“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

With a 1-7 start to the 2010 Major League Baseball season, it’s likely that most critics would say it is “business as usual” for the Baltimore Orioles.

Not so fast.

2010 was stated to be the end of the rebuilding process for the Orioles, as frequently stated by head honcho Andy MacPhail and manager Dave Trembley – and for good reason, considering there was a significant core of young talent, combined with a handful of talented veterans.

Expectations were starting to return to the Charm City – and while they were not dreams of World Series titles just yet, there was a certain buzz and renewed energy by the fanbase clad in orange and black.

That is, until the actual season started.

While only 8 games (of 162) are in the books, it’s safe to say that in the minds of many – the season is already taking a familiar downward spiral.

No better hint can be displayed than the record-low 9,129 fans that ‘littered’ Camden Yards on Monday April 12^th – and this is one reason why the O’s need to make a change.

Somebody has to take the fall – and that man needs to be Dave Trembley.

Who delivers the better meatball: The O's bullpen or Emeril?

Now, bear in mind – I understand that the team hasn’t exactly hit the cover off the ball in the opening week of games.  That, and the bullpen has been abysmal – serving up meatballs that only Emeril could present better.

I get that Mike Gonzalez has blown two games – and that maybe he was a little distracted thinking about his wife, who was about to give birth (and did recently – a baby girl).

I get that the team has flubbed multiple chances to blow open games with runners in scoring position.

I get that players have hit the ball hard – only to have them be caught by opposing defenders.

I also get that the Orioles have been right there in a number of games – losing three one-run contests and one last night in extra innings to Tampa Bay – a legit World Series contender.

I get it all – but the word that needs to be placed out there is simply this: accountability.

While Trembley himself can’t head to the mound or take a few swings in a live game – he can find a way to stop the bleeding.  This franchise has seen similar occurrences under the Trembley regime – and when the Orioles start to hit a losing streak – they really hit a losing streak.

We’re talking for a few weeks, here.

So don’t go and tell me that there isn’t something that they aren’t good at.

The red alarm is this: Often, these skids have happened come August and September – and that’s why this one in April raises a lot of eyebrows.

Someone needs to be accountable for this dismal April start in Baltimore.

A few more blown saves and a few double play balls – and maybe that plague of losing could start to infect some of the younger guys in the clubhouse.

Hell, maybe it already has – not that that any player would ever admit to such a thing.

Brian Matusz has been one of the bright spots in 2010

A team usually can’t compete without good starting pitching – and to the naked eye, it may appear that’s where the Orioles have fallen victim yet again – but that’s simply not the case.  Jeremy Guthrie has been much improved from his 2009 form, Kevin Millwood has been serviceable and Brian Matusz has shown moments of brilliance.

What’s left to show for it?  One measly victory – and one that almost didn’t come to fruition considering Mike Gonzalez almost blew that one, too.

So again, you ask… why Dave?

Perhaps I look at one clear-cut example – the 2009 Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies were a team heading into last season with a lot of hype and promise, only to hit a brick wall in the season’s opening two months.

Colorado decided it was time to light a fire – removing Clint Hurdle as the team’s skipper, after a dismal 18-28 start to the 2009 season.

Jim Tracy replaced Hurdle, with the season not even reaching the month of June.

The result: Colorado went on a tear, reaching the playoffs and vaulting Tracy to National League Manager of the Year honors.

So that’s my point here, friends.

Life isn’t fair – it never is.  Someone has to take the fall.

Players will feel bad… for not doing their jobs, for not getting that key hit, or key ground ball out in the latter innings.

Sometimes a team just needs a change.

And today, the city of Baltimore needs a change – something that could maybe – just maybe – put its proud baseball franchise back on the map.

Something that can take Orioles baseball off ‘repeat’ – and away from what only appears to be a gag-worthy mixture of Groundhog Day and the first half of the movie Major League.

Sorry, Dave – you seem like a good guy – a player’s manager and a friend.  In fact, I see quotes of that fact via players in the clubhouse – but the fact of the matter is, we all have plenty of good guys in our work lives, but that doesn’t mean we’re out having beers with them every night.

It’s time to pull the plug on the Dave Trembley regime in Baltimore – and bring in some new life that can maybe boost this team towards the .500 mark.

Because there’s too much talent in Baltimore, featuring guys like Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold, Brian Matusz, Brad Bergesen and Brian Roberts – just to name a few.

Now where’s that Emeril character – I am craving a good meatball.

There’s only one better way to kick off the baseball season than Red Sox and Yankees on opening night – and that would be having a double header combining Sox and Yanks, along with the Cubs and Cardinals.

Let’s make that happen, Bud!

Next time, OK?

Anyway, I digress into a peanut and Cracker Jack food coma – and wash it down with a cold beer… watching as the boys of summer are back for yet another year on the diamond.

To celebrate the 2010 MLB season, The Wife Hates Sports is going to put out some season predictions in another segment of “Pick Your Knows”.

