FAIR EXTENSIONS FOR CANO AND GRANDERSON

With the Yankees 2012 payroll at about $175 million, they still need to re-sign two marquee players, Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano, to contract extensions before they hit free agency after the 2013 season. The problem is that they need to keep the payroll at or below $189 million from 2014-2016 to avoid heavy luxury tax fees. However, there is a way in which they can re-sign Granderson and Cano and keep a trimmed payroll.

Granderson is set to make $10 million in 2012 and, assuming he has another year like last year, he will want more money.  His batting average was only .262, but he hit 41 home runs and led the American League in RBI and Runs scored. The Yankees should offer him a deal for five years at about $16 million per year, a $6 million raise from his 2012 salary. This brings the payroll up to $181 million.

Cano, who is a bit more valuable than Granderson based on his numbers, is set to make $14 million in 2012, and will also definitely want more money. He hit .302 with 28 home runs and 118 RBI, one behind Granderson, in 2011. My offer to Cano would be for eight years at $21 million per year. This deal would be almost identical to the one Matt Kemp signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this offseason.

Assuming both players agree, the payroll would jump to $188 million, which would leave them with only $1 million to spend. This would force them to let right fielder Nick Swisher walk when his contract ends after 2012. If they let Swisher go, they will free up $10.25 million and bring the payroll to $177.75 million.

Also, if Mariano Rivera retires after 2012, as he has said he may do, and Rafael Soriano activates his opt out clause, that will free up another $26  million, $15 million for Rivera and $11 million for Soriano.

BREAKOUT PLAYERS 2012: AL EAST

Although the American League East is known mostly for high-priced talent, 3 of the 5 teams have at least one prospect who has superstar potential and could make their mark in 2012. These prospects may be part of the reason why these teams have not made much noise on the free agent or trade markets. Here are 5 players in each AL East team who could have breakout years in 2012.


Baltimore Orioles, RP Jim Johnson: Though Johnson may be a little older than the average breakout  player, he really took off in 2011, and may become the Orioles' closer in 2012. In 2010, Johnson had a respectable ERA of 3.42, but opposing batters hit .296 against him. In 2011, he pitched to a 2.67 ERA and the opposition hit just .238. His WHIP was down from a high 1.41, to a very good 1.11.

Toronto Blue Jays, 3B Brett Lawrie: This one is obvious. The soon-to-be 22-year-old hit .293 with 9 home runs and 25 RBI in 43 games for Toronto in 2011. He seems like the type of player who could be a consistent 30-30 threat for years to come. It wouldn't be crazy to think that he could be an All Star as early as 2012.


Boston Red Sox, RP Mark Melancon: The former Yankees prospect did very well in the second half of 2011, as he posted an ERA of 2.43 and recorded 14 of his 20 saves for the Houston Astros. Now a member of the Red Sox, Melancon will most likely be a setup man because the NL West is not as star-studded as the AL East. Also, there is less pressure on a setup man as there is on a closer, and it is a good way to ease Melancon into the job of ultimately becoming the Red Sox Closer.


Tampa Bay Rays, SP Matt Moore: After a combined 12-3 season in Double-A and Triple-A, the hard-throwing lefty pitched only 9.1 innings for the Rays in September, but they still decided to start him in game 1 of the ALDS against Texas. Moore pitched 10 innings in the playoffs and allowed only 1 earned run. During the offseason, the Rays signed Moore to a 5-year, $14 million extension, which is a huge risk to take on a player who has only started 4 big league games, but if he pitches at all like he did in 2011, it'll be considered a bargain.

New York Yankees, C/DH Jesus Montero: For the last few years Jesus Montero has been considered by many to be one of baseball's elite prospects. He got called up in September, when he hit .328 with 4 home runs. He played so well in September that he has almost definitely locked up the Yankees' DH job, if he's not traded for a top pitcher.

   

MOST REALISTIC OPTIONS FOR YANKEES

The Yankees have made it pretty clear that they are okay with not making a big splash on the free agent or trade market, but it doesn't mean they won't do anything. The Yankees could really use a lefty reliever and a right handed power hitter. They also need at least one more good starter. Here are 5 more likely targets for the Yankees:

1. RP Mike Gonzalez: With Pedro Feliciano out for 2012, the Yankees need a lefty reliever to go along with Boone Logan. Mike Gonzalez' name that has been thrown around by the Yankees. Gonzalez posted a 4.39 ERA last season, but he improved mightily in the second half. His ERA was 2.86 and his batting average against was 1.71. This move makes sense as a lefty reliever is desperately needed against the Red Sox, and Gonzalez has done extremely well against the Sox lefty hitters. Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury, and David Ortiz are a combined 3-23 lifetime against Gonzalez with 0 home runs.

2. SP Hiroki Kuroda: The Dodgers righty from Japan is as consistent as it gets. Though he went 13-16 in 2011, his ERA was 3.06.  The problem was that until recently he hasn't been open to anything but Los Angeles or a return to Japan. The Yankees had shown interest in the 37 year old at the 2011 trade deadline, and may try to make a run at him now.

3. SP John Danks: The White Sox, who have a surplus of starting pitching, seem to be willing to deal Danks and the Yankees are rumored to be interested in the lefty. Though Danks definitely had a disappointing year in 2011, he has good stuff. I would offer Eduardo Nunez and David Phelps.

4. SP Yu Darvish: The prized Japanese righty may be the only potential big splash the Yankees make this offseason. Darvish set a career high in strikeouts and his 1.44 ERA was just below half the Japanese league ERA. He won't come cheap though, as it may cost the Yankees a $50 million posting fee and another $50 million to sign him.

5. OF Yoenis Cespedes: The powerful Cuban outfielder who hit 33 home runs last season is said to want north of $50 million, but Foxsports is saying that the Yankees are among the most interested teams, along with Detroit and Miami

GIO, GARZA, DANKS ARE NYY’S BEST OPTIONS

Lets face it, the Yankees need a number two starter and there aren’t that many available on the free agent market. CJ Wilson is widely considered the best free agent pitcher, but there may be other pitchers who are on the trading block who are better options for the Yankees.

Here are the three best trade options for the Bombers:

Gio Gonzalez: It might not be easy, but if the Yankees could pry Gonzalez from Oakland, it would not only give them a solid number two starter, but also a second lefty, which would be a valuable asset against the Red Sox. Gonzalez, who went 16-12 in 2011 with an ERA of 3.12, is one of the best available starting pitchers. My offer would be Eduardo Nunez and Dellin Betances. The only two players I wouldn’t offer are Jesus Montero, who will probably be the Yankees designated hitter in 2012, and highly touted pitching prospect Manny Banuelos. 

Matt Garza: The Cubs righty may be the best option of them all. Though he didn’t get off to a great start, he went 6-3 in the second half with a 2.45 ERA. The fact that he was able to recover in a place like Wrigley Field, which is well known as a hitter’s ballpark, is pretty rare. My offer to the Cubs would be Austine Romine, Betances, Nunez, and David Phelps.

John Danks: Danks would be my plan C, as he doesn’t throw as hard as Gonzalez or Garza, and he gives up a lot of runs. The only reason I would pursue Danks if I were Brian Cashman is the fact that he’s only 25 years old and can still develop. My offer to the White Sox would be Eduardo Nunez and a second round draft pick.

My Rankings:

Matt Garza

Gio Gonzalez

John Danks

YANKEES FANS SHOULD BE HAPPY PAPLEBON IS A PHILLIE

Former Red Sox closer Jonathan Paplebon has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Philies. Though his numbers don't show it, he had a very solid year in 2011 and could return to dominance in 2012. This would not have been good for the Yankees, which is why they should be glad that Paplebon found a new address. They should also be happy that Daniel Bard will become the Red Sox closer.

Bard, who throws exceptionally hard, has difficulty against the Yankees and teams above .500 in general. While his overall career ERA is 2.88, he's 4-5 against winning teams with an ERA of 3.19. Against the Yankees, he's 2-1 with an ERA of 4.13. 

Bard has given up only 16 home runs in his career, but 7 were to the Yankees. The most he has given up against any other team is 2.

Paplebon, on the other hand, had an ERA of 1.93 against the Yankees in 2011.

Though Bard has even better velocity than Paplebon, he isn't as smart a pitcher.

WHERE EACH TOP FREE AGENT WILL LAND

1B Albert Pujols: The world champion St. Louis Cardinals’ best player (possibly baseball’s best) has hit the open market, but might not be as hot a commodity as expected. With the Red Sox and the Yankees already secure at first base, the only major competitors for Pujols are the Rangers, Cubs, and Angels. I think he stays in St. Louis.

