“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.

The latest edition of Tomatoes covers a smorgasbord of sports topics, from hot dogs and Major League Eating, to NBA free agency, to the World Cup and 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 5, 2010

Takeru Kobayashi

…for biting off more than he can chew.

The Coney Island Fourth of July hot dog contest has become a bizarre, yet famous event – featuring two headlining Major League eaters in Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut.

Well, except for this year, when Kobayashi wanted more freedom, and therefore refused to sign a new deal with Major League Eating.  He still showed up to the event, and after chants from the crowd to let him participate, Kobayashi rushed the stage – and after refusing to be removed, he was arrested and spent a night in jail.

What a wiener.

JaMarcus Russell

JaMarcus Russell arrested on possession of a controlled substance

The former Oakland Raiders top pick is at it again.

JaMarcus Russell has been arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance – specifically codeine syrup.

With months of speculation as to whether Russell will catch on with another NFL team, it’s now safe to say that a playbook will not be the type of book that gets thrown at him.

Charlie Manuel

… for ignoring Stephen Strasburg as an NL All-Star representative.

Leaving Joey Votto off the original list of NL All-Stars is a crime, but the most talked about omission should be Washington rookie Stephen Strasburg, who was a topic for discussion heading into the voting’s final days.

I understand the argument that others should get a shot over a kid who has six starts under his belt for the season.

At least, I understood that a few years ago – when the All-Star was an exhibition that meant nothing.

Now it means home field advantage in the World Series, and therefore Strasburg’s 2.45 ERA and 53 K’s in 36 2/3 innings is that much more valuable – and should be All-Star worthy.

Atlanta Hawks

…for signing Joe Johnson to a max deal.

So I’m thinking that perhaps the Atlanta Hawks felt they had to sign Johnson to a max deal – so that they could keep the star in town, and they thought they likely couldn’t attract two other stars with the same kind of money.

I’m speculating.

But still, even though Johnson clarified his nasty comments to Atlanta fans – saying that he did love it in Atlanta – it’s possible that the locals are still not pleased with this signing, especially the way he and the Hawks showed up in the playoffs.

Who knows, but from this point of view – Johnson has a lot to prove to earn the Benjamins that are being placed in front of him.

LeBron James

…for “pulling a Brett Favre”.

Please LeBron, no more dates on when you will sign!

Listen, I’m all for LeBron taking his time when making such a major decision in his career – Ireally am.

But what I’m not a fan of is James going in the direction of Brett Favre – and leading everyone along a stretch of indecision – albeit in its early stages.

First, he says he’ll have a decision made before the holiday weekend is over with – and now, James has gone on to say that he’ll decide by July 8^th – the official day that NBA teams can begin to get contracts with players finalized.

C’mon King – just tell the media (and the world) that you’re weighing your options and don’t place a date on it.  If you keep tossing out dates, you’ll be starring in a Sears commercial with Brett Favre himself.

Fernando Torres

…for not showing up to the World Cup.

There are a number of teams and players that have not lived up to their potential in this year’s World Cup – but none is more glaring than Spain’s Fernando Torres – who not only hasn’t scored a goal in the World Cup, but spanning across five games (four started), Torres only has two shots on goal.

His lack of production has gotten to be so alarming, Spain has actually considered benching him in the team’s semifinal match versus Germany.

Oakland Athletics

…for creating t-shirts regarding the Braden-Rodriguez incident from a few months ago.

For starters, does everyone even recall the incident back on April 22^nd – when Oakland starter Dalas Braden got into a verbal spat with New York’s Alex Rodriguez, all after A-Rod chose to childishly walk over Braden’s pitching mound?

Now, as reported by Andrew Merchand of ESPNNewYork.com, the A’s haven’t let go – and plan to try and make a buck off the incident, selling t-shirts that simply state, “Get Off My Mound.”

Geez Louise, are the A’s still selling “Bash Brothers” shirts, too?

