Tartans

Omar Minaya's TRADE HISTORY with the New York Mets .

2009:
08/25/09 Traded Billy Wagner to the Red Sox for for Chris Carter and Eddie Lora
08/08/09 Traded cash or PTBN to the Cubs for Jason Dubois
08/06/09 Traded Greg Veloz to the Nationals for Anderson Hernandez
07/10/09 Traded Ryan Church to the Braves for Jeff Francoeur
05/30/09 Traded Ramon Castro to the White Sox for Lance Broadway

2008:
12/10/08 Traded Aaron Heilman , Endy Chavez , Jason Vargas, Mike Carp , Ezequiel Carrera and Maikel Cleto to the Mariners for J.J. Putz , Sean Green , and Jeremy Reed .
12/12/08 Traded Scoot Schoeneweis and cash to the Diamondbacks for Conner Roberton
08/17/08 Traded Anderson Hernandez to the Nationals for Luis Ayala
06/13/08 Traded cash to the Diamondbacks for Trot Nixon
02/02/08 Traded Carlos Gomez , Deolis Guerra , Philip Humber and Kevin Mulvey to the Twins for Johan Santana
01/05/08 Traded Corey Coles and Ryan Meyers to the Cubs for Angel Pagan

2007:
11/30/07 Traded Lastings Milledge to the Nationals for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider
11/28/07 Traded cash to the Rays for Brian Stokes
11/20/07 Traded Guillermo Mota to the Brewers for Johnny Estrada
08/20/07 Traded Jose Castro and Sean Henry to the Reds for Jeff Conine
08/17/07 Traded cash or PTBN to the Pirates for Luis Matos
08/06/07 Traded cash or PTBN to the Marlins for Chad Hermanson
07/30/07 Traded Dustin Martin and Drew Butera to the Twins for Luis Castillo

2006:
12/06/06 Traded Brian Bannister to the Royals for Ambiorix Burgos
11/20/06 Traded Henry Owners and Matt Lidnstrom to the Marlins for Adam Bostick and Jason Vargas
11/15/06 Traded Health Bell and Royce Ring to the Padres for Jon Adkins and Ben Johnson
08/30/06 Traded Victor Diaz to the Rangers for Mike Nickeas
08/22/06 Traded Evan Maclane to the Diamondbacks for Shawn Green and cash
08/20/06 Traded cash or PTBN to the Indians for Guillermo Mota
07/31/06 Traded Xavier Nady to the Pirates for Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez
07/19/06 Traded Jeff Keppinger to the Royals for Ruben Gotay
06/09/06 Traded Kazuo Matsui and cash to the Rockies for Eli Marrero
05/26/06 Traded Geremi Gonzalez to the Brewers for Mike Adams
05/25/06 Traded Robert Manuel to the Reds for David Williams and cash
05/24/06 Traded Jorge Julio to the Diamondbacks for Orlando Hernandez
01/25/06 Traded Angel Pagan to the Cubs for Cash
01/22/06 Traded Kris Benson to the Orioles for Jorgo Julio and John Maine
01/04/06 Traded Jae Wong Seo and Tim Hamulack to the Dodgers for Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll

2005:
12/05/05 Traded Gaby Hernandez and Dante Brinkley to the Marlins for Paul Lo Duca
11/28/05 Traded Cash to the Pirates for Tike Redman
11/24/05 Traded Mike Jacobs , Yusmeiro Petit and Grant Posmas to the Marlins for Carlos Delgado and Cash
11/18/05 Traded Mike Cameron to the Padres for Xzvier Nady
05/20/05 Traded Jed Hansen to the Giants for Cash
04/02/05 Traded Matt Ginter to the Tigers for Steve Colyer
04/01/05 Traded Andy Dominique to the Blue Jays for Cash
03/31/05 Traded Pat Mahomes to the Dodgers for Cash pr PTBN
03/28/05 Traded Cash to the Mariners for Benji Gil
03/24/05 Traded Cash to the Indians for Fernando Lunar
03/20/05 Traded Jason Phillips to the Dodgers for Kazuhisa Ishii
01/27/05 Traded Ian Bladergroen to the Red Sox for Doug Mientkiewicz and Cash
01/05/05 Traded Vance Wilson to the Tigers for Anderson Hernandez

2004:
12/03/04 traded Mike Stanton to the Yankees for Feliz Heredia

Apparently, Sammy Sosa has not yet retire . Who knew?

The most interesting thing to his sit-down with ESPN: “I will calmly wait for my induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Don’t I have the numbers to be inducted?”

Uh, sure. So does Rafael Palmeiro. And there’s the problem.

We know what Palmeiro did. We know what Barry Bonds and  Roger Clemens did.

We think we know what Sosa did.

Is that enough to keep him out of Cooperstown?

My take is let them all in if they have the numbers. The times were what they were. Provide the context as necessary so future generations will realize some of these outlandish numbers may be or definitely are tainted. The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum should be already crafting it's blue prints for The Steroids Wing, aka The House that ‘Roids Built.

