Sunday reading: Joe Girardi, Frank Catalanotto, Jason Marquis, Bob Sheppard and Jerry Manuel
I spoke with Joe Girardi last night, and he addressed some questions about his 2010 team. The outfield continues to intrigue me. There's clearly a very real chance that the Yankees' Opening Night lineup _ assuming the Red Sox start righty Josh Beckett _ could feature Brett Gardner in centerfield and Curtis Granderson in leftfield, rather than the other way around.
--The Mets signed Frank Catalanotto to a minor-league contract, and my Newsday teammate got Catalanotto on the phone. Hey, at least the Mets found someone who wants to play for them. Catalanotto could be a nice fit on the Mets, considering how badly they need left-handed pop.
--Speaking of people who want to play for the Mets, my Sunday Insider features a nugget (second item here) that the Brewers backed off of Jason Marquis earlier this offseason, because Milwaukee was convinced that Marquis would wind up with the Mets.
I was among those scolding Mets fans for being impatient earlier this offseason, when there were many starting pitching options available on the free-agent market. No, though? Go ahead and fume, Mets fans.
--Newsday teammate Jim Baumbach was fortunate enough to spend some time with Bob Sheppard yesterday.
--Thanks to Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger, via Twitter, for this. I think even Jerry Manuel could appreciate it.
Self-promotion alert: I'll be on "Sports Extra" tonight, on Fox 5 at 10:30 p.m., with Duke Castiglione.
--And...I'm outta here. On the clock today, and then vacation starting tomorrow. One more respite before spring training. So if nothing of consequence occurs today, then have a great week.
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