According to Lee Sinins, the Expos have called a 2:00 press conference to announce a major move. ESPN is reporting that the Expos have traded Javier Vasquez to the Yankees in exchange for Nick Johnson, Juan Rivera, and a third player, believed to be southpaw reliever Randy Choate.

Is there any surprise that MLB is trying to make news on the day that Barry Bonds is due to tesitfy in court? I don’t know, is there any surprise that the Yankees made the deal on the day that the Red Sox introduced their new manager? You do the math.

And what about Sheff? Gary is talking the talk (like the straw that stirs the drink) in an interview with USA Today. This should end all speculation about whether or not he’ll be in New York next year:

“We’re not going to lose, you can be assured of that,” Sheffield said. “(Yankees owner) George (Steinbrenner) didn’t even bring up the Red Sox during our talks. I don’t think they’re even a concern to him.

“He just kept talking about how bad he wants to win more World Series championships. The Red Sox can say what they want, but look at us. Who’s going to beat us? Nobody.

“I know I speak my mind, but I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk. And if we don’t win the World Series, everybody can come and see me first, because I’ll take the blame.”

…”I really thought the final chapter of my story in baseball would end wearing a Braves’ cap, but I think there would have been a little piece missing, not knowing what it’s like playing in New York, and with George and the Yankees.

“I know there’ll be more criticism. I know the expectations will be great. But there’ll be no more pressure in New York that I don’t already put on myself.”

Sheffield has not been introduced as a Yankee yet, and he’s already talking like Reggie Jackson. This is not Paulie O’s Yanks anymore, in case you hadn’t noticed. Red Sox fans must be licking their chops; with Clemens gone, at least there will be one easy target for them hate in New York (as if they needed an excuse).

More later…