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!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Schleptember Morn
“Again?”
“Yes, Again.”
“Surprised?”
“Unfortunately, NO!”
This was not a real conversation but it very well could have been the way a conversation went yesterday with any of my friends. In typical Met fashion, the team waited for the last day of the season to officially be eliminated.
Sure the bullpen was a problem, as it has been for the better part of the season but this team has been one of the most “unclutch” hitting teams I have ever seen. The offensive numbers are good but look at how well they did with a runner on third and less than two outs. How often were they able to get that run home? Look at the team batting average in clutch situations and I think you will see some pathetic numbers.
A friend of mine told me last year he read an article that was title Schleptember, it was about how, while many teams sprint to the finish line during baseball season, the Mets just Schlep along. That is exactly what happened again this year. It was not the historic collapse of last year but it was pathetic.
Personally, I like Jerry Manuel and think he has earned the right to stay. Omar may need to go as he brought (and bought) us a team that was too old. Minaya’s comment about how last year the Mets underachieved but this year they overachieved was just plan dumb. They would not have gone out and brought in someone like Johan Santana if they did not think he would help get them to post season. Obviously, they fell short once again.
So, what about changes for next year? As far as I am concerned, Keep Wright and Reyes in the infield, keep this kid Daniel Murphy in the outfield and keep Santana and Pelfrey as two key pitchers. This doesn’t mean that everyone else should be traded but I would see what you can get. I certainly think they need to get younger. That means that Delgado, Castillo, Alou, even Taits (who did an amazing job filling in) need to go. They need to get at least one more starter (I would not pay what Ollie is going to cost, I don’t know about Maine and I would dump Pedro). If the Mets could sign CC, that would give them a strong 1-2-3 punch. And, I certainly would revamp the bullpen, from top to bottom. I do not think Wagner is coming back and even if he did, I think they need a new closer. And, I would get rid of Minaya.
The last thing I would like to see happen, but I know it won’t, is for me to give up on this team, stop following them and not let them do this sort of thing to me anymore.
Due to the upcoming holidays, I probably will not be posting over the next couple of days but I will be entering a new post shortly after that making an argument for Santana as NL Cy Young Award winner. It won’t happen but he certainly deserves it.
“Yes, Again.”
“Surprised?”
“Unfortunately, NO!”
This was not a real conversation but it very well could have been the way a conversation went yesterday with any of my friends. In typical Met fashion, the team waited for the last day of the season to officially be eliminated.
Sure the bullpen was a problem, as it has been for the better part of the season but this team has been one of the most “unclutch” hitting teams I have ever seen. The offensive numbers are good but look at how well they did with a runner on third and less than two outs. How often were they able to get that run home? Look at the team batting average in clutch situations and I think you will see some pathetic numbers.
A friend of mine told me last year he read an article that was title Schleptember, it was about how, while many teams sprint to the finish line during baseball season, the Mets just Schlep along. That is exactly what happened again this year. It was not the historic collapse of last year but it was pathetic.
Personally, I like Jerry Manuel and think he has earned the right to stay. Omar may need to go as he brought (and bought) us a team that was too old. Minaya’s comment about how last year the Mets underachieved but this year they overachieved was just plan dumb. They would not have gone out and brought in someone like Johan Santana if they did not think he would help get them to post season. Obviously, they fell short once again.
So, what about changes for next year? As far as I am concerned, Keep Wright and Reyes in the infield, keep this kid Daniel Murphy in the outfield and keep Santana and Pelfrey as two key pitchers. This doesn’t mean that everyone else should be traded but I would see what you can get. I certainly think they need to get younger. That means that Delgado, Castillo, Alou, even Taits (who did an amazing job filling in) need to go. They need to get at least one more starter (I would not pay what Ollie is going to cost, I don’t know about Maine and I would dump Pedro). If the Mets could sign CC, that would give them a strong 1-2-3 punch. And, I certainly would revamp the bullpen, from top to bottom. I do not think Wagner is coming back and even if he did, I think they need a new closer. And, I would get rid of Minaya.
The last thing I would like to see happen, but I know it won’t, is for me to give up on this team, stop following them and not let them do this sort of thing to me anymore.
