Marte’s back; Jim Rice is a fool

First, Damaso Marte is finally back up with the big club.  He had been on the 60-day disabled list with left shoulder tendinitis since April 26.  Ramiro Pena was sent down, as the Yankees have decided to carry 13 pitchers.  Remember, the rosters expand to 40 on Sept. 1.

However, this isn’t the biggest news of the day.  One of the newest Hall of Famers, Jim Rice, is none too pleased with today’s major leaguers, calling some of the big names self-absorbed.

It was fine when he cited Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez as examples.  I dislike both and agree with him there.  But then he put Derek Jeter in that category.  I honestly have no idea how he gets off lumping Jeter with Ramirez and Rodriguez.

"You see a Manny Ramirez, you see an A-Rod [Alex Rodriguez], you see [Derek] Jeter ... Guys that I played against and with, these guys you're talking about cannot compare," Rice said to Little Leaguers gathered in the cafeteria.

Have at it, Yankees fans (even A-Rod die-hards).

NY Times: Ortiz, Ramirez on 2003 steroid list

According to The New York Times, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are on the infamous 2003 list of failed drug tests.

Oh happy day! I was giddy when Ramirez tested positive earlier this year, and I'm even giddier right now.

This is bad for baseball, sure. It's bad that they cheated and it's bad that the names have been leaked by lawyers cherry picking the most popular players.

However, in terms of the New York/Boston rivalry, this is great. After hearing all of the "steroids" chants at Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi, Yankees fans finally have some fodder as well.

This all said, release the entire list. From the potential Hall of Famers to the utility infielders, all of the names must be released.

Manny tests positive for drugs, suspended 50 games

The headline says it all.

Wow.  This makes me very happy to be honest.

The Dodgers are 21-8 and are 13-0 at home.  This is a crushing blow.  Ramirez leads the Dodgers in batting average and is tied for the team lead in home runs.

Manny is nuts (but we knew that already)

Last night, there was word that the Dodgers "suggested" a one-year, $25 million offer to Manny Ramirez. Any sane person most likely would have jumped at seeing such an offer.

Not Ramirez.

Ramirez, who already turned down a two-year, $45 million offer, immediately said no. As a result, he is about 10 days away from being unemployed when pitchers and catchers have to report.

What on earth is he looking for? Is he just getting bad advice from Scott Boras, or is he truly insane? I doubt any team will play him close to $25 million annually this late in the game.

And no, I'm not advocating for his signing here. That ship has sailed. But I'll post his hat picture anyway. I missed having fun with these pictures.

Teixeira to be announced early this week

Old Yankee Stadium will have one last event. After introducing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, many thought the old place was ready to shut its doors. Not so fast.

Mark Teixeira, who agreed to terms with the Yankees on Dec. 23, could take his physical as early as tomorrow. After that, the news conference could take place Tuesday, according to Bryan Hoch.

Unless they sign Manny Ramirez or something, this will be the Stadium's last hoorah.

BREAKING NEWS: Yankees sign Teixeira

It's a Festivus miracle!

I just saw this on ESPN's Bottom Line, as reported by Buster Olney:

Yankees and 1B Mark Teixeira agree to deal.

More to come as I hear it...

And once again, another preemptive hat comes true.

Update - 3:35 p.m.: Now that I've had a chance to calm down, Olney has some details. He said the contract is for eight years worth more than $170 million.

If it's for $170 million, that's $413.5 million spent on free agents thus far. However, the exact details aren't known yet.

The Yankees have signed three of four players in this picture. I'm a genius. And I guess everyone can go to sleep knowing Manny Ramirez won't be a Yankees. Can't win 'em all, I guess.

Olney said the Yankees will have the top four highest-paid players in the game. Jeez.

Update - 4:15 p.m.: Olney's article keeps updating. He says it's an eight-year deal worth $180 million, paying an average of $22.5 million per year.

The (soon-to-be-ex-) Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano said the contract has a full no-trade clause (I hate those) and may or may not include an opt-out clause after three years.

Update - 6:00 p.m.: The deal does not include an opt-out clause, according to Danny Knobler.

Olney's latest on Teixeira

ESPN's Buster Olney has a good read on the Mark Teixeira negotiations. In it, he maintains the Red Sox will still eventually sign him. He also has some Yankees news in there, specifically their role in the negotiations.

The Yankees made an initial offer that was believed to be markedly less than what the other offers have been, and since then they have withdrawn that offer. They are pushing to cut their payroll in 2009, and they cannot sign Teixeira and accomplish that unless they could dump the contract of Hideki Matsui and others, in a market flush with corner outfielders. Their focus continues to be on starting pitching, and at some point they could re-engage a free agent who could come cheaply.

Focus still on starting pitching? They just spent $243.5 million on starting pitching! It's time to upgrade the offense, whether it's Manny Ramirez, Adam Dunn, etc.

If Andy Pettitte's return is "virtually inevitable," how much more do they need to focus on starting pitching? Think offense, folks.

