According to this tweet by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Mets may have something cooking with the Texas Rangers who are seeking to move outfielder Julio Borbon.

Borbon, 27, was designated for assignment last week and the Rangers have until this afternoon to trade him or place him on irrevocable waivers. He has a slash of .283/.324/.358 over parts of four years in the majors.

Last season, Borbon hit .304/.349/.433 with 23 doubles, eight triples, 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 28 attempts for the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate.

The Orioles have previously been tied to the Rangers outfielder and remain the heavy favorites to land him.

Thoughts from Joe D.

This doesn’t say much about the current Mets center field situation if the Mets connection to this rumor is true. For now the Mets have had a merry-go-round out there that has included Collin Cowgill, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Jordany Valdespin for the most part.

We certainly could use the help, but Borbon doesn’t look like an answer or a solution to me.

Plus if this involves other teams bidding, the odds the Mets come out on top seems like a longshot.

ADD DESTROYING CRIMINAL EVIDENCE TO A-ROD’S RAP LIST?

On Friday afternoon, Michael Schmidt of the New York Times broke the story and identified Alex Rodriguez as the player who allegedly purchased documents from a former employee of Biogenesis of America in an attempt to destroy evidence linking him to the anti-aging clinic’s distribution of performance-enhancing drugs.

When the Miami New Times broke the story in January, I remember saying “this is the White Whale. This is the one that will blow the lid completely off the entire steroid and PED scandal.”

Since that day more than a dozen players have been implicated and tied to Biogensis including Rodriguez, Melky Cabrera, Gio Gonzalez, Bartolo Colon, Nelson Cruz and Yasmani Grandal and 2012 MVP Ryan Braun.

While they all continue denying everything and scrambling for and convenient excuse they can find, the plot keeps thickening and the sordid details are piling up by the hundreds. Real details and real documents that even MLB themselves are trying to illegally buy at any price to get to the bottom of this and protect what little integrity the game has left.

The person charged with the role of Super Spy is none other than Bud Selig himself who has been authorizing and signing off on huge sums of cash that is being used to secure whatever documents they can get their hands on from former employees of the lab who are now all seeking to pay off their significant mounting legal fees.

And while Alex Rodriguez is no less guilty of doing the same thing, there is a huge difference.

MLB wants those documents so they can go after every player that is implicated and try to clean up the game.

A-Rod on the other hand, was seeking to get those documents and destroy them before the FBI or MLB got a hold of them.

But wait, there’s more…

Of course, Rodriguez flatly denied the accusation through a spokesman, but then he dropped another bombshell alleging that it was the New York Yankees that were paying for and buying those documents from the rogue former employee. Wow…

Oh and one more thing… Let’s stop calling them documents and lets start referring to them instead as illegally obtained evidence to hinder an ongoing federal, state and MLB investigation.

These are all allegations at this time, but when this is all over, I think more than a few people, including players, will be looking at life from a different perspective…

WILLIE MONTANEZ: The Hot Dog

On December 8, 1977, the Mets were one of four teams involved in one of the most complex deals in the history of baseball. This was it :

• The Mets sent John Milner to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• The Atlanta Braves sent Willie Montanez to the New York Mets.
• The Texas Rangers sent Adrian Devine, Tommy Boggs, and Eddie Miller to the Atlanta Braves.
• The Texas Rangers sent a player to be named later and Tom Grieve to the New York Mets.
• The Texas Rangers sent Bert Blyleven to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• The Pittsburgh Pirates sent Al Oliver and Nelson Norman to the Texas Rangers.
• The New York Mets sent Jon Matlack to the Texas Rangers.
• The Texas Rangers sent Ken Henderson (March 15, 1978) to the New York Mets to complete the trade.

I wish I could tell you who conceived this deal and how it fell into place, but frankly, I have no idea. For the Mets’ part, they replaced John Milner with Willie Montanez and sent Matlack away for Tom Grieve and Ken Henderson.

