Mike McCann's Field of Fotos

The hottest baseball story over the past 24 hours has been the rumored Mets/Mariners deal that would send Robinson Cano back to New York. With Seattle going into "rebuild" mode and the Mets sorely in need of a big bat, a trade more than makes sense. Now, we await details -- and probably won't hear it finalized until Monday. Of course, Citi Field isn't Yankee Stadium; Jay Bruce, Jayson Bay and many other "imports" learned first-hand that it isn't home-run friendly. The cooler nights, larger dimensions, damper conditions from being adjacent to Flushing Bay have frustrated a lot of players who came to the Mets mid-career. It's no secret Cano was sorry he left the Bronx five years ago to sign a longer and more lucrative contract with the Mariners. After a 2018 PED-related suspension, Cano and the Mariners were likely destined for a divorce. We'll soon learn whether Flushing is a good enough substitute for the Bronx as the place to re-invigorate

While searching for yesterday's photo with Billy Wagner, I took a first look in a long time at my photos from the Mets' June 12th, 2008 game with the D'backs. A day game really shows the contrast between the (relatively) open outfield of Shea and the circular confines of its successor Citi Field. Enjoy the moment, soak in the sunshine and the view of the field (and yes, that's Wagner on the mound in the fateful top of the 9th) on a perfect early summer's day ten years ago. Below, a pre-game image -- with Citi Field now dominating the view, enticing you with the promise a new Mets era beginning the following season.

The Mets sign reliever Billy Wagner to a four-year, $43 million deal that makes him baseball's highest paid closer. In three-plus seasons with New York, Wagner would compile 101 saves -- but not on the afternoon on June 12th, 2008 , when I took this image. Entering the 9th inning with a 4-2 lead on the Diamonbacks, Wagner gave up two runs and left with the score tied -- costing Johan Santana a win after he rolled through seven shutout innings. Arizona won the game 5-4, scoring a run in the top of the 10th off Aaron Heilman.

Finally, some significant free agent movement on Monday. And it came from an unexpected source, as the Braves signed 3rd baseman Josh Donaldson to a eye-catching contract. Coming off an injury-plagued season where he played just 52 games, the 2015 American League MVP agreed on a one-year deal. A limited commitment for him and the Braves, who'll get a player eager to prove he's still one of the game's best hitters. Heading into his age 33 season, Donaldson believes he can still play at the level that made him the 2015 AL MVP with the division winning Blue Jays. And while it's a hefty price tag for the Braves, there's not the risk involved with a long-term deal. Donaldson, should things go as planned, will also serve as the savvy veteran alongside Freddie Freeman to help rising young stars Acuna, Albies and Enciarte make it deeper into October. The Braves other Monday signing was a homecoming -- catcher Brian McCann spent the first nine years of his career w

...you share it with Matt Carpenter . The versatile Cardinals infielder has become more of a power hitter in recent years. Last year, he belted a career-high 36 home runs. Getting on base has always been his specialty; he's walked 80 or times in five seasons -- and over 100 times the last two years. Pretty good productivity from a 13th round draft choice. Also getting their cake and candles today, a pair of players-turned-broadcasters: Harold Reynolds played a dozen seasons in the majors, but is more widely recognized for his work with ESPN, FOX and MLB Network, where he co-hosts the off-season morning show Hot Stove. Bob Walk broke in with the 1980 Phillies -- where he started and won the opening game of that fall's World Series. He later pitched for the Braves and Pirates -- on whose TV-radio team he's worked since 1994. Two Hall of Famers were born on this date: Lefty Gomez , the legendary Yankee pitcher of the 1930s and early '40s. This four-time 20-

One of the real treats of sitting in the bleachers is having the action come toward you. You're not behind or seemingly alongside the batter. Instead, you can see his joyful reaction when he KNOWS he crushed one. From August 16th at Citizens Bank Park, Rhys Hoskins watches this ball soar, high and far... Now the fans take over: the kid with glove outstreched cheering -- but probably realizing that he's a few sections away from where that ball's going to land. Just to the left of dead center, the guy in the black Phillies tee shirt wound up with the ball -- and gave it to a young phan who will take that magical memory home with her and cherish it forever.

July 6th, 2018, as Hudson Valley hosts Staten Island in the New York-Penn league.

Adrian Beltre 's announcement this week that he was retiring after 21 major league seasons robs the game of what likely would have been a widely covered farewell tour. Make no mistake, Beltre was worthy of a final round of cheers -- he steps down as one of the best all-around 3rd basemen ever. The five-time Gold Glove winner totaled 477 home runs to go along with a .286 batting average. He passed 3,000th career hits in 2017, and jumped passed Stan Musial and Willie Stargell on the all-time home run list this past summer. Those numbers pass the "eye test" for greatness; the popularity with his teammates, and his leadership role with the Rangers, show the measure of the man. Beltre joins the just-retired Joe Mauer as strong Cooperstown candidates for the Class of 2014.

