My dad just turned 75 a few weeks back, and for at least 50 of those years I’ve had to listen to him telling me stories (often the sames ones year after year) about Phil Rizzuto. “He was the best player I’ve ever seen. Period.”

Really, dad? I mean, you’ve seen DiMaggio, Dickey, Berra, Mantle …

Didn’t matter. Rizzuto was my dad’s guy. His favorite story? Dad was sitting behind the dugout watching Phil step up to the plate. He squared to bunt and took the ball “square between the eyes. Little Phil dropped the bat, took one step and flopped in the baseline. After that he wore a helmet.”

I’ve tried to find proof of that story, but never did. It could have just as easily been a well-intended fabrication to colorize the black and white baseball legacy of Phil Rizzuto.

In thinking about it, I understand why my dad may have fallen for Phil. My dad was always an undersized athlete who had to scrap to play football, basketball and his first-love, baseball. He didn’t have the arm to play shortstop, so he settled on second — but he worked hard to improve his throwing and finally during his senior year in high school he won the starting job and became his team’s shortstop.

My dad’s baseball career went no further than high school. After graduation, he got married and moved into the family steel business. But he always maintained his love for the little guy, the underdog. I was a pint-sized pitcher in high school, with a powerful arm and no pants. The AD in our school informed me that we had no varsity pants that would fit me. The only similar pants were girl’s varsity softball pants. That night during dinner I told my dad the story and wanted to quit.

“You can’t quit!” he ordered.

Before our next game, a box arrived at the school with 20 brand new varsity uniforms — and a pair of pants that actually fit me — compliments of my dad. Once again, standing up for the little guy!

I didn’t quit, and quite possibly because of Phil Rizzuto, I carved out a decent career for myself in professional baseball. Thanks Phil, and thank you, dad!

Hal Steinbrenner, Randy Levine and Brian Cashman are all downplaying Derek Jeter's importance to the Yankees, the City of New York and the fans. By calling the negotiation process with Jeter a business diminishes Jeter's importance. If I'm the Red Sox, wouldn't it be good business to reach out to Jeter's agent and throw out an inflated offer? Of course Jeter wouldn't sign it -- or would he? He's just been told by the Yankee brass that this is "business".

Derek is a businessman, why wouldn't he at least look at the offer and kick the tires. It certainly would give him something to take back to Cashman. Imagine the look on Cash's face when confronted with a 4 year $80m deal on the table from the hated Red Sox?

Of course the Sox would know Derek wasn't coming to Beantown. He couldn't. He wouldn't. Or would he? Probably not. But that's not really the point. Floating an offer to an iconic, but aging Derek Jeter makes great business sense because it ups the bidding for the Yankees, and possibly dings their bottom line on acquiring other big name talent.

True, this is the Yankees, and they can only be outspent by God Himself. Still, if I were the Sox braintrust and I wanted to be a ghost in the pinstripe machine, I would publicly make a play for Numbah 2, Derek Jeetah.

Okay, I need help with this one. According to the statistics, HIdeki Matsui played in 163 games in 2003 -- a record. However, when I look at the Yankees 2003 record they finished 101-61 (162). The Yankees also finished 6 games ahead of Boston that year enroute to losing the WS to Florida. Can anyone explain to me how Matsui got into an extra game?

Did we lone him out? Are we using the metric system? Did he have some sort of weird out of body experience?

Explain, please.

Say what you want about SI's Tom Verducci. For me, he's kind of hit and miss -- but mostly miss of late. However his latest effort caught my attention -- no not because he mentioned Curt Schilling (a guy a thoroughly despise), but because he actually wrote about something so simple, yet so overlooked that I found it completely fascinating.

He writes that while teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies and other top tier clubs spend gazillions to assemble formidable lineups, benches and rotations, favor almost always falls to those teams whose rotations make the most starts.

