As Chan Ho Park arrived in Tampa on Sunday, it signified the end for Edwar Ramirez. The Yankees designated the righty for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Park. Although his ERA and WHIP were pretty high, Ramirez did show some signs of potential in his three seasons in the Bronx. However, his inconsistency was too much. There is a chance Edwar will clear waivers (if the Yanks go that route with him), but it isn’t likely.
As for Park, he said he came to the Yanks because he wants to win a ring. Which is kind of [...]

According to the New York Post (it is from Page 6, so take it for what it’s worth), Alex Rodriguez was involved in a minor crash as he arrived at Spring Training on Thursday. The former goat, driving his $400,000 Maybach, got in a “minor fender bender” while supposedly texting.
Jesus Christ, can this guy ever avoid controversy? I thought this was supposed to be a new A-Rod; an A-Rod who just wants to blend in and help the team win. I guess some things never change. Don’t feel bad for him though, A-Rod could buy a new Maybach every day [...]

I hope these links help thaw you out, as we here in the Northeast are bracing for a “hurricane-like snowstorm”. I think we can all put the Global Warming theories to rest.

Not sure if you were aware or not, but A-Rod and Jeet are pretty good at baseball and will probably break some records. Not just records for contracts but actual baseball records. Now I don’t feel so bitter that I have to sell blood to afford tickets to games.
“Nobody F***s with Jesus.” Unless they are trying to work on his defense, which needs help. But, hey, this kid can [...]

Although he was only a Yankee for less than one season, Aaron Boone’s legacy will last a lifetime. Not only was he responsible for one of the greatest home runs of all time, but if not for his misfortune of tearing up a knee in an offseason basketball game Alex Rodriguez wouldn’t be a Yankee.
Today Mr. Boone announced his retirement from baseball.
It’s a sad, sad day for the baseball world as the game lost a third-generation All-Star, and a good guy. His numbers might not be that great, and he did go on to hit only .143 in the ‘03 [...]

At first I didn’t mind Johnny Damon leaving for that extra million dollars. He was pretty classy in NY, always said the right thing, played hard, won a title and I wished him well. I was even holding out hope he might return to pinstripes in 2010 via a trade. I might have joked around about him being a greedy pig, but I really did wish him the best. I honestly did.
However, all that has changed with a few quotes. Get a load of what That Bastard said at his introductory press conference in Detroit:
This was the place I wanted [...]

Much to my surprise, the Yankees signed right-hander Chan Ho Park early this morning to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million and another $300,000 in incentives. I’m all for bolstering up the bullpen, but it seems like this move came out of nowhere. Plus he’ll be 37 in June…I thought this team was trying to get younger. I hope this doesn’t affect Joba and the rotation, he belongs in the ‘pen.
Check out RAB’s take on this issue.
Elsewhere in the Universe:

Evil never dies, as George Steinbrenner is “feeling good” while watching his grandson in Tampa.
Posada and Girardi wish Johnny Damon well. [...]

Johnny Damon has apparently notched himself a one-year deal worth $8 million to play for the Tigers. Good for him, but what would you rather have: a one-year deal worth $8 million to play in Detroit or a two-year deal worth $14 million to play for the New York Yankees?
I admit he did get more for the 2010 season, but nothing is guaranteed for the following season. What if he gets hurt? What about all the left fielders and DHs that will be free agents after this season? That market could hurt a 37-year-old’s value next season. I think Scott [...]

Andy Pettitte says he knows what Damon is going through by not wanting to take a paycut to return to the Yankees. I get what he’s saying, but, I think, it was completely different for Pettitte. First of all, he was a stalwart on four championship teams and two other pennant-winning teams. Damon was there for just four years and won only one World Series. Pettitte got more of a raw deal in that sense. Second, if anybody offers you $7 million/year for two years at age 36 and you turn it down (especially when you can’t play the field [...]

It seems that this year’s Spring Training kicked off A LOT more smoothly than last year’s did. But hopefully the 2010 season will end the same way 2009 did. Anyway, enjoy the links:

If the Knicks don’t get LeBron this summer, maybe they can get…Derek Jeter?!?!?!?!?! Just don’t ask Jalen Rose for a ringing endorsements.
Pitchers be pitchin’. After notching career-highs in innings pitched in ‘09, what will the pitching staff do for an encore in ‘10? Hopefully win another World Series. That’s what.
Have you heard of Andrew Brackman? If not, get to know him. He’s going to be a solid arm.
Phil [...]

Today is not just another Ash Wednesday. It is possibly the greatest day of the offseason thus far, as pitchers and catchers have reported to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. For those of us who have been hit hard by the snow in the last couple of weeks, there are no greater words than pitchers and catcher reporting. It’s like music to the ears.
Best. Ash Wednesday. Ever.

Look who the Yanks invited to Spring Training.

Granderson to hit 50 dingers?
Joba vs. Phil…who ya got?
CC says there will be no Yankees letdown. I’m not going to argue with him. Would you?
Swish Dog [...]