 

The Steroids Wing will feature interactive exhibits on the notable events and players who marked this era. The Wing will have its own Gallery of inductees – players who, had they not played and partaken in this Age of Enhancement, would likely be in the main Gallery on the other end of the Hall. Every inductee, every fan, every historian will enter this wing through the same archway, on which will be inscribed the words said by George Mitchell the day he released his report on the use of banned substances in baseball:

 For more than a decade there had been widespread illegal use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances by players in Major League Baseball in violation of federal law and baseball policy. …

Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and Sammy Sosa represent an inaugural class that rivals the Hall’s first class of Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.

 

The truth is, the cheats belong in Cooperstown, regardless of the Mitchell Report.

Not because they should be honored. Rather, because history should be honored.

If the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is indeed a repository of the game’s history, how can you leave these central figures out?

 

We can say ban them all. They cheated. They threatened the very integrity of the game –the so-called level playing field — and therefore don’t deserve to set foot in Upstate New York, let alone Cooperstown. That sentiment is valid.

Except we can’t erase history, we can’t erase achievement, no matter how tainted. We can only clarify, contextualize, providing the proper perspective for future generations who will look at the outlandish numbers from the late 1980s through part of this decade and wonder how in the hell that happened.

Example:

Dad?

Yes, son?

Who is Todd Hundley?

Pretty much a journeyman player. Nothing special. Why?

Well, how did he hold the record for home runs in a season by a catcher?

That’s a funny story, son. Well, not so funny. Let’s walk to the Steroids Wing; the movie narrated by Jose Canseco explains everything.

He’s a hero, right?

No, son, no ….

Build the wing, and isolate these greats/chumps there. Do it for the kids; if they know the history, there’s less of a chance it will be repeated.

The Making of the 2010 Mets
Starting eight:

1. C -
2. 1B -
3. 2B - Luis Castillo signed 4 yr/$25M (2008-11) ~~ 2008 :$6.25M 2009: $6.25M 2010 :$6.25M 2011 :$6.25M
4. 3B - David Wright signed 6 yr/$55M (2007-12)+2013 club option ~~ 2007 :$1M 2008 :$5M 2009: $7.75M 2010 :$10.25M 2011 :$14.25M 2012 :$15.25M 2013 : club option @ $16M or $1M buyout
5. SS - Jose B. Reyes signed 4 yr/$23.25M (2007-10)+2011 club option ~~ 2007 :$2.5M 2008 :$4M 2009: $6.125M 2010 :$9.375M 2011 :club option @ $11M or $500K buyout
6. LF - Daniel Murphy signed 1 yr/$0.401M (2009) ~~ 2009: $401K 2010: $400K 2011: $400K 2012 :arbitration  2013 :arbitration 2014 :arbitration
7. CF - Carlos Beltran signed 7 yr/$119M (2005-11) plus full no trade clause ~~ 2005 :$10M 2006 :$12M 2007 :$12M 2008 :$18.5M 2009: $18.5M 2010 :$18.5M 2011 :$18.5M
8. RF - Jeff Francoeur signed 1 yr/$3.375M(2009) ~~ 2009: $3.375M 2010: arbitration 2011: arbitration

Starting Rotation:

1. SP1 - Johan Santana signed 6 yr/$137.5M (2008-13)+2014 club option plus full no trade clause ~~ 20 08 :$19M 2009 :$20M 2010 :$21M 2011 :$22.5M 2012 :$24M 2013 :$25.5M, 2014 : club option @ $25M or $5.5M buyout
2. SP2 - Oliver Perez signed 3 yr/$36M (2009-11) ~~ 2009: $12M; 2010: $12M; 2011: $12M
3. SP3 - John Maine signed 1 yr/$2.6M (2009) ~~ 2009: $2.6M 2010 :arbitration 2011 :arbitration
4. SP4 - Mike Pelfrey signed 4 yr/$5.25M (2006-09) ~~ 2006 :$512,500K 2007 :$512,500K 2008 :$1,987,500M 2009: $2,237,500 2010: $500K 2011 :arbitration 2012 :arbitration  2013 :arbitration
5. SP5 - 
   
   
   
   Bullpen:
6. Closer - Francisco Rodriguez signed 3 yr/$37M (09-11)+2012 option ~~ 2009: $9,166,667; 2010: $11,167,000; 2011: $11,167,000 2012: club option @ $17.5M or $3.5M buyout 
7. Setup - J.J. Putz signed 3 yr/$13.1M (2007-09)+2010 club option ~~ 2007 :$2.2M 2008 :$3.4M 2009: $5M 2010 :club option @ $9.1M or $1M buyout
8. Relief - Pedro Feliciano signed 1 yr/$1.6125M (2009) ~~ 2009: $1,612,500 2010 :arbitration
9. Relief - Sean Green signed 1 yr/$471K (2009) ~~ 2009 :$471,000 2010 :arbitration 2011 :arbitration  2012 :arbitration
10. Relief - Brian Stokes signed 1 yr/$409.5K (2009) ~~ 2009 :$409,500 2010 :arbitration   2011 :arbitration 2012 :arbitration  2013 :arbitration
11. Relief - Bobby Parnell signed 1 yr/$400K (2009) ~~ 2009: $400K 2010: $400K 2011: $400K 2012 :arbitration  2013 :arbitration 2014 :arbitration
12. Relief - Tim Redding signed 1 yr/$2.25M (2009) ~~ 2009: $2.25M 2010 :arbitration

