“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.

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.

Michael Jordan coming back to the NBA and signing with the Wizards was just a drop in the bucket.

Alexander Ovechkin didn’t brew anywhere near this kind of hype and status in his early days with the Capitals.

Joe Gibbs returning to coach the Washington Redskins wasn’t even this big.

In fact, the only hyped up story in the nation’s capital that could top the arrival of Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg is President Obama himself – upon being elected the first black president in the history of the country.

Sure, it’s not a fair comparison to tie in politics with sports, but let’s face it – D.C. is as passionate about their politics as they are about their sports franchises.

That’s what brings us to the big day… Tuesday June 8^th, where the wait is over for Nats fans… for Washington D.C…. and for the game of baseball.

The talented triple-digit fireballer is here – making his debut at Nationals Park against Jeff Karstens and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Once the news hit officially, the game was sold out in two hours.

So now that Strasburg’s time is here, the question remains as to whether the hype is worth it.

Well, is it?

Many critics may chime in to say no way – but I beg to differ.

It is worth it, and I truly believe that, even after hearing about and watching Mark Prior as he put an early stamp on the game of baseball – dominating daily for the Cubs – until it all came crashing down.

It’s a fair realization to understand that baseball can be a fragile game – that injuries can and do occur.

It’s also fair to point out that the major league level is a big difference from AAA – and that even after posting gaudy minor league numbers (7-2, 1.30 ERA, 65 K’s in 55 1/3 IP across AA and AAA), that doesn’t mean that Strasburg will be an instant hit.

In fact, he could be instantly hit upon.

Yes, even that 100mph heater, too.

But the hype is deserved and it’s legitimate, because for a long period of time, Strasburg was presented as the consensus top pick in the draft – and that his stuff was so nasty, that he would force his way to the majors sooner rather than later.

That statement has held true.

The hype is also necessary and deserved because no one else in the nation’s capital has been able to steal away the spotlight from Strasburg.

The Redskins have underachieved in recent seasons, and while the McNabb-Shanahan combo has brought excitement, neither has played a game – therefore not showing D.C. that the duo will bring new life, instead of being just the next in a long line of hyped up disappointments.

The Presidents Trophy winning Capitals have upped their game during the NHL regular season, but underachieved in the postseason.

The Wizards won the lottery, but John Wall is still just a pipe dream, and not a talent signed and ready to play.  That, plus the Arenas gun story still continues to leave a dark cloud over the D.C. pro hoops world.

That leaves the Nationals – a team that since returning to the nation’s capital as the “artist formerly known as the Montreal Expos”, this newer DC baseball franchise still hasn’t posted a winning season (since its debut in 2005).

Source: Getty Images

Enter some significant improvement in 2010, with a record near the .500 mark as the midway point approaches, plus add in the most hyped pitcher in the game in Strasburg.

So that’s why the hype is deserved – because Strasburg can flat out pitch and because no one else can swipe that hype away.

Now it leaves the question as to how the kid will perform with the entire country watching?

My take is that Strasburg will put in a quality start against the Pirates, and be a serviceable starter as the season continues.  He won’t put up gaudy Ubaldo-like numbers just yet, but he will continue to grow, and Washington D.C. will continue to love their brand spankin-new franchise player.

And after that… they’ll open their arms again for another can’t-miss guy in Bryce Harper – who was recently drafted by the Nationals with the top pick in the 2010 MLB Draft.

Well, that is… if they can manage to sign him.

But for now, the spotlight is all on Strasburg.

“Get your popcorn ready.”

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…