It's a Slow Recovery for Brandon Webb

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks of positive reviews, free agent to be Brandon Webb has experienced a set back:

Webb initially was going to throw to hitters Sunday or Monday, but that session was pushed back a couple of days. Manager A.J. Hinch said Webb might throw a bullpen session next instead of live batting practice, but did not set a date.

"He's not feeling bad, but he's not feeling strong," Hinch said. "It's not necessarily that unexpected. He is seven months post-surgery and these things get a little testy from time to time."

Webb, coming off shoulder surgery in August, was unavailable for comment before the Diamondbacks faced the Colorado Rockies in a split-squad game. But the 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner sent word through a team spokesman that he felt fine after playing catch.

Hinch has said Webb could pitch in his first spring game around the middle of the month. But Webb, who made only one start in 2009, likely will need to throw at least a couple more times before making his first start.

"He's not having trouble being on the mound," Hinch said. "He's not having trouble every time he throws a baseball like he did last season. He's in a little bit of a dead period in his rehab program that we're trying to get him past before we move him on."

Webb is so important to the 2010 Diamondbacks that the team has no reason to push him hard right now. Patience is the key word. As Webb looks forward towards free agency, teams might shy away from him if he spends considerable time on the DL, but Webb needs to do everything possible to perform at a high level for an extended period of time this season.

Even though thr 2010 season has yet to officially begin, doubts are growing about Webb's ability to land a multi year contract this winter. I hope he proves me wrong, but only time will tell.

David Ortiz's Future with the Red Sox

To contact us Click HERE
When you think about the Red Sox from 2003-2009, the image of David Ortiz immediately comes to mind. Big Papi has been the face of the Red Sox since he burst onto the scene in 2003, but will 2010 be Ortiz's final season with the Sawx? You be the judge:

Ortiz is tight-lipped when asked if there is anything that might be weighing on him. The most obvious potential source of discontent is his contract situation: The Red Sox hold an option on the 2011 season for $12.5 million.

Ortiz said he has had no conversations with the club regarding his contract.

"I'm just focusing on playing, not being a distraction about anything,'' he said. "It's going to be up to them to come talk to me. So I'm getting prepared to play.''

Given how poorly Ortiz played last season, there is no reason for the Red Sox to approach Ortiz about a new deal or extension at this point. The bottom line is that no matter how much Ortiz has meant to the Red Sox since 2003, he has plenty to prove to the Red Sox in 2010. If Ortiz shows that his 2009 season was not a fluke, then the Red Sox will simply let Ortiz go and go in another direction at DH.

But where this gets interesting is if Ortiz puts together a solid 2010 season. Let's say Ortiz hits .265 with 30 home runs and drives in over 100 with a .380 OBP. Would the Red Sox pick up his option then? Economically, it might not be the best decision, but could Ortiz make the Red Sox decision difficult with a solid season? No doubt. But in the end, $12.5 million is a lot to commit to a 35 year old designated hitter even one as popular and lovable as David Ortiz.

Heath Bell's Hometown Discount

To contact us Click HERE
Padres closer Heath Bell will not be a free agent until after the 2011 season, but that doesn't stop folks from questioning Bell's future with the Padres. Will Bell stay in San Diego long term or will his rising salary force the Padres to eventually trade him? Common sense would suggest the latter, but Bell is willing to take less to stay in San Diego:

As for Bell, the Padres encouraged trade offers on him last summer and last offseason. Then they kept him and signed him for $4 million. Bell would have more trade value now if Padres upper-level executives had OK'd the terms that then-GM Kevin Towers and Bell's agent had agreed to in the 2008-09 offseason. According to Bell, that pact would've guaranteed him $1.2 million in 2009 and $2.1 million this year. "I like the number 21 and wanted those numbers -- 1.2 and 2.1," said Bell, who wears 21.

When the club deemed the deal too risky, Bell signed for one year and put up enough numbers to raise his salary to $4 million. He said escalators in the scuttled deal would've bumped his 2010 salary to $3 million.

Bell said he'd be agreeable to signing an extension that is budget friendly for the Padres.