PREDICTION: Cardinals

1B Prince Fielder: There is no doubt in my mind that he is leaving Milwaukee. I believe the suitors will be the Rangers, Angels, Orioles, and the Cubs. He also has the problem of a small first base market. Chicago is a perfect fit. It’s a small ballpark where he can hit a lot of home runs, they have a new General Manager who wants to make a splash, and they are rebuilding and can build around him.

PREDICTION: Cubs

SP CJ Wilson: Wilson isn’t an ace, but is looking to get paid like one. This may be an issue for some teams, but the one team I think will pay him is the New York Yankees, who badly need a number two starter. Brian Cashman said earlier on Friday that Wilson is “the most attractive” pitching option.

PREDICTION: Yankees

SS Jose Reyes: The Mets will likely be losing their best player, but to whom? He will have many suitors like the Brewers, Angels, and Red Sox. Though I believe he will become a hated Mets rival and will sign with Florida. Hanley Ramirez has already offered to move to third base for him.

PREDICTION: Marlins

SP Yu Darvish: This is a guy who has seven pitches, including a fastball that tops out at 97 miles per hour. The twenty five year old would be a great fit in Texas, especially if they lose CJ Wilson. JAPANESE

PREDICTION: Rangers

SP Mark Buehrle: Buehrle, who went 13-9 last year for the White Sox, would probably make a great fit for the crosstown Chicago Cubs. He knows how to get ground balls and not give up home runs, which the Cubs need.

PREDICTION: Cubs

CL Jonathan Paplebon: With Daniel Bard having a subpar second half of 2011 (his ERA was 5.28), the Red Sox probably wouldn’t want to run the risk of worsening their already suspect bullpen.

PREDICTION: Red Sox

DH David Ortiz: Though Ortiz has sounded frustrated with the lack of an offer from the Red Sox, it won’t be enough to pull him away from them

PREDICTION: Red Sox

SS Jimmy Rollins: The one team that may be able to lure Rollins away from Philadelphia is the Nationals, who are an up and coming young team who could use some veteran leadership. Rollins could fill that void easily.

PREDICTION: Nationals

MOVES THE YANKEES SHOULD MAKE THIS OFFSEASON

The Yankees offseason began on a good note as they signed CC Sabathia to an extension, which will keep him in pinstripes potentially through the 2017 season. Here are some other changes they should make:

Sign Mark Buehrle: Mark Buehrle is a pitcher who can get batters out without great stuff by getting ground balls and not giving up home runs. He is coming off another solid year, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.59 ERA. He would be a stable force at the backend of the Yankees rotation.

      Resign Freddy Garcia: He may not be the pitcher he once was, but he is good enough to be a fifth starter in the Yankees rotation.


             Cut Ties With Jorge Posada: I know Yankees fans have grown attached to Posada, but he’s just too old and is taking up other players time

        Trade Nick Swisher And Sign Grady Sizemore: Swisher has been good for the Yankees over the past three years, but if the Yankees could get a talented, blue chip prospect, he might be worth trading. Even though Sizemore has had a lot of injuries over the past three seasons, limiting him to 210 games, when healthy he is one of the most talented players in baseball. The twenty eight year old outfielder has 30-35 home run powers with the ability to hit for a high average. He also is a great fielder and has a very strong throwing arm. In 2008, his last full season, Sizemore hit .268 with 33 home runs and 90 RBIs. The only issue here is the fact that Boston is also likely to bid for the left handed hitting outfielder and the Yankees may not want to get involved in a bidding war.

Most people may think the Yankees should pursue free agent pitchers CJ Wilson, Edwin Jackson, and Yu Darvish. Another name that has been mentioned is Carlos Beltran. Here is why these moves wouldn’t work:

CJ Wilson: He seems like the type of player who might not be able to handle the scrutiny of playing in a
city like New York; he seems to not like criticism. Also, he is going to want a lot of money, which he may not be worth, considering his postseason track record.

Edwin Jackson: Jackson and AJ Burnett have had very similar careers. They both have superb talent, but can’t seem to translate that talent into wins. They each have thrown an obscure no-hitter (Burnett walked nine batters, Jackson walked eight.) So it would be no surprise if they both disappoint Yankees fans.

Yu Darvish: The recent lack of success by Japanese pitchers in the Major Leagues (Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Kei Igawa to name a couple) may make this move too risky for the bombers.

