In 1997, the then-World Series Champions were dismantled in a horror show that was worthy of being re-aired on "Monsterfest", with Joe Bob Briggs doing a frightening narration of all the stars that were unceremoniously dumped.  I was not too into baseball at the time, so I was not able to realize the tragedy of what occurred with the Marlins.  Now, a mere 8 years later…the horror has returned.  Watch as the names fly away from southern Florida…Carlos Delgado…Josh Beckett…Mike Lowell…and now, Luis Castillo.  Even as a Mets fan, I still can take no pleasure in seeing this divisional rival become dismantled in a way that is worthy of Jigsaw from "Saw."  Today, the Minnesota Twins were the benefactors of the Marlins’ "Buy all while supplies last!" sale.  ESPN’s Peter Gammons reports that Luis Castillo was acquired by the Twins in return for two pitchers, Travis Bowyer (24 years old, right handed reliever) and Scott Tyler. 
    Now, it is true that the Marlins did pick up some big prospects.  Hanley Ramirez will make it to the big leagues, and is expected to become a big-time player.  Anibal Sanchez, Yusmiero Petit, Jesus Delgado, and now Travis Bowyer (expected to become a closer.)  They have stocked up on pitching, and may become a force in years to come.  That, however, is putting a nice face on an awful situation.  If any Marlins fans are reading this, please leave comments.  I really want to get a feel for what Marlins fans make of the situation.  Perhaps there is something that’s not readily apparent about the fire sale.  From an outsider’s perspective, though…this unloading of major talent from a team that could have been in shape to contend was brutal to witness.
    Elsewhere on the Hot Stove…Brian Giles signs a 3-year, 30 million dollar deal, and remains with the Padres.  Who will the Yankees look to now for the outfield?  A deal is rumored to be ready with (big surprise) the Florida Marlins for Juan Pierre…Speaking of the Yankees, the first big deal of the Yanks offseason is prepared to occur.  Kyle Farnsworth is rumored to be ready to sign a 3-year, 18 million dollar deal.  Not so fast, though; the Texas Rangers are said to have entered the fray, and are offering a deal close to the Yankees’ offer.  The Yanks better pull the trigger on the deal, because…The Philidelphia Phillies have replaced their closer, signing Tom Gordon to a 3-year, 18-million dollar deal…The Cardinals have made their first offer to A.J. Burnett, according to Buster Olney and St. Louis Today (Cards Make First Offer).  The deal is at four years and 40 million.  The Blue Jays remain the biggest offer on the table, with 5 years…The Big Hurt with Luis Castillo?  Rumor goes that the Twins are looking towards going after free-agent Frank Thomas…Please don’t trade Benson to the Orioles.  There is nothing good about the deal rumored to be on the table for reliever Jorge Julio.  It would be nothing more than a salary dump, and better players could be acquired for Benson (especially with the thin starting market.)  But the trade rumor alone indicates that Minaya does have something up his sleeve.  Why on earth would Omar Minaya dump more salary?  Hmm.  Makes one wonder, doesn’t it?  Until next time, dear readers.

De Lao, out.

     Hello everyone, and a good evening to you all.  Wow, it’s been an incredibly active off-season so far.  Three trades, free agent signings, two teams on the hunt for a GM, and one team without owners, and it’s only November!  As we speak, 2 more deals have been confirmed, so let’s get right down to it.  First, a brief summary of what has gone down since the ChiSox walked off with their first World Series in quite a while. 

1. The New York Yankees decline Tino Martinez’s 2006 option, leaving him as a free agent, unsure of whether he will continue to play or retire
2. The Chicago Cubs sign Neifi Perez to a two-year deal, effectively signaling the end of Nomar Garciaparra’s role in Chicago
3. Larry Walker retires
4. Rocco Baldelli agrees to a 6-year, 33 million dollar contract for the D-Rays
5. The Yankees retain Tanyon Sturtze for 2006, at a price of 1.5 million
6. Josh Towers agrees to a 2-year, 5.2 million dollar contract
7. Geoff Blum returns to the San Diego Padres for 1 year
8. Jon Leicester is sent to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later
9. Hideki Matsui agrees to a 4-year, 52 million dollar contract
10. Scott Eyre signs with the Cubs
11. The Cincinnati Reds claim relief pitcher Mike Burns off waivers from the Astros
12. Xavier Nady is sent to the New York Mets in exchange for Gold Glove center fielder Mike Cameron
13. The White Sox resign Pablo Ozuna
14. The Washington Nationals sign Marlon Anderson
15. The Mariners sign catcher Kenji Jojima
16. Jim Thome is sent to the White Sox in exchange for center fielder Aaron Rowand
17. Rookie of the Year Ryan Howard is announced as the Phillies’ first baseman
18. The Cubs sign relief pitcher Bob Howry
19. Carlos Delgado is shipped to the New York Mets in exchange for catcher/first baseman Mike Jacobs, pitching prospect Yusmiero Petit, and minor league third baseman Grant Psomas
20. The Florida Marlins send 2003 World Series MVP Josh Beckett, 3rd baseman Mike Lowell, and relief pitcher Guillermo Mota to the Boston Red Sox for prospects Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado, and Harvey Garcia.
21. The Orioles have made a contract offer to free agent pitcher Paul Byrd, for 2 years and 10-13 million.

