Random thoughts on Soriano and the Nats
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 15, 2013 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
With Rafael Soriano reportedly off the market and heading to Washington, the Yankees have officially moved on from one of their most unusual signings of the past three or four years. Brian Cashman didn’t want to do it, the Yankees ownership did, and so Soriano came to New York to deliver one disappointing season and one exactly-what-they-needed season.
A few thoughts now that he’s gone elsewhere.
• Soriano gave the Yankees exactly what they need, exactly when they needed it. As a fill-in for Mariano Rivera, Soriano was terrific, and there would certainly be more comfort about this bullpen if Soriano were still in place. But this might be as good a year as any to lose that comfort. Rivera is coming back, and although there’s still some uncertainty with him, the Yankees do have Dave Robertson, Joba Chamberlain and David Aardsma providing late-inning depth. Soriano would be an upgrade, but maybe not worth such a cost.
• Never count out Scott Boras. The market for Soriano took a while to develop, but eventually Boras found a multi-year deal worth more than everything he and Soriano had previously turned down this offseason. Did they expect to get more than this? Maybe, but Soriano still got a pretty large contract worth more than anything he left on the table.
• Certainly don’t count out the Nationals. They should get a full year of Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg, plus they traded for Denard Span, re-signed Adam LaRoche and added both Soriano and Dan Haren. It took years of bad baseball to put them in this position, but the Nationals could be special (and exciting).
• I thought the untuck thing was cool. A little weird, maybe, but it was a no-harm celebration.
• There’s a way for the Nats to begin making up for their lost draft pick. They could still trade Mike Morse. Washington gave up an anonymous piece of the future to acquire Soriano. They could now add a lesser piece of the future by giving up Morse.
• As it stands, the Yankees have three of this year’s top 32 picks. Granted, they’re near the bottom of the top 33 — No. 27 is their original pick, they got No. 31 when Nick Swisher signed, and they now have No. 32 as compensation for Soriano. Some of that could change slightly depending on what happens with Kyle Lohse and Michael Bourn, the only remaining compensation free agents still on the market.
Associated Press photo
Chad – Do you have any random thoughts about me you’d like to share with the blog..?
As excessive and questionable that the Soriano signing was at the time, it definitely saved the season last year especially with the injuries to Robertson and Joba. Without Soriano, Boone Logan probably would have closed, lol.
Your random thoughts don’t include The Oregon Trail? Sigh …
blake January 15th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
To Davidoffs credit he admitted he was wrong and will change his vote next year
——————-
That’s fine and all, but it was still irresponsible, sure not life and death level of irresponsibility, but how hard would it have been to call up a guy like Law or Bill James and get a primer on WAR if that’s what you want to base your ballot on?
Rich –
Yeah I forgot the Sheffield deal. Or maybe I just blocked Humberto Sanchez out of my memory.
@jonmorosi: #Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski on Rafael Soriano: “We did not seriously pursue him, and (this news) does not change our bullpen situation.”
A lot of teams are flush with cash now… Tigers, Rangers, Dodgers (I’d guess the second tear of teams would be: Angels, Nats, Phillies) could all be key players. The only thing that I think limits him with the NL clubs is they really need to believe his D can carry for the length of the contract. Even that might be a stretch, because a Cano with a more limited range is still very, very good. I have no doubt he could play any of the infield positions, either, if they did decide to shift him at some point.
…..I’m really just trying to think of reasons why the Dodgers shouldn’t sign him.
——————————————————–
Yeah I think that Boras will get him the years he wants. I think the Tigers/Rangers are definitely willing to open up the checkbook but it just seems like the Dodgers are the most reckless out of all of them. They probably don’t even care about the contract in 5-6 years or how he fits into the ball club. He’s the best 2nd baseman in the game by far right now and they’ll jump on that which Boras knows. Hey, maybe the Yanks shock us and re-sign him but unfortunately I don’t think that’s really the best thing for the future as hard as that is to give up Cano…
Repost:
Shame Spencer January 15th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Tyler January 15th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
Chip January 15th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Oh, and if he can get a team to pony up 2 and $28 for Soriano – you better believe he’s going to find that 8 to 10 year deal for Cano next winter.
