Derek Jeter Answers Post-Game Question

WFAN reporter Sweeny Murti never expects much when he routinely visits Yankees Captain Derek Jeter's locker after almost every Yankees game. Whether the team wins or loses, Jeter is always there to return every reporter's question back at them in a cool way. His responses are usually punctuated with a full smile, something mildly inspiring but familiar, and the term "That's Baseball." The assembled media can't seem to get upset about it. Most of them are just happy the future Hall of Fame Shortstop even responds to them.

But for the first time in recent memory, a lazy question half delivered in jest by The Fan's Yankees beat reporter was actually greeted with a legitimate response. Murti immediately pressed the button on his dusty tape recorder, and looked on in wonderment. When asked if the Yankees recent sweep at the hands of the Red Sox had any playoff implications, Jeter did not laugh and say "It's June, I dont worry about that," and he didn't high five a half-naked Nick Swisher walking by in the locker room and say "No, I dont think so. Dont worry about it. I'm not worried about it."

What Jeter actually uttered could be considered a rational thought with meaning and purpose:

"The Red Sox are a great team and we have not played anywhere near the level that they have for the last 3 years. Cashman continues to make awful trades and back prospects that obviously suck. Ownership has no idea whats going on, and at any given time I am prepared to hear that George Steinbrenner has been dead for some time, but until his two scheming sons get his Will right, they won't reveal it. Alex is a roided up tool. Damon forgot how to catch a baseball, and I haven't understood one word Robinson Cano has ever said to me."

When it was over, the reporters looked at one another in stunned silence. Jeter blinked a couple times, then turned to his locker.

Frustrated LaRussa Pinch-Hits With Self

Cardinals manager and living legend Tony LaRussa recently watched his National League Central leading Cardinals drop 3 of 4 to the lowly New York Mets. Frustrated at a lack of offense, and the lack of hustle from some of his star players, LaRussa picked up a bat and ran himself out in the 6th inning Thursday.

Always an innovator, LaRussa has recieved mixed reviews when it comes to some of his more interesting managerial decisions. The Redbird's skipper routinely bats his pitcher 8th to provide more baserunners at the top of the order. He has been known to use starting pitchers as pinch runners. He has handmade elaborate costumes and disguises to allow Cardinal's All Star Albert Pujols to bat multiple times in an inning.

He is 3rd all-time in managerial Wins, which makes it hard to argue with someone with such a track record of success. If some of his out of the ordinary methods produce victories, little can be said other than congratulations. In fact, Thursday can be no exception because he managed to drop down a bunt-single before the umpires realized he was an ineligible player, scolded him and ejected him from the game, and had security escort him from the field.

"Tony... Should we call someone?" -Cardinals GM

Wright & Wroñg

It started as a way to generate interest for the Mets and quell boredom for the two Superstars. It has become the most highly anticipated My9 show since King of Queens reruns. David Wright is showing off his acting range as his own original character, "Dave White". With Jose Reyes as Jose Reyes. They are two college roommates with a wacky cast of colorful co-eds. They share a passion for baseball, deep-dish pizza... And Life.

"Dave White" is a straightlaced Georgia Tech sophomore with a baseball scholarship, a heart of gold, and a unibrow that makes Italian 40-somethings swoon.

Reyes is the hotheaded but lovable Dominican with a devilish grin and fiery latino passion. His unrelenting speed is matched only by his love of the ladies and skateboarding. Also he's the drummer in GT's hottest band on campus: "The Double Plays".

In the first episode "Dave" has to finish his term paper by the next day or he wont be allowed to attend the Harvest Dance. But Jose calls up his amigos, and hijinks ensue!

They already have some hilarious guest appearances planned :

Mets Manager Jerry Manuel as their nosey RA.

Darryl Strawberry as the lovable stoner.

Keith Hernandez as a knowledgeable drifter who Dave finds out never really existed at the end of the episode, but finds a mustache comb on his nighttable, and looks up at the sky thoughtfully.

The Mets and My9 are hoping to break into the competitive world of buddy sitcoms. Hopefully this most recent foray into comedy will be more successful than their previous project, now in it's third season...

