Hey guys just wanted to share this petition with you guys. I personally think if we could somehow get the Wilpons attention that maybe they will feel some pressure (ie what happened with Piazza) to sign Manny or at least consider the option. Manny is an absolute stud with the bat and would he the perfect way to open Citifield Manny Ramirez would put us over the top. Get Manny, lets do this! cmon! Everyone please sign!!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/MannytoMets/index.html

Yes this is my second post regarding Wilmer Flores but I just could not resist. Today he is 3/4 with an rbi and a run scored and (remember he is 16 years old and a SS) is posting a 331/372/530 in 172 ab's. He is a big kid (6'3) and likely will outgrow SS... but A-Rod never really outgrew the position, nor did Ripken. I am NOT comparing him to either guy but how many 16 year olds in recent history have sprung on the scene to this degree? Will he be on BA's top 100 list? What do people think of him?

In a recent column written by Mr. Sickels (whom I believe is the best baseball writer around) he said he didn't see improvement in Mike Pelfrey. I thought this was a shocking comment and to me proved that sometimes focusing ONLY on certain numbers does not tell the whole story. Pelfrey Last 9 Starts: 6-0, 59.2 innings, 53 hits, 41 Ks, 21 BBs, 15 Earned Runs, 1.239 WHIP. More then just that, if you actually watch him you see a different pitcher out there.

Wilmer Flores is 16 years old (SS) playing in the Appalacian League where the average age is around 20 years old. The kid is currently hitting 400 with 3 homers, 3 doubles, 1 triple and 1 steal in 50 abs.... incredibly early but this is quite an amazing start for any 16 year old. He is 6'3 175 and likely will be moved off of SS for various reasons.... Reyes, his size and his glove... Any thoughts on him?

-- Roger Clemens told Yankees teammate Andy Pettitte nearly 10 years ago that he used human growth hormone, Pettitte said in a sworn affidavit to Congress, The Associated Press learned Tuesday.

Pettitte disclosed the conversation to the congressional committee holding Wednesday's hearings on drug use in baseball, according to multiple media outlets.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3242017

John Hickey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says Adam Jones went to Baltimore today for that long-awaited physical. Hickey says this physical is the only remaining impediment to the Mariners swapping Erik Bedard for Jones, George Sherrill, Tillman, Mickolio, and Butler. Sounds like we might have an announcement on Monday or Tuesday.

He comes with question marks, but Aybar hit .292/.387/.416 in 329 major league at-bats during his age 22 and 23 seasons for the Dodgers and Braves. The Braves soured on him after last season's substance-abuse problems, but it's still surprising that this is the best they could do for him. Now the Rays have some actual competition for Evan Longoria at third base. Longoria still deserves a chance to win the job, but Aybar should be a nice fallback if he shows the proper level of commitment.
Related: Evan Longoria, Braves

     Chase Fontaine-2B-Rays    Jan. 17 - 8:12 pm et

        Infielder Chase Fontaine was traded from the Braves to the Rays in a three-player deal.
Fontaine, a 2006 second-round pick, hit .288/.402/.399 in 313 AB for low Single-A Rome and .205/.284/.256 in 78 at-bats for Single-A Myrtle Beach last season. A left-handed hitter, he has a chance to turn into a platoon second baseman in a few years. We're not sure it would have been worth giving him up for Jeff Ridgway in a one-for-one deal, and he wasn't even the top property the Braves surrendered.
Related: Braves

     Jeff Ridgway-R-Braves    Jan. 17 - 8:09 pm et

        Braves acquired LHP Jeff Ridgway from the Rays for infielders Willy Aybar and Chase Fontaine.
We may not like the move, but at least Ridgway has nowhere to go but up. He allowed seven runs over one-third of an inning in three appearances for the Rays in September. The 27-year-old has pretty good stuff for a left-hander, but he's battled arm problems and his command is below average. It's stunning that the Braves would give up two players to get him.
Related: Rays

Ultimately, the Mets might be the best fit.