————————————————————-
It just screams Dodgers.
——————
A lot of teams are flush with cash now… Tigers, Rangers, Dodgers (I’d guess the second tear of teams would be: Angels, Nats, Phillies) could all be key players. The only thing that I think limits him with the NL clubs is they really need to believe his D can carry for the length of the contract. Even that might be a stretch, because a Cano with a more limited range is still very, very good. I have no doubt he could play any of the infield positions, either, if they did decide to shift him at some point.
…..I’m really just trying to think of reasons why the Dodgers shouldn’t sign him.
Dammit!! I did not need to repost. Sorry folks, for bringing more Shame into your life.
Chip January 15th, 2013 at 4:11 pm
Rich –
Yeah I forgot the Sheffield deal. Or maybe I just blocked Humberto Sanchez out of my memory.
—————————————————————-
I remember being pumped about that trade because Sheff was old/breaking down and all 3 of the young arms had really great numbers the year before. Talk about getting nothing out of a trade, lol. Thanks for the 2 innings, Humberto and all the bus millage back to Scranton, Claggett and Whelan.
Boone Logan, Frankie Cervelli, Ramon Flores, Brett Marshall and another minor leaguer for Morse, Suzuki and Christian Garcia.
Then deal Granderson to Texas to make the money fit for the Yankees.
“That’s fine and all, but it was still irresponsible, sure not life and death level of irresponsibility, but how hard would it have been to call up a guy like Law or Bill James and get a primer on WAR if that’s what you want to base your ballot on?”
Oh I agree and said at the time that if you were going to base your entire vote on advanced metrics then that’s fine…. But you had better understand them totally and what they mean or you’re hurting the process. Even I know that WAR undervalues catchers and I only know enough about Sabermetrics to be dangerous……if you’re gonna base your entire vote on them then you need like JF understanding of them
@jonmorosi: #Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski on Rafael Soriano: “We did not seriously pursue him, and (this news) does not change our bullpen situation.”
__
As I alluded on the prior thread, I wonder if the Detroit owner lent Boras leverage in his negotiations with the Nats.
Rich in NJ January 15th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
@jonmorosi: #Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski on Rafael Soriano: “We did not seriously pursue him, and (this news) does not change our bullpen situation.”
__
As I alluded on the prior thread, I wonder if the Detroit owner lent Boras leverage in his negotiations with the Nats.
———————————————————
Could be. So Detroit is set to have Coke close?
“Boone Logan, Frankie Cervelli, Ramon Flores, Brett Marshall and another minor leaguer for Morse, Suzuki and Christian Garcia.
Then deal Granderson to Texas to make the money fit for the Yankees.”
Who we gettin from Texas? I don’t know if the Nats would do that
@JonHeymanCBS: #mets balked at scott hairston’s $8M/2-yr request. #yankees not involved. Saw hairston saturday and he seemed upbeat tho.
Kinda see it as good news that they aren’t (reportedly ) in on Hairston…..I want somebody better
Is that the same Christian Garcia? I thought his arm blew up
Patrick says:
January 15, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Is that the same Christian Garcia? I thought his arm blew up
Yes….he’s their 6th best prospect according to BA and he has a Yankee hat on in his profile picture
blake January 15th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
“Boone Logan, Frankie Cervelli, Ramon Flores, Brett Marshall and another minor leaguer for Morse, Suzuki and Christian Garcia.
Then deal Granderson to Texas to make the money fit for the Yankees.”
Who we gettin from Texas? I don’t know if the Nats would do that
——————
David Murphy, Craig Gentry, and a prospect (not Olt or Profar – maybe Leury Garcia or Luis Sardinas)
Patrick January 15th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Is that the same Christian Garcia? I thought his arm blew up
————–
Yeah the Nats put him in the pen full time and he’s been light’s out.
No doubt next year the Yankees offer Cano and Granderson a QO, Rivera, Pettitte, Kuroda too though those three are likely to either retire or go back to japan.
Chip,
Creative….lot of moving parts though
Garcia had two TJ surgeries but he’s gotten healthy since the Nats made him a reliever …nasty stuff
“Could be. So Detroit is set to have Coke close?”
He has to be in the mix:
Buster Olney ?@Buster_ESPN
Some rival execs thought DET would go for Soriano eventually. Now that he’s off the board, DET closing situation will be big spring topic.
No doubt next year the Yankees offer Cano and Granderson a QO, Rivera, Pettitte, Kuroda too though those three are likely to either retire or go back to japan.
____
Hughes too. Cano, Granderson and Hughes will never take the one year deal and at least 2 of those three are likely playing for someone else in 2014.
@DCameronFG: Scott Hairston (asked for 2/8, rejected) and Cody Ross (3/27) side by side. http://t.co/QA7EAZ3H
Shame Spencer January 15th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
Insane – could you imagine a show on CNN about economics and someone asking ‘do you believe in mathematics?
—————-
Sometimes they do, ‘do you believe in global warming?’ so yeah I guess I could imagine that unfortunately….
———————————————————
But you wouldn’t ask someone whether they believe in the use of weather models to predict future weather patterns, or to understand why certain weather events occurred (i.e., using a model to reconstruct the events that lead up to a super-storm).
blake January 15th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Chip,
Creative….lot of moving parts though
——-
Yup, but if it works you have another arm who could take over for Rivera next year (Garcia) a solid LF this year (Murphy) who you could probably keep at a low cost, a slugging RH DH (Morse) a RH fourth OF (Gentry) and a solid prospect who could either take over for Jeter (Sardinas) or for Cano if he leaves and Adams and Joseph flame out (Garcia); not to mention a catcher who, while not great, is an upgrade over what’s available on the roster.
For Washington – they get salary relief by dealing Morse and Suzuki and replace Kurt with a BUC making BUC money and the LHRP they want as well as a couple of legitimate prospects to offset the draft pick they’re giving the Yankees for Soriano.
For Texas – they get power to replace some of what they lost in Hamilton and Napoli.
So basically we know the mets refused to give Hairston 2/8…..that’s funny when the mets have like no outfield
Chip,
Id think about that….not sure the Nats would give Morse and Garcia though for what you’re offering
@JonHeymanCBS: Never thought I’d see day yanks celebrating draft choices. But to replace swish/sori they have hall of famers ichiro and mo
I wouldn’t give him that either. Look, Hairston’s a nice player but he’s not an every day player and if you play him every day you’re going to regret it.
Speaking of players like that – can anyone explain why Marcus Thames was hired to be a hitting coach? Unless the Yankees goal is to have a minor league system that can hit a fastball from a left handed pitcher but nothing else that doesn’t make much sense.
The Yanks dropped the ball once again.
What an AWFUL offseason job by Cashman who I’m convinced has let his ex-mistress and current super-stalker Louise Meanwell cloud his judgement which was by and large pretty bad when he’s not cutting checks already. Swisher was his last coup trade. Any Yankees Lohud poster could’ve re-signed Andy, Mo, and Kuroda. Most with a brain in their heads would’ve told Ichiro one year only and let’s see him win with Boston (69 wins in 2012) or Philly (.500 in 2012.) The guy overpaid for Andy and Youkilis and lowballed Martin.
Bottom line is Meanwell will ultimately get out of prison if she goes there and when she gets out I firmly believe she’s gonna come after Cashman, Cashman the Yanks GM or not. If she somehow is cleared she’ll come after him. Of all the women he had to pick up in a hotel lobby.
