First, we have to quickly touch on the trade that took place yesterday between the Cubs and the Mariners. This John Hickey article gives you the Mariners perspective, and it really looks like they got a lot for the former Met relief pitcher, Aaron Heilman.  Heilman was sent to the Cubs for infielder Ronny Cedeno and starting pitcher Garrett Olson, who went 9-10 with the Baltimore Orioles last season.  Though the Mariner’s were planning on giving Heilman a shot at one of the starting jobs in Seattle, it seems with this trade Heilman will definitely return to the rotation after riding both the highs and the lows of the bullpen in New York.  In his Mets time, Heilman has periods of great success, but struggled last year when his role was less defined and secure.  He has long wanted to return to the role of starter, and many fans believed his struggles were directly related to his lack of interest in being a relief pitcher.  Thats not quite accurate, and anyone who watched the Mets for the full season last year can talk about how roles in the bullpen were every changing. Add in a new pitching coach half way through the season, one very different from the ethereal Rick Peterson, and one can understand why several pitchers struggled trying to learn new roles.  Heilman should thrive back in the starting role.  In Chicago, he is close to his Notre Dame roots, which could help.  But, if he struggles, he could end up feeling like he is right back at Shea, since the Cubs, too, have a lot riding on each pitcher, no matter the role.  The Mariners were a better place to transition back. But either way, I think Mets fans might be wondering why they spent so much time booing Aaron Heilman next year.

Now, onto the big news at LoveMyTeam.com.

The Fan Friendly Seal of Approval recognizes MLB Players for their generosity of spirit towards baseball fans everywhere and for the player’s recognition of the fans importance to the game. Place your vote for the players you consider to be Fan Friendly.

Jeff Francoeur

With Tim Hudson winning our award last year, it seems Braves fans are quick to tell us when someone is doing a good job.  But the truth is Jeff Francoeur does a great job of making sure every fan has a chance to get something signed.  One fan noted “Every time we are there, we see Jeff Francoeur signing tons of autographs and chatting with fans, young and old alike.”  Thanks, Jeff, for remembering we are an important part of the game!

Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi may not seem like the MLB poster-child for role models, with his apology for his involvement with steroids.  But fans in New York appreciated the way he  regularly signed autographs after the game, even  in the rain.  Some fans even noted that Giambi was the only player who would sign autographs for the kids in his home park. So as he moves back to Oakland, we want to thank Jason for his service to the fans of New York City.  Thanks Jason!

Lyle Overbay

Since Lyle played the last few years in Toronto, fewer fans have gotten to experience how generous he is with his time.  But many folks shared stories of how approachable Lyle was while working with kids at a batting camp, or at charity events within the community.  We may not always have opportunities to interact with players, but fans appreciate when a player takes the time to make their kids feel special.  Thanks, Lyle, for all that you do!

Vance Wilson

Vance earned the Fan Friendly Award back in 2006.  This year, in praise of Vance, one fan wrote “Vance spent all of 2007 on the DL, and started there in 2008, but he has stayed SO involved as a true ambassador for the Tigers. He is often stationed at the wall and takes as much time as is necessary to make sure each kid has a positive, personal experience.” Clearly, Vance understands that fans really just want that personal connection.  In 2009, Royals fans will get to see why Vance is the 2009 Fan Friendly Award winner.

David Wright

This is the third year in a row that David has won the Fan Friendly Award.  David also won the Joan Payson Award, given out by the NY chapter of the Baseball Writers for his service to the community.  At that ceremony, he noted what an honor it was to be in a position to use his name to help others.  The David Wright Foundation isn’t the only way David touches the lives of fans. Mets fans see it in everything he does.  Thanks David, and keep it up!

Congratulations to the 2009 Fan friendly Award Wiiners!  Click here to see past winners!