Bench:

1.C - Omir Santos 1 yr/$400K ~~ 2009: $400K 2010: $400K 2011: $400K 2012 :arbitration  2013 :arbitration 2014 :arbitration
2.INF -
3.INF/LF -
4.OF - Jeremy Reed signed 1 yr/$925K (2009) ~~ 2009: $925K 2010 :arbitration 2011 :arbitration  
5.OF -


Other:


Total Salary:
2010 = $  91,213,000M
2011 = $  86,736,000M
2012 = $  39,250,000M
2013 = $  26,500,000M

Plus Bobby Bonilla will receive 25 equal payments of $1,193,248.20M each July 1 from 2011 to 2035 A total of $29,831,205M

Met Free Agents after the 2009 season:
1.Carlos Delgado
2.Brian Schneider
3.Fernando Tatis
4.Alex Cora
5.Gary Sheffield
6.Ramon Martinez
7.Elmer Dessens
8.J.J. Putz  (has $9.1M 2010 option)
9.Tim Redding (arbitration eligible)
10.Jeff Francoeur (arbitration eligible)
11.John Maine (arbitration eligible)
12.Pedro Feliciano (arbitration eligible)
13.Sean Green (arbitration eligible)
14.Jeremy Reed (arbitration eligible)
15.Brian Stokes (arbitration eligible)
16.Angel Pagan (arbitration eligible)
17.Corey Sullivan (arbitration eligible)

~ Here is the latest by Forbes on the value of MLB franchises.

Value :

1. Yankees $1.5B 
2. Mets $912M
3. Red Sox $833KM
4. Dodgers $722M
5. Cubs $700M
6. Angels $509M
7. Phillies $496M
8. Cardinals $486M
9. Giants $471M
10. White Sox $450M
11. Braves $446M
12. Astros $445M
13. Mariners $426M
14. Nationals $406M
15. Rangers $405M
16. Padres $401M
17. Orioles $400M
18. Indians $399M
19. Diamondbacks $390M
20. Rockies $373M
21. Tigers $371M
22. Twins $356M
23. Blue Jays $353M
24. Brewers $347M
25. Reds $342M
26. Rays $320M
27. Athletics $319M
28. Royals $314M
29. Pirates $288M
30. Marlins $277M

Revenues:

1. Yankees $375M
2. Red Sox $296M
3. Mets $261M
4. Dodgers $241M
5. Cubs $239M
6. Phillies $216M
7. Angels $212M
8. Giants $196M
9. White Sox $196M
10. Cardinals $195M
11. Astros $194M
12. Mariners $189M
13. Braves $186M
14. Tigers $186M
15. Nationals $184M
16. Indians $181M
17. Rockies $178M
18. Diamondbacks $177M
19. Rangers $176M
20. Padres $174M
21. Orioles $174M
22. Brewers $173M
23. Blue Jays $172M
24. Reds $171M
25. Rays $160M
26. Athletics $160M
27. Twins $158M
28. Pirates $144M
29. Royals $143M
30. Marlins $139M

Richest Owners:

1. Nationals - Theodore Lerner @ $3.2B bought team from MLB for $450M in 2006
2. Cubs - Sam Zell @ $3B Tribune Co. bought team in 1981, Zell took control of Tribune in 2007.
3. Braves - John Malone @ $1.5B bought team from Ted Turner's Time Warner in 2007
4. Astors - Drayton McLane @ $1.4B bought team in 1992
5. Tigers - Michael Illitch @ $1.4B bought team in 1992 for $82M, also owns the NHL's Red Wings.
6. Reds - Carl Linder @ $1.4B a fall from the #3 spot, was worth $2.2B at this time last year.
7. Yankees - George Steinbrenner @ $1.3B
8. Athletics - John Fisher @ $1.2B part owner since 2005, down from the #4 spot, worth $1.8K last year.
9. Red Sox - John Henry @ $1.1B
10. Rangers - Tom Hicks @ $1B bought team in 1998 from George W. Bush, also owns the NHL's Dallas Star.

 

 

Good, not great …And that’s ok with them. The sad truth of the Mets ball club right now is that with these owners, as long as they do enough to keep people coming into Citi Field, they don’t care about winning championships. If we had an owner in the mold of George Steinbrenner, Manny Ramirez would already be a Met. The Mets could make themselves the unquestioned best team in the National League if they were to do one more thing, and that’s signing Manny Ramirez. Unfortunately for Mets fans our beloved owners don’t care about being the best, they just care about being good enough.

