My rant on no trade just let me vent...

I'm going to temper my comments, as anyone who follows me on twitter knows I'm fuming over another trade deadline in which we remain inactive ( you have 2 hours left make this post look like I'm an alarmist fool - I challenge you).

Not including waiver wire trades and smaller role player deals, the Mets have not made a significant in-season deadline deal since 2007 when they acquired Louis Castillo. Even in that year they failed to bolster the rotation or the bullpen which failed miserably in Sept.

In two back-to-back years they missed the playoffs by one game, just one player with a win share of one could have been all the difference in the world but the team failed to trade. In fact, throughout Omar's entire tenure he has only made in-season significant trades as a result of injury; El Duque = Pedro, Sanchez=Ollie/Hernandez and Valentin=Castillo.

The Mets are like a starting pitcher who enters a game with what they think is a good game plan but as the innings progress they realize something isn't effective and instead of making an adjustment they keep going to that pitch. Sept. is that big inning for the Mets but it's all set up by there failure to stop throwing the splitter in July.

I even get 2006 and 2007 we were in first place and appeared to be walking away with things, there was no reason to give up the few prospects we had to fill those small wholes we had, it was a calculated risk that back fired. More so 2006, after losing to an 86 win team the year before I expected them in 2007 to cover all their bases but I get it.

2008 is inexcusable, your in the hunt and you missed the playoffs by one game the year before you have to make a move. Every third place team and some of the fourth place teams in the entire league made deals in 2008 except the Mets and all 8 teams that made the playoffs had made a move.

This team has many holes and everything would have to break right for them to make a run, one or two players is only going to make them marginally better. But by acknowledging that they have holes and that they would be addressed at the deadline, to then not address those issues for whatever the excuse, the front office has given up on the season.

I have never advocated a bad trade, but there has to be a middle ground between the Kazmir type deal and doing absolutely nothing at all. For a team to not find one single trade in-season that made sense since Louis Castillo says there something serious wrong. Whether ownership won't allow deals because their mired in debate, Omar has over valued his prospects or other GM's are unwilling to compromise with Omar, a guy known to be shrewd; something is wrong.

Nobody is ever going to convince me that in three competitive years there has not been one single player made available to the Mets in which the deal wouldn't have been worth what the other team had requested. Yes, Omar has done a solid job of finding prospects who have contributed to the team ( Ike, Tejada, Parnell ) but that doesn't mean every player labeled a prospect is going to contribute to the major league team.

Look Im tired of waiting for next year as it stands we have been to the playoffs once this decade ( 2001-2010) and I would rather go down fighting then to say in Aug. wait till next year. Even if a player like Carlos Gomez or Lastings Milledge makes it to the majors, if he helps fill a need that helps the team win wasn't it worth. It's the organizations job to sort through their players keep some and move some, this organization seems to think their all making it the HOF and can't move any.

It all reminds me of the tirade Nelson Doubleday had when the Wilpon's won ownership, at the time he seemed bitter but now it seems he was right. While the Mets wouldn't give up Carson an honorable mention on Sickles top 20 list ( not even ranked) and are shopping Castillo/Ollie instead of offering legitimately appealing candidates other teams are making deals...

“Mr. Jeff Wilpon has decided that he’s going to learn how to run a baseball team and take over at the end of the year,” Doubleday told the newspaper. “Run for the hills, boys. I think probably all those baseball people will bail.”

In fact, Doubleday still owns box seats at Shea Stadium, but apparently does not attend games partly due to the presence of the younger Wilpon.
“Jeff sits there by himself like he’s King Tut waiting for his camel,” Doubleday told the paper. “Hump one. Hump two. They like that, two for the price of one.” sourceNYBD

Mets trade Mike Jacobs for Player to be named Later

The Mets traded Mike Jacobs to the Blue Jays for a player to be named later. Jacobs who is 29 began the season as the Mets First baseman when Daniel Murphy got hurt, but after a slow start was demoted to AAA-Buffalo, paving way to Ike Davis who is AWESOME. Jacobs was hitting .260/.313/.478 for Buffalo with 23 doubles and 15 homers. It has been reported that Nick Evans has been promoted from AA to replace Jacobs in AAA.

Mets once again showing signs of indecisiveness

It seems like this same post could be written at this week for the last five seasons; whether it was '06' and despite going through 13 starters rotation help would be overkill, '07' when the offense could over come bullpen woes, '08' well look at '07' and last year when moves would have done little to help. ( when I say trades I mean impact players not waiver wire type guys).

While the organization operates much better in the off-season where they can discuss, debate and analyze each individual decision to death before coming to a conclusion, it still seems like they always fall short. They are a one trick pony in the winter, they look at the most glaring hole and fill it, any secondary pieces are left to hope and reclamation projects. Despite having one of the highest budgets in the league fans are constantly calling ownership cheap, although I would label it differently I understand where they are coming from.

Some pundits will argue that they aren't cheap they just mismanage their investments, which I disagree; Beltran, Bay, K-Rod, Johan, etc. were all sound investments. Where I feel the issue is, is that the organization fails to go the extra mile, they buy the shiny new toy but are unwilling to buy the insurance plan, so when that toy needs to be repaired they don't have a safety net and have a flawed investment.

Each year their answer to why behind Johan our #2 is Ollie or Murphy is our left fielder or Jacobs is at first base, etc. is that they have put aside money to be active at the trade deadline. Allow them the first half to see how the roster shakes out and then let them make a move to fill a hole.

