SB Nation - Phil Coke

The Yankee View of Austin Jackson and Phil Coke

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:00:23 -0000

About a week after the big trade that sent Curtis Granderson off to the Yankees, many Tigers fans still have questions and reservations about the players Detroit received in return. In the past, we've talked to our buddy jscape2000 from our SB Nation brother site Pinstripe Alley when the Tigers and Yankees cross paths on the field or transaction wire. So he volunteered to provide some thoughts on Austin Jackson and Phil Coke:

Phil Coke: As I told Halos Heaven before the ALCS: The good news is that Phil Coke has a nasty slider. The bad news is that it's a breaking ball, and anyone who throws a breaking ball 25% of the time is bound to hang one eventually (1.5 HR/9).

Despite the high homerun rate and the high profile homers he gave up in the 8th inning of Game 5 of the World Series, I still have faith that Coke can be an important part of a major league bullpen. You can't hit him (44H in 60IP), so as long as he keeps his walks down, his high strikeout rate makes him a weapon.

Austin Jackson is a very good centerfield prospect, lacking only a cannon arm of the five tools. While I didn't get to see him play this year, when I've seen him in the past he reminded me of Derek Jeter, lunging into the ball. Unlike Jeter, it apparently is leaving some big holes in his swing (123K in 132G).

Despite that, he still hit .300/.354/.405 in AAA, very productive numbers from a 22 year old centerfielder. Don't be alarmed by his lack of power - I used to live in Scranton where the Yanks' AAA team is, and that minor league park is a pitcher's park- high wall and deep alleys. In Comerica, he'll put his speed to good use.

He's got great range- he's not top flight fast, but he takes very good routes. On the basepaths, he's developed good instincts (124 SB, 35 CS, 78%).

A two-sport high schooler, he's improved at each level as his baseball intelligence builds. I would probably start him at AAA and make him the first outfielder up, but I can see a scenario where he breaks with the team out of camp.

I don't know if this affects anyone's opinion of the trade or perception of what Detroit received in return, but it's a viewpoint from someone who's seen more of Jackson and Coke than most Tigers fans. (I get the feeling the Yankees are happier with Granderson, though.)

Wednesday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:51:04 -0000

by Keith Birmingham - AP

Another day, another picture of Randy Wolf.

View full size photo »

Some things to read while making your pitch to Gatorade.

It's been roughly 24 hours since we were told the Brewers were "very close" to a deal with Randy Wolf, but said deal has yet to materialize. Both Tom H. and Buster Olney are saying the Brewers are expecting a response today, now that Arn Tellem has had a day to shop the offer around, but reportedly hasn't found anyone willing to match it. Other notes on Wolf:

Tom H. says he "gets the feeling that the Brewers are suprised that Randy Wolf hasn't accepted their three-year offer yet."
Jayson Stark heard that the Brewers' offer to Wolf was bigger than the three year, $28 million deal the Braves recently gave Tim Hudson.
Jon Heyman tweeted that the Mets don't appear likely to land Wolf, and while MLB Trade Rumors lists them as showing interest in five other pitchers, Heyman says the price of mid-level pitching might drive them to spend a little more in pursuit of John Lackey.
The Junkball Blues has a look at the average return teams get on three year contracts to starting pitchers. There are some good ones (Greg Maddux, Andy Pettitte, A.J. Burnett), but also some disasters (Adam Eaton, Jason Schmidt, Carl Pavano).
Jorge Says No! wonders about the wisdom of offering Wolf a third year, but says the Brewers' willingness to do it implies they don't think they can sign Prince Fielder to a long term deal.

By the way, over two months ago Jorge Says No! predicted Wolf would get three years, $31 million on the open market. Impressive.