It’s hard to call Fred and Jeff Wilpon cheap when the Mets will have the highest payroll in the NL, but it’s easier once you look uptown and see the other New York team spending 70 million more dollars. If you’re a Mets fan it probably made your stomach turn to see Jeff Wilpon blame Omar Minaya for not wanting Manny Ramirez, when you know full well that Minaya would sign Ramirez tomorrow if given the go ahead from Fred and Jeff. If it isn’t a money issue, then we have to question whether or not Minaya actually still has full authority when it comes to baseball related moves, because his affinity for Ramirez has never been a secret.

It is true that the Mets biggest weakness last year was their bullpen, and it has been greatly improved. That cannot be argued. What can be argued is will the offense be as good as it was last year. Last season the Mets offense scored enough runs to win the division, but it took a renaissance of sorts from an aging slugger. If Carlos Delgado reverts back to his 2007 performance the Mets lineup is in for a world of trouble. It’s hard to go into a season with championship aspirations with a questionable platoon in left field and a total black hole at second base. If you compound that with a sub par season from Delgado you could be looking at another disappointing finish. All because the Wilpon’s did not want to spend the extra cash to go for a championship.

There’s a serious offense problem that has spanned two Septembers and if the Mets don’t fix it get ready for more of the same.

I don’t know about the rest of you but the thought that a player the caliber of Manny Ramirez is out there, and the Mets aren’t interested, makes me almost physically ill. It’s pure insanity to think the Mets can’t raise their payroll when they’re going to be making more money than they ever have before. If the Madoff scheme has really cost the Wilpons so much that it becomes a detriment to the on field product they should sell their share in the team or at the very least say so.

If you can afford to make it to Citi Field this season I want you to add up how much money you’ve spent. On your ticket, on your souvenirs, on your beer and your food. Add it all up while you watch Fernando Tatis play left field and Luis Castillo play second base. Add it up while you think about the three superstars the other team in our city signed this off-season. Add it up when you think about the twenty million dollars a year the Wilpons will get from Citi Bank and the money they’ll save on revenue sharing because of the new park. Add it all up and try not to make yourself ill while thinking about what could have been.

2009 commitments :

1. C - Brian Schneider - $4.9M
2. C - Ramon Castro - $2.5M
3. 1B - Carlos Delgado - $12M
4. 2B - Luis Castillo - $6M
5. SS - Jose Reyes - $5.75M
6. 3B - David Wright - $7.5M
7. IF - Fernando Tatis - $1.7M
8. IF - Alex Cora - $2M
9. LF - Dan Murphy - $400K
10. CF - Carlos Beltran - $18.5M
11. RF - Ryan Church - $2.8M
12. OF - Jeremy Reed - $ 925K
13. OF - Marlon Anderson - $1.15M

Rotation:

1. SP - Johan Santana - $20M
2. SP - Mike Pelfrey - $1.3125M
3. SP - Oliver Perez - $12M
4. SP - John Maine - $2.6M
5. SP - Tim Redding - $2.25M
6. SP - Jon Niese - $400K
7. SP - Bobby Parnell - $400K

Bullpen:

1. RP - Francisco Rodriguez - $12.3M
2. RP - J.J. Putz - $5M - team option for 2010 worth $8.6M
3. RP - Pedro Feliciano - $1,612,500
4. RP - Duaner Sanchez - $1.7M
5. RP - Brian Stokes - $402K
6. RP - Sean Green - $400K
7. RP - Connor Robertson - $400K

Other commitments: Billy Wagner - $10.5M, Scott Schoeneweis - $1.6M and Wilie Randolph $2.25 million this year, less his salary from the Brewers.

 

That's around $141.25M committed.  They entered 2008 near $138MM. Omar Minaya could have about another $20M to spend, just enough for Manny Ramirez! But the Wilpons DO NOT want to go over the $162M luxury tax, or go over last year payroll by much more then they already have. You're only looking at adding nothing more.

So Here above we have the 2009 Mets.

Note: Adam Rubin of the NYDaily News reports that the payroll is a now estimated at $147 million (not including Wilie Randolph's $2.25 million.

