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Marte's option was just declined.

I'm starting to read about a bit of a pouting attitiude from Andy that the Yankees aren't showing him enough love (again) in response to his indications that he wants to pitch again.

"They haven't called me back yet".

Isn't this thinking how he would up in Texas a while back?

I saw a lot of the same quotes you probably saw from Joe Torre's dinner last night. I think Andy is clearly Plan B for the Yankees at this point. I think they will wait and see how the free agent market plays out. Hopefully, they have let him know that- he may just not like it.

Random thoughts about 2008 pitchers (yeah, they're my favs) on a cold NH evening listening to loud music:

I like Joba's little strut around the mound after he's blown something by a batter for a strikeout. Takes a certain amount of "attitude" to challenge and put away the best hitters in the world - and this kid has it, in spades. Keep strutting, keep fist pumping, kid. Results count and get you that paycheck and the love of the fans.

I will forever be amazed that Mo can stand on the mound facing a batter - both of them know what's coming - and then seeing how successful Mo is day after day. Here it is, hit it if you can. May move a bit left or right, but here it is, 91 MPH, hit if if you can. Head games don't get ANY better than this. He's arguably the best closer of our time.

The Moose? That was his best year ever. He centered his entire being around control and finesse - including his little end of delivery "mound hop" - and it was fun to watch. His lack of speed had me holding my breath with every pitch, but he painted corners and changed elevations better than anyone I'd seen in a very long time in Yankees pinstripes.

Another kid I liked watching was Bruney - a classic "in your face" pitcher. I don't mean he was a headhunter, I mean that he challenged every hitter with every pitch. He showed no fear - ever. Yeah, he lost a few battles - but it was ALWAYS a battle. Show no fear and make them beat you, if they can.

Remembering fondly Wang's last second drop on his pitches with the inevitable grounder. There aren't many sacrifice groundouts in this game so he's an unsung master of the game of pitching. Looking forward to seeing the Wanger back on the mound.

I will miss (but not much) Krazy Kyle's heat. Only guy that ever made me think that a ball can actually rise on the way to the plate - that's how hard he could throw at times. Yeah, I know it didn't rise but he had a good run in mid-season.

Guys who showed some really good stuff? Coke, Aceves and Hughes. They each have great, late movement. Can they find the consistecy and the courage to show it on command/demand. Hope so, really hope so.

Rivera's cutter is like the old Green Bay Packer's sweep. You know what the play is going to be, and it's a very simple play, but there are so many subtle variations to it. The multiple possible locations of the cutter, Rivera's impeccable control, and the sheer movement of the pitch make him unhittable. Also, every now and again he'll throw the 4-seamer.

Not sure how much longer Rivera can do this, but he's the best I've seen.

The Yanks have a lot of likable old timers and young players. I'd hate to see them rip things apart by signing a whole bunch of free agents. Sign one pitcher (probably Burnett) and one position player (hopefully Texeira) and go with what you got. That includes re-signing either Mussina or Pettite.

Corey, I agree with your assessment, but I think they need to do a bit more on the pitching front (like go with 6 starters) as they will have to juggle innings limits for the possibly two kids - Hughes and Joba. That tells me we're looking at two FA pitchers coming in.

Sweep left, sweep right - drove you crazy knowing it was coming then amazed you that they netted 4 yards almost every play. Yah, it was amazing.