Egbert and Lopez sticking around...

The Mets claimed Egbert from the White Sox at the end of the season, the former Rutgers standout and top prospect had fallen out of grace in Chicago. Egbert was designated for assignment to make room for outfielder Jason Pridie and after not being claimed Egbert chose to remain with the club. This is what he told NJ.com as to why he decided to stay with the Mets...

“Since I’ve been here it’s been great,” Egbert said. “Everyone’s treating me really well, making me feel comfortable. It definitely gives you a new life, clean slate. You kind of forget about the troubles you’ve had the last two years. Obviously they wanted me here, so it just helps out in that aspect. It makes you feel wanted, makes you really want to perform well.” source NJ.com

Arturo Lopez was also designated for assignment to make room for Rod Barajas and after making it through waivers, he has decided to stay with the organization ( source MLBTR). Other then being a lefty I have no idea why he's still around.

Jacobs glad to be a Met...

Mike Jacobs doesn't have the greatest situation, he's competing with two other left handed first baseman for the starting position and it appears clear that Dan Murphy will really have to completely bomb to not be the starter. Additionally Chris Carter is younger and can play left field. Despite the up hill climb Jacobs is glad to be a Met and happy that he chose to return.

I believe Jacobs will make the bench, he is an intimidating power hitter and has shown the ability to hit off the bench. I believe when all is said and done the bench will be compromised of Blanco, Tatis, Matthews, Cora and Jacobs...

"Oh, I'm really happy," Jacobs said. "When I left here, I hoped to one day be able to come back. The opportunity was obviously there, so I had to jump on it.
"I feel like I'm at home again, to be honest with you. I feel like I'm where I should be, so it's exciting to be back here." source Mets.com

Mets interested in Calero

According to Ken Davidoff of Newsday is reporting that the mets are interested in Kiko Calero. The Mets have been interested in Calero for several years and once they realized Escobar wasn't going to be ready to start the season their interest increased. But apparently the Mets aren't willing to offer a major league contract and rightfully so, Calero has a should er injury that he has been able to play through but many feel will eventually require surgery...

#Mets would have interest in Kiko Calero on a minor-league deal. Not a big-league deal, which he wants, b/c of injury concerns. source Ken Davidoff

Is Fogg injured...

There are 15 pitchers scheduled to throw between Monday and Thursday but Josh Fogg is not one of them. Adam Rubin reports that the Mets are being overly conservative with even mild injuries and that they're telling Fogg to wait. But what is Fogg's injury, there never was an original report that he was injured, not that I see Fogg playing a big role for this team but I also don't want to see them make the same mistakes again. It appears that they are handling injuries much better but are they conveying that information any better after all what is this weak shoulder of Escobar's and when did Fogg get injured...

The Mets are being more conservative with players this spring, even for mild injuries. Josh Fogg has wanted to work out with teammates outside the past three days. He's been told repeatedly to wait another day out of caution. source Daily News

Carter tightly wrapped...

When the Mets acquired Chris Carter from Boston in the Billy Wagner trade, many described him as a Shelley Duncan type guy. Rem. Duncan was known for going all out all the time, with his forearm smashes and cleats first slide into second in a spring training game.

Apparently Carter is living up to that reputation, Unfortunately; once again I just don't see where he fits in, especially with Mike Jacobs as the power lefty off the bench.

Chris Carter, the left-handed-hitting outfielder acquired from the Red Sox in the Billy Wagner exchange, is rather intense -- or, as the clubhouse says, "tightly wrapped." source Marty Noble

Nieve could benefit from Escobar's injury

The Mets are in a bad position with Fernando Nieve, he either makes the team or they have to place him on waivers. I believe Nieve is a solid pitcher who the Mets need to find room for and if he's placed on waivers another team will pick him up.

The Astros already made this mistake by allowing us to claim him when they grew impatient with his control issues after TJ surgery. Not only was he one of their top prospects but he had also shown the versatility to pitch as a starter or reliever. Winter ball 2008 he saved seven of nine games as a closer and then reported to camp for 2009 as a candidate for the 5th starters spot.

It's Nieve's versatility that may help him stay with the Mets, right now he is a candidate for the fifth starters spot. But Jon Niese, who is reportedly in the lead for the position is only seen as a starter. If Niese wins the spot, Manuel still sees Nieve as an option in the pen and he could help replace Escobar until he can return.

One of the questions I didn't get to in Monday's live chat had to do with Fernando Nieve and whether he could be a long reliever if he isn't the fifth starter. I asked Manuel about this and he said Nieve could fit into a few bullpen roles if needed. "He is a guy who is versatile enough that we could use him a number of different ways if that fifth spot doesn't quite fit," Manuel said. "If not the fifth (starter), he could be a candidate for the eighth (inning), too. He has power and he has thrown
strikes." source NJ.com

Escobar may not be ready to start season

Due to whats being described as shoulder weakness Kelvim Escobar is two weeks behind the rest of the pitchers. Escobar, himself still holds out hope that if his shoulder comes around he can catch up, he believes as a reliever it will take him less time to get ready. However, Jerry Manuel doesn't believe he will be ready for opening day. The Mets have options they can increase their pursuit of Joe Beimel or Kiki Calero, move Nieve to the pen or hope Igarashi is capable of handling the role...

"There is a lot of hope," Escobar said. "Because I don't have to prepare myself as a starter and reliever is a lot different to prepare for."source NY Post

Beilmel considering Mets offer...

The Denver Post is reporting that Joe Beimel is considering an offer from the Mets. It would be nice to have a second lefty in the pen, especially a proven veteran but who goes to make room for him. Beilmel has put up solid numbers as a LOOGY over his career, but what I rem. him for the most is cutting his hand on a mug in a bar room fight in 2006 before the Dodgers ( his team at the time) faced the Mets...