The symbol of Durham's minor league team is not only displayed behind the left field board, but receives a plaque on the commerative brickwalk outside the park. In an era of muppet-like mascots, the aggessive beast has been tamed into a more kid-friendly version. I wonder if the ballclub has ever reached out to '60s rock and roller "Sam the Sham" Samudio since introducing Wool E. Bull? The mascot appears on this warning sign just outside the main entrance.

Last weekend, on a visit to my daughter who recently moved to Raleigh, I had the chance to drive to nearby Durham and check out the area's Triple A ballpark. Fans familiar with the classic movie Bull Durham won't recognize it - - the club moved its new, modern home in 1995 after decades in the similarly named Durham Athletic Park. This successor to the one captured on film is one of the nicer minor league parks I've seen. Taking a quick look from the outside, it's impressive. Even better, unlike most venues, major or minor, it's not totally walled or fenced off. So even in mid-November, I saw almost everything but a ballgame. Located in the midst of a revitalized area brimming with hotels, restaurants, art space and office buildings, I was able to capture these views from above center field. Designwise, it's reminiscent of the nicer spring training parks, with close-in seating, some luxury suites and plenty of outside seating (and eating) areas.  Attention

...and Paxton to the Bronx!! The first major trade of the Hot Stove season was designed to beef up the Yankees rotation and help jump start a Mariners rebuilt, as GMs Brian Cashman and Jerry DiPoto focused on a constasting pair of lefthanders: rookie Justus Sheffield and veteran James Paxton . Potential versus experience, youth versus maturity. Starting fresh versus finding that key missing piece. It's big step in Cashman's plan to fix a Yankee rotation that was, at best, inconsistent during 2018. At first glance, I like how it works out for both teams. While I've enjoyed what an infusion of youth has done for the Yankees the past couple of seasons, Paxton moves in alongside Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka as the Yanks look to close the gap on the World Champion Red Sox. And the Canada native is just reaching his peak -- at age 30 and coming off his two best Seatttle seasons, he should be a dependable arm for the two remaining years before his agent Scott Boras ta

It might wax poetic about Richie Ashburn or Richie Allen, Robin Roberts or Del Ennis, maybe Jim Bunning or Jim Konstanty. This wooden seat came from Connie Mack Stadium in its final season, 1970. A year after man landed on the moon, the Phillies said goodbye to their home of 35 years, the place where the Whiz Kids made history and Gene Mauch's '64 team fumbled it away. No micro-brews, nor cupholders to hold them. No video board, just a dot-matrix scoreboard with a minimum of information. No suites, no luxury boxes, fans easily mingling between sections. And the odds are if the park wasn't sold out, a chance to move closer to the action by the 6th inning. My image was taken on the Hall of Fame club level of Citizens Bank Park, where a number of fascinating artifacts are displayed.

The 2017 Rookie of the Year proved he was no fluke; he hit the ball hard in spring training and continued to excel until his season was halted by a fractured bone in his wrist in late July. Here's a sharp grounder off Judge's bat in a March 8th exhibition game against the Phillies.

Despite what you think you see, Steinbrenner Field and Raymond James Stadium are not "back to back and a-belly to belly." Dale Mabry Highway (U.S. 92) separates the Yankees' spring training home and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' venue. But if you aim just so from the left field corner of the ballpark, it almost appears that the football field is part of the baseball facility.

There's a fascinating glow to the palm trees illuminated by the outdoor lights at Ed Smith Park in Sarasota. I was there for as the Orioles hosted the Phillies in an exhibition last March 11th.

Jacob de Grom and Blake Snell took different paths to becoming baseball's 2018 Cy Young Award winners. The Mets ace was simply dominant -- despite meager offensive support, he set a record with 29 consecutive starts allowing three runs or less. (If you like numerology, he received 29 of 30 first place votes for the award.) His 1.70 ERA was remarkable in a year peppered by home runs. In the context of 2018, it was a Gibson-esque performance. Clearly, the voters weren't deterred by de Grom's 10-9 record; he passed the "eye test" with flying colors. In becoming the fourth Mets pitcher to win the Cy -- Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden and R.A. Dickey were the others -- de Grom symbolized dominance of modern statistics. As noted by MLB.com, de Grom won 10 games with the game's best ERA; while the White Sox's Lucas Giolito won 10 games with the worst ERA (6.13). Snell enjoyed a breakout season in 2018. After showing flashes of brilliance the since his arrival in m

