The big news for Mets fans today is pretty easy to identify. While the hiring of CRG does not mean the end of the road for the Wilpons, as Eric pointed it out is definitely good news for Mets fans. It's good to see that we may finally be nearing the end of this financial disaster so we can focus on being competitive again.
Another interesting story which popped up today was in regards to the Mets medical staff. Apparently the team has realized the importance of actually performing exhaustive physicals before handing out massive contracts to players or agreeing to ship out prospects in trades. That's real progress on two fronts this morning. So far, so good.
In other medical news, Sandy Alderson seems to be tempering our expectations for Johan Santana. I think that's certainly a wise plan at this point, but I certainly look forward to seeing what he looks like in spring training.
Speaking of pitchers coming off of injuries, Rising Apple has a poll up concerning our interest in re-signing Chris Young.
There was a few pieces of news concerning Japanese players today. First, Hisashi Iwakuma has agreed to a one year deal with Seattle. This looks like it could be a very shrewd signing for the M's as the A's bid almost 20 million dollars last year to win his rights via the posting system.
Like Iwakuma with the A's, the Yankees have failed to sign a player whose rights they have won via a post. There was a pretty widely held belief when they won his rights that the bid was made just to block other teams from acquiring the player, so the failed negotiations really come as no surprise. This seems to be a major flaw in the posting system as the player now must remain in Japan.
Speaking of the Yankees and their money, FanGraphs takes a look at why they have been acting so cheap lately. I'm sure Cashman will make it clear that he doesn't like the value on the market and such but I think we all probably believe that he'd be all in if it was a better year for pitchers.
Finally for today, Ryan Howard has been cleared to begin exercising. I guess that means Philly fans won't have to wait to long to find out he's not worth his 5/125 extension which has just kicked in.