The New York Mets signing of Michael Cuddyer

The Mets signed outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two year and 21 million dollar deal.  They were the first ones to make a big splash.  Cuddyer is a sign that the Mets are ready to compete and done with their rebuilding mode.  He turned down the one year/15.3 million dollar qualifying offer from the Colorado Rockies.  The Rockies will get a compensation pick from the Mets which will be the number 15 pick in the draft. 

Cuddyer is 35 and a two time all-star.  He was the 2013 National League batting champion.  He is a veteran of 14 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Colorado Rockies.  He owns a career 279 average and has played in 1,419 games.  He hits and throws right handed.  He played 49 games last season with the Rockies batting 332 with 10 homeruns and 31 RBI.  He made three trips to the disabled list with a left shoulder strain and a left hamstring strain. 

"We talk a lot about not giving up picks.  In this case, we looked at it, did the analysis and decided this player was worth it.  We had a pretty good sense of what was out there.  We're pretty happy that we addressed one of our biggest needs and, although we sacrificed a draft pick, didn't give up any of our current talent," Ricco said.  "We're still in a great position to have a productive meeting at the GM meetings and see how else we can improve the team.  "Certainly we value our draft picks and would like to hold onto them.  But, at the same time, we're looking to win.  So in this case, we decided that the value of Michael Cuddyer was worth it." 

They said that they looked at the injuries and there was nothing too concerning.  They feel he will be a good player for them.  They said the age is the age and their is risk with any signing but this is one they were willing to take.  I think this is a good move for the Mets as long as they add at least a shortstop with it.  I believe they are going to do that and then they are on their way.  They are too close to contending now to not take some risk and spend some money.  He will be a good veteran bat in the middle of their lineup.  It also signals to the fans and the rest of the baseball world that they aren't fooling around anymore and that the Mets are for real now. 

Yankees Postgame Notes

Javier Vazquez wasn't great but I don't know if he deserved the boos he received today. Javier didn't pitch particularly well but the fans are remembering him more for what he did his last time around in 2004. They aren't going to give him much of a chance because of that and it is something that Vazquez will have to work through. Here is what Joe Girardi said "As soon as he can get a win here, I think it will be best for all of us. Fans they remember, his next start will be on the road and it would be nice to get him a win and on a roll. Today we didn't score many runs, he could of won that game as well if we would of scored some runs today." Vazquez said it was "disappointing" to hear the boos but was upset with himself mostly. He was pressed by the media and finally admitted he thinks it is too early to be booed. Derek Jeter said "The bottom line is, they are Yankee fans. They want to cheer for you, they come here to cheer for you. Everyone has been booed at some point. You can't let it affect you. If Javy gives up three runs everytime he pitches he is going to have a pretty good year." Nick Swisher said this about Joel Piniero "I can remember him from back when he was with Seattle. He was a power guy, threw really hard. Now he still has that power in there but is using it more for movement. He threw some great sinkers today. Just when you think it is going to be in the zone it falls off the table." Robinson Cano has hit safely in all 8 games this season and has more multi hit games then one hit games. He has 5 multi hit games. Scott Kazmir will come off the DL tomorrow to make the start against the Yankees. Thanks to Chad Jennings for providing the quotes on his Lohud Yankees Blog.

Some Major League Baseball Odds and Ends

This is a story that involves both the Yankees and Red Sox. It is a bitter rivalry but when it comes to something like this there should be no rivaly. One of the Red Sox top prospects and he may even be their top. Baseball America rated him as the top prospect in the organization. Ryan Westmoreland will be undergoing brain surgery today. It is not known if he will ever return to baseball but at this time that doesn't even matter. This is a life threatening procedure as is any brain surgery. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family in this very difficult time. I can't say that this won't hurt the Boston Red Sox of course and I am sure there will be some Yankees fans that will bring up this hurting their hated rival but I don't think this is the time for that. I hope that he makes it through this and doesn't have too many setbacks after the surgery and one day he can return to baseball. This is a story that I will keep an eye on. The other big story of the last couple of days is probably more of a joke then anything. The rumor has been that there could be a trade between the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. The trade would be Albert Pujols for Ryan Howard. I don't see how this would ever happen and don't think it would. If I was the Phillies I would make the trade in a minute because Pujols is definitely better then Howard. I know some people have called this a modern day Joe Dimaggio for Ted Williams trade rumor/debate but you can't compare it to that because there is no question that Pujols is better. It is interesting anyway to debate and talk about and I would love to hear some opinions especially if there are any Cardinals or Phillies fans out there that want to discuss this with me.

