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Mark Teixeira was introduced yesterday as the newest Yankee!! Click the link to see the vid!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGleYSeXjSs[/url][url="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200901063734400&c_id=nyy"][/media]

He looked calm, cool and collected if you ask me!!! and BTW does anyone know what happened to Rick Cerrone? He was the Press guy for the yankees...at least this summer?!?

Updated: January 6, 2009, 9:38 PM ET
Mariners, RHP Tyler Walker agree to 1-year deal

SEATTLE -- Relief pitcher Tyler Walker and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract Tuesday, giving the team a potential replacement for former closer J.J. Putz.

"Tyler is a pitcher we had identified early on as a guy who could help us in the bullpen," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He has the ability to pitch in any role: middle relief, setup, and he has experience as a closer."

Walker was 5-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 65 games last season for the San Francisco Giants. In 53 1-3 innings, the right-hander allowed 47 hits, struck out 49 and walked 21 while developing a split-finger fastball for the first time -- the same pitch that helped make Putz an All-Star in 2007.

Walker, who has spent six seasons in the majors, had 23 saves for the Giants in 2005. He earned 10 more in 2006 after being traded to Tampa Bay, then had elbow ligament replacement surgery in July 2006 and missed 13 months before returning to the Giants.

"I am thankful and happy to be here. After the Giants released me, I sat down with my agent and we put together a list of teams I'd be interested in. Seattle was right at the top of the list," Walker said in a telephone interview. "I'm happy in any role -- including closing. I'll do whatever they ask me to."

Walker can earn an additional $150,000 in performance bonuses -- $25,000 each for 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 games.

Mariners, RHP Tyler Walker agree to 1-year deal - MLB - ESPN

01/06/09 11:15 PM EST
Reds agree to terms with Hairston
Infielder/outfielder expected to be everyday shortstop in 2009
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- The Reds have reached an agreement with free-agent infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. on a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $2 million, a baseball source told MLB.com on Tuesday.

In an indication that the incumbent Alex Gonzalez won't be healthy enough to start the season, Hairston will become the Reds' new everyday shortstop and can earn up to $4 million next season through the incentive-laden deal.

The signing is expected to be announced by the Reds on Wednesday. A phone message was left with general manager Walt Jocketty late Tuesday night.

By bringing back Hairston, the Reds have successfully retained all three of the free agents they tried to re-sign. Relievers Mike Lincoln and David Weathers will also be returning.

The Cardinals and Royals were the two other teams that seriously pursued Hairston.

Reds agree to terms with Hairston | MLB.com: News

01/06/09 8:25 PM EST
Phillies ink Giles to Minor League deal
Second baseman could provide depth behind injured Utley
By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

The Phillies added some much-needed depth on Tuesday, when they signed second baseman Marcus Giles to a Minor League contract, team sources confirmed. According to the Denver Post, the deal is worth $600,000.

It's been a bittersweet Tuesday for Philadelphia. On a day when Major League Baseball announced one of the Phillies' top relievers, J.C. Romero, was suspended 50 games for violating the league's Drug Policy after using an over-the-counter substance, the Phillies officially announced the signing of Chan Ho Park and then brought along Giles.

Giles will go into Spring Training in Clearwater, Fla., with a chance to compete for a spot on the 25-man roster. If he claims one, he can add a bit of insurance at second base while Chase Utley recovers from offseason hip surgery. Giles, 30, also gives the Phillies a right-handed bat they sorely lack.

In 2008, Giles didn't play a single game in the Major Leagues after starting off the season with a Minor League contract from the Rockies. Colorado released him before the start of the season.

