Injuries force Pats to play without starters Neal, Kaczur

Injuries force Pats to play without starters Neal, Kaczur

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3171718

The New England Patriots will attempt to complete the NFL's first 16-0 regular season on Saturday minus the starting right side of their offensive line.

Guard Stephen Neal (shoulder) and tackle Nick Kaczur (foot) were downgraded by team officials to "out" for the prime-time matchup against the New York Giants.

The absences of the two offensive linemen are significant because the Giants lead the NFL in sacks, with 52, and New York players maintained this week that a key to slowing the top-ranked New England offense will be mounting a pass rush on Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady.

Seven-year veteran Russ Hochstein, who has filled in for Neal in the past, will start at right guard. Saturday will mark the eighth game Neal has missed this year. The likely starter at right tackle is second-year veteran Ryan O'Callaghan, who has not started at all this season, but who did start six games at right tackle in 2006.

O'Callaghan could play a key role on Saturday, since he will be matched against Giants left defensive end Michael Strahan, one of the leading sackers of all-time. A 15-year veteran, Strahan has 141½ career sacks, including nine quarterback takedowns this season. Since he sometimes moves inside to tackle in obvious passing situations, it is possible that Strahan will be matched against Hochstein on some occasions.

This is the first game that Kaczur will have missed this season.

Brady has been sacked only 20 times in 15 games.

In addition to Kaczur and Neal, the Pats also ruled out tight end Kyle Brady (foot), cornerback Willie Andrews (elbow) and running back Kyle Eckel (stomach). With tight end Benjamin Watson also ailing, New England may have to play shorthanded at the position for a second straight week.

Losing Andrews will impact the Patriots' special teams, since he is on every kicking unit. The Patriots signed cornerback Antwain Spann from their practice squad and he could see action on special teams.




Injuries force Pats to play without starters Neal, Kaczur


Seven-year veteran Russ Hochstein, who has filled in for Neal in the past, will start at right guard. Saturday will mark the eighth game Neal has missed this year. The likely starter at right tackle is second-year veteran Ryan O'Callaghan, who has not started at all this season, but who did start six games at right tackle in 2006

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3171718

The New England Patriots will attempt to complete the NFL's first 16-0 regular season on Saturday minus the starting right side of their offensive line.

Guard Stephen Neal (shoulder) and tackle Nick Kaczur (foot) were downgraded by team officials to "out" for the prime-time matchup against the New York Giants.



comments on Pats Guard Russ Hochstein | G

Here's scouting report on him

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=5599
Comment: Hochstein is a six-year veteran with average size, strength and athleticism. He is a tough competitor that is effective with smarts and technique. He is versatile as he can play center or guard. He has a good feel for angles and body positioning. He uses his hands well and has decent foot agility to gain leverage. Hochstein has good initial quickness and can be effective on back side blocks but is limited when pulling to search light defenders. He can stay connected in a limited area but is not very effective in space or on the second level. He is inconsistent to anchor versus powerful inside bull rushers but can slow progress when playing with good pad level. He can slide and mirror in the box but quick counter moves give him trouble. He tends to play a bit high and stiff at times and has to be solid with technique, toughness and intelligence to be effective. He gives good depth to the offensive line but teams would not want to start him for any length of time.



Comments on #68 Ryan O'Callaghan | G


Scouting report Callaghan

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=7885

Comment: OCallaghan is coming off a successful rookie season as a right offensive tackle. He is a huge body with good strength and athleticism. He is tough, competitive and works to finish blocks. He can lock on and run his feet effectively to control blockers. He does play high at times and will lose his balance when not using proper offensive line techniques. OCallaghan can smother undersized defensive ends and can anchor versus power pass rushers. High, wide speed rushers give him some problems but better deep set foot work could improve him in this area. He does use his hands well but needs better and more consistent hand placement. He is smart and a solid reactor to stunts and twists. He understands body positioning and gaining leverage with strength and technique. Ryan gained valuable playing time in 2006 and performed well considering his lack of experience. He should continue to improve with added strength and expanded offensive line techniques.

Do you think outcome of tommorrow's game change now that The Injuries force Pats to play without starters Neal, Kaczur on their Offensive line?


Seven-year veteran Russ Hochstein, who has filled in for Neal in the past, will start at right guard. Saturday will mark the eighth game Neal has missed this year. The likely starter at right tackle is second-year veteran Ryan O'Callaghan, who has not started at all this season, but who did start six games at right tackle in 2006

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3171718

The New England Patriots will attempt to complete the NFL's first 16-0 regular season on Saturday minus the starting right side of their offensive line.

Guard Stephen Neal (shoulder) and tackle Nick Kaczur (foot) were downgraded by team officials to "out" for the prime-time matchup against the New York Giants.



comments on Pats Guard Russ Hochstein | G

Here's scouting report on him

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=5599
Comment: Hochstein is a six-year veteran with average size, strength and athleticism. He is a tough competitor that is effective with smarts and technique. He is versatile as he can play center or guard. He has a good feel for angles and body positioning. He uses his hands well and has decent foot agility to gain leverage. Hochstein has good initial quickness and can be effective on back side blocks but is limited when pulling to search light defenders. He can stay connected in a limited area but is not very effective in space or on the second level. He is inconsistent to anchor versus powerful inside bull rushers but can slow progress when playing with good pad level. He can slide and mirror in the box but quick counter moves give him trouble. He tends to play a bit high and stiff at times and has to be solid with technique, toughness and intelligence to be effective. He gives good depth to the offensive line but teams would not want to start him for any length of time.



