Wishful Thinking

Here’s an interesting note about Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt, via SI, in relation to free agent bust, Andruw Jones:

McCourt, who reportedly has unusual financial issues for the owner of a marquee team, is said to have been apoplectic over Jones’ putrid performance and at one point is believed to have considered the extraordinary but absurd step to request a refund of Jones’ $18.1 million salary.

Imagine that? If asking for refunds from terrible signings (or trades) became a common occurrence in the game of baseball, I think the Yankees would be the main proponent of the practice. Whether it’s Kei Igawa, Jaret Wright, Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano, I mean, the list goes on and on (and on).

Remembering Tresh

Former Yankee, Tom Tresh (71), passed away yesterday after suffering a heart attack in Venice, FL. Many contemporary fans, including myself, don’t know much about Tresh, but he was an integral part of the Yankee lineup throughout the 60’s, playing SS and helping the team get to the World Series from 1962-1964 (we won in ‘62 but lost in ‘63 and ‘64). In ‘62, Tresh earned himself ROTY honors and then went on to have a solid sophomore campaign, however, his production tapered off considerably as the years went by and the Yankees pretty much followed suit, in terms of the standings. His final season with the club was in 1969, before being traded to the Tigers after just 45 games.

You can see the Yankees’ press release, reflecting on Tresh, here.

Pettitte In?

Andy Pettitte’s agents have informed the Yankees that he does want to return for the 2009 season. I expect that the Yankees will have Andy back, as long as his elbow (and arm, in general) is clean. He was plagued by some discomfort in the second half of the year, which hurt his numbers tremendously. If everything is fine, then you can pencil Andy (at $10 million per?), Wang and Joba, into the starting 5. In my opinion, the Yankees would rather have Pettitte back for a year, rather then signing Derek Lowe. If he joins the team, Brian Cashman will focus on A.J. Burnett and C.C. Sabathia.