Perhaps I am in the minority but I am very disappointed that the Mets signed Gary Sheffield. I have a number of reasons. The biggest one is this farce that he has always wanted to play for the Mets. WHAT??!?? It was a few years ago when the Mets and the Yankees were talking about swapping Mike Cameron for Gary Sheffield. Personally I preferred Cameron back then but that is not where I am going with this. It was Sheffield who said he did not want to play for the Mets (or any other team). Sheffield said he would not play hard for any other team and if it got him in trouble, he would simply retire.
Someone explain to me how the above remarks are the comments of someone who has “Always wanted to play for the Mets,” which is what both Sheffield and Omar Minaya are saying. He had the opportunity to come to Shea (yes, at the time, it was Shea) and he said he didn’t want to. He said he wouldn’t play hard for the Mets. He said he would sooner retire than play for the Mets. But, of course, he has always wanted to play for the Mets.
This also shows the problem one gets with his personality. How can a team want anyone who says he is not going to try his hardest? Okay, maybe once in a while you have a lapse, you’re exhausted, you don’t try as hard as you should but, to say you are not even going to try? What kind of nonsense is that?
Then there is the fact of what his numbers were during spring training. It is not like he was hitting the cover off the baseball. His average was pretty low, under 200 I believe. Sheffield’s power numbers were down. The fact that the Tigers released him while still paying him all that money should really show what they think of his playing ability.
Perhaps with the dollar amount so low, the Mets had to take a chance. Perhaps they thought to another player they were able to obtain very cheaply, that being John Olerud and decided it was worth the gamble. Perhaps it is worth the gamble, perhaps things will work out for the Mets but I know if I were the owners and management of the Mets, I wouldn’t go after him.
And think about it, I got through this post without even needing to talk about his defense as another reason not to sign Sheffield.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Let's Go Mets!
Baseball season is underway and it is time for me to get back to posting on this blog. I have a number of thoughts and will probably be posting a number of them over the next few days. First, let’s take a look at the Mets and discuss my thoughts on how they look this year.
There play has not been terrible but they certainly have not gotten off to a terrific start and I have my concerns (I did heading into the season). While I give Omar credit for addressing concerns about the bullpen, I still think it has some problems. If the Mets have a lead after seven innings, we are in good shape with Putz and K-Rod. If, however, the starter does not go seven innings, I have my concerns. A number of the arms are new and/or unproven and I have concerns. Beyond that, Jerry Manual seems to really like the lefty-righty switch. How long can you go with using three different pitchers in one inning because you keep switching a lefty for a righty? Put a guy in there and have some faith!
Starting pitching is also a concern. I like Livan Hernandez as the number five starter and certainly I like Johan as the number one starter. Pelfrey, who is probably the number two starter is still unproven. Last year he came into his own in the middle of the season and did well but he has yet to show great numbers for a full year. Ollie is WAY TOO inconsistent and John Maine is coming back from an injury. Sure, there is no indication that Maine is suffering effects of the injury but he still has to show he can come back strong.
I have concerns about Delgado at first and hope his resurgence the second part of last year is the real deal. Castillo at second looks much better than he did last year but we are dropping him to the number 8 spot and expecting much better numbers from him. That is cause for concern. Reyes and Wright at SS and 3rd I like.
I like Daniel Murphy but he is still unproven. Beltran has put up some good numbers but still, as far as I am concerned, has not developed into the type of player making the money he is getting or the type of player we saw for Houston a few years ago during the Playoffs. Church in Right is still coming back from his injury and I don’t know how he will fair. As for Gary Sheffield, I have MEGA problems with him playing the outfield (and playing on the Mets) but that is for tomorrow.
Hopefully, everything comes together this year, despite my concerns, and they have a FANTASTIC season.
Let’s Go Mets!
There play has not been terrible but they certainly have not gotten off to a terrific start and I have my concerns (I did heading into the season). While I give Omar credit for addressing concerns about the bullpen, I still think it has some problems. If the Mets have a lead after seven innings, we are in good shape with Putz and K-Rod. If, however, the starter does not go seven innings, I have my concerns. A number of the arms are new and/or unproven and I have concerns. Beyond that, Jerry Manual seems to really like the lefty-righty switch. How long can you go with using three different pitchers in one inning because you keep switching a lefty for a righty? Put a guy in there and have some faith!
Starting pitching is also a concern. I like Livan Hernandez as the number five starter and certainly I like Johan as the number one starter. Pelfrey, who is probably the number two starter is still unproven. Last year he came into his own in the middle of the season and did well but he has yet to show great numbers for a full year. Ollie is WAY TOO inconsistent and John Maine is coming back from an injury. Sure, there is no indication that Maine is suffering effects of the injury but he still has to show he can come back strong.
I have concerns about Delgado at first and hope his resurgence the second part of last year is the real deal. Castillo at second looks much better than he did last year but we are dropping him to the number 8 spot and expecting much better numbers from him. That is cause for concern. Reyes and Wright at SS and 3rd I like.
I like Daniel Murphy but he is still unproven. Beltran has put up some good numbers but still, as far as I am concerned, has not developed into the type of player making the money he is getting or the type of player we saw for Houston a few years ago during the Playoffs. Church in Right is still coming back from his injury and I don’t know how he will fair. As for Gary Sheffield, I have MEGA problems with him playing the outfield (and playing on the Mets) but that is for tomorrow.
Hopefully, everything comes together this year, despite my concerns, and they have a FANTASTIC season.
Let’s Go Mets!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
File Extensions
My college students are busy preparing and presenting demonstration speeches. Certain speeches have me ready for April as I have heard students talk about how to pitch and how to hit.
Sometimes, however, students run into some frustration as they forget to check the computer equipment ahead of time and see what programs are available. The may have some great software on their computer that lets them show a simulated baseball game but, if the college computer does not have this program, the student is in trouble.
When a problem like this occurs, beyond the frustration the student feels, I found myself curious as to what kind of software this is, especially when the file extension name is something I don't recognize. Now, however, I can check it out, so if I see something with a file extension amr, for example, I can just look it up.
Sometimes, however, students run into some frustration as they forget to check the computer equipment ahead of time and see what programs are available. The may have some great software on their computer that lets them show a simulated baseball game but, if the college computer does not have this program, the student is in trouble.
When a problem like this occurs, beyond the frustration the student feels, I found myself curious as to what kind of software this is, especially when the file extension name is something I don't recognize. Now, however, I can check it out, so if I see something with a file extension amr, for example, I can just look it up.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Examining The Outfield
When it comes to the Mets outfield, there have been a lot of questions asked and statements made. So, it is time for me to add my opinion. The Mets have said that they are content to use a platoon of Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy in left, presumably figuring Beltran in center and Ryan Church returning to right.
Truth is, that is not such a bad option. While there is no guarantee, Tatis was on a tear last year. A seasoned veteran, a capable hitter, a good bat off the bench, a right-handed hitter to tackle the lefties. He would be complimented by Daniel Murphy, a left-handed hitter. Again, no guarantee but Murphy appears to have a bright future, a nice, even swing, an eager player, and as Met beat reporter Marty Noble points out, the younger guy would get the majority of the playing time since there are more right-handed pitchers than left-handed ones. That platoon could work. Still, if the Mets could upgrade, I would not complain. So, how should they upgrade? Let me first say what I don’t think they should do.
There was talk yesterday about how the Mets had expressed an interest in Andruw Jones of the Dodgers and might look to trade for him. The thinking went something like Jones and Castillo both had subpar years and perhaps the teams could swap the stars. I would not like to see Jones playing for the Mets. I don’t believe that last year was a fluke. The player is on the downswing and considering they are keeping Carlos Delgado at first, I don’t think the Mets need to add another old, washup player, the kind that Minaya often seem to like to get, to the mix. Leave Andruw alone.
Then, of course, there is Manny. More and more teams continue to express a lack of interest for ManRam. Apparently Omar likes him but ownership doesn’t. The thinking is, if his price tag comes down and if he is willing to sign a one or two year deal, how could the Mets pass him up. As the Dodgers, perhaps the only suitors of Manny, look to talk with Adam Dunn and investigate other options, Manny could be looking for a new home at a discounted rate. Ramirez is a great hitter, and an asset to a team WHEN HE WANTS TO BE. I think Manny comes with too much baggage. If I could have his numbers without his personality, I would say they should do it in a heartbeat. Taking Manny, however, I believe was ensure no postseason for the Mets this year (again). Then, consider the fact that beyond the usual antics, if Manny isn’t happy because he did not get the deal he thought he was worth, both in number of years and in salary, will he give you 100%? Will he be willing to play? This is a guy who sat out with the Redsoxs when the Yankees came to town and Boston could have used his bat. No, I say leave Manny alone.
