tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366542392024-03-08T04:33:06.626-05:00A Little Roller Up Along FirstA New York Mets Blog For All Baseball FansUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-18140411810701376462007-03-26T16:24:00.000-04:002007-03-26T16:36:10.311-04:00Starting Pitching PreviewWith Pedro out until <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">at least</span> August the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mets</span> will give the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">opportunities</span> to some young guys to show what they can do on the big league stage. After Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Glavine</span> and Orlando Hernandez the rotation is comprised of John Maine, Oliver Perez, and Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pelfrey</span>. I expect another solid year from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Glavine</span>, who needs only 10 wins to get to 300, which should be an incredible spectacle, which we only hope will happen at Shea. El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Duque</span> is good for a few missed starts and a couple trips to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DL</span>, but what can you expect from a guy who turns 73 in July, other than that he should impress and have a solid season when he's healthy. John Maine had a brilliant rookie year last year, putting up a 3.10 ERA and at one point throwing 26 consecutive scoreless innings. After a solid spring i see no reason for him to not grow on what he built last year. Oliver Perez is a real wild card, which Oliver Perez will we get, the guy who threw 6 innings of 1 run ball in Game 7 of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NLCS</span> or the guy who was 3-13 last year with an ERA over 6, only time will tell, but he's got the stuff to be perfect any night he steps on the hill. Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Pelfrey</span> beat out a cast of veterans and young guys to earn his role as the teams fifth starter. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pelfrey</span> was decent in his rookie debut last season, and should build on that this year, especially with the addition of his slider to his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">repertoire</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Mets</span> have guys in the bullpen, Aaron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Sele</span> and Chan Ho Park, and in the minors, Jorge Sosa, Jason Vargas, and Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Humber</span>, who could step in and fill a spot at any time in the season. Should the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mets</span> be lucky enough to get Pedro back in August or September look for him to contribute during the stretch run. I see the starting pitching not being as big of a problem as so many of the "experts" think it will be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-66477192921494704622007-03-19T22:22:00.000-04:002007-03-19T22:37:04.043-04:00Right Field PreviewAs we finish up our position player previews we get to another position that is pretty much all set. It appears as though Willie is going to start Shawn Green in Right Field over Lastings Milledge to start the season. Although Green's bat has been warming up recently Milledge has been hitting well over .300 the whole spring. If Green starts to struggle in April and May i suspect Willie will have a tough decision to make regarding sitting down his $4 million veteran for a league minimum prospect. <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/greensh01.php">Pecota</a> says Green will hit .273/.343/.424 in the 7 hole for the Mets and also add 10 home runs and 45 RBI. Surprisingly Pecota has Green's numbers pretty low, what else is new. If Green plays the majority of the season for the Mets there is a good chance he will drive in a lot more runs that 45. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/millela02.php">Pecota</a> thinks Milledge is a better fit and would have a more productive year than Green. They have Milledge hitting .285/.356/.481 and hitting 17 Home Runs and 66 RBI. They also have him adding 18 stolen bases, and he'd absolutely be an upgrade in the field with his speed and his arm. Look for Milledge to get a realistic look if Green begins to struggle.<br /><br />I am really becoming a huge Lastings Milledge fan and i hope that the Mets do not trade him. It seems as though he is really growing up and working on becoming a great ball player. He even got a haircut and thankfully stopped wearing that ridiculous cross, although it was one of the funnier things I've seen a rookie do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-66436123467331731502007-03-18T20:43:00.000-04:002007-03-18T20:53:04.628-04:00Center Field PreviewIt'll be hard for Carlos Beltran to have a better statistical year than he did in 2006. He also added a Gold Glove to his trophy case. Beltran needs to have a similar year to what he did this year hitting in the three spot in the lineup again this year. Beltran hit .275/.388/.594 and added 41 Home Runs and 116 RBI. If he can have a similar year offensively, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mets</span> will be very happy with their center fielder. <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/beltrca01.