J.J. leaves with an irritated nail....

What hopefully will be a common scene J.J. Putz entered the game in the 8th inning and struck out the first two batters he faced. But then Putz was removed from the game due to an injury, the Mets are describing the injury as an irritated finger nail on the middle finger of his pitching hand. Early reports are that Putz will be fine and won't miss anytime due to the nail. Phew, crisis avoided.....

J.J. Putz cut short his relief appearance after two outs because the edge of the nail of his middle finger peeled away, although it's not expected to affect him. source Daily News

Other cuts...

In other moves today the Mets have cut Jose Valentin, Tony Armas jr. and Junior Spivey. Valentin still believes he can play in the majors and while being a player/coach in Buffalo seemed like a good opportunity to begin camp, after the spring he's had he'll look elsewhere before he starts his coaching career. It appears they felt they had better options then Armas and Spivey who were on minor league deals but taking up spots on the Buffalo roster.....

The Mets released popular infielder Jose Valentin and two other veterans from their minor-league system today in a move that likely will end Valentin's playing career. Also let go were right-hander Tony Armas Jr. and journeyman infielder Junior Spivey. source NY Post

Your 2009 Opening Day roster...

The Mets have made it official with the final cuts of the spring, the Mets have finalized their 25 man roster. The Mets sent down Bobby Kielty and Elmer Dessens while placing Fernando Nieve on waivers. As I've said before Kielty should have gotten a spot but as long as Anderson is on a short rope there's no harm in doing it this way. Nieve will have to clear waivers and accept assignment if the Mets want him....

So here is the 2009 Opening Day roster:

Rotation

Santana, Pelfrey, Perez, Maine, Hernandez ( start the season in the minors )

Pen

Rodriguez, Putz, Green, Feliciano, Stokes, Parnell, O'Day

Line-up

Reyes, Murphy, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Church, Schneider, Castillo

Bench

Castro, Cora, Tatis, Reed, Anderson and Evans ( till Hernandez is recalled)

Pinch-hitting specialist Marlon Anderson and Rule 5 reliever Darren O'Day survived the Mets ' final roster cuts today, according to GM Omar Minaya. source NY Post

Not a fan of Murph hitting 2nd

By now most Mets fans know that Jerry Manuel has named Daniel Murphy his #2 hitter. I'm going to go against most on this one in saying that I'm not a fan of the idea. It has nothing to do with Murphy and his ability to thrive at the top of the order but more to do with maximizing the skill set that each individual player brings to the team. The fact is, that I think Murphy's style of offense can be successful anywhere in the line-up. As a high contact and average hitter who at this point in his career is more of a gap hitter then a HR hitter he could be used anywhere in the line-up to move the chain along.

However; Luis Castillo has a very specific skill set he is your prototypical table setter and using him in the 8th spot is a waste of those skills. I believe from what I've seen this spring that Louie will rebound this year but those numbers will hardly be as productive for the over all team, due to where he's hitting. When he draws a walk the best that can be said about it is he's turning the line-up over. An infield hit where he beats it out, won't advance the runner or give the power guys a chance for an RBI. Going deep into counts won't allow Reyes to steal a base. Luis has struggled anywhere he has played in the line-up besides the 1-2 spot and I believe that to be because it's outside of his skill set. Having a good batting average and great OBP while going deep into counts and rarely striking out is wasted in front of the pitcher. I'd even be more inclined to use him 9th but Jerry doesn't sound receptive to the idea......

An athletic tight end can run pass patterns and be used in several different formations but what a waste it is to use your speedster wide receiver in the slot.

The rotation shaping up...

Well things are looking much better with just a week to go in camp, after a rocky mid-March in which every starter except Johan was struggling there is some positive news from the rotation...

John Maine's last outing was a marked improvement from the rest of his spring and it appears that his head and mechanics might be getting on the same page.

We didn't get to see how Mike Pelfrey looked thanks to a muddy mound and a rain delay. In his prior outing Pelfrey cruised to the fifth and then gave up five runs, which he admitted might be attributed to fatigue from the leg strain. Pelfrey is now reporting the leg is not an issue and he isn't even wrapping it anymore.

The Mets finally announced the obvious, that Livan Hernandez was their fifth starter. This is what Livan had to say to the fans about what to expect from him as their new pitcher...

"I'm a winner," said the Cuba native, who is a career 147-139. "I like the competition, and I like to pitch in big games. I don't like to lose." source NY Post

The biggest news is how good Ollie looked, after getting bashed for being behind schedule and out of shape Ollie responded. Perez pitched 6 2/3 innings, reaching his 93 pitch count, allowing one run on four hits and one walk while striking out three. Ollie's only run came with two outs and no one on when he challenged the number two hitter ( Jones) on a 3-2 count and got beat for a solo HR in the second inning. His fastball reached 90 and he was locating it, along with better control of his breaking stuff. Big game Ollie really rose to the challenge Warthen put forth....

"Significantly better," Manuel labeled it. "That's a good way to put it. In all honesty, he probably needed it as much as we needed to see it." source Daily News

Mets sign Takahashi.....

I'm not really sure why but the Mets have liked Ken Takahashi all off-season, at one point it was believed they were the front runners to sign him. Takahashi ended up signing with the Blue Jays but after pitching in one game he injured himself and the Jays ended up releasing him.

The Mets have swooped in and signed him to a minor league deal. As I said they must really like this guy, since they cut Villone and De Los Santos while passing on Ohman ( signed a one year minor league deal) and Jimmy Gobble.

Takahashi is a lefty specialist who is better at getting right handers to ground out then he is at getting lefties out. To see him pitch go here...

Takahashi throws a fastball, slider, sinker and curve, but I have also have a photo that clearly shows him throwing a circle change. Based on his walk numbers over the years I’d say his control isn’t phenomenal, but he is capable of keeping the ball down. source NPB tracker

Delgado monster year ?

Last year was the tale of two seasons for Carlos Delgado; the first half looked like an aging player who had nothing left, hitting a mere .248 and in the second half he appeared to be the vintage Toronto player who was an MVP/ HOF candidate, hitting .303 with a .606 slg. pct..

So which Delgado will we see this year, if spring training or the WBC is any indication then Delgado could have a monster year. While Delgado refuses to acknowledge his spring training numbers he has stated that he feels good at the plate and Manuel agrees with how he looks....

"The way I look at it, I'm seeing the ball good," he said. "I still feel I can be a little more consistent. I've been able to put the ball in play, stay behind the ball, go to the opposite field a little bit. That's all good. But if I was having the same approach and I was hitting a buck ninety, I would still be happy about it." source Newsday

"From what I'm seeing, we will get what we saw in the second half," Manuel said here yesterday after the veteran first baseman went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the Mets' 5-4 Grapefruit League win over the Marlins.

