New Years Eve Day, With A Single Extra Second Added To It At 11:59:59 PM

Hello on this New Years Eve Day, a day that an extra second will be added to the clock as the ball drops in Times Square to signal the start of 2009. Apparently the earth's rotation does not keep proper time, so the scientists and/or clock keepers decided this would be the best way to remedy the situation. So tomorrow, if you're a second early for an appointment, now you know why. On to baseball.

Sports Illustrated has reported that after the Red Sox lost the battle for Mark Teixeira to the New York Yankees, they made an attempt to devise a trade with the Florida Marlins to re-acquire Florida's best player, shortstop Hanley Ramirez. Alas, Florida wanted too much. Here is part of that article...

"At one point this winter, the Red Sox made a play to re-acquire Marlins superstar Hanley Ramirez, league sources tell SI.com. But while the Marlins listened to Boston's overtures, talks were quickly scuttled and it appears there's very little chance they will be revived as Florida isn't anxious to trade its best player.
The Marlins were said to be most interested in a centerfielder, and it's believed Boston's promising young centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and talented pitching prospect Clay Buchholz were among those mentioned in a potential package for Ramirez, who began in Boston's organization before being traded to the Marlins after the 2005 season in the deal that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Red Sox."

Peter here, and yes, that was a great trade for both sides. The Marlins received a tremendous shortstop in the field and most importantly, at the plate. The Red Sox acquired their stopper in Beckett and their much loved third baseman, Mikey Lowell. It's rare that a trade works out so well for both teams involved, but that time, it sure did. I'd give a slight edge to Boston when all things are considered. But now the questions come up. Why trade for a shortstop? We're fine at that position. I'll answer my own question, or try to. Hanley's bat does all the talking and with it in the lineup, Boston would be very potent at the plate. But it was not to be. Se la vie.

In other baseball news, well, there isn't any, not on this New Years Eve day. But you can click on this post's title for more on that team we love to love. I want to wish you and yours a happy and safe New Years Eve night and the healthiest and happiest 2009, the best year you've ever had. I thank you for being one of my Constant Readers...I thrive on you. As always, BE WELL...every minute, every hour, every day, for the rest of your long lives. You make my day glorious every single time. And for that, I thank you humbly. I'll close with a salute to life itself...l'chaim. And that means "to life."