Montanez was considered a better all-around player and certainly flashier than Milner, but I think that Met fans were disappointed with Willie’s production and expected a major upgrade from Milner. Actually, the one full year Willie spent with the Mets wasn’t bad statistically (.256, 32 2B, 17 HR, 96 RBI), but he seemed to fail a lot in big spots and hit his best in one-sided games. Ironically, the following season, the Mets sent Montanez to Texas, another of the parties in the original deal, in exchange for Ed Lynch and Mike Jorgensen and a couple of years later, the Pirates traded Milner even-up to Montreal for Montanez.

As for the other part of the trade for the Mets, it turned out to be a lot less than either side expected. Matlack had one solid year for the Rangers, but that was about it. Neither Grieve nor Henderson was anything other than a part-time player, though the Mets were expecting more, I’m sure.

The big names in the deal were Blyleven and Oliver, so maybe the deal started out as a one-for-one and other general managers just joined the party. I suppose after giving up Blyleven, the Rangers needed another pitcher and that’s how Matlack got involved, but it looks to me like the Mets were a pawn in this trade, and they were probably fortunate it didn’t turn out any worse than it did for them.

Mike Olt

Just in case you haven’t noticed, the Mets signed David Wright to an eight-year contract extension.

Also a friendly reminder, David Wright is a third baseman.

The Mets also have a guy named Ike Davis, who despite a slow start in 2012 managed to club 32 home runs.

Davis plays first base and is just 25 years old just so you know.

Of course, as Mets fan, you know all this information through and through. But the real question is why the Mets would even remotely consider trading R.A. Dickey to the Rangers for a package centered around prospect Mike Olt.

Olt is a power hitting third base prospect who is also a solid defender at the hot corner. He’s played 212 games at third since being drafted by the Rangers in the first round in 2010, and he’s only made 32 errors – not bad at all.

Though he’s said to strikeout a lot, he’s displayed a good power bat from the right side, which the Mets desperately need.

Sounds like a good prospect to get back for Dickey, right?

Wrong, in so many ways.

Why on earth would the Mets want a young third baseman after signing Wright for eight more years? And after a strong second half showing by Davis, Olt, who has only played 13 career minor league games at first base, would not make sense at first either.

Olt played three games in right field in the minor leagues last year and two games after being called up to the Rangers.

What’s with Sandy Alderson thinking he can turn infielders into full-time outfielders, since that’s the only position Olt would play on the Mets as of now?

There were rumors that the Mets were interested in Mark Reynolds, a corner infielder, as an outfielder before he signed with the Indians.

Of course, the Mets could trade Davis for an outfielder and insert Olt at first, but what’s the point of having an unproven commodity trying to replace 32 dingers?

If the Mets were to make a deal with the Royals based around Wil Myers – an actual outfielder – a Dickey deal would have made sense, but the Royals flipped Myers to the Rays in the James Shields trade.

A Dickey trade still does make sense, but the Mets need to get back pieces in which they don’t have – either a catcher or an outfielder.

Olt may turn into a great Major Leaguer, but unless the Mets involve a third team to take Olt, a trade with the Rangers just doesn’t make sense for the Amazin’s.

Wild Card winner getting first two games at home in Divison Series

When the Marlins won the World Series in 1997 they had the same first two games at home, which gave them an added advantage. Going up against the San Francisco Giants in the Divison Series, they won the first two games at home, and then the first game back in San Fran to complete the sweep. They later went on to win the World Series. If that series started in San Fran, who knows how it would have turned out. Expect similar upsets this year.

Not having Mariano Rivera will hurt the Yankees chances

This is a given. Mariano is the greatest closer in the history of the game, and post-season play. Aside from a hiccup in the 2001 World Series, Rivera has been flawless. When the Yankees made it to the 8^th inning with a lead in previous years, it was a lock they would walk away with a win. Don’t expect similar results this year.

