Dave James

Who in their right mind would want to play in Baltimore? Up over and out.

Oh course being a Yankee fan, the last thing I want to see is Tejada in red sox. Two things mitigate against this. First, as Dan points out, interdivisional trades are rara avis. Second, and probably more significantly, Manny has shown zero interest in playing on the East Coast. Seems with him it's California or bust. On the Renteria front, I'm hearing the kid they got from Atlanta may be flipped for Julio Lugo. Also, that Johnny Damon becoming a Yankee is becoming less and less far fetched every day. Up over and out.

One of a kind. Makes you wonder what he might have done both politically and musically over the course of the last 25 years. There was some real substance there. Up over and out.

I'd never heard KC before "Court". I just bought it cuz I liked the cover. It has been and remains one of my all time favorite albums. I did buy the 30th anniversary edition when it first came out and it sounds fine to me. I still have the original LP, but it's been played so many times, I'd hate to think what it sounds like now. The transition between "21st Schizoid Man" and "I Talk To The Wind" still jars my tiny brain even after all these years. One of the truly great segues. I still remember the first time I ever listened to this album. I was sitting in a window in my dorm room on a sunny, spring afternoon wondering where they would go after a wallbanger like "Schizoid" and then, wow!...go figure. Those were the days. I admit to having several, shall we say, heavily medicated experiences circa 1969/70 that wound up with this music as the soundtrack. Suffice to say, this one is rather firmly etched in my consciousness. Agree 1000% with the comments about drummer Michael Giles. Just train your earborne isolated camera on him for awhile and you'll be amazed. Just make sure there's nothing right below your jaw, so when it drops open involuntarily, you won't hurt yourself. Up over and out.

Lots of really interesting rumors are starting to circulate. Latest on ManRam. Three way deal. Manny to the Angels, Troy Glaus to the Red Sox and prospects to the D-Backs from the Angels. In this scenario, Glaus would be pencilled in at first base. Yanks are not out of the Damon sweepstakes. Marlins want Robinson Cano for Juan Pierre, and that's not going to happen. Latest name to surface in the Bronx is Nomar Garcioparra. Somehow as a piece of a center field solution. Wouldn't that be something...Jeter, A-Road and Nomar on the same team. Yanks interested in the Phillie's Jason Michaels but the price of Chen Ming Wang is too high. Marlins have let it be known that everyone on their roster including Cabrera and Willis are available for he right price. Abreu for Mark Prior? David Wells to the Dodgers. All but a done deal. Kevin Millwood to the Mariners? Bill Mueller to either the Pirates or the Dodgers. Sean Casey to the Red Sox for Bronson Arroyo and Kevin Ukelele? Up over and out.

Further word is the Yanks are hot on the trail of Juan Pierre. That would give them a legitimate center fielder and a natural lead off hitter, allowing them to move Jeter to the 2 or 3 hole where he can be more productive. My concern at this point is what the Red Sox will get for ManRam. I'm hoping it winds up being more of a farm stocking kind of deal for them, given that they had to dig pretty deep to bring in Beckett. Up over and out.

Calling all Red Sox and Yankee fans. I know you've been wondering how to treat yourself during the upcoming holiday season. How, you ask, can I scratch that itch that involves both baseball and my favorite team all at the same time. Well look no further: Available as we speak from Amazon.com. Just like your ballpark red hots, get 'em while they last. Up over and out.

Marty, I just saw your post for the first time right now. I did a quick check on e-Bay, and there are two Webster Complete Emarcy in the e-Bay store. One for $79.99 and one for $84.94. There is one Japanese copy up for auction, but it's only been listed for a short time. With 4+ days to run, it's at $9.99 Seems to me, one of these went for a fair amount over $100 awhile back. Perhaps "huge" was a bit of an overstatement, although any time you get into the $30+ range for one CD, it's close. Up over and out.

