Valadius

Here's how I view Jojima: He's a great hitter in Japan. How that translates in America remains to be seen. However, he's a Gold Glove catcher. Defense remains constant no matter what level you're playing on. I'd rather have a Gold Glove catcher than a poor defensive catcher.

Jojima Visits With M's, But No Deal Yet SEATTLE -- The agent for Japanese all-star catcher Kenji Jojima said Tuesday his client is not close to signing with the Seattle Mariners, one day after Jojima left Seattle following a weekend stay. "The visit went well," agent Alan Nero said Tuesday morning via telephone from his Chicago-area office. "But I don't believe we are close to an agreement. "The Mariners were incredibly hospitable. But we are still in the middle of this process. He's only visited one team. He's only been to Seattle." The New York Mets and the San Diego Padres reportedly are also interested in Jojima, 29. The Mets are expecting to lose veteran catcher Mike Piazza to free agency this offseason. The Padres' catcher, Ramon Hernandez, is also a free agent. Jojima, an all-star for the Fukoka Softbank Hawks, officially became a major-league baseball free agent Nov. 8. He turned down a reported three years and $22 million to stay with Fukoka. He would be the first Japanese catcher to play in the major leagues. Jojima batted .309, hit 24 home runs and drove in 57 in 116 games last season before he broke his left leg. He has won a Gold Glove in each of his last seven seasons for his defensive prowess. Jojima and Nero met with Mariners executives over last weekend. Jojima also toured the city to get a feel for how it would fit his family. Seattle, of course, is already home to All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, Japan's most famous sports celebrity. The Mariners currently have two catchers on their active roster: Former San Francisco Giants backup Yorvit Torrealba, a career .250 hitter over 262 games, and Rene Rivera, a veteran of 18 major-league games. Nero declined to reveal how many teams Jojima will visit other than the Mariners. Last weekend, a published report in Seattle said the Mariners and Jojima were about to sign a multiyear contract. Last week, Japanese newspaper Sports Nippon even went so far to report Seattle had prepared a Mariners jersey with Jojima's name and the number 2, his Fukoka number, on the back.

So I was listening to some comedy tracks on iTunes when I came across an Opie and Anthony skit about Mike Tyson where they come up with the idea of putting sports figures on Big Brother and watching what happens. Who would you like to see on a Sports Edition of Big Brother? I'll throw out some names: Mike Tyson Ron Artest Barry Bonds Darryl Strawberry Tonya Harding Dennis Rodman Rickey Henderson Terrell Owens

Howdy.

The Mets have declined the options of both Felix Heredia and Kazuhisa Ishii. Good riddance.

Ooh look, a typo: And the Schaefer Mets Player of the Month for July... this was August.

Heheheh... only after the rankings are finished...

Orioles??? Nationals??? What is this nonsense?

I'm sick, I'm taking antibiotics now...

Yes!!! I agree.

Put Biff Thunderpants on the scene.

I know that in 1999, Robin Ventura, Mike Piazza, and Edgardo Alfonzo finished 6th-7th-8th in the voting. No Met got a vote the last 2 years. I'm checking 2000, 2001, and 2002.

Mets Players in the MVP voting: David Wright: 1 5th, 1 7th, 2 8th, 2 10th = 18 points Tied for 19th Cliff Floyd: 1 8th = 3 points Tied for 26th Jose Reyes: 1 10th = 1 point Tied for 30th

This is utter bullshit. David Ortiz should have won this one. With all the clutch hits he delivered, he deserved to win the MVP. I think it's safe to say that without David Ortiz, the Red Sox would not have made the playoffs. He carried the Red Sox on his back during the final weeks of the season.

I submitted Gary Cohen for Hall of Fame consideration. He's the most exciting broadcaster to listen to.

I was the Mo Vaughn homer game. THAT was monstrous.

Bye-bye Cameron Diaz, hello Lastings.

Here's my prediction: Somebody gets traded. Here's who I see as an absolute LOCK to be a Met at the start of the season: Pedro Martinez Tom Glavine Aaron Heilman That's it. I really REALLY doubt Heilman gets traded. Zambrano is probably out, and Ishii if someone will take him. Omar might look to deal Seo now, but GODDAMMIT OMAR, don't do it!

Carlos Almanzar - suspended for steroids after this season.

I gotta get my dad on the phone to talk to his buddies...

Yeah, he did.

DEVIL RAYS HIRE ART HOWE Former Mets manager to earn $6 million over 4 years

I don't want Gary Cohen to leave radio. He's PERFECT on the radio.

Note to Omar - DON'T TRADE ANY OF OUR PROSPECTS. NOT A SINGLE ONE.

Red - Rose Blue - Alomar Yellow - Clemens Green - Bonds Orange - Stadium (Tropicana and Minute Maid) Purple - Giambi Brown - Stolen Base White - Bill Black - Joe Gray - Dodger Tan - Padre Pink - Palmeiro Pastel - Uniforms Gold - Glove Silver - Slugger Bronze - Plaque