Baseball

I’m going to take a slight detour this morning from the traditional fantasy baseball article to put myself in my own little fantasy world.  What if I were the Mets General Manager?  How would I improve a team that was extremely disappointing (there’s an understatement) in 2010?  Let’s take a look:

Occasionally it's best not to know what's going on behind the scenes. During last season, the disarray and inner workings of the Blue Jays organization were revealed for all to see. Unfortunately. Now Alex Anthopoulos has the dubious task of taking his place behind the curtain and starting the magical Oz machine once again.

Through all the twists and turns the New York Mets have taken over the past four years, one factor has always remained constant.

That particular factor is relief pitcher, Pedro Feliciano .

Feliciano, who has been a mainstay in the Mets bullpen since his second tour of duty with the team began in 2006, has proven to be one of the most reliable relievers in the National League over the past couple of years.

The 2009 season was no exception.

Reds' fans should be digging the offseason so far. 

First, Diamond Dick Pole was sacked—well, that was during the last week of play (the unofficial start of Reds offseason). 

Anybody would be better than Pole. 

While many Reds' faithful were clamoring for Ted Power or Mario Soto, Bryan Price is a swell hire.

Price is a former Coach of the Year and Pitching Coach of the year for both the Mariners and Diamondbacks.  At 47, he's got some experience, but isn't a decrepit old man with jowels.

Like Dick Pole.

After a World Series like this last one, we Red Sox fans take a lot of consoling. It's never been fun watching one's sworn enemies' jubilation. 

Where, oh where, can a Boston loyalist turn for some trace of comfort?

Try National Public Radio.

Last winter, A's General Manager Billy Beane actually went on a "shopping-spree" and acquired Matt Holliday via trade with the Rockies. Then he got Jason Giambi, Orlando Cabrera, and Nomar Garciaparra via free agency.

Holliday and Giambi were supposed to bring power to a team that desperately needed some, but ultimately Beane's plan didn't quite pan out.

After a mid-season revelation that his team was not quite ready to compete, Beane unloaded the players he acquired during the offseason, in order to give younger players a chance to strut their stuff.

The Phillies have declined their $5.5 million option on third baseman Pedro Feliz, which means that the 34-year-old will become a free agent and likely won't return to the Phils in 2010.

Feliz quietly hit 12 home runs and drove in 82 runs last year batting in the seven-hole of the Phils' potent lineup. He was the team's best hitter with runners in scoring position, hitting for a .336 average.

In two seasons in Philadelphia, Feliz slugged 26 homers and knocked in 140 runs.

Friday's interesting Milwaukee-Minnesota Midwest regional trade was nice to see. Not only were old divisional rivals coming together for a rare trade that benefits both teams, but it leaves the Brewers with some interesting options.

First, by swapping Hardy for Gomez, the Brewers saved approximately $4.2 million in 2010 salary as Gomez makes roughly $400,000 to Hardy's slated $4.6 million. Next, they picked up an extra year of service time for Gomez, who won't be a free agent for three years to Hardy's two.

Hours after New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi helped lead the Bombers to their elusive 27th World Series championship in team history Wednesday night, he stopped his car to help a female motorist who had crashed her vehicle into a wall on the Cross County Parkway in Eastchester.