As 2012 comes to an end, we are in the midst of the holiday season. Hanukkah has ended and Christmas is tomorrow. The New Year is right around the corner. People are preparing their last minute shopping lists while some are doing some last-minute changes to their wish list. Here are some of those wish lists:
Nick Swisher – A chance to show off in the postseason…in Cleveland
Brian Cashman (Yankees GM) – Someone who wants Curtis Granderson and his $15 million contract
Jerry DiPoto (Angels GM) – Someone who wants Vernon Wells and his $42 million contact
Miami Marlins fans – A major league team to cheer for
Jeffrey Loria (Marlins owner) – Extra security at home games
Michael Young – Only playing one position with his new team
Jeff Bagwell – An additional 19% (I hear Craig Biggio had this on his list for his Killer “B” friend also)
Sandy Alderson (Mets GM) – Someone, anyone to sign as a free agent in Queens, New York
Carl Pavano – A second chance in New York, but not with the Yankees
Ned Colletti (Dodgers GM) – Outspend those guys in Anaheim
Tim Lincecum – Sunscreen for the back of his neck
Mike Piazza – Mets or Dodgers, must decide which cap fits best
John Farrell (Red Sox manager) – Tranquility in the clubhouse
Blue Jays fans – Hoping Las Vegas oddsmakers are correct
Carlton Fisk – Someone to find his near $1 million coin collection stolen from his house (you thought I was going a DUI comment here…didn’t you)
Adam Greenberg – All wishes crossed off lust, signed by the Baltimore Orioles
San Jose, California – The A’s to move there in five years
Oakland, California – The A’s to stay there after five more years
Ryan Braun and Kevin Youkilis – Wishes answered during Hanukkah
Alex Rodriguez – Some many lists, such a short amount of time
Rafael Soriano – A new place to “untuck” without being overshadowed by #42
R.A. Dickey – Finding places in Canada to spend his millions, that is after the 18.97% tax in Ontario and the 29% tax in Canada (yes, Canadians are taxed nearly 50%!)
The Sporting News – Prosperity online (after 126 years, they can have a wish also)
Stephen Strasburg – Innings, innings, innings
Phillies Training Staff – No visits from Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay and Chase Utley
And to all of you, I wish all of you a very Happy and Healthy New Year. My deepest sympathies go out to the friends and family of former major leaguer, Ryan Freel. May none of us ever deal with personal tragedy and may we never, ever have to ask the question, “How could this happen?” once again.