JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THEY WERE OUT...

***CLIFF LEE TO THE YANKS?***
True to the Yanks method of acquiring superstars, Brian Cashman swoops down from out of the blue to pluck another star from the trenches. Rather than a "purchase," this would be a trade. In all fairness, however, I should say nothing is finalized, but the Yanks are reportedly offering two minor league prospects that the Mariners have coveted: catcher Jesus Montero and 2nd baseman David Adams. If it happens, I think the Yanks would like it to take place now, because Lee is scheduled to pitch against the Yanks tonight. We'll all wait for the news flash.

***JAY MARIOTTI MUST BE TALKING TO BOB MATTHEWS***
In talking about Stephen Strasburg and the All-Star game, he says:
"Here he is, a care package dropped onto a sport that doesn't deserve such gifts. And there they go, the dunderheads in charge, leaving him off the National League roster and out of the game entirely." Why? Just because of all the hype he's gotten? Good thinking, Jay. Let's see, who will we drop off the All-Star team? Tim Lincecum, Ubaldo Jiminez, oh, I know, let's drop Roy Halladay, he's washed up anyway. So according to Mariotti, it's not about your record or your PROVEN ability, it's how good your press agent is. Go back to covering Dog Racing or whatever you think sport is in Florida, Jay, we're not impressed.

***THE SAGA OF KING JAMES***
LeBron James has decided to play for ...aw, who cares?

***SIX IN A ROW FOR THE YANKS***
...with contributions coming from everywhere. Great pitching from Pettitte and Rivera, which we really expect. A timely, game-winning hit from A-Rod, which is becoming the norm. Three strikeouts by Brett Gardner was not normal but he made up for it by throwing out the speedy Ichiro at third and played a pretty fair left field the whole game. And then there's Nick Swisher, fresh off a successful campaign to get into the All-Star game (I wonder if Mariotti has ever heard of him) making a great play in the outfield and pounding out 4 hits. He's in a zone that can't be believed and he's relishing every minute of it.

***NO ADDITIONS TO THE DL BY BOSTON**
Don't laugh, I think every newspaper in Boston has this headline. I was waiting to hear that Mark Scutaro sprained his lips kissing his wife good morning. Of course, I've never seen his wife, so...

CP-