Ditch Kessel?

Post #2:

This is a close call for me. I know all the bloggers out there with any creditability get it by having strong opinions. They either really like something or they don't. Well, the Kessel situation facing the Bruins this off-season is something I just can't pick a side on.

The story being rumored around today (from TSN) is in regards to trade talks between the Boston and Toronto clubs that would send young standout winger Phil Kessel and a later Bruins draft pick to the Leafs in exchange for defender Tomas Kaberle. Kaberle, who contributed to the Leafs with 27 helpers in 52 games, could substantially improve the Bruins power play. However, how much are they willing to sacrafice? I think Kessel's price is up after his 36 goal season, so this may be the best time to see what the Bruins can get for him, but if he can score 30-40 points every season why not keep him around?

Going into this off-season I knew there might be some hard trades to deal with, and it didn't help that young stars Kessel and David Krejci are in need of more substantial contracts in order to remain on board. Once they signed Krejci, I feared they'd have to make a decision like this with Kessel. Do they want to risk a larger contract on their young gun or go with a slightly more proven defender?

UPDATE: No trade as of yet, but who knows. Now that the Boston GM has floated that type of deal out there, watch out Kessel. It would be kind of a shame to see any talent like Kess go, especially for Kaberle, but if we were going to get someone like Jay Bouwmeester to secure our blue line, maybe I'd be in favor. At any rate, Kessel's free agency goes unrestricted next week. Hopefully the newly imposed cap won't hurt this young gun.

Yankees Outlook

So I haven't posted in more than a week so I decided to let a couple fly today...

After losing a couple inter-league series against the abysmal Nats and Fish squads, the Yankees pulled out a series victory in ATL. The bad news is: the bottom half+ of the N.L. east we should be sweeping. The good news is: A-Rod had 6 RBIs in the Yankees last two wins and is hopefully coming out of his slump just in time for a push to the All-Star break.

The next few weeks are definitely something the Yankees need to take advantage of as they stand four games back of the Sox in the division. After the Mets series, which are more head games than ball games nowadays, the boys have a day off before Seattle, Toronto, Minnesota, and Anaheim to round up the first half. I'd love to see some momentum picked up and even a division lead picked up before the break and then start off distancing ourselves so that by the time the Sox hit their typical August slump we can rest a little and coast into the postseason.

But hey, who's looking ahead?