The Squirrel Says Happy Thanksgiving!

Posada Stay's in Pinstripes

I was watching Fox News at 10:35 PM and it was reported that Posada still did not accept any deal with the Yankees, and then I come to the computer at 11:29 PM and there it was... he has accepted a four year, $52 Million contract.

Already there is controversy on the boards saying that he is overpaid, that he is going to be over the hill (he's 36) and so on. But it's this squirrel's opinion that if anything, he has been one of the most underated players we've had. Posada has been consistent in his at bats all this year and last year also... and his defense is sharp and he's a smart player. Not to mention, catchers are at a premium right now... so I think that his deal is very well deserved.

Well done, Jorgie. Now let's see what Mariano does.

Stay Just A Little Bit Longer

Remember when I called the Steinbrenner bros a "couple of maroons" (among other endearments)... dig this, refering to deals the Yankees are proposing to Posada and Rivera (from an online article, published today, by Tyler Kempler in The New York Times):

The Yankees made offers of roughly three years and $40 million to both players, who can talk about money with other teams Tuesday.

“They were fair offers,” Steinbrenner (Hank) said. “But there’s no question, within reason — because you can’t be an idiot — we’re going to make very generous offers."

Ooops, Hank... you leave yourself wide open.

Crazy Busy Postseason

I have not posted in the past couple of days because I am trying to digest all the stuff that is flying around MLB. This has got to be one of the craziest post-seasons/free agency frenzy that has been seen... ever.

Girardi has been crowned, and all the hoopla that goes with it was shown all afternoon on the YES channel that day. Yes, I think that he will do a good job managing... I don't know about great. There are certain issues that we will have to see how they play out, such as management of the media and commanding the respect of the team the same way Torre did. I think Mattingly would have been the stronger choice in terms of player's respect. Anyway, it's done and done.

Also, now we know Abreu has been picked up on his option, and that's a good thing. He was inconsistent in the beginning of the '07 season, but he got his thing going strong after June. And when he's good, he's great.

So now we sit and wait on Mo, Jorgie and Andy and see whether what's left of the Dynasty Team will go. I''m not even going there with Rodriguez. That's a whole other nasty can of worms.

The Squirrel says Happy Halloween

The Squirrel had a hard time deciding between a more traditional costume or to be Fidel Castro Recuperating Yet Again for Halloween... (he went with Fidel). Have a nice and safe Halloween everyone!

Pettite's Trying to Do the Right Thing

With all this moving and posturing back and forth... careers on the line, more money to be gained... there is a breath of fresh air in Andy Pettite's responsiveness and demeanor.

"The New York Yankees committed an awful lot of money to me and put it in my hands, gave me a player option and trusted me with that option," Pettitte told KRIV-TV. "It probably wouldn't be real honorable for me not to do anything other than if I shut it down, shut it down or go back and play for the New York Yankees."

Andy is a great Yankee... and a good man. Watch and learn, A-Rod.

Are We Playing Chess... or Monopoly?

Moves have been made... Girardi is officially the Yankees Manager, with a 7.5 Million dollar contract (with "bonuses" not "incentives" for post-season performance), and Joe Torre is rumored (heavily) to be going to the Dodgers, probably taking Mattingly with him. A-Rod is a free agent looking for the even bigger bucks ... and how convenient is this: Scott Boras lives like 40 minutes away from Dodgers stadium. And we all know how much Alex's wife likes the warm weather.

The situation is becoming increasingly interesting, since Pettite has been reported to be still very torn up about not having Joe around, and both Posada and Mariano have not made final decisions (although I think Mariano is close to staying on... word is that $40MM has been offered to him and he's thrown the ball back to their court with demands of his own).

It would not be surprising to see A-Rod with the Dodgers... their pockets are deep enough. And he likes how Joe works... that's a given. The Dodgers definitely would love to have that 152 hits and 54 home runs on their side.

In the meantime, Heckle and Jeckle... a.k.a those wacky Steinbrenner brothers, have to spend muchos more money to keep those core veterans around.

As Bugs Bunny would say... "what a couple of maroons"!

Mo Money...

How uncouth can A-Rod and his skank manager Scott Boras get? Making the announcement about opting out of his contract at the 9th inning of the World Series.... (oh, sorry.... they waited for the last pitch... my bad).

From what I gather so far... Alex is saying that because the team is so fragmented right now with Torre leaving and Posada, Petitte and Rivera not knowing whether they are coming back is making an impact on him wanting to stay. Nice.

