Defending the Yankee offense..........

What if, God forbid, the Yankees do not sign another big bat to move in to the everyday lineup next year? What is Teixeira and Manny sign elsewhere and potential trades fall by the wayside? What then?

Listening to fans these past few weeks, you would think the Yanks would be relagated to "also rans" for the next 20 years. "They need a bat" you hear everyone screaming. "Fine, they got the pitching, but you HAVE to be able to score runs to win" has been the favorite lament and, for the sake of full disclosure, I admit to being one of those fans believing that another stick under the Christmas tree this year would be just what the doctor ordered.

But let's face facts folks, it doesn't seem all that likely the Yanks are gonna make a play for another big position player. The team has offered little that would make you think they are willing to truly dive head first in to the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, have yet to make Manny Ramirez any kind of an offer, despite the rumors, and haven't appeared on the radar of any potential trades except for Mike Cameron, who appears ready to stay put in Milwaukee (thank the Lord).

That means, ladies and gentlemen, the 2009 Yankee's lineup will be constructed out of the players currently on the roster.

Now, as I said before, I have been worried about this offense and would still LOVE to see The Cash Man bring in another bat, but even if that doesn't happen, I choose to take a very positive view of this offense and believe that, yes, even as constructed right now, it could produce more than it did last year.

Why?

I'll give you a bunch of reasons, starting with a healthy Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui. While everyone has focused on the Yankees losing Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu, they have failed to mention how much of a plus those two players, back and ready to produce, will be for the 09 season. Last year, the Yankees were forced to survive with Jose Molina as their every day catcher, adding Ivan Rodriguez at the deadline. While the defense was solid, the offense was sadly lacking, with neither Molina nor Pudge offering much in the way of punch. Contrast that with a NORMAL year from Posada (.275 25, 95, .380 OBP) and the Yanks stand to see their catcher position significantly improve this year, even if Posada's numbers are a little bit down from their average.

Matsui? Well, Godzilla might be a bit harder to predict, but remember, the last time Hideki was healthy and played significant games (2007) he put up a .285 25, 103 with a .377 OBP. Again, perhaps he doesn't reach his NORMAL year, but even a small decrease in those numbers make him a very, very valuable addition to the lineup.

If one so chose (as I do now), one could argue that the ADDITION's of a healthy Posada and Matsui cancels out the loss of Abreu and Giambi. It is essentially a wash.

Now couple that with this fact: not one Yankee position player had what you could consider a standout year, and almost all of the BIG players had what you would consider to be subpar performances. Derek Jeter missed 12 games, only scored 88 runs, only posted 179 hits, and saw every one of his statistical categories take a major hit. The Yankee shortstop is due to put up a much more NORMAL year than that, which should see him close to 200 hits, 40 doubles, 100 runs, and a better OBP. Johnny Damon had a very nice year, one the Yanks would like to see again, but my contention is, with Damon on a walk year, you may be ready to see a much more motivated and healthy Johnny than you have in a long time. Damon has talked openly about wanting to return with the Yanks after his contract expires and has even quipped with reporters that he wants to give Cashman "a reason to bring me back." The Yankees would take another .303 year with 71 RBI and nearly 30 steals out of the leadoff spot, but my gut tells me he eclipses all of those stats.

Of course, the big third baseman is always a hot topic of conversation in Yankee land, but even A-Rod's biggest supporters would have to admit that his pronounced struggles with runners in scoring position last year was a HUGE problem for the team. The numbers, as usual, were still there (over .300 average, 30+ homers, 100+ RBI) but he only played in 138 games (much like Jeter, he was nagged by injuries all year long) and one would expect that A-Rod can produce much closer to his MVP-caliber seasons than his down year last year.

So, in addition to a healthy Posada and Matsui, I believe you can expect better years out of the Yankee's three best players, which will improve the offense dramatically.

Then, perhaps the biggest piece to the puzzle, quite honestly, is Robbie Cano. Cano has the talent to ascend to a position of authority on this team and join Damon, Jeter and A-Rod as the cogs in the engine. If the second baseman is able to reassert himself, the Yanks will essentially be replacing a .270 hitter with 14 dingers and 71 RBI with a .320 hitter with 20+ power and 100 RBI potential. That's a deal ANYONE would make right now, don't you think? I sure do. The way it looks right now, Cano will be asked to take a huge step up in the lineup (perhaps right behind A-Rod in the 5 hole) and that will make it VITAL that he be the budding star rather than the fading light he looked like last year.

