New York Yankees

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.

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.

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.

Come on now, this is getting a little ridiculous.

A year after acquiring the high-priced trio of C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett, and a couple of weeks after trading for spark plug Curtis Granderson, the New York Yankees have added Javier Vazquez -- a quality right-handed starter -- to their already loaded roster.

And all they had to give up was Melky Cabrera and a couple of prospects?

Jeez. Why do I have to be a Mets fan?

Game # 8 – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – 2003 ALCS Game 7

With the end of the decade nearing, Sportmeisters Derek and Ryan have decided to present their top ten games of the past decade. Today’s discussion is on the tenth best game from 2000-2009. What follows is a transcript of their discussion.

The Associated Press has reported that the New York Yankees have re-acquired right-handed pitcher Javier Vazquez, who spent last season with the Atlanta Braves.

Vazquez will head to New York, with outfielder Melky Cabrera going to the Braves.

Sure, Vazquez had a strong season in 2009, and was one of the top pitchers in the National League. He went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA and 238 strikeouts, helping Atlanta stay in wild-card contention until September.

He even finished fourth in the NL Cy Young balloting.

But haven't the Yankees seen this guy before already?

According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the Yankees may be close to acquiring a starter:

Yankees working very hard tonight on deal for starting pitcher. Remember that they came close to deal for Aaron Harang in summer.

The Yankees have been busy this offseason, already landing Curtis Granderson and Nick Johnson, and have since turned their attention to the starting rotation.

New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman intends to add a starting pitcher before the new year, according to the New York Post.

As the Post reports, if he and Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry can find common ground, that pitcher may be Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano.