MFS62

Klapish strikes again. He loves those "high ranking officials".Seems like some reporters want to become the news rather than reporting it. He is stirring up the pot on the ESPN website.Later]NEW YORK -- After a flurry of delirious check-writing, appearances at glitzy press conferences and otherwise rerouting the road to mediocrity, has the unthinkable finally occurred in New York? Have the Mets become the city's best baseball team? No one would've dared pose the question in 2005, not even two months ago. But thanks to the Wilpon family's money and general manager Omar Minaya's near-compulsive need to make trades, the Mets boast a roster that's nearly as star-studded as the Yankees'. Even if the roster isn't as talented, the Mets might still have a clearer path to the playoffs than the Bombers. Says who, any Yankee loyalist will ask. None other than the Bombers themselves. One high-ranking official said this week, "There's no question the Mets are the best team in that [NL East] division. So go ahead, say they're favorites. Say they're the best team in the whole league. Put the pressure on them, for once." The Yankee official wasn't speaking spitefully or sarcastically, he was simply candid enough to tell the Mets: Welcome to our world, where even a two-game losing streak isn't tolerated, and five years without a world championship is the equivalent of a dark age. Harsh as it is, the Mets are loving the limelight. They're the hottest team in town and certainly the busiest. Their projected $110 million payroll is still some $70 million lighter than the Yankees', but they have All-Stars in four starting positions (first base, catcher, left and center field), an elite-caliber Opening Day starter in Pedro Martinez and the game's hardest-throwing lefty reliever in Billy Wagner. Many baseball officials believe the Mets now project to a 90-win season, even if Minaya doesn't make another move before April. Finishing at 90-72 might be good enough to topple the Braves. At the very least, the Mets have surged past the Phillies, Marlins and Nationals, none of whom have significantly improved this winter. The Yankees? They're a year older, slogging through a crisis in center field, trying to pass off Bubba Crosby as a suitable replacement to Bernie Williams. The real crossroads, however, will be the moment when Johnny Damon decides he'll accept less than a seven-year deal. But the question is for whom. While the Yankees wait out Damon and his agent, Scott Boras, the Red Sox and Blue Jays have both upgraded their starting rotations, prompting Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi to boldly say, "We've closed the gap" on the East's power brokers. It's conceivable a three-way race will ensue, and the Yankees could find themselves out of the playoffs for the first time since 1993. It's a long shot, but Yankees GM Brian Cashman is desperately looking for help. Still, as long as the Yankees are committed to Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang, and further refuse to trade Carl Pavano, they look inert compared to the Mets. Cashman admitted as much, wearily saying, "It took me four days just to trade [Tony] Womack" during the winter meetings. Of course, George Steinbrenner can't possibly allow the Mets to outright steal the Yankees' place in the universe. The Bombers are poised for an intense courtship of Roger Clemens beginning in January, and are so intent on stealing Damon away from the Red Sox, Joe Torre personally called the free-agent center fielder on Tuesday, according to Newsday. But the Mets aren't finished with their own upgrades, either. Minaya continues his pursuit of Manny Ramirez, having tried to hatch a three-way deal with the Rangers and Red Sox that would've landed the slugger at Shea. According to one National League official, the Mets wanted to trade Kris Benson to the Rangers for Juan Dominguez and Laynce Nix, then package them with Carlos Beltran to Boston for Ramirez. The deal never got past the Rangers, however, and Minaya has back-burnered Ramirez -- for now. In the meantime, the GM is low-key about his chances of outdistancing the Yankees, refusing to rule out the possibility of finishing second to Atlanta. "That's the best young nucleus they've had in a long time," Minaya said of the Braves. "They lose [Rafael] Furcal but they replace him with someone who might be even better [Edgar Renteria]. "We haven't won anything. The value of winning as a team, as a nucleus, that's insurmountable. The Braves have that." Clearly, Minaya is trying to take pressure off his newcomers, like Wagner, Carlos Delgado and Julio Franco. But the Mets front office is gearing up for a long, loud summer in Flushing, Queens. There's a new cable network, SportsNet New York, coming in 2006 and to help cover the cost, the Mets have raised their ticket prices by 7 percent, including prime seats that now cost $96 apiece. The Yankees moved even faster than the Mets in raising prices. Two weeks ago, they announced the Stadium's best seats will cost $110, after selling for $90 last year. Not that the two teams are actually competing for revenue. The Mets and Yankees have their own distinct fan bases, so the who's-better question is more likely to impact street corner debate than attendance or TV ratings. But the Yankees and Mets are clearly aware, if not wary, of each other. When the Bombers were looking for a center fielder last summer, they knew the most logical place to look was Shea Stadium, where Mike Cameron was unhappy after being shifted to right field. The Mets could've made a deal. They could've taken the Yankees up on their offer of Gary Sheffield for Cameron. But the trade was nixed at the highest levels in Queens, where one Met executive told a go-between, "Why should we help the Yankees get over the top? Why?" Bob Klapisch is a sports columnist for The Record (N.J.) and a regular contributor to ESPN.com

