On August 26th Jon Niese faced the Florida Marlins and gave up seven runs in five innings. That outing was a loss and since then he has lost four of five. Even in his one win he gave up five runs in six innings. He's given up 35 runs in the last six games and only one of them would be considered a quality outing ( 6 innings/3 runs).
So what happened to Niese who was having such a solid year, I believe it was a result of fatigue. I rem. specifically after the Marlins game Jerry said the org., as a whole would keep a close eye on Niese and if he looked tired they may consider shutting him down.
However, one meaningless game after another Niese went out there to get shelled. Now Niese seems like a tough kid but even the toughest can let this game get in their head if you keep getting beat up.
More importantly, is the concern for injury due to the significant jump in innings. Last year due to injuries Niese only pitched 120 innings (25 MLB/ 94 MiLB) and the year before he pitched 189 combined innings ( 25 MLB / 164 MilB). Prior to that he had three seasons where he averaged 130 innings.
2008 was a pretty big jump going from 130 to 189 innings but that at least was across several levels of the minors with only a taste in the majors. After the big innings jump, as I said Niese basically missed the last few months of the next season and instead of gradually building him back up to that innings level to avoid injuries, they pitched him to the same count.
This season Niese pitched a 171 innings in the major leagues and it's clear that in his last six starts he had nothing left. Hopefully fatigue is all we have to worry about as the Mets definitely put him at risk for the Verducci effect.
Sure he pitched 189 innings but that was mostly in the minors, in 2008, he just jumped from 120 innings (mostly MiLB) to 171 innings. And then take into consideration the level of competition, prior to this year he had 36 major league innings over two seasons.
These were meaningless games, why the heck would you risk injury and confidence issue with one of your young promising starters when he was obviously out of gas...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I'd give Takahashi two but not Pedro...
Let me start by saying no matter how valuable they are, I agree with the philosophy of not giving a reliever long term deals. If you had a stud reliever who was about to become a free agent, while he was still very young and at the top of his game my max offer is three years ( for example Krod). Most relievers I'm going year to year but in some cases I would be willing to give a two year deal.
The Mets have two lefty relievers who are eligible for free agency and while both relievers had very good years I would take different approaches in my attempts to retain them.
Pedro Feliciano has spent his entire major league career with the Mets which started all the way back in 2002. He credits his stint in Japan during the 2005 season for turning his career around and since then has been the workhorse of the pen. Since 2006 he has appeared in over 60 games and 50 innings per season, in the last three years his appearances have been over 80 games breaking club records each season.
Here's my concerns in regard to Pedro; that much use has to effect his arm negatively and the league has seen a lot of him which could result in diminished effectiveness. Compound those concerns with the fact that Pedro's peripheral numbers are worse then last year; hits (51/64), walks (18/27), HBP (0/5), ERA + (135/142), WHIP (1.16/1.48), H/9 (7.7/9.4), BB/9 (2.7/4.0), SO/BB (3.28/2.07) have all increased while SO (59/56) and SO/9 (8.9/8.2) have decreased.
Now maybe that's just him having a wild year and he'll been fine but maybe his accuracy is off from over use or he's trying to be too fine because he knows how much hitters have seen him and nibbling at the corners has resulted in the increased wildness. Regardless of why his accuracy is off one thing is true, as good as Pedro has been he is nothing more then a lefty specialist, every time he attempts to cross over and get out righties he struggles.
The Mets in the past have placed value on a player and then perceive a market for that player, which results in them making a knee jerk contract that is too long. The Mets are in the driver's seat with Pedro and should take advantage of it, offer him arbitration if he accepts you get a serviceable reliever for a year at a decent price and if he finds a team to give him a multi year deal you get a draft pick. With his peripherals and the workload he's carried in the same league for this long I don't want to be the team that gives him a 2-3 year deal.
However, Hisanori Takahashi is a completely different story. Despite being two years older I would offer Takahashi a two year deal. Now if someone gives him three years or promises to make him a starter then he's all theirs. The difference is that Takahashi can be a lefty specialist, close, cross over relieve, spot start, and long relief. He has at least another year before the league figures him out but with so many pitches he has plenty to make adjustments. Japan is a shorter season and despite being a starter for most his career his inning load was much less then a major leaguer.
While the Mets could replace a left handed specialist, the uncertainty of the pen makes Takahashi more valuable specifically to the Mets. With Krod's situation up in the air and Parnell still developing as a late inning reliever, having Takahashi to plug in as a closer or set-up man could be essential to the success of next year's team.
After this season there will be teams willing to go two for Takahashi and as long as it stays at two years I think he's a asset to be kept. By the way I don't expect anyone to offer him a deal as a starter because his numbers go through the roof the third time through the order, talk of looking for a starters job seems more like leverage for negotiations. On a new contract as long as he doesn't get another out clause the team who signs him would then get three years of arbitration.
The Mets have two lefty relievers who are eligible for free agency and while both relievers had very good years I would take different approaches in my attempts to retain them.
Pedro Feliciano has spent his entire major league career with the Mets which started all the way back in 2002. He credits his stint in Japan during the 2005 season for turning his career around and since then has been the workhorse of the pen. Since 2006 he has appeared in over 60 games and 50 innings per season, in the last three years his appearances have been over 80 games breaking club records each season.
Here's my concerns in regard to Pedro; that much use has to effect his arm negatively and the league has seen a lot of him which could result in diminished effectiveness. Compound those concerns with the fact that Pedro's peripheral numbers are worse then last year; hits (51/64), walks (18/27), HBP (0/5), ERA + (135/142), WHIP (1.16/1.48), H/9 (7.7/9.4), BB/9 (2.7/4.0), SO/BB (3.28/2.07) have all increased while SO (59/56) and SO/9 (8.9/8.2) have decreased.
Now maybe that's just him having a wild year and he'll been fine but maybe his accuracy is off from over use or he's trying to be too fine because he knows how much hitters have seen him and nibbling at the corners has resulted in the increased wildness. Regardless of why his accuracy is off one thing is true, as good as Pedro has been he is nothing more then a lefty specialist, every time he attempts to cross over and get out righties he struggles.
The Mets in the past have placed value on a player and then perceive a market for that player, which results in them making a knee jerk contract that is too long. The Mets are in the driver's seat with Pedro and should take advantage of it, offer him arbitration if he accepts you get a serviceable reliever for a year at a decent price and if he finds a team to give him a multi year deal you get a draft pick. With his peripherals and the workload he's carried in the same league for this long I don't want to be the team that gives him a 2-3 year deal.
However, Hisanori Takahashi is a completely different story. Despite being two years older I would offer Takahashi a two year deal. Now if someone gives him three years or promises to make him a starter then he's all theirs. The difference is that Takahashi can be a lefty specialist, close, cross over relieve, spot start, and long relief. He has at least another year before the league figures him out but with so many pitches he has plenty to make adjustments. Japan is a shorter season and despite being a starter for most his career his inning load was much less then a major leaguer.
While the Mets could replace a left handed specialist, the uncertainty of the pen makes Takahashi more valuable specifically to the Mets. With Krod's situation up in the air and Parnell still developing as a late inning reliever, having Takahashi to plug in as a closer or set-up man could be essential to the success of next year's team.
After this season there will be teams willing to go two for Takahashi and as long as it stays at two years I think he's a asset to be kept. By the way I don't expect anyone to offer him a deal as a starter because his numbers go through the roof the third time through the order, talk of looking for a starters job seems more like leverage for negotiations. On a new contract as long as he doesn't get another out clause the team who signs him would then get three years of arbitration.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Bulldog would be a good pick for pitching coach
Many have discussed who will replace Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel but another key figure on this team is Dan Warthen.
I do believe the entire staff will be replaced and of them all, Warthen will be getting the shaft, but regardless, no one has discussed who will replace Warthen.
Of all the coaching staff I believe the pitching coach can have the greatest impact.
If anyone deserved a brush back it was Utley and this staff didn't even come inside, they could use a little fire as well. Many talk about a fiery manager which I can understand but I'd also like to see the pitching staff become more aggressive as well.
If Warthen goes`I'd like to see them revisit a candidate from 2000, a guy given the nickname Bulldog for his fierce competitiveness.