Comments on #68 Ryan O'Callaghan | G


Scouting report Callaghan

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=7885

Comment: OCallaghan is coming off a successful rookie season as a right offensive tackle. He is a huge body with good strength and athleticism. He is tough, competitive and works to finish blocks. He can lock on and run his feet effectively to control blockers. He does play high at times and will lose his balance when not using proper offensive line techniques. OCallaghan can smother undersized defensive ends and can anchor versus power pass rushers. High, wide speed rushers give him some problems but better deep set foot work could improve him in this area. He does use his hands well but needs better and more consistent hand placement. He is smart and a solid reactor to stunts and twists. He understands body positioning and gaining leverage with strength and technique. Ryan gained valuable playing time in 2006 and performed well considering his lack of experience. He should continue to improve with added strength and expanded offensive line techniques.


Nm

Remember Ohlendorf was traded for Randy Johnson.

Since moving as Starter to The Yankees Bullpen He throws 97 mph and has good slider. Also working on his splitter.

Marquez throws 93-95 mph, former first round sandwich pick by the Yankees.

As a long time yankees fan I lived through the trade the kids for veterans years. That type of thinking works once in a blue moon. I remember Ken phelps for Jay Buhner, Fred Mcgriff, Willie Mcgee, Jose Rijo, and others who were in our farm system. I want to stay with the current plan of building within. Its worked for Cleveland, Arizona, Florida in 2003 and others. Why cant the Twins keep Santana? Offer 6 years at 20 mil per. The next 10 years are going to be exciting for the yankees with joba chamberlain , phil hughes . ian kennedy andrew brackman and dellin betances pitching. Outfield of Austin Jackson, jesus Montero, Jose Tabata also looks good. However, if the twins must trade santana i would honestly prefer the Mets to get him. The have absoluely no pitching. red Sox dont need him. I think Dice K will be much better next year and win 20 games. If the yanks are stupid enough to make a trade then i dougbt that Phil Hughes is in it. Cashman is adament but hank steinbrenner wants to include him. However, an article today in the NY papers points to a quote by a source close to Hal the younger brother of hank who is on cashmans side for financial reasons though. What the yanks could do is make a new package: Ross Olendorf (96mph sinkerballer we got from arizona in randy johnson trade) Jeff Marquez(Scouts compare him to a Brandon Webb) either melky Cabrera, Austin Jackson or Jose tabata and to make up for Phil Hughes…. Drumroll please…………………………………… Robinson Cano. Okay before my fellow yankee fans kill me my reasoning is that in addition to being a premium 2nd baseman he is a MLB ready proven player the twins need. They get 2 pitching prospects even though the twins seem to have thier own phil hughes type prospects. The inclision of cano is critical if Phil Hughes is off the table. I think finding a replacement second baseman is easier. Thats my 2 cents…

Czech this one out
David Vyborny | Blue Jackets | Interested: Rangers

http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/features/rumors

Columbus F David Vyborny has been part of trade discussions between the Blue Jackets and the Rangers, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

It doesn't hurt that Vyborny is good friends with Rangers RW and fellow Czech Republic native Jaromir Jagr and have trained together in the offseason, according to The Dispatch.

The paper reported that the Blue Jackets are believed to be interested in F Petr Prucha, 25, and might have interest in young forwards Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes.

The Dispatach said the Rangers are thought to be looking to deal D Paul Mara and Marek Malik, both of whom will be unrestricted free agents after this season.

A source told The Dispatch that neither Blue Jackets D Adam Foote or Rostislav Klesla have been discussed in trade talks.

If The Rangers continue to struggle to score goals, to be Stanley cup contenders The Rangers have to at least play some defense. I don't think right now Rangers Defense aren't Cup Worthy .

If The Rangers continue to struggle to score goals, and be Stanley cup contenders . The Rangers have to commit and play some defense If they can't score. I don't think right now Rangers Defense aren't Cup Worthy .

McNamee’s Legal Team Adds Power to Lineup

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/29/sports/baseball/29clemens.html?_r=1&ex=1356584400&en=88a22659f6fde457&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin

Richard D. Emery is a prominent New York lawyer who has made his mark in the area of civil liberties. Two months ago, he prevailed in a case against New York City’s Department of Correction, which agreed to settle a lawsuit that Emery had filed on behalf of tens of thousands of nonviolent inmates who had been wrongly strip-searched


On Friday, Emery revealed he was preparing to take on a new, and quite different, opponent — Roger Clemens, the 45-year-old pitcher who now finds his once-certain Hall of Fame career jeopardized by the Mitchell report. The report directly links Clemens to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Emery has been asked by the lawyer for Brian McNamee, Clemens’s accuser and former trainer, to assist in defending McNamee against allegations that he lied to Mitchell’s investigators about Clemens’s use of steroids and human growth hormone.

The lawyer for McNamee, Earl Ward, said Emery had been recruited because he has particular experience in libel and defamation cases and would be in a position to bring a lawsuit against Clemens if the pitcher and his lawyer continue to insist that McNamee did not tell the truth about Clemens.

