“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.”

While the stars steal all the headlines in baseball, it’s a team’s backups that steal the bases, steal the hearts of fans and push a team far into the Major League postseason.

More often than not, the big market teams feature the best backups – in many cases, players who could start for half of the other teams in the league (perhaps more).  It’s also true that some rosters feature former starters that are reduced to the backup role now that their age has caught up to them – but that doesn’t mean that each still can’t hit, or play defense.

At any rate, it’s a tricky one to piece together, but here’s my list of the top ten best backup bench players in Major League Baseball.

I think you’ll be very surprised by the top choice…

Major League Baseball’s Current Top Ten Best Backup Players

10. Felix Pie – Baltimore Orioles

Many listed Pie a “can’t miss, turned bust”, but Terry Crowley has helped him improve his game in Baltimore – most notably to a .400 start in his first 20 AB’s of 2010.

However, the 25-year old Pie was injured and is currently out for a few months.

Upon his return, he’ll still be labeled a backup, fighting to earn playing time in a crowded outfield featuring Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold and Luke Scott.

If he can stay healthy, don’t expect him to be a backup for long.

9. Maicer Izturis – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

While there’s perhaps nothing glaring to jump up for joy about with Izturis, he basically puts together the entire scrappy package – solid defense, speed, flexibility to play multiple positions (2B, 3B, SS) and a pretty solid bat, too – specifically, a .270 average and 10 RBI in 37 AB’s so far this season.

8. Frank Catalanotto – New York Mets

Call him the “kitchen sink”, because everything else is included.

He plays infield… he plays outfield.

He has adjusted well to both the American League and National League – and the guy can still hit, as since entering the league in 1997, Catalanotto has finished the season with an average above .290 seven different times.

7. Melvin Mora – Colorado Rockies

Mora started for the Orioles for years, with the ability to play multiple infield positions well.

Last offseason, it didn’t make sense for Baltimore to keep him, as he didn’t fit in with the youth movement the Orioles have been promoting.

Now a backup playing at Coors Field half the year, Mora has performed well thus far, batting .295 with 7 RBI in 44 AB’s.

6. Marcus Thames – New York Yankees

Over the last four seasons as a backup in Detroit, Thames belted 82 HR’s – an average of over 20 per season, which is pretty impressive considering he never reached 400 AB’s in any of the four campaigns.

Now, Thames is with the Yankees – a stacked lineup that should only help him more – and so far as a backup in New York, he’s batting .428 (28 AB’s).

5. Mike Lowell – Boston Red Sox

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Almost traded to Texas in the offseason, Lowell ended up staying in Boston due to injury concerns – and has since taken on more of a backup role.  Injuries or no injuries, at the age of 36, Lowell continues to hit (.317 average, 1 HR, 9RBI) and prove that trading for him years ago was one of the best moves the Red Sox have made in their recent history – if not ever.

4. Omar Vizquel – Chicago White Sox

Sure, he’s in his 40’s – and while he still plays great defense, maybe it’s not quite as electric as years back when he won gold glove after gold glove.

Vizquel’s bat has also been quiet thus far in 2010, but as a defensive replacement – plus adding in plenty of experience and leadership – he is one of the best backups in all of baseball this year.

3. Jason Varitek – Boston Red Sox

Considered the captain for years in Boston, it was a new role for Varitek this season, jumping in as the backup for Victor Martinez.

However, flashing a hot bat (.324 avg., 5 HR, 9 RBI in 34 AB’s) – plus with the Red Sox struggling – there has been some chatter about Varitek potentially earning a starting role back, while placing Victor Martinez at the DH spot.

Either way, he’s been one of the bright spots in an otherwise dismal start for Boston.

2. Jim Thome – Minnesota Twins

For years, Thome’s bat was one of the most feared in all of baseball.

Heading into the 2010, the aging Thome accepted a more backup role in Minnesota, but has flourished so far this season – hitting 5 HR and adding in 15 RBI in 57 AB’s.