But each year the deadline passes and the team remains inactive, starting from March all the way till about a week before the deadline we get all this hype about how they're going to be buyers at the deadline and then about a week out you start to hear the back pedaling. Whether in good years nobody is better then who we have, or no trades make sense because of the price or we need to wait and see if we're still in it. The fact of the matter is the Mets fail to be able to pull the trigger on an in-season impact trade, the minute you hear Omar start to say the Aug. waiver wire is going to be active this year, you know a trade isn't going to be made.

More troubling to me is how the organization is described by those with sources, each of the last five years it seems like everybody with a say is sitting around a big table discussing the pros/cons of making certain moves with no one able to make the final decision. Whether Omar or Jerry goes my concern and my frustration is with how the Wilpon's seem to run this organization on a type of collegian style with too many opinions having too much say.

Do I think Ted Lilly is the answer to all our problems, No. Is there a part of me that feels like a kid on Christmas morning where there's all these gifts under the tree and none for me which makes me want a trade for trade purposes, Yes ( I admit it). But let me give you a couple alternative reasons to make a trade.

If the average fan feels the Mets gave up on the season by not making a move and stop going in Aug. we will have less money this off season to fix this roster.

If the offense gets it together ( which I think they can) and we make a run but every fifth day our starter gets bombed by the fourth and the pen is getting over used, the second guessing of this deadline will be damning. Yes I do believe sometimes you have to give the appearance of trying.

Finally I need the organization to restore confidence in me that they aren't still shell shocked from the Kazmir trade, whether Omar goes or stays if they cant make a move at the deadline and aren't willing to go all in during the off-season then Fred didn't misspeak in '04', all he's really looking for is meaningful games in Sept...

By the way, the perennial play off team and considered to be one of the best run org. in the league made a trade for a front line pitcher despite being 8 games out. If the Angels aren't too far behind to make a move then neither are we, after all this time for me it's not smart business it's just an excuse...

#Phillies have expressed interest in #Cubs' Lilly. #Dodgers, #Twins others in aswell. Source: #Mets "waiting on direction from above." #MLB source Ken Rosenthal twitter

Nieve makes it to Buffalo

Fernando Nieve fires
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Fernando Nieve has made it through waivers and accepted assignment to Buffalo. I still think Nieve is an assets and while I'm still not sure whether the league made adjustments or he was tired from over use but despite his ineffectiveness, I still think he's worth keeping around.

Valentino Pascucci was activated by the club after an eight-game stint on the club's disabled list. Meanwhile, veteran pitcher Fernando Nieve has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to the Herd by the New York Mets. source MiLB

Mets are looking at relievers

Hisanori Takahashi 2
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

So if the plan was to acquire a starter because not only would that bolster the rotation but would displace Takahashi back to the pen, where he would be more of an asset; then what does it tell you, that the Mets are looking for a reliever.

Just earlier this month Jerry was talking about using Takahashi as the set-up man if and when they acquired a starter and now they're looking at set-up men.

It sounds to me like the Mets are no longer in the starters market, I'd guess Takahashi's last start lulled them into being comfortable with him in the rotation along with the asking price for starters made it easy to move on.

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN the Mets are looking at reclamation project relievers who have the potential to be late inning relievers.

Now don't get me wrong I'd love to bolster the pen but I still think the priority is the rotation. If the offense comes around and this team truely makes a run but the rotation is the weakness they will get critcized relentlessly for not making a rotation move for the fourth year in a row.

Qualls is a 31 y/o right hander is owed a little less then 2MM, for his first six years his ERA was never above 3.76 and over the last three seasons he has amassed 46 saves. Qualls is having a tough season he lost the closers role pitching to an 8.51 ERA but still has 12 saves.

Ramon Ramirez is a 28 y/o righty who has five seasons of major league experience in which his overall ERA is 3.58. In 2007 while in Colorado he pitched to an 8.31 ERA but the next two years his ERA was below 3.00. This year in 42 appearances his ERA is 4.69 with a record of 0-3.

Mets looking for a turnaround candidate in the bullpen. Arizona's Chad Qualls & Boston's Ramon Ramirez are 2 names on the list. #trades source Jerry Crasnick twitter

I'm not on board with Backman

Those who support the idea of hiring Wally Backman have some very sound points to support their argument. Here's Backman's full managerial biography for those interested.

They can start by pointing to the fact that in just his third year as a manager, in 1999 he won the Western League championship (Independent league). Then managing the White Sox's AA team he won the 2002 Championship and the next year lost in the first round of the playoffs, making him a candidate for the major league job.

After leaving the White Sox he went to the D-Backs class A team, where in his first year he lost in the finals resulting in him being named Sporting News Mgr. of the Year 2004. That performance and his interview skills got him hired as the manager of the D-Backs, his firing after four days many of his supporters will say was the organization buckling under the pressure of the media.

After three years of what many called a black listing Backman returned in 2007 to the independent leagues and won the inaugural South Coast League Title. Even in his first year back with the Mets he's off to a great start in Brooklyn, in first place by four games with a record of 25-13.

That says nothing for all those accounts from former players who say he's a great teacher, works well with young players and does nothing but win. So if such a sound argument can be made then why is the title of this post not supporting Backman, because I just think there are too many red flags to become the manager of the Mets.

Look I think some Mets fans are blinded by the idea of Backman and haven't taken a close enough look at his history. I understand wanting a manager that's the opposite of the last three skippers, someone who's fiery and brash, along with Backman being that type of leader on the 86 team.

But I would be leery of giving the reigns to anyone who has never managed over AA and only three seasons at that level. If your going to quote his winning seasons ( five ) then you have to acknowledge that he's had the exact same amount of seasons below 500 (five). To go along with his three league championships and two other playoff appearances he has two 8th, two 5th and a 6th place finish.