Here's an interesting speculative piece from the ESPN website: The story came and went in a cyber-second, like some massive wave crashing onto the beach, full of sound and fury only to retreat without a sound. Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez to center field? A crazy, organization-rattling idea, for sure, except that Yankees manager Joe Torre made it disappear by claiming his comments to a Reuters reporter were taken out of context. By the end of the news cycle everyone was convinced Jeter and A-Rod are staying put, and another day was crossed off the Yankees' winter calendar. But their center-field crisis is still no closer to being resolved. From his shortstop position, Derek Jeter has been relentless in his pursuit of popups.Brian Giles apparently is not going to New York, never was. Johnny Damon is asking for seven years, to which one Yankee executive says he and agent Scott Boras "have their heads in the clouds." Milton Bradley is a long shot -- "obviously, the guy's got issues," says the insider -- and as long as the Bombers are holding onto Chien-Ming Wang and Robinson Cano, they have no shot of prying Torii Hunter away from the Twins. And if all else fails, there's always Bubba Crosby. That brings the Yankees back to Torre's hypothetical quip about moving one of his shortstops to center field. What's really so crazy about the idea, given that the Yankees are almost out of options? Jeter and A-Rod are gifted athletes who could make the switch and actually improve the Yankees' overall defense. Both are quicker than Crosby with superior throwing arms. But without saying so, it was Jeter whom Torre was imagining as his next center fielder. At 31, he's one year older than A-Rod but still faster in an all-out sprint, more graceful leaving his feet and has that extraordinary radar for fly balls and pop-ups, even with his back to the ball. Of course, we hear the voices of protest, the loudest of which belongs to GM Brian Cashman. "The guy's a Gold Glove winner, why would we make a switch?" he said by telephone on Tuesday. The reason is because Jeter is that talented, and, for all Cashman's efforts to begin the post-Bernie Williams era, no one else looks quite as good as the Yankee captain. It all goes back to that obsessive need to catch everything in the air -- evidenced by his crashing into the stands for a foul ball against the Red Sox on July 1, 2004. Jeter, bloodied and bruised, all but won the Gold Glove that year in a single play. He was just as consumed in a May 25 collision with Robinson Cano, climbing all over the rookie second baseman to grab a Marcus Thames soft flare into shallow center, snuffing out a Tigers rally. "Phenomenal" is what A-Rod said of Jeter that night, shaking his head in admiration. The shortstop pursues fly balls with the frenzy of a man chasing after a bus. That's a trait few shortstops possess. Not many center fielders have it, either, but if Jeter can work that magic diving into the stands or behind second base, you could imagine him navigating the wall in right- and left-center, getting to balls that outdistanced Williams in 2005. The question, naturally, is whether the Yankees could possibly convince Jeter to begin a new life in the outfield. The answer is, of course not. They won't even ask. He's branded as their leader, no mere man but The Man. Jeter is the franchise's most marketable commodity playing the most challenging position. If he wouldn't surrender shortstop for A-Rod in 2004, why would he do it now? Even broaching the subject would be political suicide for anyone in the organization, Torre included. The Yankees learned a lesson watching the war that was waged at Camden Yards before Cal Ripken finally realized his diminishing range made a move to third base a necessity -- for his sake, not the Orioles. Only great athletes can play center field. And if it was good enough for Mickey Mantle to go from shortstop to center field, why not Derek Jeter? In this case, though, Jeter wouldn't be abandoning short because of any deficiency. Nor would it represent a concession to A-Rod. Instead, Jeter is a solution to a problem the Yankees haven't been able to solve. And, while Jeter would (naturally) be opposed to the idea, the Yankees could spin the switch thusly: Only great athletes can play center field. And if it was good enough for Mickey Mantle to go from shortstop to center field, why not Derek Jeter? After all, it was Torre himself who invoked this precedent during his interview with Reuters. Whether the manager was speaking off the top of his head or giving away in-house secrets, his logic was flawless. And notice that Torre spoke of Jeter and A-Rod as his "shortstops." Two of them. That's the other weapon at the Yankees' disposal -- move Jeter to the outfield, where he'll excel, and Torre has another Gold Glover to replace him. So who would the Yankees chase for the infield vacancy? Nomar Garciaparra would be a possibility, having played 34 games at third base last year. So is Troy Glaus, who is being shopped by the Diamondbacks. Or else the Yankees can clear a path for prospect Eric Duncan, although he struggled last year at Double-A Trenton. Point is, the Yankees do have options at third, which is more than they can say about center field. If Jeter-to-center field was really that crazy, Torre shouldn't have allowed himself to be drawn into a conversation about it. Then again, maybe Torre knew exactly what he was saying. If so, the trial balloon is hereby afloat. Up over and out.

My DVD prayers have been answered. Leave It To Beaver is finally being released. Season One is available as we speak. Included in the box is the original pilot with Ward and Wally played by actors other than Hugh Beaumont and Tony Dow. All I need now is LA Law and I'll be an eternally happy DVD camper. My understanding is I won't have to wait much longer. The first two or three seasons of that show (and especially the pilot) were must-see TV. Up over and out.

