http://www.yardbarker.com/rss/sport/1 Recent Yardbarker articles: Major League Baseball en-us Sammy Sosa's stunning new skin color is a story that continues to surprise, and this time the surprise has nothing to do with Sammy's appearance. Rather, it has to do with the reaction that Sosa's new look is getting from those in the city of the Chicago. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:51:05 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Chicagoans_Apparently_Laughing_At_Sammy_Sosa/1522703 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Chicagoans_Apparently_Laughing_At_Sammy_Sosa/1522703 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Chicagoans_Apparently_Laughing_At_Sammy_Sosa/1522703 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/b/db3cf0e99030df9fe6840990d68aa3f45a71cc61/small/sosa-newer-2217729.jpg I think Geovany Soto put something else in those brownies. Someone help me! If you take a good look at Tim Lincecum, you wouldn’t think the 25 year-old is a former Cy Young winner who is possibly the most challenging pitcher in the National League. No, you wouldn’t. You would, however, guess that he liked to [...] Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:08:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Courts_let_tim_Lincecum_off_easy/1521537 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Courts_let_tim_Lincecum_off_easy/1521537 Photo from fOTOGLIF It was a pleasure to watch Cliff Lee during the playoffs. The Phillies left-hander flaunted a studly 1.56 ERA in five starts, finishing 4-0. When the Phillies aquired Lee in late July for four minor leaguers, the former Indian and went 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA. Given his success, it’s the no wonder [...] Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:02:07 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Phillies_pick_up_Lee_8217s_9_million_option/1521296 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Phillies_pick_up_Lee_8217s_9_million_option/1521296 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Phillies_pick_up_Lee_8217s_9_million_option/1521296 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/c/4c6141c5d1c38540004ab9258b5300b01bf70168/small/0.jpg More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP about 1 month ago: Detroit Tigers shortstop Adam Everett dives for a single hit by Cleveland Indians' Matt LaPorta in the second inning in a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) Browse more photos » Let's look at what kind of offense the Astros have gotten from the left side of the infield in this decade.   This... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:58 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Astros_offense_at_3d_base_and_shortstop_in_the_2000s/1520634 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Astros_offense_at_3d_base_and_shortstop_in_the_2000s/1520634 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Astros_offense_at_3d_base_and_shortstop_in_the_2000s/1520634 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/4/a47b5385ca9b09deee7af0de1b1ea0e02333cad8/small/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f72500699.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF193DADD97B58D4678D07C96D347CC174BB7.jpg More photos » by Gregory Smith - AP Atlanta Braves' starter Kenshin Kawakami. Browse more photos » Atlanta Braves starter Kenshin Kawakami took one month of the regular season to adjust to American baseball. His April starts produced a 7.06 ERA. While it was only four starts, including one really bad start, Kawakami made the adjustments and compiled ERAs of 3.03 and 3.33 the next two months, but becaus... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:39:40 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Braves_2009_Season_in_Review_Kenshin_Kawakami/1520630 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Braves_2009_Season_in_Review_Kenshin_Kawakami/1520630 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Braves_2009_Season_in_Review_Kenshin_Kawakami/1520630 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/2/a21176713f628fc1e04eac4db66084d4b3c31c65/small/MarlinsBraves_fa0d.jpg More photos » by Tony Gutierrez - AP Browse more photos » With all of the recent talk of the San Diego Padres dealing first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, I decided I'd discuss what would happen if Gonzalez actually were dealt. I'll start with a little background. In 2004 in the 42nd round (1241st overall) the San Diego Padres drafted Kyle Blanks out of Arizona. During his minor league career, Blanks maxed out with 2... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:00:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Fantasy_Baseball_Its_Time_for_You_to_Love_Kyle_Blanks/1520201 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Fantasy_Baseball_Its_Time_for_You_to_Love_Kyle_Blanks/1520201 The attorney for Tim Lincecum has negotiated a settlement with prosecutors to settle the pitcher's marijuana misdemeanor charge by having Lincecum pay a $250 fine for possession of a pipe. The possession of marijuana charge will be dropped. Huh? The agreement, which still must be approved by a judge, will basically wipe out any charge involving the 3.3 grams of weed Lincecum had on his person when he was pulled over in his Mercedes for going 74 mph in a 60 mph zone on October 30th in Haze... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:45:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Say_What_Our_Long_National_Nightmare_About_A_Major_League_Pitchers_Weed_Possession_Charge_Is_Already_Over/1520118 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Say_What_Our_Long_National_Nightmare_About_A_Major_League_Pitchers_Weed_Possession_Charge_Is_Already_Over/1520118 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Say_What_Our_Long_National_Nightmare_About_A_Major_League_Pitchers_Weed_Possession_Charge_Is_Already_Over/1520118 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/c/5c6d92e4e327ce39b8770cdd35bfbbc094809a84/small/San_Francisco_Giants_fb3f.jpg More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP Browse more photos » An interesting report by Nick Piecoro regarding a possible trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. This would see prodigal first-baseman Lyle Overbay return to the Diamondbacks. He was traded to the Brewers as part of the Richie Sexson trade in December 2003, and has been with the Blue Jays since the end of 2005. The deal is reported to involve Chris Snyder, now deem... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:26:57 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Chris_Snyder_for_Lyle_Overbay/1519767 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Chris_Snyder_for_Lyle_Overbay/1519767 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Chris_Snyder_for_Lyle_Overbay/1519767 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/6/56afabb0440aad72faf0f0a0f61447d2412305ac/small/MLB_JUN_17_44c5.jpg 
 
 (AP Photo. The Austin Kearns Era is effectively over in D.C. Unless he comes back for really cheap.)
 
 
 Ted Lerner says: I'll take the $1 million buyout, thank you very much!
 
 And just like that, the only remaining character from the deal that epitomized the Jim Bowden Era in DC is gone.
 Kearns, Da Meathook, Ron Villone, Livo, and Josh Bard have filed for Free Agency.
 Meanwhile...
 Nats now just waiting to announce Jim Riggleman... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:16:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Can_you_believe_the_Nats_declined_that_10_million_option_on_Austin_Kearns/1519722 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Can_you_believe_the_Nats_declined_that_10_million_option_on_Austin_Kearns/1519722 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Can_you_believe_the_Nats_declined_that_10_million_option_on_Austin_Kearns/1519722 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/d/8d85eebe1571f32f6091493f09f4c2f729d1566d/small/MLB_MAY_13_082e.jpg The first two days of the off-season have seen quite a bit of movement across the league ... except for on the North Side of Chicago. The Cubs completed their organizational meetings on Friday in Arizona and other than Reed Johnson and Rich Harden declaring free agency, not much out of the Cubs' camp. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Jim Hendry has little payroll flexibility and will likely rely on making trades to improve (or fix) the big league team for next season. It is only t... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:27:43 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Weekend_Update_Talkin_Cubs_Rumors/1519393 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Weekend_Update_Talkin_Cubs_Rumors/1519393 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Weekend_Update_Talkin_Cubs_Rumors/1519393 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/2/c2c69adc972ab6587279d3964ff5313e65621533/small/AstrosCubs_5f39.jpg More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP This is what I'm talking about, baby. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) Browse more photos » We've got Carlos Gomez now.  I haven't looked really closely at his numbers, but my first take is that it's a fair deal.  The Twins get a somewhat better player for 2010 in J.J. Hardy, but we get someone who is cheaper, fills a hole, and might improve while still under... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:14:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Lets_Sign_Mike_Cameron_Anyway/1519268 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Lets_Sign_Mike_Cameron_Anyway/1519268 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Lets_Sign_Mike_Cameron_Anyway/1519268 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/a/1a6c70e06711f60521fb3887d519146c1a323e86/small/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f388414.