George Steinbrenner Dies at age 80

More sad news to Yankees fans this week. George Steinbrenner died this morning in Tampa after suffering a massive heart attack at the age of 80. Just days after the passing of legendary PA announcer Bob Sheppard, Steinbrenner follows. While the last couple of years Steinbrenner has given control of the team to his sons and has disappeared from public view due to his health, it still comes somewhat of a shock, especially after one Yankee legend just passed.

The Boss revolutionized the free agency of baseball and is largely responsible for the way it is today due to his belief of handing out unprecedented contracts to superstar players. Steinbrenner won seven World Series and 11 pennants during his ownership of the Yankees. He took over the Yankees after they had some awful years in the late sixties and early seventies, and returned them to greatness by the end of the seventies.

Steinbrenner was a colorful, controversial owner, who wanted nothing more than to just win. He had an up-and-down relationship with the Yankee fans and players, but in the end, it is the great things he did for the franchise and the players and coaches under him that will be remembered.

Steinbrenner, in my mind, is unquestionably the greatest owner in sports, and today will be one of the saddest days in the sports world. I am sure today's All Star Game will be a tribute to the Boss, and the Yankees will continue to honor him the rest of the season.

Last year, the Yankees World Series mantra was to "Win it for The Boss." This year, I'm sure it will be "Win it for The Boss, Again." Because we all know Steinbrenner doesn't settle for just one championship.

We'll have more and Yankee player reactions as well throughout the day.

RIP George M. Steinbrenner III. 1930-2010.

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Nick Johnson Coming Back to NY?

Today I spent most of the day traveling, but when I came back home to the wonderful state of New Jersey, I saw various reports on mlb trade rumors and ESPN that the Yankees are in "serious discussions" with DH/1B Nick Johnson.

Nick Johnson would be a perfect fit in replacing Hideki Matsui in the DH role. If this does happen, it appears Johnny Damon's days as a Yankee will be no more. Or, there is the possibility that the Yankees are doing this to pressure Damon into coming back. But if you look at Damon's history, he will go to whoever gives him what he wants, and right now him and the Yankees are at a disagreement.

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The Quest for 28 begins

So the champagne bottles are empty and all the confetti is being cleaned up. It’s time to start thinking of one of the most exciting part of the baseball season: the Hot Stove season.

The Yankees are sure to be involved as they always are and we’ll be here covering all of the moves en route to World Series Championship #28.

First, some important dates:

November 9-11: The GM Meetings will take place in Chicago.

November 22- Until this date, clubs have exclusive negotiating rights with their current players with expiring contracts. Free agency begins. You can go here for a quick rundown on the rules of free agency.

December 1- Last day for clubs to offer arbitration to players in order to receive draft pick compensation.

December 7-10- Winter Meetings in Indianapolis.

December 10- Rule 5 draft for players not protected by teams by being placed on 40-man roster.

December 12- Deadline for teams to tender players a contract

January 5-20- Teams and players exchange salary arbitration numbers.

February- Salary arbitration hearings take place.

February 12- Yankees Pitchers and Catchers report for Spring Training

Now here are the Yankees free agents:

Type A

Johnny Damon

Type B

Jerry Harriston, Jr.

Hideki Matsui

Xavier Nady

Andy Pettitte

Non-type

Jose Molina

Eric Hinske

Non-tender candidates

Chien-Mien Wang

Chad Gaudin

In all, that’s $40 million coming off the books to use in the free agent market. Or, you know, buy the Florida Marlins.

In the next couple of days, we’ll give an off-season preview with what with think the GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees will/should do in regards to free agency and trades and identify strengths and weaknesses.

SEE YA!

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