$100 Million Burning Hole in Steinbrenner's Pocket

Expect Yankees Co-Chairman Hal Steinbrenner's money to burn a hole in his pocket as he awaits a more than $100 million windfall with which to purchase at least a couple more veteran free agents or three -- plus hold onto younger prospects.

Steinbrenner not only actively seeks help now -- including the possible addition of lefty Jerrod Washburn -- but also next fall when he potentially can trade Kei Igawa then cull Bobby Abreu, Mike Mussina, Kyle Farnsworth, LaTroy Hawkins, Andy Pettitte, Carl Pavano and Jason Giambi from the 40-man roster because the team's debt obligations to them can be retired. That would free up more than $100 million to spend elsewhere.

In addition to Washburn -- available without the loss of prospects because the Triple A Mariners probably want to dump the remainder of his near $50 million five-year contract -- other immediate additions might include righty Vicente Padilla of the Rangers, who could be acquired in exchange for talent.

On Jason Giambi's Thong: One Last Nasty Crack

In one final comment on Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi's lucky golden thong, Giambi has explained to Radio Station WNJE 10.50 that he only wears it, or loans it out to Derek Jeter or other teammates, when absolutely necessary as it has never failed to break him out of a slump and he wants to assure that its magic does not wears off.

Noting that he has had the thong hanging in his locker for 12 years, Giambi said that it's a guaranteed producer of hits because "you can't think of anything else with that thing so far up your crack."

File under "More Information Than I Really Need."

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Morgan Ensberg Enters Yankees Crowded Infield

A little competion in camp is always healthy, but this is rediculous.

New York GM Brian Cashman's signing of former Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg to a potential $4 million contract brings to four the number of players expected to vie for playing time at first base for the Yankees in 2008, the others being Jason Giambi, Wilson Betemit, Shelly Duncan and maybe even Jason Lane.

Of the four, Ensberg is likely the weakest sister, as he has suffered from a loss of confidence and linger injuries since putting up big numbers for Houston three years ago. Still, there's nothing wrong with his fielding, so why not take a chance?

At 33 Ensberg will have to prove he has something left if he expects to come north with the team in April. It will be quite a comedown, but don't be surprised if Ensberg opens the season at Scranton.