Matt Holliday Could Become Available?

From Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports):

The Rockies, 10 games back in the NL West, almost certainly would consider trading Holliday, knowing they stand little chance of keeping him long-term. Holliday, 28, could be this year’s Mark Teixeira — a Scott Boras client traded with a year-plus remaining on his contract by a team seeking value for a franchise-type player. The Rockies signed Holliday to a two-year, $23 million deal in January, but could lose him as a free agent after the 2009 season and receive only draft picks in return. After overcoming an 18-27 start last season, the Rockies will not give up on their season easily, not when they are 15-25 with essentially the same team. Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, however, is out until the All-Star break with a leg injury, and the NL appears stronger than it was last season. The Rockies rank 13th in the league in runs and 15th in ERA.

Rosenthal then goes on to list the Yankees as a possible suitor for Holliday, although they would have to trade Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui in order for that to work (and pitching is currently a bigger need). A better way to make it work would probably involve dropping Giambi completely and moving Damon to 1B so that Holliday could slot in at LF, but that probably wouldn’t happen.

I usually wouldn’t entertain this idea, especially with a Coors Field guy, but Holliday broke out in a big way last year, putting together phenomenal home numbers and exceptional numbers on the road. If he’s available, the Yankees should definitely think about pursuing him (even if he wants a big extension). With Bobby Abreu headed for FA after the season, it could be the best move for the ballclub (Holliday is only 28). Yes, the Rockies would wan’t a lot of pitching talent in return, but after the Johan Santana situation that came and went, do you think that will really stop Hank Steinbrenner from a big move? Also, stockpiling so many bullpen arms and young starters has given the Yankees an excellent set of trading chips that the Rockies would love (they can’t all play for the Yankees).

A-Return is Near

A-Rod ran the bases well today and has been cleared to participate in some rehab games before he makes his way back to the team. Let’s hope he’s 100% when he comes back, because, as you can tell from watching the Tampa Bay game right now, the Yankees could use a big bat (a right bat especially).

A-Rod Supports Manny’s Trek to 500

Here’s a nice tidbit from George King III (NY Post):

Though Alex Rodriguez eyes a return from the disabled list Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Rodriguez said he understands he set himself up for a vicious booing by Red Sox fans for helping friend Manny Ramirez celebrate when Ramirez hits his 500th home run.

“Manny wanted four people to make a video for him, and I was one of them,” Rodriguez said. “I filmed it last week.”

What does Rodriguez say to his friend upon entering the fraternity Rodriguez joined last year?

“I said, ‘Manny, I am going to make this brief because I am going to get booed. Congratulations and many more.’ “

With the Red Sox starting a seven-game home stand tomorrow night, there is a good chance Ramirez will reach the magic number.

That’s pretty cool. I’m looking forward to Manny’s 500th HR.

McCutchen Promoted

I haven’t written much on Daniel McCutchen (click here for a great scouting report by Pending Pinstripes), another solid (yet slightly older) pitching prospect had by the NY Yankees. McCutchen is an aggressive right hander and his numbers in Trenton have been pretty impressive. The Yankees have contemplated using Danimal, as he’s called, in the big league pen, and may have taken a step in that direction as George King notes in today’s NY Post that McCutchen has been promoted to Scranton (Triple-A ball). We could see him by the end of the year in some capacity.

A Very Yankee Graduation

From the NY Post:

A graduating New York University student was ejected from his commencement at Yankee Stadium yesterday after he was caught trying to steal home.

William Lopez, 21, of Manhasset, LI, was among 6,000 students who sat in the box seats behind home plate and along the first base and third base lines at the first graduation to take place at the House that Ruth Built.

NYU, which held its 176th commencement at the storied stadium because of construction at Washington Square Park, had a strict ground rule.

“The students had been repeatedly advised . . . that they were strictly prohibited from being on the field,” said NYU spokesman John Beckman.

About three-quarters of the way through the ceremony, Lopez, wearing his gown and mortarboard, leaped over the right-field fence onto the field.

He sprinted across the outfield behind second base and made it to third, as many in the crowd, which also included 20,000 guests, cheered him on.

Lopez, a Yankee and Met fan, turned for home as stadium security and NYPD cops tackled him just feet from his goal.

“I was trying to make it to home plate,” Lopez told The Post after he was issued a summons for trespass. “I wanted to do a head-first dive. I almost made it, only 10 feet to go.”

The Tisch School of the Arts grad said cops told him, “You ruined your graduation, and I said, ‘Are you kidding me? The crowd was cheering me on.’ “

Lopez’s father, Bob Lopez, said when he saw the figure running on the field, “My wife asked, ‘Could that be William?’ I said, ‘No. That kid’s an athlete.”

His son said, “This is the first and last graduation at Yankee Stadium. There’s no better stage than this.’ “

But Beckman said that “the Yankees were very gracious hosts and we were grateful to be allowed to be there, and it is always disappointing to us when one member of our community thinks there’s a special set of rules for him or her.”

What a great place for a graduation. Yankee Stadium is renting itself out this year, I mean, the Pope, the AS Game, hockey games, graduations, bah mitzvahs (probably), you name it. I actually applaud this guy for trying to touch home plate. Only million dollar fingers ever get to feel that dish, so you can’t be mad at him for trying.

A-Quad Progressing

A-Rod’s quad strain, which has progressed slowly from a Grade 2 to a Grade 1 strain, is almost “there” in terms of his rehab. The strain has healed well, thus far, and A-Rod’s next step will be to run the bases before tonight’s game against the Rays. Hopefully, everything will be in order and then he’s expected to play in a few rehab games before making his way back to the team (they’re dying to have him back). A-Rod’s strain was diagnosed as Grade 1 strain on Monday and ever since he’s been participating in fielding drills and batting practice. The Yankees have taken it slow with A-Rod and we’ll see if their pace was slow enough come tomorrow.

Cashman Speaks On Steinbrenner Situation

Brian Cashman responded to Hank Steinbrenner today with the following (via Tyler Kepner):

“All I know is, I agree that we’re not performing up to our ability for this period of time, and we are better than this,” Cashman said. “Every day we take the field, I believe it’s the day we’re going to be closer to getting back on track. Right now, I believe this is just a bad stretch. We’re a good team playing poorly right now, nothing more.”

When asked about Steinbrenner’s comments pertaining to changes next year (“by force” if need be), Cashman said that he’s not worried about his status with the club and that he’s only concerned with 2008. I don’t think that the “force” comment really pertains to Cashman (although Kepner does), especially since it’s Cashman’s ultimate decision as to where he’ll be in 2009. When asked about trades, Cash also said that the club will fix itself from within (like we haven’t heard that before) and that the team doesn’t really need extra help, they just have to perform up to their best abilities.

There’s nothing really new here. The Yanks are just dealing with some typical Steinbrenner bluster and they’re offering up the same old regurgitated responses. It definitely looks like we’re in for an interesting season. I wonder how Hank will react when (or if) we actually start winning a lot of games? Could silence actually be a possibility? Let’s keep our fingers crossed…