"I'm very happy with where he's at right now," Manuel continued. "I think we all at some point in time wonder what you're going to get. We really don't know. But indications are we feel pretty good about where he is." source NY Post

Livan the 5th

No one would have guessed back in February that one of the last guys signed, who was called inventory would be in the rotation without a major injury occurring. But Livan wasn't given the job because Redding's shoulder gave out or Freddy wasn't fully recovered from surgery, he did beat out the youngster ( Niese/Gee) who showed they need more time in the minors and several less accomplished journeyman ( Armas/Fossum/Figgy). Livan earned the spot, he has pitched well this spring and while his fastball can't hit the 90s anymore he makes up for it with guile and location. He pitched in five games, three starts ( 14 innings) to an ERA of 3.07 which is tied with Santana for the best ERA of the rotation this spring. Livan has claimed all spring that he is healthy for the first time since 2005 and based on his pitching that appears to be the case. Last year in Minnesota he had a very good first half, if he could even provide that much for us I would be satisfied by the all-star break the spot could be turned over to Garcia, Redding or Niese if he was ineffective. All I ask of the fifth starter is eat innings and keep the game close.....

Jerry Manuel gave into the obvious today and named veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez as the Mets ' No. 5 starter. Hernandez, a former World Series MVP with the Marlins, is likely to make his first start April 11 in Miami against his former team. source NY Post

Stokes can thank Redding

It appears that Brian Stokes can thank Tim Redding's ailing right shoulder for his reprieve in NY. Redding was slated to become either the fifth starter or the long man but will start the year on the DL due to a shoulder injury. It sounds like the Mets were on the verge of sending Stokes to Detroit for utility player Ryan Raburn but backed out of the deal when they decided to use Stokes as the long man. In his short major league career Stokes has been a starter, late innings reliever and a long man. The Mets used him several times last year to pitch more then two innings, spot start and close games. It appears they are stretching him out for his role as the long man as he threw 2.2 innings in yesterday's game.....

But with Stokes pitching well this spring (he threw 2" innings of scoreless relief here yesterday against the Orioles), the Mets broke off talks because they want the righty to fill a long-relief role. source NY Post

Looks like Anderson will make the cut....

It appears that there won't be any surprises in regards to the bench. While it's not official all indications are that the bench will be made up of; Ramon Castro, Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, Jeremy Reed and Marlon Anderson with Nick Evans up for a week.....

I think Bobby Kielty is getting the shaft, he hit over .300 this spring and did a decent job in all three outfield positions. Kielty has a decent arm and while not used there can play 1B. Anderson's biggest intangibles are his clubhouse leadership and clutch hitting, both of which Kielty possesses. I heard some argue that Anderson provides more versatility but the only position he plays that Kielty doesn't is 2B and lets be honest there isn't a position he plays well.

Now let me make this clear I like Marlon Anderson, he his a great player to have around the clubhouse. I still remember when he was calling for clubhouse meeting in 2007 when he had only been with the club for a month and then last year playing his heart out through injuries. This year he came to camp in great shape and has busted his butt every day of camp. But Marlon only managed a .210 BA last year and despite all his efforts is hitting .230 this spring, I'm simply concerned that he has nothing left. If you could carry 26 players then I would welcome Marlon without question but for the good of the team Kielty would be a better pick, especially with all the left handed hitters in the starting line-up.

It appears that Marlon is safe because of his guaranteed contract, no; not because the Wilpon's are too cheap to absorb the contract but more Omar trying to keep all of his options open. If the Mets cut Anderson and add Kielty there is no turning back. If Kielty turns out to be a flop and Marlon is successful elsewhere not only do they have mud on their face but they also have a whole on the bench or if there is an injury and they need a player it would be a nice luxury to call a guy like Kielty up. A month from now if Anderson is still hitting .230 and Kielty is killing it in AAA I'm sure they'll feel they exhausted all opportunities with Marlon and make the switch. Rem. Tatis didn't start last year with the team he was in AAA and when the team had an injury he was called up, they could be waiting to use Kielty in the same manner.....

But if all things were equal and both were on minor league deals, I don't see how the Mets would pick Anderson over Kielty based on spring training and the teams needs. Even though the logic behind this makes sense it still doesn't make the best fit for the bench even if Marlon was hitting like he did in 2007......

The issue in keeping Anderson is that when Fernando Tatis starts there won't be a righty bat on the five-man bench for pinch-hitting after the first week - that is, other than Castro, who would be unlikely to be used because he's the backup catcher. Still, the Mets won't face a southpaw starter during their season-opening trips to Cincinnati and Florida, which means Tatis should spend most of his time on the bench available to pinch-hit. source Adam Rubin, Daily News

Is there an Ollie factor with Dessens....

When Friday's cuts came and Elmer Dessens was still with the major league team, it seemed to be a matter of the coaching staff wanting to see more of a pitcher who spent most of the camp with Team Mexico in the WBC. After all Dessens has only pitched three scoreless innings in camp this spring, which doesn't seem to be a large enough sample to make a decision in either direction. But based on his track record it would be a long shot for him to make the team....

Originally coming into camp I bet the team didn't expect to carry a traditional long reliever unless there were six starters and couldn't justify cutting one. But now that Ollie is Mr. Inconsistency again, Maine is struggling with his mechanics, and Pelfrey's working through a leg strain they maybe re-thinking the idea. The primary prospect for the position, Tim Redding will start the season on the DL and while Bobby Parnell has been a starter I'd like to see him build confidence by pitching one successful inning at a time then trying to carry the team for three.

It's one of the more difficult assignments on the pitching staff to be a long man, generally a former starter who now is required to warm-up faster, work on inconsistent rest and use their entire repertoire to get through the line-up at least twice.

So maybe it makes sense that the Mets are taking a longer look at Elmer Dessens. During the WBC Dessens was successful as a longman, he appeared in two games pitching 6.2 innings in which allowed one run ( 1.35 ERA). Dessens has had mixed results throughout his major league career, he is a lifetime 48-62 with an ERA 4.56, he appeared in 360 games but only 140 were starts. Jerry Manuel referred to Dessens as a Darren Oliver type player and if you look at their statistics they are quite similar until Oliver found his niche as a longman (rem. Oliver was out of baseball in 2005).

But maybe there is a more important task for Dessens then mop-up work. Could the well respected and elder statesmen of the Mexican team play a role in guiding Oliver Perez. I know Johan is trying to take him under his wing and who better to mentor him then Johan but how far will the Ace get with the enigmatic Ollie. Although, Dessens is nothing more then a journeyman here, I believe he is considered much more in the two pitchers home country. He's had a 12 year major league career, in 2008 he lead the Diablos to the Mexican league Championship and was on both WBC Mexican team rosters. It could be Dessens, if he makes the team that has the biggest impact on Ollie.....

Manager Jerry Manuel characterized Dessens' experience -- 140 starts and nearly 1,100 innings in the big leagues -- and his ability to throw strikes as attributes of a long reliever, and he recalled how in 2006 the Mets' staff was often saved by Darren Oliver. source MLB.com

Stokes to the Tigers ?

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that in recent days the Mets and Tigers were seriously discussing a trade that would send Brian Stokes to Detroit. Those talks have reportedly quieted since the Mets have decided that Stokes will make the team. The Tigers have been looking for relief help all winter and are willing to move position players to obtain them....

While the article doesn't specify who the Mets would receive in return, it does speculate that Ryan Raburn is available and would be a good fit. Raburn is a 27 y/o right handed utility player with a lifetime .255 BA in only 350 AB over three seasons. He still has options and plays 3b, 2b and OF. Also mentioned was often rumored Marcus Thames, the power hitting righty has been on Omar's radar for years......