C’mon Oakland – no one cares about this incident anymore… they barely did to begin with.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where we take our dogs with extra ketchup.

It’s been a wild crazy stretch in the sports world.

College football saw a mid-June shakeup that could have been much more dramatic.

The Lakers are NBA champs and the Chicago Blackhawks are hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in decades.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is in full swing and the U.S. Open is nearing its conclusion, with both Tiger and Phil lurking on the leaderboard.

As the headlines continue to get generated, more stories of sports frustration are right there in the mix.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: June 20, 2010

Koman Coulibaly

…for becoming the most famous name in this year’s World Cup.

If you haven’t heard of Coulibaly, then you simply haven’t been following the World Cup.

Koulibaly is the goat of the 2010 World Cup

Yes, he’s the referee that single-handedly stole away a comeback victory for the United States(against Slovenia) a few short days ago.

In the end, hopefully he won’t also be stealing away the Americans’ ticket to the next round.  That fate can be erased simply wilth a U.S. victory over Algeria on Wednesday morning.

On the bright side, he may have sparked more red, white and blue interest in the World Cup.

French Soccer

… for doing what they do best.

Forget Spain losing in its opening game, or England underachieving in the World Cup – because France has been the biggest disappointment of the tournament so far.

It all started when striker Nicolas Anelka was dismissed from the team after having an argument the team’s coach, Raymond Domenech.

Next, the team’s fitness coach and Domenech got in a spat – and now the team director has resigned.

What teamwork!

On top of all that, the French haven’t scored a goal in its first two games – managing one point thanks to a 0-0 draw with Urugay in the team’s first game.

Should we have expected any less than to see the French surrender so easily?

Probably not…

Albert Haynesworth

…for being the highest paid crybaby in sports.

Forget the ongoing Brett Favre retirement saga… because the Albert Haynesworth story is by far the most annoying in the NFL right now.

The guy signs a mega deal (which yes, I agree was a mistake by the Redskins in the first place) – and does nothing but complain ever since.

He’s a clubhouse cancer and a complainer.  It has to get to a point that who cares how much talent a guy has in this day and age – there’s always a valuable replacement.

If the Redskins are lucky enough to move him, then let it be done.  If not, just cut your losses and cut your ties – and no one else should sign the guy, either.

Florida Marlins

…for spreading and supporting the vuvuzela nightmare.

In a home game against in-state rival Tampa Bay, the Florida Marlins handed out 15,000 horns that were considered to be “vuvuzela-like”.

Yes, the Fish were looking to feed off the World Cup – and obviously handed these out intentionally.

Only, perhaps the Marlins weren’t really paying attention – because if one were to focus on the feedback regarding the vuvuzelas, they would discover that the majority of people can’t stand the damn things – present company included.

Instead, I would have recommended some kind of Marlins-US soccer t-shirt combination giveaway – something significantly more silent.

Andrej Komac

…for not providing a money back guarantee.

Don’t think for one second that as an American, I’d let this one slip through the cracks.

It has happened countless times in the United States – a player guaranteeing a win, but can’t back up his bold prediction.

Andrej Komac of Slovenia guaranteed a victory over the Americans – and as we all know by now, that didn’t happen.  In fact, the Slovenians were lucky to end the game in a draw.

Bravo, Andrej… any other big predictions?  Semifinals, maybe?  C’mon man – aim high.

The Powers of the World Cup

…for creating a March Madness atmosphere.

It’s great for World Cup fans – as this tournament appears to be wide open, what with Brazil having trouble escaping with a win, Spain losing already, Germany falling in its second match, France falling apart, England struggling and Italy managing two draws, including in its second match against New Zealand.

But for all of those aforementioned soccer powers – what a disappointment so far…

For the fans: Do we have a March Madness situation coming our way?  One can only hope.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where one can toot his own horn, but just as long as it is not vuvuzela-like in nature…