Former Rockies reliever Joe Beimel said he's weighing an offer from the Mets: "We've been talking to them for a good part of the offseason. I am still just being patient, waiting for the right deal."source Denver Post

A catcher could be traded...

The Mets have six catchers in camp with major league experience, the only way to keep them all would be to over load AAA and send one down to AA to work with the young prospects. Shawn Riggans is known as a pitchers catcher and would be perfect to work with some of our best pitching prospects, but this guy has been an injury away from being a major league catcher for three straight years, would the Mets really bump him down two levels. According Adam Rubin one of these catchers could be on the move...

Here's one other topic: I'm asked a lot how the Mets plan to fit six catchers with major-league experience in their system. Answer: They can't. Barajas and Blanco clearly will be the big-league catchers, barring injury. Josh Thole is the primary catcher at Triple-A Buffalo. I'm told the Mets probably can fit three catchers with the Bisons, especially since Chris Coste can play other positions while mentoring Thole. That means that Omir Santos or Shawn Riggans could be involved with a trade this spring. We're not talking a blockbuster, but a team official tells me they're already getting calls about the excess catching. source Daily news

Buzz keeps growing around Ike Davis...

Generally I've been dismissing the Ike Davis chatter, not because I don't like the prospect but more because I think it's too soon for him to be in the majors. As many of you that read this blog know, I'm a firm believer in a player mastering one level before advancing to the next. Since the Mets implemented this aggressive promotions program which they believe challenges players to improve, not one of them has flourished in the majors. Simply put, the majors isn't suppose to be on the job training, just ask Lastings Milledge, Mike Pelfrey, Carlos Gomez, Dan Murphy, even Joe Smith had his ups and downs.

However, it's getting hard to ignore the buzz surrounding Ike Davis and it's hard not to get excited that this kid might be the exception to the rule.

Adam Rubin reported how excited Davis was about being in camp and then that David Wright was advising the prospect.

But Davis is hardly a prospect who is here for the experience, Matt at Metsblog documented that several veteran position players have gone out of their way to greet Davis.

Then Bradon Tierney tweeted that he heard Buster Olney on Mike & Mike in the morning say that if Davis has a great spring he could make the team.

David Lennon of Newsday tweets that he spoke with Omar who is raving about Davis, who Lennon now says is actually creeping into the 1B competition.

By the way Toby Hyde of Mets minor league blog posted a BA interview of Davis.

Finally, Chris Carlin has a teaser tweet that tonight at 7pm on SNY he's going to have a Mets "nugget" about 1B.

All you need to know about the catching situation...

According to the Star Ledger the Mets asked their top pitchers about the catching situation, not only did they want new battery mates but specifically named Blanco and Barajas ( granted Molina was also part of that group).




I've said before with this staff a catcher who reduces their WHIP and ERA is more important then one who can hit better then .250.



Most of the staff now has a connection to these catchers who have reputations for working with pitchers. Blanco knows Santana, Escobar, K-Rod and Nieve, while Barajas is familiar with Perez, Figueroa, Dessens and Dickey.

Look when the coaching staff and key players on the pitching staff want new catchers it really kinda ends the debate, it becomes a necessity.

"I'm not going to knock the guys we had last year," Warthen said. "But when we have two guys that umpires are comfortable with and the pitching staff is comfortable with and these guys have requested -- some of our bigger-name guys -- I'm hoping it makes a huge difference. The leadership role behind the plate is huge for me."source NJ.com

Mr. Met's avenging protector Swallow Man

Could there be a better mentality for a set-up man then a guy with an alter ego that includes an old fashion wrestling mask.

This picture (left) is from the banner of Igarashi's web site and that's him as "Swallow Man".

Adam Rubin has a great article profiling Igarashi and Mets.com had an article in which pitching coach Dan Warthen seemed impressed with his first BP session.

The last dominant set-up man was Dirty with the whole goggles image made Iggy can be Mr. Met's grappling muscle late in games...

Pitching coach Dan Warthen sees a positive arrogance in Igarashi, an attribute that was developed during 10 years of pitching in Japan, an attribute he covets in relievers.

"He knows he's going to get you," Warthen said. "He's done it before, and he's confident he's going to do it again -- when it counts. ... Now all we've got to do is see him pitch." source Mets.com

Takahashi and the rest of the pen...

The pen will more then likely carry seven pitchers; closer, set-up man, primary lefty, seventh inning reliever, early inning middle reliever ( ROOGY), lefty specialist (LOOGY) and a longman.

So who are locks in the pen; K-Rod as the closer, Feliciano as the primary lefty, Iggy will grab one of the other right handed roles, as will Escobar if healthy, Sean Green will be a ROOGY and that leaves two spots open.

Misch, Nieve ( if he doesn't make the rotation ) and Figueroa will get extra consideration since all three are out of options. Of the three, Nieve would make my team as a hard throwing righty.

Takahashi, Fogg and Dickey will all get veteran consideration, all three have different attributes which make them viable candidates as the longman. Dickey has the knuckle ball as a different look, Taki is a new look lefty with a veterans expereience and Fogg has playoff caliber experience.

The younger guys all have options and will have to win spots based solely on preformance, this group includes Parnell, Everts, Niesen, Kunz and Stoner the rest of the pitchers really would have to have incredible springs...

So early on how do I see things shaking out:

K-Rod- closer

Iggy- set-up

Feliciano- primary lefty

Escobar- seventh inning ( if healthy)

Parnell/Nieve- middle reliever

Green- ROOGY

Takahashi- longman/LOOGY

If he's not the fifth starter, Manuel said Hisanori Takahashi could make the team as either the long man or the second situational lefty in the bullpen. "I'd like to have a lefty as a long man if he throws strikes," Manuel said. source NJ.com

Lopez DFA to make room for Barajas...