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pecota</span></a> sees him having a little worse of a year than last year hitting, .286/.381./.530, also hitting 30 home runs and only 90 RBI. In this lineup Beltran should be able to hit in 90 runs with his eyes closed. I'd imagine this average numbers looking about right, but his power and RBI totals should end up being a little bit higher at the end of the season. <br /><br />Backing up Beltran will be the defensive gem <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Endy</span> Chavez. He is one of the best bench players on the team and is a solid fill in on Beltran's off days. If he should go down for a long period of time there is a chance <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Milledge</span> would fill in if he continues to hit in the minors like he is this spring. Although <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Milledge</span> could be a significant downgrade defensively.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mets</span> are very excited for their center fielders future and couldn't be happier they have him for 5 more years at his young age.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-45002015248442840952007-03-12T20:10:00.000-04:002007-03-12T20:34:48.595-04:00Left Field PreviewNow, on to the outfield. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mets</span> replaced the oft-injured, yet clubhouse and fan favorite, Cliff Floyd with Moises <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alou</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Alou</span>, although in his early 40s, when healthy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Alou</span> dominates left handed pitchers. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=aloumo01&year=2006"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Alou</span></a> hit .349 against lefties last season while playing for the Giants and had 20 go ahead hits throughout the season. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Alou</span> is just a professional hitter, for his whole career he has had a great grasp on finding gaps and driving in runs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Alou</span> can be a bit of a defensive liability at times, but his hitting, and the fact that a Gold Glove Center Fielder plays next to him will help him out tremendously. <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/aloumo01.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pecota</span></a> sees him hitting .287/.355/.484, which is a pretty large improvement in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">OBP</span>, based on their lower average projection. They only see him hitting 14 home runs and driving in only 48 RBI, even if he plays only half the year, he'd have to drive in more, based solely on the lineup he is in. I see him with similar numbers, but about 18 homers and 80 RBI. <br /><br />Chances are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Alou</span> will only play about 120-125 games even if he stays healthy, which isn't guaranteed. If he does get injured for an extended amount of time there is a good chance <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lastings</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Milledge</span> is called up to fill in, that is if he hasn't taken right field away from Shawn Green by then, leaving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Endy</span> Chavez on the bench, where he is strongest. Ben Johnson also has a shot at filling in for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Alou</span> on either off days or if an injury occurs. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Mets</span> have some solid young players and prospects should something go wrong with one of their older outfielders. They are in pretty good shape if something were to go terribly wrong, although <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Alou's</span> bat will be missed in any lineup. On his occasional off day look for either Chavez, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Newhan</span>, or Ben Johnson, should be make the team out of spring training, fill in for Moises <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Alou</span>. <br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Mets</span> should expect some solid production out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Alou</span> this season, and more importantly some protection in the lineup for the big guns like Beltran, Delgado and Wright.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-26436090665826662762007-03-11T21:49:00.000-04:002007-03-11T22:01:50.583-04:00Shortstop PreviewLike third base, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mets</span> couldn't be more comfortable with the other half of the left side of the infield. Jose Reyes will hold down the fort at short this season again, coming off an incredible year, doing things that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">haven't</span> been done in 80 years, (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">at least</span> 17 singles, doubles, triples and home runs) Reyes should only continue to grow as a player. <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/reyesjo01.php?"