It is a compelling read, and I must give credit to Schilling (the hump).click her for the full story

After watching Joba's pedestrian performance last night, and listening to the National's Rob Dibble express concern for his lack of pop--noting Joba appeared "stiff" and not the "free and easy motion" that he (Dibble) witnessed in past starts, I began to turn the corner.

I've long been a supporter of Joba in the rotation. However, with Wang perhaps returning to some semlance of his former self, and Hughes lights out in the bullpen, I believe the best thing the Yankees could do right now is move Joba to the 8th inning role and move Hughes into the rotation.

I realize Joba is young, and will certainly grow in knowledge on the mound, but he's lacking the aggressiveness that punctuated his appearances as a reliever. Last night he was spinning curveballs to a .190 hitter instead of challenging him and putting him away with his best stuff. The previous start he couldn't seem to get on the same page as Jorge, shaking off fastballs in favor of changeups and curves. Is he hurt? Is he losing confidence in his stuff?

That's why I believe it's time to reinsert him as the 8th inning setup guy and move Phil into the rotation. I think the move would pay off immediately. Joba could return to the dart throwing, pitching psychopath he was--blowing hitters away with speed and movement. Hughes meanwhile would emerge from the pen with an improved demeanor on the mound that I believe will translate into great success.

The Arod fiasco only accelerates what was likely to happen anyway--the trade of Melky Cabrera. As Yankee brass have already announced "they are already looking for a replacement" for Arod. I suggest starting with either the Rangers or the Tigers.

And since I don't believe David Wright or Evan Longoria will end up in pinstripes, there are a number of serviceable--even quality names that I believe can be had...

The Rangers currently have Young slated for third and Blalock kind of floating. Blalock would be a good choice, and considering Andruw Jones is injured (and sucks) Melky might be just the answer. I think we might need to sweeten the pot on any such deal, but the Rangers are weak in pitching--while amazingly we have depth.

Another option might be Brandon Inge--who could also serve as a backup, backup catcher. Inge is unhappy in Detroit and while they might not want Melky, I'm sure we could put something together for Inge.

And then there's Andy Marte ... a talented but frustrating enigma that Cleveland doesn't seem able to unlock. Again, with Sizemore patrolling cf, Melky may not be suitable trade bait, but Marte is certainly someone I would consider.

I recently finished an excellent bio on Lou Gehrig called "The Luckiest Man" by Jonathan Eig. I suppose I'm still basking in the afterglow of this incredible book about this incredibly heroic man whose worldwide popularity today likely rivals the popularity he enjoyed while he was alive. So when I came across a NY Times piece explaining how at least 15 MLB ball parks are planning to raise awareness and money for ALS research during the 70th anniversary of Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech, I was compelled to read on.

Raising awareness for this hideous disease is a fabulous idea that should be embraced by every MLB club. I'd really like to see the same commitment given to it as they did with the Susan G. Koman breast cancer awareness campaign. Here's hoping this initiative really takes off and results in a breakthrough.   

I'm purising the the NY Times today, catching up on the latest planes that fell from our wintery skies when I happened upon a piece about the Yankees hiring a top Real Estate Brokerage to help sell a few thousand remaining luxury boxes and suites.

Always looking for a good deal, I read on, and quickly discovered that I am not the targeted customer in this seat-selling scheme.

Prudential's Douglas Elliman expects to accelerate the sales of seats that range in cost from $350 to $2,500 a game. Of the challenge, associate Neil Sroka says, “There’s been a lot of press about how expensive the premium seats are.”

Really? Yah think?

Then Sroka said something that left me dumbfounded, flabbergasted, flummoxed, and, well, in these tough economic times, alittle ticked. He said buyers can still get a 20-game package for $7,000 a seat. “It’s obtainable,” he said. “In this economic time, people are still looking for things to take their children or grandchildren to.”

Yeah, Neil. I'd think nothing of dropping $35,000 to take my family to 20 Yankees games. Of course that doesn't include parking, food, merchandise, and a counselor to help me overcome the feelings that I've been raped!

