Eck's "It's time to party!" rings through the ears of my mind when I think of this play.
On one hand, I feel like I just sent my kid off to college, and to a school I don't even like.
I am definitely on the bandwagon of Pedro --> Mookie --> everyone else (no offense, Big Papi!). Mookie was such a dynamic player all-around. For the time he was here, Mookie was more than anyone could have expected. I watched a 2014 Spring Training video this morning with Betts wearing #11 (that was weird to see!). With Pedey or Mookie, we have had some really good production from players under 6' tall. He plays much larger than his physical stature. That is one reason why teams might not offer him the number of years he would like to see in a contract. I'd offer 8y/$300M, no questions asked apart from passing a med exam.
It stinks when we raise them, bring them up, and have to watch them go, or in this case, send them out. I'm sure we'll make an offer to him after this season (provided he doesn't sign an elusive extension) and I'm also sure our offer will not be enough to bring him home.
Morning ramble about Mookie done now. Peace!