So, if Damon, Jeter, A-Rod, and Cano can all be expected to have better years this year, and Posada and Matsui can stay healthy and come close to their normal numbers, that would mean the Yanks only need their other players to perform at an average level, providing professional hitter years. One would HAVE to believe they could accomplish such a mission.

Last year, Xavier Nady batted .305 with 25 homers and 97 RBI, with a .357 OBP and a .510 SLG. Now, let's assume that Nady's numbers were a bit high. Let's take him down one notch. Even doing that, Nady should be able to provide a .280 average or better with 20+ homer power and the chance, in a good lineup, to drive in 90+ RBI. Those numbers don't seem to be that much off what the Yanks got from Bobby Abreu, does it? And how about Nick Swisher? The Yanks got him off of a terrible year. His normal year? .260 average, 28 homers, 86 RBI, .370 OBP. Again, not that much off of what Giambi gave at the office last year and his defense is sure to eclipse what the big bumbler was able to do. The same could be said of Nady who will more than likely not slink from the wall like Abreu in right.

The question mark will be center field and, quite honestly, none of us can know exactly what to expect from a competition between Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner. Both could produce, both could bust, or one could distance himself in a talent race in the spring. Offering up a prediction is almost useless at this point because it would be based on nothing but conjecture. But, if the option is a risk/reward scenario with Gardner and/or Melky and a "you know what you're gonna get" situation with the likes of Mike Cameron, I am willing to take my chances on the risk, aren't you?

Anyway, if I were putting together the Yankee lineup, and also handing out full-season stats, here's how I would divy everything up: Damon, LF (.310, 22, 75), Jeter, SS (.326, 15, 88), Swisher, 1B (.267, 31, 108), A-Rod, 3B (.318, 46, 134), Cano, 2B (.293, 25, 102), Posada, C (.271, 21, 84), Matsui, DH (.287, 21, 81), Nady, RF (.279, 23, 73), Gardner, CF (.271, 1, 40).

If they got that kind of production out of that lineup, considering their new starting pitching and the improved defense, I would give the Bombers a pretty good shot at winning a whole lotta games, wouldn't you?

Grading the Yankee off season moves............

Okay, let's hand out some grades for the Yanks, Brian Cashman, and what the new additions will mean to the team:

CC Sabathia: A+ - The big hurler, the hefty lefty, the pilsbury throw boy, brings in the highest grade, by far. Everyone outside the planet known as Mike Francesa understands how good Sabathia is. The man is a work horse. He is a power lefty with two out pitches (slider and changeup). He has guts, takes the ball whenever his team asks, and is the type of intense, want to win all the time, competitor who will infect the rest of the team and blend well with the other players (Jeter, Posada, Mariano, Joba) who all want to win at all costs.

In all honesty, there are no REAL question marks when it comes to Sabathia. He has never been injured, meaning all health concerns are based on what could happen. Well, that would apply to every single pitcher in the majors. No one who uses their arm as a tool in baseball is immune to the possibility of injury. Now, granted, Sabathia over the last two years has pitched an amazing amount of innings, but some pitchers are just workman like that. Until he starts grabbing his shoulder in pain, there is no sense worrying about an injury.

The only real concern I would have is the amount of selling the Yanks had to do to bring CC to the Bronx. It took $60 million more than the NEXT team, and a three day selling job by Brian Cashman, to finally get Sabathia to sign on the dotted line. The first time he faces adversity (the first time he is booed or the first rough outing against the Red Sox, where everyone begins to question his chops in the big game) will he begin to think "why the hell did I come here in the first place?" But that is really only a minor concern in the grand scheme of things.

In reality, the Yanks now have their go-to, ace stopper...........the guy that can lengthen their entire rotation, and take pressure off of EVERYONE which, in turn, should take pressure off of him as well. What was the weakness of the team - starting pitching - should now be their HUGE strength and it is going to be fun to watch the big man on the mound every fifth day.

AJ Burnett: B+ - The move to bring in AJ remains in the B's because, quite frankly, none of us have any idea what to expect. Burnett, along with Joba, is probably the most talented pitcher in the rotation. His stuff is electric and filthy. He is one of those pitchers that can go out there and simply dominate. He can put up 10 strike outs and 8 innings of shut-out ball every time he takes the mound. He is the type of power arm the Yanks have been craving and he ensures that the Yanks can throw a 1-2-3-4 at teams that NO ONE in baseball can match. Think of it this way, Burnett was close to being the equal of Roy Halladay in the Blue Jays rotation last year. Now, he will be the Yanks third starter behind CC and Wang and, depending on Joba's development, could be four in terms of trust. That aint too bad.

