‘Stache Housed

It’s over. Jason Giambi has finally shaved his infamous mustache after going 0-for-3 and slumping in July. Giambi’s reasoning: “There’s no more hits in it.” But if one goes deeper into this story, a difference of opinions may be the real culprit behind the shave.
 
Giambi’s ‘stache had developed into a cult icon of its own, prompting Yankee fans and mustache aficionado’s everywhere to embrace the sweaty facial accessory. In fact, there were even whispers that the ‘stache was in talks to start marketing and advertising a slew of new products, including pi-Stache-io nuts and ‘Stache potatoes. There were even rumored discussions of a new superhero film entitled “Stache Gordon.” All of this seemingly created a friction between Giambi and his lip brush, one that seemed destined to lead to a split.
 
Sources close to Giambi reported that he resented the ‘stache, claiming its rampant partying, non-stop womanizing and inflated ego had been wearing down on the quiet Yankee first baseman. A separation clearly was necessary, so Giambi took the necessary steps to rid himself of the follicled foe.
 
So what’s next for the ‘stache? Nothing good it seems. Once word got out that it would no longer get the exposure of being a part of the New York Yankees, interest waned as folks began to realize, “Wait, it’s just a moustache.” Apparently, its career (much like itself) has gone down the drains.
 
As for Giambi, only time will tell what he will turn to in order to kick up another hit streak. Will it be the flame-emblazoned golden thong?  Perhaps a new-fangled no-shower policy?  We’ll just have to stay tuned.

 

–CHRIS STARBONELL

YANKEES: Nady Goes Nuts

New York Yankees outfielder Xavier Nady went 4-for-5 with a double, home run and six RBI Sunday against the Angels on Sunday.

BOTTOM LINE: Nady has fit in nicely in the Yankees uniform. He is showing no signs of being hampered by his recent injury, and he is an excellent option to start in all formats.

YANKEES: Acquire Pudge Rodriguez

Former Detroit Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez has been traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Kyle Farnsworth, according to Buster Olney.

BOTTOM LINE: This trade came out of nowhere, and it makes sense for both teams. Farnsworth could end up having some fantasy value if Fernando Rodney’s troubles as closer continue. For the Yankees, Pudge fills a void left by the injured Jorge Posada at catcher, and is now a must start in all leagues. Both players are free agents at season’s end.

YANKEES: Acquire Nady and Marte

Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte have been traded to the Yankees for prospects Jose Tabata and George Kontos, reliever Ross Ohlendorf, and Double-A starter Phil Coke, according to the Westchester Journal.

BOTTOM LINE: This was the steal of all steals for the Yankees. Nady will fill their void in the outfield, and Marte may be the best left handed specialist in the game. I am not quite sure what the Pirates are thinking, but Nady’s value just went up. Start him in all leagues.

Athletes and Their Celebrations

Recently in New York, there has been a lot of talk about Jose Reyes and his hand gesture when he hit a three-run home run on Wednesday night against the Phillies. Feelings are mixed around New York. Why is Reyes under the microscope? What about Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera’s celebrations? I think they are all fine, and people overreact.

The key to playing any sport is playing with emotion. Jose Reyes pours his heart and soul on the field, and many people don’t like the fire he plays with. A perfect example of someone who people accept is Troy Percival of the Tampa Bay Rays. He acts like a nut on the mount sometimes, but yet, people are always saying that he plays with fire and passion. In my mind, there is no difference between that and what Reyes does. Both are ok.

Another thing people have to take into consideration is the intensity of the rivalry. The Phillies came back and gave the Mets a huge punch in the stomach with their come from behind victory on Tuesday, and Shane Victorino showboated even worse than Reyes did. There was a play in which he scored, and he stood on the plate, pounded his chest and pointed towards the Mets’ dugout. Why didn’t anyone make a big deal about that?

The bottom line is that people need to look at all of these players on an even field. Just because Jose Reyes is the most talented, that doesn’t make it justified to hold him to different standards than the rest of the league. He can sing, dance and jump if he wants to, because he is the engine that keeps the Mets running.

–MICHAEL GANCI

Trade Deadline Looming

The MLB trade deadline is only eight days away, and there are several guys who may be wearing new uniforms once that time comes. In this blog, I will pick the five most likely guys to get traded, and where I think they will end up.

1. Xavier Nady, Pirates
Destination: Rays

The Rays are in need of a good hitting right-handed hitter, and Nady would seem to be the guy who would fit the bill best. The Rays have a plethora of young pitching in which they could trade, so it seems like these two teams could be a match. Nady has said that he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but the decision is out of his hands.

2. Brian Fuentes, Rockies
Destination: Marlins

Florida management is known to be fans of Fuentes, and he would come in and threaten Kevin Gregg to take over as closer. They have been pursuing him very aggressively. The Marlins have plenty of young talent to get the deal done. It’s just a matter of whether or not they want to go for it this year. This seems like a match for all parties involved.