In the Mitchell report, which was presided over by the former United States Senator George J. Mitchell and released three weeks ago, McNamee stated that he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone on occasions when Clemens played for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998 and for the Yankees in 2000 and 2001. McNamee, who was Clemens’s longtime personal trainer, was compelled to cooperate with Mitchell under an agreement with federal prosecutors.

In the wake of the report, and the substantial damage it has done to his image, Clemens has denied using performance-enhancing drugs. His lawyer, Rusty Hardin, has aggressively questioned McNamee’s credibility.That, in turn, led to Emery’s entrance onto the scene in what has become an unusual baseball drama matching lawyers in New York and Houston, where Hardin is based.

In particular, Ward and Emery pointed Friday to a Mike Wallace interview with Clemens that is scheduled to appear on the Jan. 6 broadcast of “60 Minutes,” on CBS.

“If Roger Clemens continues to play fast and loose with the truth on ‘60 Minutes’ and he continues to call Brian McNamee a liar then we will proceed with a defamation suit,” Emery said in a telephone interview. “It is one of the only avenues Brian has to defend himself against the claims that he lied.”

To date, Clemens has disputed McNamee through statements issued through his agent, through Hardin and through a video he posted on the Internet. Clemens did not call McNamee a liar in any of those statements, although in the video he specifically states that McNamee never injected him with steroids or H.G.H.

Hardin confirmed that an interview between Clemens and Wallace was taped at Clemens’s home in Katy, Tex., on Friday.

“I think I’ll let the interview speak for itself,” Hardin said in a telephone interview. “We will wait for it to air on January the 6th but my advice to Brian and his lawyers would be to stay tuned because he told Mike Wallace the truth.”

Emery and Ward said McNamee was concerned about the impact that the continued statements by Clemens and Hardin would have on his reputation, and in particular what Clemens would say on “60 Minutes.”

“He is afraid that his character is going to be assassinated on national television and that Roger is going to continue to lie and trash him,” Ward said in a telephone interview. “If that airs, Clemens should be prepared to see the matter litigated in the courts.

“We would file the suit to establish that Brian is not lying.”

Hardin said Clemens still planned to speak directly with reporters after his interview with Wallace was broadcast. However, Hardin said, the plans for that session had been changed; the news conference now will probably occur the next day rather than directly after the broadcast.

“Our agreement with ‘60 Minutes’ is that we won’t talk to anybody until the West Coast shows play and that won’t be over till 10 p.m. on Sunday night, so Roger is going to have to talk to the media on Monday.”

If Emery and Ward move ahead with a defamation suit, it would create a situation in which Clemens would have to testify under oath. That issue has been just beneath the surface as Clemens and Hardin have mounted their counterattack on McNamee and the Mitchell report.

Congress, for instance, could subpoena Clemens to issue his denials under oath, with a House committee hearing on the Mitchell report now scheduled for Jan. 15. Likewise, the federal prosecutors who arranged for McNamee to meet with Mitchell could seek to question Clemens.

For now, though, Congress has made no decision on any subpoena and the United States attorney’s office in Northern California does not seem inclined to have Clemens answer questions from a federal agent, which would put him in legal jeopardy if he lied.

Instead, it is a battle of lawyers, with Hardin saying he would welcome a suit by McNamee.

“There would finally be a forum to question McNamee and I would be absolutely delighted,” Hardin said. “We will no longer have to shadow box about this.”

Yankees sign Juan Gonzalez and invited him to spring training?

http://www.vocero.com/noticiasum.asp?id=11112

From a Puerto Rican newspaper

Here's a translation using Babel


New York - Agreeing with the I Summit of the Latin American Baseball, which comes the past celebrating in the city of Manhattan from Wednesday, the Yankees of New York announced yesterday the hiring of the pelotero boricua Juan ` Igor' González. The contract will be of two years and $2 million. It announced was presented by the general manager of the Yankees, Brian Cashman, that stressed that González will be active in the training fields and will dress the uniform in the great equipment from the first day of the season of the 2008.

This is probably some hoax and April fools ? The Yankees already have Abreu playing RF?

This is probably some hoax and April fools ? The Yankees already have Abreu playing RF?

Piece of (white) Facade goes up on New Yankee Stadium

Yea he is a reliable source. He is a friend of mine from HS who now works for a major sports media outlet in NY. He gets info from other people. By no means is he directly connected to the Yanks with maybe the exception of Jason Zillo, the Yanks PR guy. It's not like this my buddy is Bill Madden and has the ear of Hank Steinbrenner because that is NOT the case. But he does hear stuff and he passes what he can on to me as he knows how big a Yankee fan I am. What he told me lately was what I passed on to this board the other day. Nothing new on the Santana front although I find it interesting that Buster Olney is now mentioning it is between the Mets and Yankees, sounds like the Sox are out. If Johan is traded, I'm sure it will be somewhere between Jan. 3rd and Jan. 20th. What extension are you referring to?



Ok wow that's awesome..



well I was told they aren't accepting anything under 5 years and that Santana wants to be a Yankee, and I was told his agent is out of commission so that is also slowing things down right now.



He prefers to go to the NL but loves the Yanks and would love to play there. He likes the NL because it is far less superior. He wants to be a Yankee though.



I'm sure Johan has interest in playing for the Yankees. But I doubt he would veto a trade to the Mets or Red Sox if such a trade were proposed. What's wrong with his agent?


No, saw it in another posting and realized it was you who said you heard Buster Olney say it on ESPN.