This all sounds great on the surface. Bell wants to stay in San Diego and he is willing to take less money to do so. However, given that the Padres have a $40 million dollar payroll and that closers of Bell's quality make around $8 million or so annually (roughly), what are the odds that they are willing to commit somewhere in the $6-$8 million dollar range long term for a closer? Slim to none? None?

Because of their financial limitations, it might be economically impossible for the Padres to keep Bell even if he is willing to take less.

Carlos Pena's Love for Tampa

To contact us Click HERE
Once again, Carlos Pena professes his love for the Rays and his desire to stay there long term. I never expected to see anyone express a strong desire to stay with the Rays long term, but wow have times changed:

Pena carries that mentality everywhere. So don't ask him if he is worried about his 0-for-18 start to Spring Training after missing the final 25 games of the 2009 season, or if he finds himself thinking about the fact that his three-year contract with the Rays expires after the season.

He doesn't.

Sure, most players will say they don't think about upcoming free agency because it's the right thing to say. But Pena absolutely lives it.

He said he never really speaks to his agent, hardball negotiator Scott Boras, about his talks with the Rays, nor does he care to hear from Boras about it.

As of now, Pena said, "nothing has really happened" in terms of a possible deal, but he wouldn't mind coming to terms on an extension during the season, because he would love nothing more than to stay with Tampa Bay.

"I think everyone knows how much I like it here, how much I appreciate this place," said Pena, who's making $10.125 million this season. "So it's one of those things I know that I cannot control, because I'm not the one in the driver's seat there. But I know what I can control -- that's be prepared, do my exercises so I can stay healthy, make sure I'm present so I can enjoy my teammates.

Somewhere in his agent headquarters, Scott Boras is probably pulling his hair out. Boras is notorious for trying to get as much money for his guys as possible, but if Pena is serious about returning to the Rays long term, then there is almost zero chance that Pena will maximize his earning potential.

But then again, this could set up an interesting sub plot. Will Boras be able to use Pena's love of Tampa as a bargaining tool with other teams? Essentially, will he be able to say to teams, "Look, Carlos loves it in Tampa and if you want to sign him, then you're going to have to pay a premium for him services." Or something to that extent.

It seems as though that the only way for Pena to maximize his value on the open market next winter is to play the field, move on from Tampa, and let Boras work his magic. But then again, Pena's priorities seem to be all about comfort and if that's the case, then his mind is probably already made up about where he would like to play in 2011 and beyond. The question then becomes if the Rays can afford to keep him.

What's In Your Back Yard? - Twitter

To contact us Click HERE

I will never ever get tired of Twitter. That wonderful tool has done wonders for my business. I have met and become friends with more photographers which has thus continued to inspire my creativity. Today I just randomly signed on to the Twitter when I noticed a tweet from a fellow friend and talented photographer @SierrazaPhotog. She posted a link to photo's of things found in her backyard. So I decided to do that very same thing. Just a quick impromptu shoot of things I normally don't shoot. Thanks again Sierra! -AG
(For more of Sierra Eberly's photography visit her site at: www.photosbysierra.com)

Ok the above picture is the front of the home but I wanted to invite you in first :)













And a final photo from the front... "thanks for visiting."

Josh Beckett and the Red Sox Probably Won't Negotiate During the Season

To contact us Click HERE
So says Beckett:

Speaking on CSNNE’s “SportsNet Central” Thursday night, Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett said he would most likely not negotiate a new contract with the Red Sox during the 2010 season, saying “Probably not,” when asked if he would participate in any in-season talks.

Beckett had said during a press conference Sunday at the Red Sox’ minor league training facility that he and the Red Sox had “talked about talking” regarding a new deal. The pitcher’s current contract runs out at the end of the 2010 season.

During the appearance, Beckett also said regarding his contract status, “It’s really not in my control. I don’t really have an answer right now, I don’t really want to think about it. I think for me, my focus is really just being on coming into camp, getting ready for the long season and preparing myself the best I can.”

So this gives the Red Sox roughly a month to get a new deal done with Beckett or risk having Beckett hit the free agent market this winter. Does anyone actually think this deal has a chance to get done before April rolls around? I'm doubtful. If Beckett signs now, he surely will land a lucrative contract, but if he delivers a stellar 2010 season, then he could land a really lucrative contract. Unless Beckett has a strong desire to stay in Boston, I'd gamble on his abilities and play the year out and plan on becoming a free agent after the season.

