I'm Taking My Ball and Going Home

Doug Mientkiewicz has agreed to let the Red Sox borrow the ball. This entire situation is completely nuts. I mean who the hell would know if that ball is not from earlier in the inning as opposed to the last out? I'd assume there are a few game balls lying around and while major league can authenticate the ball as it pertains to a game and possibly even the inning, I doubt they can get as granular as the out. Which brings me to my point, who cares if it's the real ball? Most of these Red Sox fans are still hung over and some are even still throwing a few back and are in midst of a four month inebriated binge while celebrating their World Series victory. I hope Doug pulled the ole’ switcharoo on those Bean Towners while leaving the real ball safely secured and out of their grubby tea party starting hands.

In case you cannot read between the lines, here’s what was really said to each other in the ESPN article:

Quote:
"Doug was a key part of our stretch run and postseason victories and he won over our fans in a very short period of time," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said. "We thank him for his many contributions and are pleased that our fans will be able to get close to the ball. We wish him the best of luck in the other league in 2005."

Translation:
"We would have won the game without that ball stealing piece of shit and he pissed all of RSN off in a very short time," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said. "We still think he's worthless and cannot believe he thinks it is his fucking ball. I hope he gets face planted by Kyle Farnsworth this year a-la Paul Wilson."

Quote:
"There was never a fight, there was never works exchange" over ownership of the ball, Mientkiewicz said this week. "It was very cordial, and we worked something out."

Translation:
"They threatened to cast me off into bowels of hell known as Shea Stadium and the Mets organization, but I never thought they would actually do something so drastic" over ownership of the ball, Mientkiewicz said this week. "They threatened to take my balls if I did not hand over their ball, and then we worked something out."

* * *

Anna Benson has some Q & A with the NY Post. Unfortunately it's g-rated since it is in the paper, but she still has some gems anyway.

Q: If you were married to the president and he had fooled around with Monica Lewinsky, how would you have handled it?

A: Well, if I was married to the president, I would really be running the country, so I wouldn't really care about what he was doing, 'cause he would be out of my way.

Q: Best piece of advice either your mother or father gave you?

A: Keep your legs crossed and your mouth shut. I didn't follow that, but it was good advice.

Keep those legs umm....un-crossed.

She does not even miss a chance to plug her a new sponsor:

Q: With Mike Piazza getting married to a former Playboy Playmate, how does it feel vying for the crown of Baseball's Sexiest Wife?

A: Mike's fiancée is beautiful and sexy, it gives me more of a reason to work out even harder. Being that Kris and I travel to NYC so often, and have to stay in hotels - its nice to know that a place like New York Sports Clubs has opened its doors to us and I can keep up my sexy figure.

In the who cares department, Mika Piazza tied the knot yesterday. Every time someone gets married, I cannot help but hear the phrase another one bites the dust run through my head.

Omar has a piece in the NYTimes today.

Our solid core of young players - Beltran (27 years old), José Reyes (21), David Wright (22) and Kazuo Matsui (29), among others - provides a base for long-term success. These players embody the elements of our strategy for success. Within the next five to six years, we plan to add similar impact players from our minor league system, while our core players are still within their prime years.

Not to dwell on the past, but here's BA's top ten minor league pitchers.

1. Felix Hernandez, rhp, Mariners
2. Scott Kazmir, lhp, Devil Rays
3. Adam Miller, rhp, Indians
4. Chad Billingsley, rhp, Dodgers
5. Matt Cain, rhp, Giants
6. Jeff Niemann, rhp, Devil Rays
7. Edwin Jackson, rhp, Dodgers
8. Jeff Francis, lhp, Rockies
9. Dan Meyer, lhp, Athletics
10. Mike Hinckley, lhp, Nationals

The ChicagoSports.com believes that a four year, $40 million dollar contract could land Ordonez in Detroit, which would be similar to the deal that Pudge had signed a year earlier. They also mention that Ordonez would be looking for an opt-out clause, which is seemingly becoming a staple for any client that Boras thinks is not getting enough cash and gives them the opportunity to get more money should they out perform their current compensation. It is not the five year, $70 million deal that Boras is looking for, but I cannot see anyone putting up that kind of cash since Delgado did not even get that with no injury risk.

Now, with the Cubs having moved Sosa while being unclear on if they consider four or five years the right move on Magglio, the Orioles filling a void with Sosa and taking them out of the Magglio sweepstakes, the Rangers watching from afar, and the Tigers being..well being the Tigers, I maybe see an opportunity for Omar to do something. Cliffy to the Cubs for two years now becomes something they very well could be interested in with the loss of Sosa if they choose to pass on Magglio. Four years for $10 million per year is a something that seems like a palatable risk if he works out and doctor's give the OK. The Mets always have Victor "call me mr. insurance" Diaz to split playing time if he is not ready to go full tilt right away.

Jon Heyman says Maggs is still in play, but it would be an offer similar to the on they offered Vlad Guerrero last off season.

Sloane asks the hard questions that need to be asked.

Delgado's agent, David Sloane, asked Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria during negotiations: "If the A's put Barry Zito [on the trade market this summer], do you make the deal?" In other words, will there be money left if Delgado signs? :The answer was yes. That meant a lot.

Sloane is an idiot. Of course Loria is going to say yes. Is he going to say, no, we are all tapped out? Besides, with Delgado making $4 million this year, I'd assume they have cash. The better question is can they add payroll in years 2, 3, 4, and if there is a five? Invariably, the answer will be no if they intend to replace or resign Burnett next year. If they choose to resign him it could cost a lot, especially if he has a good year and hits the market as a 28 year old power arm. The Marlins are going full tilt for this season because next season who knows that their pitching staff will look like or their financial situation when Delgado starts getting paid.