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Recapping the series in Az
2008-05-05 04:33:00
I had a very busy weekend but it was such a significant series that I thought it was important to at least recap the series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After their pathetic performance against the Pirates in which they lost 13-1 and had lost series to payoff caliber teams like the Brewers and Cubs many Mets fans were concerned that the team just didn't measure up. But it's understandable for fans to be concerned; there's only one regular hitting over .300 (Church), the rotation rarely makes it past the fifth and the entire bullpen walks a tightrope, seemingly on the edge of imploding at any moment. So entering the weekend series against the team with the best record in the league, with the hottest offense and the top three pitchers in the league many fans were white knuckling their remote controls.Well the Mets answered the call, they faced all three of the DBacks top three pitchers and not only won the series but aside from the eighth inning of the middle game went toe to ...
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Will Posada effect Teixeira
2008-05-04 22:32:00
I'm not sure whether the Yankees finances have changed or the younger generations has changed philosophies but don't let them fool you, money was just as much a consideration as Phil Hughes was in deciding to not go after Johan Santana. With that in mind the Yankees invested 52.4 million over four years into 36 y/o catcher Jorge Posada . While I didn't think it was a bad contract Posada was just too much of a Yankee for me to be interested, but at 36 y/o the Yankees knew he would have to spend time at 1B and DH. Posada now has a shoulder injury that is effecting his ability to throw, as a catcher that's essential, just ask Mike Piazza. Posada has decided to forgo surgery because he would lose half a season and his best tool, hitting isn't effected by the injury. Some are beginning to speculate that Posada will need to spend a lot more time at first-base then it was first thought when the contract was signed. The biggest free agent this up coming off-season will be 1B Mark Teixei...
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Returning Players
2008-05-03 02:33:00
Moises Alou will be in tonight's line-up and bat fifth behind Carlos Beltran. Ryan Church will be hitting second with Castillo hitting eighth, the Mets are 5-0 with Church in the two hole. Brian Schneider is with the team but his situation isn't as clear, Schneider says he could be an emergency catcher but is not ready to start. The Mets can either DL Schneider which would be until next Friday with retro time or if they're comfortable with his emergency status only then they can send down Molina. With Alou returning somebody has to be removed from the active roster, one option that hasn't been discussed is that they can keep Molina and DFA a reliever since one will be going down when Wise returns......Alou has not played in a major-league game since March 6 due to hernia surgery, and Willie Randolph indicated the 41-year-old might not play the entire game tonight. So don’t be surprised if Endy Chavez or Angel Pagan are late-inning replacements. source NY Post Still no word yet...
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Zito needs Peterson
2008-05-02 05:20:00
In what will go down as one of the worst contracts, if not the worst; Barry Zito is now the most expensive middle reliever in the league. In Jayson Stark's latest column he takes a look at the plight of Zito and what can be done to resolve the situation. Speaking with scouts and other major league sources the only way the Giants can move him is if they eat 80 % of his contract. When asked if Zito can rebound one source said only if he was re-united with Rick Peterson . Unless Peterson is moving on I can't see these two re-uniting, can you image laid-back, sensitive Zito dealing with Shea the way it's been this year. Although, former mets hitting coach Rick Downs was seen by SNY Kevin Berkhardt in the stands this week as a Giants scout.........So can Zito ever get straightened out? We surveyed a half-dozen scouts and executives, and we found only one who thought he could. And that was a scout who said his only hope was to get reunited with Rick Peterson, "the only [pitching coach] ...

Mets Fever Players of the Month
2008-05-02 03:05:00
Pitcher of the Month Johan Santana3-2 (6 starts), ERA 3.12, BB/SO 8/39Positional Player of the MonthRyan ChurchBA .316, OBP .385, SLG .469, RBI 19, HR 3, DB 4, TR 1, SB 1 Come Back Player of the MonthDuaner Sanchez8 gms, ERA 1.17, Runs 1, Hits 4, BB/SO 4/5Reliever of the MonthCloser Billy Wagner11 gms., 6 saves in 7 opportunities, 1 run, 3 hits, BB/SO 2/12 Feel Good Story of the MonthNelson Figueroa2-1 (4 starts) ERA 4.08, BB/SO 15/22 Honorable Mention Angel Pagan; BA .278, OBP .359, Slg .392, RBI 12, TR 1, DB 7, SB 2
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Should Ollie be Tradebait
2008-05-01 20:08:00
No this isn't some frustrated, hysterical post by a panicked Mets fan after an awful performance by a starting pitcher who looked dreadful against one of the worst teams in the league. Whether you agree with it or not, this is a carefully thought out idea of getting the most from what you have. We clearly have offensive holes that need to be filled and don't have the chips in the farm system to fill them.The biggest question is how much can Pedro be relied upon when he returns and can Tony Armas Jr. or Claudio Vargas be counted on in the back end of the rotation. There is no questioning Oliver Perez's talent, he has the potential to be a top level starter. But as we've all learned Perez is consistently inconsistent, it's not just the fans who are frustrated with him but his own teammates have grown tired of his inconsistency. The most frustrating part with Perez is that you have no idea what to expect, with a mediocre pitcher you go in knowing either the offense is winning this...
