Ruben Amaro Jr. has been the GM of the Phillies for all of what, 2 months?  Already he is doing his part to ensure Mets fans hate him.  Check out his reaction to the signing of K-Rod.

 ”I don’t think it affects us much,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “They’ve had Billy Wagner, and we still beat them the last 2 years in our division.” 

What he said is 100% true, but was mentioning Wagner and reminding everyone they have won the division the last 2 years really neccessary?  Mark it down, the first salvo in the ‘09 chapter of this rivalry was fired by Amaro.  Don’t expect a shot back from Omar Minaya Phillies fans, he is to classy for that.  Plus his focus is where it should be, on bettering the Mets for next season.  Pat Gillick did a good job building the current Phillies roster, if I was Amaro I would concentrate on what I have to do to keep the Phils playing at a championship level as opposed to making snide comments about my team’s rival.  Just sayin’.

In our Mets Musings post we will link to and discuss the major stories surrounding the Amazin’ Mets from major newspaper outlets and independent sports blogs around the internet.  If you have a Metsblog or write about the Mets in the mainstream media shoot us an e-mail at jetsandmetsblog@gmail.com to get on our radar.

Finally, the winter meeting are here!  Here are some of the stories floating around out there about the Mets and players who could be Mets come Spring Training ‘09.

• As you all probably know Omar dined with K-Rod last night in Vegas. David Lennon of Newsday reported that Omar just smiled when asked if he made an offer to the closer, but did mention that he still plans on meeting with fellow closers Trevor Hoffman and Brian Fuentes while in Vegas this week. My guess is Minaya made a preliminary offer to K-Rod as the righty seems to be #1 on the organization’s wish list. Along with meeting with Hoffman and Fuentes hopefully Omar approaches the Mariners in regards to trading for JJ Putz. As I have stated numerous times my feeling is that Putz as the closer and Huston Street as the 8th inning guy would be the best scenario for the Mets all things considered. Saving a little money with bullpen signings could free up enough money for the Mets to sign or trade for a #2 type starter as well as a corner oufield bat. Both of which, along with closer, are the biggest glaring needs for the team.