They also really need a third baseman who can actually play third base. While the sports press is busy constructing the move to third as the Hanster’s rite of manhood, the probability is that he would be a lousy third baseman for reasons I have argued hereabouts far too often to want to repeat. Packaging Tweeter and maybe Volstad or even Nolasco in a deal for that elusive additional starter would let the Feesh move Bonifacio to left and Hanley to center (or Hanley to left), where he’d do a lot less damage than he will at the corner. Then they can go get themselves a real third baseman. I don’t think they need to go whole hog on this – a crusher isn’t needed. Ryan Zimmerman would do just fine if they can’t land Aramis Ramirez.

That said, they still need another starting pitcher. Who’s the main target?

But beyond that, I love baseball in all its permutations. Just the thought of spring training warms the heart in a way that winter meetings cannot.

It’s all just prep for the games. This was exciting and thrilling and all (and certainly a welcome change if you follow other sports as well and found those offseasons painful). But my interest this week is tiny compared to what I’ll be feeling in just three months.

Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Seriously this stuff is like, like, like…. Put it this way, Hot Stove updates are to baseball nuts as Crack is to Tyrone Biggums.