A little Hot Stove fun

Sean Casey has joined the roster as the Red Sox first major off-season action. Good move? I think so. Casey is a solid 1B who has occasional power (no longer like his days in a Reds uniform, but it’s there), is a great clubhouse guy, and can provide a more reliable backup for Youk than Eric Hinske. If you remember, Casey was the starting 1st baseman for the Tigers last year. He showed significant improvement at the plate, raising his average from his ‘06 .245 to .296, hit four dingers and drove in 54 while batting in the 7 hole. Casey bats lefty as well and judging by his average he’s learning to become more of a hitter and less of a swinger at the plate, if you know what I mean. Think about what Ortiz did last year as a lefty: he started going to left field. Casey should have an easy time doing that as well, seeing as he’s had a year of practice in a ballpark that is much less kind to players trying to go to left (hint: no 37-foot wall). The only downside? Casey only batter .083 in Fenway last year. Hopefully that can be attributed to the great pitching of the Sox.

In other news, Johan Santana is going to New York! But wait, climb down from your windowsills and put down your loaded .22s, Boston faithful. He’ll be in Queens. Santana agreed to a contract with the Mets for some ludicrous amount of money, which I believe starts at $22.5 million a year. Good for the Mets. Have him and his 30-year old arm and appalling contract. As long as he isn’t in Los Angeles Anaheim, The Bronx, or Motor City I don’t care.
So that’s all for now. And remember, pitchers and catchers report on February 19, so only

18 more days.