Hey Cansecoites,

---
"I was happy in one sense and depressed in another sense," Canseco said. "I
made a lot of great friends here in Tampa, and in that sense I'm sad I'm
leaving. I'm getting an opportunity to play for a team in contention right
now."
---

I just saw on SportsCenter that Jose has exactly ONE homer in Yankee
Stadium in the past 5 years. Hmmm...

That's all I'm going to send about Jose going to the Yankees right
now. I'll send out the rest tomorrow. I added a bunch of audio clips to
my site tonight, plus a new poll so you can let everyone know how you feel
about Jose becoming a Yankee: http://www.canseconet.com/polls.htm

My feelings are mixed, to say the least. I've always hated the Stankees,
and now they have to be my favorite team (I guess), since Jose plays
there. This is not easy, let me tell you. I'm afraid Jose will struggle
and the New York media will tear into him and he'll get booed out of
town. But at the same time, I think there's a good chance Jose could get
hot and really turn it on in NY, winning over the Yankee fans (like he has
with ALL his previous teams - Oakland, Texas, Boston, Toronto and Tampa
Bay) and resurrecting his career. Who knows? Maybe Jose will be a natural
in pinstripes. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I'll send the new stuff tomorrow... I then meantime, enjoy the last of the
Devil Rays news - there's some really good stuff below...

-Mark

P.S. If you ever want to unsubscribe from this list, simply send a blank
email to canseconet-unsubscribe@egroups.com.

==========
From the Vancouver Sun:

...Escobar's only blemish came in the fourth when he walked Fred McGriff
and then former Jays slugger Jose Canseco drilled his eighth home run of
the season to left. It was his 439th career home run tying him with Andre
Dawson for 24th spot on the all-time list.

"I thought (Escobar) threw very, very good," said Canseco, who made just
his second start after missing 46 games with a strained left heel. "When I
was here with Toronto he always had a great arm, it's just seems now he's
putting it together."

==========
From the Bradenton Herald:

...The only blemish on Escobar's night came in the fourth when he walked
Fred McGriff and Canseco followed with his eighth homer. Canseco was
activated off the disabled list on Tuesday.

''It's was just good to be out there. I missed 60 days,'' said Canseco,
whose 439th career homer moved him into 24th place on the all-time list.

==========
From the St. Petersburg Times

HERE WE GO AGAIN: The Yankees reportedly have renewed interest in acquiring
Rays designated hitter Jose Canseco. New York seeks a leftfielder and would
like Montreal's Rondell White, but is balking at the asking price of
Alfonso Soriano and a minor league pitcher.

The New York Post reported today that acquiring Canseco would be one
contingency plan for the Yankees. Canseco was supposedly high on New York's
list in late May before he went on the disabled list.

==========
From the St. Petersburg Times

AT LEAST THERE WERE NO KNICKERS: Wearing a crisp white shirt and tailored
suit, Canseco was the essence of style Thursday afternoon. But the Nike
golf shoes were a different look for him.

Still battling a left heel injury, Canseco said the golf shoes were the
most comfortable things he could wear. Canseco has a foam cushion device to
take pressure off his heel, but it does not fit in his dress shoes. So he
wore the golf shoes.

"Whatever it takes, I'm willing to do it," Canseco said.

==========
From the Tampa Tribune:

Touring pro Canseco: Jose Canseco arrived at SkyDome on Thursday in a
natty-looking suit and some different footwear. Instead of a GQ pair of
Italian loafers, Canseco went with Nike Air - golf shoes.

Canseco's strained left heel, which kept him on the disabled list for 46
games, remains a little tender. The golf shoes offer more padding than his
normal dress shoe.

The style resembled the black number normally worn by Tiger Woods. When
asked if the choice of shoe had anything to do with Woods, Canseco smiled:
``That, too. I'm a Tiger Woods groupie.''

Once Canseco pulled off the shoe, he showed off the piece of hard foam he
slips into his shoe after the game. During the games he has the piece of
foam taped to his heal.

The good and bad of Canseco:Canseco's two-run homer Wednesday night was
career home run No. 439, moving him past Andre Dawson for 24th place on the
all-time list. On the flip side of the chart, Canseco's first-inning
strikeout Thursday night was his 1,812th of his career, good for sixth all
time and four behind Dave Kingman at No. 5. Ironically, Kingman ranks 23rd
on the all-time home run list, three home runs ahead of Canseco.

============================
From the NY Post:
Bash Brother Could Be Coming To Bronx
By George King

He doesn't solve their serious need for help in left field, but the Yankees
have talked to the Devil Rays about acquiring Jose Canseco, The Post has
learned.

According to several industry sources close to the Devil Rays, the Yankees
have inquired what it would take to put Canseco in pinstripes even though
the 36-year-old slugger hasn't played the outfield this year and returned
to the lineup Wednesday night as a DH after missing 46 games with a left
heel injury.

Devil Rays scout Don Williams was at Yankee Stadium yesterday.

Canseco, a longtime favorite of George Steinbrenner, would give the Yankees
another bat, one with plenty of muscle, but wouldn't do much to find Shane
Spencer's replacement in left. Joe Torre has no problem with playing David
Justice in left three or four games a week, but isn't wild about anything more.

Since Spencer's season ended with a torn ACL July 9 at Shea Stadium, the
Yankees have been looking for a left fielder. They have a strong interest
in the Expos' Rondell White, but fear the price tag of Alfonso Soriano and
a pitching prospect is too steep. The Yankees also have an interest in the
Phillies' Ron Gant and the Rangers are expected to shop lefty-hitting Dave
Martinez soon.

White comes off the DL Sunday and the Expos are guaranteed to move him
before the July 31 trading deadline. The Mariners, Red Sox and Braves have
shown interest in White who is suffering from a hamstring problem.
Steinbrenner is wary of further depleting his farm system after using
prospects to get David Justice and Denny Neagle.

Going into last night's action, Canseco was hitting .267 with eight homers
and 22 RBIs in 44 games. He makes $3 million this year and has a $4 million
option for next season....

==========
From the St. Petersburg Times:
As Canseco returns, so do trade rumors
By John Romano
July 22, 2000

NEW YORK -- Jose Canseco just got back in the lineup, and already rumors
have him leaving for somewhere else.

"What are the rumors?" Canseco said Friday, standing in the visitor's
dugout at Yankee Stadium. "Where am I supposed to be going now?"

Actually, across the field to the other dugout.

The Yankees supposedly have interest in acquiring Canseco, and Devil Rays
general manager Chuck LaMar acknowledged talking about a deal in early May.
But he said no discussions are going on at the moment.

"The last time we were here, the Jose Canseco issue came up," LaMar said.
"Since then a lot has happened. A, he's been hurt for a month and a half.
B, it looks like we're staying in the American League for next year. C, a
lot of teams, including the Yankees, have already gone out and made deals.

"We're not actively pursuing a trade for Jose Canseco with the Yankees or
anyone else. Whether something materializes over the next 10 days remains
to be seen."

The level of New York's interest might have been moot by nightfall. The
Yankees acquired Glenallen Hill from the Cubs on Friday for two
minor-league pitchers. Hill would seem to fill the right-handed designated
hitter/pinch hitter role for which Canseco best would be suited.

LaMar said it is possible Canseco could be traded before the July 31
deadline if he shows he is healthy in the next week. Canseco missed six
weeks with a left heel injury and has been hobbled since coming off the
disabled list Tuesday.

The market for Canseco also would be limited. It would have to be an
American League team with a need for a DH and in pennant contention.

That narrows the field enough that, barring the unexpected, Canseco likely
will remain with the Rays.

==========
From the Tampa Tribune:
By Bill Chastain

Canseco not going to Yanks: Despite reports to the contrary in New York
newspapers Friday, Jose Canseco is not going to be traded to the Yankees,
according to Devil Rays GM Chuck LaMar.

``We are not actively talking trade about Jose Canseco with the Yankees or
any other team at this time,'' said LaMar, explaining Canseco's name has
come up in general conversations, such as `are the Devil Rays planning to
keep him'' since they will continue to play in the American League next season.

``The last time we were in New York [to play the Yankees in May] we had
discussions about Jose and several other players,'' LaMar said. ``A lot has
changed since then.

