Anti-Climacus

HOT STOVIN' IT: for just a second here. Go Yankees!

So we know that the Yanks didn't get Schilling because they weren't willing to trade Nick Johnson and Alfonso Soriano (which really means they didn't want to trade Johnson).

We know that they're close to picking up Gary Sheffield and a right-handed setup man for Mariano Rivera.

The New York Times also reports thusly:

"KAZUO MATSUI, the free-agent infielder from Japan, said Saturday that he was seeking a city comfortable for his wife and daughter, with his preference being the East or West Coast because of the Japanese communities there. Matsui told reporters in Japan that he was seeking "an environment where my family feels safe and where I can focus on playing." The Mets have expressed interest in Matsui, preferably to play second base but possibly shortstop, with JOSÉ REYES moving to second. The Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers are also believed to be seeking Matsui, who could be persuaded to play second base."

I read the last sentence and said, "aha!" Send Soriano out to the Dodgers as part of a sign-and-trade for Matsui? It could happen!

Also, I am pleased by this:

'The Yankees also hope to re-sign starting pitcher Andy Pettitte and acquire either Javier Vazquez from the Montreal Expos or sign the free agent Bartolo Colón."

And what's this crap I hear about Boston having the best starting rotation in the AL? Your #1 guy has been consistently declining in quality for the last three years, #2 spent a fair amount of last season being injured (and he ain't getting any younger at 37), #3 (Derek Lowe) is maddeningly hit-and-miss, and #4 is a freakin' knuckleballer.

Then again, at this time last year, "closer by committee" probably sounded like a good idea, too.