Knowing full well that they have only an outside shot at landing Johan Santana via trade, the Mets continue to explore options for lesser—but more easily attainable—starting pitchers. They’ve had talks with the agent for Jon “Big Daddy” Lieber, who’s already shown that he can handle the strain of pitching in New York. He would cost far less in salary than another potential free agent target for the Mets, Livan Hernandez. On the downside, Lieber’s innings pitched totals have declined drastically over the last two seasons. And for all of his faults, Hernandez remains the epitome of a modern day workhorse. He hasn’t logged fewer than 200 innings since 1999, when he pitched 199 frames for the Marlins. In an age when too many starters have become trained to pitch only five or six innings, Hernandez’ ability to withstand high pitch counts has become a valuable commodity…
The Orioles have taken the public stance that they likely won’t be trading Erik Bedard before Opening Day, but I’m not buying it. Andy MacPhail is determined to make major changes in Baltimore; he just tends to be very slow and methodical about altering the face of a ballclub. He’ll continue to monitor offers from the Mariners and Reds, two of the teams in the hottest pursuit of Bedard. After initially asking that super prospect Jay Bruce be included in the deal, MacPhail has backed off, but remains insistent that the Reds cough up three top prospects in first baseman Joey Votto and pitchers Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto. Reds GM Wayne Krivsky understandably turned down that request, but he’ll continue to make counter-offers. The Reds have already been busy this winter, signing Francisco Cordero and trading Josh Hamilton for young pitching. The addition of Bedard could vault them into legitimate contention in the NL Central. …

Now that the Rangers have re-made their outfield with the acquisitions of Milton Bradley (via free agency) and Josh Hamilton (via trade), they’d like to concentrate efforts on beefing up their feeble rotation. One of their favorite targets remains free agent Bartolo Colon, the onetime Cy Young winner who has been brutal each of the past two seasons. If the injury-plagued Colon is willing to accept a one-year deal that has plenty of incentives, the Rangers would certainly be willing to gamble on his attempted comeback. As with many of the veteran starters on the free agent market, the Mets also have interest in Colon… The Rangers are also considering a younger option to the 34-year-old Colon. They have interest in 29-year-old right-hander Jason Jennings, who was a disaster for the rival Astros after coming over in last winter’s Willy Taveras-Jason Hirsch deal. Jennings is only one year removed from his finest major league season, having posted a sub-4.00 ERA for the Rockies in 2006…

Leaving the topic of trade rumors for a moment, I came across a sad news item on Friday morning. Former Mets outfielder Jim Beauchamp, a member of the 1973 National League championship team, died from leukemia on Tuesday at the age of 68. A highly respected minor league manager, Beauchamp became one of Bobby Cox’ most trusted lieutenants as a bench coach in Atlanta. Stocky in build, Beauchamp was a journeyman outfielder who played for the Cardinals, Astros, Colt .45s, Braves, Reds, and Mets from 1963 to 1973. He played exclusively as a backup and pinch-hitter (never accruing more than 162 at-bats in a single season), but he became far more memorable because of his last name, which indirectly brought me some embarrassment. For years, I had assumed that his name was pronounced with a French flavor, as in BO-CHAMP. Then, one day back in the 1980s, I heard longtime Mets broadcaster Bob Murphy refer to a former outfielder named “Jim Beechum.” I’d never heard that name before. Shortly thereafter, I realized that “Beechum” was actually Beauchamp. So that’s how he pronounced his name—BEECH-UM! Now how you get BEE-CHUM as a pronunciation for Beauchamp is beyond me, but that’s the price you pay for collecting baseball cards of players without hearing their names pronounced on radio or TV. That’s why, in my ignorant youth, Mike Cuellar became “Mike Queller” and Chico Salmon became “Chico Sammon.” Yes, it is strange the way our minds work.

Now that Christmas has officially arrived, let’s take a break from the non-stop steroids talk, the endless trade rumors, and the general dullness that comes with waiting for spring training to start. So, with the merriest of Christmas wishes, here is an all-Christmas team (minus a second baseman) to coincide with our wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night…

Catcher: Steve Christmas
Catcher: Sled Allen
First Base: J.T. Snow
Shortstop: Ed Holly
Third Base: Harry “Silk Stockings” Schafer
Outfield: Matt Holliday
Outfield: Dutch Rudolph
Outfield: Jimmy “Toy Cannon” Wynn
Utility: Art “Merry” Merewether

Pitcher: Gary “Ding Dong” Bell
Pitcher: Bubba Church
Pitcher: Al Clauss
Pitcher: Jon Garland

Manager: Reindeer Bill Killefer

Critics of the Mitchell Report invariably pointed to the inclusion of Brian Roberts in the findings, based mostly on what they termed “hearsay” from one of his former teammates. Now that Roberts has admitted that he used steroids (he claims to have tried them once), will those same critics acknowledge their own error and admit that Mitchell was right on Roberts? And with far more significant evidence attached to most of the other names on the list, will those critics acknowledge the likelihood that Mitchell was right about them, too? We’ll see…
Roger Clemens can squawk all he wants about the alleged inaccuracies about him in the Mitchell Report, but few fans will give him the benefit of the doubt until he actually takes the issue to court in the form of a lawsuit (something that Barry Bonds ha chosen not to do either). Clemens certainly has the money to undertake court proceedings; if you had the money and felt that you had been viciously slandered, wouldn’t you take your critics to court? Clemens could also help himself from a public relations perspective if he actually made a statement in person, rather than rely on his lawyer and agent to act as front men. Whatever Clemens chooses to do so, it appears that his playing career has finally ended after 24 mostly brilliant seasons…

Given what Gil Meche received last year on the open market, the Mariners’ offer of four years and $44 million to Carlos Silva should come as no real surprise. Silva’s ERA, which was 4.19 last year, shouldn’t go up appreciably if he signs with the M’s, who play half of their games at pitcher-friendly Safeco Field. Silva is the definition of an innings eater, at least by today’s diminished standards; he has averaged 193 innings over the last four seasons. He would also slot in nicely as Seattle’s No. 3 starter, behind Felix “The King” Hernandez and Miguel Batista, and just ahead of Jarrod Washburn and promising rookie Brandon Morrow. Perhaps it’s not so crazy anymore to consider the Mariners a serious threat to the Angels in the American League West, especially if Richie Sexson can make any kind of a bounceback in 2008…

Finally, I’m sad to see the demise of the website, http://www.historicbaseball.com. For years, the site provided a comprehensive listing of baseball-related obituaries, providing an invaluable resource tool for writers and researchers alike. Hopefully, some other site will step in and fill the void created by the loss of Historic Baseball.

The impending bombshell hangs over baseball in a way far different from a major free agent signing, a blockbuster trade, or anything else that might come out of a typical winter meetings conclave. So what will be the ramifications of this week’s release of the Mitchell Report? Putting aside the legalities and technicalities, I see the report having an effect on baseball in three distinct ways.
*Active stars. Current players named in the report will only be able to hide from the media until February; they will then be bombarded with questions from reporters once they report to spring training. The first few days of spring camps won’t be marked by the traditional feel-good, puff pieces; they’ll be marred by waves of articles offering mea culpas, ludicrous excuses, and “no comments” from those parties named by Mitchell.

*The Hall of Fame. Any legitimate Hall of Fame candidate named in the report will see his candidacy irreparably damaged—or at the very least, seriously harmed in the short term. We already saw what happened to Mark McGwire in his first year on the ballot. The same stigma will befall any retired or aging superstars, unless they can convincingly refute steroid claims or prove that their use was extremely limited.

*Champions and dynasties. While individual players have always been the focus of the Mitchell investigation, some teams could become unintended victims. Any World Championship team from the mid-1990s through 2003 could have its reputation severely scarred if it’s shown that a sizeable group of players (let’s say five or six) from that club used steroids. Even the Yankee dynasty of 1996 to 2000 could be tarnished if the findings finger too many key players from Joe Torre’s reign. There won’t be actual asterisks, just as there never will be with individual records, but clearly discernible scarlet letters will become attached to champions…

