Fowah Mwah Yeaahs Of Fackin' Youk! [Breaking News]

As someone who very nearly met an early grave on the lonely expanses of the North Pacific almost exactly four years ago (Storm Stories did an episode on it), I'm very happy to be able to move on from that last post with some quite excellent news for the fate of this blog. Peter Gammons, via MLBTR:

Boston avoided arbitration with Kevin Youkilis, agreeing to a four-year contract with the first baseman worth more than $40 million, sources told ESPN's Peter Gammons. The deal includes an option for a fifth year. Youkilis enjoyed a breakout season in 2008, hitting .312 with 29 home runs and 115 RBIs.

Luckily, we have established a line of communication with Youk and his people and we are the very first media outlet to obtain a comment from him on the signing:

Exclusive! Thanks Youk.

Right back at you buddy.

Plane Crash [Breaking News] [Non-Sports]

A small plane crashed into the Hudson River about an hour ago off of Midtown Manhattan, not far from my office on 57th street. Looks like they made a safe evacuation, but when its 21 degrees outside, that's not where you want to be.

Hope everyone is okay.

[Update: 5:05PM] It appears that all 148 passengers and the crew are safe. Well done.

[Update: 6:30PM] A co-worker of Cliff's was aboard one of the first ferries to respond and took the following picture]

Jags & Jets [Breaking News]

Via the National Football Post, Jeff Jagodzinski has interviewed with the Jets. (Thanks Google Reader!)

[Update: 7:58] Newsday is saying the same thing, but ESPN has yet to latch on. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

[Update: 8:13] WBZTV in Boston has the BC side of the story, but nothing new. DiFilippo is waiting to hear from Jagodzinski on whether or not the meeting occurred.

[Update: 8:41] Hey, look everyone, it's the Boston Herald! Welcome to the party.

[Update: 10:35] And finally, ESPN.

I'm done with this post.