Orel Hershiser pitched for the Mets in 1999 as a 39 y/o veteran in which he went 13-12 with a 4.58 ERA. The Mets were in the playoffs that year and Orel appeared in three games. In the NLDS he pitched an inning of relief with no hits, runs or walks and then in the NLCS he pitched 4.1 innings over two games giving up a hit, three walks while not allowing a run and striking out five.
He retired in 2000 and while he didn't get the Mets job he was the Rangers pitching coach from 2002-2005, while being considered for several managerial jobs.
Eventually he moved to the Rangers front officer and then moved into the broadcasting booth. He was born in Buffalo, NY, went to High School in Cherry Hill, NJ and has ties to the team specifically Bobby V.
In recent interview it sounded like he could be drawn from the booth....
I do believe the entire staff will be replaced and of them all, Warthen will be getting the shaft, but regardless, no one has discussed who will replace Warthen.
Of all the coaching staff I believe the pitching coach can have the greatest impact.
If anyone deserved a brush back it was Utley and this staff didn't even come inside, they could use a little fire as well. Many talk about a fiery manager which I can understand but I'd also like to see the pitching staff become more aggressive as well.
If Warthen goes`I'd like to see them revisit a candidate from 2000, a guy given the nickname Bulldog for his fierce competitiveness.
Orel Hershiser pitched for the Mets in 1999 as a 39 y/o veteran in which he went 13-12 with a 4.58 ERA. The Mets were in the playoffs that year and Orel appeared in three games. In the NLDS he pitched an inning of relief with no hits, runs or walks and then in the NLCS he pitched 4.1 innings over two games giving up a hit, three walks while not allowing a run and striking out five.
Although General Manager Steve Phillips would not comment on Hershiser's candidacy, Manager Bobby Valentine greatly respected Hershiser during the season he pitched for the Mets. source NY Times 11/19/00
He retired in 2000 and while he didn't get the Mets job he was the Rangers pitching coach from 2002-2005, while being considered for several managerial jobs.
Eventually he moved to the Rangers front officer and then moved into the broadcasting booth. He was born in Buffalo, NY, went to High School in Cherry Hill, NJ and has ties to the team specifically Bobby V.
In recent interview it sounded like he could be drawn from the booth....
You dream about being a leader. It would be fun to manage. I’m not sure the opportunity will arise. I would take a hard look at it. But my contract with ESPN runs another four years, and I like the chair I’m sitting in.
When you leave the field, the booth is one way to keep the visibility up. Then you can go back down on the field.
With Bobby and Buck, we’ll probably see about 10 managerial changes this year. That’s a lot of opportunities for two successful veteran managers to go through interviews and not get jobs. They can come to a team and change a culture. They’re smart with big personalities. They both have to find organizations that are willing to give up control.
Wherever they’ve been, they’ve built champions. source NY Times 7/24/10
Monday, September 27, 2010
Castillo was MIA...
Once the Mets knew they were out of contention, Louis Castillo was buried on the bench. In the month of Sept. he has appeared in seven games but the last time he started was on Sept. 4th.
His last four appearances have all been off the bench and Friday had to be an all-time low in his distinguished career.
For those who weren't listening this was all related during Sunday's game on the WFAN by Howie and Wayne.
During Friday night's game in the 9th inning the Mets were attempting a comeback against the Phillies. The Phillies thought they had won with a called strike three but the Mets had been granted a time out. Then there was a long delay before Louis Castillo came out as a pinch runner.
According to the announcers the delay was a result of Castillo not being on the bench, supposedly he was eventually found in the clubhouse.
Let me get this straight; against the teams biggest rival, down only by a run with two men on in the ninth, Louis Castillo is already in the clubhouse.
The Mets and Castillo have already made it clear that the two sides will be parting ways at the end of the year but Louie what about your teammates...
His last four appearances have all been off the bench and Friday had to be an all-time low in his distinguished career.
For those who weren't listening this was all related during Sunday's game on the WFAN by Howie and Wayne.
During Friday night's game in the 9th inning the Mets were attempting a comeback against the Phillies. The Phillies thought they had won with a called strike three but the Mets had been granted a time out. Then there was a long delay before Louis Castillo came out as a pinch runner.
According to the announcers the delay was a result of Castillo not being on the bench, supposedly he was eventually found in the clubhouse.
Let me get this straight; against the teams biggest rival, down only by a run with two men on in the ninth, Louis Castillo is already in the clubhouse.
The Mets and Castillo have already made it clear that the two sides will be parting ways at the end of the year but Louie what about your teammates...
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Are the Mets already interviewing GM candidates...
Over the winter Will Carroll broke the story that Carlos Beltran was to have knee surgery and he did so through his twitter account. Earlier today Carroll tweeted that he's hearing the Mets are already interviewing candidates for the GM position.
I hope this is the case; the Mets need to move quickly and decisively because as Adam Rubin wrote there are some very importantly decisions to be made and several players who are currently in limbo (source ESPN NY).
I hope this is the case; the Mets need to move quickly and decisively because as Adam Rubin wrote there are some very importantly decisions to be made and several players who are currently in limbo (source ESPN NY).
Hearing the Mets are already interviewing candidates for GM slot. That Omar's gone isn't surprise. That Ricco's not the guy is. source imjuryexpert Will Carroll twittter
What's Bones mean to Warthen
Now I won't be surprised if the entire coaching staff is let go at the end of the season.
As I said in my last post Chip Hale has the credentials and reputation to at least get looked at but none of us know what Hale was like this year with the Mets, after all he's a 3B coach.
However, the one coach who appears to have had a positive effect on the area of the team he is responsible for is Dan Warthen.
Within the first month of the season the Mets lost the #3, 4 starters and never had set-up man Kelvim Escobar. Despite losing these significant pieces the rotation has been solid all year and other then a few streaks so has the pen.
Mike Pelfrey, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey and Bobby Parnell have made significant progress while in the majors. Despite losing several key pieces there has been no discussions of failures due to roles because where there were failures or injuries ( Perez/ Maine / Iggy/ Green / etc...) others have stepped in.
So then why is Buffalo Pitching coach Ricky Bones joining the team for the rest of the season (source Adam Rubin), sure you could say that he has worked with most of the staff in Buffalo because they're so young.
But the offense has been what has made this season a below .500 team and many of the positional players started the year in Buffalo and I don't see Jack Voigt here.
Bones is considered to be on the rocket ride and thought of highly within the organization. He has rapidly advanced through the ranks and each pitching staff he has coached has had good BB/SO ratios and low ERAs.
In his first season with the organization (2006) Port St. Lucie won the championship, the next two years he spent as the B-Mets pitching coach and the last two seasons were with the Bisons.
Bones is going to be a pitching coach in the Arizona Fall League ( source examiner.com) so maybe this is to just continue the rapport he has with the younger pitchers.
Although, early in the 2009 season (before all the injuries) when the team got off to a slow start that was being attributed to the pitching staff, there was some speculation that Bones could replace Warthen (source Mets Today) because he was seen as Mr. Fix it, which can't make things comfortable now...
As I said in my last post Chip Hale has the credentials and reputation to at least get looked at but none of us know what Hale was like this year with the Mets, after all he's a 3B coach.
However, the one coach who appears to have had a positive effect on the area of the team he is responsible for is Dan Warthen.
Within the first month of the season the Mets lost the #3, 4 starters and never had set-up man Kelvim Escobar. Despite losing these significant pieces the rotation has been solid all year and other then a few streaks so has the pen.
Mike Pelfrey, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey and Bobby Parnell have made significant progress while in the majors. Despite losing several key pieces there has been no discussions of failures due to roles because where there were failures or injuries ( Perez/ Maine / Iggy/ Green / etc...) others have stepped in.
So then why is Buffalo Pitching coach Ricky Bones joining the team for the rest of the season (source Adam Rubin), sure you could say that he has worked with most of the staff in Buffalo because they're so young.
But the offense has been what has made this season a below .500 team and many of the positional players started the year in Buffalo and I don't see Jack Voigt here.
Bones is considered to be on the rocket ride and thought of highly within the organization. He has rapidly advanced through the ranks and each pitching staff he has coached has had good BB/SO ratios and low ERAs.
In his first season with the organization (2006) Port St. Lucie won the championship, the next two years he spent as the B-Mets pitching coach and the last two seasons were with the Bisons.