Randy Johnson Loses 300th Game

"Well, it was a long time coming..." the 6'10" veteran said after the game, "I have been in this league for so long, sometimes you lose sight of the important things in life. Pushing cameramen, sending people to the hospital at All-Star games, and just treating everyone like absolute garbage 24/7." Giants lefty Randy Johnson went 2/3's of an inning Thursday allowing 10 runs on 6 hits and 7 walks. His San Francisco Giants went on to lose the game 18-2. A typical start for the "giant" southpaw, and a positive sign for the Baysiders.

Randy: "I tried to keep the damage down to a minimum and give the bullpen more rest than they're accustomed to," he paused and resettled the ice on his left shoulder, waiting expectantly for another question from the assembly of stunned reporters. "I have been around this game for a while now, and as long as I get my millions, I will continue to throw batting practice and yell at fans from the mound, and dugout. I enjoy smoking in between and sometimes during innings, and writing made-up swear words on kid's ballgloves. I'm proud of my accomplishments and my ability to throw upper 80's heat. This game is not easy. Guys want to get hits, they will. I can only get out of the game as quick as I can and eat delicious food in the clubhouse."

Check Out Mookie Mantle's Extra Innings!

Check Out Mookie Mantle's Extra Innings!

Struggling David Ortiz Moved To 3rd Base Coach

David “Big Papi” Ortiz is off to the worst start of his professional career. Through June 28th the red-socked slugger is batting .194 with 1 homerun. As he is the Red Sox’ designated hitter, a position devoted entirely to offense, his devastating power-outage has left Sox fans angry and scared.

Consistently batting 3rd in the lineup and leaving countless runners on base, the rest of the lineup is forced to pick up the slack. Manager Terry Francona has no explanation for the rapid decline of his “franchise player”:
“He’s not leaving us with a lot of options… I tried batting him 6th a couple times, but except for a couple more foul ticks, he’s provided about as much for this lineup as (the deceased) Ted Williams. Its not that he isn’t trying, but for now I think a change is definitely in order. He can still help the team… just not with hitting… or fielding… obviously.”

Ortiz will now be manning 3rd base… In that he will be giving signs to hitters and sending runners home. As 3rd base coach he will be contributing in a new and interesting way. At least that’s how “Papi” feels about it:
“I think it good for me. Is important and interesting position! I get to send runners from first on doubles… and… the other day Mr. Francona let me hand the ump the lineup card. I just happy to help my team.”

Ortiz’s teammates don’t seem to share his enthusiasm for his new “position”:
“I’ll be honest with you right now,” remarks right fielder J.D. Drew, “I don’t like it. He is just plain awful. He told me to bunt the other day in the 9th with bases loaded. And I did…”

Daisuke Matsuzaka: “[He continues to dishonor his ancestors]”

Captain Jason Varitek: “You can tell he means well, but yeah he is just terrible. He even brings his Manny hand-puppet out there sometimes. You learn more about people like David in these situations. Don’t ever let anyone tell you he cant field either, the other day when Kara the ball-girl sprained her ankle, he even broke out the old leather for a couple games.”

Joba Chamberlain Quits Baseball, Becomes Gay Coffee Barista

Barista: (n) a person who works at the counter of a coffee shop; a coffee bar server

Yankee phenom Joba Chamberlain has officially quit Major League Baseball, to pursue his dream of working behind the counter at a posh New York Café: "Captain Chino's". Now, dispensing Sweet Mango puree blended with ice, topped with whipped cream & a raspberry syrup swirl, instead of fastballs and curves.

The popular argument of how best to utilize his enormous talent in the sport of baseball (as he could be a dominant starter or reliever) has now become obsolete. Chamberlain worries now, whether he put the proper amount of creme fraiche in the Costa Rican La Lapa from the Central Valley region.

But is Joba as dynamic and effective a coffee vendor, as he was a Major League pitcher? His assistant manager, 3 year veteran Bryce Ashford, certainly thinks so.

"I've seen some real Java-slingers before, but Joba just seemed to have a natural talent for it. He knew what a Half-Caf was before he even walked in the door, and I honestly believe he's got the fastest hands in the business. I've seen him top 3 cups at once... a really talented individual.

He does have a habit of showing-off though, and I've been meaning to talk to him about it. He pumped his fist the other day after he gave a guy exact change without looking, but I don't think it was aimed at the customer. The only problem I have is figuring out how best to use his services, should he work the day shift, or be a dominant closer?"