I feel the need to clarify my position on the Wolf rumor a bit, because I feel I was a little hard on the front office in this one act play last night. I still don't think Wolf wants to play in Milwaukee, which is why Arn Tellem has spent the last 24 hours searching for anyone on a coast willing to match the Brewers' offer. With that said, I'll give credit where credit is due to the front office for finding the guy they wanted and being aggressive in an attempt to get him here. If it turns out that the scenario I laid out is true and Tellem was just using the Brewers to raise the price for someone else, so be it. At least we're talking about the Brewers making an effort, and not hearing the reasons why they can't.

Meanwhile, the Brewers are close to a deal to bring Claudio Vargas back for another season, and are just waiting for formal acceptance from Vargas and his agent (FanShot). Conversation on the deal is probably complicated a bit by the fact that Vargas is currently in the Dominican Republic pitching in winter ball.

They're also expecting an answer sometime today from Craig Counsell, who may or may not be seeking a two year deal for next season. It sounds like Counsell and his agent spent the day yesterday checking out other options. Don't be surprised if a deal gets done relatively quickly.

Ken Macha told reporters yesterday that Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra are the only pitchers guaranteed a spot in the Brewer rotation next season, implying that Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan will have to compete to earn an opportunity (FanShot). Open competition should be good for all involved, especially if the Crew manages to bring in some high-upside pitchers to compete.

Tom H. has all of those notes (and a terrible headline) in his roundup piece today, along with this note: The 40 man roster is starting to fill up, so don't be surprised if the Brewers decide not to take a chance on a Rule 5 pick in tomorrow's draft. I think that's a poor decision. Among others, Tim Dillard and Luis Cruz could probably pass through waivers without much notice. Passing on a cheap lottery ticket to protect one of those guys doesn't seem to make sense.

In the minors:

Project Prospect has a look at the speed of several Brewers who recently performed in the Arizona Fall League. Jonathan Lucroy appears to be in about the middle of the pack, while Taylor Green rated out way on the low end. They mustn't have had enough data to publish a ranking for Lorenzo Cain.
Angel Salome will be the next Brewer prospect to head out for winter ball: He's reportedly leaving at the end of the week to play for Este in the Dominican League. You can keep up with him and all the Brewer winter leaguers in our Winter League Updates.

We're continuing the effort to put together a BCB All Decade Team, and if you haven't cast your first votes yet, there's still time. Voting at first base will remain open until 4 pm today, and voting at second base runs until 4 pm tomorrow. Check back later today to vote for a shortstop.

Around baseball:

Braves: Designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment.
D-Backs: Acquired pitchers Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy in a three way deal that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and outfielder Austin Jackson and pitchers Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth and Phil Coke to the Tigers.
Mets: Signed 1B/3B Mike Hessman to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Signed outfielder Jerry Owens to a minor league deal.
Phillies: Signed Ross Gload to a two year deal.
Pirates: Are expected to sign Bobby Crosby to a one year deal.
Tigers: Signed catcher Robinzon Diaz, who was recently released by the Pirates.
Twins: Designated Boof Bonser for assignment.
White Sox: Signed Mark Teahen to a three year, $14 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
Yankees: Will receive the #1 pick in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft as the PTBNL in the Brian Bruney trade.

Meanwhile, ~~Gritty von Canthitalick~~ Jason Kendall continues to search for work, but there's more suitors than you might think: The Rangers are reportedly strongly considering Kendall, now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia injured his shoulder playing winter ball. The Royals have also expressed interest.

From surprising news to what might possibly be the week's least surprising news: John Lackey is having a hard time finding a team willing to offer him a six year deal.

Actually, this might be the most surprising news: Kudos to the BBWAA for their decision to allow Sean Forman of Baseball Reference to join their organization.

We could have used this days ago, but Dave Cameron of FanGraphs has a guide to deciphering sources in Winter Meeting rumors. Again today, the meetings provide us with some things you might never have known without the internet, and wouldn't have missed:

Michael Tucker, who hasn't played in the majors since 2006, is in Indianapolis and wants to play next season.
Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson heard about a trade offer the Diamondbacks made for him and was offended by it.
C. Trent Rosecrans gave the Meetings' Best Hat Award to Manny Acta.
Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian gives us a look at the hotel lobby, complete with Christmas tree.
Jonathan Mayo of MiLB.com had to step away from the meetings for a moment to help his mom figure out the TV.

