gryphonseyenyc

Less than 24 hours after Philadelphia’s winning its first World Series since 1980, baseball executives were at it. First, the Florida Marlins traded first baseman Mike Jacobs to Kansas City in exchange for reliever Leo Nunez.  Then, Milwaukee named Ken Macha its new manager. The Chicago White Sox announced that they weren’t going to try to resign Ken Griffey Jr.  And a conga line of free agents formed, starting with Manny Ramirez (and his agent Scott Boras, of course) at the head.

Here are my thoughts on those, individually:

•  Was anyone REALLY surprised that Manny immediately went out and tested the market? I certainly wasn’t. Boras has been pushing for that ever since he likely helped concoct Ramirez’s trade out of Boston.  Man-Ram will probably command at least Alex Rodriguez money even in this recessed economy and teams likely won’t think about any chemistry issues with the mercurial slugger.
• Were the Marlins right to trade Jacobs, who was looking at a big pay increase? One of their answers to take his place at first base is Dallas McPherson, who has shown that he can hit Minor League ball like no one’s business, but struggled in the Majors when played with the Angels. Also, beware that bad back of his, Marlins.  And on the Royals’ side, I thought they had a first baseman of the future in Kila Ka’aihue with Ross Gload being the defensive backup?
• Maybe Macha’s return to managing will be like Bill Belichick’s second chance, where he hopefully learned a lesson about communicating with players. Apparently,  he left a lot of bitter players in his wake as the A’s manager. Who knows? Although I didn’t like how he did this season as the Mets manager, I hope Willie Randolph does land somewhere.

I was talking with my doorman about Griffey Jr. tonight. “If he just got back into shape, worked with a trainer, he could really have a nice season. He’s not young anymore and can’t rely on his talent anymore.” I still think Griffey has two more good years in him, maybe three if he stays in shape. He needs to stay in the American League, though, where he can DH if need be. Who needs a DH? Hmm? Toronto? Maybe Tampa Bay with the possible retirement of Cliff Floyd? Texas with the possible departure of the voilatile Milton Bradley?

Stay tuned. This is the first day of the offseason and the hot stove is going to get even hotter.

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