In his first managerial job, he took over mid-season which is what many fans want him to do now and the org. was disappointed when the team went 3-23. And those who say those failures are in his distant past, in just 2008 he was fired by the independent league Joilet Jackhammers.

"We want to thank Wally for all that he has done and all the hard work he has put in," said JackHammers Executive Vice President/General Manager Kelly Sufka. "He has done everything we've asked him to do except for in the Win-Loss Column. Nobody is more disappointed with the teams' record than Wally. A change needed to be made for our fans sake and this is the change that we believe needed to happen."source Our Sport Central

Now that's on the field and while I wouldn't describe it as some have; winning everywhere he went, I do admit that there is more good then bad. My concern is more his behavior which I find to be a consistent track record of detrimental outbursts versus fiery leadership.

It's funny for two off-seasons I thought the idea of bringing in Jose Guillen as a fiery player was a good idea and got killed by other fans, who said he was a bad guy who would fight with other players, the media and coaches becoming a complete distraction. Then I thought Brett Myers could be a solid pick-up as a pitcher and there were those who wanted nothing to do with him due to his issues with his wife. But there are still fans who will accept that type of behavior out of their manager, I hold the manager to a higher standard, then players and what I might accept from a player I can't understand accepting from the manager. I transcribe to the idea of leadership by example but beyond that both players history pales in comparison to Backman.

In reading how Backman was hired it sounds like the DBacks were in a similar situation to what the Mets are currently in, desperate for that hardnosed, fiery type leader, they fell in love with his style through interviews but never completed a background check. Here is an article from MLB.com when hired and then one four days later from SI.com.

What happened was after hiring him they found he had a DUI in 2000, was involved with an incident with his wife in which he was required to take anger mgt. courses in 2001 and had to claim bankruptcy in 2003. Now I'm all for second chances but there is still a pattern of questionable incidents since those three incidents.

It was reported that Backman was rooting against his own org. ( Jerry Manuel) so he could get promoted, now in all fairness he adamantly denies this but he was let go after a winning season and the Sox next manager was Ozzie Guillen ( source Daily News). He also had an incident in which after a game in was attempting to find the official score keeper to argue what was ruled an error ( source USA Today) in which he thought it was a hit.

Now on to playing for Peanuts, now some will use Lou Piniella or Earl Weaver to excuse his tirade (source You Tube) which I think is over the top especially in front of young impressionable players but what about his stance on drug testing and his run in with the press. Mid way through the season while in first place instead of focusing on the field Backman resigned, when two of his players were suspended for testing positive and then went on to question the doctors, again these are young players what is the message being sent...

Backman angrily accused the league's medical director of "not doing his job properly." Jamie Toole, the SCL's chief executive officer, responded, "Unfortunately, we have a manager who cannot control his players." source NBCsports

Maine's done, Ollie's a waste and this was your plan...

Maine has the runs
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Despite all of his short falls, which I agree there are many and if I had anything to say he would no longer be our GM, I can't blame everything on Omar.

In a season in which his career was on the line at his dream job, you just aren't going to convince me that he was satisfied with this rotation.

Maine, Niese and Santana were all coming off injuries, Perez called his an injury which many have speculated was just another inconsistent year and Mike Pelfrey looked like he was having a nervous break down.

Now the Mets have gotten surprisingly good performances from the rotation, but for Omar to say with a straight face that this was the plan he would have to be doing his best John Levitz routine 'Yeah that's the ticket".

The team can't even use the excuse that they spent the money elsewhere, in this season where they basically told the staff to put up or shut up they cut payroll by anywhere from 10-30MM ( depending on what spreadsheet you look at).

There have been those who say that it was smart for the team not to sign a starter because most of them weren't better then who we have. When you make that statement you have to take into consideration that this rotation was suppose to consist of Oliver Perez and John Maine.

Even if you say you knew Pelfrey would bounce back and Niese would break out that's still 2/5 of a rotation that was a complete failure.

This point would have been abundantly clear had it not been for a surprising year from Dickey and a few good starts from Taki. Dickey wasn't some scouting find, that was pure luck that a 35 y/o knuckleballer is having a career year and all reports on Taki. coming over were that he'd be a long reliever, which is exactly what he looks like.

So as I saw the reports that Maine is done for the season and watched as Ollie wastes a spot in the pen, along with hearing on the radio that the August waiver wire will be very active my gut tells me that this is our rotation.

And while the offense looks awful right now I still believe the rotation is our weakness: we don't have a fifth starter, eventually Dickey will come back to earth, Niese will pitch more innings then he ever has in which he could tire and Pelfrey still has his demons.

So if this rotation was the plan all along, I have to wonder who's plan it was, surely a baseball lifer like Omar with his career on the line would have had a better plan then this.

Mets DFA Nieve, recall Acosta

Fernando Nieve fires
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

After last night's loss the Mets designated Fernando Nieve for assignment. To remain with the organization Nieve will have to make it through waivers and accept the assignment.

Nieve was claimed off waivers last season from the Astros and was used mostly as a starter before getting injured. In seven starts he went 3-3 with a 2.95 ERA before blowing out his hamstring.

This season early on he was the workhorse of the pen, in the months of April and May he was used 14 times each month but since then in the last two months he was used a total of 12 times.

Despite his ERA being over six in 42 innings of work he two five run games and one three run appearance, overall he gave up 28 runs, 22 walks and 37 hits.

I think the 27 y/o hard throwing righty was over used which resulted in his ineffectiveness, hopefully he remains in the system.

This is Acosta's second stint in the majors with the Mets, earlier this season he appeared in 12 games to an ERA of 3.00 while walking 8 and striking out 14 in 12 innings.