Carlos Beltran: Now 35, Beltran is no longer the player he once was, though he can still hit, he isn’t an upgrade over Swisher.

POSITION PLAYER CHANGES THE YANKEES SHOULD MAKE

The Yankees must go through a few changes in terms of their offense and defensive allignment if they want to improve in 2012. I have a few changes in mind. Though some may be far fetched, a man can dream.

The Yankees should start by having Jesus Montero split time at the Designated Hitter slot with Alex Rodriguez. Montero would be the DH against right handed pitchers and Rodriguez DH against lefties.

The reason Jesus Montero wouldn't DH against lefties is because he would be converted to left field in place of Gardner, who hit a mere .233 against left handed pitchers last season while Montero hit .500. Also, Montero has a good arm and hasn't been a catcher long enough to have bad knees. I think Montero would make a competent left fielder.

Meanwhile, Alex Rodriguez, whose performance has begun to slip because of a recent string of injuries, needs to get some time off while staying in the lineup. Having him DH against lefties would be a perfect way to keep his bat in the lineup.While Rodriguez is the DH, Nunez would play third. I know Nunez made twenty errors this seasons, but only six of them  were as a third baseman.

Lineup vs RHP


1. SS Derek Jeter

2. CF Curtis Granderson

3. 2B Robinson Cano

4. 3B Alex Rodriguez

5. 1B Mark Teixeira

6. DH Jesus Montero

7. RF Nick Swisher

8. C Russell Martin

9. LF Brett Gardner

Lineup vs LHP


1. SS Derek Jeter

2. CF Curtis Granderson

3. 2B Robinson Cano

4. DH Alex Rodriguez

5. 1B Mark Teixeira

6. LF Jesus Montero

7. RF Nick Swisher

8. C Russel Martin

9. Eduardo Nunez

WOULD GREINKE AND WILSON MAKE UP FOR CC?

It would be great if the Yankees could get both Zack Greinke and CJ Wilson, but would it be worth losing ace lefty CC Sabathia? I say yes.

Sabathia will probably ask for something similar to his last contract, seven years-$161 million. It would be fine if it was a four or five year contract, but seven seems excessive.  He'll be 38 in seven years.

The Yankees should try to pry Zack Greinke, who went 16-6 with a 3.83 ERA, away from the Brewers by offering one of their two top pitching prospects, Manny Banuelos and Delin Betances, and sign him to a five year $80 million contract extension.

The Yankees should then sign Rangers lefty CJ Wilson, who went 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA, to a five year $70 million contract.

Here is what the Yankees rotation would look like:

1. RHP Zack Greinke

2. LHP CJ Wilson

3. RHP Ivan Nova

4. RHP Phil Hughes

5. RHP Joba Chamberlain

Something to think about: these proposed contracts add up to $150 million. In 2009, CC Sabathia signed a seven year $161 million contract. If both Greinke and Wilson get the contracts they deserve, the two contracts together still cost $11 million less then Sabathia.

JOBA BACK TO ROTATION?

Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, who is currently recovering from Tommy John Surgery, may need to reinvent his pitching style if he ever wants to perform up to the level everyone expects of him.

I believe the best way to go about this is to have him work on his curveball and changeup instead of relying so heavily on his fastball and slider. He threw those two pitches a combined 85.6% of the time. If Joba can regain some of his velocity and can become a little more economical with his pitches, it might be worth giving him another shot in the rotation.

I know this may spark some strong feelings, but if Joba can successfully reinvent himself, it would be like a fresh start for a guy who might be better off in the rotation, pending his velocity.

If a pitcher throws his fastball at about 96-100 miles per hour, he can get away with more mistakes because of the extra velocity. On the other hand, if a pitcher's fastball velocity goes from 92-94 miles per hour, occasionally hitting 95-96, it is a lot easier to cath up to, and those mistakes fly over the center field fence.

I also believe that Larry Rothchild is the perfect pitching coach to help the twenty six year old righty change himself, seeing as he has worked with quite a few phenom pitchers who can't stay healthy (Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano, etc.)

ORTIZ TO NEW YORK?

For nine years David Ortiz has been the face of the Boston Red Sox, but will he be trading in his red socks for Yankee pinstripes? It's not out of the question.