The Yanks should’ve offered Soriano the contract the Nats have given him because
1. Mo might suck and/or reinjure himself in 2013.
2. Mo might retire after 2013.
3. D-Rob might not be good enough to be the closer in 2014.
Give Soriano what the Nats gave him and Soria what the Rangers gave him and the 2013 Yanks bullpen would’ve been Mo/Sori/D-Rob/Soria/Chamberlain/Logan/Rapada or Aardsma and the 2014 Yanks would’ve had at least FOUR options for closer (first four pitches listed), five if you add Chamberlain or Aardsma, six if you add both, and would anyone be surprised if Logan wound up being some team’s closer one day if the Yanks trade or let go of him? That bullpen would’ve deemphasized the need for offense at C and DH.
The Yanks still pay Soriano $14M for 2013 (since he wouldn’t have opted out if he got the same for 2014) and pay him the same for 2014.
Mo better be Mo because if he’s not or he gets injured again, D-Rob better be like him/2012 Soriano.
Speaking of players like that – can anyone explain why Marcus Thames was hired to be a hitting coach? Unless the Yankees goal is to have a minor league system that can hit a fastball from a left handed pitcher but nothing else that doesn’t make much sense.
–
Short answer: Teaching hitting mechanics has little to do with the MLB talent of the teacher
Longer answer: The above + Thames was reportedly a very good guy in the club house, who worked hard, and is a good candidate to teach young players how to act as baseball players. He tried his best no matter what, so he sets a good example.
If you thought that Soriano was stupid for not taking the qualifying offer put your hand up (*puts hand up*) and if you now look rather stupid yourself, keep your hand up…
Really (really) shocked that someone would give him that much money AND lose a pick – and I will stick with my intuition and say that it will be a waste of money for the Nationals. No way is a guy that is likely to pitch 100-120 innings (if they are lucky) worth that investment and the pick. He was mediocre in year 1 in NY and very good in year 2. He has had problems staying healthy and loses effectiveness at times. Doesn’t sound like a $28M player to me.
100% no way should the Yankees alot 14 million to a non-MO reliever in 2014. Thats like 20% of their remaining budget.
“What an AWFUL offseason job by Cashman …”
I think it’s time for Cashman to go, but how anyone would think that Cashman has the authority to increase payroll based on what Hal has publicly stated is hard to fathom.
Jerkface – those are good answers. And as much as I would like the Yankees to employ coaches who stress the importance of hard work and how to act like professional ball players I want guys who can teach a solid approach. I don’t know if a guy like Thames knew how to do that himself. The guy I would love for them to hire is Chili Davis.
Kevin long wasn’t a big leaguer and he can teach players to swing for the fenches with the best of them
Fences
Duh Innings II January 15th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
The Yanks dropped the ball once again.
The Yanks should’ve offered Soriano the contract the Nats have given him because
——————
You have got to be kidding. As I said above, I think that the Nats will regret this deal, and at least the Yankees get the pick. When they are up against the $189M limit (and <$180M salary limit) the last thing on earth they need is to spend $14m on a guy that might pitch 50 innings. Put it towards Cano and get him through the bottleneck of 2014.
Rich in NJ January 15th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
“What an AWFUL offseason job by Cashman …”
I think it’s time for Cashman to go, but how anyone would think that Cashman has the authority to increase payroll based on what Hal has publicly stated is hard to fathom.
———–
They sure aren’t winning the offseason like The Dodgers.
Chip,
Being a hitting coach isn’t telling a player how to hit a slider. Its trying to help hitters find their swing, going over pitchers with them, running their drills and what not.
I don’t think Thames MLB approach has much to do with his ability to teach.
“They sure aren’t winning the offseason like The Dodgers.”
In the words of Cyndi Lauper: money changes everything.
Jerkface January 15th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Chip,
Being a hitting coach isn’t telling a player how to hit a slider. Its trying to help hitters find their swing, going over pitchers with them, running their drills and what not.
I don’t think Thames MLB approach has much to do with his ability to teach.
————
Ron Guidry wasn’t exactly the greatest pitching coach, as an example…
Jerkface January 15th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Chip,
Being a hitting coach isn’t telling a player how to hit a slider. Its trying to help hitters find their swing, going over pitchers with them, running their drills and what not.
