“Breathing first, winning next…”

That was George Steinbrenner’s mantra as owner of the New York Yankees.

Certainly, that concept has translated to the 2010 Yankees, who have posted the best record in baseball to date – leading division rival Tampa Bay by three games heading into Monday.

But the winning isn’t translating across the board entirely – because for years and years, we expected the men in pinstripes to dominate free agency, take over the standings and reel in whatever player they wanted via trade.

Ding ding ding – you are correct… something’s missing.

It’s been no secret that over recent weeks, the New York Yankees have been seeking an impact starting pitcher to bolster their already talented rotation.

Cliff Lee - who nearly landed in the Bronx - instead was dealt from Seattle to Texas

Baseball has had its share of aces become available throughout the month of July, from Cliff Lee, to Roy Oswalt, to Dan Haren and then some.

Lee was the first to go – being dealt away from a struggling Mariners club and over to division rival Texas.

The Yankees wanted Lee badly – and nearly had him, until the trade fell through.

In fact, the deal was so close to happening, that Joel Sherman of the New York Post described the Bronx Bombers as being “on the brink of obtaining Cliff Lee.”

Here’s the tidbit that’s more puzzling: Not only did the Yankees lose out on dealing for Cliff Lee, they lost out to a Texas team that recently had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

But wait, it gets worse.

The Yankees moved on with their negotiations, and baseball assumed it would only be a matter of time that they would get their man.

Dan Haren was next.

Dan Haren was traded to the Angels in exchange for Joe Saunders, two prospects and a player to be named

As SI.com’s Jon Heyman reported, the Yankees had some significant discussions with Arizona for Haren, with a number of names tossed around – and scenarios where New York refused to include Joba Chamberlain, but also appeared willing to include prospects such as Ivan Nova and Zach McAllister.

Only, the Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t play along – and earlier today, the D’Backs dealt away their ace to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, in exchange for starting pitcher Joe Saunders, two minor league prospects and a player to be named.

That’s strike two.

Lost in the depths of baseball breaking news on two blockbuster deals for two No. 1 starters is the fact that both of these players were traded to American League clubs – and NEITHER of them were the New York Yankees.

Instead, two AL West teams – both who could wind up facing the Yankees in the playoffs.

What in the name of the Yankee Clipper is going on here?

There are a few ways to look at it – and the main fact is this: The Yankees need to change the way they do business.

Money can’t always buy happiness.

Sure, it worked last season – and it’s worked a lot of seasons, but today’s game is changing rapidly.

The Yankees formula worked in 2009, but the game is changing rapidly

Gone are the days that teams will just give away any player – and here are the times where top prospects are grown internally and kept for years, or instead dealt for a bevy of young talent.

The fact is: New York’s farm system is getting to be on the weaker side – and with bargaining chips like Jesus Montero being included in the rumors of potential impact deals, it would only fall farther into the tank.

There lies your real problem.

You see, the Texas Rangers had the top ranked farm system according to ESPN’s Keith Law in 2009 – and that’s the main reason they were able to seal the deal for Lee.  Plain and simple, there was simply more to offer up.

Joe Saunders is the main piece in the deal that brings Dan Haren from Arizona to Anaheim

Meanwhile, while the Angels were ranked significantly lower on the list, they had a number of low-to-mid 20-somethings on the roster (that were of high value, too) – including the likes of Joe Saunders, who will now be sporting Sedona red in “Cactus-land.”

So that’s the deal – the MLB Draft features a pool of many question marks, where only a few guys emerge as legit talent.  Over years, players can grow into contributors – but over recent seasons, the Yankees have been dealing away the majority of their prospects for impact players.

For every Joba or Hughes that have stayed, two to three guys were sent away for a quick fix.

One can spend all the money on Earth – assembling talent over the course of an offseason – but once the season begins, a number of issues can arise, from struggles to injuries – and just about every time, a team has a need for at least one impact player during the stretch run.

In today’s game, that’s when teams like the Rangers, Rays and Angels have a significant mixture of free agent and minor league talent, making it easier to put the final pieces into place.

At this rate, the Bronx Bombers are losing that luxury – and instead, trades for big names are falling through, the competition is catching up and the Yankees are left hoping that the best roster money can buy on Opening Day has what it takes to seal the deal and hoist the trophy.

Breathing may be first – and winning may be next, but baseball now has a new formula for both.

If a franchise can’t adjust – then the result could easily be “strike three.”

The latest edition of Tomatoes climbs the vine of sports topics and touches upon many recent stories including football legends and their sons, golf legends faltering at another major, former NBA stars dreaming of a comeback and much, much more.

So as the headlines continue to get generated, more stories of sports frustration emerge.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: July 18, 2010

Nate Montana

…for being an apple that falls far from the tree.

