Shopping Spree

Still haven’t found that perfect gift? Looking for some extra stocking stuffers? I had fun writing the previous two columns about the free agent spending in baseball that I decided one more would work. The third time’s the charm, right? It’s time to spend the rest of the money I had saved for the holiday season. Here are the stores and items GMs in New York will browse during the final push.

Florist: Who doesn’t like receiving flowers? They are pretty to look at, have fresh aromas and make the room a little brighter. Adam Dunn resembles a bouquet of flowers in that his bat is an extraordinary one to behold. You have to smile when he slugs the ball out of the park. Dunn’s greatest drawback is his strikeout totals. He is a free swinger and strikes out too often. Flowers eventually wither and are thrown away. They do not last forever and neither will Dunn. However, I think he can still hit for production on either New York team. The Mets do not really have a spot for him in the field and the Yankees probably do not consider him any better than Jason Giambi. Therefore, Dunn will end up elsewhere in 2009.

Motorcycle: Do you have someone on your list who is asking for a new Harley? Bikers are adventurous and rough around the edges and so is the Cubs’ Kerry Wood. He is on the market and would be a suitable closer for the Mets. Wood throws hard and still has velocity on his fastball. Kerry has suffered from injuries and cyclists might expect to do so as well. Committing to riding a motorcycle is a dangerous decision. Any team Wood goes to is going to get a dangerous weapon but also will be taking a risk in signing him. He could break down just as easily as he can strike people out.

Grandma’s wool sweater: Everybody has one of those gifts that are sentimental but you wouldn’t wear. Outfielder, Mike Cameron, certainly is not an embarrassment but like that wool sweater, it has little use outside an emotional one. Cameron was a fan favorite and good guy years back for the Mets. The Yankees seem very interested in Mike as an outfield option in the Bronx. I do not think he would make an impact. He has shown a certain ability to play up to par in the past. It’s like actually considering putting the sweater on but after seeing yourself in the mirror, burying it in your closet. Cameron will be considered but in the end, the Yankees will come to their senses and look to sign another player.

Stuffed animal: Girlfriends and little siblings are great candidates for stuffed toys. Cuddly and fluffy, large stuffed teddy bears are sometimes the perfect gift for a loved one. David DeJesus grew up in the Metro area but plays in Kansas City for the hapless Royals. Every time I’ve seen him, he does something with his glove or his bat against the Yankees. If the Yankees want a feel-good story, David coming back to play in NY would be it. He does not boast a big name but has raw talent and might just hit the spot as a pinstriped player.

GPS navigator: A GPS system in your car can make or break a successful road trip. If you’re in need of guidance and direction, who better to lead the way than Jason Varitek? The hard-nosed Red Sox captain is technically a free agent catcher. The Yankees and Mets are weak at the catcher position. Jorge Posada surpasses Varitek in offensive ability but Jason has the edge on defense. Varitek likely will not want to be his backup. The Mets have Brian Schiender, who did not quite exceed expectations in 2008. Boston is probably going to re-sign their clubhouse leader who sets the tone like an effective GPS system.

Mixed music CD: After surveying all the new releases in the music store and finding nothing to your liking, you decide to come up with your own blend of hits. Hopefully the person receiving the CD will appreciate your efforts. Raul Ibanez’s efforts are appreciated and the Mets are high on signing him. I am not sure he would fill the hole in the field and am skeptical about his hitting. I give Raul the benefit of the doubt because he played for the Mariners last year and still put up decent numbers. Mixed CDs are tricky because sometimes the songs are outdated or not to the receiver’s liking. It could sit on the shelf after one listen or get played for only a few good songs. Ibanez is overrated and should not be paid much if the Mets agree to bring him to NY.

Antique Store: Antiques are hit or miss. Some people value them and others could care less. Randy Johnson is literally and figuratively an antique. Yes, he is going to Cooperstown when he calls it quits. Yes, he was once the most dominating and devastating pitcher as he demolished batters with driven demand a decade ago. Antiques are what they are and so is Johnson. I would be mightily surprised to see him pitch again for any NY team. I like to window shop antique stores but the purchases seldom materialize.

Secret Santa: The office party if coming up and you need to buy for your secret Santa. You figure you can’t go wrong with a gourmet coffee package, wrapped fruit basket or Hickory Farms cheese arrangement. Ben Sheets almost won a CY Young last season and is usually a lock for a dozen or more wins each year. He hasn’t proven himself in big games but can do the job throughout the regular season if he is healthy. Not everybody drinks coffee or likes fruit and cheese. What if your boss is lactose intolerant or sips only tea? Like a secret Santa gift that just doesn’t fit the person, Sheets, in my opinion, doesn’t fit in here in NY.

Parting points: Two great football games this weekend I am looking forward to. Saturday is the SEC Championship game between Florida and Alabama. Sunday is an awesome showdown between two of my favorite teams, the Cowboys and Steelers.