I don’t think Thames MLB approach has much to do with his ability to teach.
———–
Fair enough – we’ve seen plenty of mediocre hitters (or guys who never even made the show) succeed as hitting coaches and pitching coaches.
The Boston Red Sox: 2010 and 2011 Offseason Champions. Really got them far.
I wanted Rudy Jaramillo.
Tyler January 15th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
The Boston Red Sox: 2010 and 2011 Offseason Champions. Really got them far.
—————-
In the court of public opinion, where the public is only Peter Gammons, perhaps… but I think everyone on here knew those squads would struggle based on their make up. Didn’t know it would be so much, but didn’t think they were winners with the Agon trade since it made them so much weaker on the left side.
Chip January 15th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Jerkface January 15th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Chip,
Being a hitting coach isn’t telling a player how to hit a slider. Its trying to help hitters find their swing, going over pitchers with them, running their drills and what not.
I don’t think Thames MLB approach has much to do with his ability to teach.
———–
Fair enough – we’ve seen plenty of mediocre hitters (or guys who never even made the show) succeed as hitting coaches and pitching coaches.
——————————————
Agreed – I think understanding what makes pitchers or hitters effective in terms of timing, repeatable delivery or swing, mechanics etc is something that a talented teacher can deliver to a player, even if they themselves are not physically gifted enough to be an effective player themselves.
Rich in NJ January 15th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
I wanted Rudy Jaramillo.
——————————————
A-Rod would be thrilled.
In the court of public opinion, where the public is only Peter Gammons, perhaps… but I think everyone on here knew those squads would struggle based on their make up. Didn’t know it would be so much, but didn’t think they were winners with the Agon trade since it made them so much weaker on the left side.
—————-
Just today from The Globe:
The Boston Globe ?@BostonGlobe
Terry Francona’s book says Sox owners acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford after marketing study. http://b.globe.com/13A3R8E #redsox #mlb
Shame Spencer January 15th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Tyler January 15th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
The Boston Red Sox: 2010 and 2011 Offseason Champions. Really got them far.
—————-
In the court of public opinion, where the public is only Peter Gammons, perhaps… but I think everyone on here knew those squads would struggle based on their make up. Didn’t know it would be so much, but didn’t think they were winners with the Agon trade since it made them so much weaker on the left side.
——————————————————————-
Spending money is great but it has to be spent on the right guys. The Yanks aren’t spending anything right now which stinks because there are players who could really have helped them that they just whiffed on. I’m cool with not getting huge name guys but could spending some on a good utility guy like Keppinger really hurt?
@jaysonst: Asked one MLB official the last time #Yankees accumulated 3 of top 32 picks in any draft. His reply: “I’m pretty sure that answer is never.”
Probably about the last time they started the year with no catcher
“A-Rod would be thrilled.”
Yup, that’s why. They have too much money invested not to do everything they can to unlock whatever he has left.
Rich -
By that logic then they should fire Girardi and replace him with Pinella.
a major reason why most stars don’t coach is they don’t need the money.
posada , for example,would be an really coach or manager if he chose to.
just like mattingly .
rivera as a pitching coach.
it wouldn’t get any better.
but he’s he’s too wealthy.
coaching is kind of boring much of the time. it helps to need money to provide the proper incentive.
that’s the real reason so many coaches weren’t good players. it’s not like they have some special teaching skill.
i think the yankees would be better off if their coaches weren’t all so generic. guys like stottlemyre, randolph, guidry, torre, mattingly, understood what it was to be a star player.
Incidentally, I wouldn’t be against having Pinella manage the team after this season when Girardi’s contract is up.
I like Francona but man I guess the days of not selling out by doing a gossip-y book deal are over.
I mean.. this one is way more fun than Torre’s because it’s about a hated rival, but why can’t they wait until they retire from the game to do this stuff?
