One of the main problems with Short Season Single A baseball is that the off-season is interminable. Nine and a half months? That's longer than the typical gestation period for a human female.

In the interest of alleviating the mid-winter baseball blues, I have compiled the following roundup of Brooklyn Cyclones related news:

-The New York Mets have reacquired OF Angel Pagan from the Cubs. Pagan was one of the original Cyclones, playing on Edgar Alfonzo's 2001 NYPL Champion team. In 318 career at bats with the Chicago Cubs, the switch-hitting native of Puerto Rico has a .255 batting average with 9 home runs and 8 stolen bases.

-However, in acquiring Pagan, the 'Clones were forced to ship off two former Baby Bums, OF Corey Coles and P Ryan Meyers. As the AP reports:

Coles, 25, rose to New York's Triple-A affiliate last season, but spent the bulk of his time at Double-A Binghamton, where he hit .296 and stole nine bases.

Meyers is a 22-year-old who had 13 saves and a 2.14 ERA in 33 games at Class A Savannah. He struck out 48 and walked 14 in 42 innings.

-Sunday, Febuary 3rd, the eyes of the nation will be on Arizona as the hated New England Patriots do battle with our New York Giants. There's much more at stake, however, than just regional pride. BrooklynCyclones.com reports that 'Clones GM Steve Cohen has made a friendly wager with Lowell Spinners GM Tim Bawmann. If the Giants win, Bawmann has to come to Brooklyn and help the Cyclones' ground crew manicure the field. If the Pats win, however, Cohen has to go to Lowell and rake grass for the Spinners.

-The Brooklyn Cyclones have completely revamped their website. It's a lot nicer looking, check it out.

-Lastly, I'm happy to announce that I will be returning for a second season as the juggling peanut vendor at KeySpan Park. Last summer was a real trip, and I'm thrilled that I'm coming back.

Next game is 7 pm June 17th at KeySpan. See you there.