But enough chit-chat, let’s get back to the disgusting habit… time to “pick your knows”…

Pick Your Knows: 2010 MLB Season Predictions

American League Division Winners:

Boston Red Sox

Chicago White Sox

Seattle Mariners

AL Wild Card Winner

New York Yankees

KP’s Take: Why not the following teams?

Twins – Losing Joe Nathan hurts the bullpen and shutting the door on close games

Rays – Don’t get me wrong, they’re good – but the Yanks and Sox are better.

Angels – An aging team with not as much starting rotation depth as the Mariners

National League Division Winners:

Philadelphia Phillies

St. Louis Cardinals

Arizona Diamondbacks

NL Wild Card Winner

Atlanta Braves

KP’s Take: Why not the following teams?

Dodgers – Cash strapped and unable to fill necessary holes due to ownership’s divorce issues.

Mets – Injury issues – what else?

Giants – I love their pitching, but still don’t they have enough pop in the lineup to get it done.

Teams That Will Surprise You

American League: Baltimore Orioles

National League: Arizona Diamondbacks

KP’s Take:

In the AL, I think the Orioles will be much improved – but not a playoff team.  They have a great young OF featuring Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Felix Pie and Nolan Reimold, combined with a ton of young arms – headlined by Brian Matusz, who I see as this year’s AL rookie of the year.

Over in the NL, while many have the Rockies, Dodgers or even Giants taking the AL West – I see the D’Backs getting back on the map and stealing the division crown.  Why?  Well, again – youth on offense, headlined by Stephen Drew and Justin Upton.  Plus, they have a deadly starting trio of Dan Haren, Brandon Webb (returning from injury) and newly acquired Edwin Jackson.

Most Valuable Player

American League: Kevin Youkiilis – Boston Red Sox

National League: Albert Pujols – St. Louis Cardinals

KP’s Take:

Until Pujols retires, I’ll probably take him as the NL MVP – because the guy just keeps putting up gaudy numbers.  That, plus it doesn’t hurt to have Matt Holliday as protection in the ineup.

In the AL, Youkilis, has been a clutch player for Boston ever since first setting foot on the field – and not just at the plate during key moments, but also playing solid defense.  He’ll be a steady force in the Red Sox lineup while Ortiz’s career continues to show a steady decline due to age and general wear and tear.

Rookie of the Year

American League: Brian Matusz – Baltimore Orioles

National League: Jason Heyward – Atlanta Braves

KP’s Take:

Matusz pitched some for the O’s late last season, but didn’t log the necessary innings to be considered a sophomore in 2010.  He has the experience and the stuff.

Meanwhile, Heyward is one of the most hyped up bats heading into the season.  The power hitting 20-year old will start on opening day, and should post good enough numbers to outlast Washington’s Stephen Strasburg, who will likely be called up later in the season.

Comeback Player of the Year

American League: Adrian Beltre – Boston Red Sox

National League: Chris Young – Arizona Diamondbacks

KP’s Take: For more on comeback seasons, I wrote a separate post a few days ago that can be found here.

2010 MLB Playoff Predictions

Red Sox OVER White Sox

Yankees OVER Mariners

Phillies OVER D’Backs

Cardinals OVER Braves

KP’s Take: While the Mariners and D’Backs make it due to deep starting rotations, the Yankees and Phillies have the full package, combining pitching and hitting across the board.

Red Sox OVER Yankees

Phillies OVER Cardinals

KP’s Take: Everyone knows how much fun a Red Sox-Yankees battle is in the ALCS, but having Cardinals with Carpenter and Wainwright against the Phillies with Halladay and Hamels – now that would be good theater.

2010 World Series Prediction

Red Sox OVER Phillies in 6

KP’s Take:

I have the Phillies representing the National League for the third consecutive year – almost Bills-like in nature – even though they did win one title.  The Phils just have so much depth and talent, combining defense, offense, power and great pitching – headlined by new acquisition Roy Halladay.  Now if they had kept Cliff Lee, too – I’d have them taking another title home to cheesesteak country.

As for the Red Sox, they gave the Yankees a good run last year – and this year, made some quality additions to the roster, bringing in another ace in John Lackey (to go along with Beckett and Lester).  On top of that, Boston added some great defensive talents in Mike Cameron and Adrian Beltre.  Each of these players will also see a spike in offense, as they not only play in a stacked lineup, but also bat in the hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

For these reasons and more, I have the Boston Red Sox as your 2010 World Champions.

KP Predicts the Red Sox to Celebrate 2010 with a World Series Title

Now, it’s your turn – go ahead… pick your knows!

If you’re a die-hard fantasy geek, then you’ll know that more often than not, leagues are won by the sleeper picks and late draft selections that pan out.

In particular, those mid-to-late round picks often feature potential comeback of the year candidates.  Here’s a top ten list of predictions for fantasy players that either struggled last year or dealt with injuries – and could easily have a bounceback year in a big way.

