Get in the mood for Spring Training!

It’s so cold here today that just reading this article about the first day in Port St. Lucie made me feel better. Ben Shipgel from The New York Times does a nice job of setting the scene for the players starting to show up for Spring Training. It’s just what we needed on a day like today.

The Best Free Agents Left on the Market

Yesterday Dayn Perry from FoxSports wrote a list of the top free agents left on the market. As you know, I’d like to see the Mets find out what kind of contract that Barry Bonds is looking for. If he wants one or two years at a reasonable price, there’s no reason that the Mets shouldn’t sign him.

You’ve probably heard that the Mets have been talking to Scott Boras about Kyle Lohse for quite some time. Apparently, his contract demands exceed his pitching skills by a wide margin. But Bartolo Colon might be worth a look as a fifth starter for a one year contract. He’s had way too many cheeseburgers and had a bad year last year. But there’s potential there as his Cy Young Award will attest to.

Right field is still unsettled in my mind

I find it hard to believe that the Mets will go into opening day with Ryan Church and Endy Chavez as the right field combination. Both players seem more like part time players to me. Carlos Gomez’ trade to the Twins frees up a roster spot in the outfield as well.

Ben Johnson was re-signed but he didn’t show much offensive ability last season. Trot Nixon, Reggie Sanders, and Preston Wilson are all still free agents. Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa haven’t retired yet either.

I think we need to bring one of these guys in to play right every day. Preston Wilson has the Mets roots but my choice would be Barry Bonds. I’d love to see him finish out his career with the Mets. As distasteful as his personality can be, he can still play.

Pedro Martinez and Animal Cruelty

Just what the Mets needed after introducing Johan Santana to the media. Pedro Martinez appears in a YouTube video attending a cockfight in the Dominican Republic. You can read the Newsday story here. Apparently, its legal and part of the Dominican culture. After the Michael Vick animal cruelty situation, the Mets really don’t need this negative attention. We’ll see how understanding the American public is of this “cultural” phenomenon.

Rain On The Parade

There was rain on the Giants victory parade but it didn’t damper the spirit of the fans in attendance. On Monday I told you that I was going to review the rundown on the other $100 million pitchers in anticipation of Johan Santana’s arrival in New York.

Well… I changed my mind. Although Santana didn’t say much today at his press conference. You can hear what he had to say to Mike and the Mad Dog here. On the left side of the page you can listen to the interview.

I won’t rain on Santana’s parade today by dissecting the disasters that precede him in the $100 million pitching club. Let’s just celebrate the day. There will be plenty of time to worry about his contract becoming an albatross before spring training starts.

In case you missed it you can watch the press conference here.