Phillies ink Giles to Minor League deal | MLB.com: News

01/06/09 10:23 PM EST
Phils make it official with Park signing
Righty inks one-year contract, will compete for final spot in rotation
By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

When Chan Ho Park was playing for the Dodgers in 2008, he was doing everything in his power to ensure that the Phillies wouldn't advance to the World Series while pitching against them in the second round of the playoffs. But -- as the old saying goes -- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Park -- who appeared in four games while Los Angeles lost to the Fightin' Phils, 4-1, in the National League Championship Series -- did just that when he flew in from his native South Korea to his new home in Philadelphia, took his physical, signed on the dotted line of a one-year, $2.5 million contract and received his No. 61 Phillies jersey.

Now, after struggling to get past them in '08, he'll try to help the Phillies be the first repeat champion since the 2000 Yankees.

"It was enjoyable watching the Phillies win the World Series, and it's an honor to be with this team," Park, whose signing was officially announced by the Phillies on Tuesday, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "One of the things I like about this team is it is championship caliber. I'd like to help the team get in the World Series again."

Phils make it official with Park signing | MLB.com: News

Their top priority still appears to be finding another starting pitcher, but the Diamondbacks are open to adding arms of any kind. To that end, they are planning to watch free agent reliever Chad Cordero throw sometime this week.

Cordero could be low-cost option on the free agent market, but he will come with questions attached following major shoulder surgery.

The former closer for the Washington Nationals, Cordero had surgery to repair a torn labrum on July 8, a procedure that typically takes at least 12 months from which to recover. But Cordero has said that he hopes to be ready by April.

Arizona Local News - Phoenix Arizona News - Breaking News - azcentral.com

One team bought up two rookie 1st basemen the same year and they both made the Hall of Fame. What was the team and who were the rookies?
Good hint, they both were born within the first two decades of the 20th century!

The Cubs
Jan 6th 2009 9:27AM

With all the support and encouragement I got to buy the team, I think its appropriate to share the decision making process behind what happened and why. Buying the Cubs was a unique opportunity to own one of the most storied franchises in sports. Its a team that represents so much to so many, with such a unique legacy, that when the opportunity arose, I decided to go for it.

I’m not going to get into the numbers, or the people, or much of the process other than to say that the person I worked with at the Trib was great. The person I worked with at the Cubs did a great job as well. Nothing about the process was anything but positive when it came to the people assigned to work with me.

During the entire process I thought I had a very strong chance of being able to buy the team. I thought I could offer a competitive price. I thought I had the experience to come in and improve the business so that I could continue to invest in the product on the field without having to squeeze every nickel from Cubs fans. I also thought I could win over Major League Baseball. All told, I thought my experience in owning a team and most importantly, my commitment to always trying to win, would give me an important advantage.

So when it came down to it, I did what I thought was the only smart thing to do. I asked for an extension. I knew that if they got the money they wanted for the team, well my bid was not going to be high enough anyway. If they didnt, or the other bidders couldnt come up with their money, they would come back to me.

I’m still waiting..

The Cubs « blog maverick

Last in series. If your favorite team is not here, look at polls 1 and 2.

See if your team is here. If not, look at polls 1 or 3.

Just a poll. Who is your absolute favorite team ever? Post why in the thread.

Make your nominations here.

Going to start off with Honus Wagner.

Vast improvement from the KC Royals last season - now one has to wonder if the majestys of baseball are back. Off-season accusition Coco Crisp is a fine addition to a young ball club with stars such as Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, Zack Greinke, Luke Hochevar - to just name a few. It is also rumored Carl Pavano will be in a Royal uniform next year, that can be a monumental boost to the bullpen. When healthy, Pavano has a devastating pitching repeitore that has gone unnoticed these past few years due to his durability. Along with Gil Meche, that can be a powerful tandem. Pavano and Meche connection anyone?


Thoughts?

Duncan designated; Coke to start

Two other things from today (via Sam Borden):

The 40-man roster move was Shelley Duncan being designated for assignment. … Brian Cashman said Phil Coke has been told to prepare to come to camp to work as a starter.