Since then in the minors he has appeared in 28 games with a 3.47 ERA which included five saves. Acosta has walked 15 and struck out 36 in 36 innings.

The hard throwing 29 y/o right hander has always hard great strike out numbers, but his issue is with wildness. He has been known to get in funks where his walk totals cont. to rise.

The Braves fans had been know to call him Aye-cost-ya.

Frenchy could be moved

Jeff Francoeur Makes the Catch 2
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Omar has always liked moving major league players instead of dipping into his prospect pool and Frenchy is the odd man out. If Francoeur has any value it would make sense to move him.

I could see him being dealt for a struggling reliever, like maybe Chad Qualls. The Dbacks get a plus defender, great clubhouse guy for a young club and the Mets, who seem focused on relievers get a possible change of location guy.

The Mets have to be concerned about a guy who has had such an impact on the clubhouse being not happy on the bench. Not only would moving him make them appear player friendly but it could remove any potential clubhouse friction.

I like Frenchy but he just hasn't been good enough, Pagan deserves the spot and therefore, if he can go he should...

Pagan should be in CF

Angel Pagan
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Let me preference this by saying that I think when healthy Carlos Beltran is the best player on the team and by no means do I consider his current situation permanent.

I'm glad Beltran is back and I think he can contribute but watching him the last two games I don't believe he's ready for center field. So far I think there were four balls in the gap that Pagan or a healthy Beltran would have tracked down.

Before anyone says; slow down, he just got back give him a chance to adjust. First we don't have time to allow him to adjust and second moving him to RF is giving him a chance to slowly transition back into playing.

Right now Beltran is not the best center fielder on the team and when he is, which I'm sure at some point he will be, then it's his to take over.

Perez is the epitome of whats wrong with the organization

Oliver Perez Loves the Crane Technique
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

In any business sometimes you make an investment that just doesn't pan out, but by not cutting your loses you compound the neg. impact of that investment. When the mistake involves personnel then this is how issue can be compounded; your taking away resources that could be used elsewhere ( mgrs., coaches, catchers, etc), your effecting the product you put out which will ultimately effect your retail profits ( in baseball people won't buy tickets if your losing) and it sends a neg. message to other employees.

There is no accountability with this organization, there is a reoccurring theme that this organization will accept mediocrity instead of eating a loss.

Just in recent seasons we've seen smaller market teams in similar situations eat large contracts to remove an ineffective player. Whether it was Sheffield in Detroit, Burrell in Tampa or Matthews in Anaheim the organizations cut their loses while the Mets struggled to cut players like Marlon Anderson, Julio Franco and Frank Cattalanotto.

Under the collective bargaining agreement a pitcher can be on the DL rehabbing for a max. of 30 days unless extended by the commissioners office. But the player has to agree to the length of the rehab, apparently Ollie has decided he doesn't need any further rehab which is why he's in Arizona.

Allowing Perez to return will be a mistake, it sends the wrong message to the players and the fan base. There should be some sort of performance based accountability, what does it say to the minor leaguer who is busting his tail everyday when Ollie is just given a roster spot that he hasn't earned.

Not doubt Omar made a mistake in re-signing Ollie, but the Wilpon's are compounding that mistake by making him keep him. By activating Perez the organization is setting a tone of mediocrity, it's basically saying meaningful games in Sept....

Not much of a net behind Wright

David Wright readies
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

As I watched David Wright hobble around the field yesterday I quickly came to the conclusion that the Mets are operating without a safety net at 3B.

Let me digress for a minute; I consider DW to be one of the best gloves at the position but this bad habit of turning sideways and Oleing the ball drives me nuts. If you've spent even five minutes teaching a kid to take grounders the first thing you say is get in front of the ball.

Anyway that bad habit appears to have cost him a bruise to the knee, which reports indicate won't cost him any playing time. Now Wright is one of the more durable players in the league and I wonder if the team has taken that for granted in the depth department.

Yes, I am the same guy who clamoured for Fernando Tatis to be cut for two months and while I wish him a speedy recovery, I still don't think he's the answer.

If Wright were to need more then a few days off, forget about the offensive vacuum that would be created, the team would have trouble even manning the position.

On the major league team; Alex Cora has 16 games at the position, newly promoted Justin Turner has played seven games last year at the position and would probably be the starter in a pinch, while Henry Blanco played in two games at 3B for one inning each time (1997/2009).

So why is Blanco always described as Wright's back-up, because he came through the minors as a 3B, before switching to catcher Blanco had 589 minor league games at third base, however; that was between 1990-1995.

Here are the others on the 40 man roster with minor league time at the position: Evans 33 gms., Turner 27 gms., Barajas 3 gms. (2000) and Reyes 7 gms. (2000).

My pick all along to replace Tatis was Mike Hessman but the 1B/3B power hitter has been injured, Mack from Mack's Mets tweeted me last night that Hessman is due back soon. Hessman a minor league lifer has 1307 minor league games at 3B and 26 major league games, I've been told the 30 y/o has decent range at both corner infield positions and can fill in at LF.

Currently playing third for the Bison's is Mike Cervenak who is only hitting .249 in AAA and in his one major league stint hit .154.

There's also Russ Adams who spent parts of five seasons in the majors with the Blue Jays, while being more of a middle infielder he has 11 minor league games and 16 major league games at 3B.

The Bison's current catcher, journeyman J.R. House has 2 major league and 3 minor league games there as well.

26 y/o Luis Hernandez in his first season in the Mets system is hitting .343 in 19 gms at Buffalo, all of which as the short stop, he had five games at 3B in the majors for KC last year.

Of course I wanted to see them keep Shawn Bowman who was claimed by the Blue jays this year and is hitting .286 on their AA team. Bowman definitely had the glove but his health and bat above AA were always an issue.