     Wow.  So much for brief.  And to think, it’s only been one month and one day since the World Series.  My, how quickly things have changed.  And now, the *******: a source close to the Mets’ negotiations has confirmed that the Mets have signed Billy Wagner to a 4-year, 43 million dollar deal.  Pending a physical, the Mets have shored up their closer hole for four years, and possibly a fifth (a 5th year option is included in the deal).  With the signing of Wagner, the Mets have made another big splash, and continue to dominate the off-season headlines.  The main question: Will the Mets dominate the season as they have this off-season?  I have noticed that several of my readers are doubters in the Mets’ potential, and believe that they will continue their run of mediocrity next season.  Of course, I respect their opinions, and am fully aware that this is possible.  There are still several questions looming for the Mets, not the least of which is: What will happen for the Mets at second base?  What of their middle relief?  Will Xavier Nady be capable of filling the hole left by Mike Cameron in right field?  Will Pedro have another Pedro year, or will age finally begin to catch up with the dominating right-hander?  And who exactly will be Pedro’s battery mate behind the plate?
    There are many questions, but the answers are beginning to be discovered.  To my critics, I offer the following answer: You gotta believe.  Any Met fan who went to any Met game last season noticed something different.  These really are new Mets.  There was an energy in the stadium that has been absent for far too long.  The stadium rocks when the names "Reyes," "Wright," and "Martinez" are blasted on the speakers.  Imagine how Shea will feel when they hear "Delgado" announced next season, or "Coming in from the bullpen, Billy Wagner!"  This team is developing into a force.  They have a power-hitting first baseman, a solid outfield (Floyd proved last season that he is capable of pulling off the big plays, Beltran [despite his bad play offensively] continued to shine in center; Nady is still a question), a third baseman who is ready to be catapulted into stardom, a shortstop with a cannon for an arm and legs that rival the Road Runner’s for speed, and two prospects that are being developed into solid pieces for the Mets.  It may not happen this year, but the Mets are developing into a serious threat to the Braves’ run in the NL East.  With Omar at the helm, the Mets have evolved from a group of over-payed underachievers into something new: a team.  The chemistry is tangible: you can see it in the field, in the stands, the dugout, all around the city.  Mets fans are buzzing for the first time in almost 20 years, and rightfully so.  In the most competitive division in the major leagues, the Mets are looking to become Beasts of the East; and perhaps, a 2006 postseason run is not out of the question.  At the very least, forget about mediocrity at Shea.
    In other news…the A’s have signed Esteban Loaiza to a 3-year deal.  This is a deal to watch out for.  After leaving New York, Loaiza went 12-10 with a 3.77 ERA, and looked to recover from the struggles he faced with the Yanks.  In pitching-friendly Oakland (both in terms of the team and the stadium, which has a center field wall marked at 410 feet), Loaiza might become even better…Grady Little is to be interviewed for the Dodgers’ manager spot.  I still have recurring nightmares of Little leaving Martinez in at the 8th inning.  Good luck to the Dodgers on this one…the Mets are looking into a trade for D-Rays catcher Toby Hall.  The D-Rays want Aaron Heilman, but the Mets have prepared a package that includes Anderson Hernandez.  Hall hit .287 with 5 home runs last season…The Blue Jays have found their next target: Brian Giles.  The Jays are said to have made "significant inroads" with Giles.  The bad news just seems to keep piling on for the Yankees…With B.J. Ryan and Billy Wagner both off the market, look for more teams to put Kyle Farnsworth’s number on speed dial.  The pitcher has now become one of the hottest commodities on the market, thanks to the signings of the big two.  Teams with interest include the Yanks, Tigers, Orioles, Braves, and possibly the Indians, as well as the now-closerless Phillies…The Yankees have now engaged in serious talks with free agewnt Kyle Farnsworth, according to the New York Post.  They are also very close to signing left-hander Mike Myers… Speaking of the Yankees, Joe Torre has made indications that their center fielder may come internally, in the form of Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez.  Unusual choices, but hey, the Yankees should try anything by now to fix that debacle they call center field…the LA Angels have become the front-runners in terms of a deal for Paul Konerko, reportedly offering a 5-year, 60 million dollar deal.  Can the White Sox do better?  Until next time, dear readers.

De Lao, out.