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pecota</span></a> sees Reyes having a bit of a worse year statistically than last year, going .290/.335/.445, hitting 14 Home Runs, 11 Triples, and stealing 61 bases. All down from last year, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pecota</span> seems to be pretty conservative with their numbers for most players though, especially younger ones who aren't named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pujols</span>. <br /><br />Backing up Reyes, will likely be Damion <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Easley</span> or, barring a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">disastrous</span> injury, Anderson Hernandez. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Easley</span> will fill in well on the occasional day off Willie gives Reyes, cause we all know Willie can't stand having Reyes jumping around in the dugout all day. <br /><br />The left side of the infield shouldn't be a concern for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mets</span> hopefully for the next decade, but we know <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">atleast</span> for the next 4 years, arguably the most exciting player in baseball will be playing short for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mets</span>. Hard to believe this kid is only 23 years old.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-48199068991702603442007-03-07T12:29:00.000-05:002007-03-07T12:52:37.188-05:00Third Base PreviewAlthough David Wright claims he'd move his position if Alex Rodriguez comes over after this season <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mets</span> fans and management know they have their third baseman of the future already on their team, for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">at least</span> 6 more years. David Wright struggled a little bit the second half of last year and he was admittedly over matched in the playoffs. I feel as though David should have a solid year this year though. <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/wrighda03.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pecota</span></a> sees him hitting .306/.389/.558 with 29 home runs and 95 RBI. I like his numbers, with the exception of RBI, as long as Wright stays in that 5 spot in the lineup he should have plenty of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">opportunities</span> to get RBI and with his ability to go the other way he should be able to come somewhere close to last years RBI total of 116. Wright should have another good year at the plate and should be able to develop into an even better hitter, the kid is only 23 years old, its hard to believe sometimes that he is that young.<br /><br />Backing up Wright, on the rare day he allows Willie to give him a day off, will most likely be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Newhan</span> or even Julio Franco is he's feeling young that day. Wright played in 154 games last year, and will probably play a few less this year, due to him getting a little tired down the stretch last year, but in those games expect <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Newhan</span> to fill in fine and take care of the bottom of the lineup on those days. <br /><br />Third base is a spot the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mets</span> should not be worried about for a very long time, this makes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mets</span> fan very happy, knowing David Wright will be holding down the hot corner for a long time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-60300394698512369742007-03-06T15:24:00.000-05:002007-03-06T15:42:28.594-05:00Second Base PreviewSecond Base isn't as clear cut as the rest of positions for the Mets this season. Although Jose Valentin is the favorite to win the position, if he struggles and a guy like Anderson Hernandez or Ruben Gotay could steal the job with some solid numbers this spring. Both are superior defensively to Valentin, but at the plate is where both struggle much more than Valentin. Valentin is 37 going into the season and if he begins to slip offensively at all, the Mets could have a decision to make regarding the every day second baseman. <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/valenjo03.php">Pecota</a> has Valentin dropping a little bit at .249/.328/.458 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI. As long as Valentin average stays around the spot it did last year, .273, with sporadic power and the ability to drive in runs when there are runners in scoring position he should be able to keep his position the whole season, but if he begins to struggle look for Mets fans to get antsy regarding Valentin.<br /><br />When Valentin needs a day off expect either Damion Easley or David Newhan to fill in for him. Both have experience at the position and would be a fine fill-in in the eight hole. Expect both Anderson Hernandez and Ruben Gotay to start the season in the minors getting regular playing time, especially since Willie likes to have veteran guys on the bench, as opposed to young guys.<br /><br />The Mets shouldn't be that worried about the second base position, considering it is the only position that is lacking offensively. As long as whoever plays gets by and does their job it shouldn't be that big of an issue due to the power and talent of the other seven batters in the lineup.