Plus, Burnett strikes everyone as the type of guy who would prefer NOT to be the ace of a staff, with the burden of lifting an entire rotation. This way, Burnett gets to fall nice and neatly into this packaged rotation, rather than being the focus, the center of attention.

Now, for the bad news.

The only two top-of-the-line years Burnett has had (2005 and 2008) were walk years, not exactly a glowing endorsement for a guy just signed to 5 years guaranteed. He has only thrown 200+ innings three times in his career and only made 30+ starts twice (again, 05 and 08). In actuality, when you look at their careers, Burnett and Ben Sheets are comparable, except the Yanks would probably only be willing to drop 2 years on Sheets because of injury risk and they went to 5 years on Burnett. That, in my book, qualifys as a major risk.

And, while it is certainly a plus that Burnett will not be asked to carry the full load of the rotation on his shoulders, it is also unclear how he will react to New York. Despite Sabathia's unwillingness to come to NYC, there is no denying the man's desire to win. He has a bulldog mentality and was willing to pitch on 3 days rest for about a month to try and pitch the Brewers in to the playoffs. Burnett has never shown that kind of killer instinct so it is entirely possible he will fold under the pressure of New York.

So which side wins out in the end, the negative or the positive? Here's how I look at it: unless Burnett is a total bust, the Yanks have made an exceptional move. If AJ were the Yanks main pitching acquisition, then this would truly be "hold your breath" time, but Burnett is simply another piece to the puzzle. If he doesn't live up to the contract, that failure should be muted by the success of Sabathia, Wang, Joba, and perhaps one of the Yanks young arms (Hughes, Brackman) coming through the system. Of course, if he breaks down and goes the way of the Pavano, this would be a HUGE mistake, but as long as he is a competent pitcher, this should work out. And, what the Yanks have given themselves is yet another pitcher who could be special. Suddenly, a rotation made up by Darrell Rasner and Sydney Ponson and Dan Giese last year has four guys who could, on any given day, dominate the other team. If pitching wins, the Yanks should win a lot.

Andy Pettitte (assuming): A - I'll make this quick; I assume Andy is going to come to his senses and realize that not only is $10 million a lot of money, but it is also more than anyone else is willing to give him. He will sign on the dotted line and come back and give the Yanks a lefty veteran presence that will make the rotation even more balanced.

I give this upcoming, expected move an A simply because Pettitte will be one of the best back-end of the rotation guys in the league and, let's face it, the man needs to now retire as a Yankee. No more weird uniforms for Andy. He is a Bomber, nough said.

Nick Swisher: B+ - Swisher's year last year was.........well...........the reason he is on the Yankee's this year. I won't get in to the particulars because they aren't pretty, but the Yanks are certainly not throwing him out there expecting a repeat performance. No, what the Bombers are assuming in giving Swisher a starring role on this team for the next few years is that he will return to his form of two and three years ago, where he batted around .270 with a high OBP, good power numbers, and very good defensive prowess around first base. Last year, Jason Giambi manned first base for the Yanks and batted .247 with 32 homers and 96 RBI. I think, if Swisher has a bounce back year, he could be expected to put up similar numbers (higher batting average, maybe a few less homers and RBI). With the added defense he will give the Yanks in the infield, he should more than make up for the loss of Giambi.

But while I really like this move on the Yankee's part, it still comes with risk. First, there is the risk that Swisher is more his 08 stats (.219 average, low OBP) than he is his 06 and 07 numbers. There is never a guarantee that someone is going to come back and perform at a high level when they have performed at such a low level prior. The other problem I see is that, unless Cashman moves a few more pieces over the next few weeks, Swisher will be the team's major offensive acquisition for the year. Offense was a major problem for this team and, even if Swisher bounces back and produces, it certainly isn't a given that he will make the team a better run producer. Swisher, mixed with another big bat, is a wonderful addition. Swisher being asked to now carry a heavy load of offensive responsibility is risky.