On this day in 1977, the Brewers traded pitchers Jim Slaton and Rich Folkers to the Tigers for Ben Oglivie. The 29 year old Panama native would spend the last nine years of his career as a Brewer, hitting .277/.345/.461, leading the AL with 41 home runs in 1980, and appearing in three All Star games.

Happy birthday today to:

Doc Medich, who made the final ten starts of his major league career for the 1982 Brewers, and turns 61.
Ed Romero, who spent parts of eight seasons as a Brewer in the late 70's and 80's and later served as a minor league infield coordinator and manager. He turns 52.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some snowblowing to do.

Drink up.

Yankees Acquire Curtis Granderson In 3-Way Trade With Tigers & Diamondbacks

Tommy Rancel — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:15:09 -0000

More photos » by Danny Moloshok - AP

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It's a Yankee world and we're just living in it. After making one of the only moves on day one of the winter meetings, the Yankees were at in again this time involving the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks in what looks like the signature move of this year's meetings.

As the story goes, the Yankees receive Curtis Granderson, the Tigers will receive Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Phil Coke and Austin Jackson, and the Diamondbacks get Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy and a whole lot of second guessing from fans and writers like myself.

For the Yankees, it's pretty easy to like this deal. Sure, Granderson has his flaws (average-below average defense past two seasons, platoon like split), but even with those flaws he is a safe bet for a 3.5-4 WAR season for each of the remaining four years on his contract.

The contract itself is pretty nifty. For the 29-year-old Granderson, the Yankees will probably pay in the neighborhood of $38 million (estimating some incentives) for the four years. A quick and easy estimate puts his expected value around $70 million for those years. They could even buyout the final year of the deal making the contract something like three years, $27 million.

Basically, the Yanks get a younger, cheaper, better alternative to Johnny Damon for two arms and a player with the upside to one day be Granderson-lite. Despite his lefty on lefty split, Granderson, and his pull hitting tendency, should enjoy the short porch and wind tunnel in his new home park as well as a few more all-star appearances.

The Tigers are giving up the biggest piece in the deal in Granderson, and downgrade a bit in the interim, but gain four cheap and controllable pieces that should help for seasons to come. Detroit has made no secret about wanting to shed payroll, and clearing the at least $25.75 million guaranteed to Granderson helps towards accomplishing that goal. They also save on Edwin Jackson's impending ERA inflated arbitration raise. They receive Max Scherzer as the big prize in their return. Not only can he fill Jackson's spot in the rotation immediately, but stands a decent upgrade it for much less.

The Tigers could also immediately turn to soon-to-be 23-year-old, Austin Jackson to fill Granderson's spot in the field. There will no doubt be a significant dip in production overall, but Jackson stands to be average in centerfield and brings speed to the lineup. As is the case with most young players, he strikeouts a lot and hasn't mastered the art of walks, but for the league minimum he could provide a nice value in Granderson's absense.

The other two pieces, Schlereth and Coke will help sure up a Tigers pen than stands to lose Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney to free agency. Both pitchers are lefties, and neither regarded as a future relief ace, but both stand to be average at least and more importantly cheap and controllable. Coke's future looks more LOOGY than fellow south paw, Schlereth. Mark's son has at least shown the ability to get righties out in the minor leagues; Once again, cheap, decent and immediate alternatives to more expensive options.

From the Diamondbacks stand point, it's hard to see the good in this trade. Edwin Jackson to this day remains more potential than production even with an all-star appearance to his credit. Ian Kennedy spent most of 2009 on the shelf, but has failed in his chances with the Yankees. Both still have potential and maybe a move to the NL West(or back to the NL West for Jackson) will cure what ails them, but it's hard to make the argument that either one is better than Scherzer is right now and will be going forward.

Curtis Granderson To The Yankees Might Mean A Lot For The Red Sox

Randy Booth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:50:08 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

15 days ago: FILE - In this June 11, 2009 photo, Detroit Tigers' Curtis Granderson watches his two-run home run off Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Chicago. A person familiar with the negotiations says the Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks are nearing agreement on a three-team trade that would send Granderson from Detroit to New York. The Yankees would trade right-hander Ian Kennedy to Arizona, and lefty reliever Phil Coke and outfield prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit, the person said on condition of anonymity because the trade was not yet final. Detroit would deal pitcher Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks, and Arizona would send pitchers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to the Tigers. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Browse more photos »

I used to like you, Curtis Granderson. Now I don't know how I feel. You're a Yankee, dude. A Yankee:

Curtis Granderson is the Yankees’ new center fielder, coming over from the Detroit Tigers in a three-way deal that also included the Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal, which is pending approval of medical records, will send outfielder Austin Jackson and reliever Phil Coke to Detroit and starter Ian Kennedy to Arizona.

The Diamondbacks will also receive starter Edwin Jackson from the Tigers, who will also get starter Max Scherzer and reliever Daniel Schlereth from Arizona.

The acquisition of Granderson, who turns 29 in March, gives the Yankees a younger alternative to Johnny Damon, 36, who is a free agent. The Yankees have no interest in giving Damon a three-year deal, but they were comfortable with a three-year commitment to Granderson, who is owed $25.75 million through 2012.

No doubt, Granderson is a really good player. He's going to give the Yankees another good bat and a pretty good outfield glove, too.

But the bigger question is: what do the Red Sox do now? In my opinion, nothing has to happen.

Will Carrol, aka The Injury Freaking King, tweets the following question:

Do red sox have to answer the granderson deal? Some are saying yes and quick and big.

Theo Epstein doesn't play the game of "let's make a move because the Yankees made a move." He's over that. He's past that. Theo Epstein builds the Boston Red Sox team to how he sees is the best fit. He builds them for 95 wins or more to get into the playoffs. He's not going to spend a lot of money or give up a lot of talented prospects just because the Yankees have made a move. Essentially, he's bigger than the rivalry.

With that said, WEEI has a few ideas for what the Sox could do to counter the Yanks' move (WEEI also mentions the Sox contacted the Tigers about Granderson, but soon found out they didn't have a solid match):

The effort to deal Granderson (and Edwin Jackson) offers fairly compelling evidence that the Tigers are indeed in a cost-cutting phase. That being the case, it is natural to wonder whether the team might make Miguel Cabrera available.

To date, according to a major-league source, there is no evidence that the Tigers are dangling the hitter extraordinaire (Cabrera hit .324 with a .396 OPS and .942 OPS, all among the best marks in the American League last year). Moreover, given Detroit’s interest in receiving major-league ready pieces — and, especially, position players — the possibility of a deal that might send Cabrera to the Red Sox seems far-fetched at this point (and that is without considering the concerns about the first baseman’s weight and off-field indiscretions).

Of course, there remains the possibility that economic realities at some point might force the Tigers to deal a player who has six years and $126 million remaining on his contract. But for now, there hasn’t been evidence that Detroit is looking to move the four-time All-Star.

I used to be a big fan of the Cabrera to Boston idea. Then all that "off-field indescretions" stuff popped up and he became tainted. No doubt he is an amazing baseball player. He's naturally gifted and has potential to go down as one of the best ever. But what kind of baggage does he bring to the team? Maybe Theo & Co. think they could whip him into shape -- mentally and physically -- ala Bill Belichick. I'm all for it if that's their gameplan.

Cabrera's bat in the middle of the Sox's lineup would be amazing. Part of me thinks it would be reminiscent of Manny Ramirez's days in Boston. Unfortunately, that means both the good and bad of having Manny in Boston.