<br /><br />Check out this video of Gotay and Hernandez flashing a little leather after Joe Smith induced another ground ball during yesterday's game:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dWCr6-P0WsE"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dWCr6-P0WsE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/valenjo03.php"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-16270220459170283282007-03-05T17:25:00.000-05:002007-03-05T17:36:39.933-05:00First Base PreviewThe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mets</span> have the same situation as last year with First Base. Carlos Delgado will get all the playing time, with Julio Franco filling in on days that willie gives the big guy a rest. Delgado had another solid year last year, even though he struggled for two whole months at the plate. He hit .265 with 38 homers and 114 RBI. <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/delgaca01.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pecota</span></a> projects him to have a weaker year this year, at .271, with 27 homers and 81 RBI. I don't see him losing much power, considering he slumped for all of May and June and still hit 38 home runs last year. Delgado has not hit less than 99 RBI in the last 8 seasons, and I don't see that discontinuing this year, with the table setters, Reyes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LoDuca</span>, and Beltran in front of him he should have plenty of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">opportunities</span> to knock in his fair share of runs. I feel like he'll hit about .275 with 35 Home Runs and 110 RBI. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mets</span> are very solid at first base again this year. <br /><br />Julio Franco will primarily back up Delgado on his off days. The soon to be 49 year old is starting to decline a little bit, but his help in the clubhouse for younger players, like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Milledge</span>, and even some older players, like Beltran, make him an asset for this team. His spirit and knowledge make this team better, even if his bat slips a little.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-84694923262852065262007-02-22T17:13:00.000-05:002007-03-18T23:06:12.540-04:00Catcher PreviewAfter offseason surgery to repair his thumb, Paul Lo Duca will return as the Mets starting catcher this season, after hitting .318 last year he proved to be a legitimate 2 hitter behind Jose Reyes. He also was a great help to all 13 pitchers the Mets threw out on the mound over the course of the season. Lo Duca is in the walk year of his contract and wants to earn an extension to stay with the Mets, if he does what he did last year the Mets would have no problem keeping him around for a few more years.<br /><br />The Mets signed Sandy Alomar Jr. to a minor league contract, but i suspect that Ramon Castro will remain as the teams backup catcher. The Mets will only carry 2 catchers, those being Lo Duca and Castro. Like in the past decade, the Mets will have a strong leader behind the plate.<br /><br />Look for Lo Duca to have another solid year, hopefully putting up numbers similar to last year. I predict he will hit .310 with an OBP around .345. More importantly he will continue to hit well with 2 strikes and give Reyes as many possible chances to run. Look for the table setters to continue to do their job in 2007.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-41770712587492381972007-02-20T22:40:00.000-05:002007-02-20T22:43:46.952-05:00BASEBALL IS BACKJust like the rest of baseball, i took a little hiatus from writing about it, but guess what, Pitchers and Catchers have reported, position players are due in tomorrow and baseball is officially alive and well. I'll be working on some position previews in the next few weeks, discussing rising stars, young studs and everything else that we know and love about the game. <br /><br />I'm really looking forward to this season, i think the Mets have something really special that they are workin on here. To hold you over, here is a video that made me really appreciate an often under appreciated player, Lastings Milledge, check it out. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wpHy0RLK9IY"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wpHy0RLK9IY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />This is our Year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-51115930571125527292007-01-11T19:38:00.000-05:002007-01-11T19:45:06.011-05:00Mets Sign Scott Shoeneweis for 3 YearsAccording to the AP the <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6356582">Mets have inked Scott Schoeneweis</a> for a 3 year deal worth 10.8 million dollars. Schoeneweis was 4-2 with a 4.88 ERA and four saves in 71 games last year in split action between the Blue Jays and the Reds.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This deal doesn't really make too much sense to me. They refused to give </span>Chad Bradford <span style="font-style: italic;">11 million for 3 years, but give </span>Schoeneweis<span style="font-style: italic;"> pretty much the same deal. This really goes against everything the Mets have been preaching all winter. Scott Boras did it again, he managed to confuse another team for more money than his player is worth.<br /><br /><br />Good to be back.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1165007567760073932006-12-01T16:02:00.000-05:002006-12-01T21:25:25.206-05:00Glavine to Rejoin Mets for 1 More YearESPN news is reporting that Tom Glavine and the New York Mets have agreed on a 1-year deal, worth 10.5 million dollars. He was also given an option for 2008, if he pitches 160 innings he will get $6 million, and it goes up $1 million for every 10 ininngs up to $10 million dollars. From what I can gather the Braves never even offered Glavine a contract to play for them next year.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is a solid deal, $10.5 Million is a solid price for a guy who's only going to be on the team for 1 more year. In this market, $10.5 Million for a guy who won 15 games and had an incredible post season is another great deal by Omar. Granted, he probably wanted to go back to Atlanta, but didn't have the option, though, he will have the best chance at winning his 300th game, getting another ring, and being on a winning team.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">This means that the Mets can finally move on and focus on either signing Barry Zito </span><span style="font-style: italic;">or trading for another big starting pitcher to strengthen what was the weakest part of the 2006 Mets. This makes Minaya's job a little bit easier, because he isn't so strapped to get an ace, because he has Glavine in the hole.<br /><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1164136690328095712006-11-21T14:05:00.000-05:002006-11-27T01:07:58.470-05:00Mets Make MovesOver the past couple of days the Mets have been pretty busy. They <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061120&content_id=1744282&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym">signed</a> Moises Alou to a one-year deal worth 7.5 million dollars with a 2008 team option worth $7.5 million with a $1 million buyout. They also traded Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom for<a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061120&content_id=1744282&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym"> Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick</a> from the Marlins, Vargas and Bostick are both 23 year old left handed starting pitchers. They also <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061120&content_id=1744339&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym">declined Tom Glavine's 2007 option</a>, they paid him a $3 million buyout.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">First, the Alou signing. This is a great signing in my eyes. I believe that Alou will be a great stop gap for one year, he is a very solid right handed bat who crushes left handed pitching, the guy can just rake, which is exactly what the Mets needed. He also will provide some protection for David Wright in the lineup, and will be given many opportunities for RBI. If he can get 400 ABs he could have a great year. As long as he stays healthy I see him having a very solid year, but as we found out with the 2006 Mets, that is an enormous IF.<br /><br />The trade with the Marlins was a little surprising, but finding young starting lefties is hard to do, so it works out. There is really no room for Owens and Lindstrom in the bullpen, who are both getting into their upper 20's in the minors. We really won't know how this deal worked out for a few years, but I think a guy like Vargas can become a solid National League pitcher.<br /><br />Everyone knew that they would decline Glavine's option. It seems as though they have a deal on the table that Glavine has agreed to, but is waiting to hear from the Braves. It seems as though proximity to his family might be the only reason he goes back to Atlanta, if he wants a chance at another ring, his best bet is to stay in Queens, which I think he will eventually do.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1163702538082597422006-11-16T13:35:00.000-05:002006-11-16T13:54:10.760-05:00Milledge On The Way Out?According to <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spmets164978107nov16,0,1206304.story?coll=ny-sports-">Ken Davidoff of Newsday</a> the Mets are interested in shipping out Milledge for either a big bat or a big time pitcher. His named has been linked to deal around Manny Ramirez (will this one ever end), Vernon Wells, Jake Peavy, Dontrelle Willis, and many others, including some White Sox starters.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is the same thing we've been hearing for the last 18 months, but with a new name inserted every few months. Like I've said all along, if you can find the right deal, there is no reason to keep Milledge. Lately, with his refusal to play winter ball, the Mets have been annoyed with him. It may be time to send him packing, especially if you can get a big time player in return. His stock may also have dropped a little with the Mets as Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez continue to turn into top OF prospects. Again, only time will tell, but ever since Minaya has come aboard, the offseasons have been just as eventful as the regular season. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1163612626140435812006-11-15T12:40:00.000-05:002006-11-15T12:43:46.156-05:00Mets Acquire Ben Johnson and Jon Adkins from PadresAccording to <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6172222">Ken Rosenthal</a> the Mets have traded Royce Ring and Heath Bell to the Padres for RHP Jon Adkins and OF Ben Johnson.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is a decent trade I guess, spare parts for spare parts, but you have to like Minaya in a deal like this, he always seems to get the guy he feels will excel in a deal like this. Sanchez and Mota last year are definitely guys who come to mind. We'll see how this trade works out next year, but these two guys were considered decent prospects and could be worth it, only time will tell though, like most prospects.