The Tigers had serious discussions with the New York Mets in recent days about relief pitcher Brian Stokes, the Free Press has learned, but the chances for a deal fell dramatically when the Mets determined that Stokes was likely to make their Opening Day roster. source Detroit Free Press

Are the Mets looking to make a move....

Livan Hernandez should be the fifth starter, but Jerry Manuel wouldn't annoit the veteran to the position when asked today despite there being no real opposition. Even former Astros starter Fernando Nieve has been working strictly as a reliever. This could be simply Jerry being Jerry but it has lead some to speculate that the Mets are either considering a trade or bringing in Pedro. With rosters being slimmed there are players available but no one has been linked to the Mets as of yet, the Rays are rumored to be looking to move a starter ( source MLBTR). I think Pedro is as long a shot now as he was at the end of the season but his name will cont. to surface until he's signed elsewhere or officially retires.....

But Manuel's reticence to officially proclaim Hernandez is a bit puzzling now that Freddy Garcia and Jonathon Niese have been reassigned and Tim Redding (shoulder) isn't anywhere close to pitching off a mound. Could a trade or, even more doubtful, Pedro Martinez be in the offing? source NY Post

Gee auditions for call-ups....

Many are looking at the line-up today and wondering why Dillon Gee is starting while Livan Hernandez is pitching to minor leaguers....

Once Hernandez proved his health, the coaching staff seemed very comfortable with him just getting his reps. Rem. this entire organization is very familiar with Livan; Jerry Manuel was his bench coach in 1996 when he was the MVP of the World Series for the Florida Marlins and Omar Minaya brought him to Montreal in 2003 to be the ace of his staff. No one expects those type of results from him these days, he's the veteran fifth starter eating innings and passing along knowledge to the young guys......

Dillon Gee on the other hand is a rapidly rising prospect who Jerry Manuel specifically requested to see start one more time this spring. Apparently Manuel was impressed with what he saw early in spring training and wants to see a little more of the young pitcher. Gee appears to be auditioning today for consideration in the event that Manuel needs to call a pitcher up during the season.....

"I don't think with Livan it really matters where he pitches," Manuel said. "Livan could pitch over there in Timbuktu and still be the same guy and not have an issue with it. He'd still be the same guy. Whereas Gee, if you're thinking about somewhat of a future down the line, and people down at the development [level] think this guy is real close, you have to take a lot at him in that situation." source Star Ledger

Castillo has something to prove...

Jim Baumbach of Newsday sat down with Luis Castillo and has a great article on the veteran second baseman's struggles last year and what to expect this year. He has certainly made a positive impression on the field this spring with a .276 BA and a club high 15 walks giving him a .467 OBP. With the Twins Castillo hit second but they also put two lead-off caliber players at the bottom of the order, so he was really an table setting RBI guy, this spring his Slg. pct. is .409 and he has 8 RBIs while hitting lead-off or second. His quickness seems to be back as well as his healthy; he's made several fine defensive plays, beaten out a few infield hits and even stolen two bases. As of yet I'm still not fully on board, I will admit I'm waiting to see him come up lame or go into a slump but I'm sure those concerns will subside the longer he succeeds. I do know that he needs to get off to a fast start to keep the boo birds off his back.....

"I feel like I'm ready for the season, and I want to keep going," Castillo said. "Last year was a tough year for me. I don't want to think about last year because I know I wasn't 100 percent. My knees bothered me, my hip. And I was fighting it. I was fighting it every day." source Newsday

Another Murphy ?

Dan Murphy is set to start the season as the Mets starting left fielder and is hitting .357 this spring. Murphy has gained the trust of the manager to the extent that he was scheduled to sit tonight against a tough lefty but instead started and while he struggled in the field, he went 3-4 with two RBIs. What's amazing about Murphy is not only was he in AA a year ago but he wasn't listed on anyones prospect list. I can understand how his glove could drop his ranking but how could every "expert" miss his bat.....

The Mets have another player this spring who may have slipped pasted the scouts. Jonathan Malo is a 25 y/o infielder who played AA last year and isn't on anyones radar except Jerry Manuel's. It's Malo's slick fielding glove that has drawn the manager's attention, as he's only hitting .194. Malo will go to AAA this year and if can learn to hit respectably for a defensive replacement, then he might be added to the growing list of Met farmhands contributing to the parent club.....

And as scant a chance as Green had, it was diminished by the late emergence of Jonathan Malo, a 25-year-old Canadian-born second baseman who has impressed Manuel to such a degree that the manager has told people in the organization that Malo is among his favorites among the possible reserves. But there seems to be no place for Malo on the roster. source MLB.com

Stache sent down....

After the game it was announced that Jose Valentin was re-assigned to AAA Buffalo. Valentin isn't ready to hang up the cleats but the Mets see him as a future coach/manager. For now he'll play with Buffalo hoping for a call-up while Obie uses him as a player-coach. In other roster news Ramon Martinez had surgery on that sports hernia, I think it's a 6-8 week recovery process..

For those keeping score the only invitees left are Elmer Dessens, Omir Santos and Bobby Kielty. Fernando Nieve, Brian Stokes, Bobby Parnell and Darren O'Day are competing for three spots in the pen all have waiver issues except Parnell and he's almost a lock at this point.

In addition to the roster moves they made before the game, the Mets announced afterward that Jose Valentin has been re-assigned to their minor-league camp and will likely start the season at Triple-A Buffalo. source Star Ledger

More cuts today....

First let me say that early reports were that Bobby Kielty was getting the start and I thought that it was an indicator that he was ahead of Marlon Anderson for the last spot on the bench, but with him not in the line-up I have to believe that Anderson's guaranteed contract is helping him. I'm starting to think Anderson will make the team regardless of what Kielty does, if a vet. is going to be cut they are usually cut early out of respect so they can catch on with another club.

The Mets released Ron Villone, I'm sure there was a gentleman's agreement that if he wasn't going to make the team they would release him. But now if the Mets decide they need a second lefty or Feliciano goes down the minors have very few options. They have Casey Fossum and Jon Switzer with major league experience and youngsters Jon Niese, Adam Bostick and Michael Antonini. They also have Heriberto Ruelas who will probably be loaned back to the Mexican team that the Mets have a relationship with.....

Nelson Figeruoa lost his bid as the fifth starter and as the longman, Nelson is a AAAA guy who will get call-up and I'm sure will do a decent job for a short period of time but if he stays up for any length I think his success will diminish...

I'm surprised Carlos Muniz didn't last to the final cut, his split finger fastball will put him over the top and he'll be a late blooming major league reliever. I think Muniz will be with the club by the end of the season and positively contributing.

There were no surprises with the positional players Cory Sullivan was clearly beat out by Jeremy Reed. Renee Rivera was just an extra catcher for all the pitchers in camp and Andy Green was pretty far down the depth chart as far as infielder go...

Not many extra players left in camp, aside from Livan Hernandez the only invites left are RHP Elmer Dessens, C Omir Santos, INF Jose Valentin and OF Bobby Kielty. The players on the 40 man roster who aren't guarantee spots and haven't been re-assigned are Fernando Nieve, Darren O'Day, Bobby Parnell, Brian Stokes, Nick Evans and Marlon Anderson.