As nice as it sounds, just because Granderson is in New York doesn't mean Cabrera has to be in Boston.

But I'm not 100 percent against it, either.

Poll

With the Yankees' acquisition of Curtis Granderson, do the Red Sox need to counter with a big signing or trade?

Yes

445 votes

No

301 votes

Maybe/depends

143 votes

889 votes | Poll has closed

The Deal is Almost Done

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:55:14 -0000

The three-way trade between the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Yankees appears to be just about done. The pieces have been agreed to by each team. All that's left, according to several reports, is for medical records for the players involved to be reviewed. When discussions get to that point, it's almost a formality.

So here's how the trade shakes down, from most accounts:

The Tigers get centerfielder Austin Jackson and reliever Phil Coke from the Yankees, along with pitchers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth from the D-Backs.
The Diamondbacks receive Edwin Jackson from Detroit and pitcher Ian Kennedy from the Yankees.
The Yankees get Curtis Granderson.

However, the deal isn't yet official. In fact, there's some disagreement as to whether Schlereth is part of the deal. ESPN.com's report doesn't have Schlereth going to Detroit. But all other reports (for example, this one) seem to indicate that he's included. That's not an insignificant point.

More to come, once the deal becomes cross the t's, dot the i's official. But for now, it looks like this thing is about done.

Yankees/D-Backs/Tigers three way deal reportedly done

Adam J. Morris — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:24:38 -0000

The Yankees, Diamondbacks and Tigers have supposedly agreed on a three-way deal that results in Curtis Granderson going to the Yankees.

Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy are heading to the D-Backs, and Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Phil Coke, and Austin Jackson go to the Tigers.

I see this as a very solid deal for the Tigers. I'm underwhelmed by the D-Backs return, Yankees did okay.

Tigers/D-Backs/Yankees Trade Still Alive?

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:15:08 -0000

As of last night, the proposed three-way trade between the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Yankees had stalled. Buster Olney mentioned on Twitter that discussions had reached the point where only one of the three teams (presumably Arizona) liked the deal on the table.

However, that apparently doesn't mean the trade is dead. Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi report that the three teams are still open to a deal. I presume that when negotiations get so far that most of the key players in a trade are in place, there's still plenty to work with. And it looks like each team knows which big name it would get in this deal. Perhaps it's more a matter of either the Tigers getting the players they want, or the Yankees relenting on who they'd prefer not to give up.

Once again, here's the trade scenario that was in play last night:

The Yankees get Curtis Granderson from the Tigers and one or two prospects from the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks receive Edwin Jackson from the Tigers and right-hander Ian Kennedy from the Yankees.
The Tigers would get right-hander Max Scherzer from the Diamondbacks, along with centerfielder Austin Jackson and lefty relievers Phil Coke and Michael Dunn from the Yankees.

Based on Olney's reporting, the Tigers apparently want Phil Hughes included in the deal, but the Yankees don't want to give him up.

Just to provide some more background on Dunn, who might be the most unfamiliar name in the proposed trade, he pitched in Double and Triple-A this season. In 73.1 innings, he compiled 99 strikeouts and 46 walks. Dunn pitched four innings with the Yankees this year, posting a 6.75 ERA in four innings, along with five strikeouts and five walks.

UPDATE #1 (10:30 a.m. ET): Via Twitter, Jon Heyman has some more details on what's been thrown back-and-forth in trade discussions between the three teams. First, he mentions that reliever Daniel Schlereth may have been included in the Diamondbacks' package going to Detroit. He also says that the Yankees don't want to give up four prospects in this deal.

(via Tiger Tracks on Twitter)

UPDATE #2: Morosi is now corroborating Heyman's report that the Yankees are balking at giving up four players in this trade, especially when they'd only be getting one in return. According to Morosi's source, the chances of this now happening are "not good."