I never understood why Arturo Lopez lasted this long on the 40 man roster but it appears that his uneventful stay with the Mets has come to an end. The needed to make room for Rod Barajas and did so by designating Lopez for assignment.

The one curious thing is that the Mets were reported to be in the process of rescinding their claim on Jay Marshall. Even if the commissioners office didn't revoke their claim, wouldn't it have made sense to DFA the player your attempting to return. Unless there's a rule that once claimed the player has to stay on the roster for a set amount of time before being waived again or their attempting to make two roster spots.

With rumors circulating that the Mets are looking for a second veteran lefty, making two spots would make sense.

Lefthander Arturo Lopez has been designated for assignment to make room for Rod Barajas on the 40-man roster. source Daily News

Kunz converting to starter...

Eddie Kunz has had quite a roller coaster ride in his brief Mets career, that has only seen him make it to the majors for four appearances.

Kunz was drafted in 2007 to be Omar's next Chad Cordero, in the majors and closing within a year of his draft. In August of 2008 it appeared that goal was coming to fruition, after dominating AA ( ERA 2.79, 27 saves, 44 appearances ) with Billy Wagner down there as discussion of Kunz being the closer but after looking shaky Kunz was buried in the pen.

Rumors has it that he arrived in camp for 2009 in poor shape and between his shown nerves the year before along with his conditioning he ended up in Tony B's doghouse. He struggled in AAA and it seems clear that he was was rushed beyond his capabilities and his struggles in the majors were a set-back.

Kunz should have finished 2008 beating up AA hitters and then move to AAA in 2009. In 2008 he pitched seven games in AAA to a 5.79 ERA and last season after having his confidence beat-up and clearly being in the doghouse he pitched to a 5.42 ERA in 40 appearances in AAA. Most now consider him a bust or right handed specialist his ERA drops to 4.46 with a BAA .206 against right handers.

Maybe the team and the pitcher are attempting a re-do, Kunz has come to camp in shape and the appear to be looking for a new approach, while I don't think he's a starter, I am glad that their not giving up on the 23 y/o...

Eddie Kunz received some interesting news from minor-league field coordinator Terry Collins on Tuesday. Kunz, who won a College World Series while closing at Oregon State, learned he may be used as a starting pitcher this season. The belief is it will force Kunz to become more developed as a pitcher. Kunz, the Mets’ top pick in the 2007 draft (42nd overall), hasn’t started since high school. He told Collins his only concern would be that he’s uncomfortable not getting regular work. Kunz cited a 17-inning scoreless streak he had with Double-A Binghamton in 2008 as an example of thriving with regular work. The compromise may be that Kunz faces a few hitters rather than having a standard between-starts bullpen. source Daily News

Barajas in camp, here's a few positives on him...

The Mets finally have a starting catcher, who is in camp and working with the pitching staff. As I've said before he isn't the perfect player for the position but in my opinion he is an up grade over what we had and at what he will cost it's a bargain. There are plenty of negitives to look at with Barajas, in fact Steve Popper tweets us that Rod was Ollie's catcher in the WBC when he fell apart ( I think there 32 million reasons why Ollie fell apart last winter).

But instead of looking at the negative, I'd prefer to look at the positive and here are a few reasons why I think it was a good signing...

Jays.com had the following to say about Barajas at the end of the season.

Beyond his offensive showing, Barajas is proud of the work he has done with Toronto's pitching staff. In 2008, the rotation was riddled with injuries -- a trend that continued into this past season when the Jays cycled through 12 different starters (five rookies). In '08, the Jays boasted the best pitching staff in baseball, and the club's patchwork cast remained respectable in '09. source Jays.com

In the Mets official press release they report that over the past two years Barajas has carried the fourth best catcher ERA in the league.

Over the last two years, Barajas compiled a 3.81 catcher's ERA, good for fourth lowest among major leagues catchers with 200 or more starts.source Mets.com

While another Mets.com article boasts about his throwing skills.

Defensively, Barajas threw out 34 percent of would-be basestealers in 125 games. He has shown consistency in this department, throwing out at least 33 percent of basestealers each season since 2002.source mets.com

Barajas caught both Ollie and Elmer Dessens in the WBC for Team Mexico in both 2006 and 2009. He also caught the knuckle baller Dickey when the pitcher made the most starts of anyone on the Rangers staff for two straight seasons. Of the position players Rod has played with Gary Matthews Jr and Frank Catalanotto, here's what Matthews had to say just before Barajas was signed.

“Rod is a veteran who has the ability to hit the long ball,” said Gary Matthews Jr., Barajas’s teammate on the Texas Rangers from 2004-2006. “He’s going to be a welcome addition to this clubhouse. He’s a great character guy.” source TC Palm

By the numbers Barajas is an up grade over Santos I completed this posts when the Mets were saying they were fine with Santos, in that post there are links to two great posts which ranked the catchers based on 2009 advanced statistics.

That's not taking into account that the coaching staff and possibly some of the pitchers, weren't happy with the choices behind the plate. I don't believe it's a coincidence that the Mets went from OK with Santos, to hot and heavy after Barajas once everybody gathered in Florida. It would seem to me ( purely speculation) that someone/s got in Omar's ear once they all got together and he realized he had to do something, which seemed easier with former teammates in camp giving Rod a thumbs up....

Mahay not Ohman...

Adam Rubin clarified today that the Mets are looking for a second veteran lefty but Wil Ohman has already signed. Rubin's source believes the Mets are looking at Ron Mahay and Joe Beilmel.