Will Nate Montana be like his Dad, or just a "regular Joe"?

Nate Montana – a backup QB for Notre Dame and the son of Hall of Fame QB Joe Montana – was arrested for underage drinking over the weekend.

Fine, most college kids drink underage, I get that – but when you carry that name and family reputation for the Irish, one has to be smarter.

It’s not just making some critics think that the apple falls far from the tree, but instead of fruitful beginnings in South Bend, Irish fans are left thinking sour grapes.

Tiger Woods and the Media’s Crush

…for challenging my gag reflex.

A few years ago, I understood the media’s crush on Tiger Woods, even though I still felt it was a little much to show his every shot – even when out of contention during a major tournament.

Any chance we can tone down the Tiger coverage?

But now that he’s had his name dragged through the mud for months and months – and he’s failed to take a major or win a tournament all year, it’s about time that we take a step back in the Tiger coverage – just a hair.

Either that, or replace it with some more press conferences featuring Tiger and the British media – that would be the ‘bees knees’.

Pacquiao-Mayweather

… for being a sports topic with little punch.

It certainly feels like an eternity that this dream match between Pacquiao and Mayweather has been discussed.

In the end, it’s all bark and no bite.

As the deadline passes, it’s “blah blah blah”, trash talk stacked on top of trash talk – and in all likelihood, no match was decided upon because there wasn’t enough millions to go around for the two of them.

If you ask me, this story needs a permanent TKO.

Wendi Nix

…for botching a well-known sports movie line.

So I’m minding my own business watching coverage of the British Open championship, when Wendi Nix comes on to interview Rory McIlroy during coverage of the third round.

In the middle of the interview, Nix drops the line, “There’s no crying in football, so we’ll say there’s no crying in golf either…”

Hello, Wendi?

Talk about being in a “league of your own” – a female sportscaster that botches arguably one of the more famous lines in a sports movie featuring mostly females.

Maybe, I’m being a little overcritical – who knows.  I don’t know, what do you think, Tom?

Penny Hardaway

…for wanting to ride the coat tails of LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh.

I’ve already pitched in my two cents on this story, but it simply deserves a tomato, too – as Penny Hardaway has made it known that he’d like to come out of retirement and play for the Miami Heat this upcoming season.

Sure, if I had a penny for every person like Penny that said this, then… well… nevermind.

Joe Girardi

…for giving away an opportunity at home-field advantage in the World Series.

Joe Girardi could have handled the AL All-Star lineup better.

It’s no doubt a challenge when dealing with an All-Star lineup – and both Charlie Manuel and Joe Girardi were faced with a number of challenges in Anaheim a few short days ago.

But it’s Girardi that made the biggest blunders late in the game, leaving no speed on the bench and not pinch-running for Big Papi during a crucial time in the 9^th inning – one that could have made all the difference between earning home-field advantage and not.

Baseball and Mark Cuban

…for being a match made in hell.

Listen, I understand that Mark Cuban can be a strong personality, but he’s a passionate person and a great owner that puts a lot into his sports franchises.

The first part of that statement is why I understand why Major League Baseball continues to ignore him – first when he expressed interest in buying the Chicago Cubs, and recently when he “offered to help” with the Texas Rangers – a team that has had recent financial troubles and will be up for auction on August 4^th.

But wanting to win very badly and put blood, sweat and tears into his franchise… what’s wrong with that?

So, c’mon MLB – give “Cubes” a chance – this really could be a match made in heaven.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where no tears were shed in the writing of this post.

Bob Sheppard – the legendary public address announcer at Yankee Stadium for over half a century – has died at the age of 99.

Former Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard has died at the age of 99

Whether a New York Yankees fan or not, any follower of Major League Baseball grew used to hearing Sheppard’s voice and attaching it to the game of baseball and its history.

That’s why with Sheppard’s passing, all of Major League Baseball – fans, analysts and players alike – are mourning and remembering this iconic voice of the game.

In particular, Bob Sheppard is a trending topic today on Twitter – as many are chiming in with their thoughts and paying their respects to the lost legend.

The Wife Hates Sports would like to present a few of the best 140-character Bob Sheppard tweet tributes that we could find – starting with yours truly:

R.I.P. Bob Sheppard (1910-2010):

Sports Fans on Twitter Remember the Yankees Legend

kevinspaul

When you think of baseball, you think of voices like Bob Sheppard. R.I.P. Bob, you meant a lot to not just the #Yankees, but all of #MLB

jadande

Your attention please. Now ascending to heaven, Number 1, PA announcer, Bob Sheppard. Number 1.

