Posted by: Patrick
Our next interview is with Travis Goldman, perhaps better known as Travis G, who blogs for Pinstripe Alley.
When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?
Since I moved to Philly last April, I've been focusing primarily on trying to make a career of writing. I wrote a book a while back and would love to write another.
Other than that, taking care of my dog, cooking a lot (which I used to hate) and getting to know Philly. The Trenton Thunder are 40 minutes away, so I try to hit their games as much as possible.
How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?
Since the summer of 2005, when I first began following the farm system and learned about Phil Hughes and Jose Tabata (who I still think Cash sold low on).
What's the best and worst part of blogging?
I love interacting and having passionate debates with other fans. The worst part is that I can get addicted to it. I'm constantly checking news sites for updates and feel a sometimes unnatural obligation to write even when I'm on vacation or with family.
When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?
Since I moved to Philly last April, I've been focusing primarily on trying to make a career of writing. I wrote a book a while back and would love to write another.
Other than that, taking care of my dog, cooking a lot (which I used to hate) and getting to know Philly. The Trenton Thunder are 40 minutes away, so I try to hit their games as much as possible.
How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?
Since the summer of 2005, when I first began following the farm system and learned about Phil Hughes and Jose Tabata (who I still think Cash sold low on).
What's the best and worst part of blogging?
I love interacting and having passionate debates with other fans. The worst part is that I can get addicted to it. I'm constantly checking news sites for updates and feel a sometimes unnatural obligation to write even when I'm on vacation or with family.
12/07: Catching Up with Ed Figueroa
Posted by: Patrick
Anthony McCarron of the Daily News has an interview with former Yankees pitcher Ed Figueroa, who runs a pair of restaurants in his native Puerto Rico.
Via Ben.
Via Ben.
Posted by: Patrick
The Associated Press reports that A-Rod will play for the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic, as David Ortiz said.
I'm kind of wondering why David Ortiz is the way that we find out.
Via Seamus.
"I am 100 percent sure that I will play for the Dominican Republic team," he said. "This time, there will be no doubts and it is a dream of my mom's that I intend to fulfill."
I'm kind of wondering why David Ortiz is the way that we find out.
Via Seamus.
Posted by: Patrick
From Buster Olney:
... The Yankees also have had internal discussions about second baseman Orlando Hudson, whom they would sign, presumably, if they were to move closer to the long-considered swap of Robinson Cano to the Dodgers (or some other team). If the Yankees were to trade Cano to L.A., they almost certainly would insist upon an elite pitcher like Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley in return, and in failing to get that, they'd lock in on outfielder Matt Kemp.
Posted by: Patrick
Buster Olney reports that the Red Sox are planning to meet with CC Sabathia over the next few days. It is not known if the Sox are planning on making a run at the free agent starter.
Via Dave and Aziz Nekoukar.
Via Dave and Aziz Nekoukar.
Posted by: Patrick
From Kevin Kernan of the Post:
Via Ben via Dave Pinto.
As with all journeys it began with one vital step - the first one. The right-hander made a House call that helped send him on the right path.
The former USC star went home and worked with pitching guru Tom House, who has been the Trojans' pitching coach the past two years.
"I got some tips and started applying those and it made the break of my curveball better and the command of it extremely better," Kennedy said from Puerto Rico. "Now I know what I have to do. Before I was just throwing it to throw it and try to throw it for a strike and not have any idea."
The former USC star went home and worked with pitching guru Tom House, who has been the Trojans' pitching coach the past two years.
"I got some tips and started applying those and it made the break of my curveball better and the command of it extremely better," Kennedy said from Puerto Rico. "Now I know what I have to do. Before I was just throwing it to throw it and try to throw it for a strike and not have any idea."
Via Ben via Dave Pinto.
Posted by: Patrick
From Jayson Stark of ESPN.com:
A.J. Burnett to the Braves with a contract that will likely earn him around $80 million over 5 years? And Ben Sheets to the Yankees for a smaller sum with less years? Sign me up.
Via Ben.
There's increasing buzz about the Yankees' interest in Ben Sheets, possibly an indication that they're not confident they're going to be able to sign Burnett. As this blog noted two weeks ago, the difference between Burnett's and Sheets' 2008 and career numbers are smaller than you'd think.
A.J. Burnett to the Braves with a contract that will likely earn him around $80 million over 5 years? And Ben Sheets to the Yankees for a smaller sum with less years? Sign me up.
Via Ben.
Posted by: Patrick
From Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports:
Ortiz is hosting a charity golf tournament in the Dominican city of Punta Cana this weekend. He said Rodriguez, who is playing in the tournament, is expected to announce his decision at the function. Rodriguez and Ortiz are close friends.
“He wants to play for the Dominican team,” Ortiz said by telephone Thursday. “We’ll talk about it now after he gets here, and he’ll probably announce it here.”
Ortiz said he has not spoken recently with Rodriguez about his intentions, but that as far back as the All-Star Game last July in New York, he said A-Rod had expressed a desire to play for the Dominican Republic.
“He wants to play for the Dominican team,” Ortiz said by telephone Thursday. “We’ll talk about it now after he gets here, and he’ll probably announce it here.”
Ortiz said he has not spoken recently with Rodriguez about his intentions, but that as far back as the All-Star Game last July in New York, he said A-Rod had expressed a desire to play for the Dominican Republic.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that it seems "likely" that A.J. Burnett will be off the market before the winter meetings open up next Monday.
According to a Major League source, MLB.com's Mark Bowman says that the Braves have offered the pitcher a guaranteed four year deal with a "very attainable" option for a fifth season.
Abraham suggests that the Yankees will counter, if they haven't done so already, but that such an offer will likely not match the Braves in years, but could exceed them in average annual salary, which is thought to be $16 million a season.
According to a Major League source, MLB.com's Mark Bowman says that the Braves have offered the pitcher a guaranteed four year deal with a "very attainable" option for a fifth season.
Abraham suggests that the Yankees will counter, if they haven't done so already, but that such an offer will likely not match the Braves in years, but could exceed them in average annual salary, which is thought to be $16 million a season.
Posted by: Patrick
Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reports that, according to sources, Brian Cashman and Scott Boras met on Thursday. Edit: Boras doesn't represent Sabathia, my mind was elsewhere. Greg Genske represents Sabathia. But, Boras represents Derek Lowe, Oliver Perez, Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez, among others.
Blum notes that Cashman is planning to meet with Sabathia, as well, before the winter meetings, which begin on December 8.
Blum notes that Cashman is planning to meet with Sabathia, as well, before the winter meetings, which begin on December 8.
