Blog Bounce: Check in With MYBB

Jason at My Baseball Bias is doing a live blog about the Andy Pettitte press conference. If you’re busy at work or in class, be sure to check it out. I’m writing a paper right now, so it’s a nice and quiet method for information. 

Yankees Offer $5 Million to 16-Year Old SS?

From Paul Hoynes:

Clubhouse confidential: The talk in the Dominican Republic is that the Yankees have offered 16-year-old shortstop Edward Salcedo a $5 million contract. The Indians, at one time, had reportedly signed Salcedo for between $4 and $5 million, but that proved to be false.

A scout who has seen a lot of Salcedo said he dominates his age group.

“He’s a big, strong kid with a good arm, good hands and some power,” said the scout. “I’d like to see him play against some tougher competition.”

Salcedo is supposed to be a 5-tool talent, so this signing could end up being a great move for the future of the club (if it is actually true).

K-Rod Could’ve Been Mo’s Successor?

According to ESPN, K-Rod expects to be a free agent after the 2008 season. Apparently, he’s been waiting on a good long-term deal from the Angels (they’ve made him an offer already) but, judging from the $2 million gap in their current salary negotiations for the year (arbitration hearing on Thursday–he wants $12 million, they’ve offerred $10), he’s probably looking for more money than they’re willing to offer. Rodriguez did stress that he believes the Angels want to keep him, although nothing is guaranteed.

K-Rod would’ve been a good successor to Mariano Rivera. He’s probably the best closer in the AL, even if he did cheat a bit with that rosin on his cap. I won’t throw Mo under the bust just yet. I still think he has enough gas in his tank to finish 2008 and 2009 with some great numbers (although his third year could be a bit scary).

Monday Morning Bits: Pettitte, Stanton, Giambi, George, Kids, Igawa

Monday morning bits are always the best. Come on, admit it.

• First up, Andy Pettitte will be addressing his off-season issues in a press conference, later today, in Florida. Pettitte’s old friend Mike Stanton, another ex-Yankee and alleged HGH user, is proud of him for coming forward and admitting to his mistakes (multiple). When asked about Roger Clemens, Stanton was pretty silent (“No comment”), but Stanton did state that he himself had never used HGH before and did not know Kurt Radomski (his “alleged” dealer). He also described the report’s claims as “outrageous” and “unfair.”
• Next up, earlier this week, PA tipped us off (well, a friend of IPK tipped off IPK who then tipped off PA, so take it for what it’s worth) about Jason Giambi, stating that Giambi would report to camp this week and was supposedly in “great shape”. He’s apparently been hitting everyday, as well. Even if he’s working hard, it definitely appears as though Giambi is still having some fun, as he was seen late Saturday night in a Vegas nightclub (LAX). I know this isn’t necessarily “news,” but, maybe it’s an indication of Giambi’s actual work ethic this off-season.
• Third today, not something too new, but I’m not quite sure how I missed it. Phil Hughes told PA earlier in the week that his fastball should be back to its normal velocity. Fully recovered from his leg injuries last year, he can finally follow through in his delivery and effectively finish off his pitches (injecting them with some late life). Another interesting bit in PA’s report is that Moose had both Kennedy’s and Hughes’ lockers moved right next to his (one on each side) so that he can talk to them throughout Spring Training. Love him or hate him, Moose seems like he’s doing the right thing in mentoring the kids (but what about Joba?).
• Finally, George Steinbrenner made an appearance at camp on Sunday and upon his arrival, he immediately met with Joe Girardi. Mark Feinsand (PA’s boy) has got the story (Daily News) and also threw in an extra bit about Kei Igawa. According to Joe Girardi, Igawa will be allowed to alter his training program to fit his needs and desires (making him more comfortable). However, Girardi also said that there’s only so much flexibility there (he can’t do whatever he wants). Hey, whatever works. I wonder if he’ll go out and throw 100 pitches at a chain link fence like last year.

More later (including Pettitte news, I’m sure).

Up in Smoke

From the Times Herald Record:

On a T-shirt of a man you don’t want to hear about: As incredible as it gets with Carl Pavano, you might not even believe this one. The pitcher who has succeeded in wasting more money and time than, possibly, anyone in team history, is here because he’s on the 40-man roster. He cannot pitch, of course, because he’s set for Tommy John surgery. But the man ridiculed by teammates and fans alike for his indifference apparently couldn’t resist making himself recipient of another joke as well as more scorn. “Bongs, not bombs,” read the shirt Pavano wore, with the picture of a device used for smoking pot.

I guess with all that free time he had to develop some sort of hobby.