He’s now the third fastest homegrown Yankees player to reach 1,000 hits, in his 3,232nd at-bat. The only two who’ve done it quicker? The last two Yankee captains, Derek Jeter (3,112) and Don Mattingly (3,042). That’s pretty impressive company.

Manager Joe Girardi, former manager Joe Torre and former third base coach Larry Bowa have all said in the past, in their own ways, that Cano can be one of those special players in baseball, that he could be one of those elite hitters to lead a franchise.

And you know what if he keeps hitting at this rate AND continues to improve like he has, he could very well reach those expectations. He’s already placed his name amongst some prior Yankee greats only time will tell if he puts his names with the others.

But the point of this post was really to say, CONGRATULATIONS ROBBIE!!! You’ve had a great season so far, keep it up and get yourself your first MVP award.

For all the people like myself outside of the New York market, make sure to check out MLB.tv to watch Robinson and the rest of the Bronx Bombers pursue greatness.

“He’s a great, young hitter and he seems to be getting better and better,” said Girardi. “Now, we’re asking him to be extremely productive and he has done that, too. He has done this (1,000 hits) quick.”

@JeffPassan: #Yankees, #RedSox, #Tigers looking at the smartest man in baseball, #A’s LHR Craig Breslow. Better vs. RHH (.576 OPS) than LHH (.678 OPS).

Breslow is an intriguing option for all of the teams listed by Passan. Like the OPS numbers says he’s been pretty darn effective. Here are some additional numbers thou. He has a 3.06 ERA over 44 and 2/3 innings, with a 4-2 record. He’s also exhibited a good sense of control, with the ability to punch hitters out, he’s averaging 3.4 BB and 9.4 K per nine innings.

There’s another thing that makes Breslow interesting and it’s not his stats, it’s the money. Breslow’s 2010 salary is only $425,000 and he’s under team control until 2013. So whomever trades for him will have him under control for a few years.

There is one downside to Breslow thou. Personally, I’d consider him more of a one or two batter specialist then a pitcher you’d trust pitching the entire seventh or eighth inning. He’s pretty much lights out with the bases empty but his numbers get much worse when a runner is on base. Even worse? Hitters are at their best against him with runners in scoring position AND two outs. When he comes in with a man on base there is a 23% chance the runner scores (5 out of 22) ,pretty much in line with his 22% career average.

I don’t know if I’m a contender that’s one thing that would scare me.

—

Out of the three teams listed by Passan, I’d say the New York Yankees would make the most interest for Breslow’s services. He’s a lefty, something the Bombers sorely need in their bullpen. Their only option is Boone Logan and he’s well just not that good.

One thing is for sure here, Athletics General Manager Billy Beane will expect something of value in return. Breslow isn’t the greatest reliever but is very effective. More importantly, with him under team control for a couple seasons and at an affordable rate, Beane should be able to acquire a mid-level prospect out of one of these contenders.

At this moment, I still can’t think of how to put thoughts in word so I figured let’s have some fun in honoring the man. One thing you keep hearing today on ESPN is how he was larger then the game of baseball, there was a reoccurring character on Seinfeld based on him, and he’s hosted Saturday Night Live. They haven’t shown many of those clips today, so I figured why not look at some memorable “Steinbrenner” moments from Seinfeld.

The Boss did actually appear on the show once so we’ll start off with that clip.

When it came to the show itself, George Constanza was always searching for a job and then quickly finding his way out of jobs. Before he even got to start his “job” with the Yankees he almost lost it. Take a look.

George quickly became the Bosses lil, well “bitch”.

Surprisingly during his run George did plenty of things that the boss liked and somehow even got himself promoted. While at the same time the show makes fun of Steinbrenner’s history of firing managers.

After a while, Costanza did all he could to get himself fired but the Boss just pulled the trigger on someone else.

Costanza meant so much to George Steinbrenner that the boss even paid a visit to the Seinfeld groups “Good Samaritan” case testifying on behalf of George but yet bungling the whole thing. The writers also made fun of his knack to throw tons of money at the wrong players.