Every time I buy a CD? Up over and out.

Frankly, I don't know where I'd be without my Santana Day Planner: Up over and out.

The Beatles. In this crazy, mixed up world, we'll not see the likes of these boys again. The combination of charisma, chuztpah and sheer, all-encompassing talent is a mix that comes along maybe once in a lifetime. Besides, at my age, if something similar was to pass this way, I probably wouldn't recognize it and, even if I did, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't / couldn't acknowledge it. Still the best argument for a whole that was greater than the sum of its parts. I had the privilege recently of appearing on a locally produced DVD that chronicled the remembrances 40 years down the road of those who were lucky enough to see one of the two Beatle shows in Portland on August 22, 1965. It aired on our local PBS affiliate last August. Talk about being transported back in time. Here's some trivia you might find interesting: The ticket cost me $6.00. The band played for 33 minutes. They made $60,000 against 60% of the gross take. The opening acts included Cannibal & The Headhunters and Brenda Holloway, who was backed by the King Curtis orchestra. And, here's a fascinating tidbit. The Beach Boys, sans Brian Wilson, actually flew into Portland and met briefly with the Beatles backstage at The Memorial Coliseum inbetween the afternoon and evening shows. No film or tape of the meeting is known to exist, but on the DVD, a local announcer who was present shares his recollections. Up over and out.

I'm still hoping to pick one of these off for somewhere in the $200-250 range. I keep telling myself to just shut up, buy the 3 CD compilation and be done with it, but the 10 CD, full-meal deal continues to whistle quite the siren song. Up over and out.

Don't they call this "Black Friday" in the retail trade? Not for nothing. The only shopping day that could possibly be worse would be the day after Christmas when everyone starts bringing back all the stuff they don't want. I've only gone out early once. That was last year because my SO's daughter just had to have the special edition U-2 i-Pod. Of course less than a year later, it's barely functional having been dropped so many times that while it will still play, nothing at all appears on the screen. At the risk of being accused of being Ebenezer-like, I have say the next month is probably my least favorite time of the year. The orgiastic excess that kicks off today is almost overwhelming. And it seems to get worse every year, especially when the prospect of a slow buying season rears its ugly head. I love Thanksgiving (the only holiday they havn't figured out how to commercially co-opt) but the run up to December 25th I can live without. Up over and out.

I'll say one thing. Anyone who hasn't checked out Jan Johansson is doing themselves a serious disservice. This guy is the real deal. I would recommend 8 Bitar / Innertrio on Heptagon Records as a nice jumping off point. Johansson died in a car accident when he was in his early 30's. What a loss to the music that was. Up over and out.

I've been knocked over by feathers before, but do it to me one more time if the Yanks let Cano get away. Sure, Delgato will generate massive offensive numbers, but if Cashman has a story and he's stickin' to it, this won't happen. Delgato would just be more of the same...adding superstars and not caring about chemistry. Of course I wouldn't be very happy with Crosby starting in center, but if it gets the Yanks moving in a better direction over the long run, I can deal with it. I'll tell you one thing. To spite the Red Sox and take some of the wind out of their sails, I wouldn't be surprised to see George up the ante on Damon. Yes, he's that vindictive. Up over and out.

