Hot Stove Got your tongue?

Every day I read up on what the Yankees are doing on the Hot Stove front and most days I am disappointed as nothing new has happened.  I want to see the Yanks make a move every day that will make them leaps and bounds better than Boston and the rest of the Baseball world.  Last year, they did that.  This year, it won’t happen.  That’s fine.  (Next year’s acquisitions of Joe Mauer and Cliff Lee will make it happen again, though.—I say that sort of tongue in cheek…But not really.)  Anyway, back to my original point. 

I argued with my brother about the Red Sox situation after they acquired Lackey and Cameron.  Does anybody actually think they improved that much.  They downgraded in their outfield.  Cameron is a former steroid junkie and he’s 37, Jason Bay is in his prime.  They signed a good pitcher; a work horse, a bull dog, a whatever else you want to call him.  But they signed a guy that has what, 23 wins the last two seasons combined?  CC Sabathia won 19 games this past season.  I like Lackey and I would have loved to see him in Pinstripes, as a fourth starter—behind Pettitte.  Not as my number 2 or 3 guy like the Sox expect him to be.  With Lackey and Beckett, the Sox have two guys who spend quite a bit of time on the DL.  I’m not saying they will this year, but the point stands.  This Red Sox team signing Cameron and Lackey sounds like the Yankees team of most of this decade.  A team that is getting guys who are past their prime, yes I believe Lackey is past his prime (he will not reach 200 innings this year, mark my words) and obviously Mike Cameron is past his prime, he won’t have any 4-homerun games for the Sox.

Today, while working, a co-worker said, “Hear who their interested in now?  Nick Johnson.”  I loved it.  He’s a lefty who will hit 20-25 homers, if not more for the Yankees.  A little story, in 2002, I think, my father and I went to a Giants/Yankees game at the Stadium.  Bonds hit a ball that I think is still travelling, it was a 3-run shot.  Later in the game, Nick Johnson hit a bloop homerun into right field to tie the game.  The Yanks lost, but it’s a memory I will always have of Nick Johnson.  I think the possible acquisition of Johnson improves the Yankees lineup because it gives you DH/1B depth.  On the days when you want to rest Tex, you have a more than capable backup.  On the days when you want to DH A-Rod, Jorge or Derek, then you bench Johnson.  But the guy can hit, trust me, if he’s healthy he is going to hit for us.

I don’t believe the Phillies got too much better, obviously getting the best pitcher in the game by giving up one of the top 5 pitchers in the game makes you better, but not considerably.  The Blue Jays got the prospects they want and Oakland (I didn’t even know Oakland was in on it) got something or someone, not really sure.  But the team that everyone needs to worry about now is the Seattle Mariners!  HOLY COW!!!  They have the best 1-2 punch in baseball, Lee and King Felix or King Felix and Lee, however you want to put them.  They just got Figgins and they’re still lurking around for Bay or Holliday.  They scare the hell outta me.  Glad they’re not in our league.  They won, I think, 89 games last year.   Not too shabby.  Griffey may be playing in his first World Series next year if that team stays healthy.

Some closing thoughts about Granderson and Matsui.  I will miss Hideki, his cool demeanor has been a Yankee mainstay for the last 7 years.  The guy is doesn’t have A-Rod or Jeter’s talents, no, but he is a true Yankee.  And that’s a fact.  My two fondest memories of Matsui will be his first game at Yankee Stadium and his last game at Yankee Stadium (as a Yankee).  Pure Class.  As for Grandy, Welcome.  Thanks for giving Joe number 28.  I’m sure this team will improve with your glove and when Kevin Long starts working with you, I’m sure you’ll start hitting lefties!!!

Guess Hot Stove didn't get my tongue!