SILLY SEASON - 2/20

I guess it's still the silly season as long as there's still silliness out there.

***KEN GRIFFEY SIGNS WITH SEATTLE***
This seems to be just sentimentality. Picasner feels Griffey is over with, even though a dismal 2008 season is being blamed on injuries. I hope he doesn't embarrass himself. I remember Willy Mays trying for one more year with the Mets and being unable even to judge fly balls. Ken, don't tarnish a wonderful image in that manner. Hope you have a decent season and go out like a winner.

***BERNIE BACK WITH THE YANKS***
Another player who can't seem to recognize his diminished abilities. Bernie's just working out in preparation for the WBC, but he does think he can still play in the majors. Good luck, Bernie.

***WELL, IF YOU CAN'T GET TEIXEIRA...***
After losing out on Mark Teixeira, the Washington Nationals went out an signed a 19 year-old phenom named Esmailyn Gonzales, who tore up the Gulf Coast League last year. This is basically a rookie league used as a proving grounds for unsigned high school and college players. It seems like a good pickup for Washington, except...he's really 22 years-old. ...and his name is really Carlos Lugo! Talk about a rush to judgment. Somewhere, there has to be a scout who's currently looking for a new job.

***FREE AGENT TRACKER***
With spring training well underway, there are still 44 unsigned free agents, including Ben Sheeets, Orlando Hudson and you-know-who. Along with the 6 free agents who retired, 29% of the 171 F.A.'s are still available.

***SPEAKING OF YOU-KNOW-WHO***
The Dodgers are deep in negotiations with Orlando Hudson, saying any signing would not cut into the $25 million they have earmarked for Manny. Sounds good, but don't you think Manny is thinking, "Why not add the Hudson money to MY $25 million instead?" All right, the words 'think' and 'Manny' don't really belong in the same sentence, but I'm sure Boras has picked up on this.

***WHEN ARE YOUR TEAMMATES ON STEROIDS?***
According to Derek Wilken, "When you hit .350 with 45 homers and are still batting 7th."