Hot Stove

The Atlanta Braves have signed OF BJ Upton to a 5-year, $75,250,000 coontract. Upton hit just .246 with 28 homers and 78 RBIs in 2012.

Andy's Still Dandy!

Andy's Still Dandy

Veteran Southpaw agrees to 1-year deal with Yankees

The Yankees announced that they have agreed to re-sign LHSP Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $12,000,000 contract plus bonuses, according to ESPN.com.

 

Pettitte was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in his 12 starts in 2012.

 

Pettitte has always been one of my personal favorite players. His comeback last year was unbelievable and his record proved he can certainly still pitch.

 

Pettitte walks in from the bullpen before the game on June 10, 2012. Russell Martin hit two home runs including a walkoff, Jason Bay made an epic fail of an error, Pettitte was injured barehanding a ball, and I had the greatest 16th birthday one could ever imagine!

MLB Hot Stove

Well, the offseasons have begun for many teams, and it is sure to be a tumultuous one for many...

The Boston Red Sox have fired manager Bobby Valentine after a season where the team finished 769-93, 26 games out of first place. The move seemed to me like an inevitable one, as Boston really did SUCK last season and Booby V was a very controvesial figure. As much as I love Bobby, he wasn't the best choice to succeed the morelaid-back Terry Fancona.

His coaching staff, with the exception of bullpen coach and catching instructor Gary Tuck, who controls his own destiny, are also awaiting word on their fates. Base coaches Jerry Royster and Alex Ochoa are likely to be fired. Bench coach Tim Bogar and hitting coach Dave Magadan are both highly regarded but, "could be victims of a house-cleaning, if it comes to that" according ESPN Red Sox writer Gordon Edes.

Gary Tuck is, in my opinion, the greatest catching instructor in the game today. During his time with the Yankees he worked with Joe Girardi, Jim Leyritz, and Jorge Posada, and then went to Boston to work with Jason Varitek. The success of his protoges are no accident, and letting him walk would be a stupid move on the part of GM Ben Cherington.

I knew this was going to happen, but words cannot express the saddness I feel for poor Bobby V. He came into a tumultous clubhouse after the greatest collapse in baseball history, and from the start was doomed with a team that couldnt get things done. Pitchers who were flops all year, (Jon Lester and Josh Beckett), injuries (Carl Crawford, David Ortiz, John Lackey), and controversial comments on his players.

He cannot, and will not, go out like this! He must return to a better situation in he future, but also should take time off before resuming his managerial career!

In other news...

Twins bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek was let go Thursday after spending 32 years in various roles with the team.

The Mariners have fired hitting coach Chris Chambliss after a disasterous season.

The Phillies have hired Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg as their new first base coach.

The Indians have spoken with Terry Francona about a managerial job for 2013.

Knicks Free Agency

The Knicks announced that Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak have been awarded Bird/Early Bird Rights. This means that they will not contribute to the Knicks' salary cap this season. This is fantastic, as the Knicks can now spend that extra money elsewhere to improve the team. Lin, Novak, and Landry Fields are expected to be retained at a collective price of $15 million, or $5,000,000 each.

There Ain't No Grave!

The Baltimore Orioles have signed 49-year-old LHP Jamie Moyer to a minor league contract. He was 2-5 with an ERA over 4.00 for the Rockies before being released. I truly hope he can remain in the game as a player for many years, he is a legend, a borderline Hall of Famer, and a genuine great guy. I wish him the best of the best in Baltimore and look forward to his first start against the Yankees in years!

NFL Hot Stove

The New York Giants have announced that they have given Head Coach Tom Coughlin a 3-year contract extension. The team announced today. It begins immediately and is worth $20,000,000. He is third in Giants history with 74 wins and has changed his mind and would like to coach into his 70s. Giants Training Camp begins on July 26th and runs through August 15. Coughlin hoists the Lombardi Trophy high overhead following the Giants Superbowl XLVI victory. and finally, former Jets LB/DE, Future Hall of Famer Jason Taylor will join ESPN as an NFL analyst for the 2012 season and beyond.