     OK, this time I believe that I really am the first to report this, so it really IS hot off the presses.  According to news services for ESPN.com and Billy Madden of the New York Daily News, the Toronto Blue Jays are the latest team to make the big splash, signing free agent reliever B.J. Ryan to a 5-year, $47 million deal.  Ryan, as we all know, was perhaps the second most sought after closer, right behind veteran Billy Wagner. 
    The deal shows that the Blue Jays do not intend to watch the AL East become a two-horse race between the Yanks and Red Sox yet again (if indeed the deal was made; according to a rep for the Jays, it is still being finalized, and nothing has been settled just yet.)  With Ryan, the Blue Jays gain a 28-year-old who dominated in the hitter-friendly American League, in the AL East to boot.  Ryan finished the season with 2.43 ERA and 36 saves for the Baltimore Orioles.  Although he did have a fantastic year, Ryan has only had one year with these stats.  It is a major risk to commit to Ryan for 5 years and 47 million, especially based on only one year.  It is a calculated risk, though, and one that will make the Jays a formidable team for the 2006 season.  With Ryan, the Jays can now use relief pitcher Miguel Batista as trade bait.  With Ryan belonging to them, Wagner leaning towards New York or Philly, Trevor Hoffman becoming enamored with Atlanta and Tom Gordon…well, being Tom Gordon, Batista may look appealing to those searching for a closer.  The Jays may use Batista (or even Josh Towers? to gain a big bat for their lineup.  Perhaps they should pursue a big bat for left field (Manny?  Odds are, no.  With this deal, the Jays may even have trouble pursuing A.J. Burnett, much less put on a salary the size of Manny’s.  Weird things have happened, though.  If the Phillies can’t retain Wagner, then perhaps the Blue Jays should offer Batista and left fielder Reed Johnson for Jason Michaels.) 
    So Ryan’s off the market.  Big deal for Toronto.  The Red Sox better hope Craig Hansen will step up as a closer for 2006.  That, or they could put Bronson Arroyo in the pen.  Or…with Ryan off the market, do the Sox make a big play to steal Billy Wagner from the Mets and Phils?  Will the Yankees enter the bidding?  The Yankees’ bullpen finished with an ERA of 4.37, good enough for 20th place.  If anyone could use bullpen help, it’s the Yanks.  Rivera may be the best, but he can’t pitch the whole game.  Someone has to do the 7th and 8th.  Gordon?  Gordon wants to be a closer.  It may take some convincing to get him again as a set-up man.  Maybe Farnsworth, but would Kyle be willing to take a demotion?  Bob Howry?  He’s signing with the Cubs.  Props to the Blue Jays, because they have dealt a big blow to the two monsters of the AL East.  As for the Mets…they better get Billy Wagner.  And while they’re at it, they should go for Octavio Dotel.  Have faith in the second-year surgery resurge.  It always happens
    In other news…the Mets have made preliminary offers to both Bengie Molina and Ramon Hernandez.  No word on the offer, or on who the preferred catcher is.  According to the New York Daily News, Molina’s in the lead…Remember before, when I said that Toronto may be looking for a big bat.  Yea, forgot to mention one thing.  Rumor is that the Blue Jays have looked into Lyle Overbay of the Milwaukee Brewers.  The Brewers wanted Dustin McGowan, a No. 1 draft pick, but the Blue Jays balked.  Perhaps Shea Hillenbrand and Batista would appeal enough?  Look for Lyle in Toronto soon…Wow.  Delgado to the Mets…Beckett, Lowell and Mota to the Red Sox…Thome back home in Chi Town…Rowand patrolling center in the city of brotherly love…and now Ryan in Toronto (again, rumored.)  What will happen next?  Well, Billy Wagner is rumored to be making his decision sometime in the upcoming week.  What will his decision be?  When I hear more, dear readers, so will you.  Til next time,
De Lao, out.

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     WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!!!! STOP THE PRESSES!  Numerous reports have confirmed that a deal is close to being consummated that would send shortstop phenom Hanley Ramirez (as well as pitching prospect Anibal Sanchez and a minor league pitcher to be named later) for third baseman Mike Lowell and fireballer Josh Beckett.  This huge deal is pending the arrangement of monies (Florida is expected to send some cash to facilitate Lowell’s contract), as well as all players passing physicals.  There is still time for the deal to fall through, but it certainly looks as though Beckett will be wearing a Sox Jersey come 2006. 