Former manager and recovering alcoholic Joe Girardi, had nothing but sparkling things to say about his former player.

"Well, you know, Joba happens to be blessed with a lot of talents, an upper 90's fastball, and the ability to make a dynamite French Roast. And to be honest, the way the Yankee's season is going, I might be managing him again real soon."

Joba has become something of a "New York Café Scene" sensation, and customers are lining up around the block for a taste of his delicate confections.

Girardi's Bad

"It's been so hard for me to see baseball have so many blackeyes," Girardi said. "It's disappointing to me. And a lot of times, it's hard to figure out what you're supposed to think during this last 12, 14 years, and what's supposedly real and not supposedly real. To me, it's very unfortunate that we're going through this at this time in baseball. And it's something that we might go through for a long time."

True Bromance

Now more than ever, David Ortiz misses his best pal Manny Ramirez. While Big Papi is struggling to come to terms with Manny's exit (last July), Ramirez has embedded himself in a new and exciting market, successfully slugging in Dodger blue.

Ortiz is a man without an ally. When he puts cups on his ears and peers about the dugout, he is greeted only by the disaproving shake of Youkilis' beard, and Jonathan Papelbon staring at him from the bullpen.

He has crafted a likeness of Manny to laugh at his jokes and pick him up when he is sad or struggling, which is becoming increasingly more important as Papi seems to be in the twilight of his career (at age 31). Teammates and even concerned fans believe their DH has become a little too attached to "Hanny", and refuses to take off the meticulously handmade knit cap, even while batting.

"Chu know, Manny provides protection for me in the lineup, I see alot more fastballs and middle fingers thank to his presence. That's just Manny bein' Manny, chu know? He told me a funny joke the other day, the whole dugout was laughing (no). Is good to have friends, chu know? Tim Wakefield still talks to me sometimes, like dis one time when he wanted sunflower seeds, and I handed them to him... Ay dios mio.... I am so alone...."

Teixeira Gets A Hit

"I was in the dugout when it happened," Joe Girardi said after the Yankee victory, Saturday. "I said to Davey (Eiland): 'Hey, wheres Texas T?', 'He's standing on first base,' he replied.
"But we're not in the field?!?"
"I know!"

After going 0- for his last 128 at-bats the unthinkable happened. Yankee First Baseman Mark Teixeira actually made contact with a pitch, sending it over the head of Oakland 2B Mark Ellis. The boos raining down on the struggling slugger instantly turned to cries of disbelief and wonderment. Texieira was all smiles after the game, even stopping to field questions, and lend some insight into just what he was thinking as it happened.

"Well, I wasn't actually sure where to go after I hit it. I started to take my gloves off and walk back to the dugout with my head down, but the umpire was nice enough to point to first base and a fan yelled: 'Hey numbnuts, start runnnin like somebodys was hangin' your cousin in front of youse!' New York has been so nice to me and I'm glad I was able to give back, for one night at least."

The 8th inning single with the Yankees up 15-0 may not have had an effect on the night's decision, but could mean good things on the horizon for the Yanks. Teixeira is certainly optimistic.

"I could really run with this, maybe go 3 for 50, or 4 for 75! The possibilities are endless...."

Yet Another Astonishing A-Rod Admission

Billy Crystal Only Fan At New Yankee Stadium

Former Yankee, and aging-"comedian" Billy Crystal has been to every game at New Yankee Stadium this season. Due to increasing ticket prices, fans have not been filing into the New Stadium as often as they had across the street. The prices have become so ridiculous in fact, that celebrities and once-famous Jewish entertainers have been the only spectators for the struggling Yankees as of yet.

Ambidextrous Hurler Unveils New Delivery

The New York Yankees' highly-touted prospect Pat Venditte has dazzled fans and scouts alike with his righty/lefty pitching for the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. A legitimate competitor, his relief-work for the Yank's minor league affiliate up till this point has been nothing short of brilliant. His 0.83 ERA and 23 saves, for AAA in '08, make him more than just a gimmick.

And this season, Venditte has unleashed another reason for International League hitters to shake in their cleats. Using his third arm to throw nothing but Eephus pitches, Venditte continues to stifle opponents with his original motions, and frankly, unnecessary use of the human body. AAA Manager Dave Miley had this to say after Pat unveiled his new "arm angle":

"I am still trying to figure out how this happened. He didn't tell anyone about it before the game, and I still haven't talked to him about it yet, either. I am still not entirely sure it actually occured..."

