Dugout Diary by Joe Boesch

Just when we thought the snow has ended for the year in New York, here we go again. Coming down just enough to cause a headache, we dream more than ever about baseball and pray for spring. Until then, see ya at the park! -- Joe Boesch

The Cardinals and Albert Pujols have ended contract talks. Pujols is looking for a sizeable deal, with the Cardinals' front office putting the best deal on the table that they can afford. The Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks agreed to a four-year, $38.5 million contract. The Boston Red Sox have traded RHP Robert Coello to the Chicago Cubs for 2B Tony Thomas...The Arizona Diamonbacks agreed to terms with INF Kelly Johnson on a one-year contract. I want to thank Jon Star of the New York Mets Inside Pitch and Scout.com for appearing on my radio show NY Baseball Live and offering his insight into the Mets. Thanks Jon. Same kudos goes to Bruce Markusen from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Until then, see ya at the park. -- Joe Boesch

With as much snow that hit the New York area, it is a welcoming sign that pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training. Now we just have to wait for the screaming of "Play Ball." Until then, see ya at the park. -- Joe Boesch

Baseball is back…pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. What a great feeling. Until then, see ya at Spring Training. — Joe Boesch

Here's an interesting look at the New York Mets payroll for the last six seasons, in regard to their whole financial mess. 2011 -- 140 Million 2010 -- 134 Million 2009 -- 149 Million 2008 -- 137 Million 2007 -- 115 Million 2006 -- 101 Million Until then, see ya at the park. -- Joe Boesch

Interesting look at the top 10 wealthiest teams that Forbes magazine put together. 1. New York Yankees -- 1.6B 2. Boston Red Sox -- 870M 3. New York Mets -- 858M 4. Los Angeles Dodgers -- 727M 5. Chicago Cubs -- 726M 6. Philadelphia Phillies -- 537M 7. Los Angeles Angels -- 521M 8. St. Louis Cardinals -- 488M 9. San Francisco Giants -- 483M 10. Chicago White Sox -- 466M Until then, see ya at the park. -- Joe Boesch

-- Joe Boesch

 

This is my response to the Mets regarding their Press Statement that they sent to fans and media. To The Mets: As a Mets Fan, I am truly offended by this email. I just want the Mets to win -- let's face it, it has been a rough couple of years for a Mets' fan. This just continues the pain and agony. With regards, Joe Boesch Until then, see ya at the park!

After much speculation, New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte has decided to call it a career. The Yankees had every intention of trying to resign Pettitte after Cliff Lee decided to go back to the Phillies. Pettitte has a career record of 240-138 with an earned run average of 3.88. Pettitte won four championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009. Until then, see ya at Spring Training. -- Joe Boesch