 A few days ago, David Ortiz was interviewed by ESPN's Colleen Dominguez, and when asked about staying in Boston, he said "There's too much drama. I have been thinking about a lot of things. I don't know if I want to be a part of this drama next year." When asked about the possibility of joining the Yankees, Ortiz said "It's great from what i hear. It's a good situation to be involved in. Who doesn't want to be in a great situation where everything goes the right way?"

It may just be a negotiation tactic, but if Ortiz, who has the most home runs ever by a DH, is at all serious, he would a major asset to the Yankees lineup, which already features two MVP candidates in Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson, along with  slugging third baseman Alex Rodriguez and first baseman Mark Teixeira.

There are two problems I see with signing David Ortiz. One being that it would mean letting catcher Russell Martin walk because Jesus Montero would have to be moved to catcher as the DH slot would be filled by Ortiz.

Also, it might be wise to move the oft injured third baseman Alex Rodriguez to designated hitter, which could make the difference in terms of his health, which could carry over to his performance.

EPSTEIN FOR CASTRO OR CASHNER?

If recent reports are true, Theo Eptein will be the Cubs next general manager. This would put the Red Sox in a position to ask for something big in return. If I were the Red Sox I would ask for Starlin Castro, the Cubs young shortstop who led the National League with 207 hits.

Castro, who would add to an already stellar Red Sox lineup, might even get better because he would be able to hit balls off the green monster. Also, his defense will improve over time, which will make him a five tool threat in whatever lineup he's penciled in to.

If this option fails, then the Sox should ask for Andrew Cashner, the Cubs twenty five year old, hard throwing righty, who could either become a top of the rotation starter or a top notch reliever.

His talent became apparent when he posted an ERA of 1.69 in seven games for the Cubs last season.

As for the Cubs, if they want to end their 103 year drought, Epstein is the gut to put that championship team together.

MOVES THE YANKEES SHOULD/SHOULD NOT MAKE

SHOULD

1. RE-SIGN CC TO A 7 YEAR, $165 MILLON, FRONT LOADED CONTRACT: There is no question that the Yankees must resign their lefty ace, who won 19 games or the third straight season, but it will cost them. Sabathia will definitely want more years, which means more money. If they front load the contract, giving him most of the money in the first four years, they won't have to pay him for the end of his career, which will allow them to potentially trade him, or move him around in the rotation.

2. SIGN CJ WILSON TO A 4 YEAR $80 MILLION CONTRACT: Wilson would make a great number two starter behind Sabathia. Also, he is a lefty, which is always a good thing when the major competition is  the lefty heavy lineup of the Boston Red Sox.

3. SAY GOODBYE TO POSADA: Jorge Posada can no longer catch, and has proven that he doesn't have the power to be a Designated Hitter.

4. PICK UP OPTION ON NICK SWISHER: I think he deserves another shot. He has been consistently good for the Yankees and is good for 25 home runs and 85-90 RBI.

5. BRING BACK MARTIN: Though Russell Martin is not an offensive star, he is competent with the bat, and is a great defender.

SHOULD NOT


1. TRADE JESUS MONTERO: Even if the Mariners change their mind about trading Felix Hernandez for a package centered around Jesus Montero, I would say no. Jesus Montero looks like the righty hitting Adrian Gonzalez to me because of his opposite field power. He could be a force in the middle of the Yankees lineup for years to come.

2. SIGN YU DARVISH: I don't see much of a difference between Darvish and Dice-K. Also, do you remember Kei Igawa? Enough said.

AS THE BASEBALL SEASON WINDS DOWN...

I will be discussing Hockey related topics. I hope everyone enjoys it.

HOW TO STAVE OFF ELIMINATION AGAINST DETROIT

In order to win tonight the Yankees must score early off Detroit starter Rick Porcello. The only comfortable  scenario is if the Yankees have a five or more run lead by the seventh inning stretch. This would be a great time for Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez's bats to come to life, and hit every pitcher that the Tigers throw at them.

Not only must the offense perform, but AJ Burnett has to command his fastball while mixing in his curveball on 0-2 counts.

Also, Girardi must keep Burnett on a SHORT leash. If Burnett has any trouble in the early innings, Girardi must replace him with Phil Hughes.

If the Yankees can stave off elimination tonight, they will not only be heading back to New York for game 5, but they will have the momentum as well

TONY PENA SHOULD BE THE NEXT RED SOX MANAGER

I believe the best guy to replace Terry Francona is Yankees bench coach Tony Pena.

