Tonight's game sucked ass, no doubt, but here are two quotes from Kay and Al Leiter that should at least provide a smile.

Around inning 5-6, Leiter was discussing DeSalvo's changeup and how much difference in velocity there was between the changeup and his fastball.  He then said "See, that changeup was 76, that is a 24 mph difference from his 90 mph fastball."  Kay, pun intended (I think), then said "Well, those Pitchers can do the math."  Ummm, I like you Leiter, but 90-76 is not 24 my friend!

Not to be outdone, Kay launched into this incredible explanation when Rivera entered for the 9th:  "Rivera in for the Yankees, not a save situation since it is a 2-2 game, but for the home team, there never is a save situation after 8 innings."  WHAT?  You mean Mariano doesn't usually pitch in the top of the 9th (immediately following the 8th inning) at home when there is a save situation?

I know this subject has been beat to death so far this season, but I had a friend put a whole new spin on it for me this weekend.  The subject is the A-Rod opt out stuff...here is the scenario.

Facts:

1.  A-Rod is one of the best players of all time and is on pace to break the HR record and several other records.
2.  He will get more guaranteed money at age 31 than he will at age 34 which makes it increasingly likely he will opt out.
3.  The Yanks can extend him and still get him for 16 Million for the next 3 years which should be illegal when Zito just got 18 Million.

Now, we have all seen how he has started out the season - white hot and he is even fielding the ball well.  But what if, What If, WHAT IF.....he won the Series with the Yanks this year (got his ring), opted out to become a free agent in a market where the #2 FA at 3B is Lowell, the Yanks do not extend his contract and lose in a bidding war, and he goes to another team in the AL East that

1. can afford him
   
2. had him in a trade before it was nixed by MLB
3. has an opening at 3B
   
4. could provide loving fans
   
5. where he can break it off in every Yankee fan that booed him.

Even if we signed a STUD SP, if we let A-Rod walk,  he will be impossible to replace and could be a thorn in our side for years to come.  If would be a reverse Damon in that they get better and we get worse...a lot worse.

I think we need to bend Cashman's rules a little and add 3-4 more years onto his deal.  Then we still get him at a deal for 3 more years and keep him off of the FA market.  

Thoughts?

Article in the Star-Telegram:

"I know what he's going to throw, and I know where he's going to throw it," Teixeira said of Rivera, against whom he is 1 for 9 lifetime.

"And every time I swing I either hit it 80 feet foul or break my bat."

As we all know, Rivera is God.

Update [2007-2-8 15:29:52 by John Amato]:I updated the post and moved it to the front page. And I agree 100% with Teixeira. Is there anything more that really needs to be said about Mariano?

Angels | A-Rod in Anaheim?
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:59:44 -0700

The Los Angeles Daily News' Doug Padilla is reporting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim may make a serious run at acquiring 3B Alex Rodriguez from the New York Yankees if Rodriguez requests a trade or the Yankees decide to shop him around. If the deal goes through, the Yankees figure to ask for no less than SP Ervin Santana, RP Scot Shields, OF Chone Figgins and a high-level prospect.