Extra Innings by Joe Boesch

This is a special time  of year a time to be with family and the people that are very close to your heart. This is also the time to think that baseball is just around the corner. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Before we know it, Spring Training will be upon us. Until then, see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch 

This time of the year is not only for celebrating the Holidays, but also looking over the Hot Stove. Moves, upon moves, are being made. Contracts are coming out faster than the printer can handle them. The ink doesn't dry fast enough on one contract, when another one pops up for a larger amount of cash. The "cash cow" is in the house — baseball's house.  But, we see one great player get an astronomical contract, with others just securing their financial future.   So, in baseball land all is well. Out with the old, in the with new. And, as we approach the holidays, it's fitting to think about baseball. Just keep saying soon, real soon. Now back to my Mocha Latte, MLB Network and my TV remote. Until then, see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch 

Now that the  Winter Meetings  have ended, the countdown to  Spring Training  has begun. Before you know it, we will be in a New Year and a new time.  Baseball,  as many know, is the greatest game played and is such a part of the  American Culture , that baseball shapes the lives of many. So, the many signings that have taken place, only makes teams better — or worse? While we painstakingly go through this  Hot Stove Season , let's remember the  Holidays  and what it is all about. Let's remember that each day, is a great day. That each step is a great step. That each baseball free agent signing, is a great signing. In this time baseball is always present. Baseball, of course, is baseball. Last week I walked by the MLB store on Sixth Avenue in New York City and glanced in the window like a kid in the candy store. Also, this time of the year I love the city and what it is all about. I saw the Christmas tree also at Rock Center and it is be...

So here we are. It's  November  and the winter weather is here. The madness has begun. Tis' the season for shopping, but for  baseball  it's the time for the  Hot Stove  season and a cup of Java — your choice Starbucks, Seattle's Best, D&D, 7-Eleven, etc. As I write this, and sip on my  Chocolate Swirl Java , the  Hot Stove  is slowly heating up. We can thank the  Braves  for the start,  as they have made it known that they are raising their payroll . All I'm saying right now: I like what the  Braves  are doing already.  Last season I predicted the  Mets  in the  Fall Classic , but my prediction fell short. This upcoming season, I think the  Rangers, Braves & Dodgers  are going to make some noise. No predictions on the World Series yet, but I do have some teams I like. I'll just say one of them is down South, near maybe Atlanta? Now back to the Ohtani watch. Where will he end up? ...

Here's a breakdown of the lowest selling Topps Now 2023 baseball cards. Role reversal from the top selling. 1. 482 Braxton Garrett – Sets Career-High Mark with 13 Ks. vs. Pirates – 156 copies 2. 227 Christian Walker – Two HR Game Powers D-Backs to a Win – 189 copies 3. 299 Jorge Soler – Hammers a 2-Run Walk-Off HR to Complete Comeback – 202 copies 4. 196 Jean Segura – 9th-Inning RBI Single Caps Off Marlins 1st Walk-Off Win of 2023 – 205 copies 5. 279 José Abreu – Given Standing Ovation in Return to Chicago – 205 copies 6. 293 Lourdes Gurriel Jr. – Walks Off Giants with 9th-Inning RBI Double – 209 copies 7. 215 San Diego Padres – Complete Two-Game Sweep of Giants Down in Mexico City – 210 copies 8. 248 Isaac Paredes – Walks Off Yankees in Exciting 10-Inning Affair – 210 copies 9. 214 Charlie Blackmon / Larry Walker – Scores 893rd Run, Passes Hall-of-Famer in Franchise History – 214 copies 10. 208 Nathan Eovaldi – Blanks Yankees, 2-0, on 1st Career Nine-Inning Shutout – 217 copies — ...

So here it is, the dreary winter and the "rat race" begins. Tis the season for dreaming of baseball and the summer. Well, to keep the imagination of the mind going I give to you a list of baseball movies that may be good for a stocking stuffer or two. The list is in no specific order: The Natural  with Robert Redford. 61  produced by Billy Crystal. When It Was A Game:  Triple Play Collection. Ken Burns' Baseball  produced by Ken Burns. Field of Dreams  with Kevin Costner. For Love of the Game  with Kevin Costner. Bang the Drum Slowly  by John Hancock. A League of Their Own  by Penny Marshall. Bull Durham  with Kevin Costner. 100th Anniversary of the New York Yankees . While there are many movies to list, in my mind the above are worth watching to the baseball fan. Until then, see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch 

Listen up:  Audio rewind with Gary Bedingfield of Baseball in Wartime interviewed on January 10, 2010 on WGBB 1240AM Sports Radio New York.  Listen at:   https://diamondnotes.substack.com/ — Joe Boesch