Luxury Tax on team payrolls:

 

• 2007 = $148M
• 2008 = $155M
• 2009 = $162M
• 2010 = $170M
• 2011 = $178M

Signings for 2009:

 

• OF/INF Fernando Tatis - 1 yr @ $1.7M
• 1B Carlos Delgado - Club option exercised @ $12M ($8M paid by the Mets- $4M paid by the Marlins)
• RHP Francisco Rodriguez - 3yrs $37M
• RHSP Tim Redding - 1yr @ $2.25M
• INF Alex Cora - 1yr @ $2M
• Duaner Sanchez - 1yr @ $1.7M (Avoid Arbitration)
• Jeremy Reed - 1yr @ $ 925K (Avoid Arbitration)
• Ryan Church - 1yr @ $2.8M (Avoid Arbitration)
• Angel Pagan - 1yr @ $575K (Avoid Arbitration)
• John Maine - 1yr @ $2.6M (Avoid Arbitration)
• Oliver Perez - 3yrs @ $36M
  
• Pedro Feliciano - 1yr @ $1,612,500 (Avoid Arbitration)

Minor League Signings for 2009:

• LHP Edgar Alfonzo - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• Tony Armas Jr. - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• Adam Bostick - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• OF Jason Cooper - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• Elmer Dessens - 1yr minor league deal 600K w/ invite to spring training
• LHRP Valerio De Los Santos - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• RP Matt DeSalvo - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• OF Frank Diaz - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• OF Jesus Feliciano - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• RHP Nelson Figueroa - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• LHP Casey Fossum - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• SP Freddy Gracia - 1 yr. minor league deal w/ incentives that could earn him up to $9M
• INF/2B Andy Green  - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• SP Livan Hernandez -  1yr minor league deal $1M w/ invite to spring training
• OF Bobby Kielty - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• OF Rob Mackowiak - 1yr minor league deal $600K w/ invite to spring training
• LHP Tom Martin - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• RHP Tim McNab - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• OF Angel Pagan - 1 yr. minor league deal $575K
• C Salvador Paniagua - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• 2B Argenis Reyes - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• C Rene Rivera - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• C Omir Santos - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• RHP Kyle Snyder - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• OF Cory Sullivan - 1yr minor league deal $600K w/ invite to spring training
• LHP Jon Switzer - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invite to spring training
• Heriberto Ruelas - Signed to a Minor League Contract

Minors w/ invite to spring training:   (23 total )

• LHP Michael Antonini
• RHP Dillon Gee
• RHP Tobi Stoner
• 1B Michel Abreu
• SS Jose Coronado
• OF Fernando Martinez
• C Joshua Thole

Trades:

• RHP Aaron Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, LHP Jason Vargas, INF Mike Carp, OF Ezequiel Carrera and RHP Maikel Cleto FOR  RHP J.J. Putz, RHP Sean Green and OF Jeremy Reed from the Seattle Mariners. Joe Smith traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of this trade.
• LHP Scott Schoeneweis and $1.6M FOR RHP Connor Robertson from the Arizona Diamondbacks

Rule 5 Draft: Selected

• RHP Rocky Cherry from the Baltimore Orioles
• RHP Darren O'Day from the Los Angeles Angels
• OF Carl Loadenthal from the Atlanta Braves
• RHP John Madden from the San Diego Padres

Released:

• 1B Olmedo Saenz
• RHP Jason Lavorgna
• 2B Michael Parker
• OF Darren Clark

Non-Tendered:

• Ambiorix Burgos
• Argenis Reyes- later resigned

Looking ahead to 2010:

Coming of the books -

• 1B - Carlos Delgado - $12M (Only paying $8M)
  
• RP - Billy Wagner - $10.5M
  
• RP - J.J. Putz - $5M (option for 2010)
  
• C - Brian Schneider - $4.9M
• C - Ramon Castro - $2.5M
• SP - Tim Redding - $2.25M
• IF - Alex Cora - $2M
• IF - Fernando Tatis - $1.7M
• RP Scott Schoeneweis - $1.6
• OF - Marlon Anderson - $1.15M
TOTAL = $39.45M

• Regular Season = 153-100-1
• Playoff Record = 4-4
• Overall Record = 157-104-1

NFL Championship Weekend

NFC (FOX, 3:00 PM ET): Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals

AFC (CBS, 6:30 PM ET): Baltimore Ravens @ PITTSBURGH Steelers

With my credibility shot, my self respect in tatters, I offer this last-gasp stab at redemption. The Eagles-Steelers matchup is the logical selection. So …:

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at ARIZONA CARDINALS: The Eagles, by all appearances, are the 2008 edition of last year’s Giants. But the Eagles are beaten up, and Arizona — a dangerous home team all season — proved they are legit with the trouncing of the Carolina Panthers. Cardinals 29 Eagles 17

BALTIMORE RAVENS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS: It’s incredibly hard to beat the same team three times in one season. Ask the 2007 Cowboys, who beat the New York Giants twice before losing to them in the playoffs. Ask the 2008 Giants, who suffered the same fate at the hands of the Eagles (memo to self: do not blog while fighting vicious head cold. Nice catch, Adam.). In a razor-tight game, that could be enough. Ravens 17 Steelers 13.

*Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida on Sunday, February 1 (NBC).

• Regular Season = 153-100-1
• Playoff Record = 4-4
• Overall Record = 157-104-1

NFL Divisional Playoffs Weekend

Saturday, January 10
AFC:     4:30 PM (ET)
Baltimore (11-5) at Tennessee (13-3) (CBS-TV)

NFC:     8:15 PM (ET)
Arizona (9-7) at Carolina (12-4) (FOX-TV)

Sunday, January 11
NFC:    1:00 PM (ET)
Philadelphia (9-6-1) at New York Giants (12-4) (FOX-TV)

AFC:    4:45 PM (ET)
San Diego (7-8) at Pittsburgh (12-4) (CBS-TV)

There is a lot of talk of teams of destiny this week, what with two six seeds moving on to divisional rounds and four road teams favored during wild card weekend. (Both five seeds lost.)

This weekend, I’m staying home with the picks. Logic dictates there is an upset looming; I just can’t find/buy it.

In your twist of the week, all 4 games are rematches of at least one regular-season contest.

Saturday's Matchups:

TENNESSEE Titans (1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (6): Both teams win with defense, asking their QBs merely not to screw up. Playing at home, against a rookie, I have to go with Kerry Collins having a better chance of minimizing mistakes than Joe Flacco. Titans 17 Ravens 9.

(FINAL SCORE: Ravens 13 Titans 10)

CAROLINA Panthers (2) vs. Arizona Cardinals (4): The Cards played the Panthers tough in Week 8 before losing 27-23. But Arizona’s Anquan Boldin will be hobbled if he plays, and the Cardinals are a different team on the road, having lost its final two away games (Eagles, Patriots) by a combined 95-27. Panthers 31 Cardinals 16.

(FINAL SCORE: Cardinals 33 Panthers 13)

Sunday's Matchups:

NEW YORK GIANTS (1) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (6): This is the game that smells like a looming upset, but don’t be fooled. The problem with the Eagles, the designated "2008 Giants" team of destiny, is they're playing the Giants. Giants 27 Eagles 20

(FINAL SCORE: Eagles 23 Giants 11)

PITTSBURGH Steelers (2) vs. San Diego Chargers (4): The Chargers will likely be without LaDainian Tomlinson — not a bad thing considering the emergence of Darren Sproes. The rested Steelers defense will be too much for the Chargers, who showed grit winning their final four and beating the Colts in OT last week. Steelers 20 Chargers 13.

(FINAL SCORE: Steelers 35 Chargers 24)

Where is the upset looming? What am I missing?

• Regular Season = 153-100-1
• Playoff Record = 3-1
• Overall Record = 156-101-1

NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND
Saturday, January 3

1. NFC:    4:30 PM (ET)
   Atlanta Falcons (11-5) at Arizona Cardinals (9-7) (NBC-TV)
2. AFC:    8:00 PM (ET)
   Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego Chargers (8-8) (NBC-TV)

Sunday, January 4

1. AFC:      1:00 PM (ET)
   Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5) (CBS-TV)
2. NFC:      4:30 PM (ET)
   Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6) (FOX-TV)

I have never rooted for the Miami Dolphins. Never.

Check that … nope, I was right the first time. Never.

I will this weekend. That’s how much respect I have for not only Chad Pennington and his comeback, but this team.

Too bad they’ll probably lose.

This may be the most unique wild card weekend you’ll ever see: All four road teams are favored. All four games are compelling in distinct ways. There isn’t a dog game in the bunch.

Saturday's Matchups:

CARDINALS over Falcons. Yes, the Cards are the worst playoff team in memory, and the Falcons are one of the best NFL stories this season. But Arizona plays well at home, and receiver Anquan Boldin is expected to play. CARDS 28 FALCONS 23. 

(FINAL SCORE - Cardinals 30 Falcons 24)

Colts over CHARGERS. The Chargers stormed into the playoffs despite a meager 8-8 record. The Colts are the quietest 12-4 team in memory. Peyton Manning has had an MVP season. Do not be surprised if the winner of this 4-5 game finds its way into Super Bowl XLIII. Colts 34 Chargers 20.

(FINAL SCORE - Chargers 23 Colts 17)

Sunday's Matchups:

Ravens over DOLPHINS. The Dolphins don’t turn the ball over, but the Ravens will change that. Baltimore QB Joe Flacco, like Atlanta’s Matt Ryan, doesn’t look like a rookie. He won’t have to do much; just enough. Ravens 17 Dolphins 13.

(FINAL SCORE - Ravens 27 Dolphins 9)

Eagles over VIKINGS. Minnesota slipped into the playoffs by beating a New York Giants team that had pulled its starters in what was to them a meaningless Week 17 game. Meanwhile, the Eagles demolished the Dallas Cowboys in a game that had everything at stake. In the end, who do you trust, Donovan McNabb or Tarvaris Jackson? Eagles 24 Vikings 17.

