The Sommer Frieze

From Pete Abraham:

Mo has opted for surgery. Matsui says that his surgery went well. Posada starts a throwing program 12/1 and Girardi expects (hopes?) he will catch 120 games in 2009.

He thinks Robinson Cano will be fine. He believes Andy Pettitte will return but didn’t sound hopeful about Mike Mussina. Pete himself thinks that it seems pretty obvious that Andy will return for 2009. Pete also writes that when asked about Mike Mussina, Pettitte said that he and the Moose have spoken but he thinks that it’s only right that Mussina announce his intentions.

A few minutes later, Pettitte said that Moose “is strong-willed” and that if anybody could walk away after going 20-9, it’s him.

One thing I didn’t like in reading Abraham’s report: Girardi said he knows his players better and doesn’t think he needs to change his coaching staff.

Oh really, Joe? Did you actually watch some of Meacham’s boneheaded decisions he was making in the third base coaching box?

As I wrote yesterday (and it was mentioned in passing on YFCR), I think the Yanks need TWO pitchers off the market. Not just CC. That was BEFORE the possible Moose retirement. If Moose does retire, then I feel TWO is a necessity. Girardi did say that the Yankees plan to upgrade their rotation with experienced pitchers. I hope he meant two.

Alexei Ramirez has hit a grand slam. White Sox lead 6-2. Looking good for that 163rd game vs. the Twins tomorrow. The game was delayed about 3 hours due to rain. Leyland is managing hard. Good for him and the Tigers. Being professional and not mailing it in. They are making the White Sox earn it. Sheff .225-19-57 is up as I type. 499 HR for him.

Lousy year for Detroit. I (and I know I’m not alone) had them for AL Central champs. Willis? Lousy. Sheff? Same. Verlander? 17 losses….

Nothing on Ca$hman yet as far as I know.

UPDATE: White Sox win 8-2. They force a 163rd, winner take all game vs. the Twins tomorrow night (Tues.) in Chicago for the AL Central title and the right to face the Rays.