Yo, SOSH.

Leyritz DID play for the Red Sox. Have you EVER checked out baseballreference.com or opened a stinking Baseball Encyclopedia? Leyritz played for Boston for part of 1998.

It’s amazing how many idiots don’t know how to open a reference book or how to Google something.

Leyritz was most likely returning home after being out celebrating his 44th birthday that night. A sad situation.

This New Year’s Eve, please be responsible.

My college roommate my senior year was killed by a drunk driver. After earning his B.S., he got a Masters. He was on the way to the airport to go to start work on his doctorate when he was killed. A great guy.

Know when to say “when.”

(translated kind of)

Quote:
New York – Coinciding with the I Summit of the Latin-American Baseball, which comes themselves celebrating in the city of Manhattan since the past Wednesday, the Yankees of new York announced yesterday the contracting of the ballplayer boricua Juan 'Igor' González.

The contract will be of two years and $2 million.

The it announced was brought to light for the general manager of the Yankees, Brian Cashman, who emphasized that González will be assets in the training camps and will dress the uniform with the large team since the first day of the season of the 2008.

The I Summit of the Latin-American Baseball

It has managed to meet to near 20 general managers of the Large Leagues with the Association of Professional Leagues of Baseball of Latin America for the purpose of seeking alliances of work, so much in the country administrative as in that of the firm of new prospects.

"For various years we have been interested in Juan. We know that its career has had some blunders, but I believe that now is the so much, perfect moment for him as for us, to unite us and to mold a winning team", said Cashman.

"In spite of the fact that does not play in the Large Leagues since over three years ago, has been maintained healthy, in good physical condition and above all has not lost the fortress of his I bat. We receive some reports of his training in Puerto Rico in the Winter Trainning Program and all they coincide in which Juan has not lost his force as the batter. His experience in the baseball assures him a place in the so much team as the batter appointed like in the gardens. We are pleased with the contract and the fast way to arrive at a good agreement for both parts", added.

The last time that González played in the Large Leagues was in the 2005 with the Indians of Cleveland, more nevertheless, could participate in a single encounter due to that was injured in the spring training. Once it returned suffered a tear muscular when ran toward the first base.

Since the 2002 to the 2004, González participated in less than the half of the parties of the complete calendar of parties of the greater. Its last productive year was in the 2001, when played for Cleveland and where connected 35 home runs and 140 careers pushed.

"Juan is an expert in pushing careers. That experience is the one that interested us to recruit it. With our organization we are sure that Juan will be able to achieve numbers that place it among the better of every time", indicated Cashman.

Exactly, the theme of the players of Large Leagues that extend its careers or that stay away for a time due to wounds was one of the topics discussed in the summit. "There are cases that deserve to give him a second opportunity. That of Juan is one of them. Its two More Valuable prizes of Player (1996 and 1998) and its series post-season still prevail", said Cashman.

The firm of González coincided with the done announcement this week by the Yankees, that iniciarián a payroll reduction program looking to descending the luxury tax that pay for being exceeded of the salary stop. Also it coincided with the

I think it's The same Puerto Rican newspaper who reported that The Yankees sign Juan Miranda last year..

"González will be active in the training fields and will dress the uniform in the great equipment from the first day of the season of the 2008."
What ever that means? Can He play Cf? J.k

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Please... This is such bull****. This is obviously just another selective witch-hunt by red sox sympathizers to make the yankees look bad. We all know that in florida there is a bias against the yankees and in favor of the red sox(See Beckett/Lowell trade). Why should we believe one dead corpse? How do we know that the corpse is credible? Maybe its just staying dead in order to work out a deal with the feds. Just wait untill Leyritz's youtube video is posted.

Yankees pull Cano out of winter ball

BY KAT O'BRIEN | kat.obrien@newsday.com
December 29, 2007

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spyanks295518946dec29,0,2312288.story




The Yankees have prohibited Robinson Cano from continuing to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Brian Cashman confirmed Friday.

The news was first reported by ESPN Deportes late Thursday. Cano had joined Las Estrellas Orientales, the team from his city of San Pedro de Macoris, earlier this month and helped the club clinch a playoff berth. Cano batted .389 in nine regular-season games and was hitless in his first playoff game Wednesday.

"We had agreed to give him permission to play six games," Yankees general manager Cashman said. "We wanted to make sure that the abdominal injury he had in September was resolved. I noticed that he was still playing after 10 games, and that's not what we had agreed to."

n comments to various Dominican publications, Cano acted surprised that the Yankees had stopped him from playing. Cashman, however, said Cano had agreed to the six-game limit. He also said the Yankees would not have let him play if they had not wanted to make sure he was recovered from his injury.

Cano is said to have learned about the Yankees' wishes through his agent, Bobby Barad. "I have to be sincere; I want to keep playing," Cano told the newspaper Hoy, "but I have to do what the Yankees ask me to because that's my job ... The team [Las Estrellas] was able to compete and get to the playoffs. I sent word to the management [of the Yankees] that I wanted to keep playing to keep myself in shape, but they told my agent that they didn't want me to get hurt, that there had been a lot of players that they had told the same thing."

Major-league teams are allowed to prevent regular players from participating in winter ball if they desire. Cashman said the Yankees had not allowed centerfielder Melky Cabrera - who would have played for Las Aguilas, another Dominican team in the playoffs - to play this winter.

Cano, though, is one of the bigger stars who had been competing in the Dominican Winter League.

"He helped his team get in the playoffs," Cashman said of Cano. "There's pressure on him to play there. I understand that, but he's got to honor his commitment to us."

Of course BC are going to say that. Did Henry and Theo waited for Patience when He traded Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez to get The Ace in Beckett.

The Redsox don't need Johan. They're already have an ace...

I don’t know where my opinion stands on anything, but I give it pretty freely… my friends think I was born for Philly, NY, or Boston with my attitude on sports, politics, and life in general… so for once I’m going to use what I usually take as an insult and put it down here…

Santana’s starts last year had he pitched for the Yankees he would have won 18 games. With the Red Sox 21 wins. That is taking the number of runs that the teams scored for their number 1 starters over the course of the season, and factored in that He would have faced the Twins crapy lineup at least twice for two wins in each.

People consider him to have had an off year, and he was arguably the best pitcher in baseball having an “off” year.

The thing that makes him different than so many of your other superstar pitchers is that He not only has the 94 mph fastball that can blow someone one away, or the A+ Slider that can strike out just about anyone right or left handed, but he has maybe the best changeup in baseball, and is 3 years aways from being a Hall of Famer.

You pay a player for 7 years, you get 5 dominating years from the man, and two years where he’s still a top 10 pitcher in baseball..

Because the one thing that isn’t mentioned… isn’t just the quality of his pitches… it’s the fact that like Pedro Martinez had to learn after he blew out his arm the first time… Santnana knows how to pitch. He’s smarter than the hitter, and that won’t change.

That’s why 7 years for him for the Twins, or any other team is a smart investment because if mediocrity like Silva is catching 48 million dollar paydays… 160-170 million for Santana is almost a steal as odd and outrageous as that sounds.

Hughes is a great talent… Santana is a Hall of Famer. Kennedy could be a very good major league pitcher… I understand that… but when you are the yankees you don’t play for potential, you play to win world series.

Teams like the Twins play with potential, and then when that player develops, they leave to go win their championships in NY, or Boston, or California…

So while if I were a Yankees fan I’d be stoked about the future with all those amazing kids… I’d also know that MY YANKEES don’t need it… we create talent… we make people world champions… There is something to being a Yankee that no other team will ever understand…

And Boston is second on that list, and most everything I say for the Yankees I say to Boston as well. Bringing up a stud is awesome… winning a world series is better. Anything less is a failed season.

Santana evens the playing field for the Yankees. Santana on the Red Sox, and the Yankees aren’t even a wild card factor in 2008… Do you think Hank and George are going to settle for patience?

I don’t care to whom Santana goes, or if he stays here as long as it makes the Twins a better team in the end.

I don’t believe that Pohlad, or his offspring have the testicular fortitude to keep Johan, but I also think that it’s going to come down to to Theo’s brains vs the Steinbrenner balls… 26 world series in 100 years tells me that Theo is going to have to step up, or worry about having to face Santana in Yankee Stadium in game 5,6, or 7 of the ALCS, and knowing that the money that the Yankees are going to make in the playoffs, and world series alone is going to pay Santana’s yearly salary and then some.

Sorry, but this past season the Yankees finished 2 games behind the Red Sox after starting 50 games with assorted pitchers - minor league pitchers at that. With the Yankee lineup they can afford to go with the kids for a while and see how they hold up.

Hughes has a good shot at a 15-16 win season. Kennedy will possibly win 10-12 games. Chamberlain a conservative guess at 12 wins. Pettitte should win 15 or more, Wang pencil in for his usual 19. The bullpen will get some of the no- decision wins.

How much better are we talking with Santana added to the rotation? Lets say he gets 20 wins. That is 4-5 games different from going with Hughes. 140 million is a lot to pay, along with the players needed to be used for 4-5 more wins. And that doesn’t even mean it will be that many wins, its just what the SP does.

No doubt Santana is a great pitcher, but he isn’t winning 25 games, giving a swing of 10 additional wins.

Talk of Cano being moved for him means your pitching ERA will take a hit from his defense being gone. That can be the difference maker in close games. As well as his batting would be gone. No thank you.

When you look at these trade talks, you should see where both sides get a benefit.

Trading Cano would cost some games for the Yankees. Trading Hughes means a 5 game differential. And it isn’t JUST those players. Its more than that.

What the Sox are giving are players they don’t really have a use for, and if that is the case, then their value should be suspect.

Patrick Reusse: Twins GM has 'one big issue' still to resolve

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/12905596.html?page=1&c=y


The issue, of course, is two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, who will demand far more than the Twins can pay.

By PATRICK REUSSE, Star Tribune

Last update: December 28, 2007 - 10:39 PM


The Twins have a tradition of closing down their offices from Christmas Eve until after New Year's. That was the case again for this holiday season.

This meant that Bill Smith was a lonely presence on the top office floor at 34 Kirby Puckett Place. "I was trying to work at home but decided I could get a lot more done here," he said.

He was dressed casually and unshaven -- the look of an executive who knew he would have the office to himself on this afternoon.

"I do have a conference call on insurance for players at 2 o'clock," he said. "Exciting stuff."

Smith has worked in the Twins baseball department since March 1986. He was the right-hand man to Terry Ryan for the previous 13 years, and then replaced him as the general manager on Oct. 1.

