Javier Vazquez to the Yankees is quietly the biggest move of the offseason

Javier Vazquez’s role with the Yankees will be like that of an offensive lineman. He will be under appreciated, quietly do his job and be booed for obvious holding penalties or in this case home runs. He play a huge part for the foundation of this team and is the biggest offseason move that no one is talking about.

He dominated last season striking out the FOURTH most batters in the entire league with 238 and finishing fourth in CY YOUNG votes.

This was because of his overpowering stuff and great command. He gave up a miniscule 44 walks last season -- better than most of the big names like Zack Greinke, Tim Lincecum, Felix Hernandez and Adam Wainwright. Does he have to make world peace to get some attention?

Besides his very particular set of skills -- skills that would be useful for bringing the championship to New York, he frees up Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain or even both to go to the bullpen. This trade is why Brian Cashman is ten times better than Omar Minaya.

Imagine Phil Hughes rolling through the 7th, followed by Joba striking out the side in the 8th and Mariano Rivera doing his thing in the 9th.

If that happened it would be like watching an All-Star game. You put Chad Gaudin in the fifth spot, which is actually an upgrade from Sergio Mitre. Then once the playoffs come around you go with a four man rotation -- except now Joba and Hughes are used to being in the pen, instead of abruptly moving them there if they were a starter.

The days of Sergio Mitre self-destructing in the 3rd inning are over. He eats innings for breakfast and plays every day. Having that workhorse in the rotation allows the bullpen to be better because they will not be over used.

Now I know there are Yankee fans that remember Vaquez’s last season with the Yanks. He started off good and ended terribly so I understand the idea about how he can’t pitch in the American League.

There is concern but this time will be different because there is no pressure. He doesn’t have to be their ace because that’s C.C. Sabathia’s job. Last time he was supposed to carry the team. Now he’s out of the spotlight so much that people don’t even know he exists and that’s the difference this time around.

Is it also out of the question that perhaps he became a better pitcher? Given that his walk rate was at a career low and that the Braves have are known for developing pitchers there’s a good chance he’s simply a better player.

But remember my point is about how he is the most valuable addition to any team this offseason -- not why he should be in the next Yankeeography dvd.

Brian Cashman hit the jackpot on this deal and if he pitches well it can be one of their best seasons ever.

"There's a whole domino effect that this one transaction actually has through our 12-man pitching staff," Cashman said.

Saints Should Be Feared

Watch Out Peyton...

February 7th may very well be the day the Saints meet their holiest icon. I mean Peyton Manning can turn yarn into gold, part a sea of linebackers and even make the Red Zone blush. But despite his godlike abilities, he still has to show up and play the game.

In fact, Drew Brees played better than Manning this season, throwing more touchdowns with less interceptions. Yet there is this mystical aura around Manning that portrays him as invincible. Sure, he’s going to put up his share of points but that doesn’t matter. The number one reason why the Saints can win is that their NUMBER ONE offense can go point for point with Manning all day.

The Saints put up 31 against the Vikings, which are regarded as one of the best defensive units in the league. So what do you think is going to happen against the Colts run-of-mill squad? The Saints offense is so good they can beat you with the run or pass depending on the mood they’re in.

Unlike the Colts the Saints can actually run the ball well. They will use Pierre Thomas to run inside and Reggie Bush to get the screens and outside runs. Running the ball effectively is so important for the Saints in order to keep you know who off the field.

So we established that the Saints offense is better than the Colts but what everyone forgets is that their defense is better too. Led by potential hall-of-famer Darren Sharper their secondary picked off the opposition 3rd most in the league. He’s a game-breaker with 3 interceptions for TD’s this year. Whoever wins the turnover battle usually wins the game.

They also knock around the quarterback with their blitzing defense. Everyone says, “But Manning is so good at picking up the blitz.” True, but that’s what they said about Favre and Warner and they got their bell’s rung. During the Vikings game I felt like Adrian watching Rocky Balboa take a beating from Apollo Creed.

When the one-dimensional Colts take on the three-dimensional Saints they will face a well-rounded Special Teams. Reggie Bush is like Mount St. Helens, you never know when he will erupt. When you have two teams that are so evenly matched you have to look at which team has more game changing players. Kicker Garrett Hartley also has been great the last two seasons.



After evaluating the three aspects of the game you need to evaluate the intangibles. Leadership can really make a difference in a big game. We all know about Gen. Manning but the Saints have good leadership as well. Drew Brees, Jonathon Vilma and Darren Sharper are veterans to help keep the team focused.

Another intangible is home field advantage. Even though the game will be played in Miami, the Saints should have support from the crowd as well. Reports say that Saints fans are buying up most of the tickets and hotel rooms. Probably because this is the Colts second Super Bowl in Miami in two years and the Saints first Super Bowl EVER. The stadium should not be short of gold and black come next Sunday.

Last but not least, the breaking news of today is that Dwight Freeney is has a torn ligament in his ankle. He is arguably the best defensive end in the NFL and even though he is going to play there is no doubt he will be hampered by the injury.

No one should be surprised if the Saints win this game. There are so many ways they can put of points whether it’s passing, running, a big special teams play or interception/fumble on defense.

Brees has the support around him, while Manning is like a hard drive with no backup.

My article can also be found in Stan Fichler's weekly column in the Daily Freeman.