Random Link Dump

- Marc Carig of the Star-Ledger wrote this article about Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero, and how, despite his size, is trying to be the best catcher he can be. There has been much talk that he's too big (6-4, 225 lbs) to be a successful catcher in the big leagues. But that hasn't stoped him from trying to prove his critics wrong.

"Without question, he is significantly improved this year as opposed to last year," Cashman said. "To the point that we don't really doubt he's going to be a catcher in the big leagues."

- Kat O'Brien has this story about four Yankees pitchers and their love for tattoos. The four pitchers are A.J. Burnett, Brian Bruney, Joba Chamberlain, and CC Sabathia. "We've got more tattoos than the California Penal League," said Bruney.

- Many fans, including myself, have been upset about the 300 obstructed seats in the bleachers at the New Yankee Stadium. But Anthony Rieber points out that this isn't anything new, and most of the new and future ballparks in baseball have obstructed seats.

Of the 11 major-league ballparks - including the new Yankee Stadium and the Mets' new Citi Field - that have opened since 2000, eight have obstructed-view seats.

- Not Yankee-related but still very interesting is this article from Fielding Bible guru John Dewan (hat-tip to MLB Trade Rumors). He did a study to determine exactly how important defense is and he concludes that defense is worth roughly half as much as offense.

- Scott Ham over at The Bronx View, takes a look at Dewan's article and posted his own article that lightly looks at combining a players runs above average on offense and defense. Check it out.

- Over in the WBC, Team USA manager Davey Johnson will miss Saturday's second round matchup with Puerto Rico. Johnson will be attending his stepson's wedding, and Barry Larkin will take over the managerial duties.

- Sorry I had to throw one A-Rod article into the mix, and sorry once again, because is was written by Mike Lupica. He wonders if the Yankees have already seen the best that they will get from A-Rod.

- Just a reminder: Tonight's Yankees-Red Sox game will be aired on NESN, and a simulcast will be shown on the MLB Network. The game is set to start at 7:15 p.m., with Chien-Ming Wang going for the Yanks, and Tim Wakefield starting for the Sox.