“I don’t think they love baseball,” Francona says in the book. “I think they like baseball. It’s revenue, and I know that’s their right and their interest because they’re owners … it’s still more of a toy or hobby for them. It’s not their blood. They’re going to come in and out of baseball. It’s different for me. Baseball is my life.”
———————-
I can’t wait until Derek Jeter can buy the Yankees..
I know randy will love that quote. Baseball guys in baseball ops makes sense for a lot of reasons. Passion being at the top of the list.
Chip January 15th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Incidentally, I wouldn’t be against having Pinella manage the team after this season when Girardi’s contract is up.
————–
I wanted him to replace Torre when they gave him that short extension.
ok now lets turn those draft picks into some talent.
these picks should be ripening right about the time the yankees get out from under the current mega contracts…
Somebody please get Larry Bowa back in this organization….
I hate our 3B coach.
” mean.. this one is way more fun than Torre’s because it’s about a hated rival, ”
torre’s book was about a hated rival.
cashman
Chip
Piniella is like 70, right? There has to be someone a little younger.
Piniella is like 70, right?
—————
He’ll fit right in
They can all collect their social security checks on the same day.
shame ,
i like what francona said about red sox ownership and management.
he’s right. and i do like francona.
the problem for the yankees is how much red sox management and ownership were getting similar.
there were numerous articles about how chummy theo and cashman were getting.
“They can all collect their social security checks on the same day.”
As if they need them.
“these picks should be ripening right about the time the yankees get out from under the current mega contracts…”
Man in 5 or 6 short years we might be awesome
@JonHeymanCBS: #cubs have talked to scott hairston, as well, so he has non-NY possibilities
I have no interest in seeing Piniella back in the Bronx – just don’t see that ending well. They need a dynamic and creative coach (Maddon is the obvious comparison – he would be great).
Franconia said the Sox ownership are not baseball fans. Can you imagine what that is like?
I am also glad we are not in on Hairston. Look at his career stats, and it seems clear last year was out of the ordinary. Still not great but likely not repeatable.
Have a nice evening lodhites; a tad bit of blog withdrawal on Sunday must have been good for everybody ( u didn’t really need to rehash that trade – just put on a blindfold, step outside, and take a shot at that pineda hanging from the tree
,…my kid hit everything but the goods one time.
@JimBowdenESPNxm: Nats deal with Rafael Soriano is $7m in 2013, $7m in 2014 and the other $14m is deferred starting in 2018…the aav of deal is approx $11.8m
Blake,
That makes everyone a winner.
Boras gets to say that his client is the highest paid relief pitcher in the game and for the Nats it isn’t a terrible financial burden.
Still, it would probably make life easier if they could unload the salaries of Morse and Suzuki, both of whom are slated for bench roles.
Piniella is 70? Tempus fugit!!! I remember in the ’78 WS they had a documentary spot on him and his family. Also, at the beginning of the series, the disco song, ” from New York to L.A., ” was played – fun times, Wille Randolph.
Speaking of relief pitchers – if you’re Arizona, you just traded for Heath Bell, why do you then go and extend JJ Putz?
Putz is one of those names like, Dr. Death.
Deal that makes sense – non Yankee variety:
Detroit gets: Tyler Clippard
Washington gets: Tyler Collins – a minor league slugging LH who could replace LaRoche at first in a couple of years if Rendon doesn’t progress.
blake January 15th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
@JimBowdenESPNxm: Nats deal with Rafael Soriano is $7m in 2013, $7m in 2014 and the other $14m is deferred starting in 2018…the aav of deal is approx $11.8m
—————————————–
Good thinking by the Nats – hopefully the NYY can do some deals like this to manage 2014. Soriano gets his money eventually, but the deferral reduces the AAV (wonder what interest rate they use to discount the future pay).
Mickey Klutz was a great name.
Rich in NJ January 15th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
“They sure aren’t winning the offseason like The Dodgers.”
In the words of Cyndi Lauper: money changes everything.
