Johan Santanadana

This is a really good trade for the Mets. I mean, assuming the contract gets signed and blah blah blah. Santana apparently really wanted to come to the Mets -- which is nice, for a change. Some folks think that this might indicate that players now regard the Mets as a first-class organization, and Queens as a desireable place to play; but really, I don't think so.

The truth is that there were limited teams who would be able to afford to pay Santana the amount of money in an extension in order for him to waive his no-trade clause; realistically only the Red Sox, Yanks, and Mets. And the Sox and Yankees were more more interested in preventing their AL East rivals from securing Santana than in actually getting him themselves. Once that became apparent to Bill Smith (Twinks GM) he didn't really have anybody else to trade with except the Mets. Which is why they were able to get him for four Grade B prospects.

Still, it worked out great for us.

Also, Philly? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!

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I Need A New Job

Seriously. Anybody need a number-puncher or a data wrangler? I can't take this shit any more.

Back In Town

I'm back in the borough on MLK Day (or Lee/Jackson/King Day, as they called it in VA when I grew up -- and you wonder why there are still race problems in this country). Anyway, another drop of pure gold is up for you all over at the 'Geek. This one about Carl of Gado.

Yet Another Classic Over At The 'Geek

This one's on the value of catcher defense, specifically if Brian Schneider's defense is good enough to make up for his crummy bat. Uncle Pants, you should be happy. Much smarter men than I concluded that catcher defense is statistically insignificant. Plus graphs!