Brant Rustich as I posted here projected to be a potential closer for the Mets before a nerve issue sidelined his career. Earlier this off season in a post which included a pitching video it was reported that Rustich is on the comeback trail.
Rustich has begun his off-season pitching regiment and Mack has an update on how he is feeling...
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A look at the Braves off-season
The Atlanta Braves finished last year in second place in the NL East with a record of 89-73. They missed the playoffs by one game, while losing the last five straight games and went 8-18 in the month of Sept.
For the Braves they have great young pitching, it's a matter of keeping everyone healthy and getting enough offense.
There has been more subtraction then additions as four players have already left and three more are free agents. Of course, like the Mets the Braves could sign a few guys cheap on invites as veterans start to panic with spring training approaches.
Derek Lowe was sent out via trade, Lowe made 34 starts ( 187 innings) with a 5.05 ERA / 1.51 WHIP and a record of 9-17.
The next three have already signed with other teams:
Alex Gonzalez- 149 games .241 BA with .270 OBP, 15 HRs and 27 doubles.
Nate McClouth- 81 games .228 BA with .344 OBP, 4 HRs and 12 doubles.
George Sherrill- 51 games (31 innings) 3.00 ERA / 1.25 WHIP
Then there are three unsigned free agents:
Brooks Conrad- 92games .223 with .388 OBP, 4 HRs and 5 doubles
Scott Linebrink- 64 games ( 51 innings) 3.64 ERA / 1.45 WHIP
Peter Moylan- 13 games (8.1 innings) 3.24 ERA / 1.80 WHIP
So far the only player returning is Jack Wilson on a one year 1M deal. Wilson played 79 games .243 with a .274 OBP.
McClouth wont be missed with Michael Bourn in center, but can Tyler Pastornicky fill Gonzalez's shoes. The Braves have plenty of pitching to replace Lowe and none of the relievers or bench players will be missed. The Braves season will come down to whether Chipper and McCann can carry the offense, they wont need many runs with their rotation and the back-end of the pen.
For the Braves they have great young pitching, it's a matter of keeping everyone healthy and getting enough offense.
There has been more subtraction then additions as four players have already left and three more are free agents. Of course, like the Mets the Braves could sign a few guys cheap on invites as veterans start to panic with spring training approaches.
Derek Lowe was sent out via trade, Lowe made 34 starts ( 187 innings) with a 5.05 ERA / 1.51 WHIP and a record of 9-17.
The next three have already signed with other teams:
Alex Gonzalez- 149 games .241 BA with .270 OBP, 15 HRs and 27 doubles.
Nate McClouth- 81 games .228 BA with .344 OBP, 4 HRs and 12 doubles.
George Sherrill- 51 games (31 innings) 3.00 ERA / 1.25 WHIP
Then there are three unsigned free agents:
Brooks Conrad- 92games .223 with .388 OBP, 4 HRs and 5 doubles
Scott Linebrink- 64 games ( 51 innings) 3.64 ERA / 1.45 WHIP
Peter Moylan- 13 games (8.1 innings) 3.24 ERA / 1.80 WHIP
So far the only player returning is Jack Wilson on a one year 1M deal. Wilson played 79 games .243 with a .274 OBP.
McClouth wont be missed with Michael Bourn in center, but can Tyler Pastornicky fill Gonzalez's shoes. The Braves have plenty of pitching to replace Lowe and none of the relievers or bench players will be missed. The Braves season will come down to whether Chipper and McCann can carry the offense, they wont need many runs with their rotation and the back-end of the pen.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
A look at the Phillies off-season...
The Phillies ended the 2011 season by winning the NL East crown and then were up set in the NLDS by the Cards.
On one hand I have to give the Phillies credit since this championship run started they have been very aggressive in the market acquiring players through trade and free agency. I could only have wished the Mets would have acted in the same manor back in 2006, instead the Mets limited themselves to just filling holes and never getting that player to put them over the top.
On the other hand each time I see the Phillies sign one of these aggressive deals, I keep saying it's going to end up blowing up in their face. They're giving up too many years and too much money, to aging players but so far it's seems to all have worked out perfectly for them.
This might be the first year they're starting to feel the financial crunch of being among the top payrolls in the league, despite great attendance and playoff money they have not replaced the players leaving with equal or greater valued players. However, those who are leaving are all injuries risk, despite being significant contributors when available.
Here's a look at who is leaving and what they contributed last year...
Roy Oswalt- 3.69 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 23 starts, 139 innings
Ryan Madison- 2.37 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 62 saves, 62 games
Brad Lidge- 1.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 25 games
Raul Ibanez- .245 BA, .289 OBP, 20 HR, 84 RBIs, 144 games
Ross Glaud- .257, 8 doubles in 93 games
Here's who is returning...
Jimmy Rollins
Brian Schneider
Instead of bringing in a big name free agent on a multi-year deal to replace Raul Ibanez they are looking to see John Mayberry and Domonic Brown to step up. If neither youngster blossoms there is a group of re-treads looking to fill-in; Laynce Nix, Juan Pierre, Lou Montenez, Bret Clevlen, Scott Podsednik. Ibanez bat is on the decline but he still provides power and was durable for a 39 y/o.