...you share it with Cleveland Indians shortstop  Francisco Lindor . The 2015 runner up for AL Rookie of the Year has been an all star the last three seasons. He ranks with the Astros' Carlos Correa and the Dodgers' Corey Seager as the best players at his position age 25 and under. And without heaping too much pressure on this rising star, Lindor might be the best player with his birthday ever to play in the majors. He shares his cake and candles with: Freddy Galvis , who succeeded Jimmy Rollins as the Phillies shortstop, and spent 2018 with the Padres. Xavier Nady , the well traveled outfielder who played for eight clubs in his 12-year career, which began and ended with the Padres. Ruben Rivera is the cousin of sure-fire Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. But his productivity and temperament didn't compare to his famous and widely respected relative. Curt Schilling became a star on the Phillies 1993 pennant winners. But he took his game to the next lev

Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Junior are baseball's Rookies of the Year for 2018. There was controversy attached to the choice of the two-way threat. Were 82 games as a DH, 22 pinch hit appearances and 10 games pitched enough to outflank the everyday dependability of the Yankees Miguel Andujar? And while the qualifications are different than for MVP, how do you factor Ohtani playing for a non-contender as opposed to Andujar quickly becoming a key cog for a playoff team? The most talked about newcomer in the majors drew headlines -- but also missed well over a month with elbow problems that will require Tommy John surgery and a halt in his pitching career until 2020. Ohatani earned 25 first place votes -- I'll admit being surprised he finished that far ahead of the Yankee 3rd baseman. Acuna was a runaway winner in the National League -- landing 27 of the 30 first place votes. It's a clear cut choice -- Acuna brought speed, power and enthusiasm to as the young Braves s

This summer's travel highlight was my first-ever visit to Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Blue Jays' downtown home marked its 30th anniversary this year. Located next to the soaring CN Tower and adjacent to the city's main rail station, the venue is surrounded by people as opposed to the typical sea of parking. I never quite figured out the sculpture on the facade: it appears to honor the traditions of baseball and CFL football (that figure in the upper left bears a resemblance to Casey Stengel). Baseball's Canadian connection is one more jewel in Toronto, one of the world's great cities.

2018 was the Yankees' 23rd year training in Tampa and playing their Grapefruit League games at George M. Steinbrenner Field. We're in the top of the 1st inning on March 8th as the Yanks host the Phillies.

Joe Mauer made baseball's #1 headline on Friday by announcing his retirement. After 15 seasons with the Twins, the first 10 as their catcher -- and one of the best in the business -- the St. Paul native announced his retirement. Mauer was the "Face of the Franchise" during a decade and a half when the Twins made the post-season four times, but never won a round -- falling to the Yankees in the 2009 and 2010 ALDS and the 2017 Wild Card Game. He was a rarity among catchers, winning not just one but three American League batting titles. Widely respected around the game, his club's inability to reach the League Championship or World Series held him back from being a household name from coast-to-coast. Declining production combined with his desire not to play elsewhere convinced Mauer it was time to go. He steps away a .306 lifetime hitter and an icon in his home town. Could any kid growing up a baseball fan ever really wish for more?

Finally, a trade of note from the general managers' meetings: the Mariners send catcher (and Florida native) Mike Zunino to the Rays for outfielder Mallex Smith. It's a homecoming for Zunino, who grew up in Cape Coral, about 120 miles from Tropicana Field. And likely another veteran in his walk year for Tampa Bay to flip sometime during 2019. ( My image of Zunino is from a 2015 Mariners/Yankees game .)

The Yankees off-season continues to co-star Marcus Welby and Hawkeye Pierce. A third member of the Bronx Bombers is heading for surgery. After dealing with nagging shoulder discomfort the last two seasons, Gary Sanchez will have "loose debris" removed. While GM Brian Cashman wasn't willing to point to this for Sanchez batting .188 and having more troublecatching balls in the dirt, or otherwise off-target, one has to wonder. The left arm is the dominant one in a righty batter's swing. It's also the catching arm, the one with the glove, the one that has to be at the right spot at the right moment. Being unable to flex, or move without restriction could have been a factor in the Yankee catcher's dramatic drop-off. Sanchez is expected to be ready in about three months: mid-February, when pitchers and catchers report. Restored to good health, Cashman expects Sanchez to resume his place as one of the best at his position. ( My image of Gary Sanchez is from

The big Yankee news so far from this week's general managers meetings hasn't been a blockbuster trade or a pricey free agent signing. It was word that the Yanks had re-signed CC Sabathia to a one-year deal, at a lower salary than 2018. That comes on the heels of a similar arrangement with Brett Gardner : one more year for somewhat less money. The Yankees with the longest continuous tenure. Both are considered important clubhouse leaders. But both are in decline: on the wrong side of 35 and facing the inevitability of time. Odds are these valued veterans won't be frontline players in 2019 -- Sabathia can be penciled in as a the number-five starter, tossing five effective innings, especially in lefty-friendly Yankee Stadium. Gardner is the fourth outfielder, the defensive specialist off the bench, the capable reserve to plug in everyday in case of injury. Are they worth a combined $15.5 million and two of the 25 roster spots? Color me skeptical. ( My images of Sabath

