Yanks Have No Choice: Sign Youkilis
With free agent third basemen going off the board and their self-imposed salary cap for 2014 on the horizon, the New York Yankees made a move that they had to make by signing former Boston Red Sox Kevin Youkilis to a one year deal for $12 million dollars. The 34 year old, who has had a history of back issues, is very familiar with playing in the pressure-filled American League East and the hope is that he will continue to perform as he did in the second half of the season for the Chicago White Sox.
We need to remember that Youkilis is a stop-gap signing. This goes beyond keeping the hot corner warm for ARod because the truth be told is that we really don't know when ARod will be back this year and what his condition will be for the remaining years of his contract. Youkilis may very well be a stop-gap fill until the Yankees are able to make a trade for a young player or bring up someone from their farm system to play third base.
An examination of Yankee prospects make it highly questionable that the likes of David Adams or Tyler Austin would be ready by 2014. In fact, when looking at positional players, the potential for homegrown kids coming to the Bronx is probably closer to 2015 which probably means that we will see more geriatric one year signings through 2014. For me, the most important thing to be watching this year won't be the AL East standings but will be following the progress of kids like Austin, Adams, Gary Sanchez, Slade Heathcott, Jose Pirela and Zolio Almonte. It would be great if one or two of these kids were able to make it to the big club at some point in 2013.
With Youkilis on the roster and the signing of Ichiro imminent, the Yankees will be one of the oldest teams in baseball. They may have enough to make the playoffs this year but I have a hard time thinking that they will have enough left in the tank to win it all. That's why I will be watching what's going on in places like Scranton and Trenton this summer as much as the Bronx.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering whether the LAPD was involved in the shooting of the Notorious B.I.G, here's what is on my mind this morning:
* The NHL and NHLPA are reportedly scheduled to meet tomorrow. I find it amazing how many Canadian media people have taken the side of the league. As far as I'm concerned, the league's attempt to discredit Donald Fehr is a joke. It shows the mentality of a league which continually shoots itself in the foot.
* Whatever happened to league commissioners who worked for the betterment of the game and not the betterment of the billionaires who run the respective leagues.
* The Yankees have made an offer to Kevin Youkilis and appear to be closing in on Ichiro. Hopefully, both players take the offers so we can move on to get ready for the 2013 season.
* The trade between the Kansas City Royals and the Tampa Bay Rays is the type of trade that makes sense for both teams. Kansas City get 2 pitchers who are not that old and will boost their rotation and Tampa gets some young prospects, one in Wil Myers who could very well start this year and replace BJ Upton.
* It's a strange off season when the Royals, Rays and Jays make more news than the Yankees and Red Sox.
* What are the odds that Joe Girardi is the manager of the Yankees in 2014.
* This past weekend showed what frauds the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans are. Both teams have the best record in their respective conferences but they are flawed.
* Wouldn't it be something if the NFL Conference Finals had Denver vs New England in the AFC and the Giants vs San Francisco in the NFC.
* The New York Knicks decisive victory over the Miami Heat last night was impressive particularly since the Knicks were without Carmelo Anthony. At this pace, Knicks Coach Mike Woodson should be a prime candidate for Coach of the Year.
* The Buffalo Bills 15-12 loss to the St. Louis Rams have the Bills faithful screaming for Chan Gailey's head. Gailey's track record as a head coach is terrible so none of this should be a surprise. The real problem is the owner. Until Ralph Wilson relinquishes control of this team, the Bills will flounder.
* And finally the best kept secret in Western New York is the Niagara University hockey team. The Purple Eagles are ranked 16th in the country with a 10-2-3 record. The Eagles are at home tomorrow at 7pm where they face off against R.I.T. If you need a hockey fix, check them out. Go Eagles!!!
Browns On The Right Track
Had the opportunity to be at Cleveland Browns Stadium yesterday to watch the Browns roll over the Kansas City Chiefs 30-7 and what I couldn't help notice was the optimism that Browns fans had for this 5-8 team. This is a fan base that has suffered from The Drive to The Fumble to Art Modell's hijacking the team to Baltimore and leaving this proud city without an NFL team from 1996 to 1999. But for the first time in a number of years, these fans sense that their young team may finally be moving in the right direction.
A team in the AFC North needs to have 2 constants: a solid defense and the ability to put the game away with a running game. But for the brief time when Jamal Lewis still had some legs, the Browns have never had a strong running game since they have been back in the league until now. Trent Richardson is the real deal. This kid is tough as nails and has a nose for the end zone. Montario Hardesty is the perfect change of pace back and is finally showing why Tom Heckert made a move to draft the young back from Tennessee a couple of years ago.
Since the team has been back, the Browns defense has been putrid at best. How many times would they be destroyed by an opposing team's running back. There was never a solid pass rush and it seems they were never able to come up with a big turnover or stop to change a game. This has all changed as this year's defensive unit has been solid. The front seven has really improved, applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks and holding running backs in check. Joe Haden and TJ Ward lead a secondary that can only get better.