They have the greatest need. They have the money to sign Santana. They play in the National League, where he's less likely to haunt the Twins.

The players the Mets would send the Twins aren't household names. There's no Jose Reyes or David Wright. The offers aren't perfect.

But it's become abundantly clear the Twins won't be able to make the perfect trade here. Not for a two-time Cy Young winner. Not for a lefthander who is 93-44 for his career and won't turn 29 until March.

No team is going to give the Twins everything they need when that team must turn around and hand Santana a five- or six-year contract extension worth at least $20 million per year.

According to people with knowledge of the discussions, the Mets have offered top pitching prospect Deolis Guerra, along with center fielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber.

The Twins like those players. They've told the Mets they'd have a done deal if New York would add prized outfield prospect Fernando Martinez. - Minneapolis Star Tribune

My question regards a minor trade between the Mets and Astros. The Astros received Josh Appell from the Mets, I am looking for some confirmation whom the Mets got in return. I read on Adam Rubin's Blog we MAY have received 2005 second round pick Ralph Henriquez. I have not been able to find ANY confirmation of this trade anywhere other then Josh himself telling me he was traded to the Astros when it happened (he went to the same college as me)Can anyone confirm this?

ESPN 1000 announced in the sportscenter update that the White Sox and Angels have agreed on 6 player deal.

Leaving the White Sox:
Paul Konerko
Joe Crede

Leaving the Angels:
Howie Kendrick
Ervin Santana
Nick Adenhart
Sean Rodriguez

If true... one of the worst trades in baseball history for the Angels.

I heard from a lot of people the Yankees were high on Gerardo Rodriguez, then he had a bad 2007 and they released him. He just turned 20. This is all I could find about him

Tools: Rodriguez is very, very raw, but he can hit. He's so raw that there isn't a whole lot of scouting information on him, but he is reputed to be talented. He's no base stealer, but he is athletic enough. He should be able to hold down 1st base fairly well once he adjusts to the position. Rodriguez used to be a catcher, but for some reason (I don't have any reports on his defensive abilities) he was switched to 1st base. His main tool is power. Reports are slim, but Rodriguez may be a 60 power guy. He really good at getting the ball in the air, which will keep his average up a lot of strikeouts.

Performance: Rodriguez is very young, and because of that he has played only one season in the minor leagues. He hit what is at first glance an unimpressive .285/.342/.445 line. However, one must adjust for context. Minorleaguesplits.com lits his park adjusted line at .321/.375/.496. The Gulf Coast League is probably the hardest in baseball to find power, both because of enviromental factors and the youth of the prospects involved. Rodriguez also hit for significantly more power when away from his home park. Regardless, Rodriguez was likely the best position player on the team. However, he does have his weaknesses. Rodriguez struck out quite a bit, King 34 times in 38 games.

http://yankeeprospects.blogspot.com/2006/12/up-and-coming-gerardo-rodriguez.html

 Moving quickly to replace center fielder Mike Cameron, the Padres have agreed to a trade that will bring them center fielder Jim Edmonds, a 37-year-old who has won eight Gold Gloves.

The Cardinals will get Single-A third baseman David Freese, a minor leaguer.
The Padres also will get at least $1 million from St. Louis to help offset the $8 million salary that Edmonds is due. Because the financial transfer is at least $1 million, the commissioner's office must approve the transaction, which is expected to be made official today.

Edmonds batted .252 with 15 doubles, 12 home runs and 53 RBI for St. Louis last season. A left-handed hitter, he has batted .287 with 362 home runs in his career. A concussion and a shoulder injury have reduced his playing time in the last two seasons.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/weblog/2007/12/post_4.html

It's unconfirmed, but I've heard through the grapevine that the Mets
have acquired a minor-league catcher from Houston. It's believed to be
Ralph Henriquez, Houston's second-round pick in 2005 from Key West
(Fla.) High School. Lefthander Josh Appell, who pitched in Brooklyn the
past two seasons, is now an Astro prospect.-Adam Rubin

