Yankee Trivia Part II

Okay, let's try this again. I checked google analytics and people are visiting the blog. So I know there should be more than 3 votes for the trivia. I came up with the idea because if you saw the previous post from Jim, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is going on in the Hot Stove. Ben Sheets signed a 1-year deal with the A's, but that is about it.



So to pass the time until pitchers and catchers (23 days!) we will see if the Yankees fans are the most knowledgeable fans in the world. If this feature gets positive feedback, meaning the readers vote, we will try and keep it going throughout spring training and possibly the season.



So last time I asked who hit the most home runs in a regular season game. And the answer was Lou Gehrig. That was pretty easy in my opinion. Here's a little bit tougher one:



Who is the only Yankee to hit two grand slams in one game?



A.)Bill Dickey

B.)Lou Gehrig

C.)Don Mattingly

D.)Tony Lazerri



Submit your answers on the poll or discuss in the comments section. Polls close midnight Thursday.

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Yanks Close To Acquiring Starting Pitcher?

Numerous reports have risen that the Yankees are in "serious talks" in acquiring a starting pitcher. These beat writers don't know who they are in serious talks with or what team if it is a trade. These are two pretty important details to know... but Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Constitution Journal wrote in the comments section of his blog that he received an email from a NY beat writer asking if he heard anything between the two things of "something big" happening.

My guess is it's a trade for Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez's second chance as a Yankee. Lowe wouldn't make sense because he's old, coming off a bad year, and they could have got him last year. Vasquez makes more sense because he's young and a power pitcher, someone who could succeed in Yankee Stadium (even though he didn't in his first stint).

If anyone is gone it's Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner. The Braves have been looking for an outfielder and their has been speculation about trading these two.

This all comes after I speculated about the team's interest in Carlos Zambrano.

We will have a post if a deal becomes final.

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Matsui Reaches Agreement with Angels

The Hot Stove has been on fire all day today. Tyler Kepner of the NY Times reports that Matsui and the Angels agreed to a 1-year deal. Matsui, 35, played in 142 games and hit .272 with 28 homer runs and 90 RBI last season. He was 8 for 13 (.615) with three homers and eight R.B.I. in the World Series, making him the World Series MVP for the Yankees 27th title.

Matsui was never a priority for the Yankees this offseason. Cashman's philosophy of getting younger and healthier doesn't fit well with Matsui, who is 35 and battling knee issues. Getting Johnny Damon back would be more beneficial to the Yankees for his ability to still play the field.

Matsui never lived up to the power numbers he put up in Japan, but because of his postseason success he will be remembered as a hero in the Yankee Universe. The Yankees home-opener is against the Angels next year, so he will be there for the ring ceremony, and will be sure to get a standing ovation.

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Weekend Trade Rumors

We apologize for not having any updates over the weekend, but there really hasn't been anything but rumors. So, we will give you a rundown on what some of those rumors are.

• Saturday rumors were flying around about Curtis Granderson. Granderson hit 249/.327/.453 in 710 plate appearances this year. Those are not his best numbers but what is really striking is his numbers against lefties. The Yankees have to ask themselvesx how much would they be willing to give up for a guy who may possibly be a platoon player due to his numbers against lefties. And if the Yankees do acquire him, say goodbye to Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui.
• Speaking of Matsui, he says that he would be disappointed if he does not return to the Yankees. The Yankees are going to have to make a decision on who is more important to resign Damon or Matsui, because I only see one, if any, of them returning.
• Rumors continue to link the Yankees to John Lackey. I don't know if there should be anything read into that yet, being that a big-name player on the market the Yankees will always see what the price and if he fits their needs, but I don't see the Yankees handing out a big contract to him.
• Joel Sherman of the NY Post suggests that trade possibilities for the Yankees. One possibility would be making a deal for Magglio Ordonez/Granderson to replace Damon and Matsui. By doing this it would be cheaper than to resign them.
• Bob Klapisch of FOX Sports thinks the Yankees should consider extending Jeter's contract before it expires. I think the Yankees will take care of this situation under the radar, and before you know it Jeter will have a contract extension.
• Buster Olney thinks that Tigers RP Brandon Lyon could end up with a team like the Yankees as a setup man. I think this is not a bad idea, considering it seems Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain may be part of the rotation next year.

There are a lot of rumors and not much real news, and it is going to be like that probably until the Winter Meetings. We're going to continue to hear rumors about Holliday and Bay talking to the Yankees and Damon with the San Francisco Giants. We'll let you know if anything noteworthy happens.

For some real news, Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan and A's pitcher Andrew Bailey were named Rookie of the Years for their respective leagues today. Tommorow AL Cy Young is announced. I'd say Greinke wins over Felix Hernandez.

See Ya!

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