Bones is going to be a pitching coach in the Arizona Fall League ( source examiner.com) so maybe this is to just continue the rapport he has with the younger pitchers.
Although, early in the 2009 season (before all the injuries) when the team got off to a slow start that was being attributed to the pitching staff, there was some speculation that Bones could replace Warthen (source Mets Today) because he was seen as Mr. Fix it, which can't make things comfortable now...
The Mets are high on Buffalo’s pitching coach, Ricky Bones. Should they decide to demote Perez, it would be interesting to see whether Bones could correct Perez’s flaws while also easing his psyche. No one enjoys being sent to the minors, especially those who have had success at the major-league level. Myers was humbled by the demotion. The Mets hope Perez would be, too. But that happens — the Mets’ worst-case scenario — Perez will get one more start to prove he belongs in the big leagues. source NY Times 4/27/09
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Take a closer look at Chip Hale
Ok, this is a premature conversation because I do believe the Mets will do the right thing and hire a GM before they try to figure out who will be manager.
But in all the discussion surrounding Torre this morning I made the flip comment that if it was Torre or Backman I can think of five managers I would prefer over Backman and Torre isn't even in the top ten. This of course, lead to a conversation as to who I would pick over Backman.
For me it's easier to example why I'd be against Backman then it is to give a list of who I'd choose over Wally. I did a complete post on Backman, here.
Briefly I simply don't think he's qualified for the position based on a 1999 Independent league championship, 2002-2003 double A championship, first round playoff appearance and mgr of the year, 2004 single A playoff finals with mgr. of the year, then winning a championship in Independent ball in 2007 with the Peanuts and finally this year in Brooklyn.
But if never coaching above AA ( and that last being in 2003), not knowing this league at all and six playoff seasons ( three championships) since 1997 in the lower minors is what you call winning everywhere he goes and that is enough, then I ask what about the baggage he carries.
Which includes DWI, a domestic incident, despite having back-to-back winning seasons with the White Sox being let go the same year they hired volatile Jose Guillen. He was court order to anger mgt. in 2001 but in 2007 showed, in front of cameras he still has over the top melt downs in front of entry level players and during that winning season quit because he accused the doctors in regards to testing practices when two of his players tested positive. Oh and in his last job before returning to the Mets he was fired for a 3-23 record in the Independent league. So either way; I don't feel Wally has the resume to manage at the major league level nor have I seen enough to not be concerned that he wont implode at some point and turn this into a complete circus.
Bobby Valentine would be my first choice to manage this team, two years ago when this was a veteran team that resisted leadership from management ( see Delgado's comments when Willie benched him) I would have said no way but the last of that group is Beltran and he maybe gone this off-season.
Now mid-season I thought Bob Melvin would have been a good in-house replacement and made my case here, moving forward he doesn't excite me.
I still really like Terry Collins who has the same personality as Valentine and Backman but wouldn't cost as much as Bobby and has more of a resume then Wally. Terry also has a full knowledge of the our minors much like Davey did when he took over, I could see Collins being like Coughlin a task master who over time learns to dial it down. I did a full post on him, here.
This post is more about another in-house candidate who I feel has a much more proven resume then Wally Backman and that's Chip Hale. For those who are beating the drum for Wally I ask you; have you looked at Hale's resume or just attached him to this failing manager.
After his playing career ended Hale's coaching career started in 1999 with Team USA both the National and Intercontinental Cup teams. By 2000 he lead Arizona's rookie ball team to the best record in the league and in 2001 lead them to a second half championship which resulted in him being named Manager of the Year by the Pioneer League and Baseball America's rookie-level Manager of the Year. Then in 2002 he lead a AA team to the best record in the league. From 2004-2006 he managed the D-Backs AAA team in which he lead them to an incredible season in 2006 including PCL championship, minor league team of the year and league best record, he was also named manager of the year and his overall 220 wins ( .542% ) was a franchise best. He's spent the last four years as a third base coach with Arizona and the Mets. To view his full managerial bio go here.
Hale has been considered for major league managerial positions, in 2008 he was in the running for the Mariners job. Many felt that he was going to be made the interim D-Backs manager when Melvin was let go and when that didn't happen he was again a candidate for the Nationals after the 2009 season (source NBC Sports).
So those of us who say ok I admit that's an impressive resume but the Mets need a specific type of coach and standing at third base I haven't seen that in him, the few descriptions of his managerial style I could find we should like. Just this year he was in a managerial prospect list by Baseball Prospectus ( subscription required) he made the list and was described as a Ozzie Guillen type.
But in all the discussion surrounding Torre this morning I made the flip comment that if it was Torre or Backman I can think of five managers I would prefer over Backman and Torre isn't even in the top ten. This of course, lead to a conversation as to who I would pick over Backman.
For me it's easier to example why I'd be against Backman then it is to give a list of who I'd choose over Wally. I did a complete post on Backman, here.
Briefly I simply don't think he's qualified for the position based on a 1999 Independent league championship, 2002-2003 double A championship, first round playoff appearance and mgr of the year, 2004 single A playoff finals with mgr. of the year, then winning a championship in Independent ball in 2007 with the Peanuts and finally this year in Brooklyn.
But if never coaching above AA ( and that last being in 2003), not knowing this league at all and six playoff seasons ( three championships) since 1997 in the lower minors is what you call winning everywhere he goes and that is enough, then I ask what about the baggage he carries.
Which includes DWI, a domestic incident, despite having back-to-back winning seasons with the White Sox being let go the same year they hired volatile Jose Guillen. He was court order to anger mgt. in 2001 but in 2007 showed, in front of cameras he still has over the top melt downs in front of entry level players and during that winning season quit because he accused the doctors in regards to testing practices when two of his players tested positive. Oh and in his last job before returning to the Mets he was fired for a 3-23 record in the Independent league. So either way; I don't feel Wally has the resume to manage at the major league level nor have I seen enough to not be concerned that he wont implode at some point and turn this into a complete circus.
Bobby Valentine would be my first choice to manage this team, two years ago when this was a veteran team that resisted leadership from management ( see Delgado's comments when Willie benched him) I would have said no way but the last of that group is Beltran and he maybe gone this off-season.
Now mid-season I thought Bob Melvin would have been a good in-house replacement and made my case here, moving forward he doesn't excite me.
I still really like Terry Collins who has the same personality as Valentine and Backman but wouldn't cost as much as Bobby and has more of a resume then Wally. Terry also has a full knowledge of the our minors much like Davey did when he took over, I could see Collins being like Coughlin a task master who over time learns to dial it down. I did a full post on him, here.
This post is more about another in-house candidate who I feel has a much more proven resume then Wally Backman and that's Chip Hale. For those who are beating the drum for Wally I ask you; have you looked at Hale's resume or just attached him to this failing manager.
After his playing career ended Hale's coaching career started in 1999 with Team USA both the National and Intercontinental Cup teams. By 2000 he lead Arizona's rookie ball team to the best record in the league and in 2001 lead them to a second half championship which resulted in him being named Manager of the Year by the Pioneer League and Baseball America's rookie-level Manager of the Year. Then in 2002 he lead a AA team to the best record in the league. From 2004-2006 he managed the D-Backs AAA team in which he lead them to an incredible season in 2006 including PCL championship, minor league team of the year and league best record, he was also named manager of the year and his overall 220 wins ( .542% ) was a franchise best. He's spent the last four years as a third base coach with Arizona and the Mets. To view his full managerial bio go here.
The Minor League Team of the Year Trophy joins numerous other honors the club received in 2006, including the Triple-A Championship Trophy, Pacific Coast League Championship Trophy, the PCL Southern Division title, the Manager of the Year Award (Chip Hale), the Bricktown Showdown Most Valuable Pitcher (Micah Owings) and the Bricktown Showdown Most Valuable Player (Scott Hairston). source Entertainment Magazine
Hale has been considered for major league managerial positions, in 2008 he was in the running for the Mariners job. Many felt that he was going to be made the interim D-Backs manager when Melvin was let go and when that didn't happen he was again a candidate for the Nationals after the 2009 season (source NBC Sports).
So those of us who say ok I admit that's an impressive resume but the Mets need a specific type of coach and standing at third base I haven't seen that in him, the few descriptions of his managerial style I could find we should like. Just this year he was in a managerial prospect list by Baseball Prospectus ( subscription required) he made the list and was described as a Ozzie Guillen type.
