Ollie's First Rehab Start, Beltran Continues Hitting

Oliver Perez was on the mound for the first time since being put on the DL on May 31st. This time it was for the St. Lucie Mets vs. the Jupiter Hammerheads and he continued his season long struggles. He pitched 6 innings allowing 4 runs, 5 hits, one wild pitched, and also allowed 2 homeruns. He threw 86 pitches with 59 of them being strikes while getting 3 ground-ball outs and 9 fly-ball outs. The positives to be taken from the start are his 7 strikeouts and only allowing one walk.

Carlos Beltran continued his rehab assignment in St. Lucie with a 2-4 night with 2 singles and a RBI. He is now 9-24 with only one strikeout in six games.

"I dove for the first time today and no pain," Beltran said in a quote supplied by the organization. Link ESPNNY

This roster is all messed up again...

Hisanori Takahashi 2
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

I'm not the biggest fan of Jerry Manuel, he makes some of the strangest decisions I've ever seen a manager make but I have to give him credit, this team is certainly out preforming expectations.

But Jerry currently isn't being given a full roster to work with and some of his moves are based on being handcuffed by an incomplete roster.

It seems like the Mets roster is suddenly a mixture of moves due to certain circumstances without a counter move to restore the balance of the roster.

They are short a reliever in the pen, have three catchers and have three players who are completely ineffective.

Here are some temporary moves I would make, these aren't considered solutions but more interim fixes until bigger moves can be made...

Takahashi has been bad in four of his last six starts but generally has gotten through the order once cleanly. Takahashi in my opinion is a reliever who could fill the role of a second lefty or longman, in addition to being much more effective only once through the order his k/9 rate is significantly better as a reliever.

I would move Takahashi to the pen and call up Pat Misch to fill his spot in the rotation. In 15 starts for the Bison's Misch is 7-3 with a 3.46 ERA, last year as a fill-in starter he was 3-4 with a 4.48 ERA while appearing in 26 games ( 7 starts).

With Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco both back on what appears to be their normal rotation, I would send Josh Thole down to make room for Misch. Let him go down on a high note with the game tying hit in the 9th he isn't being used anyway.

Igarashi is pitching to an 8.46 ERA and even made a blowout game a little too close for comfort. I hope Iggy can get back to where he was before the injury but bullpen sessions on the major league club isn't the place to do that. Iggy has options send him down, recall Manny Acosta. In his short stint with the Mets Acosta was wild but he was hardly as bad as Iggy. Acosta appeared in 12 games to a 3 ERA and in Buffalo he has a 3.29 ERA in 20 games.

As I said in a previous post, if Angel Pagan can't go against righties then he needs to be DLed and call-up Jason Pridie until Beltran returns.

Finally, why does Fernando Tatis still have a roster spot,; his range is diminished on the field, he's slowed considerably and through 63 ABs he's hitting .175. If you don't like a Justin turner, Andy Green or Mike Jacobs instead on the bench I'd put a claim in on Garret Atkins. Atkins is five years younger, has better speed and range, while their hitting about the same Atkins has a much higher rebound ceiling then Tatis.

For my moves Acosta is on the roster and whoever replaced Tatis would take his spot, so I would need a spot for Misch and Pridie. Sean Green could be 60 day DLed and Omir Santos is still on the roster.

Why play Angel Pagan for one game

Angel Pagan lines an RBI double
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

On June 23rd Angel Pagan left a game against the Detroit Tigers with what was described as a muscle cramp in his side.

Pagan would not return to the line-up for six days, during which time the team and Pagan would claim to be taking it cautiously.

However, even in returning Pagan could not bat from the left side and was pulled the minute a righty was on the mound.

The Mets are scheduled to face right handed pitching for the next four games leaving Pagan essentially out of the mix, unless he suddenly improves.

Why not place Pagan on the 15 day DL instead of allowing him to play one game in between a six game and at least four game stretch of inactivity.

By allowing him to play last night, now; if you decide to DL him you have lost those first six games.

The Bison's just activated Jason Pridie who could have been recalled to fill in or the Mets could have resigned Cory Sullivan who just became a free agent when he refused assignment by the Astros.

Thole, Pagan and pitching prospect a fantastic haul ?

Josh Thole 2
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times has an article today describing why he feels Cliff Lee could be traded as soon as after tonight's start.

Baker reports that the Mariners want a 3-1 haul for Lee even though he's a rental player and getting that type of bounty means trading Lee sooner then later.

Most of the article is focused on what the Mariners could receive from the Mets, as it appears the Mets are the front runners in his eye.

Even if the M's are scared off by Mejia's recent shoulder injury, Baker calls the NYBD proposal of Pagan-Thole and a top pitching prospect not named Mejia a fantastic haul. In fact Baker even speculated that the conservative approach to Pagan's injury could be to prevent risk for the purpose of the trade...

Asking for top players means you have to maximize what other teams are going to get. That means a full half-season of Lee. If the M's truly want something along the Thole-Pagan-prospect lines -- a fantastic haul, in my opinion -- then they can't dither for another few weeks and wait for the deadline to approach. You likely won't get a much better package than that, even from the Twins. source Seattle Times

That package you can sign me up for before tonight's game...

Mets Interested in Ted Lilly

According to Joel Sherman on the NY Post along with there obvious interest in Cliff Lee they also have interest in Cubs lefty Ted Lilly. He thinks that they have more interest in him then Oswalt and Carmona. Lilly also becomes a free agent after the season so it looks like the Mets prefer a rental probably it will require less talent in a trade.

Lilly will make about $6.4 million the rest of the year and has a full no-trade clause which shouldn't be an issue because who wouldn't want to get out of situation the Cubs have right now.

Lilly has been good this year only allowing 7.2 h/9, 2.4 bb/9 with a 3.28 era, but only has a record of 2-6. His strikeouts are down this year 6.3 k/9, the lowest of his career but he hasn't allowed it to affect his success.

Unlike all the other secondary options like Carmona, Oswalt, and Westbrook, Lilly has pitched in New York. Lilly also profiles right now to be a likely Type A free agent after the season meaning the Mets would receive a draft pick if they offer arbitration.

I don't think it would cost the Mets more then two "B" prospects and some salary relief for the Cubs who are nine games under .500 and look like a team falling apart after the recent Zambrano episode.

Mejia update; trade possibilities and injury...

Jenrry Mejia 2 - by Aaron Doster
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Interesting tweet by Kevin Burkhardt tonight about Jennry Mejia, it wasn't that he was untouchable or that he wouldn't be traded for a rental player...

Burkhardt reported that the young righty, who is the top pitching prospect in the Mets organization would only be traded if the Mets were given a window to negotiate with Lee.

Just said this on-air - Mets not ready to deal Mejia in a package for C.Lee, unless Lee gives them a negotitating window. #Mets source Kevin Burkhardt twitter

Now many have said that Lee definitely wants to test the free agent market but Lee was surprised by his trade to Seattle, because he thought he was going to finish his career in Philly, once they worked out an extension. That's right the guy everybody says is destine for free agency, expected to sign a long term extension in Philly and only became the hired gun he's perceived to be when traded to Seattle.