Beilmel is a 32 y/o who produced an ERA of 3.58 in 71 appearances last year in the NL, while Mahay had a 4.29 ERA in 57 appearances in the AL.

Mets official misspoke yesterday when mentioning Ohman as LH reliever to sign. He's inked. Insider meant Ron Mahay, Joe Beimel.source Adam Rubin Twitter

Barajas passes physical...

Rod Barajas passed his physical and is suppose to report to camp tomorrow. At 1.9M, if he costs all of his incentives is a steal for a starting pitcher, just look at what a washed up Jason Kendall or Ivan Rodriguez got.

There are a lot of things to complain about in regards to the way the Mets handled this off-season but 1.9 M for a catcher, when the alternative is Santos is not one of them.

Rod Barajas passed his physical and is expected in camp tomorrow. source NY Post

Cintron signs a minor league deal...

Alex Cintron is a 31 y/o switch hitter who plays SS/2B with a little 3B and 1B thrown in. He is a lifetime .275 hitter with a .313 OBP.

The Mets have signed him to a minor league deal where he'll more then likely serve as a back-up plan in Buffalo just in case Jose's leg doesn't hold up.

If in Buffalo, Cintron will be along side his former teammate Andy Green; at one point in the Arizona system under Melvin, Hale and Backman with Sandy Johnson up-stairs Cintron was the SS and Green the 2B.

I advocated for him to be signed last off-season before the Mets brought in Alex Cora.

Second baseman Alex Cintron recently signed with the Mets on a minor-league deal, Baseball America reported. Cintron, 31, had two hits in 26 at-bats with the Nationals last season. He's a career .275 hitter with 33 homers and 222 RBI in 2,056 at-bats over nine major-league seasons with the Diamondbacks, White Sox, Orioles and Nats. source Daily news

Escobar trying to be patient

Kelvim Escobar tells the NY Post that he's trying to be patient and give his shoulder time to regain it's strength but the more he sees spring training moving forward the tougher it's getting.

"I'm frustrated because I'm not able to do what everybody else is doing," Escobar said yesterday.

Escobar remains perplexed by the weakness he has experienced in his right shoulder after pitching this winter in Venezuela. He also understands why the Mets, who envision him perhaps setting up Francisco Rodriguez, will be cautious with him.

"I don't want to hurt myself – I don't want to rush," he said. "Once I get ready, I want to be unstoppable." source NY Post

This is how Reyes could stay in the leadoff spot...

I understand Jerry Manuel's dilemma, this team without Beltran really has a line-up that doesn't fit together. If Angel Pagan starts, his only asset really seems to be in the lead-off spot, anywhere else and he's just going to be a runner left on base. But with Pagan in the lead-off spot and Jose Reyes in the three hole, that leaves Murphy a non-power guy to hit fifth just for the sake of breaking up the righties.

Now batting Reyes third has it advantages and disadvantages, he could become that free swinger who struck out a lot with a declining OBP ( 2004-2005 ish) if slugging gets into his head. But in a non-running spot in the order, he could ease his injured leg back into baseball.

There are two players who could drastically change this line-up and allow Reyes to remain in the lead-off spot, while still lengthening the order. Mike Jacobs and Gary Matthews Jr. if either or both rebound and win there respective position battles, the batting order could flow much better.

Angel Pagan drives managers crazy with his teasing potential and mental errors, couple that with Manuel propensity for veterans and Matthews has a true shot at CF which would put him in the fifth hole of the order. Jacobs is a longer shot at 1B but he's probably making the team, Jacobs is more of the power hitter that traditionally plays 1B in the NL and breaks up the right handed hitters in the power section of the order....

Line up 1- Pagan, Castillo, Reyes, Wright, Bay, Murphy, Francoeur, Barajas

Line up 2- Pagan, Castillo, Reyes, Wright, Bay, Jacobs, Francoeur, Barajas

Line up 3- Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Bay, Matthews, Murphy, Francoeur, Barajas

Line up 4- Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Bay, Jacobs, Francoeur, Matthews, Barajas

Moreover, Manuel's preference for veterans could further muddy the situation. Gary Matthews Jr. developed quite a reputation as a "gamer" around baseball after that catch in 2006. Manuel respects that sort of thing. He certainly respects it more than Pagan's reputation of being a bit clumsy on the basepaths and in the outfield. source Nj.com

First base is interesting. My guess is that the Mets will go with loyalty and name Daniel Murphy the starter. I just can't see Mike Jacobs not making this team. He's so a Met and his grit and determination so far this pre-season is unmatched. source Mack at NY Sports Dog

Mets could still grab a veteran lefty...

Adam Rubin takes a look at Pedro Feliciano and just how critical a role he has played in the Mets bullpen. Rubin goes on to look at how often he has been used and the attempts that have been made to bring in a 2nd lefty.

The Mets don't have a clear cut 2nd lefty in camp and none of the righties have been proven to consistently get lefties out. Unless one of the new additions or Green's new delivery proves to be lights out against lefties, they really need another pitcher. I thought Marshall had a shot but now the Mets are trying to give him back and I just can't see going into another year expecting 80 appearances from Pedro.

Rubin says the Mets will consider another lefty if they except a contract similar to Barajas, one year, low base salary with incentives...

A team official suggested it’s still possible a capable second lefthander gets signed, if a remaining free agent such as Joe Beimel or Will Ohman agrees to a Rod Barajas-type deal ($1 million). source Daily
News

This year Reyes may actually hit 3rd..

Just last year at this time ( 2/14/2009 to be exact) Jerry Manuel was pondering the idea of moving Jose Reyes to the third spot in the line-up. Last year, Manuel believed that putting Castillo in the lead-off spot would get him going and get the fans off his back. With half the team at the WBC and Reyes not really keen on the idea, it was quickly dropped...