There we go those are some clips of Steinbrenner and Seinfeld, while George was involved in only one it does also show the kind of owner he was. He made quick, rash decisions normally without thinking things through which made him pretty easy for many to make fun of him. There are so many other clips that also show the kind of good man he also was, like when he visited the Costanza residence after it was believed George had passed, but still making fun of his decisions.

This will be felt all around baseball for years to come as he was the owner who single handedly changed the game to what it is today. He took over a sad baseball team and turned them back into a powerhouse, while making the players think of nothing but the money instead of team loyalty. It’s what so many other teams fans hate at him but no matter how much you deny it, anyone would of loved to have an owner so focused on winning at the helm of theirs.

I’ve got the next two days off of work and planned on catching up on the blog and rumors but right now I don’t know. I’ll be back with stuff later today but with this news its time to watch ESPN and the players talk about it.

Nick Johnson is still a long way from swinging a bat. “I have not been given a date when he’s going to pick up a bat, and usually that’s when I know we’re getting close,” Girardi said. (per LoHud Yankees Blog)

That’s horrible news. If he can’t pick up a bat then yea it really makes it unlikely he won’t return in mid-July, but in actuality is that a bad thing?

The Yankees already have Jorge Posada relegated to part time catching duty and even Alex Rodriguez isn’t able to play the field. So if Johnson were to return soon where would he play? There’s no chance of him playing the field unless you were giving Mark Teixeira a full day off, which won’t happen often.

The real thing to talk about thou is the waste of a move Johnson was.

Yes, he’s an on base machine but he spends as much time on the disabled list as he does first base. This is something every Yankee fan and even management knows, so why would they go that route?

Yea, he was cheaper then Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon but at least with them they’d at least be in the batters box.

So you did notice I used quotation marks around the word ace. I use the term very loosely when it comes to Vazquez. Yes, he was the ace of an Atlanta Braves staff and one of the better pitchers in the National League, but throughout his career that hasn’t been the case. Regardless, being an ace the Yankees gave up a pretty penny for him.

The Yankees gave up a starting outfielder, not a star one but at least an average starter who the team rallies around. They gave up their third best prospect in starting pitcher Arodys Vizcaino and a lefty Mike Dunn who was projected to make the big league roster.

The key to the deal was probably Vizcaino a 19-year old starting pitcher who destroyed hitters at Single-A in 2009, with a 2.13 ERA over 42 innings pitched with 52 strikeouts. Vizcaino is still years away from being able to contribute so down the road this can hurt the Yankees, but the Yankees don’t think about down the road. It’s all about the here and now.

And the here and now is answering the Boston Red Sox signing of John Lackey. While Lackey projects to be the Red Sox number two or three starter, Vazquez should be the Yankees number four. Both rotations now seem to be equally as strong.

It leaves the Yankees a little short in the outfield but as we’ve seen many of times pitching wins championships.

This deal has to bother the fans of the Philadelphia Phillies thou. Why? It looks like Braves got more for a fringe ace, at best, then the Phillies got in return for Cliff Lee. FanGraph even says that the Braves got a significantly better return then the Phillies did. While it will take a number of years to find out if that’s true it must be troubling for the Phillie faithful to hear that.

KenDavidoff – Increasing expectation around #MLB is that the #Yankees will eventually re-sign Hideki Matsui. Could take until January.

Think about it like this, if the Yankees don’t bring back Johnny Damon then there is one less player that needs to be cycled through DH duties next season.

Granderson is an everyday player, so all that leaves for players needing occasional rest are Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Alex Rodriguez, possibly Mark Teixeira once in a while as well. But in reality, how often do those guys actually get the DH game? Once every two or three weeks, it’s not that frequent.

So without Damon, you’d think maybe one or two days a week those guys would play DH, which would leave five or six other days where you need a DH. That’s more then enough games and at bats to warrant spending the money to keep Matsui. Of course that’s if Damon doesn’t return.

Ken says that if a deal happens it wouldn’t happen till January, that makes sense as ESPN is reporting today that the Yankees and Damon have begun negotiations.

Rotoworld.com actually thinks the Yankees could still sign both, I think its a long shot. I believe its one or the other and I’d be happy with either of the guys.