He kept saying that he wanted to be considered a "real yankee... that this was the only place where he felt comfortable playing. Well, like Derek Jeter once said "Just because you wear pinstripes, that doesn't make you a Yankee."

It seems that even $252 Million over 10 years is not enough money for this pinstripe wearing guy.

The Squirrel Tips His Fuzzy Cap to the Sox

Even though I did not really think we had a series going, in the true sense of the word, I have to say that the better team did win. The pitching was brilliant, the offense unrelenting, Francona managed and strategized like General Patton. They were perfect... and they didn't have a neurotic and narcisstic owner(s) breathing down their necks. That helps too.

Congrats to Mike Lowell for World Series MVP... nice cars they gave you.

Big snaps to you Sox... you deserve them... this year.

Snooze Series

Maybe it's just me... being a Yankees fan and all that. However I can't seem to fight the overwhelming bouts of narcolepsy that have fallen on me during these World Series. Sorry, but I just don't feel that championship rush that should be there. It felt like I was watching a game during July before the All-Star break.

First off... has anyone noticed that the crowds at Fenway are unusally quiet... especially now for the home stretch? Not for nothing... but I have felt more excitement during a regular season Yankees/Sox game. The Rox seemed to be completely over their head in these series, and have not been able to combat the Sox formidable defense. Last night Schilling opened the game well (it wasn't exactly pretty, but he got the job done), and Papelbaum closed it out with a 99/mph fastball. Rox offense just layed their like possums acting like roadkill.

Another thing is... how is it possible... I mean how... to play a 2-1 game for almost 4 hours? If people are getting striked out like that, it should be boom, boom, boom game over. Strange.

Were there that many commericals?

Political OT: Oh... That explains it.

By now, you must have heard how Mitt confused Osama with Obama...

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/619691,CST-EDT-edit25b.article

Oh boy. All the cat can say is "Ur iz not ready fur mah oval kitty box".

OT: Fires in More than One Place

In San Diego at the Qualcomm Stadium and DelMar Fairgrounds and Racetrack, thousands seek refuge today from the wildfires that are or threatening to destroy their houses. So many terrified people are now worrying wheather they will have homes to go back to, and how long the instability of this nightmare will last.

It is good to see that people are being treated well at these shelters, and are given water, food, toiletries, even sunscreen and massage therapists, for Pete's sake. I also hear that they have plasma televisions set up all around so people can keep abreast of the situation. At Qualcomm Stadium, evacuees are allowed to bring their pets with them. And no question... that's a great thing for sure.

However, I cannot help to reflect how differently the shelter situation was handled during Hurricane Katrina.

There was not enough food, not enough water, there was human waste all over the place ... people had to leave their beloved dogs, cats and other pets, leaving people in a devastated and crazed state of mind. And you better believe there were no plasma TVs . Not a one.

Sorry... it's hard to explain the difference to someone who not only lost their home in New Orleans, but apparently their worth as a human being as well.

Joe Says Goodbye... for now.

I really had a hard time bringing myself to post this entry... the words are hard to come by. Just watching Joe go to the podium for his last press conference as Yankee manager was a little surreal. But there he was, calm and steady as always. The room was packed.

He confirmed that the deal was what it was, and that it was non-negotiable on their side. He alluded that he knew what was on the table, and maybe there would be some wiggle room. He couldn't accept the deal, and their so-called incentives, and he was right for rejecting it. As he said, "I've been here for twelve years, and I didn't think motivation was needed". His voice gave way a couple of times, especially when he spoke of his players and his coaches... and the fans.

However, he admitted that he felt that the deal was "an insult". For Joe to say this to the public... well it's a big deal for him to say. He spoke well of the boss, and he spoke well of Cashman ... well, he said Cashman stuck up for him last year. And that spoke volumes also.

I didn't want him to get off that podium. I wanted him to stay, at least until first season of the new stadium opening. I want him back next year.

If this organization has one working brain cell left, they will go to him and apologize for their short-sightedness (and stupidity) and give him a deal he truly deserves.

Because this is what's going to happen: they'll get another manager... maybe even a good manager. But he won't be experienced enough or ready to deal with the magnitude of this team, it's bone-headed organization and the media hell he will face every single day. And it won't matter what they do or how they play all year...162 games ultimately don't matter to them, or how packed the stadium is without exception. Because all they care about is post-season. So, this is what I predict (and I'm sure I'm not alone in this) ... when this team and it's coaching staff fall apart, they will go to Joe on their knees... their knees I tell you... and they better be wearing really good knee-pads.