He is a former catcher, who seems to know how to reach the Yankees players, as he's helped the careers of Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Melky Cabrera, etc. 

Though he's only managed once in the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals, he won the 2003 manager of the year. In 2003, he had a team that had lost 100 games the previous year. The Royals were built around Center Fielder Carlos Beltran, Left Fielder Raul Ibanez, and rookie Short Stop Angel Berroa (who would win the American League Rookie of the Year). Their rotation had only one pitcher with an ERA under 4.00, Darrel May, who's ERA was 3.77 and was the only pitcher to win ten games, (the next lowest ERA was Runelvys Hernandez's 4.61). Kansas City's closer was nothing to brag about either. Mike MacDougal had an ERA of 4.08 with 27 saves while blowing 8.

This wasn't a very good team, but Pena managed to lead them to an 83-79 record while capturing the AL Manager of the Year Award, and the respect of his players.

If a new voice is what the Sox want, Pena is the perfect man for the job.

ALDS PREVIEW: Yankees VS. Tigers

Yankees VS. Tigers:

LINEUP YANKEES:

1. Derek Jeter

2. Curtis Granderson

3. Robinson Cano

4. Alex Rodriguez

5. Mark Teixeira

6. Nick Swisher

7. Jorge Posada

8. Russell Martin

9. Brett Gardner

LINEUP TIGERS

1. Austin Jackson, CF

2. Wilson Betemit, 3B

3. Delmon Young, LF

4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

5. Victor Martinez, DH

6. Alex Avila, C

7. Magglio Ordonez, RF

8. Jhonny Peralta, SS

9. Ryan Raburn, 2B

Though both have great lineups, but there is a major difference in their power numbers. Two through five in the Tigers lineup has hit a total of 62 home runs, with Miguel Cabrera hitting 30 of them. The Yankees two through five hitters have hit 134 home runs. Also, the Tigers two through five hitters have driven in a total of 318 runs, while the Yankees two through five hitters have a total of 410 RBI's. This shows that the Yankees lineup can produce more runs then Detroits.

ADVANTAGE: Yankees

ROTATION YANKEES

1. CC Sabathia

2. Ivan Nova

3. Freddy Garcia

ROTATION TIGERS

1. Justin Verlander

2. Doug Fister

3. Max Scherzer

Though Ivan Nova has been great for the Yankees, he went 16-4 with an ERA of 3.70 during the regular season, Freddy Garcia has not been great of late. His September ERA is 7.36, though his last start against Boston was great as he threw six shutout innings.
The Tigers, led by eventual Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander, have two very solid starters to follow, as Fister had a September ERA of 0.53. Scherzer has had his good and bad moments, but is solid overall.

ADVANTAGE: TIGERS

BULLPEN

Though they are pretty evenly matched in terms of the back end, as the Tigers have Al Alburquerque (ERA: 1.87) in the 7th, Benoit (ERA: 2.95) in the 8th, and Valverde (S: 49, ERA: 2.24), who has't blown a save this year.
The Yankees on the other hand have Rafael Soriano in the seventh (ERA: 4.12), David Robertson in the eighth (ERA: 1.08), and the great Mariano Rivera as the closer (S: 44, ERA: 1.91).
The difference maker in this category is that the Yankees have so much depth with Wade, Ayala, Hughes, AJ, and Logan. None of these guys are weak links.

PREDICTION: YANKEES IN 4

The Yankees have more offensive depth and a better bullpen. Their rotation is also good enough to keep them in the game.

FIRING FRANCONA WOULD BE CLASSLESS AND STUPID

Terry Francona has been the Red Sox manager for eight years now, and has two World Series wins and has been to the ALCS three times. Though the Sox have missed the postseason for the second straight year, it hasn't been Francona's fault.

 At one point in the later part of the 2010 season, the Sox had 12 players on the disabled list, including Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Josh Beckett, all three being major contributors this season.

This year, the Red Sox went most of this season without star pitcher Clay Buchholz and flame throwing reliever Bobby Jenks. Also, the players didn't play up to par. For the second year in a row John Lackey didn't pitch at all like he did for the Angels, John Lester, Josh Beckett, and Daniel Bard ended the season poorly.