Hello Brooklyn!

Well, it's official. As of April 30, 2012 the New Jersey Nets are in Brooklyn as part of the sale to Jay-Z. So they are now officially in the New York Groove. Sundiata Gaines-Likely to return Armon Johnson- Will return Brook Lopez-MUST return Jordan Farmar Gerald Green Kris Humphries Damion James DeShawn Stevenson Gerald Wallace Deron Williams-Wants to return if Dwight Howard comes to Brooklyn. (Please, do it!) Shelden Williams I look forward to seeing them more often and rooting them on in 2012 and beyond. With the playoff format currently in a top 8 per conference format, the Nets, who were 22-44 last season, must improve, and I feel that they will have a chance to compete next season and beyond.

Still In the New York Groove!

The New York Knicks have announced that they have signed Head Coach Mike Woodson to a 2-year contract extension with an option for a third year. According to ESPN's Steven A. Smith, it is worth around $4,000,000 per year ($12,000,000 in all). The Knicks went 18-6 under Woodson in 2012, and FINALLY ended their 13-game postseason losing streak, (they had last won a playoff game in 2001!) This move seems like the beginning of a new era in New York basketball. Woodson is very popular with Jeremy Lin, Carmelo, and Amare Stoudemire. Now that their coach is cared for, they must focus on free agents. Jeremy Lin-MUST return, and will, for he is a restricted free agent. Jared Jeffries-Would love to see him return. Could easily be used as a part-time player who is a defensive replacement late in games. Landry Fields-Solid player but not quite what he was before. Although he started every game, he could easily be replaced. Mike Bibby-Played in just 39 games as a bench player. Posted decent numbers as a bench player but I do not see the 34-year-old returning. Baron Davis-Tore his ACL last season and at age 33 despite a solid 12-year career. I think retirement is his best possibility. Regardless what he chooses, he will not be in New York next year. Steve Novak-Still a young man who puts up great numbers. He will return next season after setting career-highs in points, rebounds, and three-pointers. J.R. Smith-Opt out clause may be triggered. If so, his tenure in New York is over, much to my chargin.

NFL Hot Stove

The New York Jets have signed S Yeremiah Bell to a 1-year $1,400,000 contract. The oft-injured Bell did manage to play in 16 games last season, where he collected 107 tackles, 2 sacks, a fuble recovery, and a 20-yard interception. This move can bolster the Jets' defense AS LONG AS HE STAYS HEALTHY!

Bell with the Dolphins However, even though GM Mike Tannenbaum denies it, and he himself will not think it, this is likely the end of Jim Leonhard's tenure with the Jets. Leonhard, an unrestricted free agent, has been injured these past two years. That is not set in stone, however.

NFL Hot Stove

The Buffalo Bills have signed Vince Young, former third-round draft bust for the Tennessee Titans. He spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, whom he famously dubbed the "Dream Team". Young threw for 866 yards and 4 TDs and 9 INTs in 2011. He had a career-low 60.8 passer rating. As long as Young doesn't say anything else stupid, this is a great pickup. As a backup to Fitzpatrick he will almost never play and I feel he can be a solid addition to the team.

The Giants have agreed to a contract with first-round draft pick RB David Wilson.

NFL Free Agency

Former Giants ILB/MLB Jonathan Goff has signed with the Washington Redskins. Goff played on the Giants from 2008-2011, but missed all of last season with a torn ACL suffered in training camp. Goff was never an electric player and with both Mark Herzlich and Greg Jones waiting in the wings, there was no chance of a return to Big Blue.

Goff in 2010 with the Giants. I wish him all the best in Washington.

NFL Hot Stove!

The New York Giants have signed CB Antwaun Molden, terms of the deal were not disclosed. LB Aaron Maybin has signed his 1-year tender with the New York Jets. He will earn $1,260,000 in 2012. The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former Buffalo Bills WR Lee Evans to a 1-year contract. He had 4 catches for 69 yards in the two playoff games for the Ravens.