(FINAL SCORE - Eagles 26 Vikings 14)

• Week #1 record = 11-5
• Week #2 record = 10-5
• Week #3 record = 11-5
• Week #4 record = 6-7
• Week #5 record = 7-7
• Week #6 record = 9-5
• Week #7 record = 10-4
• Week #8 record = 7-7
• Week #9 record = 8-6
• Week #10 record = 10-4
• Week #11 record = 11-4-1
• Week #12 record =  9-7
• Week #13 record =  9-7
• Week #14 record = 10-6
• Week #15 record = 9-7
• Week #16 record = 7-9
• Week #17 record = 10-6
  

Overall record = 153-100-1

The last regular season picks:

Sunday, Dec. 28th

Falcons Over Rams (Falcons Won)

Patriots Over Bills (Patriots Won)

Chiefs Over Bengals (Bengals Won)

Packers Over Lions (Packers Won)

Bears Over Texans (Texans Won)

Colts Over Titans (Colts Won)

Giants Over Vikings (Vikings Won)

Panthers Over Saints (Panthers Won)

Steelers Over Browns (Steelers Won)

Buccaneers Over Raiders (Radiers Won)

Cardinals Over Seahawks (Cardinals Won)

Ravens Over Jaguars (Ravens Won)

Dolphins Over Jets (Dolphins Won)

Cowboys Over Eagles (Eagles Won)

Redskins Over 49ers (49ers Won)

Chargers Over Broncos (Chargers Won)

• Week #1 record = 11-5
• Week #2 record = 10-5
• Week #3 record = 11-5
• Week #4 record = 6-7
• Week #5 record = 7-7
• Week #6 record = 9-5
• Week #7 record = 10-4
• Week #8 record = 7-7
• Week #9 record = 8-6
• Week #10 record = 10-4
• Week #11 record = 11-4-1
• Week #12 record =  9-7
• Week #13 record =  9-7
• Week #14 record = 10-6
• Week #15 record = 9-7
• Week #16 record = 7-9
• Week #17 record =
  

Overall record = 143-94-1

 Just … End … The … Season …

Thursday, Dec. 18

Colts Over Jaguars (Colts Won)

Saturday, Dec. 20

Cowboys Over Ravens (Ravens Won)

Sunday, Dec. 21

Browns Over Bengals (Bengals Won)

Saints Over Lions (Saints Won)

Dolphins Over Chiefs (Dolphins Won)

Patriots Over Cardinals (Patriots Won)

49ers Over Rams (49ers Won)

Buccaneers Over Chargers (Chargers Won)

Steelers Over Titans (Titans Won)

Broncos Over Bills (Bills Won)

Texans Over Raiders (Raiders Won)

Jets Over Seahawks (Seahawks Won)

Vikings Over Falcons (Falcons Won)

Eagles Over Redskins (Redskins Won)

Giants Over Panthers (Gaints Won)

Monday, Dec. 22

Bears Over Packers Bears Won)

 

2009 commitments:

1. C - Brian Schneider - $4.9M
2. C - Ramon Castro - $2.5M
3. 1B - Carlos Delgado - $12M
4. 2B - Luis Castillo - $6M
5. SS - Jose Reyes - $5.75M
6. 3B - David Wright - $7.5M
7. IF - Fernando Tatis - $1.7M
8. IF - Alex Cora - $2M
9. LF - Dan Murphy - $400K
10. CF - Carlos Beltran - $18.5M
11. RF - Ryan Church - $2M+
12. OF - Jeremy Reed - $400K
13. OF - Marlon Anderson - $1.15M

Rotation:

1. SP - Johan Santana - $20M
2. SP - Mike Pelfrey - $1.3125M
3. SP - John Maine - $450K+
4. SP - Tim Redding - $2.25M
5. SP - Jon Niese - $400K
6. SP - Bobby Parnell - $400K

Bullpen:

1. RP - Francisco Rodriguez - $12.3M
2. RP - J.J. Putz - $5M - team option for 2010 worth $8.6M
3. RP - Pedro Feliciano - $1.025M+
4. RP - Duaner Sanchez - $1.7M
5. RP - Brian Stokes - $402K
6. RP - Sean Green - $400K
7. RP - Connor Robertson - $400K

Other commitments: Billy Wagner - $10.5M and Scott Schoeneweis - $1.6M

That's around $123MM committed before arbitration raises to Church, Maine, Feliciano, and Angel Pagan. So we'll put the Mets around $130MM after the raises.  They entered 2008 near $138MM, so thinking that the Wilpons will not want to go over the $162M luxury tax, Omar Minaya could have about another $32M to spend.

