No kidding.

In preparation for the coming 2008 MLB baseball season, the New York Yankees came up with probably the biggest name to join their campaign this year. Yes people, the Yankees just signed comedian Billy Crystal.

He he… Maybe the New York Yankees are THAT desperate to stir up some hype after all those disappointing runs they had in the playoffs eh?

And while it would be nice to see Billy Crystal play for the Yankees the WHOLE SEASON, apparently, the team is only giving Crystal a game to be a full-pledged Yankee.

The Yankees signed TV comedian Billy Crystal for a one-day contract to play in an exhibition game with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Crystal’s one-day contract is the Yankees’ birthday present to him. Crystal will join the Yankees and play against the Pirates this Thursday, a day before the comedian celebrates his 60th birthday.

‘’I've been waiting 50 years for this call,'’ Billy Crystal said in a statement released by the Yankees.

‘’I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yankees and commissioner Selig. I know this’ll be tougher than the Broadway Softball League, but I’m looking forward to helping the younger players, which by the way is all of them. Oops, I have to go, Scott Boras is on the phone.'’

‘’The Yankees are excited to welcome the newest member of our team known for his humor and wit as well as his undying love for the Yankees,'’ chief operating officer Lonn Trost said.

New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he hasn’t determined what position Crystal will play.

‘’That remains to be seen,'’ Girardi said. ‘’Obviously, it’s kind of exciting. Billy Crystal has done a lot for this organization. He’s always been a big part of it. Our way of rewarding him, saying thanks for everything that you’ve done.'’

Which team will win the 2008 MLB World Series? AcesAce sportsbook has the odds.

Boston Red Sox +300

New York Yankees +400

Cleveland Indians +1,000

Los Angeles Dodgers +2,000

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New York Yankees Billy Crystal