I'm considering Angel Pagen and Tim Redding on the DL to start the year and Billy Wagner on the 60 day....

How I think it will shake out; The last spots in the pen will go to Stokes, Parnell and O'Day while they try to slip Nieve through waivers. I think Evans will come up for a week and then go down when Hernandez comes up. The big competition is between Anderson and Kielty for the last permanent bench spot, everyone else will be re-assigned....

Is Jerry tipping his hat about the bench....

Tonight is suppose to be the first game in which Jerry Manuel uses his full squad. Early in spring training Manuel indicated that the March 27th game would be when he rolled out the regular line-up, by today everyone would be back from the WBC and well rested.

Most of the regulars are in the line-up tonight except the corner outfielders. Against a tough left handed starter the Mets will use Fernando Tatis and Bobby Kielty in the corner outfield positions.

As I've said before it doesn't make sense for the team to take Marlon Anderson over Bobby Kielty. Match-up wise with a lefty dominant line-up a right handed bat makes more sense, Kielty is hitting almost 100 points higher and is a far better fielder. One of the biggest reasons Marlon has lasted this long is his clutch hitting in 2007 and his clubhouse presence/leadership, both are attributes that Kielty possesses.

Because of the line-up I think the Mets were hoping to find a veteran right handed bat and Kielty has had a very good spring. If it came down to Marlon Anderson or Nick Evans, I think they would keep Anderson for his leadership and for Evans to get regular playing time in the minors. With tonight being the first night Manuel uses his regulars I wonder if he's tipping his hat as to who will round out the roster; Castro, Cora, Tatis, Reed, Kielty and Evans for a week would be a solid bench in my opinion.....

Manuel said Fernando Tatis and Bobby Kielty will probably start in the corner outfield spots.

"We'll play some of those right-handed bats, because I really need to see them, and Murphy has had a lot of at-bats here," Manuel said. "So it won't be quite the full lineup, but it'll be the core guys for the most part." source Star Ledger

Maine not pretty but better....

After getting bombed for two starts in a row, the alarms and warning signals began to sound around John Maine. Even the pitcher must have been concerned as he passed on a day off to work on his mechanics with pitching coach Dan Warthen in a bullpen session. In his first start since that session Maine showed marked improvement. Now it wasn't a pretty start but it was definitely a step in the right direction. Maine pitched five innings in which he allowed one earned run, two additional runs scored on Maine's own wild pitches, he allowed six hits, three walks and struck out five.

"I think we're seeing progress," Manuel said. "That's key for us. Still a little command issues here and there, but for the most part, he has a lot of life on his fastball, he threw a few off-speed pitches behind in the count for strikes, so he's coming."source Star Ledger

Ramon Martinez injured...

Ramon Martinez saw a lot of playing time while most of the regulars were away at the WBC and he made the most of his time. Martinez hit .294 in 10 games while playing every infield position. Martinez was a solid hitting infielder for eight years until wrist injuries derailed his career in 2007. He did a solid job filling in at the end of last season in his return to the majors and while he was never seen as a legitimate roster candidate, I'm sure he's hoping for a call-up at some point during the season. While other bench candidates are still getting at bats, Martinez has been missing. That appears to be do to an injury as Marty Noble has reported......

Ramon Martinez, the backup middle infielder, traveled to Philadelphia to be examined for a possible sports hernia. source MLB.com

Ollie admits to being behind - denies out of shape....

Oliver Perez responded to Dan Warthen's challenge that he's out of shape and behind in his throwing regime. Perez admitted that he's behind where he should be at this time in spring training but also stated that he has time to get it together. Perez seemed to placed a lot of blame for his condition on the Mexican team during the WBC, basically confirming that all he did was throw two starts in 19 days. However, Ollie disputed the comments about his shape even asking if anyone wanted to come for a run. It will be interesting to see how Ollie responds to the challenge Warthen has thrown down. The Mets should have known better then to allow Ollie to go off on his own during spring training, but I blame Ollie himself most of all; he's a big boy and after getting a big contract needs to act more responsibly. If Mexico wasn't providing him with the right training then it's up to him to fix that situation.....

"I just threw like six innings in 19 days. That's not easy to come back here after," Perez said today. "I am behind from these guys -- they have more than 15 innings. I have two more starts, and I have to prepare and get ready." source NY Post

Looks like Evans will get his shot.....

With two weeks left in camp a lot can happen but as of right now it appears that Nick Evans will make the team. How long he stays is a whole other story, whether he becomes a permanent fixture on the bench or just a one week pat on the back still has to be decided. Four spots on the bench appear locked up; Ramon Castro, Fernando Tatis, Alex Cora and Jeremy Reed. If Evans makes the team they can still carry one more player from Marlon Anderson and Bobby Kielty. However, in a week they will need to bring up Livan Hernandez and the only one who wouldn't have to go through waivers is Evans ( Reed wouldn't either but he's essential as a defensive replacement). So just as he played his way onto the roster to start the year, in that first week can he play his way into them cutting someone or risk losing them to waivers.......

"We'd probably like to see [Evans] defend a little better in the outfield," Manuel said after the Mets' 10-6 exhibition loss to the Tigers. "We have to try to create as much versatility for him as possible, [but] he'll probably come with us at this point." source NY Post

Ollie out of Shape.....

I've got to be honest, while I have no idea how it will play out in the clubhouse after Art Howe and Willie Randolph it's refreshing to hear honest answers and not cliches, especially when the honesty is expressing the same frustration we fans are feeling....

Dan Warthen let it be known that he's not happy with Oliver Perez's conditioning. Warthen believes that Perez came to camp in better shape then he is in now and that he took a step back during the WBC. In other words without anyone to baby sit him and ensure he maintained his side sessions and mechanics, Ollie probably did little more then the two horrible starts in over two weeks. Warthen believes his arm strength isn't where it should be at this point in spring training and that Ollie has gained weight. So much for married life maturing him, this is why I would have over paid for Derek Lowe ( this spring 4 starts/ 2-0 /3.94 ERA) , Consistency.....

"He's out of shape," Warthen said after the Mets' 10-6 Grapefruit League loss to the Tigers. "He came into camp in good shape. I thought he was throwing the ball very well when he left camp. I was a little reticent when he left here [for the WBC], and my worries have come to fruition." source NY Post

Starters cont. to struggle

Another day and another starter struggles, I hope they get it all out of their systems in spring training otherwise we won't need our vaunted bullpen. It sure is quite a statement when the guy called inventory at the start of spring is now pitching like the second best starter on the team. Johan Santana looks brilliant and Livan Hernandez keeps chugging ( seemed like a fitting adjective) along but the rest of the rotation is all over the place. Just two starts ago Pelfrey looked like a 1A ace until he couldn't get out of the fifth yesterday. Maine has been bad all spring and all eyes will be on him tomorrow after a bullpen session on Monday revamped his mechanics. Then there is Ollie, Mr. Inconsistent is with us for three years; Bad Ollie in the WBC, good Ollie first game back and then today he was train wreck Ollie. He gave up six runs in 3 2/3 innings on five hits and six walks..