     The deal indicates a number of items.  1: The Marlins will be hard-pressed to contend in the NL East next season.  With Beckett gone and A.J. Burnett ready to find a new location (Toronto?  St. Louis?  2 very possible destinations), Dontrelle Willis remains the only stud in a now-dismembered rotation.  Mike Lowell also deprives the Marlins of a power bat.  Sure he had an awful season, but it is only one season.  A change of scenery may help to improve his hitting, not to mention the wall in left field.  With Luis Castillo and Carlos Delgado rumored to be on their way out as well, and Juan Pierre’s role up in the air, the Marlins are a team in shambles- can you say "1997?"  Another big fire sale, and it appears that Floridians will have to wait a while longer for their next world championship.  2: The Red Sox have shown that their management is still capable of pulling off the big deals.  Even without the boy wonder Epstein at the helm, the Red Sox have proved themselves capable of pulling off the big deal.  3:  The one question that will reign, though: At what cost?  Hanley Ramirez was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, prospects for the Red Sox organization.  It is a large loss for the Sox, and if Renteria does not pan out over the next 3 years, then the Sox will look at Ramirez with longing eyes and remember that they had him primed for the show.  This deal has the potential to either prep the Sox for another run at the postseason, or make them look like fools.  For a risky deal, though, Beckett and Lowell are nice players to bank on.  Sad to see Ramirez go, though.  Watch out for him next season- with Alex Gonzalez on the way out, Ramirez will play every day, and show off all the hype that has surrounded him.

     In other news…One big catcher off the market.  Kenji Johjima, star catcher in Japan, has a greed to a 3 year, $15 million deal with the Seattle Mariners.  Is it just me, or has Seattle become the premier destination for Japanese free agents?  Ichiro…Johjima…sensing a trend here…Billy Wagner is coming to the greater New York area, visiting the city as well as the outlier suburbs.  The New York Post reports he is going to be wined and dined by Omar Minaya, COO Jeff Wilpon, as well as pitcher Tommy Glavine and others.  The Mets will attempt to show off the country side of New York.  Odds are he will be presented with an offer by the time he returns to his home in Virginia…Carlos Delgado to Baltimore?  Maybe.  ESPN and the New York Daily News seem to think it might be so.  But of course, these are all rumors…til the next time.  De Lao, out.

     So the first big splash of the off-season has occurred for the Mets.  Alas, Mike Cameron, we hardly knew ye.  Mike Cameron, according to numerous reports, has been traded to the San Diego Padres, for first baseman/outfielder Xavier Nady.  Yet another bold trade from the mind of Omar Minaya.  On the surface, I must admit, it looks like an awful trade.  A Gold Glove caliber player; prone to strikeouts, true, but still a dangerous bat in the lineup.  He finished the season with a .273 average, 12 home runs, and 39 RBIs, with 47 runs scored.  This is with him missing every game following his near-deadly collision in early August.  Mets fans will remember he was getting fairly hot, and could have hit over 20 home runs.  On the other side, Nady is a young outfielder, one that has not proved himself yet.  He completed this season with a .261 average, 13 home runs, and 43 RBIs. 

     There is more to this trade, though.  1: Mike Cameron was not happy in New York…not in right field, anyway.  Cameron is a center fielder.  He came to New York under the premise that he would be the Mets’ star center fielder.  That was forgotten when Carlos Beltran decided to hit 8 home runs in 12 games in October.  2: Not part of the Minaya regime, Cameron is one player that could be viewed as expendable.  3: At 33, Cameron is aging as well, and that does not fit in too well with Minaya’s vision of the New Mets.  4: Xavier Nady is perfect for a platoon-type offense…say, just for example, a first-base tandem of Mike Jacobs and Nady.  Jacobs finished his spectacular mini-debut with a .310 average and 11 home runs.  In the short time we had to watch him, though, something became clear- Jacobs may have difficulties batting against left-handers.  In such a short period (100 at-bats; Jacobs is actually eligible for Rookie of the Year next season, which, I have predicted, he will be one of the front-runners for), it wasn’t too apparent, but over a 162-game season, Jacobs may run into trouble against left-handers.  Solution?  Xavier Nady.  In 124 games, he batted .323 against left-handed pitchers.  He did hit more homers against right-handers, but homers should not be considered in this equation, especially since he’ll be playing in pitching-friendly Shea.  He is a solid hitter versus left-handers, and provides another breath of youth into the Mets franchise. 

     With Nady being available for first base, this leaves a gap in the outfield.  Who to put?  Seems like Manny is really on the mind of Omar this off-season.  Don’t count on Victor Diaz taking over.  He may, but he also does make fine trade bait.  There is Brian Giles, but Giles is also the center of attention for the Yankees, and this would lead to a bidding war over a 35-year-old outfielder.  Same goes for Johnny Damon, except the war would be against the Red Sox, he’s 32, and he’s not the power hitter the Mets need.  Manny seems to be glowing more than ever.  With no GM in place, the Red Sox organization seems to be like a chicken without its head.  The time is perfect for Minaya to swoop in and steal Manny.  With no other real viable option on the market, it seems to be the next logical step.  Mark these words: this trade is only the beginning of something big.  Minaya wouldn’t make a trade like this unless he had a guaranteed ******* waiting in the shadows. 

