Chapter 72.55: So Begins the Santana Era

It is official, Johan Santana is a Met (ok, pending a physical. So shoot me.)

I found it very interesting that there were multiple reports that the Players Union was pushing Santana's agents to make sure the contract at least reached the $150 million barrier. From what's being reported, he will earn that much from the Mets; the only difference the team might argue is that part of it was due to bonus, but that's a semantic difference in my non-legal opinion. The union's stake in this is irritating to say the least. I realize they're trying to establish new standards to enable their members to maximize their career earnings, and that's what they're supposed to do. But a big part of that comes out of the wallets of the already frustrated fans.

I'll be lucky to afford to attend one game next year. I just can't throw money for a game these days. But I'll want to visit Shea one last time (though if I don't, then Tom Glavine's 298th win would be my final visit.) And when they go to the new ballpark in 2009, the tickets will be even more expensive.

But that's for another time. Right now, I am happy. My favorite team has improved itself. Spring training will start (for the Mets) on Valentine's Day. And like the lovestruck fool that I am, I return to the one who hurt me not so long ago. Ah, frailty, thy name is Mets fan.

Chapter 72.4: Thank You, Omar

It's a long, long baseball season, and even months in first place doesn't guarantee that your team will be there at the end. Case in point: the 2007 Mets.

But my Mets have taken a much needed and long awaited step toward absolution for the 2007 season by acquiring a man who may be the best pitcher in baseball. Johan Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is on the brink of joining the Mets. All that stands in the way is a multi-million dollar contract, which is expected to land in the realm of $150 million for seven years. By the time the new stadium opens next year, I'll count myself lucky to still be able to afford to watch them play on television.

But I can always read a paper, and I look forward to recounting around twenty wins next season and perhaps even another Cy Young Award for Mr. Santana. Welcome to New York, Johan. We're happy to see you. Now win.

Chapter 51.2: Most Deserved Awards

I'm pleased to see the voters did what was right, once again. No, I'm not talking about America's voters and the Democratic victories in the House and Senate. I mean the AL and NL Most Valuable Player awards. Despite my hopes for Carlos Beltran becoming the first Met to take the award, Ryan Howard was a lock. He earned that award in the batter's box, no question about it. But he's a butcher in the field. However, fielding doesn't hurt you in this voting -- as long as you do it (not many designated hitters win the award) -- it can only help you.

Around my part of the country, it seemed most baseball fans expected Derek Jeter to take the AL MVP, and he had an excellent season. But Justin Morneau (.321, 34 homers, 130 RBI) was an enormous part of their Central Division championship. I'm well aware that Joe Mauer was the batting champ, but clearly the Canadian-born Morneau was the offensive firepower on the Twins.

I have no problem with Johan Santana taking his second AL Cy Young award, but I'm not sure if anyone should have won in the National League. I suppose Brandon Webb was the best pitcher over the entire season, but no NL hurler was really great. This was the worst season for pitching in the National League in a generation.