Carlos Muniz continues to make his case, as he came in to stop the bleeding for Ollie and after allowing one inherited runner to score on a hit, he finished off the inning. Ron Villone may have sealed his fate with his second bad outing in a row. The Mets aren't going to carry a lefty just because he's a lefty and with a 10 ERA while giving up four runs in an inning won't help. Both Stokes and Parnell pitched solidly, Stokes went two innings and his ability to go multiple innings makes him an asset.

I hope Bobby Kielty makes the team but he looks awful from the left side of the plate and should stop switch hitting. Kielty went 0-4 all from the left side with one walk and is still hitting .340. Beltran and Reed went 4-5 in center field and Tatis went 3-3. Jose Reyes returned and went 2-3 and Castillo batted behind him going 0-2 but walked and scored. Delgado returned going 0-2 with a walk and run scored.

Do we have three closers....

No I'm not talking about Billy Wagner, but what could be interesting is if Wagner does make it back by roster expansion in Sept.. Today, K-Rod and J.J. went back to back against minor leaguers and each pitched a 1-2-3 inning. According to David Lennon it wasn't either closer who created the most buzz but instead it was the guy slated to pitch in front of them, Sean Green.....

Green had a lengthy two-inning stint that took him 44 pitches to get through. He allowed a pair of infield hits -- both to third -- with three strikeouts and two walks. Green doesn't throw quite has hard as the other two, but he drew the biggest "oohs" and "aahs" for his wiffle-ball slider and nasty sinker.

Junior Spivey -- the only former major-leaguer in the lineup -- missed a sinker by what looked like a foot on strike three. The next inning, Green whiffed another with a nasty slider.

"How do you make the ball do that?" one minor-leaguer said from behind the backstop. "Seriously." source Newsday

Is Kielty already out....

If I was making the bench it would be; Ramon Castro, Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, Jeremy Reed and Bobby Kielty. As discussed I would bring along Nick Evans for the first week and then send him down to AAA. I know Evans has a reputation as an above average 1B but so far this spring he hasn't shown it and he isn't as disciplined at the plate as Murphy, I think Evans could use more time in the minors developing especially if he'd only be a bench player in the majors. Marlon Anderson is a defensive liability and is hitting .250 I can't see how you justify keeping him....

According to Joel Sherman who has spoken to Mets officials Bobby Kielty isn't in the conversation. The last spot comes down to Marlon Anderson Vs. Nick Evans. Keilty has played all three outfield positions and can play first; he's hitting .356, OBP .415 and Slg. .489. He has been a clutch hitter and a great clubhouse guy. I think it would be a mistake for the Mets to pass on him for Marlon who appears destine for another weak hitting year or Evans who could use the developmental time. On the other hand, while Sherman's sources don't mention him, Kielty is getting an awful lot of playing time ( in the line-up today) for a guy already out of the mix...

This is the sense I get talking to Met people about their roster: Right now, the three obvious bench roles are Ramon Castro , Alex Cora and Fernando Tatis. Jeremy Reed is almost certain to make it because without him then the backup center fielder is Ryan Church.

The last bench role then comes down to Marlon Anderson vs. Nick Evans. The Mets owe Anderson $1.15 million this year and he does have experience as a bench player/pinch-hitter. Evans has had a strong spring offensively and the Mets could use the righty diversity. However, Evans -- at this moment -- is a poor defender just about any place he would be put. source NY Post

Who will get the last spot in the pen.....

It seems like all but one spot in the pen are already locked up: K-Rod, J.J., Green, and Feliciano are assured spots; Bobby Parnell and Darren O'Day seem to have won spots. That leaves one spot with five players vying for the position. Brian Stokes seems to be the front runner, he's a hard thrower and can go multiple innings but more importantly is out of options and would more then likely be claimed off waivers. Fernando Nieve throws even harder then Stokes and is the swing and miss type pitcher Omar has been looking for but is also very wild. Ideally Nieve would go to AAA and work on his accuracy but he is also out of options. Carlos Muniz is turning heads with his new split finger fastball and he has options which gives the team flexibility. Some still believe that Nelson Figueroa and Ron Villone have a shot at making the team. At some point the Mets will have to find room for Tim Redding......

A split-finger fastball developed by Carlos Muniz has impressed Warthen and made Muniz more effective against left-handed hitters, improving his chance of being a member of the Opening Day roster. source MLB.com

Recently added reliever Fernando Nieve showed why the pitching-thin Astros were so eager to get rid of him this spring, walking two and giving up a run to increase his Grapefruit League ERA to 7.27. source NY Post

Of course, this means that Livan Hernandez will be the club's 5th starter even though the team has not officially anointed him as such. It also means that Bobby Parnell has all but locked up a spot in Jerry Manuel's bullpen and it also means that bullpen door might be open a crack for both Nelson Fiqueroa and Ron Villone. source ESPN 1050 am

The Garcia plan...

According to Freddy Garcia's agent, Peter Greenberg Freddy will remain in Florida at the Port St. Lucie camp for about a month. When the weather warms he will join the rotation in Buffalo, Greenberg believes that Freddy will be back in form by then and awaiting a spot in the rotation. Last year Livan had a great first half and then stumbled through the second half of the season, if that happens this year it will be a nice insurance policy to have a healthy Garcia waiting in Buffalo....

Garcia is expected to stay in Florida for another month or so and then join Triple-A Buffalo once the weather gets a little better, and according to agent Peter Greenberg, Garcia feels by then he may be ready to contribute. source Fanhouse

Pelfrey beat up five run fifth....

Not much positive to report from today's spring training game, maybe the best news is that it was just a spring training game. The pitching was bad and none of the minor leaguers/bench hopefuls hit today.

In his last outing Mike Pelfrey looked like an ace, as he fooled hitters repeatedly he seemed to be laughing at the effectiveness of his new front door slider. Today, seemed like much of the same until he got to the fifth inning and could only record two outs while giving up five runs. In all he allowed six runs on ten hits and one walk. Could be that he hit the wall while stretching his arm out, I'm less concerned with it coming in his last inning when he hasn't gone that deep into games then Maine who was beat up the entire outing....

Feliciano relieved Pelfrey and gave up an unearned run before recording the last out. Fernando Nieve pitched two innings in which he allowed a run on two walks and a hit. Nieve will have to clear waivers to be sent down, while he can go more then one inning he can also be very inconsistent. O'Day continues to solidify his spot, he pitched a scoreless eighth without allowing a walk or hit.

As I said at the start the line-up was basically minor leaguers and bench hopefuls, in which they only had six hits and four walks the entire game. Bobby Kielty is clearly being checked for his versatility as he started in center over Jeremy Reed ( an actual center fielder), Kielty recorded an error but also had a hit ( 2-1) and two walks. If I had to pick between Anderson and Kielty I would have to go with Kielty, Anderson PH and played 1B he was 0-2 with a strikeout and his average is down to .250. Something for Jerry to think about when putting the line-up together Murphy was 0-3 with a strikeout against a left handed starter and no line-up protection....