March 10th: an hour or so before the Yankees hosted the Mets at Steinbrenner Field, the players mingle. Two famous names caught my eye -- as Aaron Judge greeted Mets prospect Tim Tebow . Both players would see their 2018 seasons impacted by injuries. Judge, after proving his historic rookie year was no fluke, lost seven weeks to a broken wrist sustained in late July. His time on the disabled list coincided with the Yankees falling out of contention for the AL East. And while his power didn't fully return after missing nearly a third of the season, he was the Yankees best hitter in the post-season, batting a combined .421 between the Wild Card game and ALCS loss to eventual champion Boston. The former college football star is still looked upon with skepticism by many so-called experts. While it's hard to evaluate a 32-year old playing against prospects a decade younger, Tebow posted better numbers in 2018 than in '17. Still far from a "can't miss" -- and w

Let's start with my very first game of the year: March 7th with the Red Sox hosting the Twins at Fenway South. A scaled down homage to the classic Boston ballpark with a few cute touches of its own. From Spring Training to the Fall Classic: as the Red Sox went to on post their winningest season ever and win their fourth title in 15 seasons.

Chris Woodward spent 12 seasons in the majors on seven different teams. The scrappy backup infielder soaked up plenty of knowledge while spending time on the bench. That helped him as he moved into coaching -- the last three years with the Dodgers. His managerial experience came from piloting New Zealand during the 2017 World Baseball Classic. And Friday, we learned Woodward will be the next manager of the Texas Rangers. That's a club stocked with promising young hitters such as Joey Gallo, Jurickson Profar, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara. Woodward's challenge is backing them with enough pitching to help them compete with the cross-state rival Astros, and surprising A's. Woodward also fits the profile for managers -- successful skippers tend to be benchwarmers or other players who couldn't be called stars. When you check the list of the winningest managers of all time, you won't find one Hall of Fame player, and only two you'd call stars or very good player

Here's Michael Conforto of the Mets after homering off the Dodgers' Rich Hill on August 5th, 2017. The power-hitting left fielder had an inconsistent 2018 season -- a roller coaster ride that began with him still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, dipped through several slumps and finished on a high note. The final numbers weren't bad -- 28 homers, a career-best 82 RBI and a .350 on base percentage. Now, with his health no longer a question, he's one of the home grown talents along with Brandon Nimmo, Amed Rosario and probably Jeff McNeil -- though you sense the organization considers him a fluke -- to build a lineup around. The pitching won't be an issue -- the rotation of De Grom, Syndergaard, Wheeler and Matz is as good. The challenge for new GM Brodie Van Wagenen will finding a catcher, deciding on who can be his corner infielders and adding another reliable bat to go alongside Conforto.

...you share it with Jonathan Loaisiga . The young Yankee pitcher had some impressive moments during a rookie season shortened by arm problems. He shares his birthday with a recent Yankee: lefty reliever Tommy Layne , who appeared in 48 games during the 2016 and '17 seasons. Also getting their cake and candles today: Orlando Cabrera , the native of Colombia who played shortstop for nine different clubs over his 15-season career, highlighted by 2004, when he replaced Nomar Garciaparra as the Red Sox shortstop as the club snapped its 86-year championship curse. Melvin Mercedes has one of baseball's plushest names. He's also one of the games rarities, a true one-and-done. He made his lone big league appearance for the Tigers August 15th, 2014, tossing two innings of hitless shutout relief in a 7-2 loss to the Mariners. Yet, two days later, he was optioned back to Triple A Toledo; and he never made it back to the show. He was last heard from in 2017, pitching for the

Willie McCovey , who teamed with Willie Mays for to give the San Francisco Giants an intimidating tandem of Hall of Fame sluggers during the 1960s and early '70s, died Wednesday at age 80. The 1959 National League Rookie of the Year and 1969 MVP was the all time Candlestick Park recordholder for home runs. "Stretch" cleared the fences 236 at that pitcher's paradise. But he did his damage everywhere. Willie's 18 grand slams remain the most in NL history. Let's make it more personal. To a young fan who grew from age 6 to 16 during the '60s, McCovey was scary. Willie Mays was revered -- he spent the first six years of his fabled career calling the Polo Grounds home. Whenever the San Francisco Giants visited New York, it was a reunion with friends. McCovey never wore an NY on his shirt; if not the villain, he was always the threat, the man who could break open a game at any minute. Mays and McCovey back-to-back were as good a combination of three and f