Obviously, Yankee Stadium has become a destination for the rich and famous. Working stiffs no longer need not apply. That's a shame. Many of my fondest memories took place at Yankee Stadium ... Getting propositioned in the men's room at 13; my first watered-down beer at 14; and of course my personal favorite, having Ken Phelps rear-end me following a game. Good times. Good times.

No thanks, Neil. I'll stay at home in VA and trek up to Baltimore where I don't need to sell a kidney or pimp my wife to watch my favorite team.

I've read so many pieces by writer's trying to capture the essence of Mark Teixeira, and all have left me ... well, unfulfilled as to who he is and what he's all about--until I read Ben Shipgil's piece in the Times.

Don't get me wrong. I think I'm much like anyone else when I sum up the switch-hitting Tex as a solid--but not quite top-tier player. But even more important to me than his expected .290 35 homer 110 rbi was the question "who is Mark Teixeira, and does he have the toughness--not just to play, but to thrive in New York?" The list of those who couldn't is long and impressive--from Ed Whitson to Randy Johnson and dozens in between, we need Tex to thrive here, and until I read Shipgil's piece I had no idea how he might do here.

But having read Shipgil's piece. I believe he understands the "Evil Empire" and what it means to don the pinstripes. Will he thrive? I wasn't so sure before when I knew little about him. But now I think he might. He'll certainly make us forget about Giambi.

This just in ... Yankees appear close to adding Mike Cameron for Melky Cabrera.

Although I'm still abit giddy over the CC deal, adding a soon to be 36 year old right-handed hitting centerfielder who strikes out 140+ times a year, and sports a "robust" .331 OBP over a 23 year old, who had a poor showing last season smacks of a desperate and unnecessary move, in my opinion.

Melky may not be the centerfielder of the future for the Yankees, but it's hard to fathom that Cameron represents much--if any upgrade at all. Melky is demonstratively younger, a switch-hitter who makes more contact, is a base-stealing threat, and has a similar OBP.

I think giving up on Cabrera at 23 will come back to haunt the Yankees ...

According to MLB.com's Mike Scarr, the Yankees seem in better position than ever to land Jake Peavy, a 27 year-old Cy Young winner. According to the report, the Yankees are dangling Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and Austin Jackson.

If true, I'd do this deal in a heartbeat on the condition that I could ink Peavy to an extension within 48 hours. This is a no-brainer--especially given the lost season's both Hughes and Kennedy endured in 2008. Jackson is the intrigue in this deal as I'm not sure I buy the same Yankee hype that had me seeing 15 wins from Hughes and Kennedy last season. Both washed out and frankly appear to be far less than spectacular. Should I believe Jackson is any different?

Can anyone say Jose Tabata?

We seem light on MLB ready position players, and we need proven starting pitching. Given the Yankees less than upfront approach to promoting their "stars" I have serious concerns and suspect Jackson is less Carl Crawford and more Willie Crawford.

Given the depth of our farm pitching, jettisoning two enigmatic starters to the left coast makes sense, and in fact might be just what the doctor ordered. We'd get a stud starter and the Padres would land two young pitchers with upside--who might thrive in the Southern CA sun.

Thoughts?

From the GM meetings in Florida, it is being reported that Jake Peavy would accept a trade to New York--although he would prefer National League teams first. According to the Star-Ledger, Peavy has identified "at least five National League teams - the Braves, Astros, Dodgers, Cardinals and Cubs," athough he has preference to Atlanta.

What does Peavy's addition of the Yankees mean to us?

Probably nothing other than it's one more blue chip pitcher to go after this winter. The Padres price for Peavy would be steep--perhaps too steep for the Yankees. But with CC, Burnett apparently not interested in the Yankees, Peavy might be the only blue-chip option, and Cashman might have to seriously mull it over.

Several sources are saying that Matt Holliday is available. This is one guy I wouldn't let the Red Sox grab. They have a need for a leftfielder, and whether we need one or not, we should make an effort. He'd be an upgrade over Matsui, Damon, or whomever else we stick out there.

