I Could Be Wrong, But…

·         Bill Madden of The New York Daily News  wrote a great article on how a $2bil sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers could raise the value of the New York Mets to close to $3bil. I think a figure like that would even turn the Wilpons on to a sale. I really wish “my team could get back to playing New York baseball and all us pundits can stop writing posts like… well, like this one!

·         Mike Silva of NY Baseball Digest  wrote an article questioning whether or not Johan Santana arrived in New York already injured. First of all, you will only read articles like this during the time when there is less than 30 days away from when the pitchers and catchers report. The off-season normally is a slow period, but this year has been tortoise –like. I don’t blame the Mets signing Santana to a 7-year deal “back then”. Frankly, I never cared how much the Mets paid anyone. It’s their profit and loss sheet and they can do what they want to.  I also never cared about the back end of a long contract, as long as “my” team just kept signing more players. Can you tell I was a 1980s kind of guy? Every Met writer out there has run out of subjects by now. Hell, look at me. I’m writing about Mike Silva!

·         The best third baseman in all of baseball may not even be playing in our system. His name is Yulieski Gourriel and he’s the 27-year old star of the Cuban National team.

      From http://mopupduty.com/yulieski-gourriel-bio/:

Yulieski Gourriel is generally thought to be the most talented infielder in the world who is not playing in the majors by most scouts and GMs around baseball. I first noticed him in the World Baseball Classic while he played for the mysterious team Cuba and was curious to know more about him as well as the level of ball played in Cuba. Gourriel is a SS/3B for the Sancti Spiritus of the Cuban National League. Born June 9th, 1984, the 22 year old first began playing international basebal for the Cuban National Team at the age of 17. A bona fide 5-tool player, Gourriel is a slick fielder with plus power to all fields. This year Gourriel had 27 HR and was one HR shy of the Cuban League record of 28.

·         Rick Ankiel signed with the Nationals. For some reason, the Mets have decided to go to camp with what they have and not sign anyone to a one year contract. Some of the people I talk to think that there is a plan to allow them to play (in 2012) the players they want to determine if they can help come 2014. Sounds crazy, but what doesn’t these days. For now, your starting outfield is Jason Bay, Andres Torres, and Lucas Duda. Scott Hairston obviously is the first off the bench and they it gets hazy. The current active roster have two players (Juan Lagares, Cesar Puello) that aren’t ready, and another (Kirk Nieuwenhuis) who is still hurt. I was hoping Josh Satin would get some more innings in winter ball, but it didn’t work out. Another option is Vinnie Rottino who can also double as the backup catcher. Lastly, Mike Baxter and Adam Loewen are still in the mix.

·         And lastly, I got a nice note from relief specialist Chasen Bradford:

        Hey… I really appreciate you putting me as a keeper. As a low round pick and not a big money guy you have no idea how much it means to see my hard work pay off. Hopefully I continue to climb the list and the ranks in the minor league system. Hope all is well and I hope your baseball juices are flowing becaue its almost here.  Thanks,  Chase