Cashman denies Manny report

Last night, we heard from some Dominican paper that Manny Ramirez was on the verge of signing a three-year, $75 million deal. It just didn't make sense that he'd sign this early.

Luckily, Bryan Hoch was text messaging Brian Cashman and relayed this report:

Just swapped text messages with Brian Cashman, who wrote two words to splash some cold water on the Impacto Deportivo report of Manny Ramirez receiving a three-year, $75 million offer from the Yankees:

"Not true."

Couldn't have said it any better myself.

Dominican paper says Manny nearing deal with Yankees

The day I'll believe this report (via MLBTR) is the day I'll believe anyone who says they're withdrawing their offer to a Scott Boras client.

Basically, the report says the Yankees are on the verge of signing Manny Ramirez to a three-year, $75 million deal. I'll believe it when I see the press conference or listen to the conference call.

Tim Dierkes has a rundown of this newspaper's recent history regarding free-agent proclamations:

11/24/08: Reported the Braves as the mystery team in on Rafael Furcal, offering four years and $52MM. The offer was inaccurate, but they did nail the mystery team.

11/12/08: Correctly scooped the Damaso Marte signing.

2/21/08: Incorrectly indicated the White Sox reached an agreement with Bartolo Colon. Also incorrect on a similar rumor involving the Royals.

1/21/08: Correctly scooped the Octavio Dotel signing.

11/18/07: Correctly scooped the Luis Castillo signing.

So there you have it. We all have reason to be skeptical.

New update regarding bids to Manny and Teixeira

The news? There is no news.

According to Kat O'Brien, the Yankees have not made offers to Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez, and may not at all. One of O'Brien's sources said the Yankees haven't even discussed Ramirez at any length, contrary to this report.

"We're monitoring the situation, but we have not made an offer," a team source said. "We may not make an offer. If the money gets too rich, then we won't."

So this is the absolute latest. You can now go to bed and not worry about Ramirez being a Yankee, if you're against the move, obviously.

Cameron trade talks off

Kat O'Brien from Newsday spoke to Brewers GM Doug Melvin about the Mike Cameron trade talks. He didn't seem too optimistic about getting something done.

"Nothing new. At this point, I don't anticipate it's something that we would (do). ... I haven't talked to Brian (Cashman) since last week."

Melvin said they had originally looked at moving Cameron to gain some flexibility on the pitching front but that is no longer such a need.

Said Melvin: "I like Mike Cameron a lot. He means a lot in our clubhouse. He's a very positive presence. He's a good player. He's played on a lot of playoff teams -- maybe more than anybody. He's got a lot of intangibles. (A trade is) not something that we're pushing at this time."

Good think I didn't make a hat for Cameron yet.

The Yankees have devoted much of their time since the Winter Meetings to finalizing the contracts of their pitching acquisitions. They have also been making a push for Manny Ramirez's services. It's not surprising Brian Cashman hasn't talked to Melvin in a week.

'Going hard' at Manny

Mark Feinsand is reporting that the Yankees' interest in Manny Ramirez is growing. He cites a baseball official who says the Yankees are "going hard" after Ramirez, and could be willing to offer him a three-year contract between $22 and $25 million per year.

Feinsand also has reports from another source, saying Brian Cashman is skeptical about signing Ramirez, but the brothers Steinbrenner are on board.

I know some of you don't want Ramirez at all, but for those who do, do you think three years is too many? Personally, I'd only sign him for two. Three years is pushing it in my eyes.

Heyman on Manny

The latest on the Manny Ramirez front, from Jon Heyman:

The Yankees are in on the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes but don't appear overly optimistic to outbid the determined Angels or Red Sox. Should the Yankees lose out for Teixeira, who's drawing interest from the perennially also-ran Nationals and Orioles in addition to the three aforementioned clubs, they seem ready to pounce for Manny Ramirez.

Heyman says there are those suggesting that the Yankees are in on Mark Teixeira only to drive up his price. Also, if Teixeira goes to Boston, the Angels could involved in Ramirez talks.

I think there's zero chance Teixeira winds up a Yankee. But I have a strange feeling Ramirez will be batting behind Alex Rodriguez next year.

Kepner's latest on Cameron

Tyler Kepner posted his latest update on the Mike Cameron for Melky Cabrera trade.

In talking to some people involved today, I get the feeling the Yankees are backing away from a potential Melky Cabrera-for-Mike Cameron trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, at least for now. There’s a deal the teams could make, and while I’m not sure of the particulars, at this point the Yankees’ main question is baseball-related, not financial.

We know they do not value Cameron at $10 million, which is why they wanted the Brewers to include some money — or take on Kei Igawa — to make the deal happen. Now that a fair deal seems to be in place, the question is whether it makes baseball sense.

I’m not sure it does. If the Yankees add Cameron, he would bat in the bottom third of the order. Presumably, Nick Swisher will be there, too. Those two hitters are good for a combined 300 strikeouts a season.

Good news. The more I think about this trade, the Yankees are better off not going through with it, even if it means getting rid of both Cabrera and Kei Igawa.

Kepner also doesn't expect anything regarding Manny Ramirez soon.