You can convince me that this team needed a new voice, a new leader. Many fans in the Valley are extremely disgusted with this group and envisioned a new manager who would flip tables, throw coolers and light a fire under listless players struggling to hit their own weights. They would have gladly embraced a Mark Grace, a Kirk Gibson, and maybe even the volatile Chip Hale. source AZ central Dan BickleyFinally when Hale was one of the last seven candidates for the Seattle job here is how he described himself.
Hale, during a spotty Twins career that saw him play 319 games from 1989 to 1996, soaked up the wisdom of Kelly, who won World Series titles in 1987 and '91.
"My biggest thing is play the game the right way," Hale said. "I played under Tom Kelly in Minnesota, and the one thing he preached from day one was 'respect the game.' We just did things the right way, whether it was working on bunt defenses, taking infield, outfield. If we didn't do it the right way, we'd keep on doing it again." source Seattle Times
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Does Parnell's injury change things
By now, most Mets fans have heard that Bobby Parnell has been shut down with an elbow injury. Most reports indicate that he's done for the year but Parnell, on SNY seemed to leave the door open to a return this season. Regardless of when he returns, it doesn't appear to be anything serious and the rest is considered a precaution.
But it is an elbow injury in his pitching arm so no matter how minor, there has to be some concern moving forward and it could possibly have implications on next years roster.
There are many who believed that no matter what, Krod will not be a member of this team next year and that the Mets will attempt to re-sign Takahashi but won't get involved in a full blown bidding war for his services. However, that all hinges upon the clubs confidence in turning the closers role over to Parnell.
Now even without an injury I feel Parnell is a year away from becoming a closer and should be someone Else's set-up man to start the 2011 season. That wouldn't mean he couldn't win the job in-season for say Takahashi but it also wouldn't put the pressure of starting the year as the closer on him. I still think Bobby needs to work on his secondary pitchers, gain better control of them and confidence in throwing them in any situation.
But if the Mets are committed to moving Krod and somebody else really wanted to pay Takahashi, it would make sense to go with a healthy Parnell, However; does his elbow take that flexibility away....
But it is an elbow injury in his pitching arm so no matter how minor, there has to be some concern moving forward and it could possibly have implications on next years roster.
There are many who believed that no matter what, Krod will not be a member of this team next year and that the Mets will attempt to re-sign Takahashi but won't get involved in a full blown bidding war for his services. However, that all hinges upon the clubs confidence in turning the closers role over to Parnell.
Now even without an injury I feel Parnell is a year away from becoming a closer and should be someone Else's set-up man to start the 2011 season. That wouldn't mean he couldn't win the job in-season for say Takahashi but it also wouldn't put the pressure of starting the year as the closer on him. I still think Bobby needs to work on his secondary pitchers, gain better control of them and confidence in throwing them in any situation.
But if the Mets are committed to moving Krod and somebody else really wanted to pay Takahashi, it would make sense to go with a healthy Parnell, However; does his elbow take that flexibility away....
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Has Beltran mentally checked out...
Since he came to the Mets I have long said that Carlos Beltran is an extremely under appreciated player by a large portion of the Mets fan base.
A legitimate gold glove center fielder, strong arm, base stealing speed and heart of the order offense is very hard to find. Despite his physical abilities, what most fans dislike is his quiet, behind-the-scenes personality, many have long felt he was being paid to be a leader.
I also think there are those who misinterpret the ease with which he plays the game as a lack of effort or intensity on his part. I consider baseball to be much more of a skill sport then an emotional impact sport such as football, Beltran is so graceful that at times he appears to some as lackadaisical.
As you can tell I have been a Beltran supporter but I'm starting to grow concerned that Beltran has mentally checked out on the Mets.
There have been those for several years who have said that Beltran is miserable with the Mets but how would any of us know that unless he told us. I think a lot of that is still scorned Yankees fans who wanted him in 2005, and Mets fans who dislike him and are reading too much into his body language.
Actions speak louder then words and until 2009 he was the best player on this team...
Clearly there was an issue last year with the handling of his injury and then Carlos' camp seemed to mismanage the injury themselves this off-season. Why the heck did he have to play last Sept. if there was any chance of him needing surgery and then wait so long to have it.
Of course, the Mets didn't improve things with their handling of Beltran's decision to have surgery this winter.
My antenna really went up when Carlos returned and clearly wasn't himself, but instead of putting the team first he acted selfishly. At this point Angel Pagan is clearly the better center fielder on this team but Beltran will not step aside for the good of the team. When a player is thinking more of themselves then the better good of the team it is concerning.
If he needs an example, all he has to do is look at Torii Hunter who's resume is almost identical and volunteered to move to RF for the good of the team.
Once again the Mets made a mess of things with the Walter Reed incident ( yes, I haven't written about it but I do blame the Mets for creating a mess) but I found it interesting that Boras, this time; took the offense against the Mets. I thought it clearly seemed like Boras was making a exit plan with those comments (source Metsblog).
But what really concerned me was what I saw myself yesterday at the game. I admit that I am down on Beltran over him not telling Jerry to put him in RF, which would avoid everyone trying to figure what to do and how to do it. This could simply be me over reading things and projecting negativity onto him.
At Saturday's game I sat in section 137 which is in the gap between CF and LF, Beltran appeared completely disinterested the entire game no matter what was happening. But again people have been misreading his body language since he came to NY but this wasn't misinterpreting grace for lack of hustle this looked more like “are we done yet“.
As I’ve said actions speak louder then words, in between innings while the pitcher is warming up the infield throws a ball around, the RF throws to a ball boy and the CF throws with LF. Beltran would throw the ball 3-4 times and then throw it in, much earlier then anyone else. Standing in CF with his hands on his hips and leaving rookie Lucas Duda to uncomfortably stand there, like - “ok, what do I do now“. Meanwhile Pagan was repeatedly throwing to a ball boy and the infield was going through their drills. This didn't happen one inning this happened several times throughout the game.
Not only did I say to myself "oh, man Beltran is really checking out" but I also felt bad for Duda who was stuck there, shuffling his feet and looking around.
A legitimate gold glove center fielder, strong arm, base stealing speed and heart of the order offense is very hard to find. Despite his physical abilities, what most fans dislike is his quiet, behind-the-scenes personality, many have long felt he was being paid to be a leader.
I also think there are those who misinterpret the ease with which he plays the game as a lack of effort or intensity on his part. I consider baseball to be much more of a skill sport then an emotional impact sport such as football, Beltran is so graceful that at times he appears to some as lackadaisical.
As you can tell I have been a Beltran supporter but I'm starting to grow concerned that Beltran has mentally checked out on the Mets.
There have been those for several years who have said that Beltran is miserable with the Mets but how would any of us know that unless he told us. I think a lot of that is still scorned Yankees fans who wanted him in 2005, and Mets fans who dislike him and are reading too much into his body language.
Actions speak louder then words and until 2009 he was the best player on this team...
Clearly there was an issue last year with the handling of his injury and then Carlos' camp seemed to mismanage the injury themselves this off-season. Why the heck did he have to play last Sept. if there was any chance of him needing surgery and then wait so long to have it.
Of course, the Mets didn't improve things with their handling of Beltran's decision to have surgery this winter.
My antenna really went up when Carlos returned and clearly wasn't himself, but instead of putting the team first he acted selfishly. At this point Angel Pagan is clearly the better center fielder on this team but Beltran will not step aside for the good of the team. When a player is thinking more of themselves then the better good of the team it is concerning.
If he needs an example, all he has to do is look at Torii Hunter who's resume is almost identical and volunteered to move to RF for the good of the team.
Once again the Mets made a mess of things with the Walter Reed incident ( yes, I haven't written about it but I do blame the Mets for creating a mess) but I found it interesting that Boras, this time; took the offense against the Mets. I thought it clearly seemed like Boras was making a exit plan with those comments (source Metsblog).
But what really concerned me was what I saw myself yesterday at the game. I admit that I am down on Beltran over him not telling Jerry to put him in RF, which would avoid everyone trying to figure what to do and how to do it. This could simply be me over reading things and projecting negativity onto him.
At Saturday's game I sat in section 137 which is in the gap between CF and LF, Beltran appeared completely disinterested the entire game no matter what was happening. But again people have been misreading his body language since he came to NY but this wasn't misinterpreting grace for lack of hustle this looked more like “are we done yet“.
As I’ve said actions speak louder then words, in between innings while the pitcher is warming up the infield throws a ball around, the RF throws to a ball boy and the CF throws with LF. Beltran would throw the ball 3-4 times and then throw it in, much earlier then anyone else. Standing in CF with his hands on his hips and leaving rookie Lucas Duda to uncomfortably stand there, like - “ok, what do I do now“. Meanwhile Pagan was repeatedly throwing to a ball boy and the infield was going through their drills. This didn't happen one inning this happened several times throughout the game.
Not only did I say to myself "oh, man Beltran is really checking out" but I also felt bad for Duda who was stuck there, shuffling his feet and looking around.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Implications of pen moves...
Back in June and early July most in the media and bloggers with sources didn't believe the Mets would shut it down and go with a youth movement, but that's exactly what they did. By not making a single trade, which those who can get in the locker room say hit the veterans hard and then bringing up youngsters like Ruben Tejada and Fernando Martinez, your basically saying the season is over.
Any of those comments about no trade making sense, we believe in who we have, were looking toward those returning, the waiver wire is very active and the youngsters will give us energy, is simply PR spin. This season was over July 31 at 4pm and for those who needed confirmation the waiving of Barajas and Francoeur should be enough.
I bring this up not to rehash a bad season that was poorly managed both on the field and in the front office, but to try and figure out what the Mets will do moving forward. If this team was in Cleveland, Toronto, Seattle or San Diego based on where this team is at this would be a rebuilding year, however; we keep hearing that this is NY and they can't afford to rebuild.
I think if there is any one component of the team that can give us an indication as to what direction the team will truly take it is the bullpen. Both the rotation and position players may not indicate anything, there are to many players who maybe unmovable or part of the solution while acquiring up grades might be difficult.
But on the other hand, the pen may tip the Mets hand as to what direction there've really taking. Lets take a look at the pen as it is currently constructed and I'll explain why I feel it will be an indicator as to whether it will be a youth movement rebuilding year or that they're going to try and be competitive.
Francisco Rodriguez, Hisanori Takahashi, Manny Acosta, Bobby Parnell, Pedro Feliciano, Oliver Perez, Elmer Dessens, Pat Misch, Royota Igarashi, Raul Valdes and Sean Green.
This bullpen has been surprisingly good but many of them could walk and as good as they have been they are still probably one top notch reliever away from being a playoff contender.
First lets drop the expansion roster relievers who aren't really a consideration in this discussion; Pat Misch and Raul Valdes. Sean Green is in his free agent year and this should be the end of the failed J.J. Putz trade.
If Oliver Perez is on this team next year I'm not sure what I or most other Mets fans will do.
Manny Acosta has shown me enough to return and while he's out of options he still is under control, I see him as a seventh inning guy. Royota Igarashi aside from his early season success, he has been ineffective but he has options and I'm guessing they will keep him around to see how he progresses next year.
That leaves us with the core pen and where I feel hints towards which direction will be shown. Francisco Rodriquez, Hisanori Takahashi, Pedro Feliciano, Elmer Dessens, Bobby Parnell, Manny Acosta and a free agent would be a solid bullpen.
Will Krod be back, if the beat writers have it right there is no way he's with the Mets next year, not only is this a morale issue but there are grumblings that many players were upset that incident occurred in front of their families. Without Krod the team has a huge hole to fill in the closer role, despite his struggles this year he is a premier closer and in regards to Takahashi/Parnell there is a huge difference between closing meaningless games and pennant race games. Now if Krod is healthy and legally cleared along with counseling, I find it hard to believe a team who is considering a guy like Backman as their manager with his checkered past, would be willing to just dump Krod. Unless they're rebuilding and this is about losing as much of his expensive contract as possible, while cloaking it in morality, it doesn't make sense to create such a huge whole. Of course this all depends on his health and legal status but they will never get fair value in trade for him nor will the union let them cut his contract.
Takahashi is the next question, he was pursued by several teams this off-season resulting in the Mets giving him a one year deal with an out clause, so despite being a rookie he's a free agent at the end of the season. Taki wants to start but the results just aren't there, however; as a reliever there will be competition for his services. While I have concerns about him closing full time I do think they should re-sign him. A left handed reliever who can close and get through the line-up twice is a very valuable asset. Will the Mets re-sign an expensive relievers contract or look to Mike O'Connor or Michael Antonini.
Elmer Dessens seems to be one of those guys who figures it all out with age and due to his experiences becomes unflappable. Not only does he deserve a contract based on his performance, I also see him having the same effect on the younger relievers like Bert ( Roberto Hernandez) did in 2005. It may take a major league contract to keep him and if the Mets are rebuilding there will be no room for a 40 y/o.
Pedro Feliciano is in his last year of control and it appears the years of over use are starting to effect him, in his third straight 80 appearance season his walks are up and if he gives up five more he will match a career high. Still his ERA is lower then it has ever been in a full season at 2.95, Feliciano would have a lot of value on the trade market but he's also extremely valuable to us if we plan to compete for a playoff spot next year.
Finally, I do believe Bobby Parnell will be a closer but I also think he's about a year away for taking that position. I think if he's the closer next year the results will be mixed, with him going through dominant stretches to going through bouts of confidence issues with his off-speed stuff and trying to over throw his fastball.
The Mets may have a guy like Dillon Gee in the rotation but that may be because good starters are so hard to come by and have no indication of the direction they are attempting to take. The positional portion of the roster may also look very similar but that may be due to unmovable contracts or they truly believe certain players are ready for the majors. But if Takahashi, Dessens, K-Rod and Feliciano are gone and instead of experience relievers brought in to replace them, then you will truely know that a NY team can have a rebuilding season.
Any of those comments about no trade making sense, we believe in who we have, were looking toward those returning, the waiver wire is very active and the youngsters will give us energy, is simply PR spin. This season was over July 31 at 4pm and for those who needed confirmation the waiving of Barajas and Francoeur should be enough.
I bring this up not to rehash a bad season that was poorly managed both on the field and in the front office, but to try and figure out what the Mets will do moving forward. If this team was in Cleveland, Toronto, Seattle or San Diego based on where this team is at this would be a rebuilding year, however; we keep hearing that this is NY and they can't afford to rebuild.
I think if there is any one component of the team that can give us an indication as to what direction the team will truly take it is the bullpen. Both the rotation and position players may not indicate anything, there are to many players who maybe unmovable or part of the solution while acquiring up grades might be difficult.
But on the other hand, the pen may tip the Mets hand as to what direction there've really taking. Lets take a look at the pen as it is currently constructed and I'll explain why I feel it will be an indicator as to whether it will be a youth movement rebuilding year or that they're going to try and be competitive.
Francisco Rodriguez, Hisanori Takahashi, Manny Acosta, Bobby Parnell, Pedro Feliciano, Oliver Perez, Elmer Dessens, Pat Misch, Royota Igarashi, Raul Valdes and Sean Green.
This bullpen has been surprisingly good but many of them could walk and as good as they have been they are still probably one top notch reliever away from being a playoff contender.
First lets drop the expansion roster relievers who aren't really a consideration in this discussion; Pat Misch and Raul Valdes. Sean Green is in his free agent year and this should be the end of the failed J.J. Putz trade.
If Oliver Perez is on this team next year I'm not sure what I or most other Mets fans will do.
Manny Acosta has shown me enough to return and while he's out of options he still is under control, I see him as a seventh inning guy. Royota Igarashi aside from his early season success, he has been ineffective but he has options and I'm guessing they will keep him around to see how he progresses next year.
That leaves us with the core pen and where I feel hints towards which direction will be shown. Francisco Rodriquez, Hisanori Takahashi, Pedro Feliciano, Elmer Dessens, Bobby Parnell, Manny Acosta and a free agent would be a solid bullpen.
Will Krod be back, if the beat writers have it right there is no way he's with the Mets next year, not only is this a morale issue but there are grumblings that many players were upset that incident occurred in front of their families. Without Krod the team has a huge hole to fill in the closer role, despite his struggles this year he is a premier closer and in regards to Takahashi/Parnell there is a huge difference between closing meaningless games and pennant race games. Now if Krod is healthy and legally cleared along with counseling, I find it hard to believe a team who is considering a guy like Backman as their manager with his checkered past, would be willing to just dump Krod. Unless they're rebuilding and this is about losing as much of his expensive contract as possible, while cloaking it in morality, it doesn't make sense to create such a huge whole. Of course this all depends on his health and legal status but they will never get fair value in trade for him nor will the union let them cut his contract.