The horizon no longer is so distant. Reyes, who has batted lead-off primarily in his six seasons in the big leagues, might be moved to the No. 3 position in the Mets' order this season. Manager Jerry Manuel said Saturday he has considered dropping the 25-year-old shortstop in the order -- the third spot seems more likely than the second -- as he has mulled changes that he believes will make the order deeper and more productive. source MLB.com 2/14/2009

Another year and another spring training in which Jerry Manuel is contemplating batting Reyes third. This season there's more then just the belief that Reyes has the power to move down in the line-up and Louis Castillo need the boost.

The Mets have two players competing for the center field position who probably would be more productive hitting lead-off then anywhere else. Not only could the Mets use Reyes' power deeper in the line-up while Beltran's out but it would also put less pressure on him to run while he recovers from his lengthy leg injury.

A line-up of: Pagan (Matthews), Castillo, Reyes, Wright, Bay, Murphy, Francoeur, Barajas seems like the best way to stack this group until Beltran returns.

It sounds like Jerry is going to do more then just think about the idea this year...

Jerry manuel says at this point in time he is feeling stubborn about batting reyes third. source Rich Coutinho twitter

Niese leading the pack for 5th spot...

According to reports out of spring training Jon Niese is doing very well and is leading the pack for the fifth starters spot.

I know I'm being overly conservative but both Niese and Nieve suffered such horrific leg injuries I wish they weren't being counted on to compete for the fifth spot.

What would I like ?

I'd like to have seen a re-tread pitch the first 10 starts, hopefully they have a little Livan Hernandez or Jorge Sosa run in them and when they peter out then bring up whoever is pitching the best in AAA.

I'm just afraid that one of these guys will push to hard and get re-injured themselves and if they had not shot at making the team they could slowly ease themselves back into major league shape.

Of course, if Niese or Nieve is 5-0 to start the season, I'll forget I ever said this...

Jonathan Niese is way ahead of schedule and is 100%. Jerry said he has "no reservations." That makes him the clear leader for 5th starter. source Kevin Burkhardt

Dickey praised by Warthen...

R.A. Dickey is hoping to land a spot on the Mets pitching staff as a different look guy, he has been a starter as well as a reliever. As a knuckle baller he can pitch often and for multiple innings, but most knuckle ballers tend to be prone to bad outings when they can get that dancing ball to dance. I rem. when Dickey was in Seattle he started a game against the Mets and made them look like fools, which tends to be the case with aggressive teams. If he was to make the team at least we wouldn't have to carry a knuckle ball catcher since Rod Barajas caught him for two years in Texas. Dan Warthen seem to highly regard Dickey's knuckle ball...

"When he has a good one working, it's as good as any in the game," pitching coach Warthen said. "He's had good teachers -- Hough, Phil Niekro, Tim Wakefield -- and he knows his trade." source MLB.com

Matthews Vs Pagan in center...

I thought one of the strangest moves this off season was the acquisition of Gary Matthews Jr., at what he will cost the team it's no big deal, but I still find myself going why...

Brain Stokes was out of option in a very crowded bullpen and while Stokes hasn't turned into the closer/set-up man the Rays thought he could be, he was a serviceable middle reliever. But in moving Stokes the Mets got something in return while giving themselves more flexibility, if the pen is awful this year, you will really be stretching to say it was because we traded Stokes.

I see Angel Pagan as a very good fourth outfielder, sure he needs to mature on the base path and at times takes poor routes to balls in the field but overall he's a solid fill-in player. The only thing I can think of is if the Mets are concerned with diminished returns from Pagan if he's over used and of all the available players they viewed Matthews as their best option as a regular...

Matthews reported early and has been told it will be an open competition with Pagan as the starting center fielder until Beltran returns, which would also mean Matthews leading off if Reyes hits third...

On the day Gary Matthews Jr. reported to camp, Mets manager Jerry Manuel said Sunday there will be a "wide-open competition" between Matthews and Angel Pagan for the starting center field job until Carlos Beltran returns. source NJ.com

The evolution of Green through photos...

Sean Green came to the Mets as a workhorse reliever who had the potential to be a set-up man. In the first half of the 2008 season he pitched almost ever night, to lights out results ( ERA 2.72/WHIP 1.20). But as the season went on he fatigued from over use and his ERA ballooned to 8.65. Green when on has a ground ball inducing slider, in Seattle as you can see in the picture, he was much more up right where the slider looked like a fastball that just dropped off....

But when he got to the Mets, as seen in the pitcher his arm angle was almost parallel. I'd guess that from fatigue and over use that he got into a bad habit of slinging the ball. At 6'06" throwing 3/4 gave his ball deceptive movement but when he went 1/2 he lost his advantage. In the first half of last year he had a 5.54 ERA but under the recommendations of Warthen he started dropping his arm angle to a sub marine style and his ERA dropped to 3.23 in the second half.

This is what Green's follow through looked like while he was throwing a 1/2 arm slot in the first half of the 2009 season while he was struggling.

This is what his follow through looks like now, Green is being described as Bradford-esque and just as Bradford did the more positive the results the lower he went. Rem. in 2005 Bradford was awful with the Sox using a traditional sidearm angle, it was in 2006 spring training that he dropped his arm angle and resurrected his career...

Mets finally sign Barajas

This has been bantered enough on this site and others, we all know Rod Barajas isn't the perect solution. There are some who believe that Omir Santos is good enough while others (including myself) would accept a lower batting average for improved catching intangibles ( game calling/defense/pitcher repore).