Update: Garcia accepts

Well the inevitable occurred today when Freddy Garcia was re-assigned to minor league camp, making Livan Hernandez the fifth starter. What wasn't known, as I mentioned in an earlier post was whether Garcia would accept the assignment. Apparently the two sides had a gentleman's agreement in which Garcia wasn't going to be forced to the minors. With an ERA over 10 it's clear that Freddy needs more recover time and there's no sense getting beat-up playing for a smaller market team, when he can come back up mid-season to a competitive team where he has many friends on the roster. Now the Mets will have Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia working towards returning, that's a lot better depth then the days of Jose Lima and Brian Lawrence.....

Mets assistant GM John Ricco just informed us that Freddy Garcia, who was fighting a losing battle with Livan Hernandez in the competition for the No. 5 starter role, has accepted an assignment to minor-league camp. Garcia, who is attempting a comeback from shoulder surgery, didn't have an official "out" in his contract, but the team wasn't going to force him to go to the minors. source Daily News

What will Freddy do.....

A decision on Freddy Garcia appears imminent, I will admit I liked the Garcia signing and thought he could be a solid starter at the back-end of the rotation. While I've been disappointed with him so far this spring, I still hold out hope that with a little more time he can still be an asset to the pitching staff.

Garcia signed a minor league deal and Omar was very clear that no one received an out clause in their contract. But Garcia is talking as if he has options in the matter and is trying to decide what he'll do if reassigned to the minors. I'm not sure if veterans can refuse assignment even if they sign a minor league deal or if the two sides have a gentleman's agreement. It could be that Garcia knows the team won't send a disgruntled veteran down with the kids or annoy his agent who is also the agent for Santana and Reyes . Whatever the reason, Garcia feels he can contribute and is deciding whether he'll accept reassignment if asked to....

"I feel strong, getting better every time," said Garcia, who made just three starts last season for Detroit. "Livan's pitching good, so I don't know what they're gonna do. ... Definitely, the way I feel now, I know I can help the team win some games. Whatever they decide, that's their choice." source Daily News

"I've got to think about it," Garcia said. "I like it here, so it's something I've got to think about. I've got to talk to my agent and see what I'm going to do." source NY
Post

Reed impresses at 1B

Jeremy Reed was a first basemen in college and his athleticism landed him in center field. As he filled out he became more of a corner outfielder and a spot starter in center but has maintained that he can still play first. Last year Seattle liked what they saw of him at first during practice but only ended up using him there once in an actual game.

It was Reed's bat that made him a top prospect in both the White Sox's and Mariner's farm system, his defense was a pleasant surprise when he reached the majors but he left his bat behind. Was he too focused on defense or did it take him a while to adjust to major league pitching. Whatever the reason for the slow offensive start he now appears to be a solid bench player and it looks like firstbase will be an option as well with the Mets. I completed this post on Reed's 1B experience including a quote from his former coach Wally Backman...

Reed, destined for an Endy Chavez-type bench role, also dusted off his first base glove Sunday and impressed Manuel. He's appeared in one major-league game at the position. source Daily News

Muniz split-finger giving him a chance....

By most accounts the pen is already set; Francisco Rodriguez, J.J. Putz, Sean Green, Pedro Feliciano, Brian Stokes, Bobby Parnell and Darren O'Day. But there is still at least one more hopeful in camp who is looking to persuade the coaching staff to go in another direction....

Carlos Muniz was a college closer and dominant in that role for the Brooklyn Cyclones. But he's been a disappointment at any level above AA and at 28 y/o he's running out of time. Muniz thinks he found the pitch that will help him turn the corner and the coaching staff likes what it sees...

A split-finger fastball developed by Carlos Muniz has impressed Warthen and made Muniz more effective against left-handed hitters, improving his chance of being a member of the Opening Day roster. source MLB.com

Decision on the fifth coming....

Today the last two candidates for the fifth starters job faced off in a minor league intrasquad game. The results were the same as they've been all spring, Livan Hernandez solidified his hold on the fifth starters job while Freddy Garcia continued to struggle. Livan who claims to feel healthy for the first time since 2005 has been very crisp all spring, in his latest outing allowed one on four hits while striking out seven. Garcia who is receiving positive revues for increased velocity, just doesn't appear 100% regardless of what he says, while his velocity is increasing his location is still off. Today against lower level minor leaguers he allowed three runs on eight hits. This really should be an easy situation and is why Omar signed both veteran pitchers to minor league deals, Hernandez should be the fifth with Garcia rehabbing somewhere in the minors leagues ( probably PSL because of Guy Conti and the warm weather). But Garcia proclaim at the beginning of camp that if he was healthy he wouldn't go to the minors, does Freddy perceive that he's healthy and can he refuse assignment after signing a minor league deal or would it be more courtesy to a veteran player while not wanting a disgruntled player effecting the younger guys. According to Manuel a decision should come soon, by the next start they won't enough innings for two starters........

"We have to make a decision here pretty soon, at least before their next turn and make a determination about which direction we're going to go," Manuel said. "We're going to be running out of innings." source NJ.com

Mets pursuing Shawn Hill ?

The Washington Nationals released starting pitcher Shawn Hill to make room for Lefty reliever Joe Beimel. It's believed that Hill is on the verge of signing with the Toronto Blue Jays...

"We wouldn't be signing him to come in here and make the major-league staff," Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said. "We'd have to get him up to speed, kind of like (former major-leaguer) Wade Miller (currently in minor-league camp). source Toronto Star

However, Adam Rubin is reporting that the Mets are making a last minute push for Hill that includes former teammates giving him a call. With either team he would be looking at a minor league contract, he has to decide where he has a better chance of making it back to the majors and when he does, where he'd have the best chance to succeed.

Triple-A. Mets were recruiting him by phone today. Players who've been with him in the past. I don't discount he'll sign with Toronto -- it was reported in a Toronto paper -- but Mets officials say nothing is definite. source Daily News- Adam Rubin in the comments section

Hill is a 27 y/o right hander who spent his entire career in the Expos/Nationals organization. He came up in 2004 ( Omar was the GM) and has spent four partially seasons in the majors. In 37 lifetime starts, just 206 innings he has a record of 7-15 with a 4.93. In 2007 Sickel's ranked him the Nats #6 prospect with a C+ ranking and was known for getting ground balls. He has spent most of his career battling injuries including Tommy John in 2005 and elbow soreness this spring. Omar knows him well, so if he wants to bring him in on a minor league deal, I don't see the harm.....

Bench up-date

Jeremy Reed has all but solidified his spot on the bench, mathematically it will be near to impossible for Reed to be so bad and Sully to be so hot that the team would be justified in switching the two players and no one else is comparable defensively. Today, Reed started in center field in place of Carlos Beltran, who is still a bit sore from the WBC not only was he solid in center but went 4-5 with four RBIs, two runs scored, one of his hits was a double and three of his RBIs came with two outs. Reed is now hitting .438 on the spring and should be a nice addition to the bench....

Marlon Anderson is feeling the heat from Bobby Kielty and Nick Evans. Anderson went 1-2 with a walk, he left two men on base with two outs and is hitting .265 this spring. Kielty came in as a pinch hitter with men on base and a left hander on the mound, as a right handed hitter he had a base hit ( no runs scored), in his second at bat with two outs and men on the corners he hit left handed and grounded out. Kielty was 1-2 as the right fielder and is hitting .349 this spring. Nick Evans came in early as the first basemen and went 1-4, he stranded two runs and hit into an inning ending double play, overall he's is hitting .297 this spring....