“At first, I didn’t believe it. I thought we were working out an extension with the Phillies,” Lee said. “I thought I’d be spending the rest of my career there. ... I was under the impression they wanted to keep me there for a long time.
“In my mind, it was going to happen.” source NBC Sports

Back to Mejia, I'm surprised the Mets would even consider trading Mejia after the five years of negative press they received over the Kashmir deal. At least, this time they're being smart by getting a negotiation window and Lee is no Victor Zambrano.

Lets face it, Lee is a ticket into the playoffs and after the last three years they can't afford another disappointing season. Attendance was at all time lows to start the year and fans are just now returning to Citi Field.

Of course this could all be a moot point now, with Mejia leaving today's game with shoulder stiffness he could be perceived to be damaged goods.

Jenrry Mejia was pulled from his start for Double-A Binghamton in the second inning because his right shoulder was stiff. The Mets released no further details. source Daily News

I'm having a hard time trusting Omar at the deadline

Omar Minaya 1
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

First let me start by saying that this team has drastically out preformed my expectations. I would have never expected this roster to be ten games over 500 and 1/2 a game out of first place at the end of June.

I also enjoy watching this team, as I posted multiple times between 2007-2009, at times this team was hard to root for; the lay-down-and-die mentality that took over anytime the opposition took a lead just wasn't fun baseball.

Therefore; I must give credit where credit is due which includes Omar and his staff, Jerry Manuel and his coaches and the players themselves.

That doesn't mean I still don't feel Omar built a flawed roster, Jerry makes some of the strangest moves and players can still make me pull my hair out in certain situations ( DW last night base loaded).

They have proven me wrong and I give them all the credit in the world for doing so, as many others have said last night I too truly began to believe in this team. Up until this point I kept saying, lets see how they look after this stretch but something clicked last night and I truly believe this team is a contender.

But with that optimism comes the trepidation that now I have to rely on Omar Minaya to do something he has failed to do in two previous contending seasons ( 2007-2008) pull off a mid-season trade.

I've always heard that Omar is this aggressive GM who is constantly working the phones and wants to make bold aggressive moves on a regular basis but each year the team was in contention they ended up not making a move.

Maybe those years were different because he felt the team was stronger then the competition and really didn't need the move or he felt the farm wasn't deep enough to sustain the hit of a multiple player package. Or it could have been that management didn't allow him to make a move.

Whatever the reason, we heard leading up to the deadline that moves would be made and then nothing was done.

So as my skepticism has finally diminished and I root for this team each night, watching them leave everything on the field I have this nagging concern that the season will come down to Omar and the next few weeks. This team needs reinforcements, this isn't a power house team that will cruise into the playoffs, they need pitching.

Omar has a balancing act ahead of him, Mets fans know their prospects and if he gives up too much he's going to be bashed but if he comes away again saying nothing made sense, the fall out could cost him his job....

Carlos Beltran Rehabbing

Carlos Beltran started on the rehab trail last night with the St. Lucie Mets and went 0-2 with a walk while not having any plays in CF. The Mets now have up to 20 days to activate Beltran, meaning July 15th at the latest.

If it was up to Beltran though he would prefer to return Monday when the Mets start a series with the Marlins in his home country of Puerto Rico. I think that would be a mistake for a guy who is coming off knee surgery to only have 4 rehab games after being out for over a year. The Mets need to being cautious with Beltran and he should come back after the All-Star break when he has fully tested his knee.

"I would love to [make the trip to San Juan] because being able to play in front of my fans and my people, that's not an experience that comes every single year. But at the same time, more important than that, I just want to be back for the season healthy for the long run," Beltran said. Link ESPN

To see video of Beltran's appearance and his post-game interview go here Herb Uzzi's Blog

The other Houston pitcher....

I've admitted it on several posts that I'm a bit price tag shy on the upper echelon pitchers. Cliff Lee is a rental player who appears destine to test the free agent waters and Roy Oswalt has a huge contract while it appears his career has begun it's natural decline. While I'd love to have either in the rotation, the thought of what it would take to bring them here makes me grimace.

Several things have made Oswalt slightly more appealing in recent days, first of all the Rangers have been blocked from getting involved and the Astros have said their willing to pick-up some of his contract ( source Houston Chronicle).

Maybe I'm setting my standards too low or just gun shy on the mid-season big deals since Kashmir but in season, while I want the team to make moves to improve I've always shied away from the blockbusters. For example just hearing Omar Minaya quoted by the NY Post that no one is untouchable come the deadline in the same sentence as Mejia's name was discussed makes me cringe.

I'm not one that wants the team to stand pat, I do believe long term that this team needs another starter, I would just be aiming a bit lower then Lee or Oswalt. Even if Dickey and Takahashi continue to perform at their current levels, the pen is suspect and Takahashi has a much better k/9 rate in the pen ( starter 5.8/ reliever 11.9) while only being a five inning starter ( 6 starts 34 innings= 5 1/3 per). Acquiring a starting pitcher would allow Takahashi to return to the pen where he has preformed better and would help solidify the back end of games.

But what happens if either or both Dickey and Takahashi come back to earth, look I don't want to rain on the parade but you have to be cautious when 35 y/o unproven players are pitching at the level these two currently are. Realistically, you have to imagine that the league will figure them out or they'll lose the magic, what I hope for is that it's only one of them and not both. They've already given me much more then I ever expected and at this point anything more is gravy. But if they fail there is absolutely no security net behind them, they were the pitching depth, which makes landing a starter essential in my book.

What if the Mets were able to land a pitcher who provided them much more flexibility while not costing as much in prospects. A pitcher who is having a good year with a proven track record as a starter and a closer.

29 y/o right hander Brett Myers is pitching for the Houston Astros on a one year 5.1 MM contract with a mutual option for 2011. He currently is 5-5 ( 15 starts) with a 3.20 ERA on a very bad team. Myers spent the first 8 seasons of his career in Philly where he composed a record of 73-63 with an ERA around four, in 2007 he had a 21 save season which was sandwiched between five straight double digit win seasons.

Myers in my opinion would be a better option, not because he's a better pitcher but because he would be a better long term fit. He wouldn't cost the team a large package nor would he effect the payroll past this season. He could either serve as a #3-4 starter or an 8th inning set-up man and he wasn't happy with how he left Philly so he'd be pitching in the NL east, a league he's familiar with, with a chip on his shoulder.

Dave Cameron of Fangraph has an article today on why Myers maybe the Astros best trade piece...

Oswalt is the better pitcher, certainly. Going forward, ZiPS projects Oswalt to throw 110 innings and allow 47 runs, while Myers is projected to pitch 80 innings and allow 40 runs. Given that the innings difference will have to be made up by relievers, a team would be projected to save about 10 runs over an equivalent number of innings by acquiring Oswalt instead of Myers.

10 runs, or about one extra win. Is that really worth the cost difference? Myers will cost just over $1 million for the remainder of the 2010 season, while Oswalt’s contract will pay him about $5 million in August and September. For teams with strained budgets, that money could be a significant factor, but of course, the real cost differences kick in next season. source fangraph

Mets Prospects in the SAL All-Star Game

Last night was the South Atlantic League All-Star game and a handful of Mets prospects from the Savannah Sand Gnats played in the game.

The game was called in the 10th inning as a 5-5 tie, so I guess in the Minors the game really doesn't mean anything. Wilmer Flores started at SS, batting cleanup and went 1-5 with a 2-out 2-RBI double, Juan Lagares started in LF and went 1-4 with a RBI 2B, and catcher Kai Gronauer came of the bench to go 0-1. The Sand Gnats also had two pitchers in the game, lefty Mark Cohoon who pitched 1 inning allowing just a walk with 2 k's and righty Brandon Moore who pitched a clean inning while striking out the side.

Wilmer Flores was of to a hot start this year hitting .341 in the month of April. He has cooled but still hit for power with a line of .278/.342/.433 with 7 HR's and 44 RBI's. He has also walked more this year already (23) then last year (22) and only struck out 37 times in 277 ab's. Oh ya, and he is still only 18 years old.

The 21-year old Juan Lagares has hit the ball very well this year with a line of .300/.318/.459 with 5 HR's and 39 RBI's. He also has 9 triples and stolen 18 bases while only being caught two times. I would expect to see him in St.Lucie for the second half of the Minor League season.

Mark Cohoon the 22-year old lefty that leads the world in complete game shutouts with three has had a remarkable first half. He finished the first half going 7-1 with a 1.30 era, 0.941 whip, while only allowing 2 HR's, 17 walks and 68 hits in 90 innings. Amazingly, all 3 of his complete games have come in his last three starts in which he has only allowed 14 base runners. 

Brandon Moores' All-Star appearance was very reminiscent of how his season as gone so far this year with his enormous strikeout games. He has struck-out 98 batters this year in only 79 innings including 4 double-digit strikeout games. He is only 3-4 but has a 2.49 era while holding batters to a .215 avg and has only allowed 11 walks.

Boxscore of the All-Star game link; MILB

Mets sign veteran Ortiz

Ramon Ortiz POLAROID
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

The Mets have signed Ramon Ortiz to a minor league deal. The funny thing is; I once suggested Ortiz as a candidate for the long man role in the pen, that was 2008 before he was out of baseball for two years but in this post there's a full bio on him.

The 37 y/o will be depth in Buffalo, the team has been struggling since a recent rash of injuries and promotions to the big league club. Ortiz signing could be as much for them as it is a back-up plan for us...

Mets sign Ramon Ortiz to minor league deal. He'll start for Buffalo tonight.source Gerald Guilfoy

A Look At Fausto Carmona

According to Buster Olney the Mets have internally discussed the option of acquiring Fausto Carmona from the Indians. Carmona is being paid $4.9 millions this year and $6.1 next then has club options for the next three years at 7, 9, and 12 million respectively. At that price tag is he obviously a cheaper option then Lee and Oswalt and will be controlled for more years.

Granted he is not the same caliber pitcher as Lee or Oswalt but he has been great this year and finished fourth in the AL Cy Young in 2007. This year he has a 3.31 era while allowing 0.6 HR/9, .236 avg, .333 slg with two complete games. He also is holding opposing hitters to a .228 avg with RISP and a .188 avg with two outs and RISP. He has been helped by his incredible 57% ground ball rate, which has cut his HR's allowed to 6 this year.

Carmona isn't as good as Lee or Oswalt but he is 3 and 4 years younger and will be about half the cost of the other two. If he can continue the success he has had this year he will be a great #3 starter which is really what the Mets need behind Pelfrey and Santana. Takahashi and Dickey have been great but how long can they sustain there great starts. Plus with Takahashi in the bullpen this team is alot better.

The Indians are terrible and will soon start trading and slashing payroll one would think. Carmona isn't making alot but going into next year he would be the Indians fourth highest paid player and they would be smart to trade him now while his value is highest. I could see a package of Tejada, Dillion Gee, and Roy Merritt being enough while taking on his contract for this and next year.

Is Beltran ready to start a rehab assignment

Carlos Beltran 6
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Omar Minaya traveled to Florida to observe Carlos Beltran during extended spring training games and Omar is reported to have come away satisfied with the center fielders progress.

The team will now consult with team doctors but it appears Beltran will soon begin a rehab assignment. Beltran should return to the majors 4-6 weeks after the rehab assignment begins.

I'll be curious to see if Francoeur or Pagan become trade bait at the deadline if Beltran can prove his health...

"I had not been here for a while, and we had been getting reports, but watching him, the leg seems to be getting stronger," Minaya said. "I can tell you that I'm pleased. Talking to the staff, watching him run and watching him run the bases, he was getting after it. Understanding that he is still coming off an injury, I think the progress and the work these guys have done here has been outstanding." source MLB.com

Johan seems to be following Pedro

Johan Santana fires 2
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

The last true ace of the Mets pitching staff left the club in 1993, that was the last time no matter how bad the team around him was, you were confident that you were getting a win even if it was 1-0 (regardless of the outcome I mean the mentality walking in the stadium).

There have been several pitchers since then who were very good and even held the title of Ace, but never instilled that type of confidence. No disrespect to David Cone, Bobby Jones or Tom Glavine but Dwight Gooden was the last great Ace of this staff.

When Doc took the mound there was an electricity surrounding that start and fans expected a win, losses were almost shocking.

In recent years there have been two great pitchers who have tried to fill those shoes and while one was unable to, the other appears to be following in his foot steps.

I rem. 2005, we finally had that Ace a legitimate star at the top of the rotation. The lowly Mets had actually outbid the world for first ballet hall of fame pitcher Pedro Martinez. Yes, the excitement that year was undeniable and Pedro produced, winning 15 games with a 2.82 ERA on a mediocre team.

But the rest of his Mets career was full of unfulfilled promises and injury plagued seasons, Pedro would give glimpses of his greatness and then crash back down to earth. In the end we were left disappointed, as Pedro was never able to live up to the expectations.

Then came Johan Santana again the Mets surprised the baseball world by pulling off the trade no one thought they had the pieces for and again Mets fans were excited to get their ace.

With each game came the buzz and the expectation of a dominant performance and just like Pedro, Johan didn't disappoint. But for me Johan peaked in that unforgettable game on the second to last day of the season against the Marlin's when he willed himself to pitch a complete game with a knee injury.

But just like Pedro the injuries are mounting and the reliability is waining. No longer do I look at the pitching match-ups and say oh it's Johan's turn that's a win. More and more after a game you here that he didn't have his best stuff but battled through the outing.

Don't get me wrong Johan is an excellent pitcher and I'm glad he's on our staff ( this is not an over reaction he's a bum get rid of him type post) but I am concerned that he seems to be on the same path Pedro took of diminishing before our eyes. Over his last two losses I'm left with the exact same feeling which is what I was left with by the time Pedro left....Disappointment

Many of his losses this year can be attributed to the offense but I would never expect Johan to give back a lead, or allow the other team to score first in a big game. In 2007 he posted the worst ERA of his career a .333 which was attributed to being disgruntled on a bad team and a bone spur, his current ERA in .331. His ERA is cureently ranked 24th in the National league amongst starters.

Parnell promoted back to the bigs...

Bobby Parnell 2
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Tuesday night Bobby Parnell will return to the Mets bullpen.

I think it's long over due and I also think many forget just how good Parnell was. Over the first two months of the season (2009) he was the best right handed reliever on the team, sure he went through a tired arm stage as he adjusted to the pen ( had been a starter in the minors) but bounced in July with a 12 game scoreless streak. Then he had the ill-fated stint in the rotation but by Sept. he was back to respectable numbers in the pen.

