Oneili Perez signed with the Padres. Former Yankee Andy Phillips signed a minor league deal with the Pirates.

Here's a full list of Yankees playing in the Venezuelan, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican winter leagues:

Dominican Winter League: Robinson Cano and Wady Rufino are playing for Estrellas de Oriente. Melky Cabrera and Wilkins Arias are playing for Aguilas Cibaenas. Abraham Almonte is playing for Leones del Escogido. And Oneli Perez and Amaury Sanit are playing for Tigres del Licey.

Puerto Rican Winter League: Ian Kennedy and Jonathan Albaladejo are on Indios de Mayaguez. And Bernie Williams will play for Gigantes de Carolina.

Mexican Pacific League: Ramiro Pena and Jorge Vasquez are playing for Tomateros de Culiacan. And Walter Ibarra is on Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

Venezuelan Winter League: Francisco Cervelli, Edwar Gonzalez and Carlos Mendoza are playing for Cardenales de Lara. And Edgar Soto and Luis Nunez are on Aguilas del Zulia.

You can check out all of their Winter Ball stats here.

Sliding Into Home Has Gone Mobile

Thanks to the suggestion of Argenys, one of this blog's readers, I have now created a Sliding Into Home mobile version. The link can be found on the top of the left sidebar.

Offer Still Stands, But Yanks Ready To Go With Hughes

Last night I asked you guys who you thought should be the Yankees fifth starter. So far Andy Pettitte is out to an early lead in the poll to the left. Here's an update on the Pettitte story.

From Anthony McCarron:

Before the Yankees signed Mark Teixeira, they told Andy Pettitte's camp that the pitcher's chances of rejoining the Bombers would be in jeopardy if they signed another big free agent. Now that the Yanks have landed their new first baseman, the odds of Pettitte being a Yankee next year are "55-45 against," according to a baseball official familiar with the Yanks' plans.

Instead, the official said, the Yankees may turn to Phil Hughes, who blew his chance in the rotation last year because of a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness, as a starter behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. Hughes is still considered one of the Yankees' best young players, and many in the organization are eager for him to have another shot.

"It's less likely" that Pettitte returns, the official said on condition of anonymity. "Most (Yankee executives) are thinking of another direction."

Still, the door is not closed on Pettitte, and there likely won't be any permanent decision by the Yankees on his future until the new year. A one-year, $10 million offer from the Yanks is still in effect.

I really don't understand what Pettitte is waiting for. I get that he doesn't want a pay cut - who does? - but he's not going to get much more from another team. And for a couple million dollars less isn't it worth it to play where you want? Unless he's considering retirement he should pick up a phone, call Brian Cashman, and tell him he wants to sign.

By the way you can now follow Sliding Into Home on Twitter.

12/27 Winter Ball Report

Dominican Winter League

- Melky Cabrera (Aguilas) went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, two RBI, and three runs scored.

- Wilkins Arias (Aguilas) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, did not allow a baserunner and struck out one.

- Oneli Perez (Licey) pitched a scoreless inning, walking one and striking out one.

Mexican Pacific League

- Ramiro Pena (Culiacan) went 1-for-5 with a RBI. He's now hitting .268 in Mexico.

Puerto Rican Winter League

- Jonathan Albaladejo (Mayaguez) picked up his 12th save of the winter. He faced one batter and retired him on a strikeout.

- Bernie Williams (Gigantes) went 0-for-1. He's now 1-for-7 in his first three games.

Here's a full list of Yankees playing in the Venezuelan, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican winter leagues:

Dominican League: Robinson Cano and Wady Rufino are playing for Estrellas de Oriente. Melky Cabrera and Wilkins Arias are playing for Aguilas Cibaenas. Abraham Almonte is playing for Leones del Escogido. And Oneli Perez and Amaury Sanit are playing for Tigres del Licey.

Puerto Rican League: Ian Kennedy and Jonathan Albaladejo are on Indios de Mayaguez. And Bernie Williams will play for Gigantes de Carolina.