First, the Yankees traded Brian Bruney to the Washington Nationals for the first pick in the Rule 5 Draft. Not a major deal but could wind up being very big for the Yankees bullpen. Steven Henson of Yahoo.com says the Yankees are considering drafting Florida Marlins pitcher Arquimedes Carminero, a strong armed reliever who boasts a 10+ strikeout per nine inning ratio. That is if they don’t trade the pick. Jayson Stark of ESPN.com says the Yankees are trying to move that pick themselves. I’d think for another minor league player. The Yankees also needed to clear a little payroll for the moves they want to make so Bruney could save them close to $2 million after his arbitration raise.

Next, the Yankees made a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers. They gave up a pretty big prospect in Austin Jackson, as well as Phil Coke and Ian Kennedy. In return they got a player they’ve wanted for a long time Curtis Granderson. He’s got power, 30 homers last year, something that a player needs when playing at Yankee Stadium. He’s got speed, 57 triples in 6 seasons (twice league leader) and 20 steals last season, something the Yankees could always use more of with their aging lineup. There are two major knocks thou.

He strikes out a lot, something the Yankees don’t need as this is a team that’s always wanted patience at the plate. Maybe the vets can rub off on the kid. He also can’t hit lefties (.183 with 2 homers in 180 at bats) to save his life and that’s a problem. Teams don’t save their lefties to pitch in Yankees Stadium anymore, but they do face more then their fare share. If this trend continues he could quickly become a platoon player, something someone making his kind of money shouldn’t be.

Regardless, Granderson is going to be a terror in that stadium, especially against right handed pitchers. His swing is perfect for the short porch in right and with his speed he can definitely take advantage of the spacious center field while batting. The question is going to be does he play left, or bump Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner over there.

And finally today, the Yankees acted on one of their priorities they resigned Andy Pettitte to a one-year deal. You remember those priorities right? Take care of their three free agents first then look elsewhere. Anyone who believed that, I laugh and say its the Yankees and if any GM calls Cashman he’ll talk.

So back to Pettitte he’s been brought back on a one-year deal for $11.75 million, slightly more then what he made last season. The difference is this year its all guaranteed, last season most of his $10+ million was made via incentives. After his performance in the playoffs this year, you knew an incentive laden deal wouldn’t do. I’m glad he’s back, he’s the rock in the middle of that rotation and he’s a Yankee lifer, what Houston? I don’t remember those couple years ever happening.

As a Yankees fan, I’m enjoying the moves they’ve made so far. Dealing Bruney brings in some possible youth, really cheap youth if they keep the Rule 5 pick. They bring back a legit pitcher and bring a big time bat/defensive player. We may one day regret giving up Austin Jackson, just like we will regret losing Jose Tabata but hey if Granderson plays as he always had we won’t care. He gives us a better chance at winning now, and that’s always the Yankees priority.

I just know one thing, Curtis better learn to hit some lefties and FAST!

Here’s what the original deal was.
Yankees received Nady and Marte.
Pirates received Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen and Jose Tabata.

If the Pirates talks with Nady get serious, then the Yankees will really have nothing to show for this deal. What would make it worse is to see Nady wind up back in Pittsburgh and Tabata become the perennial All-Star many assumed he can one day be.

The key to the deal was Tabata, who was once one of the Yankees top hitting prospects. He’s now close to breaking into the majors and being a solid producer at the age of only 21. He played at Triple A Indianapolis this past season at the age of 20, batting .276 with 3 homers and 10 rbis, with 7 doubles in only 134 at bats. Not overwhelming but when you consider his age you see the talent is there.

Tabata should be in Pittsburgh by mid-season and most likely team with Andrew McCutchen to form one of the best young outfields in baseball.

Ohlendorf and Daniel McCutchen had mild success in Pittsburgh. The two of them might actually have solid major league careers by Pittsburgh standards if they stay there. Karstens didn’t have a good season at all and was recently out righted to Triple A.

I’ve never doubted the moves Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has made. He’s always done what he’s felt is best for the Yankees, so its hard to argue with him as he has had success. Even with having to give up Tabata this deal could of been very beneficial to the Yanks if Nady was what Cash thought he was getting.

Unfortunately he wasn’t and this could now wind up on the list of Yankee trades that us fans really regret.

