MLB Hot Stove: Feliz Navidad

Yankees’ fans may not have said their final goodbyes to Jorge Posada after all. Unfortunately, however, if the Core Four catcher makes another appearance in the Bronx, it won’t be in pinstripes. According to ESPNDeportes, the Tampa Rays have talked to Posada about performing a utility role. The report, which quoted Posada’s father, also stated that the Orioles and Phillies have expressed an interest. Considering the weak state of the Yankees bench, would bringing Posada back for one more year be such a bad idea?

Tis the Season to be Jolly? Well, not so much for Yorvit Torrealba. In a recent game in Venezuela, the Rangers’ catcher shoved the home umpire in the face following a dispute about a called strike during his at bat (click here for video). The Rangers are aware of the incident, and disciplinary action is pending an investigation.

Cuban talents Jorge Soler and Yoenis Cespedes have figured prominently during the offseason, but now out of the island nation comes sober news. Norge Luis Vera, one of the best pitchers in Cuban baseball history, was seriously injured in a car accident (translation needed for link) and remains in critical condition. Vera rose to stardom in Cuba after shutting down the Baltimore Orioles in a relief appearance during a May 1999 exhibition (the starter was future Yankee Jose Contreras) and went on to become one of the most successful pitchers in international competition.

The Mets’ financial picture continues to get more grim. With the team currently soliciting offers for a minority stake, the chances of an outright sale seem to be increasing each day. At some point, if the Mets can’t raise money, their lenders are likely to say "No Mas".