Mike McCann's Field of Fotos

Buster Posey completes his walk in from the bullpen just before the Giants game with the Yankees last July 23rd. Look at that deep blue sky... framing this perfect mid-summer image.

 ... AJ Pierzynski has played in the most games. The well-traveled catcher, who spent 2015 and '16 with the Braves (above) and part of 2014 with the Red Sox (below), is the only player with a December 30th birthday to have appeared in 1000 games in the majors. Actually, he's doubled that feat of durability, seeing action in 2059 games over the last 19 seasons. A .280 career hitter, he's thrown out a respectable 25% of baserunners trying to steal. Pierzynski is currently an unsigned free agent. Who does AJ share his birthday with? Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax , who dazzled and frustrated batters over a dozen big league seasons; the late  Frank Torre , the onetime Braves and Phillies 1st baseman, whose kid brother was a standout catcher and even more successful manager with the Yankees; and Australian-born Grant Balfour , who spent 12 years in big league bullpens. But our spotlight today belongs to Pierzynski -- here sharing a high-five after homering at Yankee Stadium ...

Mets batting practice before an April 1993 game at Candlestick Park. I can't identify anyone either in the cage or watching. If you can, PLEASE click on this page's COMMENT button.

Phillies 3rd baseman Maikel Franco on September 22nd against the Mets.

I love this image from the Mets/Phillies game last September 22nd. After making the inning-ending catch, Yoenis Cespedes flips the ball up as he heads for the dugout.

Say hello to Rhys Hoskins , one of the Phillies' pair of slugging prospects who spent 2016 at Reading  (Dylan Cozens is the other). He belted 38 home runs last summer. And while 125 strikeouts in 135 games isn't ideal, his overall production suggests that he could make his major league debut sometime in 2017.

The stolen base king and greatest leadoff hitter of all time was born on Christmas Day. Rickey Henderson played 25 seasons in the majors -- and never stopped being an intimidating presence. He led the American League in steals 12 times -- the final time at age 39! While none of his five Yankee seasons ended in a post-season appearance, he's become a regular at their Old Timers Day. Two other Hall of Famers were born on this date -- Nellie Fox , who teamed with fellow Cooperstown inductee Luis Aparicio on the great White Sox teams of the 1950s -- including the Go Go Sox that won the 1959 AL pennant; and Pud Galvin , the 19th century pitcher and the first 300-game winner in the game's history.

The news broke late on Thursday: Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion has chosen Cleveland as his new home. Coming off his best season yet, where he led the American League with 127 RBIs, he'll beef up the Indians offense, replacing Mike Napoli as the club's veteran slugger. Encarnacion is no one year wonder. Over the last five seasons -- the ones bookended by 42 home run campaigns  -- he's averaged 38 home runs and 110 RBI. The biggest surprise might be why the Blue Jays let him leave. While they did make him a qualiftying offer, it didn't appear retaining him was a priority. Toronto will save money with Kendrys Morales as their primary DH. But they'll get less bang in '17 for fewer bucks, while the Indians, with a core of young, exciting talent, add more middle of the order power.

Thursday's top baseball story was Ivan Nova re-upping with the Pirates. The longtime Yankee inked a three-year deal worth $26 million. You can't call this much of a surprise, since Nova thrived after coming to Pittsburgh in a July trade. Winning five of his seven decisions, he opened eyes by lowering his ERA from 4.90 in New York to an impressive 3.06. Yankee fans might be skeptical, as inconsistency was Nova's trademark in pinstripes. Aside from a 16 - 4 season in 2011, the Dominican product never established himself as the top of the rotation guy Brian Cashman and his scouts expected. While Nova will still face doubters as he begins his first full season in white, black and gold, he'll be working with pitching guru Ray Searage, who has helped revive several careers of those who struggled elsewhere. This photo was taken July 23rd, in Nova's final start at Yankee Stadium.

When I found this image of Giants 1st baseman Brandon Belt getting out of the way of a tight pitch last April against the Mets, that '60s dance craze quickly came to mind. Drawing the connection from baseball to rock and roll,  the week of December 22nd, 1962 was when Chubby Checker's single "Limbo Rock" peaked at number-two. So, while your favorite radio station might currently be awash in "Jingle Bell Rock" or "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," how about my request for another golden oldie -- tied to a Giants player and the year of their first pennant representing San Francisco.