If the Mets were to dip into the Binghamton roster as they've done before, Eric Campbell drafted in 2009 out of Boston College is the starting third baseman while hitting .315. After being in AAA last year and only hitting .114 Jose Coronado was demoted to AA where he's hitting .220 and has played 24 gms. at 3B.

When you have an All-Star, probably Hall of Fame 3B in the prime of his career who misses about five games a year, it's hard to justify depth but the Mets need someone either on the bench or at AAA to call upon in a pinch who has more then a handful of games at the position in the last five years.

Here's a more mid-level idea for a SP

Brian Stokes
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Two years ago Andy Sonnanstine was part of the rotation that took the surprising Rays into the post season. Sonnanstine in 32 starts went 13-9 with a 4.38 ERA and in the post season went 2-1 with a 4.24 ERA.

In 2009 he struggled with an over 6 ERA, only made 18 starts and this year he has been demoted to the pen allowing rookie Wade Davis become a starter.

Buster Olney said earlier this season that he thought the Rays would look to move Sonnanstine and that the Mets were a good fit. Olney even said that the two sides had brief discussions this off-season.

Sonnanstine has bounced back in the pen this year with a 3.71 ERA which makes him a hard throwing young versatile righty. Rem. the Mets in their big NL ball were very successful in resurrecting the career of another Ray that met that description; Brian Stokes.

So why would the Rays want to move him, to make room on the roster Jeremy Hellickson. Tampa is two games behind the Yanks and the biggest boost this team may get might be Hellickson over a trade.

That said, there can be exceptions at times, and Jeremy Hellickson of the Tampa Bay Rays could be one. He's currently 11-2, 2.21 with a 104/26 K/BB in 106 innings for Triple-A Durham, 94 hits allowed, 2.61 FIP. The guy is just a monster; his minor league career record is now 45-15, a .762 winning percentage....yes I know wins are not a predictive stat, but c'mon: .762? You have to be impressed with that. He has a 2.62 career ERA, and a 611/126 K/BB ratio. He's given up just 462 hits in 567 innings. His career FIP is 3.11, and has been over 4.00 just once in his career, during the second half of 2008 in his first exposure to Double-A. Statistically, it is hard to be better than Hellickson. Scouting-wise, he may not throw 100 MPH, but his stuff (89-93 MPH heater, plus changeup, good curve) is solid and his feel for pitching and aggressiveness are first-class. source Minor League Ball

Takahashi Vs Lilly

Hisanori Takahashi 1
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

After yesterday's post in which I supported the idea of acquiring Ted Lilly there were many who felt that Takahashi was a better option or the up grade wasn't significant enough to justify the move.

Of course, any move comes down to what it will cost but if that cost were reasonable I still feel Lilly is worth it.

First of all just take a look at Takahashi's numbers as a reliever; his ERA is almost two points lower at 2.79, LHH are only batting .239 ( RHH .275), overall hitters BA reduce from .292 to .221, his SO/9 jumps to 10.9 from 6.8, hitters OPS go from .813 down to .653 and in his first inning of work hitters BA is .139 but by the sixth inning where he's facing batters for the third time they're hitting .379.

For those wondering about Lilly, his BA against for most of the game is .240 or less except in the fourth inning where it jumps to .322 but then in the 5th and 6th it drops below .200.

The pen needs solidification and I think Taki could help due that, but if you still feel Taki is a better option in the rotation then Lilly, here a few more numbers to compare as starters...

Taki- 9 starts, 49 inn. 5.4 inn. per start, WHIP 1.46, ERA 4.69
Lilly- 15 starts, 97 inn., 6.4inn. per start, WHIP 1.15, ERA 4.08

Taki- hitters BA .292, Slg. .469, OBP .344, OPS .831
Lilly- hitters BA .240, Slg. .290, OBP .290, OPS .716

Taki- SO/9 6.8, SO/BB 2.31, BB/9 3.6, HR/9 1.0, H/9 9.1
Lilly- SO/9 6.0, SO/BB 2.71, BB/9 2.2, 6.0, HR/9 1.5, H/9 8.2

Ok others commented that Lilly has had a huge drop off the last few games and that's what makes Taki better, Lilly has had two bad games but I still don't see the de-valuing. Here are both pitchers last six games:

Taki-
FLA- 5.1 innings, 5 hits, 1 ER, BB/SO 2/5, HR 0
@BAL- 7.0 innings, 6 hits, 1 ER, BB/SO 1/2, HR 0
@NYY- 6.0 innings, 4 hits, no runs, BB/SO 0/2, HR 0
DET- 4.0 innings, 8 hits, 6 ER, BB/SO 4/4, HR 2
@FLA- 5.2 innings, 9 hits, 6 ER, BB/SO 2/4, HR 2
@WSN- 5.0 innings, 5 hits, 3 ER, BB/SO 2/7, HR 1

Lilly-
CHW- 8 innings, 1 hit, no runs, BB/SO 1/3, HR 0
LAA- 5.1 innings, 9 hits, 6 ER, BB/SO 3/7, HR 2
@SEA- 6.0 innings, 5 hits, 1 ER, BB/SO 0/6
PIT- 7.0 innings, 6 hits, 1 ER, BB/SO 1/5, HR 1
CIN- 6.2 innings, 11 hits, 9 ER, BB/SO 0/3, HR 4
@LAD- 3.2 innings, 7 hits, 5 ER, BB/SO 2/1, HR 1

Frenchy has the numbers for a platoon

Angel Pagan 1
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

This post was suppose to read that Angel Pagan deserves better then a straight platoon when the second half starts. Without looking at the numbers, by my naked eye Pagan deserved to be the starter with Francoeur becoming strictly the fourth outfielder.