Mike Cameron (assumed): C - Now, about two days ago, when the Cameron for Melky Cabrera deal was first discussed seriously, I hated the idea. The Yanks made a big deal about "getting younger" this off season and, unless my math skills are at a sub-fifth grader level, bringing in a 35 year old strike out machine is not getting younger and more athletic.

But the more I consider this deal, the more I am okay with it as long as the Yanks treat it the right way. First, Cameron is on a walk year, meaning he will probably be playing for his last contract. I am sure he would like it to be for more than just a few pennies on the dollar. Maybe, because of that, you get a year out of Cameron like the Padres did his first year with the team, where he batted .268 with 22 homers, 83 RBI, 88 runs scored, 25 stolen bases, and an OBP of .355. With good defense in center, that would be more than enough to make Cameron a very valuable player on the team. However, even if he doesn't have a walk-year type of explosion, I look at Cameron this way: you either have Cabrera and Brett Gardner patroling center this year or Cameron and Gardner. I'll take Cameron and Gardner.

If Cameron is not cutting it, Gardner will play a good amount of time in the outfield, meaning his development won't be stunted and the yanks will get an idea of how good he can be. Cameron isn't a big enough acqusition to stand in anyone's way if they are coming on as a player. So, in that sense, the Yanks are simply TRADING Cabrera for Cameron...........I don't have a problem with that.

My only MAJOR problem with the move?

It is a lazy move, in my opinion. This team needs an infusion of energy and a guy who can be an impact bat. It seems that guys like Rick Ankiel and David DeJesus are available to be had for the right price. Is the asking price too rich or are the Yanks just not discussing anything with these teams because they will have the audacity to ask for a player the Yanks might think highly of on their minor league roster?

Cameron is a trade off and a stop gap. I don't think the Yanks should simply be looking for a stop gap. Trading Melky for Cameron is the easy, safe thing to do, and you can make the case the team is better with the veteran player like Cameron. But he doesn't add anything significant and I believe the Yanks need that to truly compete with the Red Sox and the Rays, who already have outstanding pitching. Their offenses are just simply better right now, and adding Cameron doesn't come close to addressing that gap.

In and of itself, it is a good move, but when you consider the Yanks had so much trouble with scoring big runs last year, adding Cameron and Nick Swisher don't seem to be the real answers.

Here's to hoping that Austin Jackson is the real deal, huh?

Welcome aboard big man................now, if the Yanks would just do these three things life would be perfect for 09

I have to say I was getting a little worried. After a few weeks of insisting that Sabathia was coming to the Yanks and that his delay was no big deal, I began to feel like Kevin Bacon at the end of Animal House screaming "All is well" as mayhem broke out around.

And, a few days ago, when word came that Sabathia had told Dodgers GM Ned Colletti that he wanted to be in LA, I had just about lost it with the hefty lefty. Who the hell was he to treat the Yankee offer like some sort of medicine that would have to be shoved down his throat in order for him to accept it? That pissed me off, I have to admit.

But now, CC will be wearing the pinstripes come spring training and that XXXL uniform will never have looked better on anyone.

The Yankee run on starting pitching isn't over yet.

Evidently, the Yanks upped their offer to AJ Burnett from four years to five years guaranteed, topping the Braves contract pitch to Burnett and putting themselves in the driver's seat. Unless Atlanta is willing to push that high it appears the Yanks will be announcing another signing before too long.

Okay, so now that things are moving along quickly, I am gonna make a leap of faith and assume that Burnett is inked to a contract in the next day or so. That would mean the Yanks are about finished with their offseason moves and the additions of Sabathia, Burnett, and Nick Swisher would seem to give the Yanks an A- for the off season.

Here's what they need to do to make it an A+:

Sign Andy Pettitte or Ben Sheets - I love Pettitte, he is one of my favorite Yankee pitchers, and I will always, and I mean always be convinced that had the Yanks not let Pettitte walk after the 03 season the 04 fiasco would not have happened. Andy would have found a way to win one of those last four games. Having said that, if the Yanks offered him $10 million, as has been reported, and he turned it down, I can't blame the team for moving on. Pettitte is at the end of his career, and while he is certainly still a capable back-end of the rotation type of guy, to expect the Yanks to give him $16 million again is just absurd. I would like NOTHING better than to see Pettitte back with the Yanks, but I do believe he needs to be the one who comes back to reality. If not, as much as it would pain me to see he and the Yanks part ways once again, I wouldn't blame them this time.