Latest on Tex, Manny, Cameron, CC and A.J.

George King (I'm still refusing to call him George A. King III) had a bunch of news items spaced out over two articles today.

In the first piece, CC Sabathia is expected in town tomorrow, will take his physical Tuesday and could be formally introduced as early as Wednesday. According to A.J. Burnett's agent, there has been no date set for his physical.

Later, King writes that Kei Igawa's salary has been the latest hold up in the long rumored Mike Cameron for Melky Cabrera trade. Igawa makes $4 million per year, so they don't want to spend that after saving Cameron's $10-million salary. The Yankees have told the Brewers that no pitchers on their 40-man roster are available, so that's why they're settled on the enigmatic lefty. The Brewers asked for Phil Coke, Mark Melancon and Jose Veras, but the Yankees quickly shot that down. King says both sides expect to get the deal done eventually.

I hope they don't.

Now, his second article - Yankee-related news regarding Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez.

According to several baseball officials, the Yankees New York Yankees remain in the Mark Teixeira hunt. But the same connected voices insist if the Yankees don't land the switch-hitting first baseman, they will turn their money toward controversial slugger Manny Ramirez.

"If they can't get Teixeira, they are right there on Manny," an official with knowledge of the Yankees' plan said yesterday.

Imagine getting Teixeira or Ramirez after already signing Sabathia and Burnett? Teixeira has already received an eight-year, $160 million offer from the Angels, so he probably won't get an offer from the Yankees, but according to King, the Yankees "are likely" to offer Ramirez three years at $20 million per.

That would be $59.5 million tied up in free agents, and we're not even talking about Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. But the Yankees were given a lot of money to spend. No matter what, it still sounds like a lot, and it's fascinating to see how much the organizational philosophy has changed after a down year.

Abreu files for free agency

Bobby Abreu field for free agency today, according to Ed Price.

Abreu, who made $16 million last year, hit .296/.371/.471 with 20 home runs and 100 RBI last season. With those numbers, he'll probably look for similar money.

"We just haven't heard anything," agent Peter Greenberg said. "All things being equal, I'm sure the Yankees would be his preference. But he's got to maximize his value. He'd like to get a long-term deal somewhere."

He will also turn 35 during spring training. If the Yankees aren't interested in Manny Ramirez, I'd look to sign Abreu to nothing longer than a two-year deal.

The Yankees will have a 15-day period of exclusive negotiation with Abreu.

And so the Hot Stove Season begins

Above you can see what CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett would look like as Yankees (I'm so smart!).

The 2008 Yankees cleaned out their lockers today, and at least a few of them will not be on the 2009 squad. I would not be shocked if, for better or worse, we see at least two of the above on the team next year.

Which free agents would you like to see here next year?

Discussion: What to do with Abreu?

With Bobby Abreu's 10th inning grand slam last night, he reached 20 home runs and is one RBI short of 100. If he gets to 100 RBI, that would give him six consecutive seasons of reaching that mark. At the age of 34, that is wonderful production.

But is it enough to bring him back next season?

As we all know, Abreu is terrible in right field. When Yankees fans were allowed on the field on Sunday, I read some people joking about how they got closer to the wall than Abreu ever has. While hyperbole, there is some truth to that statement.

Abreu made $16 million this season, and with his numbers this season, he'll most likely try to get a similar, multi-year contract this off-season. While his numbers are solid, he's never seemed to take the team on his back and lead them to victories.

Do you give Abreu a two-year contract? Do you sign Manny Ramirez and move Xavier Nady to right field? Let's hear it in the comments.

Personally, I'd love Ramirez in this lineup assuming he'd want to come to New York. His half-season in Los Angeles has seemed to revitalize him and he would be dangerous hitter near Alex Rodriguez. To save money, I wouldn't mind Brett Gardner starting in center with Johnny Damon if left (he'd need to learn how to hit a the big league level), but you know the Yankees will try to make the big splash.

AP Photo

Good night

Watching Sidney Ponson pitch meaningful games at the end of the season is making me scratch my head as well.

The Yankees are now seven games behind the Boston Red Sox in the wild-card race with 30 games remaining.

Uh oh.

The way the Yankees have performed in these two games makes it seem like they have given up. The offense has done nothing against mediocre pitching, and the pitching has given up 18 runs to a Manny Ramirez-less Red Sox lineup.

I can't wait until this roster is cleaned up.

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Manny's AL East reign of terror is over

SI's Jon Heyman is reporting that Manny Ramirez has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three-team trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jason Bay will be sent to Boston. The rest of the details are sketchy, but one this is certain: it's great that Ramirez is 3,000 miles away and in a different league (for the rest of this season).

Update - 5:05 p.m.

Red Sox get: Bay

Dodgers get: Ramirez and cash (payment of Ramirez's contract from Boston)

Pirates get: Andy LaRoche, Craig Hansen, Brandon Moss and Bryan Morris

So the Red Sox traded Ramirez, Hansen, Moss and $7 million for Bay. It's obvious Theo Epstein was pressured into doing such a one-sided deal.