Smith was infamous for his long hours as Ryan's assistant. He was asked if being the boss has increased those hours.

"It hasn't changed that much," he said. "This always has been a hectic time of a year -- with the organizational meetings, the GM meetings, the winter meetings, setting the roster, dealing with free agents."

Most of the attention aimed at the Twins has centered on departures: center fielder Torii Hunter to Anaheim for $90 million, pitcher Carlos Silva to Seattle for $48 million and all the rumors surrounding a trade of pitcher Johan Santana.

Yet, this has not been a do-nothing three months for the new GM. Smith and his baseball people went hard after Tampa Bay's Delmon Young as a righthanded bat to replace Hunter.

It was the most aggressive deal the Twins had made in years -- Young, infielder Brendan Harris and outfielder Jason Pridie from the Rays for shortstop Jason Bartlett, strong-armed starter Matt Garza and pitching prospect Eduardo Morlan.

"It was tough to give up our starting shortstop, but I'll say it again: to get quality you have to give up quality," Smith said.

That left the Twins with three obvious holes in the lineup: center field, shortstop and third base.

Earlier this month, the Twins signed two free agents from Houston: shortstop Adam Everett (one year, $2.8 million) and third baseman Mike Lamb (two years, $6.6 million). The reaction of Twins fans and the national baseball media was a collective yawn.

"More than anything, our manager [Ron Gardenhire] wants stability at shortstop, and Everett catches the ball as well as anybody," Smith said. "And our reports on Lamb always have been good."

The way Smith sees it, Gardenhire will have depth and options with his new infield.

"We have four players for three positions," he said. "We have two righthanded hitters [Harris, Everett], a lefty [Lamb] and a switch-hitter [Nick Punto]. I'm not worried about our infield."

That leaves center field. Is that player here yet?

Smith smiled, nodded toward the big board on the office wall that included the Twins roster and said: "Yeah, we have a couple of center fielders on there."

Those players would be Pridie and Denard Span, the No. 1 draft choice from 2002 who went backward this past season at Class AAA Rochester. Span will be back with the Red Wings, and probably with Pridie as a teammate.

"We have one big issue to deal with," Smith said. "Maybe if we get that taken care of, we'll answer the other questions."

The issue is Santana, of course, and the reality the Twins have no chance to meet the contract requirements of a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

"You get a player like this, and then the teams involved are the highest-profile teams from the largest market ... there are going to be a ton of rumors," Smith said. "But that's what they are: rumors."

I'm sure we heard a hint, though, that any deal for Santana would bring a center fielder -- validating the rumors that Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury, or the Yankees' Melky Cabrera or the Mets' Carlos Gomez would be part of any Santana deal.

Right, Mr. Smith? "As I said, we have one big issue," he said. "If we can resolve that, maybe we'll know where we stand there [center field] and with our pitching."

Smith's first three months have included many accusations that the team is "cutting back," what with the departures of Hunter, Silva and presumably Santana.

"We're not cutting back," Smith said. "We've worked hard to improve our lineup. The one thing you can say for certain is we're going to be younger. But if you're getting younger with a player like Delmon Young, that's a good thing."

Patrick Reusse can be heard weekdays on AM-1500 KSTP at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. • preusse@startribune.com

GM: BONSER SHAPING UP, LIRIANO PROGRESSING

No matter the outcome of Johan Santana trade talks, the Twins' major task entering spring training will be putting together a starting rotation. General Manager Bill Smith gave updates on three pitchers who could be part of that rotation:

Boof Bonser, 26, righthander, 8-12 with a 5.10 ERA in 31 games for the Twins last season:

"Our strength coach, Perry Castellano, went to Tampa to see Boof," Smith said. "He's working out with a trainer and is getting in shape. Boof's pitching last season was a disappointment to everyone, including him. And he realizes this will be a key year for him."

Francisco Liriano, 24, lefthander, out all of 2006 after Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery:

"Francisco's not close to being ready to pitch in a big-league game, but he's been throwing regularly, doing well. Our Dominican scout, Fred Guerrero, is keeping tabs on him and he's giving us good reports. Whether Francisco will be ready for the rotation in April, it's too early to say."

Nick Blackburn, 25, righthander, 10-4 in the minors, then 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in six September games for the Twins:

"He got pounded a couple of times at the end," Smith said. "Before that, he threw well for us. Then, he went to the [Arizona] Fall League and was tremendous. He started the championship game and was the MVP of that game."

PATRICK REUSSE

Patrick Reusse: Twins GM has 'one big issue' still to resolve

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/12905596.html?page=1&c=y


The issue, of course, is two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, who will demand far more than the Twins can pay.

By PATRICK REUSSE, Star Tribune

Last update: December 28, 2007 - 10:39 PM


The Twins have a tradition of closing down their offices from Christmas Eve until after New Year's. That was the case again for this holiday season.

This meant that Bill Smith was a lonely presence on the top office floor at 34 Kirby Puckett Place. "I was trying to work at home but decided I could get a lot more done here," he said.

He was dressed casually and unshaven -- the look of an executive who knew he would have the office to himself on this afternoon.

"I do have a conference call on insurance for players at 2 o'clock," he said. "Exciting stuff."

Smith has worked in the Twins baseball department since March 1986. He was the right-hand man to Terry Ryan for the previous 13 years, and then replaced him as the general manager on Oct. 1.

