MLB

Nick Johnson is once again a Yankee, if the reports are right .

As a Yankee fan, I should be happy. In 2001 he pulled off a brilliant catch from first base that sticks in my mind. He's not a horrible hitter (lifetime .273 hitter).

He's seen as being the 'next Johnny Damon' in that he'll provide a bat to cover Alex Rodriguez and play DH for 100-odd games.

But taking over from Hideki Matsui, one wonders if the New York Yankees did the right thing.

Bill Ladson of Nationals.com reported Tuesday afternoon that the Washington Nationals are still interested in signing second baseman Orlando Hudson.

The team tried to sign Hudson, 31, last year but a concern over his physical made the Nationals shy away from the two-time All Star. He eventually signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and had a solid season.

Sports Illustrated released its list of the top 25 franchises of the decade. The only local teams on the list? My New York Yankees and my New Jersey Devils.

The Devs ranked 19th, and were one of only two NHL teams to crack the top 25 (the Red Wings grabbed the number six spot). Considering they won two Cups, made it to one other final, and made the playoffs every year, the honor is certainly deserved.

The Mariners busy offseason continued today when they traded up-and-down pitcher Brandon Morrow to the Blue Jays today for relief pitcher Brandon League and prospect Johermyn Chavez.

This seems like a good move, both pitchers have similar production and the move gives the M's a good bullpen arm and one of Toronto's better position prospects in the process.

The next move for pitching will likely be to acquire a No. 3 pitcher after netting Cliff Lee for the No. 2 spot.

For a franchise that has managed one post season in their 12 year history, the Tampa Bay Rays (formerly known as the Devil Rays) do not possess an all time roster filled with hall of famers.

However, during the last decade, the Rays definitely have fielded some talented players that deserve recognition for being among the best the franchise has had to offer.

While many players deserved consideration for this list.

The off-season, so far, has been an extension of the Mets' 2009 campaign; an absolute disaster.  First, the Yankees made a trade to acquire All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson from the Detroit Tigers, which stole the back pages away from their cross-town rivals. 

Then the only two stud pitchers on the free-agent market, John Lackey and Roy Halladay, got scooped up by the Red Sox and Phillies respectively.  This has left Met fans throughout the nation in a state of panic. 

With the end of year (and decade) approaching, we here at The Dugout Sports Show would like to present our “Cleveland Indians All-Decade Team”. After hours of studying stats, and much careful consideration, we put together the best seasons at each individual position. Enjoy!

The Cleveland Indians were 816-804 during the decade, including 9-8 in the postseason, winning one postseason series, which came in 2007 against the New York Yankees.

Today's trade of Melky Cabrera for Javier Vazquez solidifies the rotation but opens the door for more moves in the Yankee outfield. Most predict that the Yankees will now be in play for a marquee left fielder.  

Make no mistake. The Yankees will keep tabs on the contract discussions for both Jason Bay and Matt Holliday if for no reason but to ensure that whoever signs these players have paid a high price. The Yankees can overcome mistakes at high dollar points. Few teams can cope with high priced mistakes. 

Today the Yankee$ reacquired starting pitcher Javier Vazquez (pictured) for a prospect and namely spot starter Melky Cabrera who went to the Braves. Due to this, this day, December 22, 2009 may live in infamy since I think it has the potential to be a stupid, hasty move.

Consider that last year at this time, Traitor Tex, formerly of the Los Angeles Angels and Braves, signed his massive mercenary contract with the Bronx Billionaires-i.e. the Yankee$.

What a difference a year makes.