For those of you against Barajas you can take solace in the fact that it's only a one year deal for 1MM base salary which should make him easy to cut if he stinks. Another aspect to look at, is now the staff has two catchers who have great reputations behind the plate, if the staff flops there's no one to blame anymore...

Here's a little speculative food for thought, after losing out on Molina for almost two months the Mets appeared content with Omir Santos. Even when Torrealba offered himself for 1.4MM they passed, however; since pitchers began reporting suddenly the team went full force after Barajas. Maybe in January when your looking at a catcher with a .260 average and forgetting his struggles behind the plate it seems like a good idea, but when pitchers begin to show up and express their concerns your reminded of why you went so hard after Molina...

After an about-face, the Mets said Saturday, "Give us Barajas," and just a signature and physical stand between him and a place in the team's Opening Day lineup. source MLB.com

Bidding war for Barajas

For those of you supporting Omir Santos, the team is telling you everything you need to know, they want another catcher. Why am I so against Santos:

1. The Coaching staff was not happy with him behind the plate.


2. There are rumors the staff wasn't happy with him behind the plate.


3. The pitcher's raving about getting Molina behind the plate supports the disgruntled staff rumors.


4. Multiple pitchers regressed with Santos behind the plate last year.


5. Even Ron Darling said game calling was a concern.


6. Not one scout/expert considers Santos more then a back-up.


7. In nine years of the minors not one scout saw major league material.

This isn't a bash Omir Santos post, but I have been asked several times to explain why I'm against starting Santos. Omir filled in admirably and he hit .260, but that does not make him a starting catcher, he's a solid back-up or call-up from AAA. Especially with this pitching staff i will contend that a .225 hitting catcher who is a good game caller and handles a staff well is more valuable then a catcher hitting .260.

It appears Omar and ownership agree with those against starting the year with Santos. The Mets are making a hard push to sign Rod Barajas which now includes a major league offer. Unless he is completely against playing in NY, it's his best option. Not only are the Rangers only offering a minor league deal but they have three solid catchers on the roster, Barajas there would only be insurance.

bit of bidding war now for barajas. #mets offering big-league deal, better chance to start than texas. source Jon Heyman twitter

Mets attempting to void Marshall claim

Mets attempting to void waiver claim of Jay Marshall, just by looking at the arm angle Marshall uses it's no wonder his arm gets sore but that's exactly what makes him attractive. If healthy Marshall is attractive teams because he's a lefty with an unusual delivery/arm angle. Marshall experienced tendinitis at the end of last season and has not reported to camp this year with a sore arm. The Mets are attempting to void their waiver claim on Marshall, not only does it get them off the hook for the pitcher but it also opens a roster spot. I think the Mets probably became less concerned with Marshall when they acquired Takahashi...

Marshall was sidelined by tendinitis in his throwing shoulder toward the end of last season. After the Mets claimed him from the As, a team spokesman said Marshall felt pain while throwing at home. Now, it is up to the commissioner's office to decide whether to void the waiver claim. source NJ.com

Barajas choosing between two

According to Ken Rosenthal, Rod Barajas is deciding between the Texas Rangers and the Mets. Rosenthal believes that the Rangers offer is better by 500k, however; I believe he would get more playing time with the Mets which may help him with next years contract. Of course, some of Barajas' best years came in Texas so he might opt for comfort if the money is similar. We should know something by the end of the weekend, one way or the other...

Free-agent catcher Rod Barajas is considering minor-league offers from both the Rangers and Mets — and the Rangers’ bid is higher, according to a major-league source.The Mets are offering Barajas approximately $1 million if he makes the team, the Rangers $1.5 million, the source said. sourc Fox Sports

Mike Jacobs is popular...

Mike Jacobs seems to be an extremely an extremely popular player in early training camp. Whether it's players having on the field reunions or the team discussing where he can play, Jacobs is one of the most popular figures so far in camp.

There seems to be a focus on Jacobs and while the media is running with it it does seem to be coming form the team. First it was reports of him player catch with his former teammates David Wright and Jose Reyes and now it where he will be used, it does seem like Jake will make this team.

Jerry Manuel made it clear today, that barring a devastating spring training Dan Murphy is his first baseman, but there's still room for Jake as a left handed bat off the bench and an emergency catcher.

I don't remember the reports of Jacobs as a catcher but Gotham Baseball says they've heard he was at least serviceable according to some esteemed sources.

The Mets are sending mixed signals and I think those signals are intended for Rod Barajas. In one breath they say Blanco is a back-up and that if they have to they can go with Santos but in the other breath they say they've told Tatis and Jacobs to be ready to be emergency catchers. I think the message is, Rod the jobs yours but you need to come to camp on a minor league deal...

I believe Jacobs will make the team but as Jerry referenced as a Matt Stairs type of guy...

He wants a power bat for the bench, like Phillies had with Matt Stairs, even if the player is unable to play a variety of positions, like Mike Jacobs. source Metsblog

Escobar scare...

It was reported earlier today that Kelvim Escobar who was said to have a sore shoulder could not grip a ball (source NBC sports).

However, later in the day none other then Johan Santana disputed that claim and stated that he had a catch with Escobar on Friday.

Escobar is on a slower and strick program, as he recovers from two years worth of injuries.

Here's my guess as to what happened; Escobar trained to audition for clubs which probably made the shoulder sore and maybe even made him struggle with his grip. That resulted in him visiting the doctor, who checked him out and told him to slow down. Making these reports true but probably old. If the Mets had a set-up man in camp who couldn't grip the ball they would have signed one of the other set-up men who were still available that they had interest in, MacDougal (until tonight) and Calero...

By the way, Santana way downplayed any trouble with Kelvim Escobar. He said they regularly played catch last week in Fort Myers with no issue. source Daily news

Another Barajas update

Quick up-date on the Rod Barajas situation, Jon Heyman this morning tweeted that he believed Barajas would accept the Mets offer even though it's only a minor league deal.