If that were the case, I would LOVE to see the Bombers ink Ben Sheets. I know, I know, that golden right arm of his always seems to be injured. But, you know what, that arm is still golden my friends. I honestly believe that, if the Yanks got a healthy Sheets, they could perhaps be getting someone as good as Roy Halladay. The guy is a competitor, a bulldog on the mound, and, when right, his stuff is as good as anyones. While Pettitte would be wonderful for sentimental value and because he still has something left in the tank, Sheets could be the steal of the off season.

One of the two is needed. Which one really depends on them.

Trade Ian Kennedy and Melky Cabrera plus a player to be named later for Rick Ankiel and a minor leaguer - My sincere fear is that the Yanks are going to take the easy route here and trade for Mike Cameron. God, I hope that doesn't happen. I want NOTHING to do with Cameron. First, we've seen Cameron on the NY stage before. He hit for decent power numbers (30 homers, 30 doubles) but nothing else is even remotely worth mentioning in his one+ year with the Mets (he missed almost the entire 2005 season). Cameron fits the mold of the type of guy the Yanks should be staying away from; older, on the downward spiral, strikes out way too much, and isn't a clutch performer.

I understand he would come cheaper than some better options, but how many times must this team get burnt by the "cheap" option in order to understand that, if you want quality you have to pay for quality?

Rick Ankiel is going to be a free agent after next year and he is a Scott Boras client, meaning he is going to the open market. However, Ankiel, I believe, would thrive in NYC. He is a tremendous outfielder with a gun for an arm (remember, this guy was a power pitcher until he had his......um......problem). He has almost that Josh Hamilton "The Natural" lefty swing, which seems made for the Bronx. He has decent speed (not stolen base speed but more gettin around the bases speed) and he would seem to be the prototypical third-place hitter. It would also give the Yanks another just-under 30 guy who seems to be coming unto his own as a player, right in line with Nady and Swisher.

In his first full year as a starter Ankiel batted .264 with 25 dingers and 71 RBI in only 120 games. His OBP of .337 was a little low, but his SLG was a very respectable .5o6 and one would have to assume that Ankiel has only just scratched the surface of what he could be.

The Cardinals evidently offered Ankiel to the Mariners plus another player for JJ Putz, certainly a fine relief pitcher, but a reliever none the less. Much like the Reds last year, who found Josh Hamilton to be expendable because of the glut of outfielders they had available, the Cardinals seem to be in the same position with Rick.

With the Yankees retooling their starting pitching, and seemingly on the verge of adding two relatively young hurlers, locked up for multiple years, one would have to ask where, exactly, Ian Kennedy fits into the mix? Joba Chamberlain is going to be given every opportunity to excell as a starter and, unless he shows unable to handle the work load physically, he will be in the rotation for years to come. Wang is under 30 and not going anywhere for a long time. The organization is still absolutely convinced that Phil Hughes will eventually emerge as a big time starter and, waiting in the wings are other starters lower down in the system, such as Andrew Brackman and Delin Benetances (I am sure I am butchering that name, but it is something like that). Kennedy is pitching very well in the Puerto Rico league and, evidently the Cardinals like him. They need some good, young pitching, and it might be worth it for them to trade Ankiel for Kennedy now with the expectation that they won't want to pay Ankiel next year anyway (remember, Albert Pujols becomes a free agent next year and I would imagine the Cards are saving up to make sure their future HOFamer goes no where).

Ankiel would give the Yankees the bat and the glove in center they have been looking for, and it would also ensure that the Yanks don't have to rush a kid like Austin Jackson who might still be a year away from being an impact player. And, as much as I would like a Brett Gardner, I just can't see him really holding down the job offensively.

Ankiel, in my opinion, could turn out to be an absolute steal.

So, for this off season to now be perfect, here is what the Yankee team needs to look like coming in to next season.

Lineup:

Damon

Jeter

Ankiel

A-Rod

Swisher

Matsui

Nady

Cano

Posada

Rotation:

Sabathia

Wang

Burnett

Pettitte/Sheets

Joba

Pen:

Rivera

Veras

Bruney

Marte

Melancon

Coke

Now, you gotta admit, that would be a nice team to watch, wouldn't it?

Would you consider Ben Sheets?

There seems to be little movement on the Sabathia front and, quite frankly, I am sick of talking about the guy. I have defended and defended and defended the big man's right to take as much time as he wants in making a decision, but the report today that he told Ned Colletti, the GM for the Dodgers, that he wanted "to be a Dodger" just really ticks me off to no end. If you just want to live on the West Coast, fine.......go for it. But be upfront about it for God sake. Be a man. Make a decision. What the freak is the hold up. Dear GOD, get a move on, will you?