( I can confirm the deal via Appell himself)

The Braves will announce Monday that they've signed Tom Glavine to a one-year, $8 million contract.
$8 million for Glavine is pretty good. What does hurt is that the Braves are giving their rivals a first-round pick here, especially since Andruw Jones will only bring a supplemental pick in return (and that's if he's offered arbitration). The Mets will also get a supplemental pick after the first round.
Source: The Associated Press
Related: Braves

The Cyclones not only lead the league in ERA with a sparkling 2.93, but led the 2nd best team by more then half a run (3.51 Auburn Doubledays) The team also had some VERY impressive individual performances from guys who were for the most part age appropriate for their league. Dylan Owen, 20th rounder this year (not including the playoffs where he just pitched a gem) 72.1 innings 51 hits 12 walks 69 k's 9-1 1.49. Owen is only 5'11 185 but won D3 pitcher of the year this past year. Fellow 2007 pick Dillon Gee 62 innings 57 hits 9 walks 56 k's 1 homer allowed 3-1 2.47. Nick Carr 66.1 innings 55 hits 27 walks 4 homers 74 k's 3.80, just to name a few.

Including tonight in his first playoff start Mulvey......162.2 innings 151 hits 4!! homers 43 walks  120 k's 56 er.... so far 2 AAA appearances.... 11 innings 6 hits 0 runs 0 walks 10 k's. I realize ill get ripped because people are tired of hearing about Humber/Pelfrey etc, but I think Mulvey has flown under the radar for a guy in his first full pro season, 22 years old at AA/AAA.

David Wright 315/410/539 34 doubles 1 triple 27 homers 30 steals 97 runs scored 1st place team, likely division winner.. Prince fielder-285/385/610 33 doubles 2 triples 42 homers 103 rbi, 0 steals... team is 1 game over 500

Win Shares-AL Leader: A-Rod (31)
AL 2nd Place: Magglio (29)

NL Leader: Wright (29)
NL 2nd Place: Pujols (26)

Have to figure the other candidates are Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Pujols and Ramirez. Id be STUNNED if Ramirez wins on a last place team as he #1 doesnt have the name recognition that A-Rod had when he won on a last place team. Pujols is having a great year but its not an AMAZING year for him and his team likely doesnt make the playoffs. Howard won last year and is having a LESSER year then last year, I don't see voters voting for him a second time.

So essentially up to THIS POINT... to me its David Wright vs Chase Utley vs Prince Fielder. Utley is having a FANTASTIC year 340/418/581 with 64 extra base hits (Wright has 62) but if voters have HALF a brain they will realize that Utley's home/road splits are sheer INSANITY.....

Home- 394 12 homers 20 doubles 1 triple 1.148, on the road- 282 6 homers 22 doubles 847 OPS... in addition.... Utley also will likely have more MVP votes split with Howard/Rollins then Wright will with Reyes (Beltran won't get any this year).... tell me why I am right or wrong.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel, baseball's feel-good story of the season, received a 12-month supply of human growth hormone in 2004 from a Florida pharmacy that was part of a national illegal prescription drug-distribution operation, the Daily News has learned.

Ankiel, who flamed out mentally and physically as a pitcher earlier this decade, only to return to the majors as a slugging outfielder last month, has evoked comparisons this season to Roy Hobbs and Babe Ruth. He hit two home runs, a double and had seven RBI yesterday against the Pirates at Busch Stadium, giving him nine home runs in 81 at-bats since his remarkable major league comeback began on Aug. 10.

HARC also provided a shipment of steroids and growth hormone to former major league pitcher Steve Woodard, who pitched for Milwaukee, Cleveland, Texas and Boston during a seven-year career that ended in 2003, according to records. Woodard and Ankiel were teammates with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds in 2004.

Ankiel lives in nearby Jupiter, Fla.

His agent, Scott Boras, would not comment yesterday, and Woodard did not return messages left on his cell phone.