Another move I'd pursue is Scott Olsen and Mike Jacobs. The Miami Sentinel is reporting that the Marlins are actively shopping both. Olsen is somewhat enigmatic, but he's young and has dynamite stuff. Jacobs' numbers are similar to Giambi's save for the salary. I think he made $375K last season. He's 28 has pop to all fields, and might be just coming into his prime.

With only a few games remaining, and big events planned for a final send off, I thought we at Pinstripe Alley should recount and relive some of our fondest, funniest, saddest, moments at the grande old house that Babe built, and King George remodeled.

I'm encouraging everyone to weigh-in and share some memories. I think it will help take the sting out of this season, and really give people who haven't experienced Yankee Stadium a portal that they wouldn't otherwise have...

That said, I'll begin.

I have many great stories from meeting Phil Rizzuto, to trying on Mrs. Berra's World Series ring, stealing a baseball from Wilbur Wood and Vada Pinson to having Ken Phelps back into my car after a game ...

But my biggest moment came way back in 1971 when my dad took me to my very first Yankees game. It was Os vs. Yankees, and Danny Cater singled past Marcelino Lopez to win the game. I must tell you I was hooked from the moment I walked through the tunnel and saw the green grass. All these many years later, I can close my eyes and drift back to that special night--my dad completely blitzed to the heavens by the fourth inning; me at 9, smoking some ganga with a latino friend, Luis.
Good times!

What's your greatest memories. We want to hear them!

Derek Jeter's  assault on Lou Gehrig's all-time Yankee Stadium hit record has rekindled an interest in the Iron Horse who died in 1941. Back in the 20s, 30s and 40s, everyone knew of Lou Gehrig and his exploits with the bat. But today, those who do know of him usually reference the 1942 Gary Cooper film Pride of the Yankees, that also starred Teresa Wright, Walter Brennan and numerous cameos by former Yankees, including the Babe, and Gehrig's closest friend Bill Dickey.

Although a great film (it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards) it was the Hollywood version of what happened to Lou, and loaded with inaccuracies, and didn't really bring the disease to life. I wanted to know how this great hero dealt with the disease and the knowledge that he was dying.

I've told you that I've been reading Jonathan Eig's outstanding book Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig. This is the true story of Lou Gehrig--his rise from poverty in NY row houses through his glory days and tragic end. It really should be required reading for ALL Yankee fans.

I stumbled across a piece by Eig in the Wall Street Journal In the Bronx, a Parting Shot that ran on Sept. 4. Eig whets readers appettite with his brilliant writing about Lou, the disease and the times. 

Before watching Derek break Lou's record tonight, take a few moments to read Eig's article, and consider getting the book.

Easy, everyone. I know the fat lady hasn't spontaneously broken out in a death-dirge, just yet, but she is certainly warming up her pipes in the basement--right next to my crazy aunt.

Like so many fans, this has been a real yo-yo diet of a year. The Yankees take two steps forward, and then three back; one step forward, one step back. This edition of the Yankees has touched all of my emotions--many times in the same game. But when it's all over, and the fat lady does sing, I'm hoping we do the right thing--evaluate the talent pool free from pennant fever.

To this end, Tim Marchman of the NY Sun wrote an article this morning that puts into words my thoughts for the rest of the season. Fat Lady Singing the Pinstripe Blues.

Let's be realistic about 2008, and take a careful look at what we have, what we need and what we need to get rid of before Spring Training.

You win, SKII, now please contact me at rodejo22@yahoo.com asap with contact information including name, address, phone, and we'll hook you up.

We have a deadline, so if we don't hear from you within the next couple of hours, we'll have to award the prize pack to someone else. Thanks for playing, and I hope you do get to enjoy the prizes--they sound fabulous.

I'll be at the game on Friday, and I'll admit that I'm abit jealous.

Hey Everyone,

The upcoming series in Baltimore is always a huge hit for fans traveling down from the tri-state area as well as folks like me traveling up from NC/VA and DC.