My thought was going to be that the Mets should try to move Frenchy but if they couldn't, use him to rest the others, as a late inning defensive replacement for Bay and as a power threat pinch hitter.

For a team with a deep line-up who could afford a free swinger because of his glove and arm, Frenchy would be a perfect fit (say the Yankees) but I don't think he will be moved.

What surprised me was that the numbers actually support a platoon. Look Pagan has decent numbers from the right side against left handed pitchers hitting .273 but Frenchy is hitting .348. Meanwhile against right handed pitchers where Pagan can turn around he's hitting .335 while Frenchy staying on the right side is hitting .223.

It actually looks like a platoon might be the best fit.

Nice job J. Feliciano

Jesus Feliciano 1
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Just prior to the All Star break Jesus Feliciano was sent down to make room for a returning Carlos Beltran. Feliciano did a nice job filling in and this simply is a post to recognize his efforts.

While I'm glad to see Beltran back, I think they're putting a lot of pressure on a guy who has been out almost a year. It seems like the organization is putting all their hopes on fixing this streaky offense into Beltran.

Back to Feliciano; it's a great story, a career minor leaguer who considered retiring finally gets his shot in the majors and made the best of it, in 20 games he hit .291 and played solid defense...

Misch in ASG tonight

Pat Misch
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Pat Misch will be the sole Buffalo Bison to appear on tonight's International League ( AAA ) team against the Pacific Coast League team. This is his third minor league ASG, while in the Giants org. he was in the AA games in 2004 and 2006.

Misch is having a solid year in Buffalo, if the Mets decide to not make a trade and Taki continues to struggle getting deep into games, then Misch should get a look.

Last year Misch did a decent job filling in making six starts with a 4.26ERA and a record of 1-2. He's out of options so if he does come up he has to stay or would be exposed to waivers.

The game will be aired on the MLB network tonight...

This year, however, his numbers have greatly improved with the Bisons, although he has yet to get an opportunity to get a call-up to the major leagues. In 17 starts with Buffalo, Misch is 9-3 with a 3.12 ERA, including a pair of complete game victories. Buffalo is an impressive 13-4 in the games he has started this year. His nine wins are the most by any left-handed starter in the IL this year. source MiLB

Yes Lilly makes sense and why..

not a good looking scoreboard for John Maine
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Since Cliff Lee was traded to Texas many within the industry have said the Mets next target will be Ted Lilly.

Mets now turn strongly to Lilly because Astros still want too much and will pay too little of Oswalt's contract. source Joel Sherman twitter 7/9/10

Since he began to be discussed as our possible #1 target there has been a large debate over whether Lilly is enough of an upgrade over what we already have.

Of course, as with any trade it will all come down to what he will cost but Chicago's GM has the reputation of being reasonable, Lilly isn't of the stature of Lee/Oswalt and he is a 34 y/o rental player.

But for argument sake, if the package is reasonable then I say Lilly is worth trading for due to several reasons.

While not a flashy pitcher Lilly provides something Takahashi, Maine and Perez ( I'm considering Dickey our #5) have been unable to establish; length and consistency.

Takahashi is the best in-house alternative and he probably has better numbers against opponents then Lilly the first two times through the order, but he really struggles from the third time on making him more suitable for the pen. Adding Lilly only makes the pen stronger by putting Taki in a role where he has and can flourish.

Whether it's injuries, wildness or inability to get through an order for a third time, I said in this post the Mets are missing a Traschel-esque pitcher in the middle of the rotation ( I like Lilly better then Millwood).

Ted Lilly is exactly that: since becoming a full time starter in 2003 he has averaged 30 starts a year, also averaging 180 innings or six innings a start. Everyone of those seasons he has won in the double digits which is an average of 13 wins a season. And while his overall ERA is a modest 4.24, in the NL he has had a decent 3.75 ERA for the last four seasons in hitter friendly Wrigley.

Lilly has put together seven straight seasons of exactly what I feel this Mets rotation needs, consistency. Someone who will take the ball every fifth day and go at least six innings while giving his team a chance to win...

Castillo has value to this team

Luis Castillo squares
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

It's amazing Mets fans have iconized every fill-in 2B since Jose Valentin blew out his knee. Whether it was Ruben Gotay, Argenis Reyes, Wilson Valdez or Ruben Tejada.

Now of them all Tejada is the only legitimate prospect and if you had a power house offense then his glove is major league ready but like any middle infield prospect the big question is whether his bat will be enough.

To be honest, Tejada hitting .217 hasn't proven his bat is ready for the majors and any discussion of him starting when Castillo returns are premature.

Yes; Tejada has shown some great range and made some very flashy plays that Louie could no longer dream of making at his advanced baseball age, but his run prevention doesn't out weigh Castillo's offensive production.

There's also something to be said for positioning, Castillo is a crafty veteran who makes up for his lack of range through knowledge, he isn't taking direction solely from the bench but an understanding of the game. Castillo understands the hitters tendency and what his pitcher is going to throw in certain situations, there have been several times the inexperienced Tejada has been no where near a ball that seemed to be an easy play.

Finally, those seeing the reports that Castillo is rehabbing and dreading his return seem to be projecting their distaste for his contract onto his play. For a team struggling offensively no one should be scoffing at a .250 BA, .350 OBP and a very low strike out rate.

Tatis= versatility or loyalty

Adam Jones Fernando Tatis and Luis Castillo
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

Whether it was Tony Bernnazard, Marlon Anderson or Julio Franco, one of the knocks on Omar Minaya has been that he's loyal to a fault.