Anyway, the Yanks appear to be ready to move on with their offseason and wait for Sabathia in the meantime. There were two interesting reports out there today, in my opinion. The first was that the Yanks were potentially ready to offer AJ Burnett a four-year deal worth on excess of $64 million. The other tid bit was the fact that the Yankees met with Ben Sheets.

Now, it has been somewhat of a foregone conclusion by many that the Yanks would have no interest in Ben Sheets. His injury problems over the last few years have raised too many red flags, many argue, and the Yanks have been linked to everyone from Burnett to Derek Lowe to Oliver Perez, but not Sheets.

Perhaps that is changing.

So, the question is, would you consider Sheets?

Before you answer, make sure you take a long hard look at the resume the righty would be bringing along with him to the Bronx. Sheets is 30, has pitched 200 or more innings three times, pitched in 30 or more games four times, and, until last year, had not pitched more than 156 innings since 2004. However, Sheets pitched 198 innings this year, had 5 shutouts, 3 complete games, walked only 47 batters while striking out 158. He had a 3.09 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP. Those are pretty solid numbers, especially in Milwaukee, a good hitters ballpark. When you take in to account that Burnett, who the Yanks seem all but willing to make an offer to, has also only surpassed 200 innings three times, 30 games twice, and, before this year, had only pitched over 200 innings once since 2003, can you legitimately make the arguement that he is somehow a much better option than Sheets? Burnett is even a year older.

None of us know how Sheets would perform in the big spot because, unfortunately, until the big lefty went to Milwaukee this year, the Brewers were the franchise where playoff dreams went to die. But, by all accounts, Sheets is a bulldog who HATES to lose, another potential plus that Burnett does not necessarily possess.

The big fish is still CC Sabathia, who is taking his sweet time in making up his mind, but signing Sheets to a short-term contract seems logical at this point, doesn't it?

Random thoughts this Christmas season.............

I did a little Christmas shopping today - my first time out in the consumer jungle - and I have to admit the crowds were far smaller than usual for this time of year. People are cutting back, period. I know we are in my household. It would simply be impractical and imprudent to go out there and spend, spend, spend when so much is still uncertain. By the grace of God, I have a job and am still able to pay my bills, but that could all change in the next few months. Who knows, right? Just amazing to me how quickly things have gone south.

But enough about real life.....................we are here to talk sports and here are a few random thoughts for this week:

*As I have said numerous times on this blog, I have no problem with CC Sabathia taking his time with this choice. The man is about to make the most important career decision of his life. If I were confronted with such a situation I would take all the time I needed to make sure it was right.

But the word is that Brian Cashman is set to meet with CC Sabathia tomorrow, before the winter meetings officially start up, and I think it is about time for this situation to be resolved, at least from the Yankees' point of view. Sabathia has no obligation to play in the Bronx or to take the big contract. He has every right, EVERY SINGLE RIGHT, to decide that he doesn't want the stress of playing in a large market like NYC and dealing with the hassles that come with such an existence. Some people, no matter how competitive, want to live a more peaceful life and, perhaps, Sabathia is such a person. I have no problems with that whatsoever.

Sabathia, however, needs to tell Cashman the truth tomorrow. That is quite frankly, the right and just thing to do.

Sure, keeping the Yanks in the mix helps keep the price tag up, but the fact remains that the Yankees will be the highest bidder for CC's services, hands down. So the big man has to make a choice; yes or no?

If Sabathia doesn't want to come and play for the Yanks, he should have the decency to tell that to Cashman's face so that both can move on. This is going to be a VERY rich man, no matter where he goes, so, eventually, you have to take a little pride in your own credibilty, do you not?

A lot has been made of how the money isn't the only determinate for a guy like CC, who, according to some of his more adoring (or perhaps hopeful fans in other parts of the country), is a family man who likes the quiet life. If he is such a great man of intergrity (which, I guess equates to leaving money on the table) then he should prove as much by being upfront with Brian Cashman on Sunday morning.

