Vote for your White House All-Star Team today … then read this:

• ESPN.COM’s Jerry Crasnick notes that a group of 15 GMs, assistant GMs and baseball operations people and scouts were surveyed by ESPN, and 12 believe Sabathia will end up signing with the Yankees.  On a separate issue, one out of the 15 believes the Yanks will sign Manny Ramirez.
• Jon Heyman of SI.COM has news that Jake Peavy has added the Yankees to the list of teams he would be willing to be traded to, but that NY is at the bottom of the list (along with the Angels, also a new addition).
• Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.COM makes an educated guess at where his top 50 free agents will land.  He sees the Bombers landing Sabathia and Lowe, with Pettitte re-signing and Mussina retiring.
• Times blogger Michael Schmidt chimes in from the GM meetings in California, having spotted Brian Cashman in a 30-minute conversation with the Reds Walt Jocketty.
• The Yankee beat reporter for MLB.COM (Bryan Hoch) answers readers’ questions.  Here’s some unconfirmed World Baseball Classic attendees: Damon said that he had already filed his paperwork to play again, while A-Rod and Jeter enjoyed their experiences in 2006 and said they’d play in the Classic again. Chamberlain, Abreu, Cano and I-Rod also showed interest.  As far as free agent compensation goes, Hoch mentions that Marte is a Type A free agent, so if the Yankees offered him arbitration, they would get two compensatory Draft picks if he signed elsewhere — same with Abreu. Pettitte and Mussina are also Type A players, but both say they’ll only pitch for the Yankees. Ivan Rodriguez is a Type B, which would entitle the Yanks to one Draft pick if he is offered arbitration.
• Tom Singer of MLB.COM examines the disappointing crop of free agent CFs, and has some interesting notes with regard to the Yankees’ supposed plans for the position.   “The Yankees reportedly have cooled on Melky Cabrera, and Johnny Damon is no longer an everyday option in center. Now that Cameron is off the table as a free agent, the Yankees may have to swing a trade to fill their need. One option might be Gary Matthews Jr., a high-priced No. 4 outfielder in Anaheim, or Cameron himself, should the Brewers be open to listening.”

• MLB.COM is also reporting that Sergio Mitre was signed to a split contract for 2009, with an option for 2010. Mitre underwent TJ surgery in July, and won’t be available to pitch until the middle of the 2009 season at the earliest.
• The Times has a pretty thorough analysis of the issues of public funding of the new stadiums for the Yankees and Mets.  Its not a pretty picture for most taxpayers.
• YESNetwork.COM reports that Michael Kay has signed a multi-year extension to remain the Yankees lead play-by-play voice.
• You can get all the latest Yankee news delivered to you automatically from MLB.COM by installing their Yankees toolbar.
• Congrats to Bomber favorite Chris Chambliss on being named manager of the White Sox Triple-A team (as per the Chicago Tribune).
• On a humorous note, ESPN.COM’s D.J. Gallo comments on the recent “news” that A-Rod and Madonna spent a weekend in the Hamptons hanging out with Jerry Seinfeld.  He wonders if a sitcom involving the three is in the making.
• Happy 41st birthday to Ryan Thompson (he of the .260/.339/.500 in 50 ABs with the Yanks in 2000).
• On this date 60 years ago, former Yankee OF Jake Powell commits suicide after being arrested in Washington, D.C. for passing bad checks.  10 years earlier, Powell (a policeman in Dayton during the off-season) was being interviewed on a pregame show in Chicago.  When asked what he did as a policeman, he responded “I crack niggers on the head.”  For this, Powell was served with a 10-game suspension.
• On this date in 1981, the Yanks acquired the elder Ken Griffey from the Reds for P Fred Toliver and minor-leaguer Brian Ryder.