The Red Sox finished the season with a number of players who were playing in pain, including Adrian Gonzalez who had a bad shoulder, and Erik Bedard as well.  Gonzalez hit only .250 during the last week of 2011, and Bedard had an ERA of 5.25 in the month of September.

The point is, the Red Sox players were too relaxed and didn't want it enough, which is on the players not Francona, who has been so valuable to the Boston Red Sox over the last eight years.

X-FACTORS FOR ALL 4 AL PLAYOFF TEAMS, PREDICTION (edited)

Now that everything is settled, here are the final X-Factors.

TAMPA BAY RAYS: David Price

The last month has not been Price's best, but if he can turn it around in October, the Rays will float past Texas in the ALDS. The only problem is that last year Texas destroyed Price last year, and I'm not convinced they won't this year.

TEXAS RANGERS: Alexei Ogando

Ogando began the season pitching like an ace (stats), he has had a tough time during the second half (stats), if he pitches like the first half Ogando, it will give Tampa an amazing 1-2 punch which can be vital in winning a series.

DETROIT TIGERS: Max Scherzer

Even though Justin Verlander might be the best pitcher in baseball, it will take more then just himself to make it to the World Series, he needs a sidekick. If Scherzer can pitch like he has recently the Tigers will be in the ALCS facing off against the New York Yankees.

NEW YORK YANKEES: Freddy Garcia

The Yankees have CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova as their 1-2 punch, but If Freddy Garcia pitches like he did against the Red Sox, when he threw six shutout innings, or even close to that, the Yankees will be in the World Series for the second time in three years.

ALCS PREDICTION:

Yankees over Texas in 6

MONTERO FOR KING FELIX? HELL NO!!!!

Some people now believe talks between the Yankees and the Mariners may be revived now that Jesus Montero has shown that he can produce in the big leagues. If I'm the Yankees, and the Mariners ask for Jesus Montero in return for Felix Hernandez, I would say "you can have Nunez, you can have Romine, you can even have Betances and Banuelos, but you can't have Montero." 

Not only is Montero possibly the next Yankees superstar, but I don't see how much better they would be giving him up but having Felix Hernandez than they would having a guy like CJ Wilson, who will only cost money. Yes, Hernandez is better, but not by so much that you would be compelled to deal Montero. Some may even argue that CJ Wilson is better at the moment. Wilson is 16-7 with an ERA of 2.97 and 206 strike outs. Hernandez, on the other hand has not exactly been his Cy Young self, as he has gone 14-14 not to mention the fact that his ERA went from 2.27 to 3.47.

CHANGES THE METS SHOULD MAKE

This is a link to an interactive article by Jim Luttrell of the New York Times, which allows you to draw out the changed you would make to Citi Field's dimensions. http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/draw-your-own-citi-field-blueprints/?ref=sports.

Here are the changes I would make, both to the field and the team.

FIELD: As it currently stands, center field is 408 feet away from home plate, which keeps a lot of home runs in the ballpark. So, I would move it in 18 feet.

The wall in left center field is 15 feet, 8.5 inches high. I would lower the fence to 9 feet, which would add a few more home runs to Jason Bay's total. I would also do the same thing to right field.

TEAM: Basically, the Mets need to cut payroll and spend at the same time. Here is a way to do that:

1. 3B David Wright and OF/1B Lucas Duda to Detroit Tigers for P Justin Turner: By trading David Wright, the Mets would be cutting payroll while acquiring a pitcher who may some day become the team's ace. also, this would give the Mets another stellar pitching prospect to go along with Matt Harvey.

2. Sign P Chieng Ming Wang to a 3 year, $6 million contract: I know it sounds crazy, but given time to return to form, Wang could make a solid middle of the rotation starter. Also, he wouldn't give up many home runs in a ballpark like Citi Field.

3. Sign 1B Prince Fielder to an 8 year $180 million back loaded contract: Prince Fielder is the type of player the Mets need, the type that can hit the ball out of any ballpark. You can back load the contract, so they can pay the majority once they make more money. Then you must move Ike Davis to Right Field.

4. Sign 3B Mark DeRosa: Though he can no longer hit, he is a competent third baseman.

ALCS: BOSTON OR TAMPA? TAKE YOUR PICK

With the Red Sox barely holding on to their 3 game lead in the AL Wild Card, I began to think about if the time should come when the Yankees are in the ALCS, who I would rather see them face.