Smith was infamous for his long hours as Ryan's assistant. He was asked if being the boss has increased those hours.

"It hasn't changed that much," he said. "This always has been a hectic time of a year -- with the organizational meetings, the GM meetings, the winter meetings, setting the roster, dealing with free agents."

Most of the attention aimed at the Twins has centered on departures: center fielder Torii Hunter to Anaheim for $90 million, pitcher Carlos Silva to Seattle for $48 million and all the rumors surrounding a trade of pitcher Johan Santana.

Yet, this has not been a do-nothing three months for the new GM. Smith and his baseball people went hard after Tampa Bay's Delmon Young as a righthanded bat to replace Hunter.

It was the most aggressive deal the Twins had made in years -- Young, infielder Brendan Harris and outfielder Jason Pridie from the Rays for shortstop Jason Bartlett, strong-armed starter Matt Garza and pitching prospect Eduardo Morlan.

"It was tough to give up our starting shortstop, but I'll say it again: to get quality you have to give up quality," Smith said.

That left the Twins with three obvious holes in the lineup: center field, shortstop and third base.

Earlier this month, the Twins signed two free agents from Houston: shortstop Adam Everett (one year, $2.8 million) and third baseman Mike Lamb (two years, $6.6 million). The reaction of Twins fans and the national baseball media was a collective yawn.

"More than anything, our manager [Ron Gardenhire] wants stability at shortstop, and Everett catches the ball as well as anybody," Smith said. "And our reports on Lamb always have been good."

The way Smith sees it, Gardenhire will have depth and options with his new infield.

"We have four players for three positions," he said. "We have two righthanded hitters [Harris, Everett], a lefty [Lamb] and a switch-hitter [Nick Punto]. I'm not worried about our infield."

That leaves center field. Is that player here yet?

Smith smiled, nodded toward the big board on the office wall that included the Twins roster and said: "Yeah, we have a couple of center fielders on there."

Those players would be Pridie and Denard Span, the No. 1 draft choice from 2002 who went backward this past season at Class AAA Rochester. Span will be back with the Red Wings, and probably with Pridie as a teammate.

"We have one big issue to deal with," Smith said. "Maybe if we get that taken care of, we'll answer the other questions."

The issue is Santana, of course, and the reality the Twins have no chance to meet the contract requirements of a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

"You get a player like this, and then the teams involved are the highest-profile teams from the largest market ... there are going to be a ton of rumors," Smith said. "But that's what they are: rumors."

I'm sure we heard a hint, though, that any deal for Santana would bring a center fielder -- validating the rumors that Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury, or the Yankees' Melky Cabrera or the Mets' Carlos Gomez would be part of any Santana deal.

Right, Mr. Smith? "As I said, we have one big issue," he said. "If we can resolve that, maybe we'll know where we stand there [center field] and with our pitching."

Smith's first three months have included many accusations that the team is "cutting back," what with the departures of Hunter, Silva and presumably Santana.

"We're not cutting back," Smith said. "We've worked hard to improve our lineup. The one thing you can say for certain is we're going to be younger. But if you're getting younger with a player like Delmon Young, that's a good thing."

Patrick Reusse can be heard weekdays on AM-1500 KSTP at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. • preusse@startribune.com

Patrick Reusse: Twins GM has 'one big issue' still to resolve

The issue, of course, is two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, who will demand far more than the Twins can pay.


The issue is Santana, of course, and the reality the Twins have no chance to meet the contract requirements of a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

"You get a player like this, and then the teams involved are the highest-profile teams from the largest market ... there are going to be a ton of rumors," Smith said. "But that's what they are: rumors."

I'm sure we heard a hint, though, that any deal for Santana would bring a center fielder -- validating the rumors that Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury, or the Yankees' Melky Cabrera or the Mets' Carlos Gomez would be part of any Santana deal.

Right, Mr. Smith? "As I said, we have one big issue," he said. "If we can resolve that, maybe we'll know where we stand there [center field] and with our pitching."

Smith's first three months have included many accusations that the team is "cutting back," what with the departures of Hunter, Silva and presumably Santana.

"We're not cutting back," Smith said. "We've worked hard to improve our lineup. The one thing you can say for certain is we're going to be younger. But if you're getting younger with a player like Delmon Young, that's a good thing."

Patrick Reusse: Twins GM has 'one big issue' still to resolve

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/12905596.html?page=1&c=y


The issue, of course, is two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, who will demand far more than the Twins can pay.

By PATRICK REUSSE, Star Tribune

Last update: December 28, 2007 - 10:39 PM


The Twins have a tradition of closing down their offices from Christmas Eve until after New Year's. That was the case again for this holiday season.

This meant that Bill Smith was a lonely presence on the top office floor at 34 Kirby Puckett Place. "I was trying to work at home but decided I could get a lot more done here," he said.

He was dressed casually and unshaven -- the look of an executive who knew he would have the office to himself on this afternoon.

"I do have a conference call on insurance for players at 2 o'clock," he said. "Exciting stuff."

Smith has worked in the Twins baseball department since March 1986. He was the right-hand man to Terry Ryan for the previous 13 years, and then replaced him as the general manager on Oct. 1.

Smith was infamous for his long hours as Ryan's assistant. He was asked if being the boss has increased those hours.