     In other news…Hideki Matsui returns to the Yankees, taking a 4-year, 52 million dollar deal.  Predictable.  I would’ve enjoyed to see him on the market, though.  It would have made the free agent off-season much more interesting.  Oh well…The Mets seem to be leaning towards Ramon Hernandez as their first choice for catcher.  A good fit, no doubt.  Not to mention that he is only 29 years old.  Kenji Jojima is 30, and Bengie Molina’s 31.  Hernandez only played 99 games this season, and showed himself off very well.  He’ll be a force on the Mets if he arrives…The Phillies visit Billy Wagner today.  Hope the meeting goes awful.  No matter what happens this off-season, Wagner is the key for the Mets.  Think of him as Keith Foulke was for the Red Sox.  The Hot Stove is picking up a little steam already…til next time.

Chris, out.

     Hello all, and welcome to another day of blogging about the hot stove.  Today seemed to be a trade day, as a lot of rumors began to circulate around some big names.  I’ll refrain from going on about Manny Ramirez, as I’ve already stated my opinion on that trade.  Instead, I’m going to focus on two very interesting deals that are developing for our beloved New York Mets.  The first revolves around Milwaukee.  Newsday reports today that the Mets are looking to use their surplus of starting pitching as a chip in the trade market.  Ken Davidoff reports: "According to a person familiar with the situation, the Mets would like to use Steve Trachsel to both create room in their rotation…and to plug their more obvious holes like first base and second base."  The Mets do have a surplus of starting pitching, and a trade might be wise, but at what price?  Personally. I believe the Mets made a mistake in moving Heilman to the bullpen this season.  Seriously, how do you take a pitcher that had a one-hit shutout and turn him into a set-up man?  At least have the dignity to make him the closer.  Maybe if he had been put into some save situations instead of Braden Loser, the Mets might have sneaked in with the wild card.  But the season’s over, and it’s time to move on.  What better way to move on than to eliminate some starters with inflated contracts and place Heilman back into his rightful place in the rotation?  Possibly with Jae Seo?  Seo became absolutely dominant in the second half of the season.  Perhaps Benson and Trachsel are the perfect chips to hold in an offseason where starting pitching is at a premium.  When A.J. Burnett counts as the best pitcher on the market, you know teams may become desperate.  Back to Milwaukee.  With Prince Fielder ready to take over, there is rumor that first baseman Lyle Overbay may become available on the market.  Overbay’s numbers took a drop this past season, as he hit .276, although he did hit 19 home runs.  The 28-year-old has shown promise, and is a good first baseman.  Numbers may be deceiving, as he’s only really had 2 full seasons, both in the NL Central, where games against the Big Three of Houston, Cy Young hopeful Chris Carpenter and a solid Cardinals rotation were common.  Playing in New York will most likely hurt his power numbers, as Shea is a pitcher’s park (410 in center field, for those non-Mets fans reading).  It definitely should be a consideration for the Mets, though, as Overbay has a great deal of potential waiting to be tapped.

     The second trade involves those Devil Rays.  Looking for starting pitching to balance their young rotation, the D-Rays and Mets may be starting to develop a trade that would bring both solid closer Danys Baez and first baseman Aubrey Huff to Flushing, according to the New York Daily News.  This, in my opinion, is a fantastic deal, if it can be pulled off for the right pieces.  I was shocked at the trade deadline to find that the Mets did not manage to bring Baez in.  He finished the season with 41 saves and a 2.86 ERA, a difficult task for a closer pitching in the heavy-hitting AL.  Huff has decent numbers, but I would rather see Mike Jacobs patrol 1st next season.  Hopefully, though, this deal will be moot. If this offseason goes well, then hopefully we’ll see Billy Wagner coming out every 9th inning, and Mike Jacobs at first.  As for second, Rafael Furcal is being persuaded by good friend Neifi Perez to play short for the Cubbies.  Competition between the Cubs and Braves may prove to be too much for the Mets, who would require Furcal to shift from his natural position, a move that often causes complications (see: Jose Reyes, Kaz Matsui).  Soriano’s name has come up again, and the Mets should pursue that trade before any other.  Here’s my dream for this offseason: Billy Wagner accepts a 3-4 year deal with the Mets.  Scott Eyre witnesses this and decides that the Mets are heading down the right path, and signs for 3 years as a set-up man.  Bengie Molina realizes just how well he would fit in with the team and signs.  This allows the Mets to work a deal that would send Yusmiero Petit and Steve Trachsel to the Texas Rangers, in return for Alfonso Soriano.  Do not consider a trade for Mike Cameron.  To finish it off, picture this: a rotation of Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Kris Benson, Jae Seo and Aaron Heilman, with Scott Eyre setting up the 8th and Billy Wagner closing the 9th.  This surrounding  a lineup of: Jose Reyes, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Cliff Floyd, Mike Cameron, Bengie Molina and Mike Jacobs.  Julio Franco as first base backup? Sure.  It is a dream.  But dreams come true sometimes. Here’s hoping.  Til next time.  De Lao, out.