Martin released...

Tom Martin's Mets returned has ended abrutly due to injuries, Martin was briefly with the Mets in 2001. Early in camp the 38 y/o was the front runner to become the second lefty and the veteran leader of the pen. But Martin strained a calf and while in a boot stumbled down the stairs braking his right wrist. It could be the end of the road for Martin who last year in a comeback attempt was playing with the Long Island Ducks.

The boar's head is gone from the clubhouse. Tom Martin, whose claim to fame this spring was shooting a wild hog that became lunch here at the facility, was released this morning by the Mets. Martin had been hobbled by a calf strain, then broke his right wrist from falling down the stairs. The lefthanded reliever made only two appearances, with two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings. source Newsday

Teams interested in Sully....

Cory Sullivan was the starting center fielder for the Colorado Rockies in 2005-2006, but lost his job as the Rockies tried to find more offense out of the position. The Mets signed him during the off-season to a split contract, meaning that he was guaranteed a 40 man roster spot but the Mets could use his remaining options. Barring a dramatic shift in performances Sully has been clearly beaten out by Jeremy Reed, offensively it's not even close with Reed's .381 to Sullivan's .233 but Reed has also shown better range in the outfield. Thanks to his options, the Mets will have a very good back-up outfielder in Buffalo but if they find themselves in need of someone Adam Rubin reports that teams are interested in Sully....

Former Rockie Cory Sullivan is piquing the interest of other teams. Sullivan is likely to get beaten out by Reed for the Endy Chavez role in the outfield, but he has a minor-league option remaining, so the Mets don’t have to trade him. source Daily News

Kielty cont. to make his case...

Bobby Kielty has spent most of the past two seasons struggling to recover from wrists injuries. Kielty sounded positive about his chances entering camp, stating that he felt healthy and this year was different because he had a chance to make the team ( Boston last year no chance no matter what he did). I've said all spring if Kielty is healthy it would be nice to have his right handed power bat on the bench ( lifetime .298 BA righthanded), he's also know for his clutch hitting and his great clubhouse presence. He's a decent corner outfielder and 1B while being able to fill in at center field in a pinch. Today, Kielty went 3-4 and had the only RBI, over all he is hitting .341....

Bobby Kielty capped a three-hit day with a seventh-inning RBI single off Jorge Campillo. Nick Evans led off the seventh with a triple, and Ryan Church supplied a pair of singles. source MLB.com

Is it time to worry about Maine...

John Maine was roughed up for the third straight game, Maine is averaging 4-5 runs an outing and only three innings. Maine continues to state that he's feeling good on the mound and that it's only a matter of putting things together, but with two starts to go is there time for him to get it done. In today's game I'm less concerned with the bases clearing double then the two walks that proceeded the hit, one loaded the bases and the other brought in a run.

Lets face it at this point Maine and Garcia are at about the same point, the numbers are striking similar. While Omar is getting beat-up for signing Garcia and some are calling for him to get cut, Maine keeps getting passes. Neither looks like they've recovered fully and need more time against inferior hitters and individualized training. Garcia may force the issue and be out on his own accord but I'd still like to see him waiting in the wings in Buffalo. Maine has two starts to turn it around if he can't in that time where will the Mets look while he rehabs, Jon Niese.........

"I'm still trying to work on a lot of things mechanically on the mound," a downbeat Maine said after the 12-1 loss. "It's taking a little bit of a toll. Even though the numbers aren't there, it just seems to be two or three pitches that I just don't execute, and that's the ones that end up hurting me." source NY Post

Could all the righties make the pen...

It's only fitting that just as I'm completing this post the only left handed candidate still in camp (aside for Feliciano who's a lock) has his first rough outing. Ron Villone has been the front runner to make the pen since signing, if the team decides to carry two left handers. Up till today Villone had a zero ERA, but against the Braves he allowed three runs in one inning on two hits, the inning could have been even worse had it not been for a diving grab by Nick Evans at firstbase to record the last out of the inning.

But even before Villone struggled, there are some who believe that the Mets only need one Lefty. With so many power lefty hitting batters in the National League, can the Mets get away with a pen of Francisco Rodriguez, J.J. Putz, Sean Green, Pedro Feliciano, Brian Stokes, Bobby Parnell and Darren O'Day.....

Both Brian Stokes and Bobby Parnell can go multiple innings. O'Day is a ground ball specialist and the rest of the pen could be the best in the league from the seventh inning on. While I'd like a second lefty, I'd also have no problem giving that group a try especially since Villone, on a minor league deal can be waiting for his chance in Buffalo.

The Mets plan to utilize the farm system in the bullpen, too. Bobby Parnell is becoming a near lock to break camp with Francisco Rodriguez, J.J. Putz, Sean Green and Pedro Feliciano. Brian Stokes and sidearm-throwing Darren O'Day appear the leaders for the final two positions, with lefthander Ron Villone and righty Nelson Figueroa seemingly the two most credible challengers. Stokes and O'Day both must be exposed to waivers if they don't make the team, giving them distinct advantages. In O'Day's case, he also must be offered back to the Angels if he clears waivers, because he's a Rule 5 pick. source Daily News

Reed Sore....

Jeremy Reed appears to be the front runner for the fourth outfield position, just as Endy Chavez saw a lot of playing time as a late inning defensive replacement so will Reed. Of the group of outfielders in camp vying for the back-up positions Reed has been the best all around candidate. He has played well defensively at all three outfield positions and is hitting .381, his main competition Cory Sullivan is hitting .233 and shows less range in the outfield. The only thing I see stopping Reed from making this team is an injury and yesterday Adam Rubin reported that Reed has a swollen foot thanks to a foul ball....

Jeremy Reed fouled a ball off his right foot and it swelled. source Daily News

Anderson in trouble again...

Entering camp Marlon Anderson had a lot to prove; after hitting just .210 last year and on a contract for less then 2MM, it was put up or shut up time for Marlon. There were rumors that the Mets were more then willing to cut Anderson if someone out preformed him....

But that discussion rapidly came to a halt when Anderson arrived at camp in great shape and got off to a very hot start. In fact on March 10th I completed this post "Looks like Marlon's back", at that time he was hitting .421 and it appeared that he was back to being a clutch left handed pinch hitter. But since then he has quietly come back to Earth in which he's hitting .250 with a .250 OBP and a .313 Slg. pct.. I never expected Marlon to keep up a .400 BA but if he starts to dip any lower it would be understandable if his job was on the line.....

With Schneider, Delgado, Murphy and Church all left handed hitters in the everyday line-up and everyone else except Wright being switch hitters, the right mix of a five man bench would be three righties and two lefties. Both the defensive outfielders are left handed ( Reed/Sullivan) and so is the defensive infielder ( Cora) so the most vulnerable player would be Anderson. Early on it was believed that Bobby Kielty was Marlon's chief competition as the veteran leader off the bench, Kielty's a switch hitter who is much better from the right side and is hitting .297 with a .349 OBP and a .459 Slg. pct.. It's been speculated that Evans best chance of making the team was either for a week until they needed a fifth starter or in place of Reed/Sullivan, his bat out weighing their glove. But Adam Rubin reports that Evans could unseat Anderson, while I understand Evans is turning heads I still think it would be Kielty who took Marlon's spot since playing time isn't essential to his development. The bottom line will come down to whether Marlon can keep himself a viable option and if not can they find enough playing time for Evans or should they just carry Kielty.......