If he is simply taking his time and weighing all options, fine. If he intends to sign with the Yankees but wanted to see if other teams were willing to become involved, fine. And, if he just doesn't want to come to NYC, fine. Just be honest CC. Let Cashman know. It is unfair to the Yankees to string them along if they have no true chance of signing you. Your agents might tell you it is all good strategy, but when the GM of that teams sits you down and asks you, man to man, what your intentions are, that's when things get very simply; you are either going to tell him the truth or lie to him. Pure and simple. You can convince yourself all you want that it is simply "good business" to deceive one party or another, but it is lying and, deep down inside, you'll know it.

My belief is that Sabathia will NOT leave that money on the table. It has been my belief the entire time. However, now, on Dec. 7, is the time to make that decision once and for all.

*I know Stephan Marbury is an impossible person to defend. He's a "me first" player that represents everything wrong with the NBA. While guys like Dwayne Wade and LeBron James and Dwight Howard represent the promise of the league, Starbury reminds people of the last decade of stars who have so soured many fans on the sport.

Having said that, you can't help but blame the Knicks for much of this current Marbury drama. Let's review for a second: new coach Mike D'Antoni, in the offseason, evidently encouraged Marbury to come to camp in shape and ready to play. Marbury did exactly that and, in the preseason, playing a significant amount of minutes, showed that he still has talent in that body of his. But, when the regular season came around, Marbury was relegated to the end of the bench. In fact, I believe the Knicks extended their bench just so Marbury could be placed even further away than normal. As Starbury pointed out, 2008 draft pick Gallanari, who had praticed little during the preseason and was still suffering from an injury, was placed higher on the depth chart than Marbury. That would seem to be a message rather than a roster move right there.

So the Knicks essentially embarrass Marbury in a way that would anger ANY player, let alone one with the mentality of Stephan, and then, when the Knicks trade their two best players and need warm bodies on the court, actually expected him to be "professional" and play despite that shotty treatment?

Don't get me wrong, I am not defending Marbury's actions at all. He is being paid millions of dollars whether the coach plays him 30 minutes of zero minutes a game. Considering what Marbury would be forced to do for a career without basketball (I doubt he has any multi-million dollar ideas floating around in his head) he should be thankful for such a blessing and just suck it up and play.

But the Knicks could have handled this the right way and, instead, they showed that while Isiah Thomas might have been sent packing, the Knickerbocker organization is just as unprofessional and petty as ever. Despite his shortcomings Marbury should have been shown more respect upfront. If D'Antoni and new Knicks President Donnie Walsh never intended to play him come the regular season, that should have been expressed to him immediately, no matter what his reaction might have been. That is just the right thing to do. To pursuade him that his starting role on the team was there for the taking if he proved himself in the new offense, only to make it clear that was never an option once the season began, is gutless and somewhat childish. And then to expect that Marbury woul act any differently was even more foolish.

Take a good, hard look at the Knicks right now LeBron because, in two years, a BUNCH of teams may be throwing big money at you, including one that may still be moving to Brooklyn. That team puts a premium on class and responsibility. The Knicks? Not so much.

*Why can't I wrap my brain around college football? Because Alabama, the last undefeated team in the country, was beaten by Florida yesterday in the SEC championship game, meaning that eight of the top nine teams in college football have one loss and Utah has no losses at all. So, who plays in the championship game? Well, let's plug that into a computer to decide. What a joke.

The consensus is that Florida, who defeated Alabama, will play Oklahoma in the big game. Because? It seems the only explanation is that Florida got their big win at the end of the season, essentially saying that, for the big teams, the last two weeks of the season are all that count. Look at Florida right now: They lost to Mississippi, a team that was 5-3 in the SEC and 8-4 overall. Their big wins? Beating LSU was considered big at the time, but considering the fact that the Tigers went 3-5 in the SEC, it is pretty obvious LSU was simply ranked on name only when they played. South Carolina? Nope. Florida State? Sorry, no chance. Nope, before Alabama, Florida's win over Georgia, AT Georgia, was by far their most important win of the year. That's enough to jump from #4 to #2 and play for the title? It doesn't count against them, I guess, that, on the third to last week of the season Florida scheduled the Citadel and beat them 70-19? Should you get that kind of gimme at the end of the year in a sport where the regular season is king and not have it count againts you? And, PLEASE, explain to me why Florida jumps Texas, who beat Oklahoma, which is equally as impressive as the Florida win over Alabama, and Missouri, who is comparable to Georgia? Evidently, what separates the two is that Florida's big win came yesterday while Texas' win came on Oct. 11. Sorry Longhorns, no one cares what you do in October.

