Plans change, but, at present, it remains in place in New York. The Plan, if you haven't heard, is for the Yankees to reduce their payroll below the $189 million luxury-tax threshold by 2014. The Plan, motivated by a series of provisions in the new labor agreement, is intended to save the Yankees tens of millions. And The Plan, according to Hal Steinbrenner, the Yankees' managing general partner, is non-negotiable. ... Well, let's see the Yankees stick to that goal if they fail to reach the postseason. Let's see them go two more offseasons without spending like the George Steinbrenner Yankees. Let's see them make their old guys younger, and their young guys worthy of their considerable hype. A fine mess this could be. (FOX Sports) Comment

We haven't heard much from New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, a trend that's likely to continue as he sits out the season. But make no mistake, Payton has remained plugged in to everything his team is doing. ... Payton admitted that it's been hard to stay quiet while serving his suspension and that it's "frustrating at times to sit back and hear a lot of things that have been painted in a certain way that you know aren't true." He said he's been glad that more details have come out in recent months as players have poked some holes in the NFL's accusations. But Payton declined to get into specific details about what he feels the NFL got right or wrong in its investigation and punishments. (The Times-Picayune) Comment

Kevin McHale is looking for a few good men, a theme he hit hard recently when asked about his own evolution as a coach. "We've got to get these guys willing to fight for each other and go out there and fight for the win. Whatever it takes to make that happen, they'll do it. Again, that is not the sexy, 'Oh you're in the NBA, you get paid.' That's why half these clowns in this league don't win anything. They don't realize that it comes down to how hard you're willing to fight for each other. It's your team. How hard are you willing to fight for it? ... Because the answer is: Whatever it takes. When you have a team that says, 'I'll do whatever it takes to win,' you're moving in the right direction." (NBA.com) Comment