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Here’s a quick round to get you started on a Monday…

• First and foremost, a Happy Veterans Day for all Vets. Without all of our troops, past and present, we don’t have the freedom that we all enjoy. Thank you is not enough.
• While watching the Knicks game Sunday night (hey, there’s no baseball!!), Jorge Posada was spotted by the television cameras. He was later quoted as saying he wants to remain a Yankee and hopes that something can be worked out. My guess is that Jorge, despite a big push from the Mets, will be a Yankee. Management knows that he is the one person that cannot be replaced this off-season. I mean, Yorvit Torrealba is getting a lot of attention. Posada, while old for a catcher, didn’t play there until he arrived in the Yankee system. Even then, he sat behind Joe Girardi for a few seasons before taking the full time gig. He is someone who has a few good years left. The Yanks can give him three or four years and make him their first baseman for the last two.
• In news that surprises no one, the Pirates announced that they wouldn’t be pursuing many free agents due to budget concerns. One reason cited was the Matt Morris contract, which was picked up last year. I realize that there is a new regime that is not responsible for this, but this is a typical mistake that sets these teams back a few years. The Red Sox can make a mistake on a Julio Lugo, the Yanks on a Carl Pavano, but the Pirates need to be better. Hopefully the new regime thinks progressively and decides to trade overvalued guys like Jason Bay, Jack Wilson, and Ronny Paulino.
• Over the weekend, the Phillies signed veteran reliever J.C. Romero to a 3 year, 12 million dollar contract. This just illustrates how crazy the relief pitcher market is. Romero is a solid lefty reliever, but has posted wildly inconsistent numbers over his career. This seems like one of those regrettable contracts come 2009.
• Just a gut feeling…Carlos Silva is going to get a contract for 12-15 million dollars a season. With the lack of quality free agent pitching, teams will look at his low walk totals and over pay.
• Dontrelle Willis’ name is brought up in a lot of papers around the country (take a look at the “Morning Paper” section to read each team’s hometown paper). I don’t see the Marlins dealing him this winter with his value at an all-time low. My guess would be that he will be dealt at the all-star break if he can have a decent first half. If he starts off well, the Marlins will make a contender pay dearly for a quality left handed starter.
• Lastly, it seems that Johan Santana may be moved after all. The Twins are rumored to offer a “We don’t want you to accept this deal” contract, which will be promptly turned down. Whoever gets Johan will have to pay. One paper suggested the Twins asking the Yankees for Robinson Cano and Phil Hughes. I don’t see the Yankees doing that, but it will be interesting to see. Whichever team gets Johan becomes an early favorite. Stay tuned for more.

So, that’s it for today. Enjoy the day. Check out our feature on Winning in the Small Market. I think it’s some good food for thought. Fire back with any comments or news of your own.