Takahashi is the next question, he was pursued by several teams this off-season resulting in the Mets giving him a one year deal with an out clause, so despite being a rookie he's a free agent at the end of the season. Taki wants to start but the results just aren't there, however; as a reliever there will be competition for his services. While I have concerns about him closing full time I do think they should re-sign him. A left handed reliever who can close and get through the line-up twice is a very valuable asset. Will the Mets re-sign an expensive relievers contract or look to Mike O'Connor or Michael Antonini.
Elmer Dessens seems to be one of those guys who figures it all out with age and due to his experiences becomes unflappable. Not only does he deserve a contract based on his performance, I also see him having the same effect on the younger relievers like Bert ( Roberto Hernandez) did in 2005. It may take a major league contract to keep him and if the Mets are rebuilding there will be no room for a 40 y/o.
Pedro Feliciano is in his last year of control and it appears the years of over use are starting to effect him, in his third straight 80 appearance season his walks are up and if he gives up five more he will match a career high. Still his ERA is lower then it has ever been in a full season at 2.95, Feliciano would have a lot of value on the trade market but he's also extremely valuable to us if we plan to compete for a playoff spot next year.
Finally, I do believe Bobby Parnell will be a closer but I also think he's about a year away for taking that position. I think if he's the closer next year the results will be mixed, with him going through dominant stretches to going through bouts of confidence issues with his off-speed stuff and trying to over throw his fastball.
The Mets may have a guy like Dillon Gee in the rotation but that may be because good starters are so hard to come by and have no indication of the direction they are attempting to take. The positional portion of the roster may also look very similar but that may be due to unmovable contracts or they truly believe certain players are ready for the majors. But if Takahashi, Dessens, K-Rod and Feliciano are gone and instead of experience relievers brought in to replace them, then you will truely know that a NY team can have a rebuilding season.
Havens may need back surgery...
Most of the discussion in regards to 2B is who will fill in for a season, after Castillo is gone until Reese Havens is ready.
Whether it's Ruben Tejada, Luis Hernandez, Justin Turner, Dan Murphy or Joaquin Arias all are seen as fill-ins until Havens is ready to take the position.
Havens was drafted the same year as Davis but the sixth ranked prospect in the Mets org. has been slowed by injuries. He only played in 32 games this season but none of his injuries have been described as serious, that may change with the latest news...
Adam Rubin is reporting that Havens may need back surgery, having a bad back could drop his stock dramatically.
The beneficiary of Havens misfortune could be Ruben Tejada, the slick fielder appeared to be destine to be a late inning defensive replacement in a middle infield utility role. However; with Havens going down if Tejada can prove he can hit the position maybe his.
While his overall BA is .208, in the month of Aug. over 30 plate appearances he's hitting .346...
Whether it's Ruben Tejada, Luis Hernandez, Justin Turner, Dan Murphy or Joaquin Arias all are seen as fill-ins until Havens is ready to take the position.
Havens was drafted the same year as Davis but the sixth ranked prospect in the Mets org. has been slowed by injuries. He only played in 32 games this season but none of his injuries have been described as serious, that may change with the latest news...
Adam Rubin is reporting that Havens may need back surgery, having a bad back could drop his stock dramatically.
The beneficiary of Havens misfortune could be Ruben Tejada, the slick fielder appeared to be destine to be a late inning defensive replacement in a middle infield utility role. However; with Havens going down if Tejada can prove he can hit the position maybe his.
While his overall BA is .208, in the month of Aug. over 30 plate appearances he's hitting .346...
Second baseman Reese Havens, who was drafted by the Mets in the same first round as Ike Davis in 2008, may be facing back surgery.
According to an organization source, Havens is in New York, where he received injections for season-long injury trouble that started with his oblique muscles. If the trouble is not relieved within a few weeks, surgery may proceed. source ESPN NY
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Playoff revision...
As the playoffs approach it seems like everyone has ideas as to how they would fix the baseball playoffs.
Just for fun, I'll post what I think would be a fair and competitive post season, that wouldn't negate the regular season as so many other sports have done.
First, I have always thought it unfair to both the teams and the fans that there can be this epic battle down the stretch in which only one team makes the playoffs. But on the other hand I don't think the current wild card team is penalized for not winning the division.
Now I think my system would allow every reasonably competitive team in, while balancing out the fairness of who won the division and who just made the playoffs.
I'll admit that some of this plan is based on the fact, that while I wasn't a fan of either team the one game playoff between the Yankees and Red Sox in the late 70s was extremely exciting. I rem. rushing home from school to see who won, and watching Bucky Dent put one over the Green monster.
Ok, so here we go; The first and second place teams in every division would make the playoffs, meaning 6 teams per league and 12 teams in all. I don't mean the best six records in each league, but instead strictly the first and second place team in each division. Is there a chance of a third team being better then one of the second place teams; yes, but I also think records are a reflection of the division.
Sudden death day- The day after the season ended the two second place teams in each league, with the worst records would play each other winner of the one game moves on. Home field would be based on best record, then head to head if records are same and if they didn't play each other record against common opponents.
Wild card weekend- After a day off the winner of the sudden death game would play the wild card team with the best record. This would be a three game series all at the home of the team with the best record of the second place teams.
Now by adding this round I have included all three second place teams, which avoids any team being left out unfairly. The risk of losing is so great that it doesn't allow a team to coast into the playoffs, in fact there is even incentive to be the best record amongst the 2nd place teams. It only adds four days to the playoffs while creating some highly competitive games and fatigues the wild card team.
So after four extra games we're down to what is our current playoff system. Eight teams, six division winners and the best second place team ( wild card) but now the wild card team has more chance for being worn out.
Division Series- It would remain a five game series with the wild card team facing the team with the best record, but the division winner would get four home games ( 2-1-2). While the other two division winners faced off to a balanced schedule ( best record getting rubber game). Again this gives incentive to the teams to have the best record.
I don't have any real changes to the rest of the playoffs other then making the World Series based on best record.
AL- three division winners, three second place teams
NL- three division winners, three second place teams
Sudden death - one game sudden death playoff between 5th and 6th place team in each league
wild card round- three game series all at the home of 4th place team against the winner of 5th/6th place team
DS- Best record against wild card winner with four home games for the best record in a five game series. 2nd and 3rd place teams play a best of five with the 2nd place team getting home field in the rubber game.
CS- no changes
WS- best record in the game gets home field
Just for fun, I'll post what I think would be a fair and competitive post season, that wouldn't negate the regular season as so many other sports have done.
First, I have always thought it unfair to both the teams and the fans that there can be this epic battle down the stretch in which only one team makes the playoffs. But on the other hand I don't think the current wild card team is penalized for not winning the division.
Now I think my system would allow every reasonably competitive team in, while balancing out the fairness of who won the division and who just made the playoffs.
I'll admit that some of this plan is based on the fact, that while I wasn't a fan of either team the one game playoff between the Yankees and Red Sox in the late 70s was extremely exciting. I rem. rushing home from school to see who won, and watching Bucky Dent put one over the Green monster.
Ok, so here we go; The first and second place teams in every division would make the playoffs, meaning 6 teams per league and 12 teams in all. I don't mean the best six records in each league, but instead strictly the first and second place team in each division. Is there a chance of a third team being better then one of the second place teams; yes, but I also think records are a reflection of the division.
Sudden death day- The day after the season ended the two second place teams in each league, with the worst records would play each other winner of the one game moves on. Home field would be based on best record, then head to head if records are same and if they didn't play each other record against common opponents.
Wild card weekend- After a day off the winner of the sudden death game would play the wild card team with the best record. This would be a three game series all at the home of the team with the best record of the second place teams.
Now by adding this round I have included all three second place teams, which avoids any team being left out unfairly. The risk of losing is so great that it doesn't allow a team to coast into the playoffs, in fact there is even incentive to be the best record amongst the 2nd place teams. It only adds four days to the playoffs while creating some highly competitive games and fatigues the wild card team.