It appears that this may be the case again in regard to Fernando Tatis. At 35 y/o showing diminished range, slowed bat speed and fragility it made no sense to re-sign Fernando.

Tatis has been playing on borrowed time since he made Omar look like a genius in 2007. Of course he deserved to return in 2008 and 2009 they needed depth just to fill the roster but in a year when your gearing up for a playoff run they could have built a stronger bench.

Omar ends up looking like his loyalty once again clouded his scouting judgement.

However, there are those within the organization and fan base who have supported Tatis' roster spot because of his pinch hitting numbers and more importantly his versatility.

It is true that Tatis is hitting .350 as a pinch hitter but I believe it's too small a sample pool to call him an asset as a pinch hitter. Tatis has seven hits in 20 at bats which is hardly a large enough sample to say that he's no longer the slow swinging double play machine from 2008-2009.

But most Tatis supporters don't reference his pinch hitting prowess, the argument always seems to be made based on his versatility. My response to that when he was healthy was that if he was so versatile why was he only used in 21 games (20 gms. PH) the entire first half in the field.

Not only did landing on the DL solidify my concerns that he was an injury risk but the Mets roster moves have shown that versatility wasn't the reason Tatis remained on the roster.

Tatis was here to be a backup on the corner infield who could also play 2B and left field. Once Cora was signed in 2008 he really wasn't needed at 2B and Carter can fill in at LF or 1B. So Tatis' most important position was his primary position 3B, even though Wright misses about five games a year.

Since he went on the DL the Mets have been comfortable with Cora ( 16 Gms), Blanco ( 3 games) and Evans ( 33 minor league games) as the backups to David Wright.

If Tatis was truly here due to his versatility then I would have expected the team to promote someone with more 3B experience like Justin Turner ( on 40man roster) since they haven't, what other then loyalty can explain a guy hitting .185 making it til July.

Minor League Roundup

Buffalo Bisons- Game postponed, play tonight at 7 vs. Rochester with Dillion Gee on the mound.

Binghamton Mets- Lost 10-2 to the New Hampshire Fishercats.

CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis- 2-4, 2B(27), RBI(51), .305 avg. He is 20-40 over his last ten games with 10 RBI's.
LF Sean Ratliff- 0-4, .327 with 7 HR's and 21 RBI's in 25 games since being promoted.
2B Joshua Satin- 0-4, .305 with 9 2B's and 11 RBI's in 25 games since being promoted.
RF Raul Reyes- 1-3. R, 2B with 5 HR's and 14 RBI's in 17 games since being promoted.
SP Eric Niesen- Lost falling to 4-4, 4.2ip, 5H, 2ER, 4BB's, and 3k's, 3.63 era.
RP Scot Shaw- 0.2ip, 5H, 7ER, 2BB's, and 2 HR's allowed, 7.97 era.

St. Lucie Mets- Lost 3-1 to Fort Myers.

2B Jordany Valdespin- 1-3, BB, 2 SB(11), .297 avg.
SS Wilmer Flores- 2-4, 2B, .437 avg with HR, 11 RBI in 16 games since being promoted.
CF Carlos Beltran- 0-4 while playing the whole game in the field.
C Kai Gronauer- 0-3, .368 avg, HR, and 8 RBI in 11 games since being promoted.
1B Stefan Welch- 0-3, .290 avg, 4 HR's amd 50 RBI in 84 games this season.
SP Brandon Moore- 6ip, 4H, ER, 4BB. 4k's, L (1-1) 2.65 era since being promoted.

Savannah Sand Gnats- Beat Asheville 6-2.

3B Jefry Marte- 2-4, 2 2B(17), RBI(35), .240 avg
1B Peter Ozga- 2-4, 2R, HR(2), 2 RBI(11), .385, recently promoted.
SS Wilfredo Tovar- 2-4, .358 avg, in 16 games since being demoted.
SP John Church- W(5-0), 6ip, 1 unearned run, 6H, 3BB, 5k's, 1.01 era.

Nick Evans Likely Returning to the Big Club

Nick Evans was a healthy scratch from the Binghamton Mets lineup on Thursday night, leaving Adam Rubin to speculate that he is being called up.

On Wednesday, Jerry Manuel said that he would like a right handed hitter to be called up to face the Braves. The Mets only have one RH on the bench and that is catcher Henry Blanco plus the Braves have three lefties in there bullpen; Billy Wagner, Jonny Venters, and Eric O'Flaherty.

Evans has been having a great year at AA, hitting .290 with 15 HR's and 46 RBI's while playing RF, 1B, and 3B. The most impressive stat though is his improved 1.6 SO/BB, the lowest in his Minor League career.

Evans seems like the obvious choice given that he is the only Minor Leaguer that is a RH and on the 40-man roster. The injury of Mike Hessman helps too, considering he was leading MILB in homeruns and runs batted in at the time of his injury.

And a team official acknowledged late Thursday: "We are considering a right-handed bat now." Link ESPN NY

Mets Trade Rumors

The obvious grand prize of this trade deadline is going to be Cliff Lee and the Mets are certainly very interested. The package that the Mets are rumored to maybe willing to offer (Thole, Mejia, and Flores) cannot talent wise match that of the Rangers (Justin Smoak and Tanner Scheppers) or Twins (Wilson Ramos and Aaron Hicks) or even the Reds (Juan Francisco and Travis Wood)  for that matter.

According to Jon Heyman the Mariners are looking for two blue-chip prospects and another prospect/ML ready player. They are also rumored to be looking for a ML ready power bat like Ike Davis, who is not going to be traded according to Jon Morosi.

