Mike G., I agree – Andy Phillips is not as good as this guy?  At this point in his career, he’s strictly a glove man.  Years ago, he was a .300 hitter but he is several seasons removed from that.  I don’t think Phillips is his match with the glove, but I saw him play and he is a very good fielder.  And, I believe at this point in time – Phillips is a better hitter.  I don’t know how much this deal is, but it doesn’t seem to be money well spent – although I guess the Yanks want an insurance policy. 

Reports are the Yankees and Diamondbacks have a tentative deal on Randy – they’re just working out the details before they present to Randy’s agent for official approval.  Presumably, he will approve otherwise why the heck are the Yankees wasting their time?  Oh, and Joel Pineiro is on his way to the Red Sox…  I guess since the National Media already annointed the Red Sox as champs they can now officially schedule their coronation ceremony. 

The Mets are working on plan B, which is dealing Lastings Milledge to Oakland for Joe Blanton.  One thing I don’t understand about the Mets (this is a good deal) is: why do they seem to have this pattern of organizational people having a problem with their prospects?  I mean the Mets soured on Lastings because he was “too flashy” or “brash” or whatever you want to call it.  I heard the same things about Scott Kazmir…. why are they so quick to give up on these guys?  I mean from what I saw of Lastings, he wasn’t as good as the Mets made him out which is why I think it’s a good deal, but sheesh, something’s wrong there.