I understand that CFB is very popular, but for a fan like myself I will NEVER take the sport seriously until they have some sort of playoff. This year, Oklahoma and Florida will match up. Are those two teams better, and more deserving of a chance to play for the title than Texas, USC, or Penn State? Nope, not in my book.

Team sports allow you to settle such questions on the field. The fact that CFB allows its champion to be crowned in a similar way as figure skating or gymnastics at the Olympics is shameful.

*In case you haven't noticed, there have already been more upsets in college basketball this year than there have beem in college football all year long. I know, I know, the NCAA Tourney, the big dance, kills much of the regular season, but the competitive balance in CBB is DRAMATICALLY better than in CFB. Yesterday, Michigan, a middle of the road team, beat Duke, a top five team. In CFB, Oklahoma played #20 Missouri and won 62-20. They beat them by 42 points in a sport where points are suppose to be difficult to come by. Come on now.

I am a huge CBB fan, mainly because I went to Uconn and love me some basketball. However, I can admit that only diehard CBB fans like myself care about the sport until February, when you begin talk of bubble teams and start preparing for the conference tourneys and, ultimately, the big dance. But I would still rather watch a CBB game where ANYONE can give someone else a game (my Huskies were given everything they could handle by a plucky Buffalo team the other night) than a CFB game where 8 times out of 10 the game has ultimately been decided before anyone steps on to the field.

*I love football in the snow, I really do. There will be snow on the ground at the Meadowlands, in Pittsburgh, and, I'm sure, in a lot of other places today. It just seems right. It just seems like it fits.

Now, I understand that it can never happen again, but how great would it be to see a Super Bowl played in one of these classic, cold weather stadiums? Wouldn't you love, as a fan, to see the two best teams from each conference sqaure off in Lambau for the big game?

Again, I understand that it could never happen and, honestly, if I were heading to a Super Bowl myself, I would probably not want to go watch the game in sub-zero weather either. But, as a fan sitting in my house, watching on television, I would LOVE it.

*I can't bring myself to say anything about the Plaxico Burress situation because, to me, it just isn't all that important. This really isn't as big of a "scandal" as everyone wants to make it out to be. Burress is a schmuck. We all know that. The guy has been fined $200,000 for being late, not attending practices, and just simply acting as if the rules don't apply to him. He threatened a hold out to get a new contract and won. That sent him in to a tail spin where, evidently, he decided his new-found fortune allowed him to disregard the rules. It was only going to cost him money if he did, and, evidently, it was worth the price.

Now, the idiot decides he is going to be cool and go to a club packing a loaded gun that isn't licensed in New York State. Don't believe, for a second, that Plaxico was carrying that Glock because he was concerned for his safety. NFL players have the opportunity to hire PROFESSIONAL, former law enforcement officials to protect them on a night out on the town if they so choose. If you were going to choose a way to protect yourself, would you slap on your gun and jump in the car or would you hire some big, former Marine who knows how to handle any situation? If it were me, there would be no choice.

But Burress, wanting to be some kind of character straight out of a Biggie Smalls song, strapped on and went out. Of course, Dirty Harry shot himself in the leg - what a sharp shooter.

Look, Burress didn't go and hold up a liquor store. He didn't kill anyone (even though he could have) and he didn't threaten any one. This is not Ray Lewis, with his murderer friends jumping back in to his limo and driving away after killing someone. This isn't Pac Man Jones, beating up a stripper and watching as one of his "posse" shot someone and put them in a wheel chair for the rest of their life. This isn't OJ Simpson. This is a moron whose arrogance has landed him in a world of trouble.

Do I think Plaxico should go to jail? No. I understand he didn't register his gun and I understand that is a very, very bad thing. However, we have serious overcrowding in jails as it is, and what would it accomplish to put Plaxico away for 3 years?

However, if I were the Giants this would be it for me with Plax. I know how talented the man is, and no matter how impressive Domick Hixon is, he has yet to show that he can be near the offensive threat as Burress. But sometimes enough is enough.

This isn't a guy hooked on drugs destroying his life and looking for a way out. This is simply an a**hole who thinks the world revolves around his needs and desires. This gun incident was more indicative of a Barry Bonds attitude than a Adam Jones attitude. I don't think Plaxico is a dangerous guy. I think he's just a jerk and the Giants have done an amazing job of ridding themselves of such players and moving forward. The time has come to do just that with Plaxico.