``Back then we looked headed for the National League and Jose was our DH.
But things have changed now. Jose is healthy and when he's healthy he's
always been productive. If we stay in the American League we'll need a DH.
And the Yankees have already traded for David Justice [and Glenallen Hill
prior to Friday night's game]. Right now there's nothing with Jose.''

==========
From The Orange County Register:
Taking Stock of Jose Canseco
Latest path for enigmatic - he says misunderstood - slugger's career is
investment world
July 23, 2000
By Cheryl Rosenberg

TAMPA BAY - He once had a ball hit him on the head and bounce over the
fence for a home run.

He dated Madonna.

He was known as much for his fast cars as his quick bat, his muscles as
much as his monster home runs.

Ten years ago, Jose Canseco, then the right fielder for the A's, was at
Fenway Park for the American League Championship Series. The fans taunted
him with the chant, "Ster-oids, ster-oids.'' Canseco responded by flexing
his Popeye-esque biceps at them.

He was one of baseball's first true rock stars, a supersized serving before
the fast food chains ever thought of it.

And now he wants your money. It's true.

"It's hard to believe a jock can be smart," Canseco said. "It's hard to
believe a jock can be a businessman."

But Canseco is now both. He is the designated hitter for the Tampa Bay
Devil Rays. He is also president of Canseco Financial Group, a high-end
mortgage brokering firm. It is a real company, run by Canseco and Walter C.
Sollie, the vice president, who was Canseco's financial advisor at
Washington Mutual.

Canseco must be wise, since he realizes his reputation isn't exactly
synonymous with stability, let alone the confidence to hand over one's life
savings.

"Everybody has the perception of who Jose Canseco is," he said. "People who
have spent the day with me have definitely been shocked and in awe,
compared with their original stereotype of Jose Canseco. Most people don't
even think I can speak English properly."

Canseco became interested in the stock market about four years ago. He
received lots of stock tips - consider that baseball stars are frequent
invitees to events such as charity golf tournaments, where they're paired
up with CEOs who pay top dollar to be next to them.

He found them to be as interested in him as a professional athlete as he
was in their being high-level executives. He figures a lot of these same
executives, when they were kids, dreamed of being a baseball player some
day. They still want to get close to one as an adult.

"They're curious," Canseco said. "Curiosity's a good thing. There's a lot
of things that can be done with that."

Meaning, Canseco is well aware that just having the company in his name
will attract some people. But he is more than just the name on the company
letterhead. When his baseball playing days are over, he will devote much
more time to the business.

Now, visiting teams to Tropicana Field find a pile of folders in the
clubhouse with information on his company and some application forms.

He was even on CNBC early last month, talking stocks. He wasn't ready to
dump his high tech ones and offered various investment tips. Although
Canseco said people he has talked to are enthusiastic about the company,
there are still those who snicker at the thought: Teammate Fred McGriff, on
a clip shown on CNBC, didn't appear to be signing up.

"I just don't know who's going to invest money with Jose,'' McGriff said.

And this, not part of the clip, came from another baseball person upon
learning of the company: "Reminds me of that old Three Stooges skit with
the law firm Dewey, Cheatem and Howe."

Canseco just smiles when told of the skepticism. But he will be the one
with the last laugh, as he figures to make more from this company and his
investments than he will from playing major-league baseball for 15 seasons.
He also knows his business career will last longer than his playing days.

"As a businessman, as an investor, it's just the beginning," Canseco said.
"I think I have a few (baseball) years left. My career will end. I don't
know when, but it's soon. Baseball's just a step in my life."

He already spends tons of time researching companies on the Internet. He
was out with a bruised heel from May 25 through July 17. He used the extra
down time to surf the Net, checking out various Web sites.

He'd emerge after what he thought was an hour or two only to find it'd been
six or seven.

He's even got the clubhouse kids into the financial world, and CNBC is on
constantly in the clubhouse.

"It's good to get involved early in life," Canseco said.

Of course, in his early days, he was too busy investing his money in a
Ferrari or two. But that, Canseco stresses, was a very long time ago.