Interesting article from Buster Olney on the ESPN website: The departure of Theo Epstein was the topic of conversation between two Yankees executives recently, and they agreed: The flak over Epstein could come back and bite them in 2006, because the Red Sox's front office would go above and beyond to prove they could win without Epstein. If Epstein had remained, the team would have continued on a more conservative and -- and in the long run, perhaps more effective -- route of player development, with the budget constraints hardened. But now the Red Sox ownership, the Yankees' executives agreed, will be more aggressive, in the wake of Epstein's departure. They'll take more chances, perhaps expand their budget, do more to make sure the team will win in 2006, the first year A.T. (After Theo). Now the Red Sox are moving close to a first big strike, with the impending acquisition of Josh Beckett, and we are accustomed to seeing the Yankees hammering away in response. However, what the Yankees might do is bite the bullet, instead of firing back. Sure, the Yankees would love to sign B.J. Ryan to be a set-up man, but don't have any real hope that is going to happen. They'd love to add Brian Giles to their outfield, but they're fully aware he could sign someplace else. But in this first winter since the organization has rededicated itself to the philosophy of developing and even keeping prospects -- an approach that led to the dynasty of 1996-2001 -- the Yankees might make only marginal changes. "There is a perception that things haven't gone our way this offseason," Brian Cashman said Tuesday morning. "But everything that's happened so far is not unexpected to me." The Yankees could have dived into the Josh Beckett sweepstakes and could have lost, anyway, given Boston's willingness to dangle top prospect Hanley Ramirez. But once the Marlins asked for Chien-Ming Wang and other prospects, the Yankees checked out. They want to keep Wang, top pitching prospect Philip Hughes and second baseman Robinson Cano, and right now, they don't have the depth in their farm system that the Red Sox have to even consider those types of trades without further damaging the organization long-term. In addition, the Yankees would've had to absorb Mike Lowell, who would've been just one more high-priced older player thrown onto the pile of similar players the team has accumulated -- and the Yankees wouldn't have even had a natural place for Lowell to play. There will be similar opportunities in the weeks ahead, such as a potential deal for Carlos Delgado, but for now, the Yankees intend to hold fast to their current course of rebuilding the farm system and passing up the opportunity for expensive stars. The weak free-agent market appears to provide only imperfect solutions: They have no interest in A.J. Burnett because of the enormous gamble he might represent, at a $50 million price tag, and they have little interest in Johnny Damon unless he's willing to sign with New York at a bargain rate, which is highly unlikely. That could mean going into next spring training with Bubba Crosby penciled in as the center fielder. That could mean Jaret Wright will be switched into middle relief, with the Yankees hoping that either Wright or Tanyon Sturtze or Scott Proctor develops into the needed frontline set-up man. That could mean "operating like Billy Beane runs the Athletics -- finding solutions in spring training, or during the season," says one club official. After getting such surprising results from Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon last season, club officials feel better about taking chances like that. Right now, the team is not operating with the manic need to fill every roster spot with an ex-All-Star. They've still got a deep wealth of talent, that lethal lineup of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Gary Sheffield, Hideki Matsui and the developing Cano, and whether or not they spend money this winter, the Yankees will still be in position to make midseason deals (for a Mike Cameron, for example). But for once, the Yankees might actually pass on the compulsion to immediately fire back in their war against the Red Sox. They're trying to build and save their ammunition for another day. Up over and out

Jim, Not to split hairs, but is there any way to move the "Today's Active Topics" link to the top of the page? That way, sorry ass, lazy no counts like myself don't have to scroll down to access the affairs of the day. Up over and out.

Well this will put Steinbrenner into tilt mode. Problem is the Yanks have nothing in their farm system for trading purposes. Their only route is through free agency and there just isn't much out there this year. I wonder if Lowell sticks around. Everything I've heard says that they've pegged Ukelele, or whatever his name is, as their guy on the corner. If Shilling comes back healthy next year and you add a healthy Beckett, that's not a good thing. Of course, they still have some bullpen issues, but if they do move Man Ram they could solve those pretty quickly. All in all about an 8 on the ouch-meter. Up over and out.

The Webster Emarcy set appears on e-Bay occasionally and goes for huge dollars. I can remember having this one in my hands years ago and then passing on it due to the cost. I just chalk that up to one of the many bad decisions I've made in my life. Up over and out.

Pavano can go. He's another Kenny Rogers. Giles would be a mistake. Ryan I can handle. That would take me back to those halcyon days of Rivera setting the table for Wetteland. Bring it on. Up over and out.

Lon, I'll tell you one thing, I'd much rather hear you sing "Oh, Donna" than Donna sing anything. I love the jazz sensabilities her old man brought to the Dead's table, but Donna Jean is just baggage. I know you like her, but I just can't get there. Chalupa, that's a great picture of Garcia. Thanks for posting it. Up over and out.

Speaking of Ben Webster dates, has anyone ever heard of a session called "Blue Saxophones"? I've read once or twice about it, but never tracked it down. I don't even know if it was a single date or a compilation. If I recall correctly, Webster partnered with Coleman Hawkins on this one, so I suppose it could have been a Verve twofer of Ben Webster and Associates and Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster. Never hurts to ask. Up over and out.

First for Viking Frank. High Contrast is available on CD right now from da bastids at Dusty Groove for the princely sum of $10.99. I've been a Womack fan for years. I'm sure I have at least five of his LP's out in my garage. My favorite tune is "Fact Of Life / He'll Be There When the Sun Goes Down". That one has the greatest B.S. rap about hooking up with a gal after the show, but only for - ahem - above board purposes. Great stuff. Up over and out.