Ross Glaud is being replaced by Jim Thome who played in 93 games with 15 HR and a BA of .256, his numbers were better but he only played one game in the field at 3B. With Howard out on injury to start the season, can Thome hold down the position. His back-up will by Ty Wiggington, Wiggy hit .242 with 15 HRs and 21 doubles.
Ryan Madison and Brad Lidge will be replaced by Jonathan Paplebon with an ERA 2.94 and 31 saves I think Pap is a solid replacement at closer but I wouldn't be too confident with the set-up role. Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo and Jeremy Horst wouldn't excite me in that role.
Can Vance Worley and his 3.01 ERA in 21 starts take the next step to replace Oswalt as a full time figure in the rotation or will Kyle Kendrick take that spot with a 3.22 ERA in 15 starts. If neither can step up they're already brought in a host of retreads Dontrelle Willis, Joel Pineiro, Dave Bush, Scott Elarton and Raul Valdes.
I think this is the year the Braves catch the Phillies but I also said last year the team looked old and wouldn't have the money to replace injuries at the deadline.
On one hand I have to give the Phillies credit since this championship run started they have been very aggressive in the market acquiring players through trade and free agency. I could only have wished the Mets would have acted in the same manor back in 2006, instead the Mets limited themselves to just filling holes and never getting that player to put them over the top.
On the other hand each time I see the Phillies sign one of these aggressive deals, I keep saying it's going to end up blowing up in their face. They're giving up too many years and too much money, to aging players but so far it's seems to all have worked out perfectly for them.
This might be the first year they're starting to feel the financial crunch of being among the top payrolls in the league, despite great attendance and playoff money they have not replaced the players leaving with equal or greater valued players. However, those who are leaving are all injuries risk, despite being significant contributors when available.
Here's a look at who is leaving and what they contributed last year...
Roy Oswalt- 3.69 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 23 starts, 139 innings
Ryan Madison- 2.37 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 62 saves, 62 games
Brad Lidge- 1.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 25 games
Raul Ibanez- .245 BA, .289 OBP, 20 HR, 84 RBIs, 144 games
Ross Glaud- .257, 8 doubles in 93 games
Here's who is returning...
Jimmy Rollins
Brian Schneider
Instead of bringing in a big name free agent on a multi-year deal to replace Raul Ibanez they are looking to see John Mayberry and Domonic Brown to step up. If neither youngster blossoms there is a group of re-treads looking to fill-in; Laynce Nix, Juan Pierre, Lou Montenez, Bret Clevlen, Scott Podsednik. Ibanez bat is on the decline but he still provides power and was durable for a 39 y/o.
Ross Glaud is being replaced by Jim Thome who played in 93 games with 15 HR and a BA of .256, his numbers were better but he only played one game in the field at 3B. With Howard out on injury to start the season, can Thome hold down the position. His back-up will by Ty Wiggington, Wiggy hit .242 with 15 HRs and 21 doubles.
Ryan Madison and Brad Lidge will be replaced by Jonathan Paplebon with an ERA 2.94 and 31 saves I think Pap is a solid replacement at closer but I wouldn't be too confident with the set-up role. Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo and Jeremy Horst wouldn't excite me in that role.
Can Vance Worley and his 3.01 ERA in 21 starts take the next step to replace Oswalt as a full time figure in the rotation or will Kyle Kendrick take that spot with a 3.22 ERA in 15 starts. If neither can step up they're already brought in a host of retreads Dontrelle Willis, Joel Pineiro, Dave Bush, Scott Elarton and Raul Valdes.
I think this is the year the Braves catch the Phillies but I also said last year the team looked old and wouldn't have the money to replace injuries at the deadline.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Poll: Who Will Lead The Mets In Home Runs?
With the biggest move of the off season taking place in the outfield, the dimensions of Citi Field have certainly been adjusted in the favor of David Wright and Jason Bay. Each should reap the benefits of a lowered, shortened porch in left field, but will that be a enough do assume the teams power crown?
What do you think? Will David Wright return to the 30+ potential we saw only a few years ago? Will Jason Bay finally display the type of power that forced Omar Minaya to sign him? Or..will it be the more tradition type power hitters, in Ike Davis or Lucas Dude, to lead the team this upcoming season?
What do you think? Will David Wright return to the 30+ potential we saw only a few years ago? Will Jason Bay finally display the type of power that forced Omar Minaya to sign him? Or..will it be the more tradition type power hitters, in Ike Davis or Lucas Dude, to lead the team this upcoming season?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Should the Mets grab a veteran catcher...
I know the team already put this to bed, but I'm still not convinced of Thole/Nickeas and there apparently are some veteran catchers available. Don't get me wrong I would rather have had Pudge five years ago but on a minor league deal to see what he has left, what would be the harm. I don't have any interest in the rest but I would definitely give Pudge a chance especially when Nickeas is the back-up and Thole struggled at times last year...
The Cardinals, Rays, Marlins, Athletics, Mets, Rockies, Cubs and Pirates all have unsettled backup catching situations at the moment, but none seems especially interested in signing a free agent. Besides Pudge and Varitek, Ramon Castro and Ronny Paulino are struggling to find jobs as well. No one from the group figures to get more than a minor league contract. source Hardball Talk
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