NFL Free Agency

The Giants have re-signed LB Chase Blackburn. His key interception of Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLVI helped the G-Men to victory.

The End of An Era

Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has signed a contract with the San Francisco 49ers. This marks the end of any possible respect I might have had left for GM Jerry Reese!

Do I even have to state my feelings on this? In just a few short moments, Jerry Reese went from being one of my favorite general managers to being one of my LEAST favorites!

The G-Men will NOT repeat as champions unless they learn a lesson. YOU CANNOT KEEP LETTING CHAMPIONSHIP CALLIBER PLAYERS WALK AS FREE AGENTS!

I have a feeling this will come back to haunt them in the end...

NFL Free Agency

The Saint Louis Rams have signed former Giants WR Steve Smith to a 1-year deal, and former Jets TE Matthew Mulligan to a 2-year deal. Both were disappointments in 2011. The Jets have Keller and can easily find a replacement for Mulligan, and Smith will once again be forced to prove his worth if he wants a long-term contract.

Per Patriots owner Robert Kraft and ESPN Boston writer Mike Reiss, Matt Light is expected to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons, all in New England. Light won three Super Bowl championships with the Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) and has played 152 games in his NFL career.

Rocky Mountain High? Elway's Committment a huge one.

Well, the news is out, future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning has elected to sign with the Denver Broncos!

The Broncos, fresh off an 8-8 season which saw them advance to the AFC wild divisional round before a crushing loss to the Patriots, have made their move and will undoubtedly trade Tim Tebow, who has three years and a plethora of money left on his deal.

This is a shocker, but I feel that John Elway will enjoy having a prolific passing quarterback. Tebow WILL be a success somewhere, I know it.

Yankees BREAKING NEWS!

LHP Andy Pettitte has announced he will make a comeback in 2012 with the New York Yankees. The boarderline Hall of Fame candidate is 240-138 in his career.

Pettitte signed a 1-year deal worth $2,500,000. He is expected to begin the season in the minors and join later on. This can only add to his Hall of Fame candidacy.

Pettitte was an integral part of the World Championship teams in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009.

I am THRILLED! Andy Pettitte was one of the best pitchers in Yankee history.

NFL Hot Stove!

The New York Jets have signed LB Bryan Thomas to a 1-year contract. Terms were not immediately disclosed.

The New York Giants have announced that CBs Michael Coe and Justin Tryon. Both deals' terms were not disclosed. This provides backup if T2 is not healthy.

Free agency is under way in 2012!

WR Vincent Jackson has signed a 5-year, $55,000,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with $26,000,000 in guaranteed money, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

NFL Hot Stove Breaking News!

The defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants have released 2007 draft bust, CB Aaron Ross! He won two Super Bowl rings despite his less than stellar performance during his Giants tenure.

Ross fails to deflect or intercept a pass from Drew Brees during the Saints' 62-point blowout of Big Blue.

This was an obvious move as Ross was the first choice to leave after the season.

In accordance, they have re-signed CB Terrell Thomas to a 4-year, $28,000,000 contract with $11,000,000 guaranteed money.

The Oakland Raiders have released former Giants TE Kevin Boss. This may begin the eventual reunion, as the G-Men need a tight end and they would be a great fit to re-sign Boss as he is familiar with the system.

Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has stated he would be willing to join the New York Jets. I would be thrilled if he stayed in New York!

The Giants have also added coaches Matt Rhule and Lunda Wells, who have replaced Jack Bicknell, Jr. and Kevin M. Gilbride respectively.

The New York Jets have signed NT Sione Pouha to a 3-year, $15,000,000 contract.

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a 1-year contract with future Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss. Moss originally stated he would pull a Brett Favre in February.

BREAKING!

The New York Giants have RELEASED RB Brandon Jacobs! He was due a $5.5 million bonus in 2012.

I am INFURIATED! This organization CANNOT expect to build a dynasty if they are continuously cutting their championship-winning players!

Jerry Reese is really PISSING ME OFF! How do you expect to keep winning if they keep cutting players!!!