The beauty here is the fact that this team is one of the youngest in the league. They seem to be gaining confidence week in and week out. After giving up an 80 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage, the Browns put the clamps down on Kansas City and took charge of a game that they should win. All of this optimism makes it hard for me to understand all of the rumors about Mike Lombardi becoming the team's General Manager. To me, this would be a huge mistake.
Tom Heckert has done a tremendous job in acquiring young talent. What an unbelievable move in picking up Josh Gordon in the supplemental draft. Gordon has become a game breaker for the Browns. You can tell that this kid is the real deal. It should also be pointed out that Mike Lombardi ripped the Browns for giving up a second round pick in 2013 to select Gordon. I guess you were wrong Mike.
In my mind, Heckert deserves to remain as GM. Unfortunately, his remaining with the team will be dependent on what his relationship was in Philly with Joe Banner. I'm getting a bad feeling about Banner. The only hope is that new owner Jimmy Haslam will see what's going on with his newly acquired team and make sure that Banner does the right thing. In my mind, the right thing would be to retain Heckert as GM.
Since 1999, the Browns management team has been in constant flux, changing GM's and head coaches like I change socks. While the jury may still be out on Coach Pat Shurmur, there should be no doubt that Tom Heckert has put this team on the right track. Replacing him will be a huge mistake. It all seems to rest in Joe Banner's hands and I have to say that scares me.
Clarifying My Position On Yankees
Any of you who have followed this blog know that I am a passionate Yankee fan. I have followed this team since I can remember, with my first Yankee memory being Bobby Richardson's catch of Willie McCovey's line drive to give the Yankees the 1962 World Series. I have gone through the Jerry Kenney-Horace Clarke days at the old stadium. Was sold on the story that Steve Whitaker and Bill Robinson were the new Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. The 80's were a disaster with the bust signings of Steve Kemp, Butch Wynegar and Steve Sax to name a few. Was also sold on the story that the acquisition of Steve Trout was going to give the Yankees the pennant, only to see them hopelessly out of the race. So for those to think I am a fair weather fan, don't go there. I remember the bad old days and there are many of you who have been spoiled by the glory days from 1996 - 2000. Which by the way had its core built by Gene Michaels.
I for one do not care that the Yankees have not signed Jeff Keppinger or Nate Schierholtz. My problem is that the Yankee farm system is not capable of filling in the holes that have been created at catcher, third base and right field. The Yankees knew that Russell Martin was a free agent and they apparently had some concerns about Austin Romine because he didn't play much last year. Since they knew this, how could they allow Martin to go to Pittsburgh for 2 years for $17 million?
The Yankees knew that ARod was going to have hip surgery weeks before it came out publicly. They do not have anyone in the system that they could give a try for the period of time that ARod would be out. Knowing that, why would they let Eric Chavez go. Not only did they let him go but they didn't even make an offer. (didn't make an offer to Martin either) With Chavez on the team, they could have went after a Jerry Hairston Jr. who would have been able to platoon with Chavez at third while also providing them with versatilty.
The Yankees knew they were not going to re-sign Nick Swisher. There had been reports that they were going to go with Ichiro and also bring Raul Ibanez back. They knew that once again they had no one in the farm system to step up, even in a platoon role. So what do they do?? They make an offer to Nate freaking Schierholtz. They could have had Ichiro weeks ago and there are reports that Ibanez is drawing interest from other clubs.
The lack of a farm system has been papered over for years because the Yankees have always had the ability to outspend everybody. With Hal Steinbrenner's self-imposed 2014 $189 million dollar cap, they no longer have that ability. That is where the failure lies. I don't have a problem with holding down payroll, but if that is what you are going to do then be honest with the fans and tell us that we need to start building from within. Tell us that we are in for a rebuilding process that will rely on kids playing in the Bronx. Tell us that we need to build a team not just to make the playoffs but to win multiple World Series and that this will take some time. If they were straight with us I wouldn't have a problem with it. In fact, I would love to see some young kids. I have been one of Phil Hughes' biggest defenders. I want to believe that Joba Chamberlain can be "the guy". So going with kids doesn't bother me. It never has. What bothers me is the arrogance and untruthfulness.
The Yankees are the richest team in all of sports. With all that money you would think they would have the best scouts money could buy all over the world. Yet, they have not been able to come up with a homegrown outfielder since Bernie Williams. A smart organization would have been planning in the early 2000's to have kids ready to replace the O'Neill's, Martinez's, Posada's, and Brosius'. Instead they decided to go the trade and free agent route which has resulted in one World Series win and 10 playoff failures. I would rather they not make the playoffs and build for the future than go in and be embarassed liked they were against the Tigers. And let's be honest, if it wasn't for Raul Ibanez they would have been knocked out by the young, homegrown Baltimore Orioles.
