Well in what has been one of the worst kept secrets in sports recently, the NHL announced that Boston's Fenway Park will play host to the league's third outdoor game in North America, (fourth if you count the one in Edmonton).

The Bruins will take on the Flyers in this up and coming New Year's Day tradition.

With Wrigley and now Fenway being done, one must think that either Citi Field or Yankee Stadium is next. I personally think it will be Yankee Stadium, only because it would be more fitting for the Rangers to play there than in Queens (which is Islander country) plus the Yankees and the NHL have already had discussions about having a Winter Classic back at the old stadium.


Along with news of the Winter Classic, came the league and NBC's extension of their agreement for two more seasons. A rendering of what Fenway will look like for the game is below, thanks to Totalprosports.com

The Yankees have done to the Twins what the Red Sox have done to the Yankees thus far this season. This afternoon, the Yanks completed their sweep of the Twins in Minnesota en route to Anaheim, where the dreaded Angels are waiting.

It was when the Angels paid a visit to the Bronx in late April, where one of the worst streaks the Yankees have endured all season began. We shall see how much of an impact a banged up Vladimir Guerrero has and if Torii Hunter winds up on the disabled list which is most likely to happen. One things for sure; if the Yankees can win this series heading into the All-Star break, they truly have all the momentum in the world, going into the second half of the season.


Then there's that team in Queens. Tonight they lost the rubber match of their three-game series to Joe Torre's Los Angeles Dodgers. Once again, it was an inept offense coupled with another poor (or is it the expected) performance from start Livan Hernandez. Word on the street (or on the internet) is that the Pirates are looking to deal all-star second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Omar, make the call. Luis Castillo is nothing but a bench player. Just don't give up too much.

To add insult to injury (no pun intended), the Mets placed outfielder Fernando Martinez on the DL with knee inflammation. It was either the DL or a trip back to Buffalo (again), as the prized prospect has struggled in his first months in the big leagues.


---The Phillies are reportedly in serious talks with Pedro Martinez. I'm willing to bet that even if he does wind up signing in Philadelphia, it is not the last pitcher added to the Phillies' roster.

---Keep it up Kansas City. They have come from behind to take the lead on the Red Sox as Manny Delcarmen and Justin Masterson have been off. Obviously a Boston loss means a tie for first place in the AL East with the Yankees.

---It looks like Carlos Boozer will be on the move after all. A three-team trade looks to be in the works that would send the all-star forward to Chicago. Kirk Hinrich would go from Chicago to Portland and Tyrus Thomas would go from Chicago to Utah.


---This is officially the last mention of Brett Favre until there is a contract signed between him and the Minnesota Vikings. Apparently the Vikings' trainer was sent to Mississippi to work him out.


---Perennial hockey all-star Joe Sakic has officially retired from the game after 20 years. He was the active scoring leader and retires with 1,641 points (625 goals), which puts him eighth on the all-time scoring list.

Islander Nation (all 6 of them) are indeed rejoicing tonight as the Islanders selected John Tavares with the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft. Garth Snow and company are not done as they have traded with the Colombus Blue Jackets for the 16th overall pick as well.


---Meanwhile in Flushing, the Mets are enduring a very sloppy second inning. Bloop singles and plenty of errors have helped the Yankees take an early lead.

Just a few hours away from Yankees-Mets Round two at Citi Field. Both teams come off of series wins. The Mets played a tremendous series against the St. Louis Cardinals, taking three-out-of-four. As far as the Yankees are concerned, we shall see if the bats can stay alive after last night's 11-7 win over Atlanta.

On paper, the Yankees have a huge advantage, especially when it comes to the starting pitchers. But as the Mets have proven lately, they don't pay much attention to their chances on paper.



---The other major question of the night in New York sports would have to be if and how badly Garth Snow messes up the draft for the Islanders. As an avid fan, part of me has faith in the backup goalie turned general manager. But then there is that other part, that is just used to the idea of this franchise projecting things poorly...

A lot of good all that begging that I have done over the past two days did for people to watch this game...Penguins have rattled off four goals in the first 25 minutes and have dominated the Capitals so far tonight.


Now I will have to answer to Steve and Charlie on the Morning Show tomorrow on WRCR as to why I asked them to watch tonight's game. Now IF the Caps could ever come back to win this one, that would surely be something...


---Be sure to visit our newest linked website (to the right of this post). SAVETHEYANKEEGATE2.com is a great movement and one that deserves a lot of attention. Barry and I had the guys behind it on earlier tonight on the show and they really have a good thing going. Please check their site out and support their cause...