"This is the first I've heard of this," Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty told The News yesterday. "If it's true, obviously it would be very tragic, along with everything else we've had happen to us this year."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2007/09/06/2007-09-06_rick_ankiel_received_12month_supply _of_h.html

Just curious if anyone better with stats can give me some info on Philip Humber. He LEADS the PCL in Whip, yet has a 4.27 era (which is still good for 9th in the league) and is 2nd in k's in the league. Why is his era so high if his whip is #1? Is it because he gives up too many homers? I mean #1 in Whip, #2 in k's, #9 in era, and the perception is he has had a disappointing year. For you guys good with stats, whats your take?

Contrary to some reports, the Yankees did not sign Dominican prospect Edward Salcedo. In fact, they never WERE involved (sounds like past tense, implying he has signed). (MY OPINION-Im hearing its the Mariners, Gammons claimed he believed he was a Yankee for 4.5 million earlier this week)

http://yankees.lohudblogs.com/

For the record Peter Abraham is a beat writer for the Yankees not some fan blog

17 years old SS/2b VSL/GCL

Ruben Tejada 1 for 3, 3 runs, RBI, 2 BBs, today now .308/.431 in 30 GCL games. Overall:

.338/.450/.444 with 76 hits and 37 walks/33 k's 18 steals in 262 PAs. Last 10 games 394 2 doubles, 2 triples 8 walks 2 k's 33 abs... I realize it is WAY early to begin to consider what kind of player he is but his walk/K rate to me is pretty damn impressive for a 17 year old latin american player. Tejada pitched in the LL world series for his native Panama a few years ago

BA-BA-When the international signing frenzy opened on July 2, no one thought there would be a $2 million man.

And then a Scott Boras client showed up in the Dominican Republic.

The Boras Corporation represents 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Edward Salcedo and is currently being courted by several clubs, with the Mets, Mariners and Yankees considered the frontrunners.

Negotiations for the 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop only began on July 30, when he turned 16 years old. According to several sources, Salcedo was seeking a signing bonus in the $4-5 million range, though he was expected to receive half that amount.

Still, Salcedo's bonus would easily top the $1.5 million the Red Sox doled out to Dominican third baseman Michael Almanzar.

And perhaps most interesting in this case is the fact that there are at least three other small to mid-market clubs that are also still hanging in the negotiations--which speaks to Salcedo's tools.

"He projects to be the complete package," said one international scouting director from a National League club. "He's got plus range, arm strength and great hands at the position. He might have to move to third base at some point eventually, but he's going to hit for average and power."

22 years old (23 in sept) 6'3 180 FSL/Bing 127.2 innings 126 hits 6 homers 52 walks 125 k's 3.60, last 3 starts 3-0, 20 IP, 16 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 18 K, 0.45 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, FB which he throws 93-95 with a plus slider. He was a midseason allstar for the FSL. Parnell seems to slide under the radar for a prospect for a NY team. Parnell's numbers are a bit skewed as he struggled upon being called up to AA (July 29.1 innings 35 hits 17 walks 30 k's 6.75)Here is video of his delivery http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxPY_UanOh0&mode=related&search=

he New York Mets announced today that they have signed international free agent Marinus Vernooij from Holland. Vernooij, 18, attended high school at Thorbocke in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

"We are being very aggressive in the international market, and Marinus is an indication of that," said Mets Director of International Operations, Ismael Cruz. "The Mets are going to be players in every market where baseball is played. This has been a team effort among the entire international scouting department," said Cruz.

The 6-2, 200-pounder played third base for the Dutch 1st division Door Tridents last year. Marinus led the team in RBI as they won their league championship. In addition, he played for the Dutch Junior National Team this year, winning the bronze medal at the European Championships.

"I am very thrilled and excited to be given the opportunity to play for a Major League organization like the New York Mets," stated Vernooij. "The Mets are a great organization with a lot of good players, and I am going to work hard to become one of them."

