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Around the Empire
New York Post | Ken Davidoff: The hot stove season is upon us, and that means it’s open season for Brett Gardner trade speculation. While there are plenty of center fielders available in free agency, Gardner’s reasonable contract makes him an appealing option. The Cardinals, Giants, and Rangers are among the teams interested. Gardner won his first Gold Glove earlier this week, so maybe the Yankees are selling high.
New York Daily News | Mark Feinsand: The Yankees are in the market for a late-inning reliever. They might even bring back somebody who used to pitch for them. Mark Melancon could be that guy. He’s an elite reliever and he figures to come more affordably than Aroldis Chapman, who reportedly seeks $100 million in free agency.
Today’s Knuckleball | Alex Kolodziej: Brian Cashman said that he’s looking for pitching, pitching, and more pitching. He might not have to look too far beyond his own organization, however, as James Kaprielian’s stock is rising. He’s pitched well in the Arizona Fall League and figures to move quickly through the system. I guess you can say James is keepin’ it real-ian.
Today’s Knuckleball | Stacey Gotsulias: Masahiro Tanaka has been criminally underappreciated by Yankees fans. He also flies under the radar at the national level. He’s one of baseball’s top pitchers, coming off of a Cy Young caliber season. For shame. Tanaka deserves better.
New York Daily News | Anthony McCarron: Alex Rodriguez continues to demonstrate his post-retirement media savvy. On Thursday morning, he co-hosted “Live with Kelly.” He talked baseball with Kelly Ripa and also interviewed Amy Adams and Kyle Schwarber. Plus, he took some “batting practice” outside of the studio. The more A-Rod on my TV the better, I say.
Fun Questions
- Did you watch A-Rod on “Live with Kelly?”
- If you hosted a morning show, who would you most like to interview?
Song of the Day
Middle of Nowhere by Hot Hot Heat
It’s Canada Week on Pinstripe Alley. This song captures where we are on the baseball calendar. The World Series is over, but the hot (hot heat) stove hasn’t really warmed up yet. We’re in the middle of nowhere. As always, please link us your song of the day.