The Mets desperately need a bullpen arm without limitation, a guy who can pitch to both sides of the plate and who isn't working through something, hopefully Parnell can be that guy...

The Mets recalled righty reliever Bobby Parnell from Triple-A Buffalo to take Mejia's spot. source NY Post

Mejia sent down...

Jenrry Mejia 1
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Jenrry Mejia has been sent down to AA where he probably should have been to start the season.

I'm not one to beat up the organization on this one, I can understand the temptation to give Jenrry's electric stuff a shot and I think they handled him well during his stay in the bigs.

Unfortunately he wasn't ready and not only did it handcuff Jerry in regards to bullpen moves but it also became harder to find suitable situations to use him.

For years pitchers were exposed to the majors by short stints in the pen before graduating to the majors. Some came up and never went back down while others made the trip multiple times.

At his age and experience Mejia held his own and this is something that he can draw upon while stirring his desire to return. I didn't see this as a detrimental episode in his career, it's not like when Pelf was 0-7 with a ballooning ERA and they kept marching him out there.

My only criticism is that it took so long, it became obvious weeks ago that he needed to go down. I know the Mets don't want to make knee jerk reaction but then they take so long they look completely indecisive.

“We see him, long-term, as a starter,” Minaya, the Mets general manager, said. “We think this time is a good time to get him down there and stretch him out, be able to throw his other pitches.” source NJ.com

My thoughts on Lee and Oswalt...

John Maine delivers his first pitch of the year
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

I haven't been around much, and while I've been ecstatic with the way the team is preforming, I wanted to add my two cents to the starting pitching discussion.

I appreciate the production Takahashi and Dickey have given the team at the back end of the rotation. No one could have seen it coming and Omar and his staff should be given credit for these finds.

And I hate to sound negative when I'm just trying to be realistic but I don't expect both to keep up this pace or even the pace of a 4-5th starter. One of these guys is eventually going to faulter, we've seen it before with these project pitchers, either the league catches up to them or their stuff drops off.

In addition to my concerns about the drop off in production as starters, I also feel that the pen is spread to thin and that either could be positive contributors in the pen, for the entire year, the less they are exposed the more effective they will be.

Finally with Takahashi and Dickey in the rotation that makes Niese the #3 starter and while the kid has been excellent, that's an awful lot of pressure on an inexperience youngster down the stretch.

While I give Omar credit for the finds, my biggest criticism is the same as it's been for years, he fails to add the B level players. His rosters are built on superstars and reclamation projects. The Mets should already have a #3 starter named Garland, Sheets or Pineiro.

I am not one of those fans that has been lulled into a false sense of security by the success of the current roster, who only feels we need to add a set-up man. Adding a #3 starter allows one of the arms currently in the rotation to return to the pen, it also takes pressure off Niese and the offense.

I haven't forgotten Oliver Perez or John Maine, but as I've said before I don't expect any positive production from either of them and if they surprise me, then I'll file that under, you can never have enough pitching.

So if the Mets are in the market for a starting pitcher I expect Omar to do the exact opposite of what I'd do, Omar will either get one of the big name available pitchers or he won't make a move. Why would I say that, because that's what he has always done.

It's not that I don't want Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt but I find them more of a luxury then a necessity. If we needed a 1-2 starter and were in contention then I could see it making sense but I just don't want to spend the prospects on a #1 to be a #3.

Of course in the case of Lee you could justify the prospects on a rental player because of the picks you would get in the next draft, but past the first round the Mets continue to show a propensity for slot selections which makes the picks less valuable.

I myself would make a trade but it would be for a B level pitcher, one who actually slots into the #3 hole in the rotation. Someone who isn't going to cost as much in prospects but is durable and reliable behind Pelfrey/Johan. I would even look for a guy who has some success out of the pen in case the rotation is deep they could become the set-up man, Brett Myers comes to mind.

I've heard it said that the Mets prefer Lee to Oswalt, quite frankly I don't see that much difference in the two and the package it took to make the deal get done would be more of the issue.

Roy Oswalt is a 32 y/o right handed pitcher who has been a starter for the Astros since 2001. He is a 20 game winner ( 2004) and had 8 straight seasons of double digit wins (2001-2008), overall a .645 winning pct.. He has a lifetime ERA of 3.22, four seasons his ERA was under three and only one season did it go over 4 ( 2009/ 4.12 ERA). He's a three time all-star and while he never won the Cy Young he was in the top five, five seasons. He is owed 15M this year and 16M for the next two years but in 2012 there is a 2M buyout.

Cliff Lee is a 31 y/o left handed who has been in the league since 2002 ( Cleveland, Seattle, and Philly). He is a one time all-star (2005) and Cy Young award winner (2008). Lee is the epitome of a late blooming lefty; 2002-2003 he had a total of 9 appearances, his first four full seasons despite winning 18 games in 2005 his best ERA was that same year with a 3.79. 2008 he put it all together, winning 22 games with an ERA 2.54. The next season he won 14 games with a 3.22 ERA and a great playoff run for Philly. This season he continues to dominate, on a bad team he has a 3.22 ERA.

You could look at these two, either way; Oswalt is expensive and will cost you prospects but at least you get to keep him for what you gave up, while some might consider him to be on the decline. Lee is no guarantee as a rental player ( resigning wise) and has less of a long term track record, will he keep this pace up or return to his pre-2005 form.

Unless the price was extremely reasonable, I would surpass both these pitchers and go for a B level starter but if they do go for one of them, my choice would be the one that cost the smallest package.

R.A. Dickey Here To Stay?

R.A. Dickey pitched well again last night only allowing 3 runs( 2 earned) in six innings while striking out seven improving his Mets record to 5-0. Becoming the first pitcher in Mets team history to win atleast five games without losing in his first six starts with the team.

Dickey has allowed more hits then innings pitched but has only given up two homeruns and both of those came against Milwaukee. He has also struck out atleast seven batters in half his starts and hasn't thrown less then six innings in any of his starts.

The question is how all of a sudden is a 36-year old knuckle-baller finding his groove and not really having any sort of struggles. Right now the league only has a slugging percentage of .353 and that gets even lower .329 when men are on base. So even though Dickey has allowed 42 hits in 38.1 innings only 6 have been for extra bases. Dickey is also holding the opponent to a .186 average when he is ahead in the count including an 0-13 when ahead 0-2. He is getting stronger as the game gets deeper holding opponents to a .237 avg on his 51st pitch and on.
  
    Dickey is making great in game adjustments, changing speeds on his knuckler and knowing when to throw his fastball.
          
             “What happened tonight was a product of some good coaching.  Dan Warthen came to visit me in the inning when they had second and third and nobody out, and encouraged me to go ahead and throw my hard knuckleball.  I was kind of playing around there, trying to find the right speed for it and I really couldn’t feel where my release point was.  But, he pointed out that all night it had been pretty good when throwing it in that 79– to 82–mph range, so I just reared back and started throwing some hard ones – and that carried me through… So, I’ve got to give credit where credit is due, he saw something and pointed it out to me and it ended up working.” link Metsblog

Maya now a free agent could he be the answer..

On June 1st I asked, what the heck was taking so long for Yunesky Maya to sign with a team. As it turned out Maya had one more hurtle to cross before he could sign, the OFAC had to clear him.

He has now been fully cleared and can sign with a team, the Mets are amongst numerous teams interested in the Cuban ace. The Mets have the most extensive scouting on him as he's spent the last nine months training at their facility.

ESPN Deportes has a full report on Maya, the Mets need rotation help and this guy, if he can go straight into the rotation wouldn't cost a single prospect...

Buffalo's Ok with NY

Mets Bag
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Buffalo takes their baseball serious, their facilities are top notch for AAA and the attendance could probably match towns like Baltimore and KC.

The Mets want this to be their AAA affiliate, not only do their prospects get the best facilities but they're immediately faced with pressure situations before they get to the majors.

Last year the Bison's were an absolutely horrible, last place team. The prospects weren't ready for AAA and the Mets called any serviceable AAAA players to the majors due to all the injuries.

The organization made a concerted effort to give the Bison's a solid roster this year and until this month they were in first place. But when the Mets called up multiple players Buffalo stumbled.

The Bison's lost seven in a row and are 6-9 on the month. I asked Mike Harrington the beat reporter for Buffalo what our standing was with the team and he tweeted the following...

mets have no worries at all. They gutted Bisons out of necessity and they can't help Hessman/FMart/Pridie injuries. source BNHarrington

Matthews Jr released...

Gary Matthews Jr 5
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

The Gary Matthews Jr experiment is finally over, Matthews was going to have to get off to a hot start to negate what was viewed by many fans as an unpopular, if not unnecessary trade.

Matthews was given a solid chance, he was the opening day starter in center field and remained in the line-up for the first five days of the season, even off the bench he was given every opportunity to succeed but the bottom line is that it just didn't work.

In all fairness to the organization, I have no problem with the trade, when Beltran went down they needed to have a back-up plan for center field. Remember Angel Pagan coming into the season looked more like Endy Chavez then a starter and no one knew if he'd mature passed all the mental errors.

Brian Stokes is a solid reliever but he is inconsistent at times and once he was out of options he would have handcuffed the team in terms of roster decisions.

My only issue with the entire episode was that, once again it took the Mets way too long to make a decision. Matthews should have been cut in early May and not wasted a spot until mid-June.

Gary Matthews Jr. officially has been released by the Mets after clearing waivers. The organization is responsible for the remainder of his 2010 salary, plus $1 million in 2011. source ESPN NY

When it's time, it will Carlos' call...

Carlos Beltran waits 1a
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

You can't blame Jerry Manuel for trying; after hearing reports that Carlos jacked one in extended spring training games and was playing center field in those same games, Jerry openly campaigned for his best offensive player to DH in the subway series.

The organization squashed that idea almost immediately and have even limited the extent of the reports on his progress. Basically were now getting he played five innings in the field and went 1-3.

According to the NY Post Beltran is playing with a visible limp and isn't ready to start a rehab assignment just yet. Once he plays in minor league games the team has 20 days to activate him but there has been speculation that Beltran wont play in many minor league games and even Omar admits Beltran will be in-charge...

"There's going to be a point where he says, 'Hey, I'm ready to go,' " Minaya said. "We're going to have to say, 'OK, I think he's going to be able to help this team.' " source NY Post

When Maine returns he'll probably be in the rotation

John Maine delivers
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

I'm not sure how a few weeks out of the rotation and a couple rehab starts has cured John Maine's shoulder issues but it looks like Maine will be returning sooner then later.

Maine will make another rehab start on Friday and based on those results, it will be determined whether he needs one more or is ready to return.

When Maine returns he will more then likely return to the rotation, not only are there concerns about how his shoulder would handle the rigors of the pen but Takahashi seems to be having more success as a reliever.

I think the Mets want him back so they can assess their rotation prior to making a trade...

"I don't know yet," Manuel said, adding that the routine of warming up in the bullpen, sitting, then warming up again could be detrimental to Maine's health. source Daily News

Oh Bell just go away...

Heath Bell
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Heath Bell was a 28 y/o who spent parts of three seasons with the Mets in which he had a combine ERA of 4.92, in fact his last two seasons his ERA was over 5.

When Bell was traded I had no problem with the deal, many felt Jon Adkins was more versatile then either reliever sent west and Ben Johnson was thought to be on the verge of breaking out like Nady did the year before.

When Bell started racking up saves and his ERA dipped to All-Star level, I thought good for him but I was never disgruntled over the trade.

Even when he first expressed dissatisfaction with the organization, I read between the lines that it seems like Tony B. wasn't happy with his conditioning and the Jacket didn't like his delivery.

But he's now had four successful seasons as a Padre and I'm tried of hearing about how he was mistreated by the Mets, quite frankly I want him to shut up and move on.

Now to hear that he wants to return to the Mets, as some sort of full circle completion, I don't buy it; I see it as nothing more then a ploy to engage a large market team in his next free agency.

There's no way a guy bashes a team for four years and then suddenly wants to be a member of that team. Bell is the epitome of a small market guy who is just trying to use a big market team to get a hefty payday...

When they traded me, I looked at it as a fresh start and I wanted to start proving to the Mets and all my doubters that they made a mistake in getting rid of me. I especially want to show the NY fans what they are missing. I am confident in my abilities and now when I face the Mets, I am passionate and try to do extra well to prove my point. I’d love to come back to pitch for the Mets one day.source NYBD

I agree The Riot would be a good fit...

Luis Castillo 2
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

This isn't another lets bash Louis Castillo blog post, for the record I have always thought Louie was better then he was given credit for but the contract was very bad ( which is on Omar not Louie) and if the Mets openly discussed moving him, then they needed to move him out of fairness to all involved.

But Louie is hurt and it appears that his knees and feet are becoming a liability. Neither Cora or Tatis instill any confidence at the position if a long term solution is needed and Tejada's ability to hit is in question.

If Murphy could have played even an adequate defense at the spot he would have finally found a home but with him out for the year the Mets may need to look elsewhere if they're concerned about Castillo's healthy.

MLBTR takes a look at Cubs 2B Ryan Theriot trade value, since the Cubby's are probably going to be sellers. Aside from having one of the coolest names in the game ' The Riot", the 30 y/o right hander has a lifetime .288 BA while having extensive experience at 2B/SS with exposure to 3B and the corner outfield.

Theriot could balance out the line-up with a solid right handed bat while platooning with Castillo or filling a role on the bench, if Louie was unable to return or went down again he could fill the position seamlessly.

Given the Mets' problems at second with the currently-injured Luis Castillo, Theriot could be a nice pickup for them. He is controllable through 2012 and is making a reasonable $2.6MM salary this season. source MLBTR

Tough break for Hessman...

Ike Davis and Mike Hessman
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

I've wanted Mike Hessman with the major league club for sometime, Hessman has the ability to start at 3B, while filling in at 1B and RF. In AAA he has hit 18 home runs while driving in 57.

I know Hessman is probably only a AAAA player, in fact over four seasons he has made 185 major league plate appearances in which he's hit .208.

But in my opinion I'm willing to take a shot on someone new over Fernando Tatis who not only appears to be breaking down in front of our eyes but is also hitting a mere 192.

Unfortunately my position is a moot point as Hessman is out 4-6 weeks with a hand injury after being hit by a pitch...

