Interesting twist in Cashman/CC meeting

As mentioned here, Brian Cashman and CC Sabathia were set to meet tonight in Las Vegas to talk about their favorite television shows, music and movies.

However, according to Jayson Stark (via MLB Trade Rumors), Sabathia's agent, Greg Genske, asked to meet with the Yankees and not the other way around. Genske also requested a meeting a meeting with the Red Sox.

I find it a little strange that Cashman didn't request the meeting. Hopefully Cashman put on his good pitchman pants today, and of course, is on Smoking A-Rod's good side.

Introducing: Smoking A-Rod

I'm proud to introduce the new mascot of the New York Yankees' 2008-09 off-season: Smoking A-Rod. There is no Santa Claus in Yankees Universe - it's obviously David Ortiz dressed in red trying to come down your chimney. Smoking A-Rod is the one you want to butter up.

Smoking A-Rod, shown smoking a cigar (most likely Cuban) in Punta Cana at David Ortiz's Celebrity Golf Classic, represents Yankees greed. You want CC Sabathia? Don't get on Smoking A-Rod's naughty list, especially with the word that the Red Sox are looking at him. Smoking A-Rod isn't loyal to the Yankees either, so be sure to keep him happy. We all saw him turn on the United States earlier this week, deciding to play for the Dominican Republic team. What's to stop him from letting a rival sign a previous target?

Remember when the Yankees signed Jaret Wright in 2005? We all knew it was a bad move when it happened, but someone (I'm not mentioning any names) decided it would be funny to get on Smoking A-Rod's bad side.

When you wake up in the morning, think of ways to make Smoking A-Rod happy if you want the Yankees to field the best team possible to win the 2009 World Series.

Because if Smoking A-Rod is happy, all Yankees fans are happy.

(Yes, finals week has made me go a little insane.)

Sipkin/News