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Is Pagan vunerable
2008-05-01 18:27:00
Angel Pagan did a great job in earning himself a roster spot in spring training and got off to a really hot start to begin the season. But just as Willie predicted in regards to Pagan, he'll come back down to earth and Angel has done so."He's still a nice player, but let's not get crazy," Randolph said. "I hope he stays this way all year long. But he came in here as our fourth outfielder, and when your backup guys come in and really do a job for you, you love that kind of thing." source Newsday 4/15/08When your hitting over .400 and knocking in a run a game, people forget that you misplay a ball and the team loses a tight game with Johan Santana on the mound. But when you play once a week and are only hitting .278, when a ball bounces off the side of your mitt in a five run inning people notice that. With Alou returning and Endy's legs looking healthy, Pagan is automatically relegated to the fifth outfielders role. If Pagan struggles to hit or can't be considered a defensive re...

Did Sosa pitch his way out of the pen
2008-05-01 06:47:00
It seems like Jorge Sosa is trying to make it easy on the team when they have to decide who needs to be sent down to make room for Matt Wise. After Tues. game when Sosa was able to hold down a tie score in extra innings to give the team a chance to win, I could see them justifying keeping him instead of Joe Smith. But Sosa came back today and got knocked around just like he's been all season. Sosa gave up five runs (one earned run) on four hits in one inning of work. He has an ERA of 7.02 in 14 gms ( 16.2 innings) allowing 19 runs ( 13 earned) four of which are homeruns ( two grand slams) with a BB/SO ratio of 8/10. Getting rocked by one of the teams with the worst records in the league might have been just enough for Omar to stop worrying about the 2 million dollars in guaranteed money. If it came down to strictly pitching, there's no question that the spot would be Joe Smith's. In 13 games ( 11.2 innings) Smith has an ERA of 3.09 only allowing 5 runs ( 4 earned) with a BB/SO of...
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Clark doesn't retire
2008-05-01 05:46:00
It was rumored that Brady Clark would retire after being re-assigned to New Orleans. Clark was barely used in his short stint with the Mets and really got himself in hot water by getting called out at the plate. Clark must have realized that the team would need a sixth outfielder at some point in the season because he agreed to accept the assignment.Brady Clark, who lost his roster spot when the Mets added Gustavo Molina, reversed course and decided he’ll report to Triple-A New Orleans rather than retire. Former Brewers pitcher Claudio Vargas will also join the Zephyrs and start Saturday. source Daily News
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Leg injury for Castro
2008-05-01 04:50:00
This off-season when many said that Ramon Castro should be given the full-time catchers position, I was completely against it because Castro can't stay healthy. Well he didn't make it out of spring training, had a set back on rehab assignment and now has injured himself again playing in a minor league game. Castro is a great right handed bat and seems to get along with everyone on the team, it's a shame he can't stay healthy. If the club was concerned with Castro's health then the Chad Moeller rumors would make sense, since Casanova and Molina haven't really established themselves.....Yesterday I posted a report from George King of the NY Post that recently DFA’d Yankee catcher Chad Moeller might draw some interest from the Mets. Today, according to SI.com Jon Heyman, Moeller cleared waivers and was reclaimed by the Yankees. source Hotfoot
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Mets sign a minor league 1B/OF
2008-05-01 03:42:00
The Zephyrs have bolstered their roster with a player who may eventually help the big league team. Valentino Pascucci is a 29 y/o right handed power hitting 1B/OF who was recently granted his release from the Phillies organization. Pascucci played in the Expos organization from 1999-2004 ( Omar GM from 2002-2004) and made his MLB debut during the 2004 season. In 2006 he played in Japan, 2007 in the Marlins minor league system and this year he signed with the Phillies. In 32 major league games with the Expos in 2004, he batted .177.Pascucci joins the Zephyrs after being granted his release from the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, earlier in the week. Pascucci was batting .232 with one homer and seven RBI in 25 games for the Iron Pigs.Pascucci, 29, led the Pacific Coast League in home runs with 34 while playing for the Albuquerque Isotopes last season, and was named the PCL's Star of the Game at the All-Star Game. He finished fifth in the...