The Bisons placed infielder Mike Hessman on the disabled list today, retroactive to June 10, with a right hand contusion. Hessman has not played since he was hit on the hand by a pitch on June 6 in Norfolk. source Buffalo News

Beltran progressing and Jerry wants him back...

Beltran IBB
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Carlos Beltran continues to make progress, Beltran is in Port St. Lucie playing in limited action during extended spring training games.

His progress has been slow but steady in which he started as a DH and now has advanced to three innings in the field.

With that news Jerry Manuel, showing just how desperate he is for offense, suggested that Beltran could DH during inter league play just as well as in extended spring training games.

Asst. GM Ricco quelled shut aggressive thinking, still; with Beltran getting five at bats a day and playing three innings in the field it certainly doesn't seem like he's that far off.

The assistant GM has seen video of Beltran's recent work in extended spring training and camp games, and observed that, "He'll push it sometimes. He kind of plays as the game goes ... on a base hit, he ran pretty good. As far as times, we're not there yet."

Ricco smiled when asked if had informed Manuel that Beltran would not be available against the Yankees. "We haven't spoken," he said. "That's optimistic. ... We would never frown on optimism around here." source Daily News

I believe this road trip is a critical juncture in this season, if the Mets can shed their road woes and win the next two series while remaining competitive in the Bronx, then ownership maybe convinced the team is contenders.

If ownership believes the team is competitive then they will allow Omar to make the necessary moves. Rem. last year the mantra at this point in the season was to hold it together until the injured return and the deadline approached. But when Beltran went down, I believe ownership privately called it a season, which is why no significant moves were made.

I believe this week which is right around the time Beltran went down last season, holds the exact same impact on this season.

The Mets offense is way to streaky to be considered playoff ready, but if Beltran can return by the 4th of July he will be the big bat acquisition this team needs and all the front office will need to do is focus on the pitching staff...

Fernando and Thole Return, Havens Leaves Early

Last night Fernando Martinez returned to action for Buffalo after being out since May 9th according to Toby Hyde. Martinez was out again with a hamstring issue and had played four games with St. Lucie.

Fans are starting to get down on Martinez because of the injuries but everyone has to remember that Jose Reyes had similar injury issues at the same age.

Josh Thole returned after being hit with a back swing last week and went 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Thole continued his hot streak that has him hitting .367 over the last 10 games including 5 2b's.

The bad news from last night is that Reese Havens was removed after only one AB for Binghamton last night. Havens had been hitting .338 with 6 HR's in 68 AB's.

    “Reese had some soreness,’’ said Binghamton manager Tim Teufel.  “I took him out as a    precaution. Let the trainers deal with him.
“It’s something that he’s dealt with before. That’s how I’ll leave it.’’ link NYBD

Would you want a six man bench in AL parks

Mike Jacobs Waits for the throw
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

The Mets are about to embark upon a nine game stretch in American league parks ( Baltimore, Cleveland, New York), meaning that they will be using a DH in all three cities.

Some fans have suggested that the team send down a reliever and bring up a bat. Mejia could go down to stretch out or Valdes who was completely ineffective in San Diego and hasn't been used since.

I could agree with either going down if Takahashi was still in the pen as the second lefty or if Iggy wasn't struggling but right now the pen needs every arm it has and could use replacing one or two of them with someone from the minors.

But if the Mets decided to bring up another bat here's who's available;

Mike Hessman with his 18 HRs and 57 RBIs while playing 1B/3B/LF would be my first pick but he was HBP a pitch on the 6th and hasn't played since. Hessman was not placed on the DL but is going day-to-day.

The team could bring back Mike Jacobs, who knows maybe Jake has worked out his mechanical issues and would be a better bat off the bench then Tatis or Carter. Jake is limited in the field to one position and that's not even good but he is hitting .277 BA with a .514 Slg.

Valentino Pascucci is back, he was cut, went to the independent league and then re-signed. So far Val is hitting .234 BA with a .469 Slg. in 64 at bats.

Finally FMart is about to return to AAA, prior to his injury he was hitting .244 BA, .378 Slg. with a .300 OBP.

I don't think the Mets can afford to go with one less reliever but if they could, Hessman (who doesn't appear available) would be my pick. I could live with Jake as an all or nothing bat off the bench ( especially over Tatis) but I'm definitely not clamouring for it to happen...

Are you willing to give up Thole plus...

Josh Thole Blocks
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

I agree with most Mets fans that if were going to compete for a playoff spot, this season, then we need another starting pitcher.

Where I deviate from the majority is that I don't feel we need a premier starter, like Roy Oswalt or Cliff Lee. Of Course, I'd love to have them but I'm not willing to pay what it will cost in prospects to get them.

As frustrated as I was with Johan's performance yesterday, I'm confident he will bounce back, which will give us a formidable 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.

What I feel we need is a solid #3 behind Pelfrey and Johan, Neise pitched a great game last night but lets rem. he's projected to be a back end of the rotation guy.

Takahashi and Dickey have filled in admirably but if were playing serious baseball in Sept./Oct. then they need to be up graded and who knows if we'll get anything from Maine/Ollie.

With that said, I'm not willing to give up multiple prospects in a deal for a #1-2 who will be a #3 here. I feel we need a consistent pitcher who will take the ball every fifth day and give the team a chance to win, as I said before a Traschel-esque pitcher.

Remember teams are going to get two draft picks for these elite pitchers, so your going to have to give them two top prospects plus at least one more decent prospect to motivate them to move him.

I believe Lee or Oswalt will cost a top ten prospect, one 5-15 prospect and one from at least the top 25. That's just too rich for my blood, especially for a #3 pitcher. I hope the Mets stick with the second tier guys such as Millwood, Guthrie, and Myers...

The Mariners are said to want a top catching prospect in the Lee deal which means Josh Thole, say Mejia is off limits the next pitching prospect is Holt and then throw in another prospect.

Are you willing to give up Thole, Holt and a prospect between #15-25 for a rental player who will serve as a #3...

Time to consider Parnell...

Bobby Parnell
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

The Mets are really struggling in the pen from the right side; Nieve is burnt out, Iggy is a mess since his injury and Mejia is being handled with kid gloves. I was a big supporter of promoting Elmer Dessens but even I will admit that eventually he's going to run out of steam and probably sooner then later.

So what right handers do the Mets have to promote in the minors, we've already seen Manny Acosta who I would have kept to allow Mejia to work as a starter but I can understand how Jerry couldn't trust him. Acosta is the type of guy that tempts you with a very hard fastball but then you realize he's either wild or right down the mild, which in either case isn't good.

The forgotten man this season seems to be Bobby Parnell, he spent most of last year with the major league team but hasn't even been mentioned this season.

Parnell appeared in 68 games ( 88 innings) with a 5.03 ERA, the first two months of the season he appeared in 25 games with a 2.09 ERA and in July he made 12 appearances with a 0.00 ERA, he finished Sept with a 3.74 ERA.

Currently in Buffalo, Bobby has appeared in 19 games and is being used in two inning stints (32 innings). He has an ERA of 4.73 and while that isn't very impressive he does have three saves, while striking out 37 and walking only 14.

Bisons.com twitter reported Bobby hit 100 mph on the radar gun, the Mets could use a power arm in the pen especially with the way they've been so careful with Mejia...