MLB

“Most men go to work, but I go to a game. How many men would love to do that?” Bob Sheppard (1910-2010) #Yankees

CaliSportsKidNY

God has finally chosen the announcer for heaven, RIP Bob Sheppard the Greatest PA announcer of all time

Trags

Remember Bob Sheppard, one of the greatest voices in baseball, who passed this morning, at 99. I know Carl Beane will. #Yankees #RedSox

Ledger_Yankees

“Bob Sheppard was a great member of the Yankees family and his death leaves a lasting silence.” – statement from GMS

babs26

Bob Sheppard, your voice has provided me with some of my greatest moments…thank you. RIP #yankees

bendoody

Really no analogy or comparison that does Bob Sheppard justice. He was better at his job than anyone else in sports for 50 years.

YankeesPR

The Yankees mourn the passing of Bob Sheppard – The Voice of Yankee Stadium.

BryanHoch

Bob Sheppard was tickled to know the Yankees named the new media dining room after him. “Is the food good?” he asked me.

JustJon

The world seems a little quieter without Bob Sheppard. RIP.

EricStangel

RIP Bob Sheppard. Didn’t matter if he was announcing Yogi Berra or Dale Berra, he made them all sound like legends…

SuicidalMetFan

RIP Bob Sheppard. I’m not a Yankee Fan but I appreciated “the voice of god” for years as the NY Giants PA man.

Seth_Everett

Anyone who heard Bob Sheppard at either a Yankee or Giants game truly had the same privelidge I feel right now. That was quite a voice. #fb

YankeeMegInPHL

RIP Mr. Sheppard. Your voice will never leave me, nor the memory of Yankee fans everywhere.

SportsCenter

Bob Sheppard, the Voice of the Yankees, has died in his home in Baldwin, NY. He was 99 years old.

For those that may have noticed a slight decline in material here at TWHS, first I say… thanks for noticing.  Second, I will say that there has been some vacation time affecting the volume of posts here, but don’t fret – there will be much more to come very soon, so please don’t give up on us.

Meanwhile, in the world of sports – the NBA and NHL seasons are almost over and done with – and currently, there’s little to hate on regarding each of those two leagues.

Baseball, however… that’s a different story – so let the tomatoes be harvested and hurled.

Throwing Tomatoes: June 2, 2010

Jim Joyce

…for crushing a dream and single-handedly affecting baseball history.

First, I’ll be nice… because at least Jim Joyce apologized to Detroit SP Armando Galarraga, who was an out away from a perfect game.  The veteran ump admitted to screwing up the call at first – where Cleveland’s Jason Donald was called safe.

Still, this wasn’t even a “tie goes to the runner” situation.

Nice guy time is over.  It’s inexcusable, and how can a guy let such a thing happen with history on the line?  Just like that, you crush a dream of a kid like Galarraga – who likely as a pitcher has had times where he’s dreamed about throwing a perfect game.

Now his dream is gone and baseball history has been affected for good.

Baseball’s future should be affected too – in the form of a much more involved instant replay plan going forward

The End for Ken Griffey Jr.

…for being not what we as fans deserved.

For me, it seems like ages ago that “The Kid” entered the baseball world – not just becoming a star almost instantly, but being such a likable player on and off the field.

Then, the injuries came – and some latter-career underachieving came around as well.

Finally, Griff was back in Seattle to finish up his career – what seemed to be a situation set to be a fairytale ending.

Then, the snoozing in the clubhouse story came around – and the struggles, too.

Now… retirement – not even halfway into the season.  The story went from hat backwards to ass backwards – and it’s a damn shame – and as a baseball fan, I can say that Griffey Jr. will be sorely missed.

See you in the Hall, Junior.

Jose Canseco

…for being a bad penny regarding the steroids story in baseball.

So let me get this straight… Jose Canseco is going to be defending Roger Clemens when he testifies before a grand jury?

Is anyone else surprised by this?

Or more importantly, does anyone continue to wish that stories like this would just go away – because while it may continue to become news in “bad penny turning up” fashion, the fans of the game would rather be the head guy behind BP oil than hear another steroids story in baseball.

Talking about this so much is about as pointless as the see-through shirt Canseco was somewhat famous for a few years back.

The Orioles, Astros and Pirates

…for having offenses that are downright offensive.

Three teams in baseball have been too ugly to this point – especially on offense… so bad that it has to be noted here.  Look at the Orioles, for example – who have been mentioned here before, and continue to not put crooked numbers on the scoreboard… so much that the lack of production has the O’s already 20 ½ games back just 53 games into the season.

Somehow… two teams have scored less than Baltimore to this point in the season.

Baltimore Orioles (177 runs – 15-38 record)

Pittsburgh Pirates (171 runs – -128 run differential)

Houston Astros (168 runs – worst record in NL)

Something’s gotta give with these teams – as it’s just gotten ugly.  We’re just over 50 games into the season – not even a third of the way.

