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?

During the late 1990’s/Early 2000’s New York Mets fans had the pleasure of watching Chipper Jones and the Atlanta Braves break our hearts time and time again. It got so bad that Chipper Jones named his son “Shea” (after Shea Stadium) because he loved playing against the Mets in New York so much.

Fast forward to 2007 and 2008. In spring training 2007 Jimmy Rollins made the prediction that dispite all the talent the Mets had, the Philadelphia Phillies were the team to beat and they would be the ones that would win the NL East. Well, he backed up his prediction. Not only did the Phillies win the NL East, Jimmy Rollins went on to have the best season of his career, winning the National League MVP while the Mets choked and had one of the biggest season ending collapses in MLB history.

This season was no different. The Mets struggled down the stretch again, the Phillies went on to win the NL East for the second straight year on the last day of the season, rolled through the playoffs and won the World Series. It didn’t stop there. As most baseball fans know, during the parade to celebrate the Phillies victory, Rollins took time out to take another jab at the Mets. Rollins mentioned Johan Santana and stated “”It takes more than one player to bring home a championship.”

Personally, I wonder why Rollins is concerned about the Mets when he should be more focused on celebrating the fact that his team are World Series champions. Nevertheless, Rollins comments will definately add fuel to the fire for one of the most heated rivalries in baseball and in 2009 you can be sure that the chants of “Larry…Larry” will not compare to the roaring boos that Rollins will hear at CitiField in 2009.