Well, since the technique was already being taught in B-schools, I'd say it is rather old hat and standard and ho- hum. Later

Bret, I don't see your "set a fixed price, then negotiate the years" approach as anything radical or novel. In my Contract Negotiating course I learned that there are over 30 different negotiating ploys. That was one of them. I wouldn't be surprised if agents have tried that before now. After last year's contract for Benson was announced, there was rreported "outcry" from other GMs that the Mets had "set the price" for #3 starters. I have no doubt that agents took a look at that number and said something like "if Benson is worth $7 million per year, my guy is worth X" and then offered their player on the market at that X price. Why do you feel your idea is so novel? Later

="Bret Sabermetric"] As we've seen, mediocre catchers are abundant now and probably will be for some time. Not to mention the catch and thorw guys like Charlie O'Brien, his heir Brad Asmus, and Alberto Castillo (O'Brien Lite). Those guys hang around forever. Later

]From the Bergen Record: THIS AND THAT: The Mets and Manny (Part Three). According to a major league executive, the Mets made a strong effort to trade Kris Benson to the Rangers recently, hoping to acquire starter Juan Dominguez and outfielder Laynce Nix and then package them with Carlos Beltran in exchange for Manny Ramirez. The deal with Texas dissolved, however, and Ramirez is no longer considered a front-burner issue at Shea. Beltran for Manny has resurfaced? Oh well. Later

Maybe they wanted to see how long his one home run per year streak would last? Later

And how does he throw the splitter? He has so many choices. Later

Mole, I was thinking baseball. My dad (may he rest in Peace) was a big racing fan, and probably would have known of him. Later

Hmmm. It looks like Danny Kaye behind the mike. Didn't he once own a piece of the Pirates? Or early Vin Scully? But, since we're on the topic of the Phillies, could it be early Byron Saam? Later

The OTD I went to was a night game. Don't remember against which team, but it was bloody hot - over 90 degrees and it was a night game. We had lower deck boxes behind first base. The women escorting the players to the field were wearing long "turn of the century" (as in 20th) dresses, complete with bustles. They must have been sweltering. After the game, my friend had made reservations for us (our wives were with us) at a place called "DiMaggio's" on Northern Blvd in Flushing. We didn't know what we were looking forward to more, a place with a baseball theme or the air conditioning. When we got there, it had no association with either Joe D or baseball. And the air conditioning was broken. But we were so hungry we ate there anyhow. Later

I voted "other" and was thinking of Al Moran as soon as I read the title of the thread. I took the question to mean who I disliked (I don't like the "h" word) the most, rather than who was most disliked by Mets fans in general. My feelings for Moran grew out of the frustration that they couldn't find anybody better. Also, the first year he was here, he had this awful looking stance that made you just know he couldn't hit a lick. (or a baseball for that matter) When he showed up the following year, he still had that same lousyy stance. And that is what moved him to the top of this category in my mind. Later

Mole, I asked your question on another site that attracts fans of all teams, and this is the only feedback so far. I'll keep checking for more. ]He got his start working for Trenton Thunder and their radio station back in the mid to late 90s. I noticed he popped up on the Phillies broadcast within the last couple of years. I usually tune out announcers pretty easily, but he always seemed solid enough to me. Later

