Meet the Mets

The Mets GM search has entered a more concrete phase today as the team has scheduled interviews with at least three candidates: Rick Hahn, Josh Byrnes, and Allard Baird. Allard Baird!!!??? Hopefully, he doesn't light up the room, but if he does, he probably wasn't as bad as his record suggests.

Also of significant note today: Francisco Rodriguez is working on a plea deal with the Queens prosecutor that will surely include an anger management program. 

In terms of actual personnel decisions, here's a quick look at this year's crop of arbitration eligible Mets.

Roy Halladay's no-hitter against the Reds reminded Barry Larkin of Al Leiter's two-hitter against Cincinnati, so there's that for some sort of silver lining.

Around MLB

Tim Lincecum and the Giants dominated the Braves in game one helped along by one of the postseason's trademark bad calls. I can't wait for all the calls for instant replay to begin, dragging most playoff games past the 5 hour mark.

Here are more facts to put Roy Halladay's game in perspective.

Why is Hanley Ramirez naked? Why is this a good idea ESPN?

Groan. Mitch Albom is writing a script for a Ernie Harwell play.

At least one media figure seems to believe that steroids may not be a bad thing for athletes. Poor Brent Musburger, he doesn't know what's about to hit him.

And, finally, the Freakonomics blog did a podcast on the drop in runs this year. Good listening for your commute.