I believe there is another option available for the Mets and apparently, so do some of the New York sports commentators. With the Yankees having picked up Mark Texiera, it means Nick Swisher has to play the outfield. That give the Yankees a very crowded outfield with Swisher, Damon, Matsui, Melkey and Nady. The conventional wisdom is the Yankees will look to move one of the outfielders and while they might like to move Matsui (or possibly Damon), Xavier Nady may be the player they have to move. If I were the Mets, I would look to trade for Nady. I might go for Matsui, but I would really like Nady back in Flushing. I think the Mets have the talent to make such a trade and he would be a lot cheaper than Manny and not be a trouble maker. Come on Omar, make it happen!
Truth is, that is not such a bad option. While there is no guarantee, Tatis was on a tear last year. A seasoned veteran, a capable hitter, a good bat off the bench, a right-handed hitter to tackle the lefties. He would be complimented by Daniel Murphy, a left-handed hitter. Again, no guarantee but Murphy appears to have a bright future, a nice, even swing, an eager player, and as Met beat reporter Marty Noble points out, the younger guy would get the majority of the playing time since there are more right-handed pitchers than left-handed ones. That platoon could work. Still, if the Mets could upgrade, I would not complain. So, how should they upgrade? Let me first say what I don’t think they should do.
There was talk yesterday about how the Mets had expressed an interest in Andruw Jones of the Dodgers and might look to trade for him. The thinking went something like Jones and Castillo both had subpar years and perhaps the teams could swap the stars. I would not like to see Jones playing for the Mets. I don’t believe that last year was a fluke. The player is on the downswing and considering they are keeping Carlos Delgado at first, I don’t think the Mets need to add another old, washup player, the kind that Minaya often seem to like to get, to the mix. Leave Andruw alone.
Then, of course, there is Manny. More and more teams continue to express a lack of interest for ManRam. Apparently Omar likes him but ownership doesn’t. The thinking is, if his price tag comes down and if he is willing to sign a one or two year deal, how could the Mets pass him up. As the Dodgers, perhaps the only suitors of Manny, look to talk with Adam Dunn and investigate other options, Manny could be looking for a new home at a discounted rate. Ramirez is a great hitter, and an asset to a team WHEN HE WANTS TO BE. I think Manny comes with too much baggage. If I could have his numbers without his personality, I would say they should do it in a heartbeat. Taking Manny, however, I believe was ensure no postseason for the Mets this year (again). Then, consider the fact that beyond the usual antics, if Manny isn’t happy because he did not get the deal he thought he was worth, both in number of years and in salary, will he give you 100%? Will he be willing to play? This is a guy who sat out with the Redsoxs when the Yankees came to town and Boston could have used his bat. No, I say leave Manny alone.
I believe there is another option available for the Mets and apparently, so do some of the New York sports commentators. With the Yankees having picked up Mark Texiera, it means Nick Swisher has to play the outfield. That give the Yankees a very crowded outfield with Swisher, Damon, Matsui, Melkey and Nady. The conventional wisdom is the Yankees will look to move one of the outfielders and while they might like to move Matsui (or possibly Damon), Xavier Nady may be the player they have to move. If I were the Mets, I would look to trade for Nady. I might go for Matsui, but I would really like Nady back in Flushing. I think the Mets have the talent to make such a trade and he would be a lot cheaper than Manny and not be a trouble maker. Come on Omar, make it happen!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Starting Pitching Thoughts
It is obvious that the Mets need at least one more starting pitcher and probably two. As I look at things, I am surprised (a little) that AJ Burnett was considered a bigger draw than Derek Lowe. Burnett maybe younger but he has been injury prone, he may have more strikeouts and be able to pitch a better game than Lowe, but Lowe is more consistent, from start to start.
Considering the Yankees signed CC and Burnett and the Redsoxs have come to an agreement with Brad Penny, Lowe should be the Mets for the taking. They should have little competition and should be able to sign him for a reasonable amount of money, reasonable as far as baseball salaries go.
The Mets could clearly get by with just one more pitcher, especially if they can sign Lowe, who would become the number two man in the staff with Pelfrey and Maine becoming three and four and perhaps Neise, or another young kid in the system being the fifth starter. Still, I would like to see the Mets sign one more starter and give Neise another year in AAA. In addition, while I think Pelfrey is the real deal, last year was the first year he came into his own and I don’t think we can be 100% sure of him just yet. So, who else would I like to see the Mets get?
