Hot Stove Talk

[Dizzy Atmosphere]

While I'm not a Steve Phillips fan, the Mets have done much to improve themselves this off-season. Granted, he traded his two best prospects to Cleveland, but now's the time to make a run at Vinny Castilla's employer. Signing Roger Cedeno to an affordable contract also looks like a great move. Offhand, I can't think of another team that's helped themselves more so far this off-season.

I'd be interested to hear what fans/observers of other MLB teams (all 29 of them) have to say about their favorites.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Yankees are looking good, replacing a once-was with a looking-better-each-year, and dumping a few retirees.
Mariners are dealing pretty well. Even in a year when they're not desperate to replace some player-of-the-century. Maybe bring Tino back?
Mets score big with the latest Japanese model.

The Japanese League will become the Negro League of the 21st Century. Only difference is their raison d'etre: The MLB didn't allow Negro-Leaguers in, while the Japanese League doesn't allow its players out (without lying about retiring or getting sold).

[Pseudolus]

I like the way my Mets are looking! As long as Robby can keep his saliva away from the boys in blue, he'll be a welcome addition to the team. Now, if only Alfonzo could play SS, we might get some decent offense from the infield. (Unlikely with his injury history, but I'll grasp at any straws to get rid of Rey.)

Who would've thought that the Rangers would trade a pitcher for a hitter? Isn't that like an Eskimo trading for snow?

[VP]

This Braves fan regrettably concedes that both NY teams have impressed. Apparently 140 mil will buy you a pretty good team (But Karsay and Hitchcock for 6 mil each???)- I'd say this is getting ridiculous, but that implies..never mind. Atl was doing fine until they got to Castilla. If only Cle will complete their implosion and take Surhoff off our hands.

[Patience]

The Mets are not looking to spend any more than mid 90s. Alomar & Cedeno were relative bargins. & even though they gave up some good prospects, odds are only one could ever become a special player and then he still would probably be not equal to Alomar (who only 33)

Don't underestimate the Justice deal. Cleared 3B + $1.5 of salary for a more tradable player. Who is now going to Oakland for two pitchers & another $6 salary savings. + Edgardo gets 3B (where he came up).

Take all that saved $ add another $5 and Juan Gonzalez is in NY.

[Laffit Pincay, Jr.]

The Padres have done nothing to date other than fire a long time TV announcer. Also a new lawsuit possibly preventing work on the barely started downtown stadium. Signing Nevin was one thing they did right but almost lost him too.

This team shoots itself in the foot so often it will be very hard to attend games now that Tony Gwynn has retired. The hot stove is very cold here. I'll be at the SDSU Aztec games this spring, MLB is getting too ugly with all of the red ink and higher prices.

[Mr. Grim]

I have officially decided to quit following baseball until they figure a way to make the league more equitable. Maybe they should reduce all 28 teams to the minors and let the Yankess and Mets play 162 games a year against each other.

Does anyone know Bud Selig's email address?

[Pseudolus]

Rev. Sharpton to launch "No Justice, No Peace" protest?

[Dizzy Atmosphere]

[very ban pun]I thought that was No Justice, No Pease.[/very ban pun]

[Patience]

Now the Mets have Shawn Estes. It ain't over yet.

I expect them to trade two of the lefties + another player for a top level pitcher or a slugger outfielder.

Then 1 free agent deal for the one they don't trade for.

If Rocker & Evert are both on Texas, wouldn't it be great if they roomed together?