               Well for anyone planning on making the trip, PA is authorized to
               make it just alittle sweeter for someone. The National Aquarium
               in Baltimore is offering some great prizes, including:

               --A family four-pack of tickets to the National Aquarium
               --An overnight stay at one of three Harbor Magic Hotels

PA's highly qualified braintrust has put together a trivia contest and will randomly choose a winner from those submitting a correct answer. Note: The contest ends at 10am ET Thursday morning. We are asking only those on PA who are planning on attending the series to play.

Here's the question: Name the only Yankee to steal home twice in the same game? We need the player, and the date.

Like a bad case of jock itch, Carl Pavano just won't go away. From BJs to buttocks pulls, ribs, to groins and pretty much everything in between glass Carl has been a zero in New York. Now come reports that he may be returning to the hill in Baltimore this weekend.

Stranger stories have been written about a down and outer who suddenly finds glory, so I'd only be half surprised if in the cool breezes of Baltimore's inner harbor, old Carl channels up his 18-8 masterpiece.

While the popular thing is to pile on Pavano (and I'm certainly guilty of that), the fact is, we desperately need someone, anyone--even Carl to come back uber strong for the rest of the season. He needs it, we need it, and most importantly, the Yankees need it. 

I've been riffling through cyberspace reading a fair share of blogs, posts, emails suggesting Robbie Cano has been dogging it like Manny did during his last few weeks in Boston.

While I completely disagree with that, there is little question Robbie isn't leaving it all on the field, and it not only concerns me, it pisses me off.

The play in Cali with the game on the line was just the latest example. Then during last night's game in Minnesota, Robbie cracked a liner to center and didn't break out of the box, but rather admired his effort before trotting down the line. Michael Kay nearly busted a brain vein calling out Cano for his lack of effort.

What is going on with Robbie? I can recall more than a few examples of him "jaking it" and I'm wondering when the Yankees brass is going to take some action. Where's Jeter? Where's Girardi stepping in and benching the star like Charlie Manuel did with Jimmy Rollins, or the way Upton was benched by Tampa for not running out a grounder.

Hustle is the easiest part of this great game, and it's not too much to ask of these millionaires playing a kids game. That's why I find Jeter and Girardi's lack of response so puzzling. Jeter has been up 7,878 times, and never once have I seen him jog down to first after hitting the ball. Jeter is the embodiment of what a baseball player should be. He's everything a Yankee should be, and he should be holding younger players accountable when they aren't hustling or respecting the game the way they should.

It's past time for Cano to step up and play the game the way it's meant to be played, and it's past time for Jeter and Girardi to make this an issue.

The New York Daily News is reporting that Ian Kennedy may be recalled from SWB. However, Peter Abraham is reporting that the Yankees have already beckoned Chris Britton to Texas.

Abraham is right in saying the Yankees tend to break bad news in small doses. But there's no question Joba is done for at least one start.

I know IPK has been terribly weak in his previous '08 incarnations, but if Joba is down for several weeks, it presents the perfect opportunity for IPK to get himself out of Girardi's doghouse and into the mix of starters. I'm hoping they give him a chance--certainly over Glass Carl.

During his latest stint in Scranton, Kennedy has gone 4-2 with a 2.14 ERA, including a 3-0 mark and 1.33 ERA in his last four starts. He deserves another shot.

New York Newsday is reporting that the Giambino has excised the dead rat under his nose. Giambi who is mired in a 1-200 slump needed to do something, and rather than shooting the ball to left to beat the shift, he Gillette's the only thing worth cheering about--his moustache.

If I'm Girardi, I'm sitting the big man down for a couple of days, or at the very least dropping his butt in the order to #6 or #7.

Hmm, I wonder how Teixeira will look in a 'stache next season?.

Just random thoughts on a Monday afternoon, but I'm fed up with Melky, and started looking around for a viable option for next season. Gary Matthews Jr.? Shane Victorino?
What about the pride of Woonsockett, RI, Rocco Baldelli, who is recovering from a mitochrondroital issue. The oft injuried star to be finds himself in a crowded Rays outfield, with a number of young studs-to-be knocking on the door.

The club has an option for him in 2009 or can buy him out for $4m. Will the Rays keep him? I've heard talk to the contrary, and think he'd be a great risk for the Yankees. He's young, and has proven he can hit. If he can stay healthy, I believe he'd be an offensive upgrade over what we currently have.

I wasn't able to attend the final Old Timer's Day bash at Yankee Stadium. I wanted to. I tried to, but work, family responsibilities and such forced me to watch the festivities from the comfort of my sofa.

Transfixed, I became 15 again, and my flat screen was the portal to my past as I watch a cavalcade of pinstriped stars parade before me. From my earliest days as a Yankee fan, there was Gene Michael, and Horace Clark. It broke my heart knowing Bobby and Thurman couldn't enjoy this day as well. The Yankees of my teens were well-represented; Mickey, Tommy, Ed, Chris, Greg and Willie ...

I still remember sitting in the backseat of my mom's Chevy Malibu as we pulled up alongside Ron Guidry's corvetter in Wyckoff, NJ the afternoon before a game with the Orioles. I rolled down my window and screamed out for Gator to "Kick some Oriole ass!" that night. He gave me a smile and a thumbs up while my mom sat mortified over her 15 year old son's potty-mouth.

The Yankees of my adult life were also there: Paulie, Tino, and Joe were there, I'm sure Donnie Baseball would have been there, but he's bleeding Dodger Blue right now. But were was Bernie?

I read he was at the pre-All-Star game event at the Javits Center. I heard he threw out the first pitch at a refurbished Little League Field earlier in the week. And yes, I read in Newsday that the Yankees invited him back, but he declined due to a family vacation.

So what is planned for #51? He deserves an ovation like the one Willie, Tino and Paulie got. If not at the last Old Timer's Day, then certainly a special Sunday afternoon event where 56,000 can shower him with love.  

Whatever fences were busted between Bernie and the Yankees, this last Old Timer's Day showed me they need to be mended right now. Bernie is as important to the Yankee family as any, and the Yankees need to extend a hand to Bernie and thank him for his years of All-Star service--and they need to do it before the gates close on the great stadium in the Bronx.

According to the Associated Press, the Yankees in their never-ending quest to find a quality arm, signed Zambrano... Ah, no, not THAT Zambrano. Sadly, this is the other Zambrano. The one who pitched in 13 games for Toronto and Baltimore. The one who is 45-44 with a 4.64 era.

For the full story (c'mon you know you do).

Actually, this isn't a terrible move. Remember, Zambrano was traded in the Kazmir deal. He was highly thought of, and simply never fully panned out. Why not take a flier on the guy. He's still relatively young, healthy and who knows, he might be a late bloomer.

The Daily News is reporting that Hideki Matsui has opted to rehab his chronically ailing knee rather than have season-ending surgery. Read more

The report says he's had the knee drained 4 times since the start of the season. I've talked with an orthopedic surgeon buddy of mine who believes because the decision to rehab the knee will not be successful. He pointed to the constant draining of fluid as a red-flag.

I'm not a surgeon, but this tells me the Yankees MUST make a move to land a comparable bat as Matsui's. The name Barry Bonds is out there, and would come on the cheap. His age/knees/attitude are all suspect, so perhaps Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez might be better choices?

I've heard all kinds of talk about adding an innings eater to the rotation, bolstering the bullpen, or grabbing a catcher, but if we are really serious about making a run we need to move to grab a quality bat first and foremost. Is it time to package Tabata?

A  friend of mine sent this video to me yesterday, and after viewing it numerous times, I'm was in awe.

Today I discovered the "catch" was a fake--a very good, and convincing fake that is worthy of taking a look.

Wow, last night's SWB at Norfolk Tides game was a real eye-opener for me. The Tides, our hometeam were taking on the Yankees, and I was psyched to see some of our prized talent.