Mexican League: Ramiro Pena and Jorge Vasquez are playing for Tomateros de Culiacan. And Walter Ibarra is on Naranjeros de Hermosillo.

Venezuelan League: Francisco Cervelli, Edwar Gonzalez and Carlos Mendoza are playing for Cardenales de Lara. And Edgar Soto and Luis Nunez are on Aguilas del Zulia.

You can check out all of their Winter Ball stats here.

John Sickels' Top 20 Yankees Prospects

Minor League guru John Sickels has posted his top 20 Yankees prospects. Here is his list:

All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change. Don’t get too worried about exact rankings at this point, especially once you get out of the top 10. Grade C+/C guys are pretty interchangeable depending on what you are looking for.

1) Jesus Montero, C, Grade B+: I believe in the bat. Where he fits with the glove I don’t know.

2) Austin Jackson, OF, Grade B: Should be a solid player but not a star. Will that be enough in New York?

3) Dellin Betances, RHP, Grade B-: Very high ceiling, has flashed dominance, can he stay healthy?

4) Austin Romine, C, Grade B-: More likely to stick behind the plate than Montero, though not as good a hitter.

5) Zach McAllister, RHP, Grade B-: A favorite of mine heading into 2008, looks like a strong inning-eater type.

6) Mark Melancon, RHP, Grade B-: Almost ready for major league action, should be good in pen and has closer potential.

7) Jairo Heredia, RHP, Grade B-: Looks like a major sleeper to me, and this is an aggressive ranking.

8) Andrew Brackman, RHP, Grade C+: Yankees propaganda is thick around this guy. Great arm, healthy now, but I don’t buy into the command yet. Want to see evidence.

9) Phil Coke, LHP, Grade C+: I like what he did a lot last year. Should be a very useful pitcher.

10) Alfredo Aceves, RHP, Grade C+: Has reached his ceiling, but like Coke he should be useful

11) Wilkins de la Rosa, LHP, Grade C+: Intriguing power lefty with a fresh arm.

12) Humberto Sanchez, RHP, Grade C+: Another power arm for the pen, command problems still an issue.

13) Jon Albaladejo, RHP, Grade C+: Another solid pen arm if healthy.

14) David Robertson, RHP, Grade C+: Yet another pen arm. ERA should have been closer to 4.00 based on the components. Hasn’t pitched 50 innings yet so he qualifies.

15) Brad Suttle, 3B, Grade C+: Will need to show enough power for third base.

16) Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Grade C+: Very young, could rank in the top 10 next year if he develops properly.

17) Christian Garcia, RHP, Grade C+: Another promising power arm if healthy.

18) George Kontos, RHP, Grade C+: Will need more consistent command.

19) Kanekoa Texeira, RHP, Grade C+: Power sinker/slider guy acquired in Swisher deal, yet another pen option.

20) Eduardo Sosa, OF, Grade C+: Very high ceiling guy, but need some North American data. Could rank as high as 8 depending on criteria and how much you trust DSL performance.

21) Eric Hacker, RHP, Grade C+: Surprise addition to 40-man roster, nice track record but injury-prone, fifth starter type when healthy.

Others: David Adams, 2B; Manuel Banuelos, LHP; Jeremy Bleich, LHP: Frank Cervelli, C; Kelvin De Leon, OF; Mike Dunn, LHP; Brett Gardner, OF; Alan Horne, RHP: Corban Joseph, 2B; Brett Marshall, RHP; D.J. Mitchell, RHP; David Phelps, RHP; Ryan Pope, RHP; Matt Richardson, RHP; Damon Sublett, 2B; Pat Venditte, RHP-LHP; Kevin Whelan, RHP.

He has even more about the Yanks' farm system here. I have no complaints about the list. Sickels knows far more than I do about the minors so I'll leave the analysis to an expert.

Also, since I'm posting all this great info I might as well plug his upcoming book:

"Reports on these guys and over 1,000 others can be found in the 2009 Baseball Prospect Book. Pre-order for January 31st shipping now!"

I know I'm getting one.