Meet the Mets

The reviews have started to come in regarding the imminent hiring of new GM Sandy Alderson. They range from gushing to sanctimonious. I'm bracing myself for this steroid stuff to catch on as the New York media needs some red meat on this story. Here are already some reactions to it from the blogs. Patrick Flood points out that Alderson has spent the last several years in his career fighting steroid abuse in the Dominican Republic. That should count for something, right? Joe Janish, however, thinks that Alderson needs to at least address it in his introduction. 

In terms of more positive reviews, here is Ted Berg getting cautiously hopeful about the new regime. Toby Hyde also sees significant positive signs in Alderson's ability to create a cohesive organizational philosophy.

Alderson's hiring has immediately created some issues regarding the management staff already in place. John Ricco now appears to be the GM in waiting after effectively spearheading this search. Omar Minaya likes Alderson and Fred, but isn't totally sold on a new role within the Met organization. 

And, let us not forget that soon we will be talking about a shiny new manager. Here is the Post's shortlist. Here is Ed Ryan's. 

Hisanori Takahashi's re-signing has become a little bit more complicated as the lefty has hired a new agent. Meanwhile, it's pretty safe to say that the Mets will release John Maine in the coming weeks.

Around MLB

Game 1 was ugly, particularly for Vladimir Guerrero.  Craig Calcaterra wants this torture to stop so that he can remember the young, amazing right fielder.

The great thing about having the World Series in San Francisco is that we get to have some incredible stories about the city and its fans. For example, a local marijuana dispensary is offering a free joint for every Giants home run (1 so far courtesy of Juan Uribe). Here's a quick slideshow of some of the more unique SF fans.

Barry Bonds wants to be the Giants hitting coach. Good luck with that.

All that talk about Joe Girardi leaving the Yankees seems to be hot air at this point.

And finally, the School Sisters of Notre Dame enjoyed quite a windfall recently as they found a Honus Wagner cardas part of a recently donated estate.