A Sad, Sad Night

Joe Torre did not accept the offer that the Yankees put on the table today. It was a crazy moment, because first I hear on Mike and the Mad Dog that he did accept (which is what one newspaper reported), then literally two minutes later, it was disclosed that Joe refused. It was a bad deal... and there's speculation that it was put together that way on purpose... in other words, that Joe was pushed out. The deal was $5 Million for one year (a 331/2 percent pay cut), and "incentives": $1 Million if he made the playoffs, another mil if he got the ACLS championship, and then another million if he got to the World Series. At first, it seems like a good deal... but it's not. It's a slap in the face. Why would someone of Joe Torre's legacy and caliber need to be enticed with incentive money... as to say that he's not doing 110 percent to win all along? It's ludricrous.

My first reaction when I heard the news, besides disbelief, was anger... and I couldn't pinpoint it to who. To the Yankees, to that buffoon Steinbrenner, Cashman, Joe himself... I was devastated. Like many fans are tonight, of course.

There is a tiny little shred of hope (maybe it's denial) that maybe they will put together a better deal for Joe, and lure him back. And a very big and public apology. And a promise that Steinbrenner will not open his big fat mouth again. Which is a physical impossibility.

Thing is, maybe Joe is really done with this stupid management. Maybe he's tired of placating this jerk. I know he loves this team, and he loves to manage it. But really, at what price.

Political OT: Boneheaded Journalist

So Dubya is giving a press conference this morning, and one of the (probably ivy-league educated) journalists asks him this: "Mr. President, do you consider yourself increasingly irrelevant and ineffective during the last 18 months of your presidency?[sic]"

Of course, Bush says no. Of course. But why oh why antagonize the man with this sort of retarded question, to give him more fuel to add to his megalomaniatical fire? Good grief.

Petition for Torre

Someone just brought this to my attention.

Here's a link to a petition to help Joe keep his job: http://www.youchoose.net/referral/denise_e_3/campaign/keep_joe_torre

Today is National Boss's Day

Being that at the moment I am sans travaille' (without a job)... National Boss's Day does not have the same meaningful impact as it would otherwise. A

A fun website for bad bosses is http://www.workingamerica.org/badboss/

However, many of you do have bosses that you want to celebrate (or eulogize) in some way. Here are some good bosses, in my opinion:

• Lou Grant, the Mary Tyler Moore Show
• Mr. Peterman, Elaine's boss on Seinfeld
• George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life
• Joe Torre
• Oprah
• Flower on Meerkat Manor

Of course, bad bosses outnumber by the dozens... my favorites:

• George W. Bush (at the head of the list)
• Tony Soprano
• Mr. Burns
• George Steinbrenner
• George Steinbrenner
• George Steinbrenner

Please feel free to post your favorite... either way.

Out Sick

Still under the weather, my dear Yankees readers. This is a really funky virus. The dog and cat are holding a vigil for me... as I am for Joe Torre.

Tomorrow Joe is at Tampa for meetings... let us pray.

Sam - Yankee Poodle

I am still under the weather, and feeling unmotivated today. So sorry.

But I thought I would take this opportunity to post one of my favorite pictures of the dog... to give him equal time, one can say. He's tres cute, no? Once I get more moolah, I will get a Yankees bomber jacket to go with his Yankees collar, and he will be one hot major league poodle.

Yay Big Papi ..Yay!

Now... I loves me my Yankees... and I am fiercely opposed to the Red Sox as much as any other red-blooded Yankee fan. But I have to say that what David Ortiz said yesterday about Joe Torre being a great manager, and how the team would feel it somehow next year if he left, is just pure class. This guy is a big ol' classy teddy bear.

And to top it off, Francona keeps trying to call Joe, finally gets through, and gives him his support.

Now, I ask you... to see compassion and support from the arch nemesis... now, doesn't that give you hope in a sometimes hopeless world?

What a week...

This has been one heck of a week that has gone by...

• the Yankees eliminated
• Torre's been hung out to dry
• Steinbrenner has been quiet
• Mo cleans out his locker and speaks out for Joe
• the GOP debate (a joke) was nothing more than a fist fight between Mitt and Rudy (and Mitt still evades Mormon issues while Rudy is getting slammered by the extreme right-Christians)
• it finally got cold this week
• I got a cold this week
• Torre gets asked to come to Tampa next week to meet with Management
• Big Papi sticks up for Joe (see post above)
• Al Gore wins the Nobel Peace Prize (yay for him!)

