First, a big cheer to AL Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander and Manager of the Year Jim Leyland. I'm sure Mr. Met would like to offer a lusty "boo" to the NL Manager of the Year choice, Joe Girardi, over Willie Randolph. I think Randolph did a great job, but was hurt by the fact the Mets had the division wrapped up by the All-Star break. Even though Willie had no pitching staff, no one paid attention to the fact he still nearly won 100 games.
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The Tigers are going to lose one of the key pieces to the team, lefty reliever Jamie Walker. He's heading to Baltimore, where they should love him. I saw some of the names of lefty relievers still available, and my stomach started to ache.
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Philadelphia signed infielder Wes Helms yesterday. I've seen him referred to as "third baseman" even though he played many more games at first base last season. Obviously, the Phils got him to play third. He has become a better hitter the past two years by shortening his stroke, Charlie Manuel said. The Phils believe he is above average defensively, even though his range factor over the years is horrible when compared to the league average.
Helms hit .329 with 10 homers and 47 RBIs in 250 at-bats last year. Helms has had more than 275 at-bats just once in his eight-year career.
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The Diamondbacks reportedly have made free agent pitcher Randy Wolf their No. 1 target.
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