Unfortunately, there are many Yankee fans who don't want to face reality. The facts are that this organization is in trouble. The empty seats you saw in the ALCS will be a common appearance. There was a time back in the late 60's when they didn't draw 1 million fans. Ratings on YES last season were down. That's probably because last year's team was one of the least inspiring teams to watch.
Based upon the self-imposed cap, the best thing the Yanks can do is give Eduardo Nunez a shot at third base. Bring him down to Tampa and have him work there throughout spring training knowing that its his job until ARod comes back. Behind the plate, make it an open competition between Austin Romine, Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart. Take the two best and go with them. As far as right field goes, bring Ichiro back. He's a professional and loved being a Yankee. Re-sign Ibanez and try to get some bench help. By doing this the Yankees will get a good look at Nunez. They will allow Gary Sanchez to move up in the system as he is probably at least 2 years away from being ready and Ichiro allows them to give outfield prospects another year for development.
There are those that say I am being negative but the truth hurts and sometimes you need to face reality. And the fact is that this organization is in serious trouble and I'm not sure that Hal, Levine, Trost & Cashman have the ability to right this ship.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering what it will take to knock some sense into Lindsay Lohan's head, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* By now you have all heard that ARod needs surgery on his left hip that will keep him out of the Yankee lineup until at least June. I'm not going to get into whether or not this is a result of his earlier steroid use. To me that is a waste of time. What has me fired up is what I have been harping about for many months: the Yankees lack of a plan to be ready for the eventual need to replace their aging stars particularly in light of Hal Steinbrenner's edict to get the payroll down to $189 million dollars in 2014. The only way that Boy Wonder Brian Cashman could meet Hal's request is by having young homegrown talent. The fact is that they don't have any that will be ready (if any at all) by 2014. The richest team in all of sports is not able to develop players that are major league ready. With all of their scouts throughout the world, they have not been able to develop heir apparents for: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. Someone needs to be held accountable for this and unfortunately I don't see anything happening. Wish the Boss was still around.
* Cashman indicates that he is not going to panic as a result of the ARod news. Why should he his job is safe. But as a Yankee fan, the options for a replacement are not good as evidenced by Joel Sherman's article: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/cornering_some_options_at_yQCTU2LydW6KMTlDI6RxCL
* Not only is third base a problem, but prospects for a catcher are terrible and let's not forget they need a right fielder. Those cheers you are hearing are coming from Toronto, Tampa Bay and Baltimore as their chances of making the playoffs have dramatically increased.
* Word is that the Yankees are entertaining offers for Curtis Granderson. While moving Granderson wouldn't be a bad thing, the key would be what the Yankees would get in return.
* Yankee fans face reality: no young homegrown talent, bad contracts with aging players and a $189 million dollar payroll limit equals years of mediocrity. For someone who has endured the late 60's, early 70's and late 80's, I've seen this story before. Can't wait to see how Hal, Levine and Trost deal with the empty seats at the new Yankee Stadium.
* NBA Emperor David Stern's $250,000 fine levied against the San Antonio Spurs for not playing their stars against the Miami Heat was excessive and showed how much in bed pro sports are with television networks. The Spurs have done this before and nothing was said or done about it. But this was the feature game for TNT and I'm sure the network suits were not happy so Stern had to do something to satisfy them. What a joke.
* Great tweet last night from a Raptors fan: "It has been announced that David Stern is levying a $250,000 fine on the Toronto Raptors for playing their starting five."
* Today NHL players will meet with 6 NHL owners in an attempt to work out a framework to end this ridiculous lock out. Check out the article by Larry Brooks which illustrates the hypocrisy of the owners.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/hypocritical_owners_face_players_wfqBjGiPOpQSdoChQaykLJ
* There were some great college football games over the weekend. But I'm still scratching my head over Georgia's decision not to clock it with 15 seconds and instead call a play. Major mistake. In another bonehead move, Kent State decides to run an end around with their tight end in a 3rd and 1 situation down at the 6 yard line in overtime. What made that even more crazy was that Kent State has a 250 lb RB who Northern Illinois couldn't stop.
* Nebraska should be ashamed of themselves after their despicable performance against Wisconsin in the Big 10 title game.
* Had to laugh at the outrage by the ESPN talking heads related to Northern Illinois being in the Orange Bowl. How about being upset about a 5 loss Wisconsin team being in the Rose Bowl and a 7 loss Georgia Tech team getting a bowl bid. This is what you get with the current BCS system which no one at ESPN has had the courage to criticize over the years. I wonder if the lack of criticism has something to do with the fact that ESPN/ABC is televising 32 of the 35 bowl games.
* Andrew Luck and RG III are 2 further examples of why quarterbacks matter.
* I have never seen 2 one loss teams that seem so vulnerable as the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons. I don't see either making it to the Super Bowl.
* And finally, I remember Cleveland sportswriters ripping the Browns for trading their first round pick to the NY Jets which resulted in the Jets selecting Mark Sanchez. At the time, the Browns were in their constant search for a QB and Sanchez was the guy. I have never been a Sanchez believer. The kid was only a starter for one year at USC. In my mind, he was not ready and it is bearing out now. A franchise QB elevates the players around him. It's been the other way around with Sanchez.
Hope In Believeland
Heading into the fourth quarter I was beginning to get that sick feeling again. The Oakland Raiders had scored and were now trailing the Cleveland Browns 13-10. The Browns had pretty much dominated the game but had to settle for field goals as opposed to touchdowns and had a field goal blocked. The Raiders were poised to score the go ahead touchdown as Carson Palmer was moving his team in for a score when he attempted a pass in the direction of Sheldon Brown. The veteran positioned himself perfectly and made the interception at the Browns 6 yard line. Could the Browns finish this one out??
A 94 yard drive, highlighted by a fourth and one conversion and capped off by a Trent Richardson touchdown, put the Browns ahead 20-10 and secured a rare road victory over the Raiders 20-17. The win snapped a 12 game road losing streak and gave the Browns a two game winning streak. More than the win, what has me excited is that for the first time in a long time there is reason for hope that this team is moving in the right direction. Youth does that (Are you listening Boy Wonder Brian Cashman).
The Browns are the youngest team in the NFL. Their defense is rounding into a very formidable unit as for the third week in a row they have held their opponent to under 100 yards on the ground. Their strength is in their front seven and with Joe Haden and TJ Ward in the defensive backfield, they have some good building blocks.
The offense appears to be coming around. While it is true that Brandon Weeden made some bad throws yesterday, he also made plays when he had to particularly in that last 94 yard scoring drive. That is what you are looking for from your quarterback. The running game is in capable hands with Trent Richardson. The rookie from Alabama is the real deal. He is a tough, punishing runner and a threat every time he has his hands on the ball. The other pleasant surprise is Montario Hardesty who has become an excellent change of pace back and has excelled when he has been given carries.
The O-line has been solid, much better than last season as rookie Mitchell Schwartz has fit in well at right guard. But the group that has really improved over last year is the receiving corp. Josh Gordon appears to be the receiving threat that the Browns have lacked for years. The kid has great speed and the ability to make big plays. Greg Little has improved over last year, limiting the number of drops and made a great block yesterday that sprung Mohammad Massquoi for a long gain. Benjamin Watson provides veteran leadership at tight end and Jordan Cameron looks like a keeper at that position behind Watson.
It is unclear whether Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur will remain with the club after this season. In my opinion, the jury is still out on Shurmur. I still have some doubts about his play-calling. But Heckert is a different story. He has overturned this roster with some talented young players who seem to be progressing in the right direction. As I have stated many times on this blog, all I'm looking for is some reason to believe that my team is getting better. Hope that there are better days ahead. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. But at least there is hope and for that Heckert should be kept within the organization.
The Browns have 4 games left: 2 at home against KC and Washington and 2 on the road against Denver and Pittsburgh. The road games will be tough and this will be another step along the learning curve for this young team. As a Browns fan there is reason for optimism and its been a long time that we have had that in Believeland.
Uniform Tradition? – Forgetaboutit!!
Call me old school. Call me a dinosaur. Call me whatever you want but what happened to uniform tradition??? Does it always have to be about the almighty dollar?? Last night I flipped over to the PAC-12 championship game and I had to do a double take. I determined that UCLA was on the field but who were they playing all dressed in black? It was the Stanford Cardinal. What a joke and a disgrace. I was expecting to see the traditional cardinal red jerseys with the white helmet and red S on the side. Instead I saw a team all dressed in black with black helmets. Looked like something out of a video game.
Stanford is not the only school that has thrown tradition out the window. A week ago when UCLA and Stanford met, I was appalled at the UCLA uniforms. Gone were the powder blue jerseys with gold pants. Instead we had blue jerseys and blue pants. The UCLA football uniforms were different and classy. This new version made them look like a bunch of blueberries.
I have always found the matching jerseys and pants to be disgusting. Moreover, if you have something that sets you apart, that is a symbol of your school or team why mess with it. That's why I give the Yankees, Red Sox, Notre Dame, USC and the Dodgers kudos for not succumbing to the marketing geniuses who want to screw with tradition. The real jerks are the people who go out and buy these god awful new jerseys. If people wouldn't buy them, they wouldn't try to sell them. That's why you will never see me buy an orange Cleveland Browns jersey. Not only are they ugly but they are a disgrace to the tradition of the team. There has been some talk of the Browns possibly changing their uniforms. If that happens I'm not going to be a happy camper.
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