The Rangers will go as far as Josh Hamilton takes them

If Josh Hamilton catches fire, the Rangers will be playing in the World Series. If he continues to slump, the Rangers will make an early playoff exit. During a contract year, if Hamilton wants to really cash in, now is the time to really step up. I think he will.

Oakland’s weaknesses will be exposed

Like Billy Beane’s great moneyball teams of the early 2000s, the Athletics will ultimately be exposed in the playoffs against the Tigers, and eliminated in the ALDS. Maybe if they continue to shock everyone, and go on to win the World Series, Brad Pitt will play Beane in the Moneyball sequel. In other news, the comedic spoof of Moneyball, The Moneyball Mets, is slated for release in 2013.

Bryce Harper

Rookie Mike Trout has been all the talk of 2012, but Harper has been lurking in the shadows waiting to get his chance to steal back the rookie spotlight. This is his opportunity to show the world that he is still the best young talent in the game. Bryce Harper doesn’t sink back into the crowd, and is going to lift his play to another level with all the national attention. He will prove why Sports Illustrated dubbed him as “the chosen one.” I wonder if he will give us a few more memorable quotes along the way – That’s a clown question ‘bro.

These were just a few things that will make for a very interesting playoff season. There are a slew of other story lines that will impact this year’s playoff picture, and I’m looking forward to seeing them all unfold.

Everyone has a clean slate starting today. Team records are reset to 0-0. Everything that happened over the course of the season is in the past. Everything is on the line, and the glory is there for the taking. Who wants it more? God I love this game…

The San Francisco Giants are champions of the world after knocking out the Texas Rangers 3-1 to win the World Series 4-1.

For the second time in the series, San Francisco ace Tim Lincecum outdueled the Texas ace Cliff Lee.

The Giants took the lead on a 3-Run HR by Edgar Renteria off Lee in the 7^th. Nelson Cruz answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the 7^th off Lincecum.

Lincecum was dominant in Game 5, with 3 Hits and 10 K’s in 8 IP.

In the playoffs, Lincy defeated Derek Lowe, Roy Halladay, and Cliff Lee.

The Texas offense, all series was dismal. Josh Hamilton went 2 for 20. Vladimir Guerrero had a slash line of .071/.125/.071. The Rangers as a team batted .189 with a .232 OBP.

1B Mike Moreland was the only one with a semblance of offense going .452/.533/.769.

Giants SS Edgar Renteria captured the MVP award, after going .429/.467/.643 with 2 HR and 6 RBI.

Renteria joins Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, and Lou Gehrig as the only players to have the World Series winning hit in two different World Series.

The Giants offense, considered to be the weak link on the team, exploded for 20 Runs in the first two games.

Aubrey Huff went .357/.438/.714 with 4 RBI.

The Giants got a gem from rookie Madison Bumgarner in Game 4, firing 8 shutout innings. In Game 2, Matt Cain threw 7.2 scoreless.

In Cliff Lee’s two World Series starts, he took his first (and second) postseason losses with a 6.94 ERA.

The Giants won their first title since 1954, and first since moving out west.

When the Giants last won the World Series in 1954: Gas was $.21, top song was “Hey There” by Rosemary Clooney, and President was Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower

Texas Rangers

The Rangers rotation is anchored by mid-season acquisition, and playoff ace, Cliff Lee. After Lee is CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis, and Tommy Hunter. Lewis has a 1.45 playoff ERA with 18 K’s in 18.2 IP. Wilson is 1-1 in three starts with a 3.93 playoff ERA. Lee has been his usual outstanding self. In three starts, Lee has pitched 24 IP with only 2 Earned Runs and an absurd 34:1 K:BB ratio. 34 to 1!!!

However, Tommy Hunter is the weak link in the rotation. He’s made two starts, never lasting longer than 4 IP. He still gets the K’s (12 in 7.1 IP), but has a bad WHIP (1.50) and ERA (6.14).

The closer is the electric Neftali Feliz.

You’ve probably heard of the Rangers offense. Leadoff man Elvis Andrus, 3B Michael Young, MVP Josh Hamilton, Who’s Your Vladdy, Boomstick, Ian Kinsler, Bengie Molina, 1B Mitch Moreland, and either David (don’t call me Daniel) Murphy or Frenchy.

I won’t go too in depth, but this offense is seriously freakin good.

The Rangers are in the World Series for the first time in franchise history; 39 seasons in Texas, 11 in Washington. The trades that were made this season were made with the intent that there was no tomorrow, which because of the ownership situation, there wasn’t. That’s why they were willing to deal Justin Smoak and Blake Beaven for Lee, and steal him out from under the Yankees. That may have won them the ALCS. It’s World Series or bust for the Rangers.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants win with pitching, pitching, pitching, and enough offense to take the lead. Timmy “The Freak” Lincecum anchors the rotation with Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner. For the past two years, the Giants have had a reputation as “The Team No One Wants To Make The Playoffs” because of their rotation. Lincy has been what you would expect. Cain’s shutout in Game 3 against Cole Hamels gave the Giants the series lead they would not relinquish. Bumgarner and Sanchez can really rack up K’s, but they also give up runs. Sanchez did not make it out of the 3^rd in Game 6. He could be the Giants weak link.

The closer is Brian Wilson and his beard.

The lineup is a collection of misfits that somehow work well together. Andres Torres (6^th in the league in Defensive WAR), Freddy Sanchez, Aubrey Huff (4^th in the NL in WAR among position players…seriously the biggest bargain of the 2009 offseason), ROY candidate Buster Posey, mid-season pickup Pat Burrell, mid-season pickup Cody NLCS MVP Ross, Kung Fu Panda, mid-season pickup Mike Fontenot, Juan Uribe, and Edgar “I’ve been around forever but I’m only 33” Renteria. The lineup doesn’t pack the punch that the boys from Arlington have, but it’s a group of players peaking at the right time. All of these pickups and signings have done well since coming to San Fran.

The Giants have not won a World Series since moving out West, 53 seasons.

Fun Factoids

Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee were the two Cy Young winners in 08. The last time that the two respective Cy Young’s from the same year have faced in the World Series was 2001 (Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson, who both won it in 2001 and matched up that October/November).

Bengie Molina started his year by the bay, but was traded to Texas.

The first interleague game ever was between the Giants and Rangers in Arlington.

Hey Beltran-bashers, next time you want to bring up that called strike, just remember that both LCS’s this year ended with called strikes on the losing team’s biggest sluggers. On pitches that weren’t as nasty as Wainwright’s curve.

Either Guillermo Mota or Frenchy will be a World Champion soon.

Questions To Chew On

Who will win the series?

How many games?

MVP?

Who wins Game 1, Cliff Lee or Tim Lincecum?

Should Cliff Lee throw Games 1, 4, and 7?

Should Lincecum?

For Fun: Comparing the cities, who is the cooler law-enforcer, Walker Texas Ranger or Dirty Harry?

Born on January 31, 1947 in Refugio, TX, his family moved to Alvin when he was 6 weeks old. At age 9, he joined the Alvin Little League. At age 12, he tossed a no-hitter.

He was drafted in the 12^th round by the Mets in 65 and was assigned to the Marion Mets in Marion, VA of the Appalachian League for 1966. He was a late season call up. Pitching in relief on September 11,1966, Ryan struck out opposing pitcher Pat Jarvis for his first strikeout in the majors. There would be 5,713 more to follow.

Nolan’s first full year with the Mets was 1968 but he saw action primarily out of the bullpen. Although he fanned 133 batters in 134 IP, he also walked 75. He had a blinding fastball reminiscent of recently retired Sandy Koufax and as blistering as Bob Gibson‘s. Ryan seemingly reached 100 MPH on every pitch. But his inconsistent command of the strike zone prevented him from breaking into the rotation.

In the 1969 Playoffs it was Ryan who was the winning pitcher in the decisive game 3 against Atlanta. He pitched 7 innings in relief allowing just 3 hits.

In the World Series, 22 year old Ryan only pitched 2 1/3 innings, all of them in Game 3. It was Ryan who was on the mound when Tommie Agee made his 2^nd great catch that afternoon. Ryan’s career would last 27 years. He threw 5386 innings and faced 22,575 batters. But this would be his only World Series appearance.

Ryan was itching to become a regular starter. He was growing tired of relieving and spot starting. On April 18, 1970 he put forth a good case by striking out 15 which tied a Mets record. Just 4 days later, however, Tom Seaver fanned 19. Years later Ryan would credit Seaver with teaching him ‘how to be a pitcher and not a flamethrower.’

By 1971 Ryan was growing more restless of his utility role. The Mets were led by Seaver and Koosman. In addition there was the reliable Gary Gentry and a rookie named Jon Matlack was on the horizon. His dream of becoming a starter seemed unattainable and he demanded to be traded.

It was a tough decision for the Mets. It’s not every day you have a guy with a fastball regularly clocked at 100, but there seemed to be no improvement in his control. After 510 IP, he had whiffed 493 but walked 344. On December 10, 1971, Ryan was traded to the Angels along with 3 others for Jim Fregosi. Baseball historians would call this one of the worst trades in the history of the game.

In 1972 Jim Fregosi played in 101 games for the Mets. He hit a paltry 232 with 5 HR’s and 32 RBI’s. Ryan, now starting on a regular basis for the first time in his career, would end the season with a 2.28 ERA. He struck out 329 batters, the 4^th highest to date in the 20^th century. July of the following year the Mets discarded Fregosi for cash. That same season Ryan would set the AL record with 383 strikeouts. He also tossed 2 no-hitters, striking out 17 in one of them, the most K’s ever in a no hit bid.

He became known as The Ryan Express. In a career that spanned 7 different US Presidents, Ryan would become the games’ All Time strikeout king with 5714. He retired with a 3.19 ERA. He fired a record 7 no-hitters along with 12 1-hitters and 18 2-hitters. He averaged 6.56 H/9, the lowest in history. Opponents hit only 204 against him. He struck out 7 pairs of fathers and sons over 27 years. He fanned 15 or more in a single game 26 times. He is the only pitcher to strike out the side on 9 pitches in both leagues. Ryan is also the only player in history to have his number retired by three different teams. He retired with 324 wins against 292 losses for a 526 winning percentage. Although that leaves much to be desired, one must remember that he pitched most of his career with sub-500 clubs where he received very little run support.

Reggie Jackson once said of him, “Ryan’s the only guy who puts fear in me. Not because he could get me out but because he could kill me.”

Coming into the 1993 season, The Ryan Express announced this would be his final year. In a game against the White Sox on August 4, Ryan hit Robin Ventura with a pitch. Ventura, 26, charged the mound. Ryan, 46, did not move. He grabbed Ventura in a headlock and proceeded to pummel him in the head 6 times before Ventura was pulled away. Ventura was ejected. Ryan was not. After the game Ryan stated that he used the exact same maneuver on steers back home on his ranch in Texas when he had to brand them.

Ryan was voted to The All Century team where he secured more votes then any other pitcher in history. The Sporting News ranked him as the 41^st best player to ever play the game. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999 with 98.79% of the vote. The only player who ever got a higher percentage was Ryan’s former teammate and tutor, Tom Seaver.

Ryan’s career ended prematurely. Pitching in Seattle on Sept 22 in what was supposed to be the third from last start of his career, his arm finally gave out when he partially tore a ligament. The team doctor, manager and teammates gathered around the mound. Always the competitor, Ryan was determined to stay in the game. He wanted to throw one more pitch to see if he could withstand the pain. However, with his next delivery, he tore the ligament completely. As Ryan walked off the mound alongside the manager and team physician fans in Seattle cheered his remarkable career. The end had come sooner then anyone expected.

46 years old, torn ligament and all, Ryan’s final pitch was clocked at 98 MPH.