Rest in Peace George Steinbrenner

George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, died this morning of a massive heart attack. He was 80 years old.

Mr. Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for $8.7 million in January 1973. He saw the team win seven world championships and pretty much dominate the majors time and time again. He's been a colorful and controversial figure within the Yankee organization and Major League baseball, known for his famous feuds, firings, and deep pockets.

Torre Takes the Blame Once Again

Joe Torre (six trips to the World Series and four rings or no) has always been the goat when his New York Yankees are in trouble.

He looked like a genius after they scratched and clawed their way back from 8 games under .500 in late May to win 2/3 of their remaining contests and become the AL wild card winners, but he's back to looking incompetent... in The Boss' eyes.

Yankees owner and filthy rich bastard, George Steinbrenner, has -- not for the first time -- given a near-impossible ultimatum: the club must overcome their deficit against the Cleveland Indians and reach the ALCS, or Torre won't be returning in 2008.

Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen

Jason Giambi will be sidelined at least three weeks with torn tissue in the arch of his left foot, the latest and greatest setback in an absolutely tumultuous season for the New York Yankees troubled designated hitter.

Giambi was checked out by team physicians Thursday and will be placed on the disabled list before tomorrow's opener of the Bristol-Boner-Inducing series at Boston, which he'll attend in a walking boot.

The controversial slugger was moved from first base to designated hitter this year and hit four homers with 17 RBIs to accompany his .322 batting average in April. His foot apparently started to bother him after he played the field for the first time at the end of the month. He attributes his shining .117 May average, three homers and six RBIs to withdrawl discomfort.

The 36-year-old veteran is in the sixth season of a $120 million, seven-year contract with New York and has been in the news more this season than some players are through their entire careers. How could that possibly be a bad thing?

Melky Cabrera will most likely be playing a lot more outfield these days, while Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu and Hideki Matsui see time in the DH slot.

Does this help or hurt the Yankees' 22-29 record? How will this affect this weekend's series?

[River Ave. Blues]