Mets should lock Pelfrey up long term...

Mike Pelfrey 4a
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

As I watched a replay ( couldn't watch last night) of Mike Pelfrey's utter dominance of the San Diego Padres, one troublesome thought comes to mind, he's almost a free agent !!!

Pelfrey has become the Ace pitcher we all hoped he would become and while we could all see the talent, there were several times when anyone would have wondered if he'd ever achieve that level of success.

When it was the 0-7 start in 2007 or the hand licking 5.72 ERA in 2009, it was not an easy road for Big Pelf. I do blame much of those struggles on the Mets who rushed him resulting in poor compensator habits and bouts with his confidence.

Pelf has shown his mental toughness and his level of talent by not only bouncing back but becoming a dominant pitcher despite the adversity. In fact I made this post in Aug. of last year, which I feel still holds true now, about just how good he's been compared to the other pitchers drafted in 2005. Now with an 8-1 record and a 2.23 ERA he's makes a formidable 1-2 punch with Johan Santana at the top of the Mets rotation.

But it took Pelf parts of four (2006-2009) major league seasons to put it all together, meaning that we only control him through 2012.

His initial contract is up at the end of the 2010 season and we could go year to year but pitchers of this caliber are rare and the Mets should try to lock him up long term. This is not an easy task with Boras as his agent but every effort should be made to get something done...

Mets First Rounder Matt Harvey

Yesterday the Mets selected Matt Harvey, a right handed starting pitcher out of the University of North Carolina. According to the Mets director of amateur scouting Rudy Terrasas, Harvey is a four pitch pitcher with a fastball thats ranges from 91-98; a slider from 83-85; a curveball from 79-83; and a changeup from 81-83.

He is a 21 years old, 6'4, 225 pounder from Mystic, Connecticut who attended Fitch-Groton High School and was drafted from there in 2007 by the LA Angels but was unable to sign. This season he was 8-3 with a 3.09 era with 102 strikeouts and 35 walks in 96 innings and 14 starts. Although in his first two years at UNC he gave up 89 walks and 18 wild pitches in 142 innings.

Baseball America and Keith Law both had Harvey ranked as the 20th best prospect entering the draft.

Dirty on the comeback trail...

Duaner Sanchez 3
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

It's a tough toss up between LoDuca and Dirty for who was my favorite player on the 2006 team, with Stache running a close third. So I'm bias about Duaner Sanchez and hope he makes it back to the majors.

Now don't get me wrong, as hard as it was to see him go, it was time for the Mets to move on and while I didn't like seeing him in a Padres uniform, I also didn't agree with him that the Mets didn't give him enough of a chance ( after the second injury).

For to long the Mets left their set-up role in limbo hoping that Duaner could become the dominant reliever he was with the Dodgers and then for half a season in NY.

His shoulder is probably shot but my bias still hopes that Dirty has somehow become healthy and the Mets grab him on a minor league deal.

He had wrist surgery last season after being cut by the Pads and since retuning to play in the Mexican league and independent leagues he supposedly has regained his velocity and control.

After having wrist surgery last year, Sanchez opened this year by pitching for a month and a half in Mexico. Convinced he would get more exposure for a return to a major league organization in independent baseball in the United States, he agreed to join the Sussex Skyhawks, a Can-Am League team that plays at Skylands Park in Augusta, N.J. He has appeared in four games, and recorded four saves while allowing one hit and no walks in 3 1/3 innings. source ESPN NY Adam Rubin

Who the Mets should draft

My cousin David Kahn is in this draft. I am very excited and I hope he gets drafted. He was named player of the year by the National College Baseball Writers Association in Division 3 baseball at Johns Hopkins and made the All American team.

He is an outfielder who hit .458 (82-179) with 16 doubles, 5 triples, 16 homeruns with 71 rbis. He is even a good baserunner being 18-20. A Ball magnet also leading the team in hit by pitches with 13. All in all I hope that the Mets draft him I know from sources that they are scouting him.

A hard worker who never gives up an at bat he would fit nicely in our system I feel. I do not mean to be biased because obviously he is my cousin but I have seen him play and HE CAN PLAY in the MAJORS.

Jesus Feliciano Finally On His Way Here

The Buffalo Bison are playing a day game today and Feliciano is not in the lineup and they have added a player to there roster C/1B Salomon Manriquez.

Jesus Feliciano has done nothing but hit for the Mets minor league systems since they signed him prior to the 2007 season. This year he is hitting even better at a .385 clip with only 17 k's in 187 at-bats, compare that to GMJ's average .190 and 24 k's in 54 at-bats.

Many believe that in a lost year like last year that Feliciano should have been up with the big club so that he could have been evaluated at the Major League level. If the Mets had done that and he was atleast respectable maybe the Mets wouldn't have wasted Brian Stokes and money on GMJ.

His call up is way overdue but atleast he is here finally and we don't ever have to see GMJ again. While he isn't going to hit for power I believe he will still be a solid .270 hitter in the Majors with adequate defense.

Maine could end up in the pen

John Maine and Dan Warthen
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

John Maine is making progress towards returning but where exactly he'll fit in is still unknown.

I've been saying since '08' that Maine would serve the team better by pitching out of the pen, until this year his first inning was generally clean and as a consistent five inning pitcher he taxed the pen too much to be in the rotation.

Now with his injuries, the pen maybe his only chance of success in the majors. It doesn't appear his shoulder can handle 100 pitches every five days, I'm not saying it can handle the rigors of throwing out of the pen but it might be his only choice.

Jerry Manuel hinted that when Maine returned they have to figure out where to use him which could include the pen...

John Maine threw off the bullpen mound Sunday and is expected to pitch batting practice Tuesday as the next step in his rehabilitation from right shoulder weakness. From there, Manuel said Maine will have to work his way back into fitting into the team – possibly even in the bullpen. source Daily News

Blanco feeling better Santos sent down

Henry Blanco behind the plate
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

And then he was gone, Omir Santos came up for the weekend as insurance in case the Mets needed a back-up catcher and after not appearing in any of the three games he was sent back down to the minors.

Apparently Henry Blanco has a bad back and needed a cortisone shot, they didn't want to use the veteran catcher until the shot kicked in ( usually 48 hrs if they hit the spot). Blanco is reportedly feeling better and Santos was no longer needed.

The move was a bit of a surprise, since no one knew Blanco was hurting and there were reports that Jesus Feliciano was preparing for his promotion.

Santos promotion came when the Mets DFA Gary Matthews Jr, which left the Mets with three catchers and no true back-up center fielder, which made many speculate that this was a move based on Ollie.

Some, including myself see this as the Mets risking a poor roster structure to ensure they had a spot they could easily use to activate Jon Niese in the event Ollie remained on the roster ( once a player with options is demoted they can't be recalled again for 10 days unless someone is placed on the DL) .

Once Ollie went on the DL, Niese could be recalled and with the win in the opening game there wasn't a rush to risk Blanco by getting another outfielder to Queens.

There still hasn't been an official decision but all indications are that Jesus Feliciano will finally get his shot in the majors at 32 y/o.

Because Blanco now feels good enough to play, the Mets had no need to retain Santos on the roster. They will fill his roster spot prior to Tuesday's game -- most likely with outfielder Jesus Feliciano, who is batting .385 for Triple-A Buffalo. source MLB.com

GMJ DFA but Santos recalled ?