Fantasy: Top Ten Comeback of the Year Candidates

10. Ty Wigginton – Baltimore Orioles

Wigginton (11 HR, 41 RBI, .273 AVG in 2009) is the darkhorse on this list, especially considering that he’s not a starter entering the season.

However, if Garrett Atkins can’t have a turnaround season (or Miguel Tejada struggles at the hot corner), Wigginton could step in and get more at bats.  With more at-bats, Wigginton could reach his 2007 or 2008 form, where he hit 20+ home runs.

Wigginton could also wind up a trade deadline candidate, meaning a boost in productivity playing for a contender after July.

9. Jake Peavy – Chicago White Sox

Peavy (9-6, 3.45 ERA, 101 1/3 IP in ‘09) would be higher on this list, but fantasy owners should remain tepid on his promise considering he’s not only moving to the American League, but also from pitcher-friendly PETCO Park to the hitter-friendly U.S. Cellular Field.

However, Peavy should get plenty of support from a playoff-caliber team – and in three late season starts with the White Sox – he proved that his move to the AL actually might not cause a bump in the road at all.

Expect the Peavy of old in 2010.

8. David Wright – New York Mets

Wright (10 HR, 72 RBI, .307 AVG in 2009) didn’t have a horrible year in 2009 – but did see a significant dropoff.

In 2007 and 2008, Wright posted 30+ HR and 100+ RBI seasons, so he was easily a fantasy disappointment in ’09, considering many took him in the first round.

His dropoff was for a variety of reasons – one being the added pressure hitting in a lineup that lost most of its stars due to injury.  None however are major alarms – and Wright should see a boost in his numbers heading into 2010.

7. Stephen Drew – Arizona Diamondbacks

Drew (12 HR, 65 RBI, .261 AVG in ’09) had a lingering hamstring issue during the first half of 2009, which resulted in a decline of his productivity.

Entering 2010, Drew is healthy and has played well in the spring, batting .390 in 59 AB’s.

Expect this season to bring numbers closer to that of his breakout 2008 season – where he posted a .291 batting average and hit 21 home runs.

6. Cole Hamels – Philadelphia Phillies

Like Drew, Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA in ‘09) also had lingering injuries entering last season. 2009 was a major disappointment, featuring an ERA over a run higher than 2008, where he helped push the Phillies to a World Series title.

With one of the best offenses in baseball by his side, Hamels should have plenty of run support and opportunities to post a lot of victories – let alone add in 200 K potential.

5. Geovany Soto – Chicago Cubs

Soto followed up his rookie of the year 2008 season (23 HR, 86 RBI .285 AVG) with what many would call the exact definition of a sophomore slump.

In 2010, many fantasy managers are taking a pass on Soto after batting .218 with 11 HR and 47 RBI in 2009.

While Soto may not match his rookie numbers, all signs point to a quality year.  In fact, he could easily crack the top 5 in fantasy catchers – so don’t sleep on him.

4. J.J. Hardy – Minnesota Twins

Hardy struggled in 2009 – batting .229 with only 11 HR and 47 RBI.  This was a major decline from the 50 combined HR’s over the previous two seasons.

In the end, his struggles made it easy for the Brewers to trade Hardy away to make room for SS prospect Alcides Escobar.

The 27-year old Hardy joins a stacked Twins lineup that features Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer and Jim Thome.  There should be plenty of protection and men on base that should lead to a bounceback year.

3. Chris Young – Arizona Diamondbacks

Young has seen some of the larget declines of any hitter in Major League Baseball, falling from 32 HR in ’07, to 22 in ’08, to only 15 in 2009.  Combine that with the high strikeout totals (and low walk totals), and Young has slowly turned from promising young star to major disappointment.

Don’t give up on him just yet, as he’s only 26 years old and is showing a lot of promise this spring – batting .316 with 3 HR and 12 RBI as of April 1.

A bounceback season is a major possibility.

2. Francisco Liriano – Minnesota Twins

Many forget how nasty Liriano was just a few seasons ago.  In 2006 – at the age of 22 – Liriano was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 K’s in 121 IP.

In 2007, he was out for the year due to injury, and has since struggled to regain elite form.  Last season, Liriano struggled – posting a 5.80 ERA.

It’s likely many fantasy owners will pass on him – but that doesn’t mean you should.

Many reports have stated the bite is back on one of Liriano’s best pitches – his slider.  That, plus this spring, Liriano has 30 strikeouts in 20 IP, adding in a 2.70 ERA.  Expect a solid season, sitting in the 5^th starter position and having a solid offense backing him up.

1. Adrian Beltre – Boston Red Sox

Beltre has spent a lot of his career fending off the criticism of being an underachiever.  Even with all the criticism, he’s still put on a defensive show and hit 250 HR in his 12-year career.

Last year, Beltre posted the worst offensive season since his rookie year – batting .265 with 8 HR and 44 RBI in 111 games.

In 2010, he joins the Boston Red Sox, and will be hitting in a powerful lineup at the very hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

Expect the biggest turnaround this season to come from Beltre – as long as he can stay healthy.