REASONS TO WANT TAMPA BAY:

1. BULLPEN: Besides our old friend Kyle Farnsworth, not one pitcher in the Rays Bullpen has an ERA below 3.00 (the lowest being Joel Peralta's 3.19.) I wouldn't even necasserily bank on Farnsworth with his history of giving up big hits.

2. ROTATION: I know this sounds crazy, but the back end of the rotation is very young and inexperienced. James Shields, or "Big Game James" is known for coming up big when he is needed. David Price on the other hand lost both starts against Texas in last years ALDS. That is the most playoff experience the Rays pitching staff has.

REASONS TO WANT BOSTON:

1. BULLPEN: Aside from Jonathan Paplebon, who has been consistent in the Red Sox bullpen this year? Over the past month, Daniel Bard has had an ERA of 5.73. The only other Red Sox reliever who has been consistently good is Alfredo Aceves, who has won 9 games for Boston this season and has an ERA of 1.69 over the past month.

2. ROTATION: With Becketts health being a question mark, the Red Sox will likely have to rely more heavily on Erik Bedard and John Lackey. Lackey has been very disappointing for Boston this season, posting an ERA of 6.30. The only reason he is 12-12 is that Boston scores about 8 runs for him on average.

If I had to pick, I would choose Boston. Not only would it be exciting, but Boston has more holes to fill than Tampa.

MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT AJ BURNETT

After a strong start to the 2011 season, AJ Burnett has struggled of late, posting an ERA of 8.04 in the second half. I have said, along with many other people, that AJ needs to be put in the bullpen. Now, after his most recent start against the Boston Red Sox, who have manhandled Burnett over the past three seasons, I believe it’s possible that he has turned a corner.

In 2009, AJ went 0-2 in four starts against Boston with an ERA of 8.85. 2010 was hardly any better, as he posted an ERA of 7.63. This year, up until Thursday night, has been similar as he has an ERA of 7.36 against the Red Sox.

Thursday was a different story. Though Burnett only went 5.1 innings, he allowed only 2 runs on 5 hits. He also struck out 4, while walking only 2. His progress really showed after Dustin Pedroia in the fourth inning, as he wasn’t rattled and retired 7 of the next 8 hitters he faced.

I’m still not 100 percent certain that Burnett has righted his ship, but I would give him at least one more start to see if the momentum from his start against the Red Sox carries over.

If AJ has turned his season around, he will make the Yankees rotation a force during the playoffs.

WHY NYY MUST BE PATIENT WITH MONTERO

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported earlier today that the Yankees top prospect, catcher Jesus Montero, will be called up to the Majors tomorrow. Montero, who is known as a big offensive threat, has struggled defensively over the course of his Minor League career. Though his catching career shouldn’t be discarded just yet.

Jesus Montero may take a little longer to develop. This was the case with Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez, and Mike Piazza.

Rodriguez averaged 12.5 errors through his first two seasons, but since then, he has never made more then 11 in a season. Over the last five seasons he has not made more then seven. For Posada, it took him until his fifth season to become the All Star catcher he is known for being. It also took Piazza six years to cut down on his errors. In 1997, Piazza made 16 errors, the next year, he only made 11.

I’m not saying that Montero will be a Gold Glover, but I am saying the Yankees should give him a long look behind the plate before closing the door on his catching career.

AUTOGRAPHS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

My three favorite baseball players are Robinson Cano, Mariano Rivera and Mike Cameron. Cano and Rivera are my favorites because they are players I have grown up watching and are two of the best Yankees of my generation. Cameron is another one of my favorites for a more personal reason that goes beyond being a great player.

In 2005, when I was becoming a serious baseball fan at age ten, I went to my first Subway Series game. I went early to the game because I wanted to try getting a few autographs from the players. I was there about an hour and a half before first pitch and no players signed autographs.

About a half hour before fist pitch I accidentally dropped my mitt onto the field. I asked a number of players, coaches and even security guards, yet nobody was willing to pick up my glove. All of a sudden, a Mets player I had never heard of before named Mike Cameron says to me, “Hey kid, you dropped your glove.” He then picked it up, and signed it. He proceeded to sign about a dozen autographs. I have been a huge Mike Cameron fan ever since.

For a player to go out of their way to greet fans and sign autographs is rare, now that players are making boatloads of money, but when a player does something nice for young fans, it is memorable for the rest of the fan’s life.