No surprise with the first move. Here’s hoping that Shelley gets a shot someplace else. I think in the right situation, he’ll help a team. It might be a few hours before the Cardinals sign him. …

As for Coke, it only makes sense to give a young left-hander every chance to start. At worst, you build up his arm strength. It’s easier to go from the rotation to the bullpen than the other way around.

So unless Pettitte signs, the No. 5 starter candidates are Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves, Jason Johnson and Coke.

Duncan designated; Coke to start | The LoHud Yankees Blog

Of course I could see that happening.. :laugh:

January 6, 2009
YANKS SIGN JOHN RODRIGUEZ
FROM JOEL SHERMAN

Outfielder John Rodriguez, a native New Yorker who played two seasons with the Cardinals, was signed to a minor league contract by the New York Yankees , the Post has learned.

Rodriguez was originally signed by the Yankees in November 1996 and played in their minor league system through the 2004 season. The lefty swinger played 158 games with St. Louis between 2005-06, hitting .298 with a .378 on base percentage in 158 games and 332 at-bats. He had seven homers and 43 RBIs. For the past two seasons, Rodriguez has played in Triple-A for the Cardinals, Rays and New York Mets .

Rodriguez, who will turn 29 later this month, was signed to provide outfield depth, especially if the Yanks end up trading either Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. If Rodriguez makes the major league roster, he will earn $450,000 plus incentives based on plate appearances.

Yankees Blog

JRod .. wow havent heard about him since he left us..

A couple of minor-league signings...One might recall that Berroa was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2003.

FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Sources: Yanks sign IF Berroa to minor-league deal

Yankees sign Jason Johnson | The LoHud Yankees Blog

how many wins do you think the O's will get for the 09 season.
I Hope they get aleast 75. Then there will be partying.

This was getting off topic in the Rays Rocco thread so I thought I'd start a discussion here and maybe get some replies and others could share.

My worst one:

June 15, 2008

Watching the Mariners play and lose to, the Nationals

It had been a pretty good game till about the 6th, I finally got to see Christian Guzman play, a nice pitchers duel, just a nice average game, then about the 6th or 7th inning, Cory Kasto comes up, I think as a pinch hitter, Sean Green I think was on the mound, Green throws, Kasto hits, Kasto gets his 1st MLB Homerun after being in and out of the majors for 3 years. The crowd starts booing, the rest of the inning finishes, the crowd is still booing, next inning, the crowd is still booing, security has to come onto the field, it's really just an uncomfortable feeling throughout the stadium, my mom decides that we should leave because she's afraid a riot will break out, honestly, so am I, quite a few people had the same idea, they told us as they left too.

I went to 1 other game last season, against the Athletics(we won free tickets:biggrin:) That game was fine, I really don't know why what happened that one day did, but it was creepy and I'm so glad I didn't stay.

Sources: O's, Uehara agree on two-year deal
Likely slated for starting rotation, RHP would break ground as first Japan native to play for O's

By Dan Connolly | dan.connolly@baltsun.com
4:48 PM EST, January 6, 2009

The Orioles appear to have filled one vacant spot in their wide-open rotation while at the same time officially opening the door to the Far East.

Two industry sources have confirmed that the Orioles have agreed in principle on a two-year deal with Japanese right-hander Koji Uehara.

The deal is pending specific contract language and a physical, which is expected to occur possibly later this week, though an appointment in Baltimore has not been scheduled.

Sources: O's, Uehara agree on two-year deal -- baltimoresun.com

Trying to get an idea of the distribution of age ranges: like 21-30, 51-60, etc. I am 27, so that puts me in the 21-30 range.

Structure so far:

Diamond = 5,000+ posts

Platinum = 2,000-4,999 posts

Gold = 1,000-1,999 posts

Silver = 500-999 posts (I am a member here)

Bronze = 100-499 posts

The structure will adjust in the future as the post count of members goes up, but this is a nice fit right now, I think.

Which club do you belong to?

I'm glad he beat Jeff Gordon out for the cup. Looks like JR is finished.