Still Spending

The stores shelves are still stocked for spenders this season. It is officially December and the shopping days are sliding away as slickly as the snow expected this month. New York baseball GMs will shop around for the best deals. Once again, I hit the stores offering the good this winter. It’s time for a second trip to the mall.

The gourmet chocolate store: Godiva, Russell Stover and Lindt boast the most delicious delicacies when it comes to satisfying the sweet tooth. A box of truffles or jelly and caramel filled chocolates hits the spot for many of the people on our Christmas lists. Bobby Abreu is like that scrumptious looking candy box. You can’t resist the sweet taste of a good piece of real chocolate. On the outside, there is nothing not to like and he is a sure pleaser. But also like that milk chocolate Santa, Abreu’s after-effects leave you feeling guilty and regretful. The Yankees did not offer Bobby arbitration and I think they are definitely looking for other alternatives in the outfield. The Mets, however, might be players in the Abreu bidding if they get desperate and can’t find a longer-lasting gift.

Cologne/Perfume Department: Every department store showcases classic perfumes and expensive colognes guaranteed to refresh. Javier Vasquez is going to leave Chicago and look to pitch elsewhere this December. The scent initially is a turn-on but might become overwhelming. If the Mets acquire Vasquez, he will stink up the mound and leave everybody with a headache like any strong smelling cologne. You have to be careful when shopping for perfume. Many might be insulted with your choice. The Mets would insult their fans by signing Javier. He was not very good in New York while donning the pinstripes as I recall.

The tool store: Shopping for Mr. Fix It or a handy guy is easy if they enjoy tools. Derek Lowe brings the hardware and is tried and tested as a major league pitcher. Lowe experienced the pressure of the World Series with the Red Sox and led the Dodgers to the playoffs last season. He has all the tools to be just as good for either New York team, therefore warrants consideration. I would not hit the tool store first, but if all else fails, it’s not the worst place to shop. Lowe is a better option than most on the market although I doubt he will equal his numbers from 2008 when he played for Joe Torre.

Appliance store: Nobody really wants a blender for Christmas but it is something that can be useful. Oliver Perez’s pitches are a mixed blend. You don’t know which crazy Ollie will show up every five days and that is probably why the Mets haven’t officially brought him back. I can see the Yankees thinking Perez a reliable middle of the rotation pitcher. I always thought highly of Perez as a Pittsburgh Pirate. He pitched some big games in New York too, but seemed to tank when it came to easy contests. A blender can do a number of things well, but can also fail to produce a worthy drink.

Gift Certificate: Gift cards are an old standby and most people enjoy receiving them. They give you an option to spend at your own will. Pat Burrell is like a gift card because he is well-received, will not go to waste and gives you freedom to use at your own discretion. He is a practical player. Burrell is adaptable at the plate and in the field and could fit in well in New York. He won a World Series with the Phillies so probably will want to sign with a winning club. Gift cards usually come with an expiration date. Burrell is still young enough to have staying power if signed for a long-term deal. But I do not expect him to last long in one city.

Mom and pop store: It is good to buy locally and support the hometown retailers. The Pirates are known for not spending money and Nate McLouth is their prized centerfielder. The Yankees are high on McLouth but they have little to offer Pittsburgh in a trade. Historically, the Pirates and Yankees have had terrific, successful trades. McLouth is still a question mark as a star centerfielder. He did hit 26 homeruns and has improved each year since bringing his lefty bat the league in 2005. You take a gamble and sometimes pay a little extra at mom and pop stores. The payoff usually is necessary and makes you feel like you contributed to something worthwhile.

Sporting goods store: Shopping for sporting goods can either be difficult or very simple. The Mets need a closer and Brian Fuentes is on their list. He flies under the radar and is written off as a second tier reliever. It’s like going into Modells with jerseys hanging, shiny baseball bats shimmering and golf clubs glaring from grassy stands and going to the checkout counter with a package of white socks. Socks are a staple and people will appreciate them, but not as much as a new tennis racket. Fuentes would be appreciated in New York but would not get the hype and ink K-Rod would demand. Sporting goods are smart gifts.

Video game store: All you hear about is this Nintendo Wii. Kids are going nuts over the latest video game system. Pudge Rodriguez is a free agent catcher with all-star credibility. He’s one of the best backstops in this baseball era but clearly hasn’t been the same player since winning the World Series in Florida. Pudge is looked at as a clubhouse leader and capable bat. Nintendo Wii is much anticipated but I am sure something bigger and better will come along soon. The MLB video game version of Rodriguez is probably going to rack up better stats than the real version of the player unfortunately.

Parting points: “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve is nice. What happened to them? Were they a one-hit wonder? All I can picture when I hear that song is Ryan Phillippe. Speaking of which, where is HE these days?