The Red Sox and Phillies completed a trade Tuesday, with Boston sending veteran pitcher Clay Buchholz to Philadelphia for second-level prospect Josh Tobias. The 10 year veteran spent his entire career with the Sox; but after his standout 12 - 1 season in 2013, he's posted records at or below .500. With a 2017 salary of $13.5 million, he was felt to be excess baggage in Boston, while the Phils consider him a short-term fill-in; taking a spot in the rotation without rushing the organization's promising arms -- and not costing them anything beyond the upcoming season. And should he find his old form, GM Matt Klentak is likely to swap him for more prospects next July. Two teams with two different objectives, an ideal recipe for trade partners. This image of Clay Buchholz is from a Yankees/Red Sox game in April 2015.

...you share it with Mets captain David Wright . The best 3rd baseman in Flushing history was enjoying a seemingly charmed career until injuries began piling up in 2014. First, a shoulder problem, then a hamstring, spinal stenosis and 2016 surgery for a herniated disc have turned the seven-time All Star into a shell of himself. He's played in just 75 games over the past two seasons -- and his future appears very much in doubt. Still from 2004 - 2013, you'd be hard pressed to find a better overall 3rd baseman -- and person. His power, fielding, ability to hit for average and overall niceness earned him "The Face of MLB" in an online poll. Now, there are serious questions about whether he'll ever be productive again as he reaches his 34th birthday. David shares his birthday with: Eric Goeddel : the Mets reliever and older brother of Phillies outfielder Tyler Goeddel. James Shields : a 133-games winner over 11 seasons with the Rays -- where he earned ...

As we settle into the quieter part of the post-season, I'll focus my Mondays on some of the more interesting prospects I saw this spring and summer. Today, it's Phillies prosect Nick Williams . Much is expected of the lefty-hitting outfielder who was the top prize in the 2015 deadline trade for Cole Hamels. But 2016 was a step backward, as Williams struggled to keep his average over .250, and his work habits were questioned. While the Phillies are eager to infuse their lineup -- now headed by Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera -- with more young, cost-controlled talent, Williams hasn't yet shown enough to trusted with a regular job. I saw Williams and the rest of his Lehigh Valley teammates in August  '16.

The morning after our first measurable snow in Connecticut, how about some daytime images to warm your spirits. From April 10th, 2016, the Mets host the Phillies in the first Sunday of the regular season. Blue skies, green grass, the sweetness of early spring. Fan favorite Matt Harvey's on the mound for the Mets. But the players just up from seven weeks in Florida feel a chill -- check out Philadelphia 2nd baseman Cesar Hernandez and that hoodie stuffed under his uniform top.

On an Orioles club that featured the potent bats of Mark Trumbo, Chris Davis and Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop seems to fly under the radar. The 24 year old 2nd baseman belted 25 home runs last season; playing all 162 games, he compiled a slick .989 fielding percentage. But, let's be honest: do you recognize him? If you grew up in the '60s or early '70s, #6 on the Orioles means the gifted glove of center fielder Paul Blair. More recently, Baltimore got a decade of steady production from Melvin Mora. But Schoop has shown the potential to become the most famous Oriole to wear that number.

You'd be smiling too if you'd just signed a five-year contract to play ball for a guaranteed $30.5 million. The Phillies announced Thursday they'd locked up center fielder Odubel Herrera through 2021 -- with options for two additional years. A virtual unknown when the Phils snatched him from Texas two years ago in the Rule 5 draft, the sweet-hitting Venezuela native was projected as a utilityman. He's proven to be a lot more: a superb spring training helped him make the majors in 2015; then he hit close to .300, and after playing middle infield up till that point, took to center field surprisingly well. Then, for an encore, he raised his home run total to 15 and his stolen bases to 25. And he looks like he's always having fun on the field. Going from a question mark to a cornerstone of the Phillies rebuild. Well played, Mr. Herrera.

