Red Sox Fans Are Smart

From the Eagle Tribune:

HAVERHILL – The Red Sox cap and jacket was a dead giveaway.

Police said when they went to the home of Mark Klier, who was suspected of robbing the Walgreens on River Street, he answered the door wearing the cap and jacket. It was the same way he was dressed in a store surveillance videotape that captured him robbing $200 from the store Jan. 22, police said.

At least he was a diehard fan.

Hughes is Here to Stay…For Now

Phil Hughes, who will be getting a new number, is still a Yankee even after Santana was sent to another team (in NY). Oh, and guess what? He’s happy about it (no, really?).

“That’s kind of been my goal the whole time, and to finally know that it’s somewhat intact, it’s a good feeling,” the 21-year-old right-hander said today at the Yankees’ minor league complex.

“It’s good to finally have that reassurance of being somewhat stable for the time being. It kind of dragged out longer than everybody wanted it too, but it’s finally nice to be able to concentrate on things we need to do.”

It’ll be good to have Hughes around. I have a feeling he’ll prove many people wrong, and will ultimately demonstrate that he was worth keeping in NY and on the Yankees (even if Johan Santana was on the table).

Keith Law’s Top 100 Prospects

Hey everyone. Sorry for the lack of updates today, especially in terms of timeliness. I’ve been pretty busy with school stuff, but hopefully, I’ll still have enough content, commentary and information for you guys at the end of the day.

One great item that I missed is Keith Law’s Top 100 Prospect List. It’s a nice summary if you’re getting acquainted with prospects for the first time or if you’re simply looking to brush up on your favorite player’s development. Joba, Jose Tabata and Austin Jackson are all ranked in the top-25 (in that order), which is very cool for Yankee fans.

Yanks Sign Ensberg

The Yankees signed Morgan Ensberg to a minor league deal today. He is expected to compete for the job at first base (although he typically plays third). If anything happens to Giambi, or, if Duncan is experiencing any lingering effects after his blood clot scare, Ensberg could (that’s the key word) serve as a viable replacement. He’s been miserable since a great 2005 campaign, so maybe we can strike some lightning in a bottle.

Santana-Mets Update

Charley Walters is reporting that the Mets and Santana are close to reaching an agreement. According to Walters, the contract could be a 6-year deal (with a signing bonus and performance incentives) worth more than $150 million.

This seems like an incredible amount. Jayson Stark at ESPN has actually released a conflicting report which states that the Mets and Santana are still far off on an extension. Stark says that the years of the contract are the biggest factor and that a deal will likely be reached by tomorrow (morning) at the earliest.

It’s still doubtful that the deal could collapse, but then again, anything’s possible.

Later Leyritz

It’s always sad whenever someone’s life is reduced to this, but, if it’s necessary, it’s necessary. Jim Leyritz has been ordered by a judge to take daily breathalyzer tests, three times a day until his trial. When measured three hours after the crash, Leyritz’s BAC was 0.14 percent.

The legal limit in Florida is 0.08, and the NY Post has actually found out that the victim, Fredia Ann Veitch, was also driving under the influence of alcohol, although her BAC was the legal limit (0.08).

People need to relax with the booze before they hit the road, period. It’s just not worth it. I’ve always thought that was obvious, but I guess not.

C.C. You Soon

By Jim Ingraham:

All together now: ”So long, C.C.!”

Whatever Santana gets, you can slot Sabathia’s next contract just a few clicks below that. In fact, who’s to say Sabathia isn’t the more attractive commodity? He’s the reigning Cy Young Award winner, has seven more career wins, one more career shutout, 10 more career complete games than Santana, and he’s a year younger than Santana.

In some ways, the best case scenario for the Indians would have been for the Twins to do what the Indians will do with Sabathia: keep him for the entire 2008 season, even if he is un-re-signable. At least then, Santana’s market value wouldn’t be established until he became a free agent after the season.

Now, however, Santana’s market value — and, hence, Sabathia’s — is going to be established before the start of spring training. That can only hurt the Indians’ attempts to re-sign their ace.

The Yankees will have some money ready for him. With Santana on the Mets for many, many years (after an extension is ironed out), C.C. Sabathia, who is a personal favorite of mine, will ultimately become the premiere free agent pitcher after the 08 season.

The Yankees better break out the checkbook and stock the buffet table. Hmm… I wonder if Sabathia will have a locker next to A-Rod or Mark Teixeira?

Hank Speaks on Santana Trade

From the Canadian Press:

“I can’t really comment because it’s not done. All I can say is that the Twins did what they had to do,” New York Yankees senior vice-president Hank Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. “I hope it works out well for them. The Mets made a good trade from their end. Hopefully it works out for both teams.”

This is basically Steinbrenner speak for “Die.. Brian.. Cashman…”