The Wang Strikes Back

Struggling Yankee's starter Chien-Ming Wang (0-3) begins rehabilitation with former pitching coach Ron Guidry, at his home in the Louisiana Bayou.

A-Rod Gives Up

Alex Rodriguez is widely considered to be the best all-around player in Major League Baseball. Breaking into the league at age 18, he is the youngest player ever to hit 500 homeruns. The $275 million third baseman of the New York Yankees was recently diagnosed with a torn labrum. He was promptly placed on the disabled list and was unable to participate in Yankees Opening Day festivities, and for the foreseeable future.

Lately, Rodriguez just isn't feeling it. He has been away from the baseball field for too long, the only place he has ever found joy. He has become a broken man. Sadly floating through life in quiet desperation. He has essentially given up on professional baseball. Content to subsist on 99c McChicken Sandwichs and Go-Gurt, the recently divorced slugger now has hours upon hours to fill. To deal with the interminable boredom, he has recently taken up Nintendo's "Mario Super Sluggers" and Pokemon Cards. A visually distraught Rodriguez was recently reached for comment about his current living situation, outside of a local White Castle.

"... I mean, I don't believe that anyone is missing me. Doug Bernier (Yankees AAA second baseman) flipped me off in Spring Training... Who the hell is that?"

He doesn't seem to have his usual whimsy, and his barely passable knowledge of the English language is almost lost in the malaise of his lazily chosen words.

"The enormousness of my situation does not escape me. Is my legacy of the Yankees at stake? Of course. But I am vastly grateful for the support of my fans, and I can only hope that they will be following me in my new undertakings. I have started a Fantasy Baseball team at my local library, and I got Jose Reyes in the 1st round. Everythings comin' up A-Rod!"

An Honest Look At Jeter and A-Rod

Is it fair to compare Derek Jeter to Alex Rodriguez? Considering they both started their careers playing the same position at the same time, it wasn't very difficult for sportswriters and fans alike to create unnecessary parallels between the two. A-Rod's record-breaking power and Jeter's early championships continued to fuel the conversation for years. They're both enormously talented, with unique strengths. Nomar Garciaparra was another talented shortstop who burned out and became an injury-riddled joke that was passed back and forth between non-competitors and the Cubs. The longevity and continued health of Jeter and Rodriguez set them in a class of their own.

On February 15, 2004, the Yankees aquired Alex in a trade with the Texas Rangers. The highest paid player in Major League Baseball would move to 3rd Base. The two longtime friends would become teammates, and championship-banners would again hang from Yankee Stadium. That.... did not happen.

What has happened since could not have been predicted by anyone: The Red Sox have won two World Series Titles, Joe Torre has left the Yankees in disgrace, and the Yanks signed Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown, Jaret Wright, Carl Pavano, each one worse than the last. The only smart prediction would have been the offensive production of Rodriguez. He has won two American League Most Valuable Player awards in pinstripes. And there is not a more hated player in all of baseball (Even before his steroid admission).

New York fans and media have not embraced him in the least. Everything Alex does is intensely scrutinized and second-guessed (and Jeter is still the undisputed King of New York). He emulates Jeter, usually in interesting and frightening ways.
It makes sense, Jeter has been successful in the postseason, and is beloved by fans, something A-Rod couldn't possibly know. The two future Hall-Of-Famers will surely finish their careers in pinstripes. Jeters legend status, and Rodriguez's enormous paycheck make that certain. Who knows what the future holds for the revamped '09 Yankees? Are World Series Championships on the horizon?

Voice of the Yankees John Sterling Unveils New 45-Minute Homerun Call

Suzyn Waldman: “You know John, I was talking with Mark the other day, and he said ‘I want to hit a home run’ And he did, John!”

John Sterling: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaAAAAAA homerun for Big TEX. He really corralled that one Suze. Teixeira! With a bomb to dead-centerfield! The TEX-man is in town, and he’s collecting! Everything’s bigger in Texas! That was a TEXbook homerun. TEX marks the spot! Extra TEXtra, read all about the mammoth home run of the Yankees Extraordinary first baseman. He really fulfilled the conTEXtual obligations of his contract, Suze! Viva TEX Vegas! The Texas homerun massacre! TEXual healing in Baltimore……. (44 minutes later) ….. Ahuh... ahuh... He woke up this morning and ate his TEX-Mix. ahuh..... Uph, sorry everyone, that was a foul ball off the bat of Jose Molina.”