"I don't even know who that person is," Canseco said. "I never did. It was
like I was two people. I was a very hot-headed Latin, but my family would
say 'We have no idea who that guy is.' It entertains. That's what sports
are about. I've been subjected to perceptions my whole career. From my
experience, I know better."

==========
...Ozzie Canseco hit his league-leading 30th homer for Newark, which has
lost seven straight. He also leads the league with 86 RBI....

==========
From the St. Petersburg Times:

SPEED TO SPARE: It wasn't exactly a sprint, but Jose Canseco did turn up
the speed on a double to centerfield Saturday. Bothered by a sore left heel
that kept him out of the lineup for more than a month, Canseco said he is
avoiding putting too much pressure on that foot.

"I'm trying not to make it any worse. It's maintained about the same level
so far," Canseco said. "Once I get going, I can accelerate if I need to."

The injury certainly has not hurt his hitting. Canseco is 7-for-16 with six
walks for a .684 on-base percentage since coming off the disabled list.

"I'm getting on base and giving the other guys an opportunity to drive me
in," he said. "And when I get the opportunity, I'll take a good swing at a
pitch."

==========
From the Sporting News:

Designated hitter Jose Canseco's sore left heel has healed, but he is still
not able to run the bases at full speed. Canseco will likely continue to
hit in the fifth spot because of the injury. Canseco had been moved there
for a short time before going on the DL on May 25. He was activated on July
18. Greg Vaughn will continue to hit in the third spot ahead of Fred McGriff.

Vaughn is a better fit there because of his ability to run. Vaughn can beat
out double plays with his underrated speed and can keep innings alive.
Canseco's bat, meanwhile, does not seem to be affected by the long layoff.
Canseco homered off Toronto's Kelvim Escobar in only his second game back.
Reports still insist the Yankees have interest in trading for Canseco, but
it would seem unlikely that will happen since Tampa Bay will remain in the
AL next season and needs a DH....

==========
From the Tampa Tribune:

Injury update: Jose Canseco's sore foot still hasn't healed and he's not
sure when it will be 100 percent. ``I haven't been through this before
[with this injury]. I can play on it. I am not favoring it, but I haven't
run all out,'' he said. He still is getting treatment for the injury that
put him on the disabled list on May 27, retroactive to May 25. ``I think he
is protecting it as much as anything,'' Rothschild said. ``He has not been
able to move as well as I hoped he would. But he has been able to play and
is making progress.''

==========
From USA Today:
Independent league a melting pot
Several big-league connections on Newark roster
By Erik Brady

...Villanueva is third in home runs, six behind league leader Canseco, who
has 30. You might expect Jose's brother to be a power hitter, but early in
his career Ozzie was a pitcher and rarely batted. He has come into his own
as a hitter late in his career. He is 36.

''I still love to play baseball,'' he said. ''I wouldn't be here if I
didn't. You never know when some organization might have a particular need.

If it happens, I'm here. If it doesn't, I'm having a good time.''...

==========
From the St. Petersburg Times:

RAYS BITS: Jose Canseco struck out twice, claiming sole possession of fifth
place on the all-time list at 1,818. With Dave Kingman behind him, Canseco
now is chasing Hall of Famer Tony Perez, fourth at 1,867. ... Wednesday's
game was the 35th time the Rays had the big four of Greg Vaughn, Fred
McGriff, Canseco and Castilla in the lineup together. ...

==========
From the Tampa Tribune:

All about weight: Jose Canseco says it only looks as if he is conceding a
strike or a strikeout in many of his at-bats. He says his weight
(250 pounds) carries him to the other side of the plate. In the series
opener against Detroit, and on a two-strike count, he said he looked the
pitch over, it was too far outside to swing and his weight carried him
across the plate.

``It is hard to hold back,'' he said. ``I am not trying to show anyone up.''

==========
From the Sporting News Report:

Designated hitter Jose Canseco is still not running the bases as well as
manager Larry Rothschild would like, but he hasn't had any setbacks either.
Canseco continues to be bothered by the sore left heel that kept him out of
the lineup for 46 games. He hasn't been running well, but Canseco has also
been trying to protect his foot so he doesn't injure it further.