     Another day, another post on the 2005 Hot Stove.  It’s time to look at one team in dire straits at the moment, the Boston Red Sox.  The Sox have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately.  Their first concern: General Manager.  Red Sox Nation (yours truly, included) was shocked this past week by the departure of wunderkind GM Theo Epstein.  Just one mere year after forming the 2004 World Champions, Epstein has left the Red Sox in a real bind.  Facing the possible (and in some cases very probable) losses of key players Bill Mueller (third base, for non-Sox fans), Kevin Millar (first base), journeyman second baseman Tony Graffanino, and rock star center fielder Johnny Damon, the last thing the Sox needed was to have to hunt for a new GM.  However, the cards have been dealt, and now the Sox have begun their pursuit of a new GM.

     Gorden Edes reported in today’s Boston Globe that the Red Sox have their first two candidates for Epstein’s successor.  The first two up to bat are former Montreal Expos GM Jim Beattie and current Washington Nationals GM Jim Bowden.  Bowden was quoted as saying, "Anyone who knows me knows I grew up a Red Sox fan and this would be a dream job."  A dream job it may be, but Bowden has a great spot with the Nationals, and I believe it will take a great deal of convincing to lure Bowden from his current position.  That said, if the opportunity presents itself, the Red Sox should jump at the chance.  Bowden, at 45, is a superb GM, who did a phenomenal job bringing the Nationals into contention this year.  He is bold, and willing to make the same type of high-risk, high-payoff deals that became synonymous with Theo Epstein’s tenure.  Other possible candidates include Chris Antonetti, assistant general manager to the Cleveland Indians, as well as Tony LaCava of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kim Ng, assistant GM of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

  Looking past GM, Boston also has issues with their free agents.  Kevin Millar has filed for free agency, and is not expected to return.  The same is believed of Bill Mueller; many believe that Kevin Youkilis’ time has come, and that he will replace Mueller at the hot corner.  There is also the agenda of one of their possibly most famous players, center fielder Johnny Damon.  The Sox need to focus their attention on retaining Damon, a clutch hitter and the spark that usually ignites the Sox offense (not to mention one of the only sources of anything resembling speed on their team.)  If not, they lose their lead-off hitter, possibly to the looming New York Yankees, who are desperate for a successor to Bernie Williams, and might be intrigued at the possibility of Damon switching sides.  Speaking of Yanks-Sox, there are those who believe that the next big war for free agents will be over relief pitcher B.J. Ryan.  The 29-year-old left hander would be a perfect fit for either team, both of which crave a solid pitcher for their bullpen.  Look for both teams to make a big pitch for him, with the Yanks having the advantage of actually owing a GM (Seriously, why, Brian Cashman?  Whine, whine, whine, then he takes the money.  Well, let him have fun dealing with the Boss for another couple of years.)  The Yanks are looking at Ryan as a set-up man for Mariano, though, and that may not fit into Ryan’s plans, but those pinstripes have a funny way of changing a person’s opinions awful quick.

     Speaking of pinstripes, it’s time to look at the other side of town.  The Mets have once again begun to inquire about Manny Ramirez, and the Red Sox once again seem poised to answer with a solid "no."  Conflicting reports from the New York Post and Boston Herald have Manny wanting to both play and not play in New York…sure sounds like Manny being Manny.  Trust me, Manny would not have a problem playing in New York.  After playing 6 or 7 seasons in Boston, Manny would have no problem playing in New York.  Either he’s looking for a contract extension, or to play close to home, or maybe he’s just trying to get the Red Sox’ attention.  A trade involving Manny would not, however, be beneficial for either side.  No matter who they would get, no one could fill in the shoes of Manny, a perennial 45-HR hitter.  As for the Mets, they already have a very solid outfield.  Bringing in Manny would only hurt a team that is just beginning to find their identity.  Not to mention that the mammoth salary of Manny would cripple the Mets’ chances of obtaining a needed free agent, such as Billy Wagner or Bengie Molina.  Don’t hold your breath waiting for this trade.