My number one choice is completely unrealistic. I would love to see the Mets trade for Jake Peavy. I, however, am not convinced the Padres want to trade him. If they did, based on the interest the Cubs had, I think he would be in Chicago. A few years ago, the Astros acted like Roy Oswalt was on the trading block to see what they could get for him but they were never serious about trading him. I think the same is true with San Diego and Peavy. In addition, think what the Mets would have to give up to get him and think how much they would have to pay to keep him as I would imagine things would be similar to the way it worked with Johan, that before a deal was finalized, the Mets would have to work out a contract extension.
The next option is Oliver Perez. He is young, he is a left hander and while being inconsistent, he has done better with Met coaches than he was doing elsewhere. The Mets really revitalized his career. Consider he was the throw in player in the Nady deal. The problem with Ollie, as I see it, is the amount of money he will get for being a mediocre pitcher. Last year, through arbitration, he was paid way more than he should have been getting. As a free agent, with Boras as his agent, even if the price comes down, Perez will be making more than he made last year. I honestly don’t believe he is worth that much money.
That leaves Randy Wolf. Wolf is not a front end of the rotation guy but he is a left handed pitcher. If the Mets can sign Lowe, I think Lowe would be an excellent pickup for the fifth spot. He should not come at too great of a cost and could prove effective. If not, then you bring Neise up mid-year.
I would like to see the Mets pickup Lowe and Wolf.
Considering the Yankees signed CC and Burnett and the Redsoxs have come to an agreement with Brad Penny, Lowe should be the Mets for the taking. They should have little competition and should be able to sign him for a reasonable amount of money, reasonable as far as baseball salaries go.
The Mets could clearly get by with just one more pitcher, especially if they can sign Lowe, who would become the number two man in the staff with Pelfrey and Maine becoming three and four and perhaps Neise, or another young kid in the system being the fifth starter. Still, I would like to see the Mets sign one more starter and give Neise another year in AAA. In addition, while I think Pelfrey is the real deal, last year was the first year he came into his own and I don’t think we can be 100% sure of him just yet. So, who else would I like to see the Mets get?
My number one choice is completely unrealistic. I would love to see the Mets trade for Jake Peavy. I, however, am not convinced the Padres want to trade him. If they did, based on the interest the Cubs had, I think he would be in Chicago. A few years ago, the Astros acted like Roy Oswalt was on the trading block to see what they could get for him but they were never serious about trading him. I think the same is true with San Diego and Peavy. In addition, think what the Mets would have to give up to get him and think how much they would have to pay to keep him as I would imagine things would be similar to the way it worked with Johan, that before a deal was finalized, the Mets would have to work out a contract extension.
The next option is Oliver Perez. He is young, he is a left hander and while being inconsistent, he has done better with Met coaches than he was doing elsewhere. The Mets really revitalized his career. Consider he was the throw in player in the Nady deal. The problem with Ollie, as I see it, is the amount of money he will get for being a mediocre pitcher. Last year, through arbitration, he was paid way more than he should have been getting. As a free agent, with Boras as his agent, even if the price comes down, Perez will be making more than he made last year. I honestly don’t believe he is worth that much money.
That leaves Randy Wolf. Wolf is not a front end of the rotation guy but he is a left handed pitcher. If the Mets can sign Lowe, I think Lowe would be an excellent pickup for the fifth spot. He should not come at too great of a cost and could prove effective. If not, then you bring Neise up mid-year.
I would like to see the Mets pickup Lowe and Wolf.
Friday, December 26, 2008
An Improved Bullpen
It has been some time since I have posted and there is a lot to talk about. The first aspect, not surprisingly, is the bullpen. I give Omar Minaya a lot of credit. He recognized the problems of last season and he looked to address them.
First, Minaya got the best closer on the market. K-Rod should help close out games for the Mets. Honestly, I never felt comfortable with Billy Wagner on the mound and I am hoping that K-Rod will instill a feeling of confidence. Credit to Minaya for not stopping there, he went out and got JJ Putz as the setup man. Putz has not performed this role for a number of years but hopefully, he will fill that spot nicely. It really has been some time since the Mets have had an eighth inning guy and a ninth inning guy. While I do not like this approach, it is what baseball has become.