Thing is nobody else appears to be offering him a major league contract and the Mets are the only team he has a chance of starting with.

Marty Noble has a piece tonight where it appears the Mets have stopped down playing their interest in Barajas and it appears he would be the starter if he will just come in on a minor league deal.

The tandem of Barjas and Blanco would probably be the best defensive catching team in the NL.

Members of the Mets' hierarchy confirmed the club's pursuit of Barajas, the 34 year-old right-handed hitter who hit 30 home runs in 778 at-bats with the BlueJays the past two seasons. But their indications were that Barajas hadn't accepted the Mets' offer of a one-year Minor League contract with a provision that covered his likely play in the big leagues. As of 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, the Mets hadn't heard from Barajas' agent.source MLB.com

Update on Barajas...

It's being reported that the Mets are down playing the rumor that Fox sports reported that they were making a hard push for Rod Barajas. Mets say they're willing to bring him in on a minor league deal but that's about it.

It's said that three teams are pursuing Barajas, the Mets being one with the other two likely being the Rangers and the Mariners. However, the other two teams would be looking for Barajas to come in as insurance in case one of their first two catchers didn't recover from injuries. Although the Mets are only offering a minor league deal they are also the only team where he has a chance of starting.

The events of today may have taken the other two teams out of contention; the Mariners got positive reviews of Rob Johnson who is now believed will be ready to start the season ( source Seattle times) and the Rangers have turned there attention to Jose Molina over Rod Barajas ( source Star Telegram ).

Barajas reportedly isn't one of the players who is willing to sit out, in fact it's said he's looking to get in a camp soon...

Carter can mash...

Chris Carter recorded the first RBI in Citi Field during a pre-season exhibition game between the Red Sox and Mets. Carter can hit but his fielding is a question, he prefers left field over 1B but he has many more games at 1B. He's been described as a Shelley Duncan type of fiery personality. If the Mets carry a power lefty on the bench Carter will have to beat out Jacobs, Carter still has options while Jake on a minor league deal probably won't be forced to take a minor league assignment. David Lennon of Newsday reported the following about Carter's BP today...

Not sure about his glove, but Chris Carter was hitting rockets in BP. Pretty explosive swing. source David lennon twitter

Escobar sore...

I can't believe I have to say this but Kelvim Escobar is reporting to camp with soreness in his surgically repaired elbow and will not be up to speed in spring training.

Reliever Kelvim Escobar recently experienced shoulder soreness and will be treated gingerly as Mets pitchers and catchers officially report Thursday. Escobar experienced the trouble last month while ramping up for spring training and was examined by team doctor David Altchek. He recently has been working out with Johan Santana and Mets rehab specialist Chris Correnti in Fort Myers, Fla. Correnti determined Escobar should ease up throwing and focus on strengthening the shoulder, agent Peter Greenberg said. source Daily news

Insight on Riggans from Rays Index...

I'm not trying to turn this into the flagship blog for Shawn Riggans, but I emailed my post on Riggans to one of the bigger Rays blogs to get their take on him. I thought I'd pass along their response. Thanks again to Rays Index for their insight...

Riggans has the potential to be a solid big league catcher. He can hit a little and he there is some pop in his swing. If given regular playing time he could probably give you a .350 OBP and 12-15 HR. But his problems are two-fold.

1. He does some things well behind the plate (blocking balls in the dirt, handling pitchers) but he has no arm. The only chance Riggans has of throwing out a runner is if the first baseman grabs the runner's jersey. And even then, it will be close.

2. Can he stay healthy? Rigo has this annoying habit of suffering some minor nagging injury and next thing you know he is done for the year. Sound familiar? That could be a terrible match with the Mets medical staff.

Otherwise. The Mets got a decent athletic catcher in his prime years. They could do worse.

Barajas update..

I love the Mets and will root for them not matter how bad they get but I'm growing increasing more frustrated with the way this organization is being run.

Either they believe they are smarter then everybody else or the group running this team has become so dysfunctional that they can't come up with one cohesive plan and execute it.

Last night it was reported that the Mets were making a hard push for Rod Barajas, now Barajas isn't the greatest option but he's the only option and anyone with knowledge ( I mean experts/scouts not us fans) of the sport says none of the catchers currently with the team are starters.

But the Mets clarified their position this morning saying that they're interested in Barajas on a minor league deal. At what Barajas would cost I feel like screaming; JUST SIGN HIM ALREADY !!!

#mets offer barajas minor-league deal at low $. al scout: "right now they have 4 backups." source Jon Heyman Twitter

Met's making a hard push for Barajas...

Finally they've come to their senses and realized they need a starting catcher. Barajas isn't the best option but he is a better option then Thole/Santos at this point. I completed this post detailing why Barajas was a better option then any of the in-house catchers. The Mets will have competition for him but the other teams only need him as a back-up.

The Mets are making "a hard push" for free-agent catcher Rod Barajas and negotiating with him on a one-year deal, according to major-league sources.

Barajas, 34, likely would get the bulk of playing time for the Mets, whose other catchers — Henry Blanco, Omir Santos, Chris Coste and Josh Thole — are either backups or unproven. source Fox Sports

More on Mets money woes...

Maybe the Mets were willing to over extend themselves for certain players, who they felt would significantly improve them but even on those players they had a limit.

Or maybe they never expected to win bidding wars on any of the players they were rumored to be making offers to except Bay and were only hoping the rumors would help sell tickets.

Of course, there could be an unforeseen situation that sprung up which effected their off-season, especially if ticket sales are off as much as some have speculated.