Unlike last year, the lengthy layoff Canseco had didn't affect his swing.
On July 19, Canseco homered in only his second game back from the D.L. and
he has pulled several balls hard. Last year after Canseco returned from
back surgery in August, his timing was awful and most of his hits were
sprayed to right field.

A couple of reports surfaced recently about trades, but there hasn't been
much to support them. The Yankees are reportedly interested in acquiring
Jose Canseco, but that trade is likely not to take place. Look for the
Devil Rays to pick up the option year on Canseco for 2001.

Since the Devil Rays won't be going to the N.L., Tampa Bay still needs a
DH. Tampa Bay had preliminary talks with the Yankees in May, but that was
before Canseco's heel injury.

==========
From the Tampa Tribune:

Not yet: Jose Canseco stuck his head in the door while Rothschild briefed
the press. ``Where am I going?'' he asked. Rothschild smiled and
snapped back, ``Out on the field.'' And as he got out of range, one of his
teammates cracked, ``No one wants you.''

==========
From ESPN:
By Peter Gammons

...As for Juan Gonzalez, Oakland and Seattle aren't on his no-trade list.
"But how good is this guy, really?" asked one of his teammates recently.
Gonzalez has been a great player, but his lack of regular playing time and
star-driven demands and statements make him appear to be on the path of
Jose Canseco, who plays a star on TV but in real life has just one 100-RBI
season (107 in 1998) in the last eight years.

==========
From the St. Petersburg Times:

With a blister developing on Burba's right index finger, Indians manager
Charlie Manuel went to right-hander Steve Karsay to face Jose Canseco.

He hasn't touched a glove in more than a year. He runs like he is wearing
high heels. His back needs heat, his shoulder needs ice, his Achilles'
could use a new tendon. But Canseco can still hit a fastball.

Karsay got a 94 mph heater past Canseco for strike two, but when he tried
it again, Canseco hit a two-run double off the wall in centerfield.

"That was a rarity for me, seeing a 3-and-2 fastball," Canseco said.
"Especially one that was around the plate."

Canseco moved to third when the throw home to get Vaughn skipped past
catcher Einar Diaz. Third baseman Aubrey Huff, making his major-league
debut, hit a sacrifice fly to deep left to bring in Canseco with the
go-ahead run.

==========
From the St. Petersburg Times:

...The bottom of the ninth was the game in microcosm for the Rays. Johnson
led off with a single, but Greg Vaughn grounded into a double play. Then
Fred McGriff singled and Jose Canseco hit a grounder to Jolbert Cabrera at
short. He misplayed it, but Canseco, running slowly to first because of a
nagging foot injury, was an easy final out.

"If he doesn't bobble it, it's a little flick to second for the force and
you're done," Canseco said. "I've got to pick my spots where I'm going to
run 100 percent. I don't want to damage it again and be out of the lineup
again.

"We won six in a row and we thought we had (Wednesday) night's game won,"
he added. "That knocked the wind out of us a little bit, and today was just
a flat game."

==========
From the Tampa Tribune:

...Until Johnson's homer, the Rays had only one runner in scoring position
- Jose Canseco, who walked in the second, stole second base and advanced to
third on a fly out by John Flaherty. Aubrey Huff popped out to end the inning.

==========
From Billy-Ball Daily
8/4

QUOTES OF THE DAY
"It means a lot. I want to show people that even though I'm 36 years old,
I'm trying to resurrect my career, and that Ozzie Canseco can still
play." The Newark Bears designated hitter Ozzie Canseco. Two things Oz
man: first of all what do you mean you "can *still * play.
Secondly, Billy-Ball hates when people refer to themselves in the third person.

==========
From the Tampa Tribune:

Family day fun: Jose Canseco could be seen chasing daughter Josie around
the Tropicana Field infield, Rothschild held his son Scott, with daughters
Charlotte and Claire close behind. Ozzie Guillen's 8-year-old son, Ozney,
caught General Manager Chuck LaMar's eye: ``He's got a nice looking
left-handed swing.''

Rays players and their families seemed to enjoy family day as well as the
fans who arrived early enough to watch.

Vaughn's 11-year-old son, Cory, drew some attention for his size.``He
already wears my shoe size,'' Vaughn said.