Vernooij has developed as part of the Unicorns, which is a baseball academy directed by Robert Eenhoorn, the manager of the Dutch National Team. Marinus has been selected to the Dutch National Team at every level since age seven.

http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070815&content_id=215019 2&vkey=pr_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym

Giants signed LHP Madison Bumgarner and outfielder Wendell Fairley, their two first-round picks in the 2007 draft.
It looked like there was a real chance that Bumgarner, the 10th overall pick, might go to school. He was asking for a deal similar to the one Clayton Kershaw received from the Dodgers last year.-roto

18. Chris Carpenter, P

Big time power arm who likely will undergo TJ surgery.  He was injured
in Cape Cod and pulled out of competition.  Usually the Yanks tend to
weight Cape Cod performance heavily (Kontos, Norton, Robertson, etc.),
but this kid might be worth a strong consideration anyway.  He's a
sophomore eligible so Chris could go back to Kent State.   However, if
he blows out his arm this fall or next spring, he'd be looking at very
low selection next June if not UFA...all on his own.  One thing he
could count on is that the Yanks aren't going to spare expenses in
terms of rehab.  Perhaps something could be worked out.  As I've been
pointing out for years, this is where a team like the Yanks enjoy
inordinate advantage versus a team like the A's.  The Yanks could
spread around the wealth among a bunch of power arms and select the
cream of the crop via attrition.  When you consider that Jaret Wright
cost 7mil per and Pavano costs 10mil, 6mil (last year's draft
expenditure) is money well spent.

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.sports.baseball.ny-yankees/browse_thread/thread/bb1e4e6b1c41d75a/ 52617e372b1ec9eb

Hudson's Bay pitching standout Greg Peavey will continue his baseball career at Oregon State after turning down an offer to sign with the New York Yankees this week.

The 6-foot-2 right-handed Peavey, who earlier this year was rated as Washington's top professional baseball prospect by several national publications, said the Yankees made two offers that "were pretty large sums, but it just didn't feel right. School is my best bet."

Peavey became the Knights' closer late in the season. In 10 appearances, he was 0-1 with three saves and a 1.27 ERA.

Yankee scouts were on hand for most of Peavey's performances. He said he talked with the Yankees weekly throughout the summer.

New York's final offer "was more than I thought they'd offer for (the 24th) round. We weren't that far apart," Peavey said.

Because Peavey will turn 19 before he begins school at Oregon State, he is eligible for the major league draft following his sophomore season.

http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/08112007news181824.cfm

The Mets have signed international free agents 16-year-old OF Cesar David Puello Santana and 16-year old infielder Wilmer Alejandro Flores.

Both players will report to the Mets Instructional League in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Mets Director of International Operations, Ismael Cruz, on Flores, in a team press release...

"Flores is the biggest international signing this year and we are very excited at the opportunity to have him in our organization. Many teams were bidding higher for him and he chose to come to the Mets ahead of the others for the opportunity to play in our organization. Both signings are a result of a team effort from everybody in international scouting."

Puello and Flores will take batting practice today at 4:00 p.m. at Shea Stadium, and will be available to the media following their hitting session.

(Anyone have ANY info on either guy?)

The Braves could be on the verge of not only acquiring the best hitter on the trade market, but one of the best relievers as well. In addition to reaching a preliminary agreement for Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, the Braves are close to a deal for Royals closer Octavio Dotel, according to major-league sources. The Braves, Indians and Dodgers are the three finalists for Dotel, sources say. Royals general manager Dayton Moore, previously an executive with Atlanta, is intimately acquainted with the Braves' farm system. The addition of Dotel would give the Braves a trio of formidable right-handers in the late innings -- Dotel, Rafael Soriano and Bob Wickman. The Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers and Mariners also have shown interest in Dotel.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074020

I've heard that Brackman needs Tommy John surgery and that the Yankees knew that before they selected him. So when he signs is not especially important as he will not be pitching for a while.

http://yankees.lohudblogs.com/2007/07/23/update-on-unsigned-draft-picks/

(This is a blog of a Yankee beat writer not some fan or supposed insider)