Luxury Tax on team payrolls:

• 2007 = $148M
• 2008 = $155M
• 2009 = $162M
• 2010 = $170M
• 2011 = $178M

Signings for 2009:

 

• OF/INF Fernando Tatis - 1 yr @ $1.7M
• 1B Carlos Delgado - Club option exercised @ $12M ($8M paid by the Mets- $4M paid by the Marlins)
• RHP Francisco Rodriguez - 3yrs $37M
• RHSP Tim Redding - 1yr @ $2.25M
• INF Alex Cora - 1yr @ $2M
• Duaner Sanchez - 1yr @ $1.7M (Avoid Arbitration)

Minor League Signings for 2009:

• C Rene Rivera - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invited to spring training
• RHP Nelson Figueroa - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invited to spring training
• LHP Adam Bostick - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invited to spring training
• INF/2B Andy Green  - Signed to a Minor League Contract w/ invited to spring training
• LHP Edgar Alfonzo - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• LHP Adam Bostick - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• OF Jesus Feliciano- Signed to a Minor League Contract
• LHP Casey Fossum -Signed to a Minor League Contract
• LHP Tom Martin - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• C Salvador Paniagua - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• 2B Argenis Reyes - Signed to a Minor League Contract
• OF Jason Cooper - Signed to a Minor League Contract

Trades:

• RHP Aaron Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, LHP Jason Vargas, INF Mike Carp, OF Ezequiel Carrera and RHP Maikel Cleto FOR RHP J.J. Putz, RHP Sean Green and OF Jeremy Reed from the Seattle Mariners. Joe Smith traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of this trade.
• LHP Scott Schoeneweis and $1.6M FOR RHP Connor Robertson from the Arizona Diamondbacks

Rule 5 Draft: Selected

• RHP Rocky Cherry from the Baltimore Orioles
• RHP Darren O'Day from the Los Angeles Angels
• OF Carl Loadenthal from the Atlanta Braves
• RHP John Madden from the San Diego Padres

Released:

• 1B Olmedo Saenz

Non-Tendered:

• Ambiorix Burgos
• Argenis Reyes

• Week #1 record = 11-5
• Week #2 record = 10-5
• Week #3 record = 11-5
• Week #4 record = 6-7
• Week #5 record = 7-7
• Week #6 record = 9-5
• Week #7 record = 10-4
• Week #8 record = 7-7
• Week #9 record = 8-6
• Week #10 record = 10-4
• Week #11 record = 11-4-1
• Week #12 record =  9-7
• Week #13 record =  9-7
• Week #14 record = 10-6
• Week #15 record = 9-7
  

Overall record = 136-85-1

 

Thursday, Dec. 11

Bears Over Saints (Bears Won)

Sunday, Dec. 14

Rams Over Seahawks (Seahawks Won)

Jets Over Bills (Jets Won)

Dolphins Over 49ers (Dolphins Won)

Chargers Over Chiefs (Chargers Won)

Packers Over Jaguars (Jaguars Won)

Colts Over Lions (Colts Won)

Titans Over Texans (Texans Won)

Redskins Over Bengals (Bengals Won) Wow my team sucks!!!

Falcons Over Buccaneers (Falcons Won)

Cardinals Over Vikings (Vikings Won)

Patriots Over Raiders (Patriots Won)

Ravens Over Steelers (Steelers Won)

Panthers Over Broncos (Panthers Won)

Giants Over Cowboys (Cowboys Won)

Monday, Dec. 15

Eagles Over Browns(Eagles Won)

• Week #1 record = 11-5
• Week #2 record = 10-5
• Week #3 record = 11-5
• Week #4 record = 6-7
• Week #5 record = 7-7
• Week #6 record = 9-5
• Week #7 record = 10-4
• Week #8 record = 7-7
• Week #9 record = 8-6
• Week #10 record = 10-4
• Week #11 record = 11-4-1
• Week #12 record =  9-7
• Week #13 record =  9-7
• Week #14 record = 9-6
  

Overall record = 127-79-1

My gut is telling me to pick the Lions! YEAH I'VE LOST IT!

Hear me out. I have my reasons for taking the Kitties. Some of them might even make sense in an alternate universe:

Yes, the 0-12 Lions playing against the first-place Minnesota Vikings. I know, the team that has a date with 0-16 infamy. And Yes, I know this same Detroit team that has been outscored 85-30 its past two games.

1. Detroit played Minnesota tight on the road in October, losing 12-10.
2. The Vikings two defensive tackles, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, face suspensions for banned substances. (But they may play, as they are trying to block the NFL's four-game suspension.)
3. The Lions beat Minnesota at home last season.

Can anybody give me a good reason for making this pick? Anybody? Check, check: Is this thing on?

Too late …

Thursday, Dec. 4

Chargers Over Raiders (Chargers Won)

Sunday, Dec. 7

Bears Over Jaguars (Bears Won)

LIONS Over Vikings (Vikings Won)

Packers Over Texans (Texans Won)

Colts Over Bengals (Colts Won)

Falcons Over Saints (Saints Won)

Giants Over Eagles (Eagles Won)

Titans Over Browns (Titans Won)

Bills Over Dolphins (in Toronto) (Dolphins Won)

Broncos Over Chiefs (Broncos Won)

Jets Over 49ers (49ers Won)

Patriots Over Seahawks (Patriots Won)

Cardinals Over Rams (Cardinals Won)

Steelers Over Cowboys (Steelers Won)

Ravens Over Redskins (Ravens Won)

Monday, Dec. 8

Panthers Over Buccaneers (Panthers Won)