If the Twins remain on the playoff course, Thome’s bat will prove to be a major plus – whether pinch-hitting during the later innings or adding some left-handed pop in the DH spot.

1. Ryan Garko – Texas Rangers

Before you trash this pick, let me explain.

Sure, Garko has struggled as a backup with the Rangers this season (.074 avg in 27 AB’s) – but look at him and the value he brings as a backup player.

Garko is a good clubhouse guy who plays great defense.  On top of that, while so many of the other players on this list cost millions, Garko is a bargain – never costing over a million for a season.

Finally, look at his postseason numbers, where he has batted .314 in 35 AB’s – and if put in the right situation, Garko can help a team greatly during a playoff run.

* Also posted to my Bleacher Report page

Originally posted to KP’s Blog (via Fox Sports) on June 24, 2009

Vine ripened, sliced, diced, tossed on a burger – sounds damn good for a warm summer day.

Just not today.

I’ll take my burger medium, with cheese, and lycopene-free, because these tomatoes are being saved for the sports world, my friends…

Throwing Tomatoes: June 24, 2009

Spain Soccer

Can I get a little “U-S-A! U-S-A-!”? The United States pulls off the shocker, knocking off Spain 2-0 in the semis of the Confed Cup. Yes, the same Spain that had won 35 straight and was the #1 ranked team in the world.

Funny, I always thought France was the country that surrendered that easily.

Speaking of surrendering…

Maria Sharapova

Sharapova surrendered early at Wimbledon (the second round), at the hands of Gisela Dulko (6-2, 3-6, 6-4). Not much more to be said, but it does present a nice opportunity to present a visual to you (pictured).

Speaking of visuals…

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Angels recently posted a list of blunders as long as the team’s name – in the form of six wild pitches in one game, tying a club record.

And only one visual comes to mind for me… yep, Ricky Vaughn – “juuuuuust a bit outside”. “Wild Thing, you make my heart sing, you walk everything…”

Speaking of outside…

Terrell Owens

Owens got lit up by supermodel Joanna Krupa after getting stuck outside on an obstacle course, eventually losing on The Superstars to David Charvet (Baywatch) and Jennifer Capriati (Tennis).

In a related story, Tony Romo called Krupa and asked, “What’s your secret?”

Speaking of superstars…

Big 12 vs. SEC

Congratulations to the LSU Tigers, your College World Series superstars of 2009.

Once again, somehow the Big 12 STILL can’t get the job done against the SEC in a championship game. The SEC fans would likely banter and joke that they can’t handle the pressure. Just as long as they don’t wear those LSU yellow jerseys, I’m OK with it.

Speaking of pressure…

Legends: Their Kids Quitting Sports

Another shocking story about a young man backing out of sports, as Jeff Jordan (MJ’s son) has decided to leave Illinois b’ball after just two seasons.

If you’ll recall, John Elway’s son left Arizona State football fairly recently.

FYI to Nick Montana: You can’t escape the spotlight in Washington. You’re still within reach, we aren’t talking anywhere near Russia here, just ask Sarah Palin.

Speaking of backing out…

Jarrett Stoll

As reported by FOXSports.com, the L.A. Kings hockey player has canceled his wedding plans – 1) to a supermodel in Rachel Hunter and 2) over email.

Email? Yikes, that’s a five-minute major and a 500kb spam message to boot.

Seriously, this brings new meaning to a hockey player getting cold feet. OK, can’t end on a joke that bad…

Speaking of plans…

Chris Johnson

Finally, Titans RB has been inquiring via Twitter about TD celebrations. The young gun wants to top some of the best celebrations, say from Ocho Cinco, among others.

Hey, here’s a crazy idea… wait for it… how about handing the ball to the ref, heading over to the sideline, and focusing on winning the game… and a Super Bowl.

What a concept.

This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… where we suggest to avoid Angels pitching for the assist., that is, if you want to hit your target.