Quick Hits...

* Murray Chass of the New York Times has an article on their site about the contracts that pitchers have received. “In the Long Run, Great Arms Come With Big Risks”, Chass criticizes owners for offering long term contracts to pitchers and uses case studies such as Kevin Brown, Mike Hampton and Chan Ho Park for proof why pitchers should never be signed long term. The risk of injury (especially) & inconsistency to big name pitchers make you wonder if it’s worth the investment. A great read.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/sports/baseball/02chass.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

• Former Brooklyn Dodger outfielder Ernie Koy, who hit a home run in his first Major League at bat, died Monday. He was 97.
  
  
• Dayn Perry of foxsports.com believes that Omar Minaya is a great GM who is building up his reputation with the Mets, while he believes that the Zito deal will not make the Giants any better and nor help him out.

* Also, take a look at a lengthy article from USA Today about the deals contracts, business and signings this off-season. According to the author, Jorge L. Ortiz, much of the spending this winter has come about due to revenue sharing, record profits and also the growth of baseball on the money side. Some deals and contracts are looked at, as well you also got some opinions, outlook and input from GM’s.

Link: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2006-12-20-offseason-spending_x.htm