Let the games begin

I try not to ramble on too much about sports here since that is not the reason I created the blog. But, truth be told, sports (and baseball in particular) are a major passion of mine. My favorite team is the New York Mets, with Boston the squad I pull for over in the American League. Needless to say, I am extremely excited about the recent trade made by the fellas from Queens to pick up Johan Santana (pictured in his Mets jersey from today's press conference).

Santana is considered the best starting pitcher in baseball. The reason he was available via trade is that his prior team, the Minnesota Twins, could not afford to give him the big contract he was going to receive as a free agent after the '08 season. I won't get into all the details of the trade that brought him to New York but it's safe to say that the Mets were pleased to be able to get Santana for the 4 minor leaguers they sent Minny's way.

With Santana signed to a 6 year extension, the Mets become one of the top few teams in the National League with an excellent chance at making the playoffs and perhaps the World Series. And with many excellent players signed for the next several years, a new stadium set to open in 2009 (and provide even more revenue to this revenue earning machine), the future is very bright. While the minor leagues have been depleted by this and other deals, the Mets will have plenty of cash to sink into international free agents and other major league free agents. And next offseason looks like it will have a large haul of talent available for signing.

With only 8 days left until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, it's a great time to think baseball!

Until next time.

Ace