Less than 20 years ago, Ryan Minor was considered Cal Ripken's heir apparent. The 6'7 former college basketball star rose quickly through the Orioles farm system and made history in September 1998 as the player who he started at 3rd base in the game where Cal ended his consecutive game playing streak at 2632. But stardom wasn't in the cards for Minor. He failed to stick as an everyday player, and had no better luck after being traded to the Expos.  He returned to the Orioles organization in 2008 as a coach; becoming a farm system manager two years later. Ryan managed the O's Delmarva club this past season. Is it too early to draw a parallel between Minor and another onetime "pheenom?" Clint Hurdle, who never became the superstar some expected, has become a successful and respected major league manager.

Don't worry about Corey Kluber; the Indians ace is fine and looking forward to returning to the defending AL champions next spring. Now, look at his cap, and its logo of the cartoonish -- and to many people, offensive -- Chief Wahoo. You'll be seeing less of him in 2017. In announcing some minor uniform changes, the Indians said that a block C design cap will be paired with the blue (script) home shirts, instead of the design you see Kluber sporting here. And while that grinning face will still be seen on the sleeves, it's a further de-emphasis of an image that has outlived its time. CBSsports.com  posted a story Tuesday suggesting that Commissioner Rob Manfred is no fan of the team's name and logo. A local magazine takes it one step farther and proposes several alternatives to Indians. Frankly, I wouldn't mind Spiders. A cute anthropomorphic insect swinging a bat would be even more kid-friendly than an image reflecting bad stereotypes seen in a 1940s-era Lo...

The Dodgers grabbed the baseball headlines Monday when they held onto a pair of their own free agents, 3rd baseman Justin Turner and reliever Kenley Jansen. The late blooming Turner hit .275 and belted 27 home runs in '16, while Jansen saved 47 games for the NL West champs, with a nearly 10:1 ratio of strikeouts to walks. They didn't come cheap -- Turner got a four-year deal for a reported $64 million, while Jansen came close to what Aroldis Chapman will be making -- his contract totals $80 million over five years. But if the Dodgers want to remain on top of their divsion, keeping Turner and Janses was essential.

You share it with Ervin Santana . The 12-year veteran pitched well in 2016 on an awful Twins team. While he posted a losing record, his other stats -- including a 3.38 ERA and a 3:1 ratio of strikeouts to walks -- were impressive. You wonder if Minnesota, which appears willing to deal his teammate Brian Dozier, might make him available this winter. With two years remaining on his contract, he might be bring back some good prospects to a Minnesota team looking to rebuild. And if you're the Yankees, how would Santana look slotted between Tanaka and Sabathia in the rotation next season? He certainly looked good on a Yankee Stadium mound last June when the Twins visited New York. Some other names on our 12/12 cake and candles list: Orlando Hudson , the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks 2nd baseman during the 2000s. Gorman Thomas , the Brewers slugger who twice led the AL in home runs. Ralph Garr , has the perect nickname, the "Road Runner." This Braves and White Sox spe...

Here's some sunshine to spread the warmth on a Sunday when the northeast expects to be dusted with some snow and smacked with the coldest temperatures so far this season. From 2015, Mike Trout of the Angeles faces the Yankees; and below, it's "YMCA" time in the Bronx, after the grounds crew drags the infield after the 6th inning.

While several of baseball's top free agents, such as Aroldis Chapman, Dexter Fowler and Yoenis Cespedes have come off the boards, the 2016 AL home run champ remains unsigned. In his first, and likely only season with the Orioles, Mark Trumbo went yard 47 times. But his lack of defensive skills and surplus of strikeouts (170 last season) count against him -- as does his being attached to draft pick compensation. Approaching his 31st birthday, he could be an ideal DH for the right team. But with the Red Sox and Yankees having filled their holes for an extra bat, it should be interesting to see where this veteran slugger lands. This image of Trumbo comes from 2015, while he played for the Mariners.

From the Phillies/Mets game on September 22nd, Ryan Howard and Cesar Hernandez watch Cameron Rupp's home run clear the fence at Citi Fence. One other image from that moment: Rupp getting his "attaboy" from coach Juan Samuel as he rounds 3rd base.

