First with Willie, forever a Yankee, it will be the Mets’ loss that he’s gone.  Like many say, he was set up to fail by a power structure that did not support him…the Mets’ management wanted Randolph gone and thus Randolph was blamed for Carlos Delgado’s .242 average as well as slumps by Jose Reyes and the relief pitching. Meanwhile, the Mets’ pitching staff is 6th in the NL in ERA…yet the pitching coach also took a hit.  Foolish.

Perhaps the Yanks will make a little room to bring home a faithful third base and bench coach…

As for Hank…well, I know his years in the game (and then years out) give him the right to brush off NL rules that would have a pitcher run the bases…or is it his money and birth family that give him that right…here’s the million dollar quote:

“The pitcher has enough work to do. It’s something Bud (Selig) needs to address and he needs to address it soon. Don’t give me that traditionalist crap.

“We go to these NL cities, draw great crowds and we end up losing one of our best pitchers. I’m not happy.”

Of course you’re not happy, Hank…you lost a very expensive toy…and it’s hard to buy new 19-game winners.