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1163518222117313512006-11-14T10:25:00.000-05:002006-11-14T10:30:22.126-05:00Mets Close to Resigning El Duque; Interested in ZitoAccording the <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/11142006/sports/mets/mets_target_zito__near_duque_deal_mets_mark_hale_in_new_york_and_joel_sherman_in_naples__fla_.htm">Mark Hale's article in the New York Post</a> the Mets are close to resigning Orlando Hernandez to a 2-year, $6 Million contract. Also, he notes that the Mets have interest in signing Barry Zito, although he's not sure if they want to sign him at 5-years, $73 million, which it looks like will be lowest amount he'd sign for. Hale also notes the Mets have interest in Vicente Padilla.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I like the El Duque</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">contract, he loves to pitch, loves to win and is a great clubhouse guy, no reason not to bring him back. Although they will have to overpay, i feel like bringing Zito in would be a great signing. He has the stuff to truly dominate in the National League. Padilla is an interesting pitcher, i feel like he'd be nothing better than a number 3 starter, so he shouldn't be signed at anything more than type of money. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1163439609890303182006-11-13T12:38:00.000-05:002006-11-14T10:31:49.970-05:00Mets Break Ground on CitiFieldThe Mets have just broken ground on the new stadium, which is sponsored by Citigroup. It is being named CitiField.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />It could be worse than being sponsored by Citi. It's got a New York ring to it. It looks like the new park is going to be amazing and really makes me look forward to 2009.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1163436998237614562006-11-13T11:54:00.000-05:002006-11-13T11:56:38.243-05:00Reports: Valentin and Mets Agree on 1-Year DealAccording to <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2659977">ESPN.com</a> the Mets and Jose Valentin have agreed on a 1 year deal worth atleast $3 million.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is surprising how fast they resigned him, especially since he said he doesn't want to be a role player, but a starter. I'm not sure that he can be guaranteed a starting position this early in the off season. Very interesting to resign this early. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1163198464712740382006-11-10T17:38:00.000-05:002006-11-10T17:41:04.720-05:00Reyes and Beltran win Silver Slugger AwardCarlos Beltran and Jose Reyes each won the Silver Slugger award today, presented by Louisville Slugger. This was the first time either won the Award. <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2656967">ESPN.com</a> has an entire list of everyone else who was given the award. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This goes to show that people obviously know that Beltran is a great hitter, but more importantly, they are recognizing Reyes as a great hitter. Congratulations to both Beltran and Reyes. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1163177215422410382006-11-10T11:40:00.000-05:002006-11-10T11:46:55.430-05:00NotesWell, back after a little Hiatus, haven't been able to post the last few days.<br /><br />A few things that happened since i posted last time.<br /><br />According the AP, Tom Glavine has officially filed for Free Agency<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is not a surprise, he wanted to explore his options either way, so the chances he resigns with the Mets are the same they have always been.<br /><br /></span>The Seibu Lions have recieved the highest bid for Daisuke Matsuzaka, but the public won't know who put in the highest bid until the Lions formally accept.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Buzz from around the league is that the Lions will accept before the end of the day. So hopefully we will know one way or another by tonight. This should give us a better idea of which direction the Mets will go for starting pitching.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Reyes and Wright had a solid week in Japan, Reyes hit a walk off home run in the last game of the series, which was followed by the entire starting starting the "Jose, Jose" chant. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Pretty Crazy, sounds like this kid is becoming an international star.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1162858567544780142006-11-06T19:06:00.000-05:002006-11-06T19:16:07.550-05:00Delgado Staying in SheaAccording to <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061106&content_id=1735207&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym">Mets.com</a> Carlos Delgado will not be exercising his right to demand a trade this offseason. Delgado batted .265 with 38 home runs and 114 RBIs in 144 games for the Mets last season. He also won the Roberto Clemente Award this year for outstanding community service<br /><br />"[Delgado] wants to be a Met for the rest of his career," Minaya said.<br /><br />"I've enjoyed myself here," Delgado said last month. "I can't wait until next season because I want to make it to the playoffs again. We came up a little short, but it gives you something to look forward to for next year."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is great news for the Mets, knowing that they have their rock at first base for atleast two more seasons is very comforting news for Met fan. He is a huge force on the field, but just as importantly in the clubhouse. He is truly an all around player.