In short, we lost 10-0, and looked lifeless. I did see Brett Gardner, who had one hit and looked pretty fleet of foot on the basepaths. AAAA superstud Shelley Duncan also got a hit (and autographed a couple of baseballs for my daughters). My daughter remarked about what he did to a Red Sox fan last season, and he laughed it up with her before asking if she was an O's or Yankees fan.

Eric Duncan, who looks like he should be winning MVPs in the bigs did manage a double, but that was after the game was over ... And why was it over?

Two words, Steven White.

I'd heard some good things about him, but none were evident last night. The Tides sent 12 men to the plate and scored seven times in the inning, with all of the runs being charged to White. White allowed just one hit in the inning, but he walked four batters, hit two more, unleashed a wild pitch and committed a throwing error on a pickoff attempt to help give the Tides a 10-0 advantage. No, I don't think we'll be seeing Mr. White any time soon. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the young man pitched himself off the SWB roster.

Summing up, I was abit disappointed. Sure it was a clunker game, and all teams have them, but I recall the buzz watching Derek Jeter (#13) playing for the Clippers in 1994/95. Last night I was looking for just alittle buzz, but got little more than a fizzle.

I'm heading out there today for a Businessman's Special at noon where I'll get the "rare" treat of watching Kei Igawa go for SWB. Again, no buzz ... just fizzle.

Tonight I'm going to Harbor Park here in Norfolk, VA to watch our Tides go to battle with SWB Yankees. In the wake of the Wang injury, I may be watching his replacement--Jeff Karstens, the likely starter.

Karstens  has pitched better than his record would suggest. In fact, had it not been for getting blown up against Pawtucket, he's actually been quite solid.

I'm also eager to see some of our other vaunted talent and judge for myself if we are victims of Yankee hyberbole, or sitting on a gold-mine of real talent. I pray it's the latter.

Assuming the Wang injury is severe enough to warrant a multi-month recovery, I'm curious to see what's floating in the heads of fellow PA'ers regarding a suitable replacement.

If Wang is down for significant time, does it signal a packaging up of unproven talent for a middling, innings eater? Or do we think we can get by with a Karstens, Marquez, or Igawa?

Hughes and IPK are not likely to return until August, so if Wang is down, we will certainly need a replacement. Thoughts?

One of our local talk sportscasters here in Chesapeake, VA was all over the notion to do away with the MLB draft. I figured he ripped the story off the wires and was reading it verbatum, but I couldn't find a thing about it anywhere.

That said, he made valid points, that would lead me to support such a move. Here's the gist of what he was saying.

Keeping the draft in its present form penalizes teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Braves, Mets, Dodgers who historically finish strong and therefore rarely get to pick a blue-chip athlete within the first 1 to 10 picks. Adding insult to injury, these teams are also the same ones typically penalized by having to pay the luxury tax -- generally to the same failing franchises that stockpile top-flight talent each year.

Not getting a top pick forces successful team to have to buy their talent--stroking big $$$ checks and shipping second-tier talent to the above mentioned failing franchises--again rewarding them for their ineptness and failures.

Doing away with the draft, he said, would allow teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets to aggressively go after the blue-chip talent--making it likely they would go to the highest bidder. 
During the Yankees glory years of the 40s-50s, when there was no draft this was commonplace.

So how would this work? Well, big money teams would still pay the big luxury tax--to failing teams--allowing them to roll the money into player signing, or development of existing talent (which we all know they don't do now). Successful teams would be free to compete for the blue-chippers, but would be hampered (at least somewhat) by the luxury tax.

Frankly, I love the idea. I've never liked the draft because it rewards failure--year after year. I've often thought there should be a limit of one year to draft a top 1, or 2 player. Teams like the Rays who get the first pick would move to the back of the line in the next year--regardless where they finish.

Whether folks buy into doing away with the MLB draft or not, everyone should agree that the current system is horribly flawed.

I'd love to hear comments and suggestions on how others might want to rework, or redo the draft.