Johan; Various Free Agent Signings; ManRam

Johan Santana will not have his elbow tested

This is a show of confidence from both the Mets and Johan Santana in this case. The Mets should be concerned, as elbow discomfort is usually a sign of a possible Tommy John surgery. Johan, 30 in March, has pitched over 200 innings and 200 strikeouts each year since 2004. While this is a good sign of consistency, it is also an indicator of a lot of mileage on the arm. It is not out of the question that the lefty may require TJ surgery. The Mets would be well advised to keep a close eye on their ace this year.

Ken Griffey Jr. returns to Seattle

Congratulations. He gets to retire a Mariner without a ring. Honestly, I am very torn on this. I wanted him to be in a Braves uniform so badly because he would have been a perfect fit for a platoon, but oh well. I do think, after taking some time to reflect, that this is a victory for baseball, as a well-known player is going to retire with the team with which he started. It is a rarity in today's day and game for a player to do that, and I can think of none better than Griffey Jr. to do that. Griffey Jr. epitomizes everything good about baseball, and he will deserve the standing ovation when he steps into the batter's box at Safeco Field.

Garret Anderson signs with the Braves

It's not Griffey, but it is something. He will fill a platoon with Matt Diaz in left field. For this price, it is a great deal for the Braves, as he is younger than Griffey, and had better numbers last season than Griffey. His career splits for lefties and righties are both above .290, which means he could win the starting job leaving Matt Diaz to pinch hit (a role in which he has served phenomenally in the past).

Kris Benson signs with the Rangers

And the sales of disposable cameras by the Rangers team will sky-rocket. Kris Benson is a failed number one draft pick who has not lived up to the promise that he once had. He does have an incredibly attractive wife, Anna Benson, who, as you may recall, once said that she would sleep with every member of the New York Mets if Kris cheated on her. All joking aside, this seems like a move that can't really hurt the Rangers. The most Kris can make is 2 million, and that assumes he performs well. It is a minor league contract, so it gives Benson a chance to get back on his feet.

Manny Ramirez, Dodgers 1.5 million apart on a salary

I refuse to devote an entire blog post to that prima donna who is being manipulated by the devil-incarnate. That being said, this is one of the more intriguing stories of the off-season. As teams fill their respective needs, the list for teams that can afford/tolerate ManRam wanes. This is a question of who needs who more. The Dodgers have an incredible need for ManRam, Scott Boras has an incredible need....want, rather, for a huge payday for Manny, and Manny has a need to keep playing to cement his legacy as one of the greatest right hand hitters of all time. ManRam's threats to retire if unsigned are likely just Manny being Manny.