<br /><br />Mets fans now have a reason to dance because Delgado is coming back:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S19ybq8FY1o"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S19ybq8FY1o" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1162849481793564702006-11-06T16:40:00.000-05:002006-11-06T16:59:25.713-05:00Mets Interested in LorettaAccording to the <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/11062006/sports/mets/agent__mets_like_loretta_mets_mark_hale.htm">New York Post</a> the Mets and Mark Loretta have a mutual interest.<br /><br />"Playing for a contender is Loretta's top priority. The 35-year-old Loretta hit .285 with five homers, 59 RBIs and a .345 on-base percentage this past season with the Red Sox. He is a career .299 hitter, with his best year coming in 2004 with the Padres when he hit .335 with 16 homers. Defensively, Loretta only committed four errors this past year, tying for second-best among AL second basemen."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This would be a decent move by the Mets, although i see Loretta as a 2 hitter, which is where LoDuca hits. He would be a solid 8 hitter as well, but his numbers may drop a little bit because of the lack of pitches he'd see compared to the 2 hole, where last year he hit in front of David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Loretta's defense is incredible and would be a huge lift, although Valentin was very solid. Loretta would be a good fit for the Mets, but I don't expect his numbers to be equal to what he hit last year.<br /><br />Here's Loretta with a Walkoff Hit against the Indians last year:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xdj9RD3ERRc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xdj9RD3ERRc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1162761373331567212006-11-05T16:12:00.000-05:002006-11-06T16:50:02.986-05:00Trade RumorsJoel Sherman's article in the <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/11052006/sports/tricks_trade_sports_joel_sherman.htm?page=0">New York Post</a> talks of potential trades that he thinks teams should make. He proposes the idea of Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and Henry Owens (74 Ks in 40 IP, .137 BAA in AA last year), for the Padres Jake Peavy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If this deal were ever on the table i don't see why Minaya would not take it. He feels Heilman is a reliever, Owens is 28 and he has always said that he'd be willing to deal Milledge for an ace. Peavy is a power pitcher who has only trailed Johan Santana in strikeouts the past 2 seasons. This would be a good deal for both teams, but I imagine it is far from happening.<br /><br />Here is Peavy striking out 13 Brewers last year.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WHxTVExFpGE"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WHxTVExFpGE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1162593928974850862006-11-03T17:38:00.000-05:002006-11-03T17:45:28.983-05:00Beltran Wins Gold GloveCarlos Beltran has won his first career <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061103&content_id=1730548&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym">Rawlings Gold Glove</a> award today for his position in the outfield. Beltran made countless great defensive plays throughout the season. Beltran started 136 games in center field for New York in 2006, notching a career-best .995 fielding percentage over 1,184 innings. Beltran made just two errors in 372 total chances, recording 357 putouts while contributing 13 outfield assists and six double plays. He was the only Met to win the award this year. Others who won the award were Andruw Jones (9th), Greg Maddux (16th), Ex-Met Mike Cameron (3rd), Albert Pujols (1st), Orlando Hudson (2nd), Scott Rolen (7th), Brad Ausmus (3rd), and Omar Vizquel (11th).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Congratulations to Carlos on this great award. It makes you remember all the great plays he made this year, robbing multiple home runs, saving the game with the incredible catch against Houston, and many more. This is the first of many Gold Gloves for Carlos Beltran if he keeps playing like this. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36654239.post-1162579615260608622006-11-03T13:43:00.000-05:002006-11-03T13:46:55.266-05:00Moose the Met?Apparently <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/11032006/sports/mets/mets_eye_moose_mets_george_king_________and_mark_hale.htm">Mike Mussina would be interested</a> in joining the Mets if he does not return to the Yankees. He has a $17 Million option that the Yankees will likely not pick up, though he may resign with the Yankees anyway. "Pitching for the Mets would offer Mussina a chance to stay in his Westchester home during the season and Mussina, a creature of habit, isn't wild about radical changes in his life. As for what the Mets would be willing to pay Mussina, they figure to be in the $10 million to $12 million range per year with Tom Glavine, and Mussina is two years younger." Says Mark Hale of the New York Post.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This would be a great signing for the Mets. Mussina is a very strong pitcher who can eat up innings and doesn't take attitude from anyone. He has no problem pitching inside and would be a huge help to the Mets if he were signed. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1