Jerry Manuel is either a madman or a genuis, and I am not sure which. He has the media eating out of his hand - every whim he mentions this spring makes headlines. First it was his idea to bat Castillo in the leadoff spot, and now the suggestion that Daniel Murphy could be the every day left fielder for the Mets in 2009 makes the back cover of Newsday. Wow, is it a slow news day or what? Three days into Spiring Training, I sure hope Daniel has a shot at the job!
Expect the pressure to intensify on the Mets to reconsider the naming rights of their new stadium, as reports state that the bank whose name is currently adorned on the side of the building is currently negotiating with the United States Government for Uncle Sam to have a 40% ownership in the bank. This report was good news for Wall Street, but for Roosevelt Avenue I'm not so sure.
There will be fierce competition for the 5th spot in the rotation this Spring. Freddie Garcia pretty much has said he'll be the 5th starter or he's outta here, but that didn't stop the Mets brass from declaring Tim Redding the frontrunner. Redding may not be ready however, as he's still recovering from some offseason surgery. Jon Niese is still in the mix, as is Livan Hernandez, while Pedro Martinez is still unsigned but gearing up for the World Baseball Classic.
I am all for the World Baseball Classic, but wouldn't it make more sense to have it held in November rather than March? This way, players would have much longer to recuperate from any injuries that may occur, and it wouldn't disrupt Spring Training.
Finally, here's a transplanted ex-Mets Update for you: Anna Benson's husband Kris Benson has signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.
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