On this date in 2002, the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network launched. Although the regional network barely broke even that year, YES has gone on to generate millions in revenue, much of which goes right into the Yankees' pockets. As recently as 2008, there was talk that the network was worth more than the team itself.
After you wrap your head around that, here are some links to check out from around the baseball blogosphere…
- The Baseball Opinion says that the Adeiny Hechevarria signing caps off an impressive offseason for new GM Alex Anthopoulos.
- The Friarhood examines the trade market for Padres' closer Heath Bell.
- Phillies Nation has some fun with internal discussions after the Albert Pujols–Ryan Howard rumors.
- DRays Bay wonders if Andy Sonnanstine will start the season in Tampa's rotation so they can send Wade Davis to the minors and push his service time clock back.
- Around The Majors wonders if the Nationals should really be trying to sign Adam Dunn to a contract extension.
- The Dodgerhater says that Sergio Romo and Dan Runzler are the key to San Francisco's bullpen this year.
- Bronx Bombers Beat wonders if Robinson Cano can take that next step towards being a middle of the order hitter for a team with some aging core hitters.
- SPANdemonium looks at some players drafted in the second round of the 2008 draft who have already had an impact in the big leagues.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here.
AA has had one of the better off seasons of all the GM’s in the league given desired goals.
I think Zduriencik had a better offseason, but I’m not inclined to give credit for successfully executing a flawed plan.
“DRays Bay wonders if Andy Sonnanstine will start the season in Tampa’s rotation so they can send Wade Davis to the minors and push his service time clock back.”
The Rays are a small market team competing in the most difficult division in baseball. They have a limited window of opportunity to win the division and compete for the Wild Card. If they send Wade Davis or any other player down for any other reason than the fact that he is not one of their best 25 then fans should be irate. Imagine finishing one game out of the playoffs because you decided to save a few Wade Davis bucks in three years. With all due respect to the Rays – I’m a Red Sox fan, but I respect the heck out of Tampa Bay – they may not even be competitive in three years, so you’ve got to play for 2010. Send Davis to Durham if he needs more time on the farm, but, if that’s not the case, let it roll or live with the regret.
“DRays Bay wonders if Andy Sonnanstine will start the season in Tampa’s rotation so they can send Wade Davis to the minors and push his service time clock back.”
The Rays are a small market team competing in the most difficult division in baseball. They have a limited window of opportunity to win the division and compete for the Wild Card. If they send Wade Davis or any other player down for any other reason than the fact that he is not one of their best 25 then fans should be irate. Imagine finishing one game out of the playoffs because you decided to save a few Wade Davis bucks in three years. With all due respect to the Rays – I’m a Red Sox fan, but I respect the heck out of Tampa Bay – they may not even be competitive in three years, so you’ve got to play for 2010. Send Davis to Durham if he needs more time on the farm, but, if that’s not the case, let it roll or live with the regret and don’t complain if people stay home.
Hey Mike, Whatever happend to Cork Gaines didnt he use to do the baseball blogs posts?
interesting line in the Heath Bell link- that a rebuilding team has no need for a closer. I see that all the time, and I completely disagree with it.
There is nothing more demoralizing than losses in the final inning. Demoralizing for the team and the fans. If you want to at least seem respectable (for attendance purposes), a closer is a necessity.
Besides, a closer helps develop other pitchers. For young players, helps with their confidence after they have pitched well enough to win. For a guy like Chris Young, if you are the Padres and looking to trade him at the deadline, would you rather that he be 8-5 or 5-5, even if every other stat is exactly the same. Wins bring a presumption of competence, rightly or wrongly.
Mike Adams could close in a pinch. Best unknown reliever in baseball.