Swisher A Much-Needed Breath Of Fresh Air

"Well you know, the Yankees really needed a laid-back, easy-going, ex-Athletic, aging, neaderthal-looking simpleton, who throws lefty and is a fielding liability. You know I didn't think I would enjoy the move from center to a corner outfield position, but..." he paused to high-five Melky and start an elaborate ethnic hug with Robinson Cano. "I'm having so much fun I was thinking about starting my own WBC team..."

Damon's Tundra of Dreams

In 2006, Yankees Left Fielder Johnny Damon, found himself an unwilling participant in the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

"You know, when they (USA) approached me about playing the first time I was just like 'Okay, I like playing baseball,' but the team didn't do so good and I didnt feel like they appreciated me defensively..."

An obviously distracted Damon was depressed with their Round 2 exit, for multiple reasons. He had been given a hard time for not 'keeping his head in the game' by Manager Buck Martinez

"You could tell Johnny had his mind on other things. I think the breaking point was when he had a shouting match with an airplane overhead. He yelled something to the effect of 'Giant Metal Bird'... I hope thats what he said...."

In actuality, Damon was bothered more by his lack of Patriotism. He felt no kinship towards his fellow dugout members. Their pointing and laughing did not help.

"I looked down at the colors.... Red... White... ummmmm Blue. Yeah Blue. And I just didnt feel right."

A native of a remote part of the Arctic Wilderness, Damon decided then and there, in that USA locker room, while his teammates beat him with soap-filled-socks, 2009 would be different. Representing his territory with pride, Damon would wear the official colors of his home country, and the International landscape of Nova Scotian Baseball would never be the same again. After receiving recognition from the U.N. , Damon and his 4 drinking buddies began the complicated legislation for entry into the 2009 WBC.

"You know, me and my buddies couldn't make tails or tails of those complicated lines and numbers and such.... I handed them to (Yankees GM Brian) Cash(man), and he told me he'd do them. I even saw him put them in a special basket under his desk."

MLB player reactions to Damon's activities have been mixed to say the least.

"I wish Johnny all the luck in the world, you know?" says fellow Yankee Jorge Posada while casually slipping bars of soap into a pillowcase. Yankee reactions were not limited to the backstop however, Second Baseman Robinson Cano also weighed in:

"Chu know... He playin the... He play the WBC... He hit the ball, chu know.... He make his own team... WBC...." Former Team Captain Derek Jeter added: "Are you shitting me?"

When asked about any possible injuries to his starting LF, recovering Yankees Manager Joe Girardi said: "Well, you know 'the Iceman' knows what he's doing.... It's 162 game season, you have to put one foot in front of the other.... That's baseball.... It's still 60'6".... Iceman..."

The road to being a contender is a long one. Made even more impossible by the team's inability to actually participate in the WBC. Without the properly filed paperwork, the Nova Scotian's quest for legitimacy was doomed from the start. Officials have not had the heart to break the soul-crushing news to him.

Damon's "team" has their first exhibition game scheduled Thursday at 6:23am agaisnt the New Mexico Tryers at the Poughkeepsie Learning Annex Auxilary Field B Parking lot.
"The tune-up will give fans a look at what the Nova Scotia Team's all about! I'll be playing Pitcher, Center Field and Right Field and my friends Asungaq, Cupun, Kanosak and Asunguq will play everywhere else. We're not 'flashy', " Damon remarks with air-quotes, "But we get the job done. We do share a glove though....."
Nova Scotia's team caravan, and fan will arrive in the U.S. shortly, bringing all the pomp and circumstance of a championship snow dog team (above) and Damon's Wife (or Mother?) (below)The Inuit people have over 100 words for Snow, but only one for embarassment....

Girardi Goes Bat-Shit Insane

Finally, coaching the most intensely scrutinized team (with the highest payroll) in professional sports has caught up with New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. The pressure to succeed has increased dramatically recently due to Alex Rodriguez's steroid admission, in addition to the $423.5 million spent on free agents this offseason. The Yankees Front Office saw fit to relinquish almost half a billion dollars in response to the team's inability to make the playoffs in the '08 season, (shattering a streak of 13 straight appearances) ironically, in Girardi's first season at the helm.

