Louie,
This is far from my area of expertise, but... The new header looks much more modern than the old one. I like the way they did the sportsbook promotions all the way at the top and the tabs to other area's of the site look better too. Other than that however, it doesn't look significantly different, and if it costs more to have the banner redone with the blog, then I'd probably vote for it isn't worth it. The new one looks close enough to the old one that I'd say it isn't worth any extra money, but it looks more modern and if he'll "throw it in" with the blog, then I'd say we could use a little switch up around here, go for it.
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.