I just happened to check out his playing career today. He was a reserve outfielder for the White Sox during his playing days. His "most like" players include Brad Komminsk and ex-Met Al Luplow. I was wondering, it seems that bench players (mainly catchers and infielders) have had success as managers. The stars who tried it mostly failed. Maybe that's because they have a lot of time to watch the game and discuss/ study it from the bench. But is anyone aware of any major league outfielders who have gone on to a career as a (successful) General Manager? The only other one I can think of is Frank Robinson. Later

Redarding the Padilla for a PTBNL trade: And from the outgoing president of the BBWA, from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram - TR Sullivan ] The Texas Rangers acquired right-handed pitcher Vicente Padilla on Monday from the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named later. One of the players on the list for the Phillies to choose from is right-handed pitcher Ricardo Rodriquez. He was 2-3 with a 5.53 ERA for the Rangers last season. Imagine, being traded for Ricky Ricardo. Later

Santana is an interesting case. He was a throwback to the days when shortstop was a defensive position and middle infielders weren't counted on to provide much offense. He played more games at his position than any other infielder on that club except Kieth. He is probably the most forgotten regular on that club. Later

Edgy DC wrote: Check again. He and Mookie have appeared for years together, signing photos of the ball scooting past him as Mookie rounds first. Thousands of them all over the internet. As for run out of town, he came back and played a half season with Boston in 1987, and returned in 1990 at 40 years old. Really, he's made a killing on the card show circuit, in Met-fan and Cub-fan circles, if not in New England. He's made such a career out of being a good sport, it's almost sad. Didn't know that. Thanks. I just remembered all the stories about what happened to his family right after the Series. Since I'm not a card collector, that got right past me. (I know, bad joke) Later

Edgy DC wrote: Because running out of the dugout, waiving, and ducking back in would increase his card-show base fee. Are you talking about Buckner? The guy got basically run out of town, his house picketed by fans and his kids accosted by classmates in school. I don't think he has / triedto cash in on his bad world series moment like some others (Ralph Branca?) have. I think he has wanted to just forgetthe whole thing. On second thought, Shea might be the only remaining place where he could hear cheers. Later

Edgy DC wrote: By the way, I was just doing some Wifey Watch research, and it turns out my stupid joke was right, and Julio's wife really is named Rosa. Edgy, that treads the fine line between serendipity and dumb luck. LOL! Later

A tiny note in today's Daily News refers to Canizares as being 31 years old and a "defensively challenged" catcher and says the Yanks and The Mets are the two teams showing most interest. Later

Frank, a few questions, with the understanding that I haven't read your book yet: You started out with the Pirates: Was Branch Rickey the General Manager? What was he like? Did you get any advice from Ralph Kiner? What was it? Kiner left the Bucs in 1953. Did they leave up Kiner's Corner in left field, or did they revert to the old dimensions - 365 feet down the left field line? If they did, your homer totals playing half your games in Forbes Field were very impressive. Later

Steve- was there any broadcaster who helped you fine tune your skills when you were first getting started? If they didn't work directly with you, was (were) there any who you tried to pattern yourself after? Later

Vicente will be happy to know that they're moving the fences back in Philly just in time for him to leave for another band box. But for a PTBNL? He was a regular starter. That would have to be a pretty good player. The draft is over and the rosters prettywell secure. Why the wait? Hmmmm, could be it will be a player they will be receiving in a soon-to-be- announced deal. Later

Does that include what they paid his brother? Later

Welcome, Frank. My screen name stands for Mets Fan Since 1962, so I saw you play. I'm sure my fellow Mets fans join me in saying that we are very glad to see you here. I usually ask new members to get up on that virtual table in the middle of the room and sing their school fight song. But in your esteemed case, I gladly make an exception. Later

Bret Sabermetric wrote: We did have some fair slugging 1B men available, forget who just now, but I would have found some cheap AAA type (Jacobs?), the kind of slugging prospect/suspect types that are always available and taken a flyer on one of them. Y'mean like Tony Clark? Once the Mets lost out on Delgado, I wanted them to sign him instead of trading for Mientkiewicz. Of course in 20-20 hindsight, if they had, the Mets might not have promoted Jacobs and given him a chance to show what he could do in the majors. As a result, they might not now have Delgado. You never know. Later