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Wilkerson & Norton Available
2008-04-30 22:49:00
I'll say this again, I find 1B to be a glaring problem and needs to be addressed. At the least it looks like Carlos Delgado could use a platoon partner and if he continues to hit around .200 they'll have someone to replace him. So whenever I see a firstbase become available I'll pass him along, that doesn't mean I'm advocating for that player, unless I say it. Recently Dan Johnson ( made it through waivers to Rays AAA), Jason Botts, now Brad Wilkerson and Greg Norton have been available. I would take a flyer on Norton and while I know Wilkerson is an Omar guy I don't see him as a good fit.Greg Norton could be a pretty interesting pick-up. Norton is a 36 y/o switch hitter who can play the corner outfield and firstbase (he played 3B several years ago- stretch these days). He is a veteran of 12 seasons with a lifetime BA of .253 with a Slg .427. In limited action so far this spring he is hitting .438 with Slg .563 and an OBP .500 that's in only 6gms (16 at-bats), he's hitting ....

Schneider released from the Hospital
2008-04-30 21:30:00
Brian Schneider has been released from the hospital and is planning to head west with the team tomorrow. It's unclear when he'll have the strength to return to the line-up but I'm sure they'll be trying for sometime in the Arizona series. With both Schneider and Alou returning they will have their entire projected opening day line-up. One of the catchers will go down to accommodate the extra player.Mets catcher Brian Schneider was released from a hospital Wednesday after six days of treatment for a staph infection in his left thumb. source SI.com
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Who's out in the Pen
2008-04-30 18:28:00
I don't think there's anyway we won't see Matt Wise return to this club in the next few days and that's for two reasons. When Wise is on, he has a nasty change-up and he's been a good soldier. He has given the team wiggle room, by very quietly allowed them to audition the other pen arms while he's been on the DL. After all how long does it take to recover from a bruised forearm, well Wise has been rehabbing for almost a month and now the team has a much clearer picture of the pen. Either Wise allowed them to leave him on rehab assignment strictly out of his desire to be with this team or because he has had elbow issues in the past and agreed was the best approach. Joe Smith replaced Wise in the pen and has options, but the youngster has been extremely effective in the pen and I hope Omar learns from last years mistakes. Remember, Mota was kept because he was under contract and despite being ineffective, regardless of where they tried to use him he remained in the pen. The odd ...

Wanna project for 1B
2008-04-30 07:42:00
The Texas Rangers have designated 1B/OF Jason Botts for assignment. In 2006 at AAA Oklahoma he hit .309 with a .582 Slg. pct. , despite those impressive numbers he has struggled to hit in the majors. Every year he made it onto John Sickel's Minor league report, for Texas' top prospects. Botts has played in four partial seasons with the Rangers and while most are beginning to label him as a AAAA, the longest stretch he's had in the majors was 48 gms ( 2007). In 93 major league games he has a BA .230 with a Slg .344 and OBP .325. The 28 y/o switch hitter is primarily a 1B but with the Rangers has played more games in the corner outfield. Ten days after stating that they were going to make an effort to get him regular at-bats the Rangers have designated him for assignment.A concerted effort is going to be made to get Jason Botts as many at-bats at possible. He could get them at designated hitter, first base or the outfield, but the Rangers want him to play more than he did in the fi...
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Stache rehabbing
2008-04-30 06:41:00
Jose Valentin has been cleared to return to baseball activities. The Stache visited the clubhouse today before he starts his rehab assignment in Port St. Lucie. I think Omar and Co. want his leadership as much as Valentin isn't ready to retire. It also can't be forgotten that Valentin owns a club in Puerto Rico and having a well respected elder statesmen endorsing the team is very important. While he won't be put on the major league roster unless he can contribute, he will dictate his retirement.Jose Valentin has been cleared to begin initial baseball activities in Port St. Lucie, such as hitting off a tee and long-tossing. source Daily News

Alou cleared to return
2008-04-30 05:13:00
Good news, Moises Alou's MRI apparently showed an old injury and he has been cleared to resume playing. Several outlets are reporting that Alou will workout with the team for the next two days and then return to the line-up when they travel to Arizona. Alou will be in a platoon situation as the team attempts to preserve him, probably sitting against weaker pitchers and after the seventh inning. It appears that Willie has turned to Chavez as Alou's caddy, Endy has started the last three days. Chavez entered camp nursing a leg injury and the team took advantage of a hot hitting Pagan, now that Chavez is up to speed and Pagan has cooled off, it appears Pagan is the odd man out. It looks like Pagan will be relegated to the fifth outfielder and pinch hitter. The team is very reluctant to DL Schneider because they want him handling the pitching staff, if they feel Schneider is close to returning they may send down Pagan who still has options. This would allow them to bring up or trade f...
