Dugout Diary by Joe Boesch

After the Diagnosis. My continued cancer fight. Since I was diagnosed with cancer last June, it has not only been an emotional rollercoaster but also a constant reminder of doctor appointments, scans, tests, and the support that is needed from my family, friends, and, believe it or not, writing and baseball. I am reminded that prevention from the cancer returning and continued treatment needed for the next five years are important in the detection and recovery process. For five years at six-month intervals, I will have tumor tracing, CAT scans performed, and doctor visits. I look at it as another chapter in life, just like a writer keeps adding chapters to an unpublished book or a pitcher dueling batters inning after inning. It is true that I tried to forget about everything in life, especially baseball. The only thing on my mind was cancer, doctors, tests, and the list goes on and on. My mind would wander into the unknown, and I would just not want to think about anything, especially ...

The question that everyone is asking is "What team will Pete Alonso sign with?" since a reunion with the Mets is pretty much null and void. According to MLB Trade Rumors, The club reportedly offered him a seven-year, $158MM extension in the summer of 2023, but a deal didn't get done. That was probably the deal to sign, as deals like them are not being offered unless you're Juan Soto. So, the Polar Bear will most likely be wearing different team colors this season and a smaller deal than what he wanted. His time was memorable, but reality sets in, and it's true that all good things do come to an end. Until then, see you at the park. — Joe Boesch

Now that the Holiday Season is over, it's time to look to the '25 baseball season and a reset to start fresh. From Hot Stove to Spring Training, here's to the new year. From the Mets getting Juan Soto and the Yankees scratching their heads, it should be an interesting 2025. Also, here's to the new Yankees one-two punch of Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger. I think author W. P. Kinsella said it best: "The crack of the bat, the sound of baseballs thumping into gloves, the infield chatter are like birdsong to the baseball starved." Until then see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch