11-19-12 – RA Dickey, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, San Juan Rays, Good Winter, Bad Winter Updates

-It’s reported that both the Mets and RA Dickey are willing to execute a 2-year extension (2014 and 20154) and all that’s left is the amount of money in the deal.

                   - of course I would love this deal… it includes 2014 which is the year I have targeted the Mets for success. It also represents the years that both Michael Fulmer and Rafael Montero need to develop may could not be ready  to step into a major league rotation. No, I love it. Sign him, keep your team rotation dominant, and target the 2013-2014 off-season for new outfielders.

Nick Carfardo of the Boston Globe speculates that catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is attracting a good amount of attention around the league. He also says: “There seemed to be a strange dynamic in the Boston clubhouse regarding Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The pitchers overwhelmingly seemed to prefer throwing to him rather than Lavarnway over the last few weeks of the season, but he’s the one the team will likely deal if it gets a good offer.” Hmm… a defensive minded catcher that doesn’t hit much. Boy, just what we need, huh? 

 For the 2013 World Series odds, check out SportsBetting.ag 

Alex Mednick of MLB Reports wrote a fascinating article about the state of Florida professional baseball and it’s possible future in Puerto Rico.

Part of what he said was:

“There is momentum building in the movement to make Puerto Rico the USA’s 51st state.  Puerto Rico is home to 3.5 million residents, who all have a unique sense of pride and heritage.  Furthermore, Puerto Ricans are absolutely nuts for baseball…much unlike the native Floridians who fail in celebrating their hometown teams.  The San Juan Rays would be absolutely adored.  The Caribbean is such a large part of baseball already, but other than a few MLB training facilities, Major League Baseball really hasn’t jumped into this market.

Frankly, looking at who attends Miami Marlins games down in Miami, it is a majority of Caribbean fans who support the team.  Cubans, Haitians, and Dominicans love baseball the way that New Yorkers and St. Louis’ fans adore our national pastime.  Baseball in Puerto Rico is absolutely ripe for opportunity and seemingly a natural course to take.  Heck, you can even put the San Juan Rays in the NL East to create a natural rival with the Miami Marlins…then switch the hard-hitting Philadelphia Phillies and their huge payroll into the AL East.”

Go read the entire article. It’s worth reading…

More Mets continue to join various teams in various winter leagues. Nobody dominated in the Arizona Fall League (AFL); however kudos to pitchers Adam Kolarek (2.92) and Greg Peavey (3.86) for holding their own. The most outstanding pitching job so far has been accomplished by recently signed Greg Burke (Yaquis de Obregon – Mexican League). He’s had 16-appearances with a 2.16 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP… plus 4-4 in save-save opportunitites. Marcos Camarena (Tomateros de Culiacan – Mexican League)hasn’t pitched often but check out the stats: 5-G, 0.00, 0.38, 5.1-IP, 1-H. Armondo Rodriquez (Leones del Escogido – DWL) continues to strengthen his goal for a pen role in Vegas (11-G, 1.65, 0.80). Hitting wise, eyes have turned to C Juan Centeno (Atenienses de Manati – PWL) who is on fire: 17-AB, .471/.474/.706/1.180… and OF Cory Vaughn (Atenienses de Manati – PWL): 20-AB, .450/.560/.750/1.310.

Pundits are very critical about stats in winter ball pointing out how limited the talent of the competition is. So what do you say when things like this happens:  Juan Lagares: .211… Danny Muno: .226… Justin Turner: .184… Ryan Fraser: 5.79… Gonzalez Germen: 12.00… Chase Huchington: 5.73… Elvin Ramirez 5.23.

                                      Hot Stone

Florida signs OF Juan Pierre – 1.6mil – 1-yr

Detroit signed IF-OF Kevin Russo to a minor league contract – AAA: .284/.358/.351

Texas signed LHP Scott Olsen – 2011-2012: shoulder problems