Jobs have to be lost – not just for managers, but on the rosters, too.  It’s getting to the point where the trade deadline is becoming more of the focus, and each team’s minor league prospects need to get more attention, too.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where Jim Joyce doesn’t have to tell us that we’re not perfect…

If you were to poll the general population as to which jersey number a person wore as a kid over the last few decades – it’s likely that Michael Jordan’s number 23 would be at the top of the list.

However, the most underrated jersey number in sports just may be No. 5 – specifically in the baseball world, where there were a slew of big-time players that donned this crooked number on his jersey – including arguably the best of today and yesterday.

In particular, here are my top ten greatest baseball players to wear No. 5:

The Top 10 Greatest Baseball Players Ever to Wear the No. 5

10. Nomar Garciaparra

Certainly, Nomar had his critics – who pointed (and speculated) regarding the latter half of his career, which was marred by injuries – to the point that he borderline was instead known as Mia Hamm’s husband.  He was also often criticized for not being clutch in the playoffs.

However, if you look closer at his career, Garciaparra was a career .313 hitter – including batting .357 in 1999 and .372 in 2000.  On top of that, he was a solid defensive player that also hit 229 HR.  And oh yeah, in 112 postseason AB’s, he batted .321 – not too shabby.

9. Lou Boudreau

The Hall of Fame shortstop played the majority of his 15-year career with the Cleveland Indians.  During this time, Boudreau had 45+ doubles over four different seasons, was a career .295 hitter and had an impressive career on-base percentage of .380.

8. Jeff Bagwell

As a member of “The Killer B’s” in Houston throughout his entire career, Bagwell was a staple in baseball for a decade and a half.  During that time, many likely didn’t realize just how good he was, not just belting 449 career HR and having a career average of .297, but also playing consistent gold glove defense at first base.

7. Luke Appling

Appling may not be a household name in baseball history, but he put together a significant career while playing for the Chicago White Sox from 1930 to 1950.  The Hall of Fame infielder pieced together a .310 career average, highlighted by his peak season in 1936, when he hit .388 and – as crazy as it sounds, had 6 HR and 128 RBI.

His career on-base percentage was just a hair below .400 (at .399).

6. Brooks Robinson

He was referred to as “The Vacuum Cleaner” for a reason, sucking up more ground balls and gold gloves than one could count on their fingers.

While he may have not had the gaudiest numbers on offense (a career .267 hitter over 23 seasons – all with the Orioles), Robinson made up for it on defense, in leadership and class, plus by adding some pop with his bat, too – in the form of 268 career home runs.

All in all, it was a stellar Hall of Fame career for the former Baltimore third baseman.

5. George Brett

Most remember Brett for his famous pine tar incident, but the fiery Hall of Fame corner infielder – who played all 21 seasons with the Kansas City Royals – was quite the offensive machine as well.

When it was all said and done, George Brett finished his career with an average of .305, while adding in 315 HR.  He also threatened the .400 mark in 1980 – but finished batting .390.

In 166 postseason AB’s with the Royals, he batted .337.

4. Hank Greenberg

He was called “Hammerin’ Hank” for a reason – and it wasn’t his supreme ability to do carpentry work.

Many don’t realize just how good Greenberg’s career was, specifically in 1938, when he hit 58 HR – one of highest totals in history.

Over his career (13 seasons, 12 with the Tigers), Greenberg hit 331 HR and had a .313 career average.  He also posted a ridiculous tally of 183 RBI in 1937 and 170 RBI in 1935.

3. Albert Pujols

It’s quite possible that by the end of his career, Pujols could be at the top of the list.  Entering his tenth season in St. Louis, Pujols has never hit any less than 32 HR in one season (and has 374 HR to date).

Pujols also has never batted under .300 in a season, has multiple MVP awards and one gold glove award.

If Phat Albert can remain healthy, he could play for another decade, likely leading to a number of shattered baseball records and a Hall of Fame induction.

2. Johnny Bench

Bench is easily one of best catchers of all time – not just hitting for power (389 career HR, including 40+ two separate seasons), but also adding in great gold glove defense behind the plate, too.

In his 17 seasons – all with the Cincinnati Reds – Bench also added in multiple MVP awards, the rookie of the year honor, and a World Series MVP award, too.

1. Joe DiMaggio

Personally, when ranking these players, I don’t care how many home runs Pujols will hit by the end of his career and I don’t care how many amazing plays Brooks made for the O’s – nothing touches DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, which I consider to be the most unbreakable record in the history of sports.

If that record isn’t enough, DiMaggio – in his 13 seasons with the Yankees – also had a career average of .325, hit 361 HR, and was a 3-time American League MVP and a 9-time World Series champion.

* Also Posted to my B/R page