     Elsewhere on the hot stove…The New York Times reports that the Mets are interested in left-hander Joey Eischen.  The 35-year-old relief pitcher is coming off a good season for the Washington Nationals, pitching 36 1/3 innings with an ERA of 3.22.  This is an intriguing possibility, but the Mets should not look into it too far.  The Mets may need a left-hander in their bullpen, but there are better options on the market.  One option the Mets should pursue is San Fran relief pitcher Scott Eyre, owner of a 2.63 ERA this season…The Braves exercised their $4.75 million option on pitcher John Thomson.  Less money left for Furcal.  Could the shortstop be on his way to another location?  The Mets and Cubs are players.  The Cubs, however, have agreed to a 2-year, $5 million deal with shortstop Neifi Perez.  The Cubs also have young shortstop Ronny Cedeno waiting in the wings.  The list grows shorter for Rafael.  As for the Braves, if they lose Furcal, word is that catcher Johnny Estrada could be shown the door.  With several catching options available for Atlanta, Estrada could be trade bait for a team looking for a catcher…It’s reported that 22 teams are interested in free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett.  He is looking to cash in on a thin market and a moderately good season, reportedly seeking a 5-year deal.  Toronto appears to be the front-runner to bag him.  Some believe that he may reach his potential by departing from the Marlins.  As for my opinion: can you say, "Carl Pavano?"…Piazza to the Blue Jays?  Maybe.  Piazza’s agent is reported to have contacted the Jays in regards to the free-agent slugger.  Might be a nice place, but Piazza might be better suited for the LA Angels…Bartolo Colon wins the AL Cy Young.  I believe Santana’s ERA was more deserving for Cy than Bartolo’s record.  Then again, the Angels did make the playoffs, while Johan chilled out at home…One final note: Brewers GM Doug Melvin is looking to use the GM meetings to address the issue of September’s roster limitations.  Melvin points out that with no set limit on how many players may be on a roster in September, teams have an advantage over others in the hunt that may not be able to make as many call-ups from their minor league organizations.  A good read, I highly recommend it.  Here’s the link: Brewers’ GM has big idea.  Until the next time, guys.  De Lao, out.

     So hey everyone!  This is Chris, and this is my first blog.  Guess you should have a reason to read this blog, so here’s some quick info about me.  I have been a huge baseball fan for as long as I can remember, and am a loyal fan of the New York Mets (NL, 18 years and counting) and the Boston Red Sox (AL, 4 years and counting).  An unusual combination, I know, but they do share one common connection: an unparalleled hatred of the New York Yankees.  Thankfully, the Yankee drought has been 5 years and running.  This blog will be dedicated to observing the moves, trades, and play of all 30 (well, as many as I can keep track or interest of throughout the season) MLB teams, with a focus on the Mets and Red Sox.  I’ll discuss what trades I believe these two franchises should make, will make, and then critique each team’s decisions and play for the 2006.  I welcome all to discuss or argue my opinions, and I hope that you enjoy reading my posts, which I will try and keep on a semi-frequent pace.  Now, with all the intro material disseminated, it’s time to get to what this blog is all about for now: the 2005 off-season, and all the wonderful hot stove rumors.

     The Mets have been incredibly active to kick off the 2005 off-season, and (in my humble opinion), it’s all due to the genius of the fantastic Omar Minaya.  He has been an incredible boost to a Mets team that has been hindered by the awful decision making of prior GM Steve Phillips (his terrible reign as general manager can be viewed every time Victor Zambrano steps out on the mound, inspiring many Mets fans to shout, "If only Scott Kazmir were on that mound instead!")  Those days, however, are over, and Minaya has declared a new day for the Mets organization, with his 2004 pickups of Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran.  Martinez was fantastic, as usual, and will continue to perform in his stellar way for at least one more season.  As for Beltran, New York may have affected him in his first season here, but do not despair, for lightning rarely strikes twice.  With no quad injury hampering him, look for Beltran to have a 30-30 season, at minimum.  He will be a force on the bases, and his bat has a knack of becoming hot in the second half of the season.  Minaya’s deals of the previous season have left many wondering just what trick he will manage to pull out of his sleeve.  His first target: Billy Wagner.  The New York Post reported this past Friday that Minaya, accompanied by assistant GM John Ricco and special assistant Tony Bernazard, met with Wagner, his wife, and agent Bean Stringfellow.  From all reports, it sounded as though Wagner was very impressed with the meeting.  Several sources have quoted Wagner as saying: "I thought it was very good…I thought everything was very casual, very laid back, and they made it a point to really speak to my wife and make her feel comfortable."  It appears to be a good first impression, but the deal itself is FAR from over.  Remember, the Mets are in line, along with teams that include the Detroit Tigers (whom Wagner plans to visit), the Red Sox, the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago (both the Cubs and White Sox), and (supposedly) 4 other teams.  It will be a strong race, and one that may wind up providing a great deal of cash for Wagner.  It is a deal that takes a good deal of commitment, but Minaya must make this deal.  4 years, no trade clause, whatever money it takes (Wagner is believed to be looking for a 3-year, 27-30 million dollar deal), Minaya must get Wagner to the "New Mets."  A move such as bringing Wagner to New York will send a clear message to the NL East, as well as the other MLB teams: The Mets are for real, and are looking to win a World Championship NOW.

