Although I am not as negative about Bengie Molina as most he doesn’t excite me at this point in his career. The other free agent names such as Rod Barajas, Gregg Zaun, and Yorvit Torrealba all come with their own issues. The name Kelly Shoppach was brought up by Mike Newman on Twitter as well as Ed Ryan at Mets Fever. I actually remember the Mets having rumored interest in him during the 07-08 offseason. Cliff Lee, who was coming off a terrible year, was supposed to be in a package alon... Read Full Story

In 1951, America was involved in the Korean conflict, Hitchcock’s Strangers On A Train is in the theaters, Elvis Presley’s first Sun recordings were still 2 years away, and Bob Sheppard started his career as Yankee announcer. Already 40 years old when he began his Yankee announcing career that year, Sheppard’s “part-time job” would last until 2008, when he announced the final lineup at the old Yankee Stadium. Since 1951, Sheppard has announced Don Larsen’s ... Read Full Story

Give credit to NYBD contributor and owner of Seven Train to Shea Matt Pignataro . He has been saying all along that Josh Johnson would be made available by the frugal Florida ownership. Although the news today of the Marlins being “very willing” to trade Johnson this is another example of why they need a new owner and city, I rather look at how Josh Johnson could change the landscape of the Roy Halladay discussion. Simple supply and demand was originally at play here. If there is ... Read Full Story

We  spoke to our main Yankees source down in Tampa on Wednesday night, who told us the following: Atlanta contacted the Yankees to let them know that Derek Lowe is available to them. “They want to dump his salary, and Wren, (Braves’ GM Frank Wren), told “Cash” that he’s available.” As far as Roy Halladay is concerned, the team is definitely not out of the running, “They’re monitoring the situation, watching how it plays out. I think that Cash mi... Read Full Story

I see many Yankees fans are up in arms about the possibility of Joba Chamberlain being traded. Just like in politics you have hard positions on both sides and many in the middle. During Chamberlain’s three years in the big leagues I have seen a very immature pitcher with a great arm have middling success. Best case scenario for Chamberlain is a quality middle reliever that I think will still break some hearts (see Game 4 World Series where A-Rod bailed him out). Most teams don’t h... Read Full Story

Mike Newman of Scouting the Sally joined me during the back half of Wednesday’s show to discuss some of the Mets and Yanks top prospects in the South Atlantic League. Today he provided interesting insight about my skepticism of South Florida baseball sustaining success. Keep in mind Mike is only talking about the Marlins. He did not give any insight into Tampa which I realize may be in the same state, but is a different situation. Also, keep in mind that Mike isn’t just opining on... Read Full Story

James Kannengieser of Amazin Avenue put together a comprehensive Mets offseason plan. James roster doesn’t include any of the big free agent names available this winter. The only qualms with the plan I have is at catcher with Greg Zaun, but that goes back to my preference for defense and game calling over offense behind the plate. The one area of that deserves further independent examination is the proposed Luis Castillo/Milton Bradley swap. How ironic that I wrote about “New York... Read Full Story

Via Jon Heyman at his twitter: ive heard halladay-shopping jays like jesus montero of #yanks (plus hughes/joba?) and casey kelly of #redsox (plus buchholz?) If the Blue Jays asking price for Roy Halladay is Jesus Montero and either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain I think the Yankees need to make this deal. As was talked about on Wednesday’s show Jesus Montero is a near ready offensive player that still isn’t developed on the defensive side. You can’t allow a possible future ... Read Full Story

This is probably the first and only time you will hear the name Ron Artest on this site. After all, what does the loony forward for the Lakers have to do with baseball? Nothing, but his comments about playing in New York are telling and should be examined. When Artest said free agents “are scared to play in New York” because of the “pressure and media” it’s another example why this city isn’t for everyone. Think about what athletes that play here have to de... Read Full Story

I think Brian Cashman is doing the right thing by letting it be known he will be doing the calling this free agent season. As I mentioned earlier this week there is nothing wrong with letting the market develop. Ken Davidoff believes the way in which the Yankees and Red Sox do business makes it unlikely they will splurge on Roy Halladay, or any risky free agent signing. Rather, he believes they will focus their attention on bringing back some combination of Hideki Matsui, Andy Pettitte, and J... Read Full Story