Let’s first look at the two teams that have already bowed out, then the other teams that are still in the running.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - GM Tony Reagins told the Los Angeles Times that his team is not focused on Holliday, they’re more interested in resigning their own players, John Lackey and Chone Figgins. He also says they’ve had discussions with Vladimir Guerrero. If he can’t resign those three guys then things could obviously change, but it shows that Holliday is not at the top of their wish list.

I’m actually not surprised. If the Angels were to hit the free agent market their biggest need is a power bat. Outside of Kendry Morales the Angels lacked the type of player who can change a game in one swing of the bat. They’re a team that has to rely on their speed and timely hitting to make things happen, which is something they do quite well. But like they showed in the playoffs, that’s just not enough. You need that one bat who can change a game. Can Holliday be that kind of player?

The jury is still out. While in Colorado he put up the power numbers, but that’s no surprise. Between Oakland and St. Louis this past season he hit only 24 homers. He did hit .313, had a high on base percentage and could steal a few bases but he doesn’t really answer what the Angels need. If in a bind they may reenter the race but in all honesty I think they’ll keep Scott Boras on speed dial just to keep their east coast rivals honest.

New York Yankees – Much like Reagins, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has already said his team is focused on it’s own players. (Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Andy Pettitte). After the huge spending spree last season who can blame them? There are two reasons I don’t think they’ll truly get involved. One they don’t have many holes and two there is a huge free agent class next winter. After winning the championship they can afford to go with what they got for one season. Look for them to stay in the race thou as well, just to keep the Red Sox honest.

I really believe the Holliday Sweepstakes to be a three team race, just a completely different group then Morosi suggested. In my opinion the teams with the best chances at landing him are the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals and of course the Red Sox.

For the New York Mets, their main need is a power bat in reality they need any warm bodies they can get. For them I believe it will come down to what they favor most, all around production or pure power. If it’s power only then I think he’ll be giving Jason Bay a call, but if it’s all around they’ll be going all-in on Holliday. They’ve always got some money to spend and spending it on Matt could be their best decision since trading for Johan Santana.

Landing Holliday will also give the Mets something they really need, good publicity. A signing like that would allow them to steal the back pages from the World Champs for a couple days.

Boston Red Sox – For the Red Sox, I think it will also come down to who they favor more, Bay or Holliday. Jason was amazing in Boston the last couple years, showing a real feel for hitting in Fenway. His average at home is slightly above his season averages but his power numbers are slightly lower at home then on the road. Regardless, he showed he can perform in Beantown and that the pressure of such a place won’t get to him.

And that is the thing I think really separates him from Holliday. I have no doubts Holliday could perform well iin Fenway, actually at a much higher level then Bay BUT can he handle the pressure? While in Oakland he struggled mightily, part of it could of been learning the pitchers in a new league but there was also pressure on him there to produce. Once he was traded to St. Louis and he could be an accessory to Albert Pujols he took off.

I think Theo Epstein will push really hard for Holliday, while keeping Bay on the backburner if things fall through. Is that the right decision? Not sure, but the Sox really need to make some type of splash this off season and Matt would definitely help them do so.

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a unique position. Holliday loved playing there and performed admirably during his time, but is that enough to overcome the money factor. With Boras as his agent, I’d say probably not BUT it could be enough if top teams in baseball keep bowing out of the race.

The Cardinals have already admitted they won’t cut the biggest check so they’ll need to get creative. To have a real chance at keeping the slugger I think they’ll have to bypass Boras and go straight to the player. They need John Mozeliak, Tony La Russa and probably a few players to keep giving Matt a call and persuade him St. Louis is where he wants to be. Get in his head, get in there enough to where he tells Boras I’ll take slightly less to play with these guys.

Will that happen? Probably not.

So what do I think will happen? I’m not sure at all. The Yankees and Angels say they aren’t interested but you can never count them out. In the end it will come down to money as it always does with star players but I have a feeling Matt will be staying in the National League. He looked more comfortable at the plate, in the field and in the dugout after his short stint in Oakland and the AL.

If there really is that much of a difference between the leagues for him, he’s got to weigh that in to his decision. If not he could be setting himself up for failure by going back to the American League.