[O]f the $136.7M the Mets spent on players in 2011, $72.8M was given to players who could contribute to the team on a given night, and the other $63.9M went to players who were on the DL, players who were collecting big league checks in the minors, or players who the Mets were still paying, but who were no longer with the ball club.

I wonder when Boras, other agents, and the union start pressuring Selig behind the scenes to do something about the Wilpons. Having one of the two NY teams out of the game on FAs is really hurting their bargaining power. Or maybe they´re willing to wait a year, knowing that Selig is retiring after the season and that things might change then.

Bay, Niese, and Flores for F.DuBront (p), Wes Middlebrook (3B), J.Reddick or R.Kalish (OF), DiceK (to even out the salary), and R.Lavarnaway (c).
Mets need a 3B if DW gets traded next year. DuBront is out of options, but has potential. DiceK is injured and won't play anyway, but evens out the salary swap a little. Reddick/Kalish to fill in in RF (Duda to LF). Lavarnaway isn´t D´Arnaud, but he's an OK C prospect. Thoughts? [Note: this post originally said Maine instead of Niese. Pure brainfart, or early onset Alzheimer´s? You decide...] ;-}

"There's another unintended consequence that could occur in 2013 when the Astros move to the American League; with 15 teams in each league it will be necessary to have interleague play all season, instead of having it shoved into one block in June...Baseball's schedulers might be able to work out a scheme where no one plays more than 18 interleague games (the current maximum), but another workable schedule would have teams playing as many as 30."

Can someone please explain this to me? Why does interleague scheduling have to be radically changed due to balanced leagues?

Ruben Amaro Jr is the new Omar Minaya!

Jonathan Papelbon rhp
4 years/$50M (2012-15), plus 2016 option

4 years/$50M (2012-15), plus 2016 vesting option
signed by Philadelphia as a free agent 11/14/11
12:$11,000,058, 13-15: $13M annually, 16:$13M vesting option

2016 option guaranteed with 55 games finished in 2015 or 100 games finished in 2014-15

Two interesting things on Ken Davidoffs twitter

"Ken Davidoff of New York Newsday reports that the Mets are interested in free agent right-hander Jason Marquis.
Davidoff writes that the Mets view him as a replacement for Chris Capuano, who is aiming for a multi-year contract this winter. Marquis, 33, posted a 4.43 ERA over 23 starts this season between the Nationals and Diamondbacks before he suffered a fractured right fibula in mid-August. It could be a good fit, as the Staten Island native will likely look for a one-year deal in hopes of reestablishing his value and hitting the free agent market again next offseason."

"Omar Minaya could join a team by the #MLB winter meetings next month. #Mets would be relieved of $ from Minaya's new salary."

So Jason Marquis is Capuano 2.0 and Omarwatch 2011 is on

"If they ever come up with a device that measures the heart and put it on top of my head, they'll see I'm 6-9." - Jayson Carter, 4'9'' RIce walk-on

"That’s gut check," said Vick, after Philadelphia dropped its third straight game. "Some people have it and some people don’t but we’re going to find out who’s got it."

I didn't know it was June yet.

How about that Ed Kranepool?

I'm not fine. They told me I'd have the opportunity to close some games, and we've had 20-some save opportunities since then and I haven't even had one.