Extra Innings by Joe Boesch

After the Diagnosis. My continued cancer fight. Since I was diagnosed with cancer last June, it has not only been an emotional rollercoaster but also a constant reminder of doctor appointments, scans, tests, and the support that is needed from my family, friends, and, believe it or not, writing and baseball. I am reminded that prevention from the cancer returning and continued treatment needed for the next five years are important in the detection and recovery process. For five years at six-month intervals, I will have tumor tracing, CAT scans performed, and doctor visits. I look at it as another chapter in life, just like a writer keeps adding chapters to an unpublished book or a pitcher dueling batters inning after inning. It is true that I tried to forget about everything in life, especially baseball. The only thing on my mind was cancer, doctors, tests, and the list goes on and on. My mind would wander into the unknown, and I would just not want to think about anything, especially ...

The question that everyone is asking is "What team will Pete Alonso sign with?" since a reunion with the Mets is pretty much null and void. According to MLB Trade Rumors, The club reportedly offered him a seven-year, $158MM extension in the summer of 2023, but a deal didn't get done. That was probably the deal to sign, as deals like them are not being offered unless you're Juan Soto. So, the Polar Bear will most likely be wearing different team colors this season and a smaller deal than what he wanted. His time was memorable, but reality sets in, and it's true that all good things do come to an end. Until then, see you at the park. — Joe Boesch

Now that the Holiday Season is over, it's time to look to the '25 baseball season and a reset to start fresh. From Hot Stove to Spring Training, here's to the new year. From the Mets getting Juan Soto and the Yankees scratching their heads, it should be an interesting 2025. Also, here's to the new Yankees one-two punch of Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger. I think author W. P. Kinsella said it best: "The crack of the bat, the sound of baseballs thumping into gloves, the infield chatter are like birdsong to the baseball starved." Until then see ya at the park! — 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 

With Juan Soto going to the Mets and kinda of saying "no thanks" to the Yankees, I won't continue to drag out the agony for the true Yankees fans. I would say it's a blessing in disguise as for the Yankees, I think from a financial standpoint, it would be tough to add the pieces that they need — first base, centerfield, etc. They still have Judge, Volpe, Cole, Stanton and they are going to be okay. With that, Happy Holidays and keep the Yankees faith. Until then, see you at the park! — Joe Boesch

The Winter Meetings and Hot Stove League are here. It seems like only yesterday was Opening Day — time goes by so fast! Baseball, for all intent and purposes, is America's Pastime and puts fresh air into life (a baseball game a day, keeps the doctor away). Now that the Hot Stove league is in full swing, all eyes will be on the trades that will make headlines and winners for the 2025 Baseball Season. This year it's Juan Soto. Who will he sign with? Will the contract exceed $700 million? Only time will tell. Many other underlining questions that will swirl around the brain over the winter: Will the Dodgers repeat as World Champions? Will the  Yankees  make it to the  World Series  in 2025? Will the whole  Mets  make another unforgettable run into the playoffs like they did in 2024? Who's involved in the blockbuster deals? Who's the top free agents that teams will go after? As these questions, and many more are answered let's keep in mind one thing — Spring Tr...

He's the most sought-after MLB free agent this Hot Stove, and Juan Soto knows it. The teams are lining up and saying "come to our team" speeches about how they want to win, and Soto is the piece of the puzzle to make them win.  Well, besides the nice speeches, teams will also need a large checkbook as he will be looking close to a career contract past $500 million. Only a handful of teams have that type of money, and the Mets are talked about as that team, with owner Steve Cohen willing to pay top dollar.  Even though the Hot Stove season is just starting, it might be drawn out as all eyes are on Soto. I don't see Soto making a quick decision on this; he's going to take his time and sign with the team that suits him best — money and winning. Until then, see you at the Hot Stove! — Joe Boesch