On to more pleasant conversation. The Orioles did well in parting ways with Miguel Tejada for a package of five players. Luke Scott is a serviceable 29-year-old hitter who will fill the left field vacancy, Troy Patton and Matt Albers are decent pitching prospects who could crack the back of Baltimore’s rotation, and Mike Costanzo might be able to replace Melvin Mora at third base by 2009. Given Tejada’s offensive decline, his chronic lack of hustle (I feel for Cecil Cooper), and his inflated salary, the package that Baltimore extracted from Houston is more than adequate. As for the Astros, I’m not sure what they’re trying to do here. Tejada needs a contending team to rejuvenate his passion and enthusiasm for the game; it’s hard to see the Astros providing that pennant-contending background in a division that features far stronger alternatives in Chicago and Milwaukee. I’m also curious to see how the Astros will employ Tejada. If they put him at shortstop, they’ll have to trade Adam Everett, who’s the millennium’s version of Mark Belanger (as in great-field, absolutely no-hit). Or the Astros could shift Tejada to third (where he belongs), but that would make mid-season pickup Ty Wigginton extraneous. Either way, a follow-up trade seems in order…

Finally, it seems the Giants came out of nowhere to sign Aaron Rowand. That will happen when you offer a player six years worth $60 million. I love Rowand’s game, but am disappointed that he didn’t see fit to take less money from a better team. Rowand’s hellbent style of play will be hidden in San Francisco, playing for a team that doesn’t figure to contend for at least the first half of that contract.

The Head will be moving on. The Brewers designated Kevin “The Head” Mench for assignment on Monday, in order to make room for Salomon Torres on their 40-man roster. Even if he ends being released, Mench will have little trouble finding employment with another team. Though he lost his power stroke in Milwaukee, he has a history of pounding left-handed pitching. With several teams looking for punch from the right side, including the Angels, Yankees, A’s, Mets, and Pirates, someone will come calling. Could you imagine if the Yankees signed Mench and platooned him at DH with Hideki Matsui, another player known for a large noggin? They could plan a remake of that Ray Milland/Rosey Grier classic, The Thing With Two Heads…
When I first read reports that Eric Gagne’s free agent deal with the Brewers will likely pay him $10 million for the 2008 season, my reaction was simple: Are they out of their minds? I know the Brewers badly need bullpen help after losing Scott Linebrink and Coco Cordero to free agency, but did they even watch Gagne pitch in August, September, and October? Did they turn on the television sets in the postseason, when Gagne looked about as effective as Felix “The Run Fairy” Heredia? Gee willickers. The Gagne deal, if it’s true, makes the Yankees’ signing of LaTroy Hawkins to a one-year contract worth $3.75 million seem positively brilliant…

Speaking of Hawkins, the Yankees decided to sign the Colorado right-hander after overworked Luis Vizcaino demanded a three-year deal from New York. Given the arm problems that “The Viz” had in mid-season, a multiple year deal makes little sense. But that won’t stop someone, perhaps even the Rockies, from giving it to him…

It’s not a baseball movie per se, but I enjoyed the film adaptation of Mitch Albom’s For One More Day on Sunday night. The television movie presents the story of a mythical ex-ballplayer, struggling with alcoholism and estranged from his family, who ventures to the verge of suicide before an encounter with his late mother. Michael Imperioli, though not particularly athletic, does good, nuanced work in portraying Charley “Chick” Benneto, a retired catcher who appeared in the 1973 World Series with the Mets. (And no, the story isn’t based on the real life of either Duffy Dyer or Ron Hodges, in case you were wondering.) The film features a brief cameo by former major league infielder Luis Gomez, who portrays a retired Mets player on Old-Timers Day.

Not to sound like an old curmudgeon (or a young one), but let’s get one thing straight on the recent trade talk between the Giants and Yankees. The Giants are not sending Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum to the Bronx for Hideki Matsui. If the Giants are hesitant on giving up either one of their prized right-handers for Alex Rios, they’re certainly not going to part with one of them for the 34-year-old “Godzilla.” The Giants, however, are willing to offer a package of veteran left-hander Noah Lowry and lefty reliever Jonathan Sanchez, an intriguing offer to say the least. Lowry would give the Yankees’ staff some much needed balance (Andy Pettitte is currently their only established southpaw), a back-of-the-rotation starter who could relieve some of the innings burden from Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy. As for Sanchez, he’s a live-armed left-hander who struck out over a man per inning and could compete for a set-up role in what is now a wide-open Yankee bullpen… In the meantime, Matsui would slide into left field at Pac Bell Park, playing alongside Randy Winn and some other outfielder to be named later (perhaps Rajai Davis). Of course, all of this is contingent upon Matsui waving his no trade clause to go to San Francisco. It is likely that he would, in part because San Francisco has such a strong Asian American population…
The Yankees have also made a one-year contract offer to free agent reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Their interest in Hawkins isn’t surprising; they tried to sign him in the winter of 2003-04, when he left the Twins as a free agent. The 35-year-old Hawkins pitched well for the Rockies this year after struggling during stops in Chicago, Baltimore, and San Francisco. If the Yankees sign Hawkins, they may back off efforts to re-sign workhorse Luis Vizcaino…

