New deal for MLB near?? Papelbon leaves the Red Sox?? Pujols who?? All this and more in this edition of

Today’s Random Thoughts, has been declared a

Oh yeah, smoke that cigar, because you and your agent deserve it, baby. Pap’s signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies. For his career, so far, Papelbon has 219 career saves, with a 2.33 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, which is better than anything Philadelphia had in their bullpen.

The only thing that makes me more joyous, as I am a die hard Yankee Fan, is if the new collective bargaining agreement is reached, Boston will not get the Phillies #1 draft pick or any other type of compensation. Oh Yeah!!!

Last year the Phillies thought they had a stacked hand at pitching and yet they didn’t win the National League Pennant. On the heels of their defeat, you have to give Philadelphia credit for signing Papelbon.

I am glad that the Venezuelan government was able to rescue Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos two days after he was kidnapped.

Ramos stated that he was not blindfolded or in restraints and that he spent his time on a bed. The kidnappers did know a lot about his life.

If I was a professional sports player living in Venezuela, I would have second thought about living in the country.

Okay, he never managed in the majors, or in the minors, yet Mike Matheny was named to replace Tony La Russa as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. Mike was a catcher, winning 3 gold gloves with the Cardinals, and had been a minor league instructor with the team, but will that be enough to manage in the major leagues? It might if pitching coach Dave Duncan stays as he has one-year remaining on his contract.

Is the signing of Mike Matheny enough to keep Albert Pujols??

You have to give credit to Buffalo Bills receiver, David Nelson credit. He caught a touchdown pass and after getting congratulated by his teammates, ran all the way down the other end of the field to give his girlfriend, a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, the football. Here name is Kelsi Reich.

I was going to post the clip, but NFL properties blocked it out. Like there going to show it somewhere.

It looks like baseball will have a different look after the new collective bargaining agreement has been signed. There is talk that there will be two leagues of 15 teams, with the Houston Astro’s moving to the American League and an addition wildcard team will be added to the playoff mix. Also teams will not lose a draft pick(s) when they sign class “A” or “B” free agents.

Isn’t it ironic that of all the sports, baseball is the one that has its act together. This agreement will assure that baseball will have had labor peace for 20 years. The longest streak since the creation of the MLBPA in the 60’s.

I am not a fan of Duke, or Coach Mike Krzyzewksi, but I must congratulate him on winning his 903^rd game, which makes him the all-time win leader in college basketball.

Hope ya enjoyed this.

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