///
This was my theme song when Peter “Puck” Pocklington destroyed the late 80′s/early 90′s Edmonton Oilers, the most talented assemblage of players on one team, in any sport, that I have ever had the pleasure of watching. And what a great song it is.
@AnthonyMcCarron: Joba, Boone Logan, Phil Hughes and David Robertson all file for salary arbitration, according to MLBPA. #yankees
The mere mention of the name “Christian Garcia” can throw me into paroxysms of grief.
Why on earth would anyone give him up if he’s healthy.
Alfred, Lauper is a positive influence like Pat Benetar – nice to conspire you!
“I hate our 3B coach.”
Agreed, Thomson is mediocre, he can be way over aggressive in sending runners. Can think of a lot of occasions where he has cost the Yanks. In my opinion he’s a below average 3rd base coach.
fun times, Wille Randolph.
////
mr mills, Randolph was a joy to watch in box preparing for an AB. One of my all-time favorite Yankees. My indifference to the Mets turned to smoldering antipathy when they treated him so badly. It got worse when they got petty and refused to let our vagabond AAA team play their games in Newark.
Edmonton trading Wayne was sad, comparable to Boston not retaining Orr for his few last days.
jmills January 15th, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Alfred, Lauper is a positive influence like Pat Benetar – nice to conspire you!
///
mr. mills, your poetic dissonance and light spirit are always a welcome sight
jmills, sad doesn’t even begin to describe it. More like tragic.
Alfred, when you make it up here, Willie’s card is yours ( O Pee Chee varient with french on the back
)
Thanks, Alfred, a girl takes what comes along…
jmills, the Gretzky “trade” was perverse. The Messier trade was a wretched affair as well. Hometown boy and all. That team actually had, in one or two seasons, these players on it:
Gretzky
Messier
Jari Kurri
Glen Anderson
Kent-Erik Andersson
Esa Tikkanen
Paul Coffey
Reijo Ruotsalainen
Kevin Lowe
Grant Fuhr
Yet they blew a 3-games-to-1 lead in the Cup final against Philly, making me sweat to the last on a bet I’d made. Anderson finally pulled out Game 7.
Nevertheless, most talented team this eyes have ever seen.
jmills January 15th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Thanks, Alfred, a girl takes what comes along…
///
Something about you and Sylvia?
///
YF – tragic,and a travesty. I loath Peter Pocklington til this day. He’s in jail, I guess?
J. Alfred Prufrock January 15th, 2013 at 6:28 pm
The mere mention of the name “Christian Garcia” can throw me into paroxysms of grief.
Why on earth would anyone give him up if he’s healthy.
——————–
Too many players not enough spots.
Hi YF! – keep up the Blondie and Talking Heads – I wish I’d been there ( just have to rely on me own head instead
)
jmills January 15th, 2013 at 6:35 pm
Alfred, when you make it up here, Willie’s card is yours ( O Pee Chee varient with french on the back
)
///
Mr. mills, that is just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me here. Thank you.
theREALkevin January 15th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
“I hate our 3B coach.”
Agreed, Thomson is mediocre, he can be way over aggressive in sending runners. Can think of a lot of occasions where he has cost the Yanks. In my opinion he’s a below average 3rd base coach.
—————–
He was at his best when he was the head video analyst for the club.
Alfred, we all know, poets never die!
Chip,
Garcia is a special arm. He floats to the top above the “numbers”.
Mr. Mills,
Neither do any of us, they’re just among the most articulate of immortals
.
Alfred, the pleasure is all mine sucka’!
There’s a Jean Ratelle or two roamin’ ‘roand here as well…
///
In my mind’s eye, I’m seeing Garcia’s ridiculous split-change. Time for a dark chocolate timeout
I’ve got 2 rookie Waynes, 1 initial Messier, and I used to order my complete B-ball set from Duluth. Then, I started to focus on girls and gave it all up. Silly me!!!
Anybody else notice their spelling is going down the tiolette the older they get?
Tiolette – crap! ” Toilette, ” at the very least, Colette.