Captain November

Not sure where I stand on the Yankee's "versus" Derek Jeter.. Truth be known, I hate both equally (hate may be a bit harsh here as I don't "hate" anyone, so maybe I go with "strongly dislike?").

On one hand, nothing would please me more than seeing the Yankee's bring back "Jete's", paying him a ridiculous amount of money (which would help tie up their payroll a little) and roll an average hitter, average fielder out there every day for the next 3 years instead of going out and bringing in a super star shortstop that would help make the Yankee's scary good (imagine if the Yankee's emptied their farm system and traded for Hanley Ramirez?? How about Montero, Banuelos, Culver and Joba Chamberlain, think the Marlins would jump on that?).

I admit though, I'd seriously enjoy watching the Yankee's part ways with Jeter and let him go elsewhere (even if it made them stronger). Wouldn't that be a blow to his huge ego? Can't imagine him getting over $10 million a year elsewhere (even that would be over paying for him). Do you know what the other top shortstops in the league are paid? I'll give you a hint... A LOT less than Jeter.... This past year Hanley Ramirez made $7 million, Troy Tulowitzki $3.5 million, Jose Reyes, $9.4 million, Jimmy Rollins, $8.5 million. The only reason Jeter makes what he does is because he's on the Yankee's. After the season he had last year (Marco Scutaro had a better year than him.....) and the fact he's 37, he should be getting offers in the 3 year, $5 million range!

The other day, Jeter's agent brought up how he's baffled the Yankee's are mistreating a " Yankee Legend" and how they should treat him like their past legends. Fine, treat him like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, I'm cool with that:

Babe Ruth's Salary Cut

I thought this was a great article by Craig Calcaterra at NBC Sports, he lays out the reasons the Yankee's are being more than fair with Jeter and why it would be ridiculous to pay him any more than they've offered - "It's Time People Got Real About What Derek Jeter Means To The Yankee Brand"

At the end of the day, I'm sure the Yankee's and Jeter will come to an agreement, which I feel benefits fans of teams competing against the Yankee's, but wouldn't it be fun to watch Jeter playing shortstop for the Pirates, making $2 million a year and stumbling towards 3,000 hits??

Ah, to dream!

Bill

Mater Dei versus El Toro - Boys Water Polo

I know I seem to be doing a lot of high school updates lately but the "dearth" (word of the day!) of news out there on local sports has been driving me crazy I guess.

Taking place on Saturday night will be the Division 1 boys water polo championship between number 1 ranked Mater Dei and number 2 ranked El Toro. They faced each other three times during the season with all 3 games ending 11-10 and Mater Dei taking 2 out of 3.

El Toro is the defending Division 1 champion and Mater Dei the defending Division 2 champion (obviously moving up to D1 this year).

Should be a great match up with the underlying story line being "private" versus "public", which always tends to fire people up.

Saturday, 6:30pm, Woollett's Aquatics Center, Irvine.

Hope to see you there,

Bill

El Toro High School Charger Signings

Yesterday was the early signing period for high school athletes to sign their college letters of intent.

A lot of the local schools hold a "ceremony" to acknowledge these athletes but El Toro just does one ceremony later in the school year, instead of splitting it up like most of the other local schools. I was surprised no mention on the school website about any of this but then again, have you seen their school website??? Probably not as it's pretty much a joke when it comes to athletics and current information.... (hint, hint).

After making my way through the 6,527 Mater Dei signings, here's what I came up with for El Toro:

Garrett Mundell - Baseball - Fresno State

Matt Chapman - Baseball - Cal State Fullerton

Lauren Chamberlain - Softball - Oklahoma

Ryan Hardy - Volleyball - Pepperdine

Brian Braasch - Lacrosse - Arizona State

Justin Morgan - Girls Water Polo - Long Beach State

Congratulations to all these amazing athletes for their hard work in their sport and in the classroom, it's an amazing accomplishment and they're great representatives of El Toro High School. Good luck as they move on to the next phase in their lives!

If anyone knows of another person that should be on this list, please let me know so I can acknowledge them.

Bill

ps.......... Was that so hard El Toro???