So after four extra games we're down to what is our current playoff system. Eight teams, six division winners and the best second place team ( wild card) but now the wild card team has more chance for being worn out.
Division Series- It would remain a five game series with the wild card team facing the team with the best record, but the division winner would get four home games ( 2-1-2). While the other two division winners faced off to a balanced schedule ( best record getting rubber game). Again this gives incentive to the teams to have the best record.
I don't have any real changes to the rest of the playoffs other then making the World Series based on best record.
AL- three division winners, three second place teams
NL- three division winners, three second place teams
Sudden death - one game sudden death playoff between 5th and 6th place team in each league
wild card round- three game series all at the home of 4th place team against the winner of 5th/6th place team
DS- Best record against wild card winner with four home games for the best record in a five game series. 2nd and 3rd place teams play a best of five with the 2nd place team getting home field in the rubber game.
CS- no changes
WS- best record in the game gets home field
Monday, September 13, 2010
Under construction
Mets Fever is getting a face lift. As most of you know after four years I had to take most of the summer off. But as the Mets embark upon an off-season of change , Mets Fever will be back in full force offering opinions and editorials on everything they do/don't do. Just as the Mets will be getting a face lift I felt it was time for the site to get one as well, for those of you who have stuck around please bare with me for the next few days as I tweak the site a bit.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Too many complimentary hitters...
You remember in little league or pick up ball when that one kid came up on the other team that everyone was intimidated by, what did all the kids scream; back up !!!!
I feel like since Mike Piazza left, the Mets offense has been missing and looking for that type of player. Sure, in 2006 Carlos Delgado filled that void but injuries and age impacted his ability to sustain that reputation.
Carlos Beltran (when healthy) and David Wright are great hitters and at times in their careers they have been so hot that they have carried the team. But I think of both as more #3 or #5 hitters, same could be said of Bay and Davis appears to be a similar hitter.
Beltran, Wright, Bay and Davis are the type that when you get through the #4 hitter you say "oh Sh*t I have to get through him too", they are not the type, using my metaphor that you scream "backup" as you run to the warning track.
The Mets appear to be conscious of this as well because they seem to have attempted to fill the void from within, unfortunately; none of them have panned out either.
What the Mets have is a group of young complimentary bench players who don't even fit the mold of the team they said they were attempting to build.
For a team that built a huge stadium and said they were looking for defense and speed how do Chris Carter, Lucas Duda, and Nick Evans fit into the equation.
It's simple the Mets have never filled the #4 hitter spot and those type of players are expensive, so they keep gathering minor league hitters hoping one develops.
The Mets only have one outfielder amongst their top prospects who is a speedy defensive player and he's considered at best a fourth outfielder, Kirk Nieuwenhuis.
If your saying, wait you forgot Fmart; we'll first he needs to prove he can stay healthy, then he needs to hit MLB pitching and finally he's already out grown CF, some think he'd be best suited for 1B.
Most every other player they've brought up to play the corner outfield ( Jesus Feliciano aside) is a player, out of position who's there for his potential bat. These players are one dimensional and really belong at 1B or DH if anywhere.
With Ike Davis cemented at 1B maybe you could justify keeping Evans because he's right handed but what the heck are they doing with Carter who they traded for and Duda who would have much more trade value if they left him AAA.
More importantly, how is it a team in one of the major baseball cities, with one of the top payrolls in the leagues, can go for this long without a #4 hitter.
I feel like since Mike Piazza left, the Mets offense has been missing and looking for that type of player. Sure, in 2006 Carlos Delgado filled that void but injuries and age impacted his ability to sustain that reputation.
Carlos Beltran (when healthy) and David Wright are great hitters and at times in their careers they have been so hot that they have carried the team. But I think of both as more #3 or #5 hitters, same could be said of Bay and Davis appears to be a similar hitter.
Beltran, Wright, Bay and Davis are the type that when you get through the #4 hitter you say "oh Sh*t I have to get through him too", they are not the type, using my metaphor that you scream "backup" as you run to the warning track.
The Mets appear to be conscious of this as well because they seem to have attempted to fill the void from within, unfortunately; none of them have panned out either.
What the Mets have is a group of young complimentary bench players who don't even fit the mold of the team they said they were attempting to build.
For a team that built a huge stadium and said they were looking for defense and speed how do Chris Carter, Lucas Duda, and Nick Evans fit into the equation.
It's simple the Mets have never filled the #4 hitter spot and those type of players are expensive, so they keep gathering minor league hitters hoping one develops.
The Mets only have one outfielder amongst their top prospects who is a speedy defensive player and he's considered at best a fourth outfielder, Kirk Nieuwenhuis.
If your saying, wait you forgot Fmart; we'll first he needs to prove he can stay healthy, then he needs to hit MLB pitching and finally he's already out grown CF, some think he'd be best suited for 1B.
Most every other player they've brought up to play the corner outfield ( Jesus Feliciano aside) is a player, out of position who's there for his potential bat. These players are one dimensional and really belong at 1B or DH if anywhere.
With Ike Davis cemented at 1B maybe you could justify keeping Evans because he's right handed but what the heck are they doing with Carter who they traded for and Duda who would have much more trade value if they left him AAA.
More importantly, how is it a team in one of the major baseball cities, with one of the top payrolls in the leagues, can go for this long without a #4 hitter.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Without Castillo were fine at 2B
It's pretty safe to say that Louis Castillo will not be the Mets starting second baseman on opening day 2011.
I've been one of the few that actually thought Castillo was a serviceable second baseman over the last few years. Sure he lost some range but he made up for that with his veteran positioning and while his propensity to look walk first drove us all nuts, he was a decent table setter.
But even I know it's time to move on and not because of any of the supposed clubhouse stuff, bottom line is that Louie (IMO) is washed up, his knees are failing him.
While my opinion stems strictly from a baseball point of view I can't deny the positive PR that will come from letting Louie go. Whether right or wrong Castillo ( along with Ollie) has become the poster child for everything that is wrong with this team.
I still say you blame a bad contract on the GM not the player for taking it, but many fans absolutely despise Castillo and I think it's a direct result of his four year, six million per year deal.
So those fans who will rejoice when Louie is gone just remember that we are on the hook for 6MM and no one is taking that contract. I do believe the Mets will release/trade ( sending most his money with him) him this off-season but for those who think that’s a position we'll be able to bring in some offense, I think are mistaken.
For example; were not getting Dan Uggla, the Mets wont pay that much at one position. Castillo will be gone and we'll be filling the position from the in-house candidates.
The Mets believe that Reese Havens is the long term answer at the position but injuries have slowed his progress and he won't be ready by next year. So for the 2011 season I see them going with a combination of Ruben Tejada, Joaquin Arias, Daniel Murphy, Luis Hernandez and Justin Turner.
For the most part this is a group of young utility players and not starting position players, but for a season at a position known to place more importance on defense a combination of these guys should be fine. Since they all have options I could even see a rotation of these players with the manager playing the hot hand and optioning someone who gets cold back to Buffalo.
Lets start with Tejada the 20 y/o prospect is a solid defensive player at both middle infield positions and appears to have the tools to become a solid major leaguer. Mack’s Mets has this complete bio on Tejada, my only question would be whether he’s going to be one of these all glove, no bat types. One thing is clear, at 20 y/o with only four minor league seasons, his bat hasn’t mature for the major league level as evident by his numbers this year in 200 PA ( .188/ .281/ .241 / .522). If he stays with the club he should be a late inning defensive replacement and starter when the SP is a ground style pitcher.
Yes, Daniel Murphy is still around, he missed most of the season recovering from a knee injury but is healthy again. According to Adam Rubin at ESPN NY Murphy will play winter ball at second base. In 2008 Murph played 17 games at 2B in AA and then went to the Arizona Fall league to also play there, reviews weren’t very positive. But with Davis at 1B and his own performance LF, Murphy was forced back to the position if he wanted to be useful to the Mets. This season he made two starts in Buffalo before a take out slide injured his knee. If Murphy could return to the offensive player he was in 2008 where he hit .313/ .397 / .473 / .871 you could live with his Dan Uggla type glove through the first six innings of a game. But even at his less impressive 2009 offensive performance, depending on how bad his glove is .266 over 550 PA might be the best you get from this group.
The Mets traded a player in Francoeur that they really liked for 25y/o former top prospect, Joaquin Arias; so I’m guessing unless he’s a complete bust he’ll stick around. Once the #4 prospect in the Yankees organization that the Rangers picked over Robinson Cano in the Arod deal with Buck Showalter helping Texas decide, Arias’ star has been on a steady decline. Since every time Arias’ name is mentioned so is the trade, I have to wonder if the trade and Cano’s success has almost doomed him in Arlington. He has always been considered a polished middle infielder and in over 250 major league PA he has a .282 BA which is solid for 2B. Arias played for Obie in winter ball this year in which he gave positive reviews on his speed, versatility and glove. He went from a Rangers 10 ten prospect to an honorable mention in 2009 on Sickel’s list and that same year Sickel’s saw him with Okalahoma City in this review it was his bat holding him back, making him look more like a AAAA player.
The next player is Luis Hernandez, now I’m not saying he’s anything more then a AAAA player but if you listened to most accounts you would think he’s a 35 y/o who’s been with 10 teams. Luis is the oldest of the group and has been with the three teams and is 26 y/o. Another all glove guy but it appears in short stints he does get hot, as a rookie with Baltimore in 2007 he hit .290 in 71 PA and is hitting .313 in 30 PA for us this season. Sickel’s saw in Omaha in 2009 and raved about his glove. Also Baltimore in 2008 was going to make Hernandez their all glove starting SS (source MLB.com).
Finally if Dan Murphy is too sloppy to be the bat at second amongst all these slick fielders then another former Oriole Justin Turner might be the answer. With three other players already on the major league roster there probably wasn’t room for Turner who was injured when the first round of middle infielders were recalled but Turner finished off his season in AAA going a club record 6-6 ( source MiLB). He finished the season in Buffalo hitting .316, however; he’s only hit .114 in 40 PA in the majors between the Mets and Baltimore. Turner had a great collegiate career at baseball powerhouse Cal State Fullerton which will always get you the label of “smart player”. If he can hit even close to what he’s done in AAA he might be the compromise between the all gloves and the offense only players.
Between these five we have a group of young, versatile and athletic players and I see no reason to bring in a retread 2B to fill the hole for a year or two until Reese Havens is ready…..
I've been one of the few that actually thought Castillo was a serviceable second baseman over the last few years. Sure he lost some range but he made up for that with his veteran positioning and while his propensity to look walk first drove us all nuts, he was a decent table setter.
But even I know it's time to move on and not because of any of the supposed clubhouse stuff, bottom line is that Louie (IMO) is washed up, his knees are failing him.
While my opinion stems strictly from a baseball point of view I can't deny the positive PR that will come from letting Louie go. Whether right or wrong Castillo ( along with Ollie) has become the poster child for everything that is wrong with this team.
I still say you blame a bad contract on the GM not the player for taking it, but many fans absolutely despise Castillo and I think it's a direct result of his four year, six million per year deal.
So those fans who will rejoice when Louie is gone just remember that we are on the hook for 6MM and no one is taking that contract. I do believe the Mets will release/trade ( sending most his money with him) him this off-season but for those who think that’s a position we'll be able to bring in some offense, I think are mistaken.
For example; were not getting Dan Uggla, the Mets wont pay that much at one position. Castillo will be gone and we'll be filling the position from the in-house candidates.
The Mets believe that Reese Havens is the long term answer at the position but injuries have slowed his progress and he won't be ready by next year. So for the 2011 season I see them going with a combination of Ruben Tejada, Joaquin Arias, Daniel Murphy, Luis Hernandez and Justin Turner.
For the most part this is a group of young utility players and not starting position players, but for a season at a position known to place more importance on defense a combination of these guys should be fine. Since they all have options I could even see a rotation of these players with the manager playing the hot hand and optioning someone who gets cold back to Buffalo.
Lets start with Tejada the 20 y/o prospect is a solid defensive player at both middle infield positions and appears to have the tools to become a solid major leaguer. Mack’s Mets has this complete bio on Tejada, my only question would be whether he’s going to be one of these all glove, no bat types. One thing is clear, at 20 y/o with only four minor league seasons, his bat hasn’t mature for the major league level as evident by his numbers this year in 200 PA ( .188/ .281/ .241 / .522). If he stays with the club he should be a late inning defensive replacement and starter when the SP is a ground style pitcher.
Yes, Daniel Murphy is still around, he missed most of the season recovering from a knee injury but is healthy again. According to Adam Rubin at ESPN NY Murphy will play winter ball at second base. In 2008 Murph played 17 games at 2B in AA and then went to the Arizona Fall league to also play there, reviews weren’t very positive. But with Davis at 1B and his own performance LF, Murphy was forced back to the position if he wanted to be useful to the Mets. This season he made two starts in Buffalo before a take out slide injured his knee. If Murphy could return to the offensive player he was in 2008 where he hit .313/ .397 / .473 / .871 you could live with his Dan Uggla type glove through the first six innings of a game. But even at his less impressive 2009 offensive performance, depending on how bad his glove is .266 over 550 PA might be the best you get from this group.
The Mets traded a player in Francoeur that they really liked for 25y/o former top prospect, Joaquin Arias; so I’m guessing unless he’s a complete bust he’ll stick around. Once the #4 prospect in the Yankees organization that the Rangers picked over Robinson Cano in the Arod deal with Buck Showalter helping Texas decide, Arias’ star has been on a steady decline. Since every time Arias’ name is mentioned so is the trade, I have to wonder if the trade and Cano’s success has almost doomed him in Arlington. He has always been considered a polished middle infielder and in over 250 major league PA he has a .282 BA which is solid for 2B. Arias played for Obie in winter ball this year in which he gave positive reviews on his speed, versatility and glove. He went from a Rangers 10 ten prospect to an honorable mention in 2009 on Sickel’s list and that same year Sickel’s saw him with Okalahoma City in this review it was his bat holding him back, making him look more like a AAAA player.
The next player is Luis Hernandez, now I’m not saying he’s anything more then a AAAA player but if you listened to most accounts you would think he’s a 35 y/o who’s been with 10 teams. Luis is the oldest of the group and has been with the three teams and is 26 y/o. Another all glove guy but it appears in short stints he does get hot, as a rookie with Baltimore in 2007 he hit .290 in 71 PA and is hitting .313 in 30 PA for us this season. Sickel’s saw in Omaha in 2009 and raved about his glove. Also Baltimore in 2008 was going to make Hernandez their all glove starting SS (source MLB.com).
Finally if Dan Murphy is too sloppy to be the bat at second amongst all these slick fielders then another former Oriole Justin Turner might be the answer. With three other players already on the major league roster there probably wasn’t room for Turner who was injured when the first round of middle infielders were recalled but Turner finished off his season in AAA going a club record 6-6 ( source MiLB). He finished the season in Buffalo hitting .316, however; he’s only hit .114 in 40 PA in the majors between the Mets and Baltimore. Turner had a great collegiate career at baseball powerhouse Cal State Fullerton which will always get you the label of “smart player”. If he can hit even close to what he’s done in AAA he might be the compromise between the all gloves and the offense only players.
Between these five we have a group of young, versatile and athletic players and I see no reason to bring in a retread 2B to fill the hole for a year or two until Reese Havens is ready…..
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Why the Mets SHOULD give Reyes a long term deal
As Reyes goes so go the Mets. Now I know that this year the Mets offense is inept but hear me out. Without Reyes we have Tejada as our SS and then who fills secondbase. Lets face it we are no where near a playoff team without Reyes in our lineup. I know he has had an injury filled career but he is the sparkplug for our team and a fan favorite just like David is. Jose has done so much for this organization and like David he deserves to be a lifelong Met. As Met fans we dont have many Life long Met players. Sure we had Kranepool but not even Seaver was a life long Met but we wont go down that road. Look at the Yankees for example. Jeter hes terrible defensively yet he remains and will be a Yankee for life. Bernie, Pettitte for the most part was, Jorge a terrible catcher. Jose in most ways is better than Jeter was at his age and should be treated as a life long Met. So If anyone in the front office is reading this please make Reyes and Wright Mets for life. If you want to fill seats in Citi Field thats a way to start. Build your team around these two in addition to Santana and Pelfrey. And maybe start to draft well. Look at the Jets as a model for success.
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