That came from where? (Newswriting)

In regards to national news involving New York Governor Spritzer, where did the source originate to give the New York Times credibility for the story? Poynter Institute writer, Kelly McBride, raises this question in one of her recent articles posted online. As I was following the story, I was wondering the exact same thing. The Times broke the story, only to give credit to sources close to the Spritzer administration. This article reminds me of the McCain story. Remember? It's the one with the "close relationship" with a female lobbyist. As with that story, two people "close" to McCain's administration revealed or confirmed the information to the times.
What happened to giving CREDIBLE sources? And I'm not talking about abstract credibility, but ones with who said or told or confirmed information. How is the public supposed to believe journalism sources when one paper runs with the story and everyone else repeats the same information? Ultimately, the "one" paper may one day be wrong. With two recent Times stories crediting abstract stories, hopefully the paper is doing everything they can to absolutely make sure no mistakes occur, or else it'll come back to bite them in the ass.