Day Off for Yankees

The New York Yankees are off today one of only 2 days off in the spring. They have shut down all operations making the players and coaches be completely off for the day, which is a good thing. There isn't any news to report on the blog today regarding the Yankees but I will post about the Mets later and I think I am going to do a season preview for the Yankees so check back later on for some more. Everyone enjoy the day and don't jump off the cliff over CC yesterday, he will be fine and so will the Yanks it is only spring training. Johan makes his first start for the Mets today so its a big day for him the Mets and their fans. Manny Ramirez is also making his first start of the spring for the Dodgers today, that should be interesting. I think this guy could hit in his sleep though so im sure signing so late won't affect him at all.

New York Yankees News

CC Sabathia threw 28 pitches in a simulated game this morning to Hideki Matsui and Kevin Cash. Only 2 were put into play a single and groundout. CC said he feels fine and he is getting enough work, he will make his first start on friday. He threw 19 strikes and his fastball seemed to be where it needs to be. He was working on his cutter which is usually the last pitch to come around for him. The Yankees also announced their rotation for the next 8 days: Today:Wang Tuesday:Hughes Wednesday:Kennedy Thursday:Chamberlain Friday:Sabathia Saturday:Wang Sunday:Burnett Monday:Pettitte It was also announced today that Latroy Hawkins will take Joe Nathans place on Team USA's roster for the WBC. Latroy was let go from the Yankees after a miserable start and also trying to take Paul O'neill number 21, the fans didn't like him wearing that number too much.

New York Knicks Talk

I am not a huge Basketball fan and don't claim to know much about it, that is why i stick to mostly Baseball talk but I had to write something about the Knicks. The Knicks President Donnie Walsh has done a great job in getting under the Cap and also now getting two players who needed a change of scenery and who could help the Knicks get into the playoffs. Larry Hughes and Chris Wilcox and their contracts wont effect what the Knicks want to do in 2010 with signing at least 2 free agents out of that great class with Lebron James and Dwayne Wade being the 2 biggest names. The Knicks don't have a great record but hey if they make the playoffs they will take it, they are a fun team to watch again and in most every game that they do play. The energy has come back to the garden and for New York Knick fans they are getting excited about the future.

Arod Today

Here is Arod with Joba and Arod sure has the support of the fans out at George M. Steinbrenner Field. He really seems to be enjoying himself out on the field, but this story won't go away, hopefully he will just pour everything in to the baseball field and have a great season.

Day 1 of Full Squad

It was revealed today that Big Tex will bat third and Arod fourth. Joe Girardi also said today that Hideki Matsui will DH in all of the spring games. He wants his knees to get to the point where he is able to run well. I definitely see the value more and more of keeping Nady and Swish, they are going to need everyone they have. Joe G said right now Matsi is the leading candidate to hit fifth. Christian Garcia and Eric Hacker have caught the managers eye as well as Andrew Brackman. Jorge Posadas reason for leaving the press conference yesterday was he had something to do with his kids. If Arod did something like that they would go nuts and not believe his reason. Arod was the last one out to the field today and recieved a ovation, the fans seemed to treat him warmly. He did not speak to the media today saying talk tomorrow guys. The bottom line is with the fans if he produces and the team wins no one is going to care, on the road doesn't matter because he gets booed anyway. Damaso Martes hamstrings are stiff but he will be fine. Francisco Cervelli is expected back on Monday. Swisher and Tex signed a lot of autographs and talked to the fans a lot. I really think these guys are good guys and will help with the chemistry a lot. I can't wait to the games begin next week and we start counting down to opening day.

Larry King and Joe Torre

I sat through the entire Joe Torre interview on CNN with Larry King. I have to say he didn't ask the worst questions but no follow ups. I was writing in questions on the live blog along with some others, probably some of you im sure. The thing is they weren't asking the good questions online from us the real fans. It was ridiculous the things they were asking him on air, where were the good questions like Hey joe how does it feel to ruin countless bullpen arms? Hey Joe how does it feel to be up for so long, keep drinking that green tea in LA. I hope to see you in the world series where the Yankees can beat your brains in. Hey Joe thanks for ending the curse of the bambino. What were you thinking when you batted arod 8th? Hey Joe what happened to what happens in the clubhouse stays there?? Good job letting Joba get eaten up by the midges. How about the great strategy of playing the infield in in game 7 against arizona in 01 and losing the series for us. Should I continue, i am sure i have a lot more to say. How about I hear from you guys, please chime in and comment on this, how we really feel about Joe Torre, keep it clean of course but post your true feelings. Please also check out larry king lives blog to see some of my comments under Gary and also what is being discussed on http://yankees.lhblogs.com