"It hasn't changed that much," he said. "This always has been a hectic time of a year -- with the organizational meetings, the GM meetings, the winter meetings, setting the roster, dealing with free agents."

Most of the attention aimed at the Twins has centered on departures: center fielder Torii Hunter to Anaheim for $90 million, pitcher Carlos Silva to Seattle for $48 million and all the rumors surrounding a trade of pitcher Johan Santana.

Yet, this has not been a do-nothing three months for the new GM. Smith and his baseball people went hard after Tampa Bay's Delmon Young as a righthanded bat to replace Hunter.

It was the most aggressive deal the Twins had made in years -- Young, infielder Brendan Harris and outfielder Jason Pridie from the Rays for shortstop Jason Bartlett, strong-armed starter Matt Garza and pitching prospect Eduardo Morlan.

"It was tough to give up our starting shortstop, but I'll say it again: to get quality you have to give up quality," Smith said.

That left the Twins with three obvious holes in the lineup: center field, shortstop and third base.

Earlier this month, the Twins signed two free agents from Houston: shortstop Adam Everett (one year, $2.8 million) and third baseman Mike Lamb (two years, $6.6 million). The reaction of Twins fans and the national baseball media was a collective yawn.

"More than anything, our manager [Ron Gardenhire] wants stability at shortstop, and Everett catches the ball as well as anybody," Smith said. "And our reports on Lamb always have been good."

The way Smith sees it, Gardenhire will have depth and options with his new infield.

"We have four players for three positions," he said. "We have two righthanded hitters [Harris, Everett], a lefty [Lamb] and a switch-hitter [Nick Punto]. I'm not worried about our infield."

That leaves center field. Is that player here yet?

Smith smiled, nodded toward the big board on the office wall that included the Twins roster and said: "Yeah, we have a couple of center fielders on there."

Those players would be Pridie and Denard Span, the No. 1 draft choice from 2002 who went backward this past season at Class AAA Rochester. Span will be back with the Red Wings, and probably with Pridie as a teammate.

"We have one big issue to deal with," Smith said. "Maybe if we get that taken care of, we'll answer the other questions."

The issue is Santana, of course, and the reality the Twins have no chance to meet the contract requirements of a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

"You get a player like this, and then the teams involved are the highest-profile teams from the largest market ... there are going to be a ton of rumors," Smith said. "But that's what they are: rumors."

I'm sure we heard a hint, though, that any deal for Santana would bring a center fielder -- validating the rumors that Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury, or the Yankees' Melky Cabrera or the Mets' Carlos Gomez would be part of any Santana deal.

Right, Mr. Smith? "As I said, we have one big issue," he said. "If we can resolve that, maybe we'll know where we stand there [center field] and with our pitching."

Smith's first three months have included many accusations that the team is "cutting back," what with the departures of Hunter, Silva and presumably Santana.

"We're not cutting back," Smith said. "We've worked hard to improve our lineup. The one thing you can say for certain is we're going to be younger. But if you're getting younger with a player like Delmon Young, that's a good thing."

Patrick Reusse can be heard weekdays on AM-1500 KSTP at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. • preusse@startribune.com

Patrick Reusse: Twins GM has 'one big issue' still to resolve

The issue, of course, is two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, who will demand far more than the Twins can pay.


The issue is Santana, of course, and the reality the Twins have no chance to meet the contract requirements of a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

"You get a player like this, and then the teams involved are the highest-profile teams from the largest market ... there are going to be a ton of rumors," Smith said. "But that's what they are: rumors."

I'm sure we heard a hint, though, that any deal for Santana would bring a center fielder -- validating the rumors that Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury, or the Yankees' Melky Cabrera or the Mets' Carlos Gomez would be part of any Santana deal.

Right, Mr. Smith? "As I said, we have one big issue," he said. "If we can resolve that, maybe we'll know where we stand there [center field] and with our pitching."

Smith's first three months have included many accusations that the team is "cutting back," what with the departures of Hunter, Silva and presumably Santana.

"We're not cutting back," Smith said. "We've worked hard to improve our lineup. The one thing you can say for certain is we're going to be younger. But if you're getting younger with a player like Delmon Young, that's a good thing."
[/quote]

GM: BONSER SHAPING UP, LIRIANO PROGRESSING

No matter the outcome of Johan Santana trade talks, the Twins' major task entering spring training will be putting together a starting rotation. General Manager Bill Smith gave updates on three pitchers who could be part of that rotation:

Boof Bonser, 26, righthander, 8-12 with a 5.10 ERA in 31 games for the Twins last season:

"Our strength coach, Perry Castellano, went to Tampa to see Boof," Smith said. "He's working out with a trainer and is getting in shape. Boof's pitching last season was a disappointment to everyone, including him. And he realizes this will be a key year for him."

Francisco Liriano, 24, lefthander, out all of 2006 after Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery:

"Francisco's not close to being ready to pitch in a big-league game, but he's been throwing regularly, doing well. Our Dominican scout, Fred Guerrero, is keeping tabs on him and he's giving us good reports. Whether Francisco will be ready for the rotation in April, it's too early to say."

Nick Blackburn, 25, righthander, 10-4 in the minors, then 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in six September games for the Twins:

"He got pounded a couple of times at the end," Smith said. "Before that, he threw well for us. Then, he went to the [Arizona] Fall League and was tremendous. He started the championship game and was the MVP of that game."

PATRICK REUSSE