The truth, however, is I do not think the bullpen is complete. With the way the game is played today, they need a seventh inning guy as well. This allows you to get six quality innings out of your starter and then put the ball in the hands of the pen. Perhaps Duaner Sanchez can fill that role. Maybe with the two new guys, it will up Sanchez’s game and give him a bit more confidence. I also might be interested to see if Eddie Kunz could fill that role. Coming in for the seventh would certainly relieve some of the pressure of closing games and allow both Kunz and the Mets to breathe a little easier than having him immediately try to close games.
I am fine with getting rid of Schoenweiss and bringing in Robertson. Still, that means that Feliciano is the only left hander. Another left hander might be helpful. I think Brian Stokes would fill the role of middle relief and spot starter very well.
As I see it, one more relief pitcher would make a huge difference. Still, clearly there bullpen has been much improved.
Up next, stay tuned for conversations about starting pitching, first base, second base and the outfield.
PS It is easier to tell the Mets what they should do when I do not have to worry about purse strings.
First, Minaya got the best closer on the market. K-Rod should help close out games for the Mets. Honestly, I never felt comfortable with Billy Wagner on the mound and I am hoping that K-Rod will instill a feeling of confidence. Credit to Minaya for not stopping there, he went out and got JJ Putz as the setup man. Putz has not performed this role for a number of years but hopefully, he will fill that spot nicely. It really has been some time since the Mets have had an eighth inning guy and a ninth inning guy. While I do not like this approach, it is what baseball has become.
The truth, however, is I do not think the bullpen is complete. With the way the game is played today, they need a seventh inning guy as well. This allows you to get six quality innings out of your starter and then put the ball in the hands of the pen. Perhaps Duaner Sanchez can fill that role. Maybe with the two new guys, it will up Sanchez’s game and give him a bit more confidence. I also might be interested to see if Eddie Kunz could fill that role. Coming in for the seventh would certainly relieve some of the pressure of closing games and allow both Kunz and the Mets to breathe a little easier than having him immediately try to close games.
I am fine with getting rid of Schoenweiss and bringing in Robertson. Still, that means that Feliciano is the only left hander. Another left hander might be helpful. I think Brian Stokes would fill the role of middle relief and spot starter very well.
As I see it, one more relief pitcher would make a huge difference. Still, clearly there bullpen has been much improved.
Up next, stay tuned for conversations about starting pitching, first base, second base and the outfield.
PS It is easier to tell the Mets what they should do when I do not have to worry about purse strings.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Phillies-Brewers, Who Do You Want?
The Phillies hold a two-nothing lead over the Brewers in a best of five series. One more and Philadelphia moves on to face the winner of the Dodgers-Cubs series. This may sound immature on my part but I really do not care who wins the Brewers-Phillies series.
The Phills beat the Mets for the NL East title two years in a row. I really do not have any love for this team or even the players on the team. I have a hard time cheering for the Phillies. I might have a little stronger stomach for the Brewers, but not by much. After all, it was the last day of the seasons that Milwaukee officially knocked out the Mets from the wildcard.
I realize that really neither the Phillies nor the Brewers knocked the Mets out. The team that beat the Mets this year, and last year as well, was the Mets. They played awful down the stretch and can only blame themselves for their disappointing seasons.
I would like to see the Cubs move on. That may not seem likely right now but they had the best record in the National League. In addition, it has been too long since the Cubs have been to a World Series. It would be interesting and fun to see it happen (assuming it won’t be the Mets and this year it cannot be).
Stay tuned for some upcoming post in terms of what the Mets should do, or should not do during the off-season and my argument as to why Johan Santana deserves consideration, serious consideration, for NL Cy Young Award winner.
The Phills beat the Mets for the NL East title two years in a row. I really do not have any love for this team or even the players on the team. I have a hard time cheering for the Phillies. I might have a little stronger stomach for the Brewers, but not by much. After all, it was the last day of the seasons that Milwaukee officially knocked out the Mets from the wildcard.
I realize that really neither the Phillies nor the Brewers knocked the Mets out. The team that beat the Mets this year, and last year as well, was the Mets. They played awful down the stretch and can only blame themselves for their disappointing seasons.
I would like to see the Cubs move on. That may not seem likely right now but they had the best record in the National League. In addition, it has been too long since the Cubs have been to a World Series. It would be interesting and fun to see it happen (assuming it won’t be the Mets and this year it cannot be).
Stay tuned for some upcoming post in terms of what the Mets should do, or should not do during the off-season and my argument as to why Johan Santana deserves consideration, serious consideration, for NL Cy Young Award winner.
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