Top News:
Pete Caldera / NorthJersey.com:
Steinbrenner says he'll call the shots from now on — If Johan Santana was a free agent this year, you can bet Hank Steinbrenner would not have taken ‘no’ for an answer. — The Yankees only have a bittersweet 16 games remaining in their lost 2008 season, but their course for '09 is about to begin.
Discussion:
Newsday, Boston Globe, NY Daily News, It is about the money, stupid, WasWatching.com, Sliding Into Home and Bugs & Cranks
RELATED:
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Hank riding to the rescue of the Yankees — This should provide comfort to Yankee fans. — “I'm going to be reviewing the entire organization,” Hank Steinbrenner told the AP in Tampa today. “We're going to do everything we can to win next year. We're not going to wait. Do everything we can that makes sense.
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees' Offense at Heart of Team's Problems — When the Yankees splurged last winter to preserve the majors' best lineup, they showered millions on several hitters. Another deal went largely unnoticed: a three-year, $1 million contract for the hitting coach, Kevin Long …
George A. King III / New York Post:
HANK: CASH MAY LOSE POWER — If Brian Cashman wants to return to the Yankees as general manager, he might not have the total power George Steinbrenner gave him in 2005 when he signed a three-year deal worth $5.4 million. — “If Brian stays on as GM, that doesn't mean he won't be the No. 1 guy,” Hank Steinbrenner said yesterday.
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Plan in motion to overhaul Cano's swing — Second baseman to work with Long in offseason on hitting — NEW YORK — Robinson Cano hears the whispers, even if he refuses to look over his shoulder. To do so would only compound the disappointment the Yankees second baseman fights each day.
George A. King III / New York Post:
GIRARDI SAYS YANKS' FLOP HIS FAULT — The sound of a bat whacking a ball inside the nearby indoor cage was the only noise you heard in manager Joe Girardi's Safeco Field office last weekend. — Girardi sat behind a sparse desk and dumped the blame for this nightmarish Yankees season on his chest.
New York Post:
NUMBER OF REASONS AMAZIN' COLLAPSE WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN — SEVENTEEN. — There's the number. Ruminate over it. Stew over it. Agonize over it one more time. Seventeen: It used to be such a happy number in Mets' lore. That was Keith Hernandez's number, the first old number that should be retired in the new ballpark.
RELATED:
Newsday:
Mets' surging Delgado has decent shot to be MVP — So what chance does Carlos Delgado really have of winning the National League MVP award this year? To answer that question, it's important to look beyond the Hudson River to get a better handle on how voters outside New York view Delgado's candidacy.
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
For Mets, collapse is so last year — Johan Santana, who hasn't lost since June 28, takes the hill Friday night against Mike Hampton and the Braves — Exactly one year ago, last Sept. 12, John Maine outpitched John Smoltz and the Mets beat the Braves to take a seven-game lead in the NL East with 17games to play.
Wallace Matthews / Newsday:
It's time for Mets to give Manuel an extension — For the past three months, Jerry Manuel has done right by the Mets. — Now it's time for the Mets to do right by him. — Asked to unite a divided clubhouse, energize a dispirited roster and somehow coax a season of accomplishment …
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs' Friday, Saturday games postponed due to Ike — ST. LOUIS — The Cubs' games Friday and Saturday against the Houston Astros have been postponed because of Hurricane Ike, but the tentative plan is to get the series in Sunday and Monday in Houston. — Monday originally was scheduled as a day off for both teams.
Discussion:
GoatRiders of the Apocalypse
RELATED:
Mike Puma / New York Post:
BERNIE TO ATTEND STADIUM CLOSING CEREMONY — Before construction crews literally bring down the house, the return of a Yankees icon figures to serve the same purpose. — Bernie Williams told The Post last night he plans to be at Yankee Stadium as part of the pregame festivities on Sept. 21 …
Associated Press:
Howard hits home run No. 43 to propel Phillies past Brewers — PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jamie Moyer can rest his arm when he retires. For now, the old man is doing whatever it takes to extend the Philadelphia Phillies' season. — Moyer pitched 5 2/3 effective innings on three days' rest …
RELATED:
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Marcum, Blue Jays Beat White Sox Again — CHICAGO — Shaun Marcum pitched effectively for 7 1-3 innings and the Toronto Blue Jays broke a scoreless tie with six runs in the eighth Thursday night in beating the Chicago White Sox 6-4 for their 11th win in 12 games.
RELATED:
John Klima / Daily Breeze:
Commentary: Ramirez will hurt more than he helps — Manny Ramirez is the worst baseball player I have ever seen. — I am not kidding. — A ticket-selling novelty slogan is a great excuse for a player you do not want to settle your fate with his legs, arm, glove or mind.
Discussion:
6-4-2
Mike Puma / New York Post:
WAGNER: I'VE PLAYED MY LAST DAY AS MET — The competitor in Billy Wagner would love to say he'll return late next season and help the Mets win a championship. But Wagner isn't about to make a hollow guarantee. He knows he's done with the Mets. — A day after Tommy John surgery …
Juan Gonzalez / NY Daily News:
Yanks land deal ain't fair ball — In January 2007, the city assessed land under the new Yankee Stadium at 10 times the market value of virtually all other land in the South Bronx neighborhood. — The assessment - not including the new ballpark - worked out to a fair market value of $275 per square foot.
Discussion:
ShysterBall
Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Twins tripped up in 10th vs. Royals — Liriano dominant across eight innings, strikes out six — MINNEAPOLIS — Coming off their recent disappointing 14-game road trip in which they won just five games, the Twins had a simple mission: To take advantage of the six games that awaited …
Discussion:
Metrodome Memories
RELATED:
