Thursday, December 21, 2006By Mike Steffanos
Things are fairly quiet on the Zito watch and other Mets news. I have some business to take care of that will eat up most of my day. I'll just share a few thoughts with you quickly before I go..
We can't let a day go by without checking in with the New York Post's Michael Morrissey, who has become our favorite writer by finding creative ways to put a negative spin on whatever is going on. Today is no exception:
Even if the Mets engaged in sunny negotiations with Barry Zito and his agent, Scott Boras, in Los Angeles, there are still storm clouds on the horizon. Zito's number of suitors has grown this week, and the Mets' primary competitor is taking the bull by the horns.... The Mariners reportedly met with Zito and Boras on Monday. Additionally, the Giants reportedly have vowed to bid on Zito. This must at least somewhat curb the enthusiasm that Zito will come to Flushing.
For Mets fans, the most distressing news might be this: a source told The Post yesterday that Rangers owner Tom Hicks is helming the charge to sign Zito in no uncertain terms.
Earlier this month, the source said, Hicks walked into a meeting and told his front-office people something to the effect of, "I'm taking over this negotiation now."
Although Texas privately shot down reports it had already offered six years and $100 million to Zito, don't bet against it happening by the end of the Zito negotiations. [my emphasis]
A day isn't complete without Morrissey finding that dark cloud hidden behind the silver lining. I don't know, I just find it entertaining. Good thing Morrissey walked away from his last job manning a suicide hotline...
An interesting feature in the San Francisco Chronicle where Zito displays a very businesslike attitude and talks about wanting to win. This persona will serve him well if he comes to New York, where everyone flounders a little at first.
At least if Zito does go to Texas our buddy Dan from LoneStar Mets will get a chance to see him pitch a lot. Perhaps it will distract him from writing extremely long reworkings of holiday classics. I haven't quite decided whether it's a work of genius or dementia, but I admire the effort either way.
As I've said, I'll be in and out for most of the day. I'll get to any emails or comments later on.
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Comments (3)
I feel like I'm waiting in St. Peter's Square, checking the smokestack to see what color smoke is spewing out. There's plenty of other fun stuff to do besides wring our hands helplessly, folks:
* Start a pool at work to see who comes closest to the Mets' eventual, and inevitable, second consecutive division title. I've already got September 22nd.
* Buy the newest baseball video game of your choice, and plunk Yadier Molina endlessly (thank you, Laurie from FAFIF).
* Click around at Mike's Mets Amazon Store. Only a few more shopping days till Christmas.
* Plan your first 2007 Mets outing. This foresight is especially useful for those of us who are further than a subway or parkway from Shea. For me, it means skillfully turning a weekend road trip to Miami into a coincidental "Hey, look who's playing the Marlins this weekend!"
* Find a baseball card store (there used to be so many of them), and see how many Mets you can find. Offer to trade your mint Gregg Jeffries rookie card for the whole stack.
* Spend weekends watching the Jets and/or Giants blow whatever slim playoff hopes they still have, so they can remind us all that football is what you watch from the last game of the World Series until pitchers and catchers report.
* Debate with fellow Mets fans whether Milledge and Heilman for Kazmir is a fair deal, and whether the Rays would take it if offered.
* And for heavens' sake, don't worry. Be happy. Remember all the hand-wringing over our playoff pitching rotation? That worked out. Remember "To Stay or Not To Stay" Glavine? That worked out. Let not your heart be troubled. This will work out.
Posted by NostraDennis | December 21, 2006 8:04 PM
Happy Holidays Mike. Hope the New Year brings everything you hope for.
All The Best.
Posted by Mike V | December 21, 2006 8:33 PM
NostraDennis - I like the Molina idea best.
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Mike V. - Thanks, all the best to you and yours.
Posted by Mike Steffanos | December 21, 2006 11:03 PM