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The offseason has officially begun for the New York Mets, and yesterday Mets players and coaches cleaned out their lockers and went their separate ways. I'd imagine several of those players will be in new locations come February, as trades appear to be the route most likely to be taken in improving the team for 2013 and beyond.
Terry Collins is excited about what the team might be capable of in 2013 though, and he's already making plans to see some of the younger players in the instructional leagues and winter ball. Like Collins, I'm fairly excited about the future of the Mets rotation.
Around Baseball:
As mentioned in the headline, the wild card round of the MLB Playoffs is set for today. The Cardinals and Braves are set to get underway at 5 p.m. ET, and Talking Chop breaks down the pitching matchup for that one. After that the Rangers will host the Baltimore Orioles, and Joe Saunders will be facing Yu Darvish.
The Red Sox had a busy day yesterday, as they finalized the deal that sent Adrian Gonzalez and a pair of awful contracts to Los Angeles for prospects. Oh yeah, and they fired their manager.
Bobby Valentine left us plenty of memories in New York, and Howard Megdal looked a little closer at Bobby V. Sam Page also looked at the seven stages of a Bobby V meltdown for Deadspin.
The Mets would certainly like to unload an overpaid and unproductive Jason Bay, and the Mariners have one of those types of players of their own. Chone Figgins doesn't appear to be happy in Seattle, and is rumored to want a move. Good luck with that Chone.
Finally for today, Grant Brisbee took a look at what team has the best chance of replicating the Cardinals surprising World Series victory. My money isn't on the Orioles.