Pre-meditated bulleting

Its funny how putting numbers or dots or roman numerals before ones thoughts basically have the same effect as a red flag in a bull fight...they draw you in and let you pounce in an expected, organized fashion. So we have another entry of bullets from a significant participant in this disussion...orchestrate your responses accordingly.

1. So the Meche contract has nothing to do with it? At all? C'mon. Then the Hendricks brothers are pretty bad agents. Also, remember that the Red Sox were in on the Clemens bidding. The Pavano signing was unfortunate. Though, lots of other teams were interested in a guy who went 18-8 the year before and had already pitched well in a WS.

2. Correct, Clemens, Pettitte and Mussina are older. And? Somehow they're still getting guys out. It is unfortunate that Liriano is hurt, but after that, is anyone supposed to be impressed that after Santana the Twins are relying on Boof Bonser? Yeah, I'll take any of the 3 aforementioned veterans anyday for any length of time before that. Plus, having them on hand to mentor younger pitchers is bad why?

3. We'll see about 2009, I suppose. It's certainly possible for the Yanks to trade some of them--maybe even for the likes of Johan Santana. But I highly doubt it will be for less. If that were the case, Gagne or Teixieria or both would be on the Yankees right now since all of these prospects were asked for. Maybe Kennedy is moving too fast. Maybe not. How many innings did any of the college pitchers that the A's have brought up recently pitch in the minors?

4. Again, point taken that the draft is crap shoot...more busts than hits. I get it. That doesn't mean it's not worth spending money on players you feel are worth the risk. The Yanks don't over-slot every pick they make. Just because players are busts doesn't mean that others aren't worth the gamble. If someone had a great career, it'd certainly be worth it. If these guys are the nexus of a WS winning staff would it be worth it? Of course it would. If it were the Twins who did it and won, of course it would be worth it.

5. Wow, you're picking on Posada's role in 1996 to counter this point? Fair, I suppose, though he was the starter, and an all-star in 1999, 2000, and 2001. It was my fault for forgetting about Bernie. It wasn't intentional. He was a great Yankee. It was convenient for the Yankees to forget him? Huh? Because they didn't sign him to another 1 year deal? Really? They just tossed him aside? Sure. And Bernie was so pissed about this treatment he went and signed with who? Right. No one. Because he's a Yankee for life and he knows it. He doesn't want to play anywhere else. I highly doubt you'll find many people outside of Lofton and Sheffield that haven't loved playing in NY during the Torre era. And, who was he supposed to play ahead of based on last year's performance?

6. I love the Maier mention. No dynasty without him. Except every Oriole fan conveniently forgets 3 things while crying in their beers: 1. Maier's catch only tied game 1; 2. The Orioles won game 2 and were in position to win the series without ever returning to NY; 3. The Orioles had a lead late in game 3 at home, blew the game, and lost 3 in a row at home. All because of Maier's catch! Oh, and by the way, the Yanks soundly spanked the Orioles during the year that year as well. I would agree that the Yanks dynasty ended after 2001. Sure their baseball decisions since then haven't been good...and, correct, no titles as a result.

7. So, the Yankees don't evaluate talent well since none of their picks were sleepers now? Oy. I'm sure they'll keep trying on this count. I would say that 'large disregard' for position players is a bit overstated with guys like Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, and Jesus Montero in the fold. I love the Brad Halsey mention. Good one. I guess it's a good thing their international player development has produced Wang, Cano, and Cabrera...3 other guys that were supposedly over-hyped. Also, keep in mind the Yanks not only kept the right people in the late 90s...they also hyped and traded prospects that weren't as good. The Eric Miltons, Ruben Riveras, the Wily Mo Penas, the D'Angelo Jimenezs, the Ricky Ledees...in some cases the over-hyping was intentional.

8. If they go after Zambrano, that's the end of the youth movement? So, they shouldn't look to sign a quality pitcher? You think they won't make room for Hughes next year because of Pavano and Igawa? Oy. Ok. Wishful thinking, but ok. I think the 5 best arms will start. All of the comparisons to Navarro, etc. are largely irrelevant. As Mark Shapiro's quote in the NY Times article from last month, along with the demands that were laid out at the trade deadline indicate, most general managers think these guys are the goods. So, let's wait and see. I'll say it again, if they wanted to deal them for Gagne or Teixiera they could have and would have. The major league club would certainly be better for it right now. You can't ignore that as an indication of their intentions, right?

9. So Cabrera has no potential? Ok. I mean, after tonight's action his average is above 290, his OBP is pushing 350 and he's got the potential to be a gold glove caliber defensive player with an outstanding arm. So, his stats as a major leaguer as a 21 and 22 year old should just be extrapolated? He won't improve as he goes along? Ok. Again, we'll see how he progresses. By this logic, Jeter after his rookie year would look impish as well. Good thing the Yanks stuck with him. All I know is that more than 1 GM asked for Cabrera at the deadline. I understand Damon is having a down year, but did you see his stats from last season? What was he, chopped liver out there? The career high in homers was just due to the short porch at the stadium? At the time he signed, Cabrera was 20-21. Signing Damon for 4 years when there would likely be another outfield spot open for Cabrera in the meantime wasn't a bad decision. Ok, Damon is having a bad year this year.