Due to the upcoming holidays, I probably will not be posting over the next couple of days but I will be entering a new post shortly after that making an argument for Santana as NL Cy Young Award winner. It won’t happen but he certainly deserves it.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Gangsta
It was a great win for the Mets yesterday. Make no mistake about it. Despite my post from yesterday, it was great. Jerry Manuel, when asked about Johan’s performance after the game, said his pitcher was “Gangsta,” and I have to agree. Manuel also said that as the Mets head into tomorrow’s game (now, today, game 162), it would be impossible for his players not to be pumped up and excited.
This is where Manuel and I part company. I have mixed reactions about yesterday’s game. Watching Santana pitch was amazing. He pitched such a beautiful, dominant game, a complete game despite throwing a career high number of pitches three days earlier. Santana has made it so the final game of the season (unless we need a tiebreaker) means something (which some help from Milwaukee which lost to a Cubs team sitting most of its regulars).
My fear is, last year is still fresh in my mind. Last year the Mets should have been pumped for the final game of the season after pulling back even with the Phillies in the wildcard. Last year, following the game of John Maine’s life, with Tom Glavine (perhaps the ace of the staff) going, he allowed seven first inning runs and the season was over. To have the Mets win yesterday only to have my heart ripped out today is a real fear. I don’t believe they will automatically be pumped. I don’t believe that Oliver Perez will definitely pitch a great game. And, to a point that Gary, Keith and Ron made yesterday about the fans, particularly not being involved during Friday’s game, I think the problem was the Mets were trailing before they even came to bat; the Marlins took the crowd out of the game early. I fear that could happen again this year.
Yesterday’s win means nothing if the Mets don’t get the wildcard. Sorry, but that is exactly the way I feel. With C.C. Sabathia going for the Brewers today, the Mets have to go out and win. I realize that Sabathia is going on three days rest for something like the fourth straight time, I realize that the Cubs beat him a couple of weeks ago and I realize that the Cubs will be starting their regular lineup and that could help the Mets. Still, it is their ace and, of course, the Mets ace will not be pitching today.
If both teams do win, it will be interesting to see how a one game playoff goes as neither team will be able to use its ace. I believe I heard that the Mets would use Pedro if it came to that. Part of me thinks that would be good since he has dealt with these pressure situations before. Part of me thinks it would be bad since he has not had a great year. All of me wants a Met win today coupled with a Brewers loss so we do not even need to worry about a tiebreaker.
Let’s Go Mets!
This is where Manuel and I part company. I have mixed reactions about yesterday’s game. Watching Santana pitch was amazing. He pitched such a beautiful, dominant game, a complete game despite throwing a career high number of pitches three days earlier. Santana has made it so the final game of the season (unless we need a tiebreaker) means something (which some help from Milwaukee which lost to a Cubs team sitting most of its regulars).
My fear is, last year is still fresh in my mind. Last year the Mets should have been pumped for the final game of the season after pulling back even with the Phillies in the wildcard. Last year, following the game of John Maine’s life, with Tom Glavine (perhaps the ace of the staff) going, he allowed seven first inning runs and the season was over. To have the Mets win yesterday only to have my heart ripped out today is a real fear. I don’t believe they will automatically be pumped. I don’t believe that Oliver Perez will definitely pitch a great game. And, to a point that Gary, Keith and Ron made yesterday about the fans, particularly not being involved during Friday’s game, I think the problem was the Mets were trailing before they even came to bat; the Marlins took the crowd out of the game early. I fear that could happen again this year.
Yesterday’s win means nothing if the Mets don’t get the wildcard. Sorry, but that is exactly the way I feel. With C.C. Sabathia going for the Brewers today, the Mets have to go out and win. I realize that Sabathia is going on three days rest for something like the fourth straight time, I realize that the Cubs beat him a couple of weeks ago and I realize that the Cubs will be starting their regular lineup and that could help the Mets. Still, it is their ace and, of course, the Mets ace will not be pitching today.
If both teams do win, it will be interesting to see how a one game playoff goes as neither team will be able to use its ace. I believe I heard that the Mets would use Pedro if it came to that. Part of me thinks that would be good since he has dealt with these pressure situations before. Part of me thinks it would be bad since he has not had a great year. All of me wants a Met win today coupled with a Brewers loss so we do not even need to worry about a tiebreaker.
