Emergence of the Tampa Bay Rays, Closing of Yankee Stadium, Mets Collapse and More!

K-Rod bringing the heat:

Upon signing with the Mets, Francisco Rodriguez is quoted as saying “Of course, we’re going to be the team to beat“.

K-Rod you may want to ask Carlos Beltran how his prediction last year turned out. I understand that K-Rod should be confident in his and the Mets ability but as a Mets fan who has watched his team collapse over the last two years, I really don’t want to hear all the chatter. Let’s cut out all the handshakes and “team to beat” quotes. Let’s play some good solid baseball this year. Am I the only Mets fan thats tired of the talk?

Bonds Will Hit For Food:

Barry Bonds says he’s not retired. I think it’s time for Bonds to face the music. He’s had zero offers in the last two years and there are still some pending legal issues he has to deal with. There is no GM in baseball who is going to risk their career and take a chance on Bonds. Besides if Bonds were to come back it would be in a DH role and there are plenty of DH free agents out there that are more appealing than Bonds (Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell, Milton Bradley). Would you want Bonds on your team? I know I wouldn’t.

Brian Giles:

Brian Giles has been allegedly caught on tape physically abusing his girlfriend and she has in turn filed a lawsuit against him. We’ve recently seen the NFL take a stance against improper off the field conduct (example Pac Man Jones). I’m wondering if MLB needs to start doing the same thing? Brian Giles actions are without a doubt a black eye for baseball and I think it’s time that MLB start to come down harder on it’s players who conduct themselves poorly off the field.

As a Mets fan, I am somewhat concerned as to how the New York Mets will handle the remainder of the off season in terms of signing free agents. It’s been reported that the Mets Principal Owner, Fred Wilpon stands to loose a substantial amount of money due to a fraud case.

The Mets recently signed Francisco Rodríguez to a three-year, $37 million contract but as we all know, the Mets have some major holes in their starting rotating and in Left Field. If Mr. Wilpon does loose a large amount of money, we could see the Mets become a conservative team and not look to bring in any more big name free agent and instead settle on less desirable players. I for one hope this will not be the case.

I don’t think the Mets need to spend money like the Yankees to be successful but they do need to bring in at least one more big name pitcher (Oliver Perez or Derek Lowe) and a big bat (hopefully Manny Ramirez). To do that, the Mets would need to increase the payroll at least another $35 million for 2009. The Mets are one of the richest franchises in baseball but I wonder if the recent issues with the CitiField Naming Rights and now this fraud case will cause the Mets to cut back a little?

As I sit here sipping my coffee, wondering if it’s too cold outside to smoke a cigar, I got to thinking about a few baseball things that happened last week and it got me to thinking, maybe I should start a new series summing up my thoughts on the week that was in baseball. So guys, here is my first post in what will become a “Weekly Rant” on a few things that happened during the prior week. Let me know what you think!

Manny Still being Manny:
It was reported earlier this week that Manny Ramirez is upset that he’s not getting the offers he would like and he might consider retiring. Manny has since come out and said that those reports are not true. Nevertheless, I think it’s time that Manny realize a couple things:

1. When you think about the big bats that are on the market, teams may be more interested in Mark Texeria over Manny. I know they play different positions but if you need a bat, Texeria might be a better option because he’s younger.
2. While Manny is a great hitter, all of his antics he pulled in Boston may have turned some teams off. The “Manny being Manny” phrase may be wearing a little thin with some folks. 

Fighting Phils:
I’m wondering why the Phillies are paying so much attention to the Mets? Cole Hamels was on WFAN earlier this week and stated that the Mets are choke artist. During the Phillies World Series Parade, Jimmy Rollins made reference to the Mets and Johan Santana. Isn’t all this smack talking the Phillies are doing the same type of in your face celebration they hate the Mets for doing? Oh how I can’t wait for the first time these two teams play…

Those Pesky Nats:
You got to give it up to the Washington Nationals. They are trying their best to put a good product on the field this year. Earlier in the off season they traded for Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen. They most recently made contract offers to Mark Texeria and Brian Fuentes. I doubt either will sign but at least their GM is working hard and they are making an attempt to better the team.

Quick word of advice to the Nats. Try and build from within, put together a winning season or two first and maybe you will have better luck getting a big name free agent to sign. Would you sign with Washington right now if you were a big name free agent? I know I wouldn’t.

What’s Next for The Mets:
The New York Mets have now taken care of the Bullpen by signing K-Rod and trading for Putz. As I previously stated, that had to be their #1 priority so I am pleased that they took care of it. Now they need to turn there attention to starting pitching. I’d prefer to see them either sign Oliver Perez or Derek Lowe, or both
BUT at the same time let’s not forget about Left Field.

I said it before I want Manny. I’m one of the few people who don’t care about all the baggage that comes with him as long as he hits. I also think now may be the perfect time to grab him. He’s not happy with the way the Dodgers are handling his situation and no other team has made an offer. The Mets could swoop in and possibly get him on the cheap. What do other Mets fans think?