Stuff That Happened

This wasn't the most exciting week in the history of the Yankees, but it was pretty close. The Yankees finalized a deal with Cubs Pitching Coach Larry Rothschild to become the new Yankees Pitching Coach. I have no idea whether this is a good move and am basically waiting for Joel Sherman to tell me whether or not it is. Considering the Cubs enjoyed so much success last season that Sweet Lou Piniella didn't even feel the need to ride out the whole season with them, I'm not yet convinced.

But signing a new pitching coach wasn't the only thing that happened. CC Sabathia didn't win the Cy Young. This marks the seventh year, third in a row, that Sabathia has pitched in the Major Leagues and not won the Cy Young. I mean seriously, why does this guy even bother to get out of bed in the morning?

Then, despite pledges not to carry out negotiations through the media, the Yankees leaked to the media their intention to offer Derek Jeter and insultingly low 3 year, $45 Million contract. The Jeter camp has not indicated what their response to the offer will be, but most insiders expect it will be swift and deadly.

The Yankees also completed a trade of Juan Miranda for Scott Allen with Arizona. It wasn't actually a trade, however. Every year at the GM meetings the GMs hold a white elephant Christmas party and bring throwaway gifts to randomly present to one another. Every now and again you get one of these embarrassing situations where more than one team gives away a player contract and then has to pass it off as a trade in the press. That's what happened here.

Lastly, the Yankees released Jonathan Albaladejo so that he may sign a contract to play in Japan. I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere but I can't think of it right now.