The Mets brass must read the Roundtable.  Willie was rewarded as he should have been.  They ripped up his deal for 2007 and gave him a nice raise.  Here’s the breakdown: 2007 – $1.4 million; 2008 – $2 million; 2009 – $2.25 million; and club option for 2010 at $2.5 million.  This is a good deal and about what I thought he should have gotten.  Willie got his deal and some security and the Mets got themselves a good manager.  I know the Mets have a good team with a big payroll, but as a Yankee fan, believe me, I’ve seen managers do worse jobs with more talent.  If that sounds like a veiled criticism of Torre well…. that’s because it is!  A trip to the League Championship Series looks pretty good from where I sit right now.  I know I promised not to get on Torre until the first spring training loss, but I just can’t help myself.  Only a few more weeks until – no holds barred – unabashed – take the chains off criticism of Torre!  Woo hoo!  

Anyway, congratulations, Willie, you’ve earned it!