Yup... it's been quite a week.

Friday Cat Blogging

Yes... another Friday Cat Blogging entry to join the untold gazillion FCB's that are out there. For those of you who enjoy cute kits... well, enjoy. For those that don't... well, you have to deal with.

Here is a preliminary pic of Natalie (from her shelter... I will be posting new ones that really do her justice), who was adopted into this Yankees family in mid-August, and she was 10 months old here. She has grown fond of our Yanks... but I think mostly, when she heard the game was on at 7:00pm, she knew dinner time was not far off! As soon as she heard the YES channel, she came zooming down the stairs. Awwww.

I think she will start to worry now during the off-season. Will have to play a Yankee classic to reassure. Darn cat.

A-Rod's Agent

I read today in the New York Times that A-Rod's eyes were red on Monday night when he was in the clubhouse after the game.

He feels bad... he feels bad about the loss, bad about the team, bad for himself, I'm sure. And he said he felt bad about Joe.

He can do something about it. Maybe more than anyone. He can tell the Boss that if Joe goes, he doesn't come back. But Scott Boras, who it seems runs his show with an absolute fist, won't let him do that. Even... even if he wanted to. And that's a terrible, dehumanizing shame.

Because A-Rod could add to his legacy in a really great way doing this. But, even if he wanted to ... it's about money in the end. His agent wants him to opt-out of the contract. Alex makes more money now than he or his progeny could make in a life time.

Oh, but of course, Boras is only looking out for his client.

Suzyn Walden

I think folks are being too hard on Suzyn because of her crying while broadcasting from the clubhouse. I don't think she was crying because the Yankees lost... she's too professional for that. I think that it sincerely got to her that Joe could be leaving, and that this ballclub could fall apart because of it.

I heard that other coaches were crying too. People forget that when you work with and for people for many years, it's inevitable that you are going to form close ties. I for one think Suzyn is a very gutsy person, and a great broadcaster. I like her more than Sterling.

There I said it.

Giulliani sticks up for Joe...

Did anyone catch Rudy sticking up for Torre during the republican debate tonight on CNN?

He said that Joe was the best manager of all time. I think he's right... I don't agree with his political views... but I thought that was cool of him to defend Joe like that.

Do you think the Boss watches CNN?

Baseball Movies

After the post-game show on YES last night (which they did an excellent job... as usual!) I flipped around and found a movie called "Fear Strikes Out (1957)" about Red Sox center-fielder Jim Piersall and his fight with mental illness. The story was riveting, and I was surprised to find out that he kept playing ball even after being treated in a mental hospital. Anthony Perkins played Piersall... he was brilliant. I think he was scarier here than in "Psycho". If you have a chance to watch this movie, see it... because I can't even imagine a situation like this going on in the majors in this day and age.

We're supposed to be living in a more enlightened world. But sports is obsessed with image, sometimes more than performance, it seems. I have a feeling the poor guy would probably have it worse now. I really do.

Joe Deserves More

Last night was tough. The Yankees were eliminated and all the optimism and momentum that was gained by the previous night's win seemed like a beautiful dream... the kind of dream that you think is real... you're sure it is. And you close your eyes and hope that you can go back to the dream because it feels so nice.

Instead here we are again. We just got to the first round. Yet I feel a lot of good was seen and done in this year, and yes ... even in this post-season. We got to see a broken and slumping team come back from an almost impossible trail behind the Red Sox. We got to see great men battling it out through 162 games, through injuries, through the inane gossip, through the relentless media scrutiny. And now there is a team being formed, finally cohesive... bonded with each other and forming a brotherhood that we have not seens since the late 90's in the age of Brocius, Martinez and Williams, Pettite and Jeter. This is not the time, Mr. Steinbrenner, to bail out.

Through all this, Joe Torre has been unflappble. Aways. Through the past 12 years, he has been the epitomy of class and cool. He has brought this team to the post season every single year since he's been manager. Every single year. To bring this team to the 2007 post-season has been nothing short of a miracle. He is has been this teams father-figure, and this team's heart.

George Steinbrenner should finally grow up in his old age. Doubt that he will. I am hoping for a miracle, though. Just like the miracle that has been the past 12 years.