Let’s Go Mets!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thanks... ... ... ... FOR NOTHING!
Folks,
I’d like to tell you not to worry, that I truly believe the Mets will still come back and claim the wildcard spot. I’d like to tell you that since the Phills have not yet clinched the division, I truly think the Mets could take the NL East title. I would like to tell you that the Mets won’t choke. These are the things I would like to tell you; unfortunately I can’t. This team is toast, they are done and once again, instead of making it easy (or easier) on Met fans, they have found a way to RIP THE HEARTS out of those who loyally follow this team.
Years ago, back in 1977, when the Yankees made that remarkable comeback against the Redsox, then Redsox’s first baseman George Scott uttered a quote that has stuck with me for all these years. As the Yankees were turning up the pressure and heading to Boston for a three game set, Scott said the only definition of choke he knew was when someone put their hands around your neck and started to strangle you. The announcer, playing this comment in retrospect, at the end of the season after the Yankees ended up winning the World Series, said of the Scott quote, “That was exactly what the Yankees did (putting their hands around Boston’s collective throats).
Right now, it appears the difference between the ’77 Redsox and the 2008 Mets is, the Mets are the ones putting their hands around their own throats. Two years in a row we are going to be finished off by the Florida Marlins. This is Pathetic. The Mets should be embarrassed but they won’t be. They still get the millions of dollars (in large part because we fans are stupid enough to pay for tickets to see this team).
I would like to tell you that things will be easier this year because they screwed up last year so they have programmed fans to expect a collapse. I’d like to tell you that since the Mets never had such a huge lead this year, it is not as disappointing. I can’t honestly say these things.
This is the first time in a month that the Mets have not had at least a share of the lead in the NL East or the Wildcard. They picked a hell of a time to do it and as a result, I would like to tell you I am giving up on this team. I can’t do that either. I am just a stupid fan who continues to follow this team and hope, even expect, they will perform and come through.
They say the classic definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I continue to follow them and continue to expect them to be able to get into post-season. I guess that makes me insane and makes it time to see a Psychiatrist.
I’d like to tell you not to worry, that I truly believe the Mets will still come back and claim the wildcard spot. I’d like to tell you that since the Phills have not yet clinched the division, I truly think the Mets could take the NL East title. I would like to tell you that the Mets won’t choke. These are the things I would like to tell you; unfortunately I can’t. This team is toast, they are done and once again, instead of making it easy (or easier) on Met fans, they have found a way to RIP THE HEARTS out of those who loyally follow this team.
Years ago, back in 1977, when the Yankees made that remarkable comeback against the Redsox, then Redsox’s first baseman George Scott uttered a quote that has stuck with me for all these years. As the Yankees were turning up the pressure and heading to Boston for a three game set, Scott said the only definition of choke he knew was when someone put their hands around your neck and started to strangle you. The announcer, playing this comment in retrospect, at the end of the season after the Yankees ended up winning the World Series, said of the Scott quote, “That was exactly what the Yankees did (putting their hands around Boston’s collective throats).
Right now, it appears the difference between the ’77 Redsox and the 2008 Mets is, the Mets are the ones putting their hands around their own throats. Two years in a row we are going to be finished off by the Florida Marlins. This is Pathetic. The Mets should be embarrassed but they won’t be. They still get the millions of dollars (in large part because we fans are stupid enough to pay for tickets to see this team).
I would like to tell you that things will be easier this year because they screwed up last year so they have programmed fans to expect a collapse. I’d like to tell you that since the Mets never had such a huge lead this year, it is not as disappointing. I can’t honestly say these things.
This is the first time in a month that the Mets have not had at least a share of the lead in the NL East or the Wildcard. They picked a hell of a time to do it and as a result, I would like to tell you I am giving up on this team. I can’t do that either. I am just a stupid fan who continues to follow this team and hope, even expect, they will perform and come through.
They say the classic definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I continue to follow them and continue to expect them to be able to get into post-season. I guess that makes me insane and makes it time to see a Psychiatrist.
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