There is one week to the trade deadline.  What does it mean for the Yankees and Mets?

(1) Though the Yankees acquired Sexson last week, will they make a big deal?  I doubt it as CC Sabbathia and Rich Haren are no longer available.  More importantly, Bruney should be back in the next week or so which should really help the bull pen, touch wood.  Kennedy threw seven innings in AAA last week.  Amazing!  Wang is scheduled to be back in September.  Those returning players are as good as a trade.  Expect the Yankees to stand pat unless they get a deal they can't refuse.  For instance, if the Mariners offer Jerrod Washburn for Kei Igawa, expect the Yankees to try to make it work, even if they have to eat some or most of Igawa's big contract.  Washburn is a good #4 or #5 starter for this and/or next year if Ponson or Rasner run into issues. 

ESPN 1050 AM reports that Hank "Honky Tonk" Steinbrenner is considering acquiring Barry "Steroid Boy" Bonds.  I don't think the Yankees should or will.  First, it will take Bonds a while to get in shape.  Furthermore, it will distract the chemistry which is pretty good.  If the Yankees are going to bring anyone out of retirement, it should be Bernie Williams.  A piper dream perhaps, but I wanted to get it out of my system.

Expect the Yankees to try to get help at catcher since Posada won't be catching for the rest of the season.  Molina is good defensively but as good as an out at the plate. 

As for the Mets, they need a bat, especially at corner outfielder, but Billy Wagner's shoulder may force them to get a reliever.  Will Omar give up F-Mart?  If he has to, he will as his job is now on the line after firing Willie Randolph.

(2) We like to look ahead at SATT.  But, it's always nice to look back.  Editor-in-Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack reminded us that it's been 25 years since the infamous pine tar game.  George Brett had too much pine on his bat.  After Billy Martin appealed, home plate umpire McClellan called Brett out.  Brett ran furiously out of the dugout and wanted to get a piece of McClellan.  Brett was thrown out of the game.

MLB reviewed the game.  They ruled that it had to be continued on another day and the Royals unfortunately won 5-4.  White Fedora Mike remembers Ron Guidry catching a ball in center. 

Brett now laughs whenever he and his kids watch the video.  I watched a TV report a while back when Brett said he would rather be known for the Pine Tar Incident than being a spokesman for Preparation-H.  Time heals all wounds, literally and figuratively. 

Posted by a philosophical Tank in Tradeville and Memory Lane.