UPDATE #3 (11:45 a.m. ET): According to the New York Daily News' Mark Feinsand, the Tigers "may be caving" on their price for Granderson. Subsequently, trade talks appear to be alive once again (via Heyman).

New York Yankees notes: Granderson speculation leads nowhere

Ed Valentine — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:53:52 -0000

The Internet, and 'Twitter' in particular, were aflame Monday with wild speculation that the New York Yankees had completed a trade with the Detroit Tigers for center fielder Curtis Granderson.

Turns out that the teams seem to have discussed a deal, but that nothing is realistically close to happening.

From FOX Sports.

The Yankees have reportedly been included as one of the teams in what would have been a blockbuster three-way trade with the Tigers and D-backs involving Detroit center fielder Curtis Granderson, although the potential package has already been rejected by at least one of the involved parties.

FOX Sports detailed a discussed but stalled deal on Monday that would have sent Granderson to the Yankees, along with one or two prospects from the D-backs.

In exchange, the Yankees would have sent right-hander Ian Kennedy to Arizona while dealing outfield prospect Austin Jackson and left-handed relievers Phil Coke and Mike Dunn to Detroit.

Detroit would have received right-hander Max Scherzer from Arizona, and the D-backs would have hauled in right-hander Edwin Jackson as well, according to the report.

I have two thoughts on this proposal. First, general manager Brian Cashman would be nuts to make that deal. I hope he is the one who rejected it. Four players who could be useful to the 2010 major league roster, including a top prospect like Jackson, for an outfielder the Yankees aren't even really sure they will need next season? No thanks.

My second thought is that the terrific Yankee blog Sliding Into Home had the statement of the day Monday while the rumors were flying all over Twitter.

"This is why all this technology is actually bad for us. We get up to the second info, and in the end we know absolutely nothing."

The Yankees have apparently shown interest in free-agent Mark DeRosa, and it is hardly surprising that they would at least check out the veteran utility man's price. River Avenue Blues, though, does not want to see Derosa in a Yankee uniform.

Francona Talks About Chasing Yankees

I have a ton of respect for Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona. What he had to say Monday about the Yankees sure does sound like whining to me, though, which is really not becoming for a manager who has won two World Series titles this decade.

"They got a couple of things that make life difficult for us," Francona said Monday. "They have a lot of money and they have smart people running what they’re doing. So you have to kind of acknowledge that. They’re not going to go away. I hope they don’t get better. ...

"That doesn’t bode well for everybody. We have really smart people, and I guess we have a lot of cash, probably not endless. But we have a good situation here. So rather than worry too much about the Yankees, we do our own stuff."

Yankees Third Team in Tigers-Diamondbacks Trade?

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:15:55 -0000

As something of an update to our previous post about a Tigers-Diamondbacks deal involving Edwin Jackson, Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal report that the New York Yankees would've (and could still be) the third team that would make such a trade work.

If it all comes together, Detroit could be involved in its second Winter Meetings blockbuster deal in three years. Not all of the particulars are known, but Jackson would go to Arizona, while Curtis Granderson gets fitted for pinstripes.

Who the Tigers get in such a scenario wasn't mentioned, but Max Scherzer is the name that keeps coming up in rumors involving the D-Backs. And presumably, someone else would come from the Yankees. (Austin Jackson and Phil Hughes were the names the Tigers asked for, according to Buster Olney.)

The report at FOXSports.com says "the talks are at an impasse," as one of the teams involved in these discussions balked at the proposed deal. The D-Backs were the team pushing hard for the trade. But the guess is that the Yankees rejected the terms of the trade, which fits what Olney said on "Baseball Tonight" earlier this evening.

(via MLB Trade Rumors)

UPDATE: Morosi and Rosenthal updated their original report with details as to what each team would receive in the proposed deal.

• The Yankees would receive Granderson from the Tigers and one or two prospects from the Diamondbacks.