A year ago, Cubs made an off-season splash by signing a pair of free agents away from the Cardinals: Jason Heyward and John Lackey. Now their arch-rivals down I-55 turn the tables, bringing  Dexter Fowler   aboard for a five-year deal estimated to be around $80 million. Coming off a productive 2016 for a club seemingly overloaded with outfield talent, Fowler brings a steady bad and consistent defense to a St. Louis club that never found an outfield combination to its liking last season. Fowler is the second big free agent signing in two days -- ironically, both are players who've left the reigning World Champs, a reverse of last winter's news.

Aroldis Chapman expects to be followed by that song 40 to 50 times a year for at least the next three. Late last night, the Yankees announced they'd signed the free agent closer to a five-year deal worth $86 million (with a no-trade clause the first three seasons). Crazy money? Sure. But then again, all contracts for star players are. But the Yankees considered him the closest thing to a sure bet. He was effective in his three months with the club last summer -- before they cashed him in for mega-prospect Gleyber Torres and two other players in late July.  Now, his 100 mile an hour fastball returns to the Bronx, where the Yankees plan on him locking down opponents in the 9th inning the way Mariano Rivera (and David Robertson and Andrew Miller) once did. Credit general manager Brian Cashman with targeting the player that made the most sense for his team. It only costs the Yanks money -- and because Chapman was moved mid-season in 2016, there is no draft pick compensation. ...

The Yankees have made it official. Derek Jeter's number-two will be retired next May 14th in a ceremony that will also include the dedication of his plaque in Monument Park. The Captain and face of the club's most recent dynasty, Jeter was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1996 -- the first of the five Yankee World Series champions he played on.  Crunch the numbers which make him a lock for the Hall of Fame when he becomes elligible three years from now: a franchise-record 3,465 hits, which ranks sixth in baseball history. The 14-time All Star totalled ‎1311 RBIs and 260 home runs. His quiet confidence and demeanor that reminded many of Joe DiMaggio, added to his appeal.  And there are the "moments":  That opening day home run in 1996 -- called on TV by the Yankees other iconic shortstop, Phil Rizzuto. Becoming, in 2000, the only player ever to be named All Star Game and World Series MVP the same season. The Flip Play, against the A...

You share it with White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton . The speedy lead-off man has really blossomed since coming to Chicago before the 2014, hitting .280 or better and twice leading the American League in triples. He shares his birthday with these other baseball names: Mike Mayers , a rookie pitcher who made his debut with the 2016 Cardinals. Jose Contreras , the Cuban expat who never quite lived up to the hype after signing with the Yankees. After being traded to the White Sox, he enjoyed his best season in 2005 when he won 15 as the club won its first World Series since 1917. Steve Bedroisian , the relief ace for the Braves, Phillies (where he won the 1987 NL Cy Young Award), Giants and Twins (where he earned a ring as a member of their 1991 World Champs). His son followed him into the "family business." Cam Bedrosian has been an Angels reliever the past three seasons. Larry Bowa , considered too small to make it in baseball, he played over 2000 games in the...

The biggest baseball news of the weekend was Carlos Beltran signing with the Astros. After spending last season with the Yankees and Rangers, the veteran switch hitter decided to stay in the AL West -- jumping to the Rangers' cross-state rival, where he starred in 2004, before leaving for the Mets in his first chance at free agency. The onetime AL Rookie of the Year had another productive year in 2016, (29 homers, 93 RBI, a .295 average),and has long been praised as a positive clubhouse influence. As he approaches his 40th birthday in April, Beltran might be a little bit of a gamble for Houston. Maybe more than just a little. He's remained productive when healthy, but age is age. And in a post-PED, post-amphetamines game, the aging process can be abrupt and cruel. And you never know what the point of no return might be. Carlos' Yankee teammate Alex Rodriguez was having a surprisingly productive season in 2015, but it seemed as if the day he turned 40, his numbers fell ...

We learned Friday that for the second straight off-season, Albert Pujols needed foot surgery . Give the Angels clean-up hitter credit, he played through a lot of pain in 2016 and still put up healthy numbers: 31 homers and 119 RBI. His plantar fasciitis has been a problem for several seasons. But he's not a kid anymore. Albert turns 37 next month -- and having what appears to be a chronic condition can't give the Angels fans or management a lot of encouragement -- especially with five years and $140 million left on his mammoth contract. These images came from the Angels game at Yankee Stadium on June 7th.