3. Casey Blake, Indians
Destination: Mets

This trade makes too much sense for it not to happen. Omar Minaya is known to be a huge fan of Blake, and Blake fits the big hole that the Mets have. They need a right handed hitting outfielder who can also occasionally spell Delgado against a lefty at first base. Blake fits the bill. I think it would only cost the Mets a mid-level prospect if they are willing to eat Blake’s contract.

4. Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
Destination: Yankees

The Yankees are in need of a starting pitcher. Mussina and Pettite are the only two guys that they can consistently count on right now, although Wang should be entering the picture pretty soon. Washburn, although caught up in the horror of Seattle, is still a quality pitcher. The Yankees and Mariners are known to be in discussions, and the Yankees want Seattle to take Kei Igawa, but the best course of action would be for the Yankees to trade a mid-level minor leaguer and eat Washburn’s contract.

5. Huston Street, Athletics
Destination: Brewers

The Brewers have proven to everyone that they are ready to go for it now. The acquisition of CC Sabathia was a huge splash for them and they don’t seem to be done. Eric Gagne could be a headache, so the Brewers entered the market for a late inning reliever, and Street would feet the bill. The Athletics are looking to reload their minor league system, and the Brewers have a nice group of prospects. This one is an easy match.

 

–MICHAEL GANCI

YANKEES: Damon DLed

New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon went on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his career Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

BOTTOM LINE: Damon got hurt jumping into the wall to make a catch. Brett Gardiner and Justin Christian should split the playing time while Damon is on the disabled list.

‘Willie Watch’ Concludes

Gipsy and King

By: Chris Starbonell

Update! Writer

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his off-season has come with its fair share of major deals involving big-name superstars. The New York Yankees signed Alex Rodriguez to a 10-year contract worth over $300 million with incentives, Detroit the Tigers traded for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and, if that’s not enough, Johan Santana was sent to the New York Mets. With all the fanfare that surrounded those moves, it was easy to see why the Erik Bedard trade did not get the kind of attention it deserved.

The American League West is now there for the taking. In fact, it’s hard to see how Seattle does not become the instant favorite to win the division. While the Los Angeles Angels improved their team defense and offense with the signing of Torii Hunter, their starting pitching is a bit suspect after John Lackey. Kelvim Escobar is dealing with shoulder problems and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders are all coming off disappointing seasons. Jon Garland should bring some stability to the rotation, but the Angels might be seriously outmatched in the starting pitching department.

Erik Bedard looked the undisputed Cy Young last season before straining an oblique and muscle that sidelined him Aug. He averaged over 10 strikeouts per nine innings in 2007 and his arrival in Seattle means that the Mariners may have a deadly one-two punch between Bedard and Felix Hernandez. Of course, that is dependent on King Felix finally having the break-through season everyone has expected the past couple of years. Hernandez turns 22 in April, but his cache of pitches is brilliant and he has the ability to be one of, if not, the best hurler in all of baseball. Just imagine the impact it will have on the league if Hernandez taps into his full potential for the 2008 season. Barring an injury, a Bedard / Felix combination would be the best one-two pitching duo in baseball.

Sure C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona formed a dynamic duo of their own last year, and Johan Santana and a healthy Pedro Martinez could also make for a formidable combo. Heck, even Jake Peavy and Chris Young looked unstoppable last year until a back injury derailed Young’s season. But these two-headed monsters all feature potential question marks. How is Carmona going to fare in his second season as a member of the Cleveland Indians rotation? Can Young and Martinez even sniff 200 innings? Will throwing 241 innings in 2007 affect Sabathia in 2008? Issues like these reveal that Seattle, at least for now, has the inside track when it comes to the top of a starting pitching staff.

I don’t want to get too ahead of myself here, but the last time two of the best pitchers in the game started on the same staff, the Arizona Diamondbacks were hoisting a World Series trophy. In 2001, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling both won over 20 games while keeping their ERA under 3.00 during the regular season. It was during the playoffs, however, that the true value of having two ace studs was put on full display. As we all know, in a short series anything can happen, making starting pitching the most important aspect of the baseball post-season.

If Erik Bedard and Felix Hernandez can stay healthy all season long, the Mariners could very well enter the 2008 playoffs as the favorite to win it all. Of course, as stated before, this is all contingent on Felix Hernandez finally reaching his full potential in 2008. If he throws like he did last season (when he sported a 3.92 ERA and 1.38 WHIP), the Mariners might not even make it to the post-season. You can’t argue with their thinking though, because if they do make it to Oct. and their top-two starters are humming in 2008, the World Series should be theirs to lose.