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF193FAC41A6BBF9596D5BECEE4187DD67C36.jpg More photos » by Al Behrman - AP Tommy Manzella and Michael Bourn would give the Astros one of the best defensive SS-CF combos in the NL Central Browse more photos » Straight from Eddy Wade's mouth: At this point, we’re prepared to commit to Tommy Manzella playing shortstop.   The possibility remains that Tejada could return as a third baseman. Tommy Manzella grades anywhere from good to... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:47:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/With_Miguel_Tejada_most_likely_on_his_way_out_Tommy_Manzella_is_in_as_Astros_Shortstop_in_2010/1519167 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/With_Miguel_Tejada_most_likely_on_his_way_out_Tommy_Manzella_is_in_as_Astros_Shortstop_in_2010/1519167 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/With_Miguel_Tejada_most_likely_on_his_way_out_Tommy_Manzella_is_in_as_Astros_Shortstop_in_2010/1519167 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/e/de9d2d59f65d0410e76f6c802b2cfb47e7678d5e/small/f0.jpg In the wake of the euphoria over the Yankees World Series victory, the one question that seems to be on everybody's mind is this: Damon or Matsui? Both of them contributed hugely to both the Yankees regular and postseason success. Both also came up huge in the World Series. Both are also getting older though, and neither have shown any indications that they may be the least bit interested in retirement.Damon hit well over .300 and his heads up double steal in Game Four was huge in a serie... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Why_Not_Both/1519152 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Why_Not_Both/1519152 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Why_Not_Both/1519152 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/8/28ebe9e8a3e6f64bb12ee79d72aeadbc3690c42c/small/New_York_Yankees_f825.jpg More photos » by Steven Senne - AP about 17 hours ago: FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2009, file photo, Minnesota Twins' Carlos Gomez poses for a photograph. The Milwaukee Brewers traded J.J. Hardy to the Twins on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, for outfielder Gomez. (AP Photo/Steven Senne,file) Browse more photos » I like the acquisition of Gomez, before we start putting any context on this trade. He's a r... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:29:58 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Thoughts_on_the_Hardy_for_Gomez_Deal/1519024 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Thoughts_on_the_Hardy_for_Gomez_Deal/1519024 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Thoughts_on_the_Hardy_for_Gomez_Deal/1519024 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/b/bb6354665f4e9e1d5968f0abfbd1d8e38429b3f1/small/Twins_vs_Tigers_2a06.jpg Ruben Amaro is wasting no time this offseason, already telling Brett Myers thanks, but no thanks for his services next season. Now it's becoming clear Brett may not be the only semi-high profile player being bounced this fall. According to an article at Philly.com, with the team option due on Pedro Feliz by Monday, the Phillies GM is looking at potential replacements for the third baseman."More than anything else, we want to see what options may be out there for us and decide whethe... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:40:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/I_Dont_Know_Playing_Third_Base/1518787 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/I_Dont_Know_Playing_Third_Base/1518787 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/I_Dont_Know_Playing_Third_Base/1518787 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/4/6471758a495172336eb80199cb271839b324114e/small/92590248.jpg Let's see how some of MLB's top prospects performed the day before the Rising Stars game after the jump: Chase D'arnaud-2B, PIT-1-3, RS, RBI, SB (.261) Jose Tabata, OF, PIT-1-4, RBI (.366) Cole Gillespie, OF, ARI-1-4, RBI  (.327) Domonic Brown, OF, PHI-0-4, RBI, BB, 2 K (.256) Willin Rosario, C, COL-2-4, 2 RS, HR, RBI (.303) Thomas Neal, 1B, SFG-2-5, RS, 2B, SB, RBI (.313) Donald Veal, SP, PIT-4 Inn, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 K (0.56 ERA) Starlin Ca... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:30:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Arizona_Fall_League_Fridays_Roundup/1518749 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Arizona_Fall_League_Fridays_Roundup/1518749 From Kristie Ackert:Joba Chamberlain hopes the training wheels are taken off next season. The Yankees' young right-hander said Friday he understood the team was pacing him for his own good with the so-called Joba Rules, but the competitor in him just wants to let loose next season."I hope the Joba Rules shirts, hopefully, can be gone for a while," Chamberlain said, referring to the T-shirts that are popular among Yankee fans. Chamberlain spoke to reporters at Yankee Stadium brie... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Joba_Ive_Had_Enough_Of_The_Rules/1518462 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Joba_Ive_Had_Enough_Of_The_Rules/1518462 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Joba_Ive_Had_Enough_Of_The_Rules/1518462 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/2/32a56035dda1e6f85b28a8569e2e87d1b3873c23/small/joba_snmall.jpg More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP Tampa Bay Rays will just say "yes" when it comes to Carl Crawford's $10 million dollar option for 2010. Browse more photos » One of the first orders of business to take care of during the hot stove league is squaring away  options. So far 11 options have been accepted or declined since the end of the World Series with several more looming. Aroun... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:38:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Tampa_Bay_Rays_Face_Several_Decisions_On_Player_Options_Carl_Crawford_Gregg_Zaun/1518264 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Tampa_Bay_Rays_Face_Several_Decisions_On_Player_Options_Carl_Crawford_Gregg_Zaun/1518264 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Tampa_Bay_Rays_Face_Several_Decisions_On_Player_Options_Carl_Crawford_Gregg_Zaun/1518264 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/0/a03270ce6bee2c472f4556dd240eb2de800e6754/small/MLB_MAY_03_2199.jpg The Myers Roller Coaster Express has been shutdown. No more Superman-esque performances, and no more painful minor league demotions. No more wife beating, and no more barroom fighting. Brett Myers time with the Phillies has officially come to an end as Ruben Amaro informed him that they would not be retaining his services. As Myers put it, "Kenny Powers is officially a free agent." I'm not a fan of his, and believe this to be the right decision, but that quote garnered a glint o... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:47:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Goodbye_Brett/1518161 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Goodbye_Brett/1518161 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Goodbye_Brett/1518161 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/4/6471758a495172336eb80199cb271839b324114e/small/92590248.jpg All of the Marlins eligible for free agency have filed, as expected. Nick Johnson made an impact with the Marlins. But unless Florida works out a contract with the veteran, those 35 games may be the extent of Johnson's tenure with the organization. Johnson formally filed for free agency on Friday, along with reliever Kiko Calero, who became a valuable performer in the back end of the bullpen. The filing period began on Thursday, and now all four of Florida's eligible ... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:55:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Marlins_file_for_free_agency/1517944 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Marlins_file_for_free_agency/1517944 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Marlins_file_for_free_agency/1517944 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/c/fccca1b9e331e308d22de015fffb0feabc29b9fe/small/Nick_Johnson_at_2a34.jpg Twins 2009 UZR/150, before JJ Hardy/Carlos Gomez Trade See the excellent BtB analysis of the trade HERE. Team Fielding Comparison after the jump. Twins UZR/150, after JJ Hardy/Carlos Gomez Trade Revised Chart assumption: Cuddyer takes CF after solid work there this season, leaving Span in RF, Young in LF, and Kubel on the bench.   Metrodome Target Field Difference LF 343' 339' -4' CLF 385' 377' -8' CF 408... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:01:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Minnesota_Fielding_TargetView_Before_amp_After_JJ_Hardy/1517724 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Minnesota_Fielding_TargetView_Before_amp_After_JJ_Hardy/1517724 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Minnesota_Fielding_TargetView_Before_amp_After_JJ_Hardy/1517724 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/3/33af6e46e1b3f9614de90f0d4071d8e7b60d1c04/small/81282120.jpg I'm sure nobody cares, but I found this story funny. Mainly because it's amazing how pathetic Jose Canseco has become.Canseco, who has taken to the celebrity boxing matches in his post-baseball career, called out the Yankee slugger while in Springfield, Mass., to promote his match Friday night against Pittsfield, Mass., fighter Todd Poulton.Canseco has long professed a dislike for Rodriguez, who Canseco wrote about in his 2008 book "Vindicated," the followup to his 2005 ster... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:53:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Canseco_Challenges_A_Rod_to_a_Fight/1517143 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Canseco_Challenges_A_Rod_to_a_Fight/1517143 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Canseco_Challenges_A_Rod_to_a_Fight/1517143 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/f/df57b8424572a9380822112123151ccbe86227bb/small/Jose_Canseco_v_35fb.jpg The cap to one helluva busy day, MLB transaction-wise is, at least for Cub fans, the kickoff of the Cubs offseason, as Reed Johnson and Rich Harden filed for free agency: The Cubs’ Reed Johnson and Rich Harden didn’t waste any time. Johnson and Harden were among the 79 Major League players who filed for free agency on Thursday, the first day they were eligible to do so. So, there’s that. Harden is a Type B FA, meaning of the Cubs offer him arbitration (they won&#8217... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:13:24 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Aaaaand_Here_We_Go_8230/1516861 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Aaaaand_Here_We_Go_8230/1516861 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Aaaaand_Here_We_Go_8230/1516861 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/f/6fe05f2a911bb1a362ae813a0f622ab5e9fc9ef0/small/AstrosCubs_76a6.jpg Something is drastically different about Sammy Sosa's appearance, as is evident from pictures taken of him at a recent event. Does anyone know the explanation for this? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/What_Is_Going_On_With_Sammy_Sosa/1514838 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/What_Is_Going_On_With_Sammy_Sosa/1514838 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/What_Is_Going_On_With_Sammy_Sosa/1514838 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/4/242667fe227772eee552df773582b331099db9cd/small/Picture_1.png Mariano Rivera told today's crowd he wants to play for five more years, according to the New York Times' Jack Curry. Rivera explained: "I'm serious. I hope the organization does whatever it takes to bring me back. I know I have another year under my contract, and then whatever happens happens." Of course, as Curry notes, "A few months before the 2000 season, Rivera shocked the Yankees by saying he wanted to pitch four more years, then retire to become an evangelic... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:50:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Five_More_Years_For_Mariano_Rivera/1514470 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Five_More_Years_For_Mariano_Rivera/1514470 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Five_More_Years_For_Mariano_Rivera/1514470 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/0/f06cacf36438dae86741288e5f317cb4b96de043/small/92776570.jpg We are only two days removed from the end of the World Series and the Phillies have already begun making moves for 2010. The first move the Phillies did was obvious as they picked up their option on Cliff Lee for next season. Their second move is a little more interesting as it means the loss of a longtime Phillie.Brett Myers, who has been in the Phillies organization since he was drafted in 1999, has informed the media that the Phillies have told him he won't be back with the club. Myers... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Brett_Myers_is_no_longer_a_Phillie/1514527 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Brett_Myers_is_no_longer_a_Phillie/1514527 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Brett_Myers_is_no_longer_a_Phillie/1514527 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/4/6471758a495172336eb80199cb271839b324114e/small/92590248.jpg Last offseason, GM Theo Epstein opted against making a big splash in free agency and instead decided to make a number of "low risk, high reward" signings. Epstein went out and signed John Smoltz, Brad Penny, Takashi Saito, and Rocco Baldelli to 1 year contracts with plenty of incentives. All of those players were coming off injury plagued seasons, but their history suggested that if they were healthy, they could be productive and help the Red Sox.However, the plan did not work out. ... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:15:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Jeremy_Hermida_Classic_Theo_Epstein/1513137 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Jeremy_Hermida_Classic_Theo_Epstein/1513137 George King of the NEW YORK POST notes today that Joe Girardi told WFAN-AM in New York yesterday that he now wants to wear #28: (Is it all about the team? Or the manager?) Yesterday, on his WFAN gig, the manager strongly hinted he will wear No. 28 next season to signify a push toward winning [...] Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:30:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Oh_Hell_Nah_Joe_Girardi_Ready_To_Switch_To_28/1512657 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Oh_Hell_Nah_Joe_Girardi_Ready_To_Switch_To_28/1512657 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Oh_Hell_Nah_Joe_Girardi_Ready_To_Switch_To_28/1512657 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/7/f705aea42db23c9e05a19eeb121563cb6188589c/small/e1bf8686f13f6575004f0b69b7ea5b42_joe_girardi_sbb.jpg