BY SCOTT LAUBERPlaying catch-up while I wait for my car to get fixed (long story) and contemplate how Santonio Holmes' Super Bowl-winning catch stacks up against David Tyree's leaping, ball-stuck-to-helmet grab last year:
--I recently posed this question to Charlie Manuel: If the Phillies can add one more piece before spring training, would you prefer another pitcher or a right-handed bat for the bench? "A pitcher," said Manuel, never hesistating. Well, how about lefty reliever Will Ohman? According to ESPN.com, and confirmed by my mole in Atlanta, the Phils plan to talk to Ohman's agent this week. Here's the problem: At the winter meetings, it was believed that Ohman was looking for a two-year, $8 million contract that mirrored left-hander Jeremy Affeldt's deal with San Francisco. But pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in 12 days, and Ohman still doesn't have a job. Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phillies may have the flexibility to add another player, but probably not for $4 million per year. So, if Ohman's asking price has come down, he may be an option to give the Phillies another lefty in the bullpen. Until June 1, when J.C. Romero returns from his 50-game suspension, Scott Eyre is slated to be the Phils' lone lefty reliever.
--More about Ohman: He has held lefties to a .197 average throughout his career, including .200 last season with the Braves. He's 31, has a 4.16 career ERA and is a movie buff. The Big Lebowski and Fletch are two of his favorites, which means he has good taste.
--The Mets have re-signed Oliver Perez to a three-year, $36 million contract. So, their rotation will include Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Perez and either Tim Redding, Jon Niese or old friend Freddy Garcia. It sounds like the Mets' offseason shopping is mostly complete, which means no Manny Ramirez in Flushing.
--Democrats and Republicans can't agree on anything (just ask President Obama), but when it comes to the naming-rights deal on the Mets' new stadium, they're in agreement: It shouldn't happen. As we mentioned in our Sunday MLB notes, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) have urged new Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner to "dissolve" the 20-year, $400 million deal between Citigroup and the Mets. Citigroup has announced plans to lay off 50,000 workers and is taking $45 billion in federal aid. The Mets and Citigroup intend to uphold the agreement.
--Want to hang out with the World Series trophy? Sure you do. Well, it'll be displayed at Concord Mall on Route 202 in North Wilmington on Feb. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m.
--We've written about a lot of this in The News Journal, but Maury Brown, founder of the Business of Sports Network and friend of The Blog, has posted a good breakdown of the salary arbitration process. Ryan Howard's hearing likely will take place next week in Phoenix. Maury studies this stuff for a living, and as he told us recently, a hearing between Howard and the Phillies could go either way.
We'll have more on Howard in The News Journal and on The Blog throughout the week, but for now, let me ask you this: How much do you care about how much money Howard makes in 2009?
4 comments:
OMG!!! All R. Howard does is strike out. He really needs to step up to the plate. He's not worth that kind of money.
OMG!!! All R. Howard does is strike out. He really needs to step up to the plate. He's not worth that kind of money.
OMG!!! All R. Howard does is strike out. He really needs to step up to the plate. He's not worth that kind of money.
OMG!!! All R. Howard does is strike out. He really needs to step up to the plate. He's not worth that kind of money.
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