According to MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick, the Phillies have come to terms with OF Karim Garcia on a minor league deal today.
Garcia, who last played stateside for the Mets and Orioles in 2004, revitalized his career with the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League, where he batted .281 with 34 HRs in two seasons.

Mets OF Endy Chavez is at it again, making another outstanding catch during the Winter League playoffs from Venezuela.
To see the most recent addition to Endy’s highlight reel, click play below and buzz forward to the 1 minute mark…

…thanks to daly for the link…

Alberto, among others, have recently sent in a similar e-mail to the following…
“You have mentioned on many occasions that you do not like the Hall of Fame.  Why?”

…well, i would not go that far…i mean, i don’t dislike it, let’s put it that way, but, yes, you are correct, it is not my favorite topic…
…for [...]

According to the Associated Press, only Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken will be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame this year.
For a complete break-down of votes for all eligible candidates, check out the blog for Baseball Digest Daily.

Alex, a student with NYU, recently sent in an e-mail asking…
“Could you explain on the blog, how you see Keith Hernandez as the better player over Don Mattingly?
“I am a die-hard Met fan, but even I must admit, Mattingly had overall better numbers offensively and defensively…Honestly I’m curious on your thoughts on this.  Thanks.”

…thanks for being [...]

Go to Blog Harbor’s BlogWare login page, located here.
Login using the same username and password that you use to post comments at MetsBlog.com.
Once you have logged in, you will be taken to the Dashboard.
To post information to the main page of MetsBlog.com, click the Post tab option, featured just below the Blog Harbor, and sail boat, logo.
This [...]

In a recent chat at ESPN.com, Keith Law was asked what he expects to see from Mike Pelfrey and Phil Humber.
According to Law…
“I’ve said before that I think Pelfrey needs to junk his curve and go fastball-slider to be successful, but if he does, he’s a #1 or #2 starter.
“Humber scares me - threw so [...]

Last week, in the Star-Tribune, beat reporter Patrick Reusse wrote that he believes the Twins will now end up trading LHP Johan Santana after next season, thanks to Barry Zito’s $126 million deal with the Giants.
However, in today’s Pioneer Press, Charley Walters reports that Santana’s contract contains a full no-trade clause.
According to Walters, “With the [...]

If you’ve yet to do so, be sure and vote in this week’s MetsBlog Fan Confidence Rating by using the poll to the left…
…thanks…

Today, at 2 pm, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce who will enter the Hall of Fame this coming season.
For a complete list of eligible candidates, check out Adam Rubin’s blog for the Daily News.
…all of baseball will be watching to learn whether or not an elite group of writers acknowledge Mark McGwire as [...]

According to Josh Suchon, at the Oakland Tribune, the A’s are showing interest in free-agent Darin Erstad as either an outfielder or a first baseman.
…hmm…i wonder if this impacts their rumored interest in Lastings Milledge, not that Mets intend to trade him…
Last week, in a chat for Baseball America, Marlins columnist Mike Berardino noted, “The Marlins aren’t [...]

At Amazin Avenue, Eric continues his daily look at the Top 50 Mets of All Time.
Today, Eric writes about Robin Ventura, who he ranks at No. 44.
In his first season with the Mets in 1999, Ventura hit .303 with 32 HR, 38 doubles and 120 RBI in 161 games played.
…obviously, like most Mets fans, my favorite ventura [...]

In his most recent mailbag for MLB.com, Marty Noble perfectly answers a variety of popular questions, many of which I continue to get via e-mail, as well, over and over again.
…if you continue to wonder why the Mets are not going after Mark Mulder or a left-handed, power bat off the bench, or why they are ignoring Steve Trachsel, [...]

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review notes that the Pirates are among three teams that have offered a two-year deal to free-agent RHP Tomo Ohka, who is seeking a three-year deal.
…the buzz around baseball has ohka getting offers from one-year with options to deals guaranteeing two years with incentives, and so on, while he is seeking a [...]

According to the player’s agent, Mark Mulder will decide whether to pitch for the Indians, Rangers or Cardinals by the end of this week, reports Scott Miller at CBS SportsLine.
…as i have written before, the last buzz on mulder suggested he will likely sign for a two-year deal, worth as much as $10 million per [...]