Now, Evans has performed so well, he could push the lefty-hitting Marlon Anderson off the team entirely, despite Anderson's guaranteed $1.15 million contract. "It will probably be an interesting debate at some point," Manuel said about Evans' roster chances. source Daily News

After the cuts, who's left.....

Along with Jon Niese there were seven other players demoted. Catcher Robinson Cancel and right-handers Connor Robertson, Kyle Snyder and Matt DeSalvo and left-handers Jon Switzer, Heriberto Ruelas and Casey Fossum.

Of the non-roster invitees; pitchers Elmer Dessens, Nelson Figueroa, Freddy Garcia, Livan Hernandez and Ron Villone are still in major league camp along with catchers Renee Rivera and Omir Santos; infielders Andy Green, Ramon Martinez and Jose Valentin and OF Bobby Kielty....

Players on the 40 man roster who are on the bubble to make the team are: OF Nick Evans, Jeremy Reed, and Cory Sullivan. Pitchers Brandon Knight, Carlos Muniz, Fernando Nieve, Darren O'Day, Bobby Parnell...

I believe the last spot in the bullpen will come down to O'Day and Villone with the winner joining K-Rod, J.J., Green, Feliciano, Parnell and Stokes. With Livan winning the fifth starters spot the other pitchers will be sent down to Buffalo. I still think the last spot on the bench is Reed's to lose but Kielty, Green and Sullivan are all making runs at the spot. Nick Evans will more then likely get the first week of the season in the majors before making room for Livan by going down....

Of the group Freddy Garcia is the only one who might resist being sent to the minors. Brandon Knight and Fernando Nieve have to make it through waivers....

Niese to the Minors

As seen on NY Mets Global

SNY is reporting that Jonathon Niese has been reassigned to the Mets’ minor league camp. Niese who has been in completion for the team’s last spot in the rotation has had a solid spring and will be in the Mets’ rotation sooner than later. With Niese out of the running, it confirms that Livan Hernandez will fill the last spot in the Mets rotation

Also being sent to Minor league camp was catcher Robinson Cancel which is curious because of recent injury suffered by Mets started Brian Schneider. Schneider who has reportedly being sidelined for an indefinite period of time, it leaves Ramon Castro as the only catcher in camp.

Although there has been limited information about Schneider’s injury, the move to send down Cancel means Schneider is expected back before the start of the season

Evans makes his case....

There are some who believe that the most important part of a players development is the process of coming up through each level of the minor leagues. At any point if that time is lost to injury or improper placement ( either held back or advanced too fast) it can never be recovered. The philosophy is that the player will learn to compensate for the lack of knowledge by forming habits that may turn out to be effective techniques but may also stunt their professional growth and prevent them from achieving their full potential.

However, many teams including the Mets have taken to the rapid accession of players believing that in challenging them they will develop their natural skills. While Bobby Valentine had a saying about young players, have they "left triple A behind"; many top prospects don't even play triple A. While I can't agree that a player won't develop further after they've learn to compensate, I do think there's something to be said for playing next to the minor league lifer, AAAA player ( AKA Crash Davis) in Triple A compared to either their own age group in AA or seasoned players in the majors. But if a player can be competitive regardless of the level or their amount of training, I say let the play. The key word is play, there is a huge difference between a 34 y/o getting 5 AB a week and a 24 y/o....

This will be the dilemma the Mets will face come April 5th, Nick Evans appears to be as major league ready as Dan Murphy. The problem is the Mets don't have room for both of them, I believe Evans will be rewarded for his fine spring by going to Cincy with the team but after that it's going to be hard to demote a guy who is hitting better then most of the team. The problem is that while Murphy will play everyday, Evans would be languishing on the bench wasting precious developmental time hoping for at bats here and there....

Still it appears the team is at least entertaining the idea of trying to find at bats for Evans on the major league team. Tomorrow, Evans will be playing right field for the first time; could there be enough AB to keep a young player fresh if he can play LF, RF, 1B and 3B.....

"They'll always find a position for a bat" is how the baseball axiom goes. Jerry Manuel found right field Thursday afternoon, and the bat for which he did that searching belongs to Nick Evans. source MLB.com

A lot of buzz around the Youngsters.....

It's refreshing to see that Mets prospects get acknowledged, after almost a decade in which the farm was absolutely barren it took a few years for the experts to realize that this wasn't the 2003 Mets minor league system. I've been saying since 2007 that our system has several fine players coming up through the ranks, enough to pull off the Johan Santana and J.J. Putz trades while still having top impact prospects left in the system. Jon Heyman takes a look at the prospects who may impact in the majors this year, the Mets have two players ranked in the list and three others acknowledged. Dan Murphy is ranked #7 and Bobby Parnell #25 along with Nick Evans, Dillion Gee and Michael Antonini were mentioned....

7. Daniel Murphy, Mets outfielder. "It's hard not to like him as a hitter,'' one scout said. Which explains why manager Jerry Manuel declared Murphy (.375) a starter on day one. Nick Evans(.277, two homers) will likely be sent out for seasoning, but one scout said, "He's swung the bat better than I expected.'' Evans has raw power but needs work as a defender. source SI.com

Pelfrey Sharp Against the 'Stros

As seen on NY Mets Global

Mike Pelfrey looked sharp today against the Astros. Pelfrey gave up 1 run on 3 hits while walking one and striking out 3 in 6 innings of work. Pelfrey who suffered a shin injury early in the spring made his second appearance since the injury which did not appear to bother him at all.

Pelfrey’s sound performance comes at a great time for the Mets, as it seems every member of the Mets’ rotation has had a few setbacks this spring. What was supposed to be the strength for the team has certainly come with its share of question marks.

After 5.5 innings the score was the Mets 8, Astros 1. Jose Reyes went 2 for 3, hitting 2 doubles and driving in 4, while Nick Evans hit a solo shot in the third inning, the third of the spring for him. Evans, who is certainly playing himself into a bench spot, continues to impress the Mets coaching staff.

Ollie over used & tired...

There has been a significant amount of discussion over Francisco Rodriguez being used twice for four outs in the WBC. The only real concern is with Rodriguez resting in between innings then facing four batters instead of three, his pitch count never rose above a normal spring training outing.

What is concerning is the over use of Oliver Perez by the Mexican team, Perez was used for 85 pitches in his last outing which is way over what he normally would have pitched in camp. Perez admits that he was fatigued and trying to fight his way through the last few batters. For a starter to be straining themselves this early in camp and pushing through pitch counts is a recipe for disaster. More importantly Perez's mechanics are no all out of whack and I have to believe his confidence has taken a hit....

"When I was throwing 75 [pitches], I was feeling good," Perez said in halting English. "After that, I was feeling a little more tired because I was trying to use my strength and make pitches to get out of the inning the best I can."

A count of 85 pitches is considered well above where Perez would have been with the Mets in spring training, and there is a fear that overuse in the WBC could lead to injury for all pitchers in the tournament. source NY Post