Omir Santos
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Leave it to the Mets to create a mess from a mess, the Mets finally did the right thing in designating GMJ for assignment.

Matthews was the epitome of a one hit wonder in baseball terms, after putting up startling numbers in Texas he came back down to earth under the pressure of a big contract in Los Angels . The Mets hoped that at least he would provide some insurance in center field but he couldn't even provide that. Matthews provided absolutely no offense and his defense was sub par.

But instead of fans rejoicing in the fact that the team appeared to finally be listening to them by cutting a player they felt was inept, they compounded the situation by promoting Omir Santos.

The reported explanation is that Henry Blanco is bagged up and while not injured they could use a third catcher. This is the same Santos who was demoted from AAA to AA because of his struggles and then landed on the DL. the same Santos who is hitting below .200 at both levels of the minors and was the reason the team went out and signed Barajas./Blanco in the first place.

Of course, this could be the Ollie effect, Santos is on the 40 man roster and the Mets will need a spot tomorrow for Niese. With Ollie refusing assignment maybe Santos was the only player who could be promoted from the roster who they weren't concerned about losing when they DFA him tomorrow....

Castillo to DL, Tejada Called Up

Luis Castillo has been put on the 15-day DL with his foot issue and the Mets have recalled Ruben Tejada to take his place according to ESPN New York. I wonder if the 15 days will even help Luis with his foot because this sounds like an injury that is going to continue to linger without significant rest.

I am a little surprised to see Tejada coming up with other more seasoned options like Russ Adams, Andy Green, and Justin Turner. Specially since I think all 3 of the other options have a bigger offensive upside right now. Now that Tejada is coming up, he needs to play 4-5 games weekly because he his still a young prospect and we don't need him to rot on the bench at his age.

I wonder if showcasing Tejada for a possible trade had any influence on him being the one called up. He has hit well at AAA and if he can be consistent at the ML level he will be helpful to the Mets or to his trade stock.

D-Backs Ready to Start Trading

According to Nick Peicoro of the The Arizona Republic the Arizona Diamondbacks are starting to think it is time to rework its roster by getting ready of short-term contract veterans and get some prospects in return. Now the first name everyone will think of is the obvious Dan Haren who has been stellar in past years but has really struggled this year. This year he has an ERA of 4.83 and leads the league in hits and homeruns allowed. He still has struck out 9.1 per/9 and has a ridicolous 5.53 SO/BB ratio so maybe he has just been struck with some early bad luck. He is also a very good hitting pitcher as he already has more RBI's and extra base hits then GMJ and has a lifetime average of .219. Haren is still under contract until 2012 when he will be making $12.75 million each of the next two years.

The other very intriguing player on the D'Backs roster is Kelly Johnson who is having a great year with 12 homeruns and 16 doubles. Johnson had his struggles with the Braves the last couple of years but he something the Mets haven't seen in awhile at 2B, power and lots of it. He only has 2 less steals than Castillo(5) and has experience in the outfield as well.

The Mets could really use both of these players and while Johnson would come relatively cheap because he is a rental, Haren would definitely capture some top prospects. I would offer the D'Backs, Ruben Tejada (who could replace Johnson at 2B), Bobby Parnell (their bullpen is terrible), Kyle Allen (good young arm), and Dillion Gee (to replace Haren in rotation) and OF prospect Carlos Guzman. Maybe this isn't enough but it would be a good starting offer.

Jesus Feliciano could get a call-up soon...

Gary Matthews Jr
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Jesus Feliciano could finally be getting his chance at the major leagues, the 32 y/o career minor leaguer has never been given a chance in the majors.

While playing for the Mets AAA affiliate for the last three seasons he has maintained a .300 batting average while hitting lead-off. Feliciano considers himself a center fielder but for the past two seasons has played mostly the corners.

Feliciano seems like a perfect fit for this team and with Gary Matthews Jr being completely ineffective, it makes sense that the Mets who are struggling offensively would be considering the promotion.

According to the Buffalo News Feliciano expects to be promoted soon...

"With the season that he's having in Triple-A and with the form he has played the last three years batting over .300 in the minors, finally, in the next few days, [Feliciano] would have the opportunity to see his dream realized," Roman said. "... Minaya has said he knows it will be this week when he gives him the opportunity." source Buffalo News

Murphy Done For the Season

According to a tweet from Ted Berg, Murphy will be out 4-6 months with a "high grade" MCL tear in his right knee. He suffered the injury last night while trying to turn a double play at second base.

I feel very bad for Murphy because he was going to be this teams opening day first basemen but got injured in Spring Training. Now with Ike Davis being the man at first, the Mets decided to have Murphy practice at multiple positions at AAA so that he could be a Major League utility player.

Murphy will hopefully make a full healthy recovery for next year and be a big bat off the bench for the Mets.

Here is the link for the story.

What Selig Should Do

-Update-
The commissioners office is now in a meeting to discuss if this game was a perfect game.
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Last night over 17,000 people were witnessing baseball history when it was stolen from them by a terrible call by Jim Joyce.

Bud Selig can make all this right again by awarding Galaraga with the 21st perfect game in MLB history and the 3rd in one month. Many times Selig has talked about what is in the best interest of baseball. This clearly is in the best interest in not just Armando but in the fans, the teammates and even Jim Joyce.

If this is not resolved Jim Joyce will forever be remembered for the terrible call. He even acknowleged that he made the wrong call. If Selig has the ability to make up rules on the fly as he did during the all star game in 02 and the world series rain out in 08, he clearly can change the ruling. Its not even that tough all that would be removed would be a basehit, and an assist and a few pitches. The result of the game wouldnt be any different the Indians would still lose. He pitched the fewest amount of pitches during a perfect game ever with 88.

Please Bud Selig do what is right for the town of Detroit and baseball fans everywhere. It upholds what is great about baseball -- that a kid from Venezuela can come to America and pitch a perfect game in a Michigan stadium with EVERY fan in America ignoring their favorite teams for just one night in hopes that this guy will touch greatness.

Murphy injured sounds bad

Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News is reporting that Daniel Murphy had to be carried off the field after what he described as a cheap play, while Murphy was attempting to turn a double play. I was wondering if Murphy would get the recall if Castillo went on the DL but now it appears destine to be Tejada. For a team struggling to produce offensively, Tejada isn't much help at this early stage in his career...

Mets fan bulletin: Daniel Murphy carried off. Rolled at 2B on DP on cheap slide by Syracuse's Leonard Davis. No weight on right leg. source Mike Harrington twitter

Unbelievable

Umpires never stop do they. 2 Perfect games in the books and another in the wings. This would have been MLB history because 3 perfect games has never been accomplished.

With Armando Gallaraga pitching a Perfect game, Jim Joyce clearly blew the final out of the game on an infield hit that Cabrera threw to Armando and he clearly stepped on the base.

This is just unbelievable 8.2 innings of perfection blown by a dumb umpire. I really hope that the Tigers send tape to the Commissioners office to get this straightened out. Jim Joyce I hope u sleep with one eye open cause you are a dead man in Detriot now. WAY TO GO and this is why i despise umpires they are clearly terrible. You tell me if he is safe here Please.