• The Diamondbacks would get Jackson from the Tigers and right-hander Ian Kennedy from the Yankees.

• The Tigers would get right-hander Max Scherzer from the Diamondbacks, and center fielder Austin Jackson and left-handed relievers Phil Coke and Michael Dunn from the Yankees

Finally! Our World Series wait is nearly over

Ed Valentine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:06:36 -0000

Ah, life is as it should be in Yankee Universe. The World Series begins tonight, and it returns home to the Bronx as our New York Yankees take on the Philadelphia Phillies.

I know you won't be able to concentrate at work today, anyway. You will be fussin' and frettin' and worrying about making sure you will be home for the first pitch. So, relax and tour the Inter-Google with us as we look for interesting stuff to read while we pass the time while waiting for CC Sabathia to take to the mound.

You could have blown me off my seat with a feather when I read this story from 'Bugs & Cranks' Tuesday praising Derek Jeter. In case you don't know, I used to write about the Yankees for 'B&C,' and one of the reasons I left is the absolue, venomous, unbridled hatred of the Yankees displayed on a daily basis by most of the writers there. So, the appreciation for the Yankee Captain -- from that site -- stunned me.
Thomas Boswell says it's the Yankees with something to prove

Boswell is the long-time baseball columnist for The Washington Post, and he wrote today about the role reversal between the two cities.

When the World Series starts Wednesday, the proud, confident defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies will face the New York Yankees, baseball's biggest chokers for the last eight years. What happened? Did these two cities, after a century, decide to swap identities? Live long enough, you really will see everything.

Go to Philadelphia this month and you'll see stories about how the Phillies have reversed the town's ancient inferiority complex about its pro sports teams. You are no longer a sucker if you dare to believe in a Philly team's chance for a positively ridiculous comeback win. It's now the Phillies' trademark, especially in the playoffs. Ask the Rockies and Dodgers. Both are still numb.

Go to New York this month and you are met by the opposite mood. Before Game 6 of the ALCS against the Angels, a Page 1 tabloid headline on the Yankees blared, "We Ain't Chokin'."

The Yankees are happy that George Steinbrenner will be around Yankee Stadium for the Series.
Of course we want some pie during the Series. The New York Times discusses the history behind the newest Yankee tradition.
Instant replay? One writer says Major League Baseball should institute full replay right now -- before the first pitch is thrown tonight.
Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel was CC Sabathia's first big-league manager. Chad Jennings has a great piece with Manuel telling his Sabathia story.
FOX's Ken Rosenthal says the Yankee pitching will be the deciding factor.

The best starter in this series is Yankees left-hander Sabathia. The best closer is Yankees righty Mariano Rivera. True, the Yankees' righty setup men, Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, struggled in the ALCS, and lefties Phil Coke and Damaso Marte seem an inadequate counter to the Phillies' big left-handed sluggers in Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez. But Manuel is making up the Phillies' bullpen as he goes along — righty Joe Blanton and lefty J.A. Happ again are expected to start the series as relievers, and righty Brett Myers could re-emerge as the Phillies' 12th pitcher.

Rivera vs. Brad Lidge? To understand the different levels of confidence the two closers evoke in their respective managers, just consider the way they are being used. Rivera has pitched eight times in nine postseason games, allowing one run in 10 2/3 innings. Lidge has yet to allow a run, but he has appeared in only five of nine games and worked only four innings.

Oh, I can concoct various "Phillies win" scenarios — A.J. Burnett cracking, Hughes and Chamberlain staggering, Lee getting hot and Utley, Howard and Co. getting on a roll. Who knows what might happen?

No one expected the Dodgers to beat the Cardinals or the Angels to wilt three times at Yankee Stadium. Still, much as I love the Phillies' toughness, I can't see how they will out-pitch the Yankees.
Jon Heyman analyzes the key matchups, then whimps out and doesn't make a prediction.

That should be enough to keep you busy for a while. Let's just hope it doesn't rain tonight.