It is to early to tell, but with Seattle's current demand its seems much more likely the Mets end up with Ted Lilly then Cliff Lee. They are not trading Jon Niese or Ike Davis and shouldn't trade talents like Wilmer Flore or Jenrry Mejia for a rental.

The Mets were among several other teams who watched Roy Oswalt pitch a gem today according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Oswalt would cost less in prospect but more in money, but there are rumblings they would take a bad contract back( think Oliver Perez) to increase the value of the prospects they are receiving.

Mets Injury Notes

Carlos Beltran was 1-1 with a 2B, BB, and two runs scored before tonight's St. Lucie Mets game was suspended because of electrical malfunction.  Beltran is expected to stay at St. Lucie until he is activated by the Mets for their series against the Giants on July 15th according to ESPN NY.

After two starts in St. Lucie, Oliver Perez joined the Buffalo Bisons today on his hopeful path back to the big club. In his two starts he has a 4.63 era while walking 4, striking out 14, and has surrendered 7 hits and 2 HR's.

Although many fans wish that this would never happen, Luis Castillo is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment this weekend and should be back on the Mets west coast trip.

Jennry Mejia is now throwing from 90 feet on flat ground after being injured on June 27th.

Wright & Reyes make ASG

David Wright plays the grass
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

There was a game in May in which David Wright single handed lost the game. As I rem. it; was a tie game on the West coast, Wright had an opportunity with RISP and two outs in which he struck out, the very next inning he threw away a barehanded slow dribbler ( Jacobs on 1B) which scored the winning run.

In May Wright hit .248 for the month which was after an April in which he hit .278. For the first two months of the season he had 65 SO and only 8 HR, 13 doubles and 34 RBIs.

The book on him was easy; pitch inside until he flinches, then go outside and he'll strike out swinging.

Since then saying Wright has been on fire is an understatement in the month of June he hit .404 with 6 HR, 11 doubles and 29 RBIs. This month he's already hitting .357.

Listen I'll admit it I've been saying since 2006 that I thought Wright's arm would eventually force him to 1B. Wright has a solid glove ( not what I would consider a gold glove but solid) but his arm has always concerned me. However, this season with Davis at first his confidence appears to have improved and his accuracy has been significantly better, sure Davis is a vacuum at first but Wright has needed him to be very much.

Wright deserves this selection more then any other year and where last year he struggled with being the leader of the offense he really appears to be maturing into that role.

Jose Reyes was selected as an alternate and that's quite an accomplishment for someone coming off an injury who missed a significant amount of time. Reyes is showing excellent range in the field and is hitting .277 in the lead off spot. Reyes has 19 walks, 19 SB, 14 doubles, 6 triples, 6 home runs and 32 RBIs.

A look at Bruney...

Francisco Rodriguez 3
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

It was reported last night that the Mets have signed Brian Bruney to a minor league deal. For most Mets fans Bruney is known as the former Yankee who had words with KRod.

Of course both sides have said that's water under the bridge and I'm sure if Bruney ever gets called up they'll get along fine.

This is a low risk signing for a team that is desperate to find an 8th inning guy and several teams have thought Bruney could fill that role.

The 28 y/o right hander was drafted out of high school by the D-Backs in 2000 and by 2003 at the age of 22 y/o he was in the majors. In his second season in Arizona he closed for part of the year recording 12 saves in 16 attempts but his ERA was over 7.

After being designated in 2005 he signed with the Yankees where he spent the next four seasons. Overall he appeared in 153 games with a 12-3 record and a 3.25 ERA. At times in the Bronx he was a solid set-up man posting a 1.83 ERA in 32 appearances ( 2008). But there were several injuries and the one full season (2007) where he appeared in 58 games his ERA was 4.68.

This year he spent 19 games in the majors with the Nats in which his ERA was 7.68, he also appeared in two AAA games for the Brewers where he did not allow a run.

When he's on he has a mid-90's fastball and a mid 80's curve ball that is complimented by a bull dog mentality.

Lucas Duda Sets Record

Last night LF Lucas Duda became only the fifth Buffalo Bison in 125 years to hit a HR in five consecutive games.

A very impressive feat but more so because he did it on his first 16 games at the AAA level after being called up in June. The 24-year old Duda now has 6 HR's in only 58 Ab's in Buffalo after having the same amount of homers in 161 at-bats in AA Binghamton. In those five games Duda has not struck out once and walked six times. Duda was hitting .286 with 6 HR's and 34 RBI in AA before he got the call up.

"I took a hack and luckily I got a good piece of the ball and it went out," Duda told The Buffalo News. "There's nothing more to it, that's all it is. There's a lot of work in the [batting] cage, but ultimately, you get a pitch to hit and luckily you put some wood on it and it leaves the yard." Link MiLB

Bison notes; Acosta, Valdes, Pridie

Ryota Igarashi 1
Originally uploaded by Michael G. Baron

I know some disagree but if I had it my way Igarashi would be in the minors ( he has options) working out what ever happened to him while injured.

In his place I would have the guy who just recorded his fourth save for the Bison's, Manny Acosta. I know Acosta isn't a perfect answer and definitely isn't a permanent solution, but he did have his moments in Atlanta and only had a 3 ERA during his short stint with us. Acosta went 1.1 innings last night for the save in which he struck out three and improved his ERA to 3.14.

Since being sent back down Valdes is being stretched out, last night he started for the Bison's going five perfect innings. No Hits, No walks, No runs and struck out six. The lefty really only had that one horrible outing which he attributed to the mound in SD.

By the way I had been saying that Jason Pridie should come up to play center if Pagan's side was going to be a problem, well Pridie returned from the DL and re injured himself landing right back on it. Newly acquired Jorge Padilla is many center field and is hitting .350...