The anger slowly building up inside the 5'8" skipper finally culminated in a violent fit of psychotic rage, Tuesday. While throwing batting practice to recently acquired catcher Guillermo Dungy, an obviously distressed Girardi let loose a stream of expletives and racial epithets, seemingly for no apparent reason. After pushing over the L-shaped BP net, Girardi proceeded to the dugout, wherein he retrieved catching equipment (worn backwards in haste) two bats and a handful of Bubblicious. Aiming his unrelenting aggression towards assorted crowds of fleeing fans and panicked players, the manager became a Whirling Dervish of bone-shattering wood and kneepads. After 12 minutes of uncontested bloodfury, Girardi shed the constricting armor of his former position, and targeted specific objects of dislike. After hunting Yankee's General Manager Brian Cashman for several minutes in the crowded Monument Park of George M. Steinbrenner field, Girardi decapitated the bumbling executive with his bare hands.

Currently, Joe has holed up in the ladies restroom at the Yankee's Spring Training home, and will answer to reporter's questions only in riddle.

Girardi's fantastic explanation for his volatile behavior was the only understandable response within a stream of nonsense words and baseball terms.

"Well, you know, I'm tired of everyone's crap and after consulting with the mythical spirit of Yogi Berra, I decided to kill indescriminately. I'm not okay, and you're not okay."

As if Yankees camp wasn't already a circus, questions remain unanswered in the aftermath of Girardi's killing spree. What could drive the typically level-headed skipper of the most successful franchise in the history of sports, to such an unprecedented exhibition of human destruction?

"You know, we're moving on, we got Boston next week, and they're never an easy opponent," he remarked while cleaning the blood caked upon his lips.

Alex Rodriguez's "Cousin" Yuri Sucart

As the world looks on in horror, information continues to surface about the unnatural relationship between current Yankees Third Baseman Alex Rodriguez, and adoptive "cousin" Yuri Sucart.

Sucart reportedly lived with Rodriguez during his time in Seattle and Arlington, Texas. 46 year old Yuri has been confirmed as the "cousin" who administered primobolan shots in A-Rods buttocks over a 3 year period (2001, 2002, 2003).

Images taken and dismissed at the time, such as the one pictured here:

(depicting Yuri massaging a tired Rodriguez) continue to surface in light of Alex's various admissions.

Another Astonishing A-Rod Admission

Newsday has it's finger on the pulse of yet another shocking story from the New York Yankees 3B.

"It was such a loosey-goosey era. I'm guilty for a lot of things. I'm guilty for being negligent, naive, not asking all the right questions, requesting to be traded to San Francisco..."

Big Mac's Big Problem

Steroids have many harmful effects, but there is one no one likes to talk about. (This is an actual ad)

Mike Mussina on Carl Pavano

"His body just shut down from actually pitching for six weeks. It's like when you get an organ transplant and your body rejects it. His body rejected pitching. It's not used to it."

-The Moose

Yanks Trade Veteran For Prospect

In a stunning move to free up salary tuesday, Yankees traded 9-time All Star Shortstop Derek Jeter to the Oakland Athletics for AA Catcher Guillermo Dungy.

"We feel it was time for a change of scenery," Yank's GM Brian Cashman added, "Guillermo is a talented player that we, as an organization, have had our eye on for sometime."

Joe Girardi had this to say: "Obviously Jeets means alot to the Yankees, hopefully he will enjoy his time on the Athletics, meanwhile we got one of the premiere catchers on the A's AA team The New Mexico Tryers. The G-man is gonna give us some versatility at the position for a long time."

Dungy, a 42-year old backstop has been in Pro Baseball for almost 3 months. The 4'3" right-handed hitter is showing some real progress and scouts project that he could have an impact at the major league level as soon as 2013.

Tryers Manager Jeff Adelston : "He almost had a single the other day but that guy in the outfield with a glove caught it. Dungy has shown some real progress of late, holding the bat at the skinny part." Dungy has a long way to go, but Cashman is optimistic:

"We have freed up about $20 million to use on the Free Agent Market. We have recently entered into talks with Paul Byrd."