Hot Stove Notes for November 1, 2007

Joe Torre is now officially the manager of the Los Angelas Dodgers. He signed a 3 year deal worth approximately $13 million to manage the team I think it is deliciously ironic that Torre took less money, at least in yearly amouts, as compared to what the Yankess were offering. After all, all he did was lead them into the playoffs 12 consecutive seasons and 4 four World Championships. He should have had a lifetime pass with the Yanks and instead he is cast aside for Joe fricking Girardi. The Yankees are going to rue this move for a number of reasons and the biggest one is that their are very few classy guys left in the game like Torre. Good luck Joe, along with my Cards I'm going to be rooting for the Dodgers next year just to stick it in the Bronx Bomber's asses.

Speaking of the Yankees, Scott Boras, Alex Rodiquez's agent, has now said that the Yankees can negotiate with Alex if they wish. Fat chance of that happening. By opting out of his contract in typical prima donna fashion, the Yankees have lost around $30 million dollars in subsidies from the Texas Rangers going back to the trade that brought A-Rod to New York in 2004. A-Rod left about 80 million laying on the table, not to mention the 1250130 million that the Yankees would have added via an extension. But Scott "The Snake" Boras thinks that he can more, and he probably will. But buyers beware: Yes A-Rod has a lifetime average of .306 and has hit 518 homeruns with 1500 RBIs. But in 39 career playoff games, he has only managed a very, very average of .279, 7 homers and only 17 RBI. Very Barry Bonds' like numbers I must say. In 48 playoff games Bonds has managed a .245 avg. ,9 home runs and 24 RBIs. Common demoninator: Neither has a World Championship ring. Guys making the big bucks are supposed to come through in the BIG situations like.........uh.........maybe during the playoffs would be a good time. The Yankees won four World Series before A-Rod appeared, none since. You figure it out.

The real catch in the off season is going to be free agent Mike Lowell from the World Champion Redsox. Boston will do everything in their power to keep him, but he is going to command some serious jingles but might be inclined to take less money over a longer-term deal to stay in Boston if they can get the numbers close.