All Things Bubba

It's a dark day for "Sal's Pals": Sal Fasano has filed for free agency. I won't be sorry to see him go, frankly. He didn't hit, didn't throw anybody out, didn't block the plate. Might as well have kept Kelly Stinnett.

Nick Green and Andy Cannizaro were outrighted to Scranton yesterday; Green filed for free agency.

The Yankees are also losing minor leaguers Koyie Hill, Terrence Long, Aaron Small, Kris Wilson, and Felix Escalona to free agency.

In addition, according to this list, these players in the Yankee system (among others) are eligible for free agency:

Jesus Colome
Caonabo Cosme
Bubba Crosby
Ben Davis
Jorge De Paula
Danny Garcia
Russ Johnson
Ramiro Mendoza
Frank Menechino
Wil Nieves
Robert Swindle

Dunno if they'll actually choose to become free agents.

Other changes: Bill Masse, the Trenton Thunder manager, was fired, and longtime strength and conditioning coach Jeff Mangold got the axe, too.

Of course, the biggest question is A-Rod. Trade him, or not? Cashman says he doesn't want to trade A-Rod. A-Rod says he doesn't want to leave NY. A-Rod's agent says A-Rod's not leaving, and A-Rod's contract is constructed to discourage a trade.

But they could just be saying that. Positioning themselves for the negotiations to come.

Lou Piniella got the job as manager of the Cubs. He wants A-Rod. A-Rod has a great relationship with Piniella (and not with Torre). I think if the price is right, there will be a trade.

As for Joe Girardi...the Washington Post thinks he's the frontrunner for the Nats job now. OTOH, Peter Abraham doesn't think Girardi is high on the Nats' list, and doesn't think he has a chance in Texas or San Francisco, either. He says Girardi may return to the Yankees as a coach. Meanwhile, Rotoworld says that Girardi is the frontrunner for the Nats job, but thinks he may decide to do TV instead.