El Toro Sports News

On a slow Friday, I thought I'd share a couple of Charger sports news with you:

1) ET Football - Are off this week but will be playing Laguna Hills High School next Thursday to determine the Sea View league champion. El Toro started the year slow, experiencing a couple of last minute losses, but they've straightened out their QB position and are on a 3 game unbeaten streak. With a win over Laguna Hills, they'll clinch first place and an automatic bye for CIF. Thursday's start time is 7pm at Laguna Hills.

2) Girls Water Polo Coaching Opening - Today it was announced that Matt Tilton was let go as varsity girls coach, no reason given. Tilton had been head coach since the 07/08 season leading the Lady Chargers to the CIF division playoffs in his 2 years at the helm. Prior to becoming head coach, Tilton had been the swim coach since 2000. If interested in applying for the position, send your resume to John Johansen at johansenj@svusd.org.

3) Tyler Brashears - Earlier this week, the El Toro junior pitcher verbally committed to UCI. The 2012 graduate had been considering schools from all over Southern California, but in the end, was drawn to the camaraderie of the Eater team and the leadership displayed by Coach Gillespie and Coach Shine. Tyler joins fellow Charger teammates Matt Chapman (Cal State Fullerton) and Garrett Mundell (Fresno State) as college recruits off the 2011 Charger roster. Hopefully a few more to follow!

Bill

Hot Stove Thoughts

With the world series ending, teams have 5 days to discuss contracts with their free agents, before those guys go on the open market.

I was having a conversation with a friend today, and here are some of the thoughts I came up with.

1) Cliff Lee - I think he stays with Texas. I think they realize they need to keep him and he's worth the money it'll cost... Close to his home (Arkansas), no state tax, seemed to have a great experience with Texas, team will be competing for a world series next year. With the extra income revenue they gained from making it to the world series, new ownership will see they can open their wallets and put the money back into the team. Not sure where they stand payroll wise, but he's worth the 5 year, 120 million it'll cost to keep him there. When's Arod's salary come off their books? Michael Young is their highest paid player, and I think he has no more than 2 years remaining on his contract. I think Rangers keep him. If so, great signing by them.....

2) Carl Crawford - I think either Yankee's, Red Sox or Angels. I hope Angels, as I think he'd be a perfect fit for them. Red Sox want either him or Werth but I'm hearing Werth is their first choice....

3) Victor Martinez - I say he ends up on another team than Boston. I don't think they really want him back.. Certainly not at that price level/years. We'll see.

4) Beltre - can sign with anyone. Boston won't resign him..... I think Boston is clearing space to go get either Adrian Gonzalez or Prince Fielder. Everyone talks about Gonzalez coming to Boston because of the connections in the front office, but I don't see it happening. I say eventually they get Fielder. When? I'm not sure.... If Brewers are out of it at trade deadline this year, watch for that rumor to come up.

5) David Ortiz - I'd like him back in Boston at the 1 year club option (12.5 million). If he'll except that (he wants a multi year deal) than great. Let him enjoy the money and Boston can take the risk for one year. If he's adamant about multi years, let him go.

6) Vlad Guerrero - Not sure. American league, obviously, due to DH, but is it with Texas? I say no. I just see him becoming a veteran that goes to some team that thinks they're one "big bat" away... White Sox?

7) Jeter - resigns with Yankees, however in my dream world, here's what I hope happens. Yankee's let Jeter go on the open market... People (fans) would be bitching and what not blaming the Yankees's "no commitment to winning", blah, blah, blah... Then, the Yankee's go do a blockbuster trade for Hanley Ramirez (what ever it takes with quality prospects, Montero, Joba, kid shortstop......), then all those fans would jump back on the Yankee bandwagon and say "sayonarra" to Jeter! He'd be stuck taking some far minor 1 year deal with Tigers or someone.... Wouldn't that be funny? Could you imagine the damage that would do to Jeter's ego? Even though that would make the Yankees stronger I'd love to see that happen! It would be worth it to me.... hell, I'd probably be rooting for the Yankees to win the world series at that point, just for the damage to Jeter's "legacy".......... Ahhh, but thats in my dreams. Eventually both sides will get this deal done.

8) Mo - Yankee's resign him for 3 years, 45 million and don't worry about it till year 3..... Wish my team had him.

9) Jayson Werth - I see him as a national league guy... don't know why, but think Cubs or someone like that make a "godfather" offer to him and sign him. They have new ownership and he'd be a great sign.

Anyway, just some initial thoughts on free agents. We'll see happens this weekend once guys go on the open market.

Bill