It does seem odd that the Mets were willing to sign Molina and Pineiro, but now without using any of that money can't sign any of them. However, Adam Rubin passes on a story of a player who was recruited based on the team not having money to block him with a veteran free agent.

Yet perhaps there’s also some merit to those suggesting the organization is cash-strapped. One person who received a late recruiting pitch by the Mets said a selling point used by team officials in the dialogue was budget woes. He said the organization noted that because the front office had no money to spend, he wouldn’t see an established veteran subsequently brought in to block a job opportunity. source Daily News

Lopez still a good fit..

Felipe Lopez is a 29 y/o switch hitter who has played mainly SS and 2B with a little 3B and corner outfielder. He is a lifetime .269 hitter and a one time All-Star. Earlier this off-season it was rumored that the Mets had at least discussed the idea of bringing in Lopez, but with Cora and Tatis already signed to major league deals I just don't see room for him. However, buster Olney believes he is a very good fit for the Mets...

ESPN.com's Buster Olney says Felipe Lopez would be a "great, great fit" for the Mets. source MLBTR

Maya update...

Despite Maya working out at the Mets complex since August and even wearing Mets uniforms, today it was reported that Boston was the front runners for his services.

The Red Sox team president, in one report was said to believe that Maya would be signed by Boston soon ( source MLBTR).

However, Boston would use him as a reliever or start him in the minors and tonight Rod Bradford of WEEI reports that Maya may sign with a team where he could go immediately into the rotation (Mets fit that bill).

Every report I've seen, Maya would make a major league rotation immediately, although there are differing opinions on his success. I've seen him projected to be anything from a #3 to a #5 starter...

More on Jacobs...

Adam Rubin of the Daily News is reporting from Spring training, after Omar announced today that first base would be an open competition, Rubin has some follow-up information.

Rubin believes that if Jacobs doesn't make the team, despite not having an out clause he believes Omar would let him out of his contract.

While Murphy isn't locked into his spot, he is the leading candidate and it would take a lot for him to be knocked off first base but Jacobs could grab a spot as a left handed bat off the bench.

One thing I will say that's in his favor is that he has Jerry in his corner and I do believe Jerry does have an influence on the roster just ask guys like Ramon Castro and Ryan Church...

Jacobs rewrote the script. He homered as a pinch-hitter in his major-league debut off Washington’s Esteban Loaiza. After the game, he still was told he was being demoted. Pedro threw a fit. Jerry Manuel and Sandy Alomar Sr. lobbied for him to stay. And after Jacobs’ items were taken off the team bus that was headed to LaGuardia for a trip to Arizona, the demotion was undone. It worked out nicely that lefthanded reliever Mr. Koo had declined to pitch that day, and he was dumped instead. source Daily news

Mets still in on Barajas ?

CBS sports updated their player page for Rod Barajas by stating that the NY Post is saying the Mets are still interested in the veteran catcher, the up-date is tonight from about an hour ago and I can't find any story linking the Mets to Barajas at the Post or any where else. I support bringing in Barajas and made my argument for him on many posts on this site. I respect the argument against him, I just feel the staff needs the type of combo Barajas and Blanco can provide. I'm not sure if there is any validity to this being a new report but I could see them bringing him in if he accepted a minor league deal or a very low base salary with incentives...

The New York Post states that though the Mets have not made an offer, they remain one of three teams engaged in discussions with free-agent catcher Rod Barajas, according to a person familiar with the situation. The 34-year-old Barajas, who is still a longshot to come aboard, batted .226 with 19 homers and 71 RBIs last season in Toronto. (Updated 02/15/2010). source CBS Sports

Mark Brewer is back...

Earlier this month it was announced that Mark Brewer had returned to the organization after a year away in Pittsburgh. Mack's Mets has a bio post from the time of the announcement.

Adam Rubin reports that Brewer is part of the group of coaches who are down in spring training.

In 2008 he served as the Mets coordinator to Latin American pitchers, prior to that he was the pitching instructor in AAA (2007) and the year before in AA ( 2006).

In 2007 he was getting credit for doing a lot of good work with pitchers who were sent down and I think his 2008 re-assignment, which eventually lead to his departure, might have been to appease the ego of Rick Peterson.

I think Brewer would have been a better candidate then Warthen to take over when Peterson was fired but for some reason he was already on his way out. It's good to have him back in the mix, his two biggest success stories who at the time were very vocal about how much he helped them were Jorge Sosa and Mike Pelfrey...

Remember Jorge Sosa in 2007 had an ERA of 8.53 in seven spring training games and that was after going 3-10 with 5.46 ERA the year before in Atlanta. After working in AAA with Brewer Sosa came up and went 7-0 as a starter with an under two ERA.

Pelfrey started 2007 going 0-7 with a 6.53 ERA after working in New Orleans with Brewer he came back in Sept. to have a very strong finish, 3-1 with a 4.88 ERA.

That year New Orleans won a championship with a rotation of Philip Humber, Adam Bostick, Jason Vargas, Jose Santiago and Mike Pelfrey with fill-in starts by Dave Williams, Chan Ho Park and Brian Lawrence ( naming the guys with 9 or more starts).

Open competition at 1B

Brian Costa if the Star Ledger is reporting that Omar Minaya considers first base an open competition between Dan Murphy and Mike Jacobs. Lets not forget that Chris Carter is also in the mix for the spot as well. Murphy definately has the better hands then the other two but with Beltran down the line-up may need more power then he could provide which would be either Jacobs or Carter. Photo courtesy of Adam Rubin of the Daily News...

"He'll compete for the job," Minaya said of Jacobs. "I think it's fair to say that Murphy has proven himself worthy of being considered, but he's going to have to continue. It's an open competition." source NJ.com