That picture of Dukakis in the tank always cracks me up!

A Modern Day's Horror Tale of the Nation's Pastime

By NP3


The legends whisper of the far-off lands of Bronxylvania, where the wealthy Baron von Frankenbrenner ruled with an iron fist There was much unrest in the land, for the people and the baron coveted the fabled golden ring and banner, awarded to the victors of the annual joust series. Although already in possession of over a score of trophies, none had been forthcoming in recent seasons, and many questioned the leadership of the kingdom.


Deep within the bowels of Castle YonkeeStadt, Baron von Frankenbrenner and his henchman Igorre had for a dozen years conducted sundry and forbidden experiments, to create a chemistry which would prove victorious. One such failed attempt yielded the creature which came to be known simply as F-Rod, a being who topped more fences than any other in the lands, but then strangely went into hibernation each October. Resurrecting the fabled Rocket-beast proved fruitless as well, as the ravages of time had diminished the power and durability of its cannon.


Yet again this season, no new banner was destined to fly over YonkeeStadt, for the baron's legions (despite overcoming early adversities) eventually fell to the men from the Land of Cleve, succumbing to a plague of insects and a host of strong arms. These, in turn, fell to the valiant crimson-legged crew from the province of Bostonia, who subsequently dispatched the Men from the Mountainous Region to claim victory. Verily, a new dynasty had arisen in Bostonia, fuelled by the likes of Acebecketts, the triple-headed threats of Diceschillwake and Papimannilowell, the dread dancer Papelboni, and an influx of youth combined with veterans of prior jousts to form a veritable powerhouse, one which might overshadow Bronxylvania for years to come.


At this turn of events, the Baron banished Igorre ( who migrated to the land of Angels), and hired a new henchman to restore glory to his lands. F-Rod, who harbored no desire to toil in poverty, attempted to flee for greener pastures with the aid of Agent Boraski. The fates of the others, including the Riversada battery, remains to be seen. Will the specters of past glories that haunt Bronxylvania be appeased with a new pennant? The crystal grows murky, thus only the passage of time, and coming of a new season, will tell.

I saw little blurbs yesterday that the Twins are considering letting Johanne (sp?) Santana go. I don't care how expensive the guy is, they would be insane to let him go. They'll be playing in a new yard next season and they need to have somebody to put people into the seats. I would kill for the Giants or the A's to get him if they are foolish enough to set him free.

Nice trade by the Phils to get Lidge and now Myers goes back to the rotation. Based on the sad-ass free agent pitchers out there, basically the Phils got a #1 starter (Myers) and a closer (Lidege) in one deal.
Bourn has serious speed and can help the Astros but the Phils didn't give up much otherwise although Costanzo is decent prospect.

No disaster is complete without a Cleveland team involved. I nominate the 2007 Cleveland Indians, which earned a place on this wall:

Looks like A-Rod just might be staying with the Yanks after all. The NY media are swirling with rumors that a deal is in the works--and Boras is out of the picture!

The New York Yankees began direct contract dialogue with third baseman Alex Rodriguez on Wednesday. In a statement released by Rodriguez he said he and his wife Cynthia have spoken directly with Hank and Hal Steinbrenner.

It is absolutely clear, however, that the negotiations -- which never really got started last month -- are now ongoing, and agent Scott Boras is not part of the dialogue.

"The past is the past. I don't know what brought about him approaching us," Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said in a telephone interview. "I guess you could say things didn't go the way before that he intended on and weren't handled properly or whatever.

"But the bottom line, the only thing that really matters, is he wants to stay a Yankee. And it could be very well that he's always wanted to stay a Yankee and we just didn't know it."

Rodriguez released the following statement on his Web site.

"After spending time with Cynthia and my family over these last few weeks, it became clear to me that I needed to make an attempt to engage the Yankees regarding my future with the organization.

"Prior to entering into serious negotiations with other clubs, I wanted the opportunity to share my thoughts directly with Yankees' ownership. We know there are other opportunities for us, but Cynthia and I have a foundation with the club that has brought us comfort, stability and happiness.

"As a result, I reached out to the Yankees through mutual friends and conveyed that message. I also understand that I had to respond to certain Yankees concerns, and I was receptive and understanding of that situation.

"Cynthia and I have since spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family. During these healthy discussions, both sides were able to share honest feelings and hopes with one another, and we expect to continue this dialogue with the Yankees over the next few days," he said.

alex rodriquez has never played in a world series game.

i hope the yankees resign him.

renny

A terrible news story about a Yankee fan favorite:

Jim Leyritz charged with DUI, killing a driver

December 29, 2007

Former major leaguer Jim Leyritz, who played for the Padres in 1998 and '99, was arrested yesterday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on charges of driving under the influence and killing a driver after his car crashed into hers.

Leyritz was charged with DUI manslaughter and DUI property damage, said Detective Kathy Collins, Fort Lauderdale police spokeswoman. He posted the $11,000 bond and was released from Broward County jail.
Police believe alcohol was involved in the crash, though investigators are awaiting results of blood alcohol tests, Collins said.

Leyritz, 44, played for six major league teams, starred in the 1996 World Series with the New York Yankees and was last in the majors in 2000.

Fort Lauderdale authorities got a call at 3:20 a.m. EST that a crash occurred in the city's entertainment district, Collins said. She said Leyritz was driving a 2006 Ford Expedition when he collided at an intersection with 30-year-old Fredia Ann Veitch, who was driving a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero.

Veitch was ejected from the car, police said.

Leyritz, mostly a catcher during his 11 seasons, also played for the Angels, Rangers, Red Sox and Dodgers.

Sorry, Tim but I vehemently disagree. Only Buster Olney predicted anything close to what the Tribe achieved this year (among national pundits) and while the wheels came off the wagon for those last two games, I think most of the baseball world gives them major props.

Not winning the AL Championship is not a disaster. Leading your division from almost day one until the last week of the season and then losing it. Yeah. That's a disaster.

They need to trade him because he just isn't signable. There isn't enough money in Minnesota to keep him there given his hard feelings toward ownership. They're going to have to hope that Mauer, Morneau, Liriano, Garza, and whatever young stud pitcher they get in a trade can put the butts in the seats. It's like the Indians' Bartolo Colon situation a few years back: get something to build with for him if you can't sign him, and you can't.

a blast from the past, guess they managed to squeak by the 18 - 0 Patriots as well

Time to change the title to this thread. Its 2008 now.

Yes, and remove that old "Phils Sweep Mets". It's a new season!

My favorite phrase of the year was uttered yesterday, "Pitchers and catchers report!"

Yeah, while it's historically accurate it's still a little painful.

Do y'all want a new 2008 thread or would you prefer to have one ICE baseball thread that goes on forever?

I'm in for a new thread-it's a new year, with new hopes and dreams.
Baseball Chatter 2008-I like the sound of that.

So let it be written, so let it be done!

http://www.imwan.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23151&start=66