Before we begin, I wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and perhaps a few pleasant surprises from our favorite baseball team from Queens.  One of my resolutions is to write more, so we’ll see how that works out…

So, what should the Mets resolve to do this year?

Meanwhile, today is a day for reflection on a year that is now (dare I say) in the books.  A lot happened in Metsville in 2012, not all of it positive, naturally, but they certainly gave us a lot to talk about.  R.A. Dickey certainly gave us a lot to remember before heading north of the border, including the classy way he connected to Mets fans.

The Mets addressed one organizational need in the Dickey trade, getting back the top catching prospect in baseball, Travis d’Arnaud, but they still have a gap in the outfield.  Could they fulfill it with another trade?  Or maybe someone within the organization can step up.

Ken Davidoff of the NY Post left Mike Piazza off his Hall of Fame ballot, but not for the reasons you might think.

The Mets continue to shop in the freezer section, as Scott Boras put it, this offseason.  Pitchers and catchers report on February 11th, so they might want to head to the checkout aisle soon.

While reading this story on the lowered bond ratings for Citi Field, one tidbit jumped out at me: the Mets are the only team this winter that has not signed a Major League free agent. Is that possible? More to the point: will they sign a free-agent to a MLB contract?

Apparently, the signing of Matt Diaz has not affected the Yankees’ interest in Scott Hairston. Further, there are reportedly other teams in addition to the Yanks interested in the slugging Hairston. Though Hairston has stated his desire to return to the Mets, there remains a very real possibility his 2013 home team does not reside in Flushing. If Hairston signs elsewhere, who is going to be the Mets’ fourth outfielder?

Lefthanded pitcher Aaron Laffey has accepted a minor-league contract and invite to spring training from the New York Mets.

According to various reports, outfielder Matt Diaz has accepted a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the New York Yankees.

Goods available on the free agent market are dwindling quickly. And, the Mets have several holes to fill before spring training begins in February. However, at least four of the most competent free agents still available absolutely, positively, will not be signed by the New York Mets this winter.

I’m not sure how this slipped by my eagle eye on the Hot Stove, but the Texas Rangers have signed catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

Instead of taking out an ad to say “thank you,” R.A. Dickey chose to pen an entire column. Here it is, reproduced from The New York Daily News: