It's gotten a bit absurd now, hasn't it?
A day can't go by... hell, 12 hours can't go by without a new bit of bad news about the state of Mets finances. I mean, it's gotten to the point where even Bobby Bonilla is hurting the Mets again.
How does this news cycle end? It's becoming increasingly likely that it ends with the Wilpons relinquishing control of the franchise, though Wednesday's news that they may now be willing to include a piece of SNY in any minority stake, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, may help them actually find a dance partner. The Wilpons may still have to wait for the DJ to play the Donna Summer, but that might be enough to get that last dance with someone with deep pockets.
But then again, maybe the Mets don't have anything to worry about, considering their lawyer told the New York Daily News that the lawsuit against them is baseless. You know the lawsuit I'm speaking of, right? You know, the one the Wilpons were looking to settle. Yeah, it's baseless, according to their lawyer.
Of course, we can all make that judgment for ourselves now that the lawsuit is out. It (admittedly one-sidedly) paints a picture of either incredibly gullible or willfully dismissive Sterling Mets leadership. I know Mets fans find this a shocking conclusion.
But with the trustee still reportedly seeking the $300 million faux profits and another $700 million to make up for the Wilpons and Saul Katz effectively or knowingly looking the other way as Madoff ruined lives, it's hard to imagine the Mets ownership won't revisit a settlement. Because they can't afford to risk a trial.
And frankly, neither can Mets fans. I know it's fashionable to say, "Good, force them to pay and sell the team," but a trial could take a long time and further stunt the rebuilding process this team has begun under Sandy Alderson. Even if a settlement and a minority owner means the Wilpons maintain control, that's better than this going to trial.
Because Wilpon ownership is better than distracted Wilpon ownership, even if it leads to a sale.
*****
Remember when the Mets were making no news this offseason? Those were the days. In the meantime, check out the Super Bowl Sunday edition of Random Thoughts.
It won't last nearly as long as the pregame shows.
Mets Ties To Madoff: One of the many, many troubling aspects of the unsealed lawsuit is how the Mets allegedly had $94 million of false profits tied directly to the Mets. It almost makes all the Wilpons repeated claims that this would have no impact on the operation of the Mets seem... silly.
Cash Flow From Madoff: Another of the many, many troubling aspects of the unsealed lawsuit is how the Mets allegedly would dip into their Madoff money whenever they had cashflow issues. It almost makes all the Wilpons repeated claims that this would have no impact on the operation of the Mets seem... silly.
Deferred Problems: Another of the many, many troubling aspects of the unsealed lawsuit is how the Mets poured 90 percent of their employees' 401K into Madoff accounts. This on top of investing deferred contractual payments (cue Bonilla) with Madoff. It almost makes all the Wilpons repeated claims that this would have no impact on the operation of the Mets seem... oh, you get the idea.
Best Series Finale Ever: "Chuck" had terribly sweet, fitting conclusion to the series.
Only problem: Yet again, it wasn't the conclusion. Like many shows, "Chuck" has to wait to see if it's getting a full-season pickup, so it often consists of half-season arcs.
But as a result, the only show has had at least three great finales that didn't happen to be finales. Monday was yet another example.
Best Bets: It's the biggest gambling day of the year. But if you are enough of a degenerate gambler that you are able to place bets on predetermined professional wrestling matches, then you're welcome for my Royal Rumble pick last week.
Nailed it with Alberto Del Rio. Only hope I can be as successful with my Super Bowl pick. Speaking of which...
Super Bowl Pick: I hate that the entire world seems to be picking the Pack. Makes me feel like it's going to swing the other way and we're all going to be sitting here tomorrow say, why did we count out the six-time champs, again?
But I still think Green Bay has been playing the best football in the league for the last two months. Unless the two-week downtime kills their momentum, I think they win. I also think it's going to be a bit more high-scoring than most. At least more than the over/under of 45.
So give me the Packers laying 3, and the over.