    If Wagner should choose to either stay with the Phillies or go to another team, Minaya is still faced with several options.  These include B.J. Ryan, the 29-year-old from the Orioles, who performed superbly this past season, and notched his first All-Star game.  He completed the season with an ERA of 2.43, 36 saves, and 100 strikeouts.  Were Ryan to accept a deal with the Mets, odds are the ERA will drop even further, playing in the national league.  Ryan also has the added advantage of having 5 years on Wagner, who is 34.  The one difference: Wagner is a proven player; a stud, who continually shines.  His career ERA is 2.40, and he has never had a season with an ERA above 2.85 (his third full season), except for 2000, when he injured his elbow.  Wagner’s elbow is cause for concern, but considering the Mets’ condition, this concern is negligible.  Wagner is the clear choice, and don’t be surprised if Minaya offers a 4-year deal at slightly over 30 million in his bid to build the Mets up into a contender.

     Looking past the bullpen situation, the Mets have also begun looking at intriguing possibilities that may bring two members of the despised Atlanta Braves to Flushing in pinstripes of blue and orange.  Rafael Furcal, the Atlanta shortstop, is a free agent, and Minaya has inquired into Furcal’s willingness to switch to second base, a position which the Mets are desperate to fill.  Furcal batted .284 this season, with 46 stolen bases.  He has problems with consistency, and his average has never pierced .300, but he is a force on the base paths.  Picture this: a top of the lineup that includes 3 switch hitters who combined for 123 stolen bases this season alone.  Add that to the resurrected Cliff Floyd, who finally reached his potential this year with an injury-free season, and a bright shining star in D-Wright (let the record show that I have been heralding this kid since he first arrived in the majors, and I believe he still does not get the recognition he deserves), and you have a very dangerous lineup.  Furcal would be a great addition, but Minaya must not focus on him.  The priority remains with closers and catchers.  The second Braves player whom the Mets are considering is ageless first baseman Julio Franco.  An unusual choice, Franco would provide a solid backup, should current first baseman Mike Jacobs falter.  On that note, allow me to make my first prediction for the 2006 season: Mike Jacobs will be a contender, and most likely will win, NL Rookie of the Year.  Back to business: Franco is an interesting option, and if the opportunity presents itself (decent contract, nothing too debilitating), then bring him to Shea.  However, Minaya should leave this deal on the lower end of the priority list.

    Finishing up this incredibly long blog (for those going blind from reading so much, I apologize!), it’s necessary to look at the one glaringly empty position for the Mets: catcher.  This season was the farewell season of Mets wonder man Mike Piazza.  A phenomenal hitter, Mike was the face of the Mets for 7 years, and will forever be remembered by Mets fans as the savior of a lost franchise.  He did everything short of handing the Mets a World Championship on a silver platter, and we may not have won with him on the team, but he did something even better: he gave us reason to believe.  That said, it is time to look into Mikey’s successor.  The Mets have been in contact with free agent Bengie Molina, formerly of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Orange County of California of the wherever they’re from in the first place.  The Mets are also considering Japanese catcher Kenji Jojima, a 29-year-old who is supposed to be a perennial .300, 100-RBI man.  After watching Kazuo Matsui perform these past 3 seasons, though, I am very skeptical of picking up another Japanese free agent.  Bengie, the elder of the Flying Molina Trio, is 30, and completed this past season with a .295 average, 15 home runs, and 69 RBIs.  These numbers are fine, especially for a catcher, but they are very misleading.  This was Bengie’s finest season, but he has not proven himself to be a solid catcher.  He has never hit more than 15 home runs, and a pitcher’s park like Shea Stadium will only hurt those numbers.  Hernandez features similar numbers.  He completed this season with a .290 average, 12 home runs, and 58 RBIs.  A less consistent hitter, Ramon is even more of a risk than Bengie.  It is difficult to tell how either catcher would perform in a Mets uniform.  One notable difference is: Hernandez hit .290 in the National League, the league attributed with better pitching.  However, Bengie hit solidly this season on a team that fought its way tooth and nail to the ALCS.  Jojima is an interesting option, but unless Minaya can determine that Jojima will be the Shea equivalent of Hideki Matsui, he should stick with MLB proven hitters.  I believe he needs to pursue Bengie Molina, and platoon him with Met favorite Ramon Castro, who proved he can more than handle a backup catching role.  Should Molina fall through, then perhaps Jojima might make an interesting fit.

     It’s going to be a very interesting 2005 off-season.  In fact, it may be legendary.  Already, GMs have departed, names are being whispered through the air (Delgado…Thome…), and players are looking to find new, comfortable homes, possibly in the residences of division rivals of the team they formerly played for!  The drama is high, and it only grows higher from here.  Look out for my next post, where I’ll examine the many problems of the Boston Red Sox, and the moves they need to make to stay in contention next year.  Til the next time, this is De Lao- out.