The Rangers, having been rebuffed in efforts to sign Torii Hunter, are making a strong push for free agent Aaron Rowand. The Rangers have a long list of needs, from center field to leadership to starting pitching. Rowand, who plays as hard as Pete Rose but without the same personality problems, would help in two of those areas. The White Sox and Phillies remain the other contenders for Rowand, who is continuing to seek a five-year contract…

The Rockies appear to be zeroing in on a new second baseman. They’re negotiating with Tad Iguchi as a replacement for Kaz Matsui. The Rockies are also trying to clear Jamey Carroll from their 40-man roster. They offered Carroll to the Indians for Josh Barfield earlier in the week, only to have that proposal rejected—not surprisingly. They still might trade Carroll to Cleveland, but probably for a mid-level minor leaguer…

Prior to being included in that blockbuster between the Marlins and Tigers, Dontrelle Willis was almost ticketed for Cincinnati. The would-be trade would have sent “D-Train” to the Reds for outfielder Josh Hamilton, who would have filled Florida’s center field hole. (That honor now goes to Cameron Maybin, acquired as part of the Willis-Cabrera deal.) Willis could still be traded again. The Mets continue to check in with the Tigers regarding a deal of two or three prospects for the amiable left-hander.

As the winter meetings grind to a conclusion, the hot rumor of the day has the Yankees and Giants talking trade. San Francisco approached New York about Hideki Matsui as a potential replacement for Barry Bonds in left field. The Giants may be willing to give up two pitchers for “Godzilla”: left-hander Noah Lowry and righty reliever Jonathan Sanchez. The Yankees will listen to any offer than includes Lowry, whom New York has liked for a couple of years now. With Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy all expected to log fewer than 200 innings, the Yankees could use a veteran to soak up some of the missing frames. They also like the idea of having a second left-hander for their rotation, what with half their games at Yankee Stadium. Matsui, who is coming off knee surgery that should help his mobility in 2008, is expendable since the Yankees have decided to move Johnny Damon to left field. If Matsui is traded, Jason Giambi would be asked to serve as the left-handed DH, perhaps in a platoon with Shelly “The Forearm” Duncan…
The Yankees may be close to a deal with the Pirates for one of their left-handed relievers. The Yanks prefer Damaso Marte, who can be murder on lefties, but might settle for John Grabow. It will probably take a B-level prospect (maybe Jeff Marquez?) to get Marte, maybe a C-level minor leaguer (Chase Wright?) for Grabow. Stay tuned on that one…

Sources in Houston are reporting that the Astros are closing in on a 3-for-1 deal with the Orioles. The trade would send Miguel Tejada to Houston for a package of Adam Everett, Chris Burke, and a minor league pitcher, possibly Troy Patton. I find it hard to believe that the Orioles would settle for such a measly package in return for their cleanup hitter. Everett can’t hit and Burke fits best as a utility infielder, while Patton has a chance to be something good. If that’s the best the Orioles can come up with for Tejada, they’d be better off waiting for a better trade down the road…

Now that Miguel Cabrera is a Tiger, the Marlins have approached the Phillies about reacquiring Wes Helms. Helms was a productive player for the Marlins two years ago, but bombed in Philadelphia. He’s a poor defensive third baseman who doesn’t figure to improve, but might be able to bounce back as a hitter and would probably feel more comfortable in a smaller media market than Philadelphia… The Phillies, who also need a third baseman despite their proclamation that they can live with a platoon of Helms and Greg Dobbs, have supposedly told the Tigers they’re not interested in Brandon Inge. That’s hard to figure, given Inge’s exceptional defensive skills and potentially potent right-handed bat taking aim at the short fences at Citizens Bank Park. Inge would also offer versatility, since he’s played the outfield in past years…

The Padres have re-emerged as finalists in the sweepstakes for Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome. The Cubs are still believed to be the favorites, with the Royals also taking part in the bidding. Fukudome will likely garner a multi-year contract paying him $15 million per season…

Again, for those who would like to send me an e-mail, the address is bmark@telenet.net.