It's a Slow Recovery for Brandon Webb

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks of positive reviews, free agent to be Brandon Webb has experienced a set back:

Webb initially was going to throw to hitters Sunday or Monday, but that session was pushed back a couple of days. Manager A.J. Hinch said Webb might throw a bullpen session next instead of live batting practice, but did not set a date.

"He's not feeling bad, but he's not feeling strong," Hinch said. "It's not necessarily that unexpected. He is seven months post-surgery and these things get a little testy from time to time."

Webb, coming off shoulder surgery in August, was unavailable for comment before the Diamondbacks faced the Colorado Rockies in a split-squad game. But the 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner sent word through a team spokesman that he felt fine after playing catch.

Hinch has said Webb could pitch in his first spring game around the middle of the month. But Webb, who made only one start in 2009, likely will need to throw at least a couple more times before making his first start.

"He's not having trouble being on the mound," Hinch said. "He's not having trouble every time he throws a baseball like he did last season. He's in a little bit of a dead period in his rehab program that we're trying to get him past before we move him on."

Webb is so important to the 2010 Diamondbacks that the team has no reason to push him hard right now. Patience is the key word. As Webb looks forward towards free agency, teams might shy away from him if he spends considerable time on the DL, but Webb needs to do everything possible to perform at a high level for an extended period of time this season.

Even though thr 2010 season has yet to officially begin, doubts are growing about Webb's ability to land a multi year contract this winter. I hope he proves me wrong, but only time will tell.

David Ortiz's Future with the Red Sox

To contact us Click HERE
When you think about the Red Sox from 2003-2009, the image of David Ortiz immediately comes to mind. Big Papi has been the face of the Red Sox since he burst onto the scene in 2003, but will 2010 be Ortiz's final season with the Sawx? You be the judge:

Ortiz is tight-lipped when asked if there is anything that might be weighing on him. The most obvious potential source of discontent is his contract situation: The Red Sox hold an option on the 2011 season for $12.5 million.

Ortiz said he has had no conversations with the club regarding his contract.

"I'm just focusing on playing, not being a distraction about anything,'' he said. "It's going to be up to them to come talk to me. So I'm getting prepared to play.''

Given how poorly Ortiz played last season, there is no reason for the Red Sox to approach Ortiz about a new deal or extension at this point. The bottom line is that no matter how much Ortiz has meant to the Red Sox since 2003, he has plenty to prove to the Red Sox in 2010. If Ortiz shows that his 2009 season was not a fluke, then the Red Sox will simply let Ortiz go and go in another direction at DH.

But where this gets interesting is if Ortiz puts together a solid 2010 season. Let's say Ortiz hits .265 with 30 home runs and drives in over 100 with a .380 OBP. Would the Red Sox pick up his option then? Economically, it might not be the best decision, but could Ortiz make the Red Sox decision difficult with a solid season? No doubt. But in the end, $12.5 million is a lot to commit to a 35 year old designated hitter even one as popular and lovable as David Ortiz.

Heath Bell's Hometown Discount

To contact us Click HERE
Padres closer Heath Bell will not be a free agent until after the 2011 season, but that doesn't stop folks from questioning Bell's future with the Padres. Will Bell stay in San Diego long term or will his rising salary force the Padres to eventually trade him? Common sense would suggest the latter, but Bell is willing to take less to stay in San Diego:

As for Bell, the Padres encouraged trade offers on him last summer and last offseason. Then they kept him and signed him for $4 million. Bell would have more trade value now if Padres upper-level executives had OK'd the terms that then-GM Kevin Towers and Bell's agent had agreed to in the 2008-09 offseason. According to Bell, that pact would've guaranteed him $1.2 million in 2009 and $2.1 million this year. "I like the number 21 and wanted those numbers -- 1.2 and 2.1," said Bell, who wears 21.

When the club deemed the deal too risky, Bell signed for one year and put up enough numbers to raise his salary to $4 million. He said escalators in the scuttled deal would've bumped his 2010 salary to $3 million.

Bell said he'd be agreeable to signing an extension that is budget friendly for the Padres.

This all sounds great on the surface. Bell wants to stay in San Diego and he is willing to take less money to do so. However, given that the Padres have a $40 million dollar payroll and that closers of Bell's quality make around $8 million or so annually (roughly), what are the odds that they are willing to commit somewhere in the $6-$8 million dollar range long term for a closer? Slim to none? None?

Because of their financial limitations, it might be economically impossible for the Padres to keep Bell even if he is willing to take less.

Carlos Pena's Love for Tampa

To contact us Click HERE
Once again, Carlos Pena professes his love for the Rays and his desire to stay there long term. I never expected to see anyone express a strong desire to stay with the Rays long term, but wow have times changed:

Pena carries that mentality everywhere. So don't ask him if he is worried about his 0-for-18 start to Spring Training after missing the final 25 games of the 2009 season, or if he finds himself thinking about the fact that his three-year contract with the Rays expires after the season.

He doesn't.

Sure, most players will say they don't think about upcoming free agency because it's the right thing to say. But Pena absolutely lives it.

He said he never really speaks to his agent, hardball negotiator Scott Boras, about his talks with the Rays, nor does he care to hear from Boras about it.

As of now, Pena said, "nothing has really happened" in terms of a possible deal, but he wouldn't mind coming to terms on an extension during the season, because he would love nothing more than to stay with Tampa Bay.

"I think everyone knows how much I like it here, how much I appreciate this place," said Pena, who's making $10.125 million this season. "So it's one of those things I know that I cannot control, because I'm not the one in the driver's seat there. But I know what I can control -- that's be prepared, do my exercises so I can stay healthy, make sure I'm present so I can enjoy my teammates.

Somewhere in his agent headquarters, Scott Boras is probably pulling his hair out. Boras is notorious for trying to get as much money for his guys as possible, but if Pena is serious about returning to the Rays long term, then there is almost zero chance that Pena will maximize his earning potential.

But then again, this could set up an interesting sub plot. Will Boras be able to use Pena's love of Tampa as a bargaining tool with other teams? Essentially, will he be able to say to teams, "Look, Carlos loves it in Tampa and if you want to sign him, then you're going to have to pay a premium for him services." Or something to that extent.

It seems as though that the only way for Pena to maximize his value on the open market next winter is to play the field, move on from Tampa, and let Boras work his magic. But then again, Pena's priorities seem to be all about comfort and if that's the case, then his mind is probably already made up about where he would like to play in 2011 and beyond. The question then becomes if the Rays can afford to keep him.

30 "Hypothetical" Games We Can't Wait to See This NFL Season

To contact us Click HERE

30 "Hypothetical" Games We Can't Wait to See This NFL Season
1.	Week 1	Wednesday	9/5/2012		Cowboys	@	Giants	NBC	8:30 PM		The 2012 NFL Season kicks off with two fierce division rivals, who closed the 2011 NFL Regular Season
2.	Week 1	Sunday	9/9/2012		Redskins	@	Eagles	FOX	1:00 PM		RGIII gets his first taste of the NFL in Philadelphia
3.	Week 1	Sunday	9/9/2012		Panthers	@	Saints	FOX	1:00 PM		How will the Saints season fare without Sean Payton?
4.	Week 1	Sunday	9/9/2012		Colts	@	Jaguars	CBS	1:00 PM		The #1 overall pick, Andrew Luck, tries to turn around a franchise starting in Jacksonville
5.	Week 1	Sunday	9/9/2012		Steelers	@	Ravens	CBS	1:00 PM		This divisional rivalry is as physical as they come, and we won't have to wait long to see it
6.	Week 1	Sunday	9/9/2012		49ers	@	Patriots	FOX	4:15 PM		Two teams that fell short to the Giants in their Super Bowl run square off in this Week 1 matchup
7.	Week 1	Sunday	9/9/2012		Texans	@	Broncos	NBC	8:20 PM		Peyton Manning.  Denver.  Week 1.  Sunday Night Football.
8.	Week 1	Monday	9/10/2012		Packers	@	Lions	ESPN	7:00 PM		ESPN's Week 1 double-header features an NFC North divisional battle, and the 2012 Gruden-Bowl
		Monday	9/10/2012		Buccaneers	@	Raiders	ESPN	10:15 PM
9.	Week 2	Thursday	9/13/2012		Broncos	@	Chargers	NFLN	8:20 PM		We don't think anyone will get tired of seeing Peyton Manning in primetime as a Bronco
10.	Week 2	Sunday	9/16/2012		Jets	@	Patriots	NBC	8:20 PM		Let's see if Bill Belichick is still a "jerk" to Darrelle Revis
11.	Week 3	Sunday	9/23/2012		Steelers	@	Broncos	CBS	4:15 PM		I have a feeling this Playoffs rematch will be a little bit different than last year
12.	Week 6	Sunday	10/14/2012		Saints	@	Packers	NBC	8:20 PM		Can this game possibly live up to their Opening Night matchup from one year ago?
13.	Week 6	Monday	10/15/2012		Bills	@	Patriots	ESPN	8:30 PM		Tom Brady, meet Mario Williams
14.	Week 7	Sunday	10/21/2012		Giants	@	49ers	NBC	8:20 PM		Last year, the Giants and 49ers split their two matchups, but the Giants won the game that mattered
15.	Week 8	Sunday	10/28/2012		Patriots	@	Rams	CBS	1:00 PM		NFL in London.  Can the Rams pull off the upset in Wembley Stadium?
16.	Week 8	Monday	10/29/2012		Ravens	@	Texans	ESPN	8:30 PM		Another Playoffs rematch.  Let's see if the Texans fare a little differently with Matt Schaub under center
17.	Week 10	Sunday	11/11/2012		Redskins	@	Rams	FOX	1:00 PM		With one of the largest trades in the history of the NFL Draft made, let's see how both teams fare up to Week 10
18.	Week 10	Sunday	11/11/2012		Patriots	@	Ravens	CBS	4:05 PM		What is the over/under of how many Billy Cundiff replays this game will feature?
19.	Week 10	Sunday	11/11/2012		Packers	@	Seahawks	NBC	8:20 PM		Matt Flynn gets his first crack at beating his former team on NBC
20.	Week 11	Thursday	11/15/2012		Raiders	@	Bengals	NFLN	8:20 PM		Carson Palmer makes his return to Cincinnati for Thursday Night Football on NFL Network
21.	Week 12	Thursday	11/22/2012		Texans	@	Lions	CBS	12:30 PM		The NFL Thanksgiving classic features the traditional Lions and Cowboys home games,
		Thursday	11/22/2012		Saints	@	Cowboys	FOX	4:15 PM		as well as the Patriots visiting the up-and-coming Titans
		Thursday	11/22/2012		Patriots	@	Titans	NBC	8:20 PM
22.	Week 12	Sunday	11/25/2012		Broncos	@	Ravens	NBC	8:20 PM		An AFC matchup of two teams with Super Bowl expectations
23.	Week 13	Sunday	12/2/2012		Bills	@	Texans	CBS	1:00 PM		Who Says You Can't Go Home? Mario Williams travels back home to Houston
24.	Week 13	Sunday	12/2/2012		Packers	@	Giants	FOX	4:05 PM		The Packers seek revenge for their early Playoffs exit from last year
25.	Week 13	Sunday	12/2/2012		Broncos	@	Patriots	CBS	4:15 PM		Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning.  Does anything else need to be said?
26.	Week 14	Thursday	12/6/2012		Jets	@	Jaguars	NFLN	8:20 PM		The New York Jets travel to Jacksonville in the Tim TeBowl
27.	Week 15	Sunday	12/16/2012		Giants	@	Cowboys	FOX	4:15 PM		This game is sure to have major implications for the NFC East with the NFL Playoffs right around the corner
28.	Week 15	Sunday	12/16/2012		Eagles	@	Steelers	NBC	8:20 PM		A Pennsylvania knock 'em down, drag 'em out style game on Sunday Night Football
29.	Week 16	Sunday	12/23/2012		49ers	@	Saints	NBC	8:20 PM		Their 2011 Divisional Round Playoffs matchup featured 28 points in the final 4:11.  Will the offensive fireworks continue?
30.	Week 16	Monday	12/24/2012		Broncos	@	Raiders	ESPN	8:00 PM		ESPN brings you Peyton Manning in the Black Hole on Christmas Eve.

What's In Your Back Yard? - Twitter

To contact us Click HERE

I will never ever get tired of Twitter. That wonderful tool has done wonders for my business. I have met and become friends with more photographers which has thus continued to inspire my creativity. Today I just randomly signed on to the Twitter when I noticed a tweet from a fellow friend and talented photographer @SierrazaPhotog. She posted a link to photo's of things found in her backyard. So I decided to do that very same thing. Just a quick impromptu shoot of things I normally don't shoot. Thanks again Sierra! -AG
(For more of Sierra Eberly's photography visit her site at: www.photosbysierra.com)

Ok the above picture is the front of the home but I wanted to invite you in first :)













And a final photo from the front... "thanks for visiting."

It's a Slow Recovery for Brandon Webb

To contact us Click HERE
After weeks of positive reviews, free agent to be Brandon Webb has experienced a set back:

Webb initially was going to throw to hitters Sunday or Monday, but that session was pushed back a couple of days. Manager A.J. Hinch said Webb might throw a bullpen session next instead of live batting practice, but did not set a date.

"He's not feeling bad, but he's not feeling strong," Hinch said. "It's not necessarily that unexpected. He is seven months post-surgery and these things get a little testy from time to time."

Webb, coming off shoulder surgery in August, was unavailable for comment before the Diamondbacks faced the Colorado Rockies in a split-squad game. But the 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner sent word through a team spokesman that he felt fine after playing catch.

Hinch has said Webb could pitch in his first spring game around the middle of the month. But Webb, who made only one start in 2009, likely will need to throw at least a couple more times before making his first start.

"He's not having trouble being on the mound," Hinch said. "He's not having trouble every time he throws a baseball like he did last season. He's in a little bit of a dead period in his rehab program that we're trying to get him past before we move him on."

Webb is so important to the 2010 Diamondbacks that the team has no reason to push him hard right now. Patience is the key word. As Webb looks forward towards free agency, teams might shy away from him if he spends considerable time on the DL, but Webb needs to do everything possible to perform at a high level for an extended period of time this season.

Even though thr 2010 season has yet to officially begin, doubts are growing about Webb's ability to land a multi year contract this winter. I hope he proves me wrong, but only time will tell.

David Ortiz's Future with the Red Sox

To contact us Click HERE
When you think about the Red Sox from 2003-2009, the image of David Ortiz immediately comes to mind. Big Papi has been the face of the Red Sox since he burst onto the scene in 2003, but will 2010 be Ortiz's final season with the Sawx? You be the judge:

Ortiz is tight-lipped when asked if there is anything that might be weighing on him. The most obvious potential source of discontent is his contract situation: The Red Sox hold an option on the 2011 season for $12.5 million.

Ortiz said he has had no conversations with the club regarding his contract.

"I'm just focusing on playing, not being a distraction about anything,'' he said. "It's going to be up to them to come talk to me. So I'm getting prepared to play.''

Given how poorly Ortiz played last season, there is no reason for the Red Sox to approach Ortiz about a new deal or extension at this point. The bottom line is that no matter how much Ortiz has meant to the Red Sox since 2003, he has plenty to prove to the Red Sox in 2010. If Ortiz shows that his 2009 season was not a fluke, then the Red Sox will simply let Ortiz go and go in another direction at DH.

But where this gets interesting is if Ortiz puts together a solid 2010 season. Let's say Ortiz hits .265 with 30 home runs and drives in over 100 with a .380 OBP. Would the Red Sox pick up his option then? Economically, it might not be the best decision, but could Ortiz make the Red Sox decision difficult with a solid season? No doubt. But in the end, $12.5 million is a lot to commit to a 35 year old designated hitter even one as popular and lovable as David Ortiz.

Heath Bell's Hometown Discount

To contact us Click HERE
Padres closer Heath Bell will not be a free agent until after the 2011 season, but that doesn't stop folks from questioning Bell's future with the Padres. Will Bell stay in San Diego long term or will his rising salary force the Padres to eventually trade him? Common sense would suggest the latter, but Bell is willing to take less to stay in San Diego:

As for Bell, the Padres encouraged trade offers on him last summer and last offseason. Then they kept him and signed him for $4 million. Bell would have more trade value now if Padres upper-level executives had OK'd the terms that then-GM Kevin Towers and Bell's agent had agreed to in the 2008-09 offseason. According to Bell, that pact would've guaranteed him $1.2 million in 2009 and $2.1 million this year. "I like the number 21 and wanted those numbers -- 1.2 and 2.1," said Bell, who wears 21.

When the club deemed the deal too risky, Bell signed for one year and put up enough numbers to raise his salary to $4 million. He said escalators in the scuttled deal would've bumped his 2010 salary to $3 million.

Bell said he'd be agreeable to signing an extension that is budget friendly for the Padres.

This all sounds great on the surface. Bell wants to stay in San Diego and he is willing to take less money to do so. However, given that the Padres have a $40 million dollar payroll and that closers of Bell's quality make around $8 million or so annually (roughly), what are the odds that they are willing to commit somewhere in the $6-$8 million dollar range long term for a closer? Slim to none? None?

Because of their financial limitations, it might be economically impossible for the Padres to keep Bell even if he is willing to take less.

Carlos Pena's Love for Tampa

To contact us Click HERE
Once again, Carlos Pena professes his love for the Rays and his desire to stay there long term. I never expected to see anyone express a strong desire to stay with the Rays long term, but wow have times changed:

Pena carries that mentality everywhere. So don't ask him if he is worried about his 0-for-18 start to Spring Training after missing the final 25 games of the 2009 season, or if he finds himself thinking about the fact that his three-year contract with the Rays expires after the season.

He doesn't.

Sure, most players will say they don't think about upcoming free agency because it's the right thing to say. But Pena absolutely lives it.

He said he never really speaks to his agent, hardball negotiator Scott Boras, about his talks with the Rays, nor does he care to hear from Boras about it.

As of now, Pena said, "nothing has really happened" in terms of a possible deal, but he wouldn't mind coming to terms on an extension during the season, because he would love nothing more than to stay with Tampa Bay.

"I think everyone knows how much I like it here, how much I appreciate this place," said Pena, who's making $10.125 million this season. "So it's one of those things I know that I cannot control, because I'm not the one in the driver's seat there. But I know what I can control -- that's be prepared, do my exercises so I can stay healthy, make sure I'm present so I can enjoy my teammates.

Somewhere in his agent headquarters, Scott Boras is probably pulling his hair out. Boras is notorious for trying to get as much money for his guys as possible, but if Pena is serious about returning to the Rays long term, then there is almost zero chance that Pena will maximize his earning potential.

But then again, this could set up an interesting sub plot. Will Boras be able to use Pena's love of Tampa as a bargaining tool with other teams? Essentially, will he be able to say to teams, "Look, Carlos loves it in Tampa and if you want to sign him, then you're going to have to pay a premium for him services." Or something to that extent.

It seems as though that the only way for Pena to maximize his value on the open market next winter is to play the field, move on from Tampa, and let Boras work his magic. But then again, Pena's priorities seem to be all about comfort and if that's the case, then his mind is probably already made up about where he would like to play in 2011 and beyond. The question then becomes if the Rays can afford to keep him.

What's In Your Back Yard? - Twitter

To contact us Click HERE

I will never ever get tired of Twitter. That wonderful tool has done wonders for my business. I have met and become friends with more photographers which has thus continued to inspire my creativity. Today I just randomly signed on to the Twitter when I noticed a tweet from a fellow friend and talented photographer @SierrazaPhotog. She posted a link to photo's of things found in her backyard. So I decided to do that very same thing. Just a quick impromptu shoot of things I normally don't shoot. Thanks again Sierra! -AG
(For more of Sierra Eberly's photography visit her site at: www.photosbysierra.com)

Ok the above picture is the front of the home but I wanted to invite you in first :)













And a final photo from the front... "thanks for visiting."