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Alou & Schneider update- could Aguila get the call
2008-04-29 03:20:00
Marty Noble gives us an update on the condition of Moises Alou and Brian Schneider . Both of which don't appear any closer to returning, Alou missed his MRI due to the weather and Schneider is still receiving treatment. Alou's appointment has been re-scheduled for tomorrow and if he's going to be out for any significant time, I expect Omar will acquire a power right handed bat ( we can speculate on who that will be when the results are in). If Schneider goes on the DL I expect the Mets to bring up a player to fill-in. With two catchers already on the team, it will more then likely be a right handed hitter. Fernando Tatis has 8 HRs with a .529 Slg. pct but only has a BA of .225. Michel Abreu could be Delgado's right handed caddy but his average continues to decline and has now dipped to .256. And for those who still remember Ahern's incredible glove he is once again below .200 (.191) in AAA, a lead-off hitter with an OBP of .222 (ouch).Chris Aguila is a name we haven't heard, th...
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Hatteberg welcomes trade
2008-04-29 02:15:00
The Cincinnati Enquirer had an article today on Scott Hatteberg's situation. The veteran first baseman has lost his job to Joey Votto, he has been relegated to spot starts and pinch hitting. Hatteberg has struggled in his new role and after hitting .301 last year is only hitting .161 in 31 at bats. He goes on to explain that most pinch hitters, best pitch to hit is the first one and he has always been a deep count, patient hitter. Hatteburg is a 39 y/o lefty who hits right handed pitchers better, he has a lifetime BA of .270 with a Slg. .411. Delgado is only 36 y/o with a lifetime BA of .279 and a Slg. .579, even last year his Slg. was .448. I just don't see how Hatteberg is an up-grade over Delgado and as far as a platoon partner they're both lefties who struggle against tough lefty pitchers, which doesn't make it a good match. If anyone on the Reds looks like a good match it would be Ryan Freel, 32 y/o righthander with a lifetime .271 BA who has played every position except ca...
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Vargas joining Zephs
2008-04-28 05:50:00
Recently signed Claudio Vargas will join the Zephyrs Monday. Initially Vargas went to extended spring training and will now become part of the AAA rotation. There's been some speculation that Figgy is getting hit hard the third time through the order and maybe more suited for the long-man role. With Sosa struggling as the long-man, Vargas and Armas could be competing for the fifth spot with Sosa being re-assigned and Figgy sliding into the pen..........Former Brewers pitcher Claudio Vargas, who was signed by the Mets to a minor-league deal after Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez suffered injuries, is expected to join Triple-A New Orleans in Tacoma, where the Zephyrs open a four-game series Monday. source Daily News

Mixed message about Alou Suspicious
2008-04-28 05:14:00
Before the game today Omar Minaya admitted that Moises Alou would be in NY to have an MRI on his ankle after a CT scan was inconclusive. In one sentence Minaya said that Alou wanted to play for the Mets on Friday and then said that the ankle was swollen with a possible fracture. I couldn't help but feel strung along by the club during Alou's quad injury last year, as it seemed like the injury became worse as time went on (bruise, strain, tear). It's was almost as if they eased the actual severity of the injury out, to keep the heat off them for signing a 40 something, injury prone player. However, in 2006 Omar tried to keep the extent of Sanchez's injury quiet until he could make a move. If Alou is out for any significant time the team will need a right handed bat, they've been piecing it together waiting for his return so sending mixed messages would make sense from a negotiation point of view. If they truely don't know whats going on it was a very odd way of handling it........
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Does Morris have implications for Nady
2008-04-28 04:00:00
I know there are many Mets fans that have dreamed of the return of Xavior Nady. The right handed corner outfielder and part-time 1B seems to be a perfect fit for what the Mets are missing. Nady could even out the the line-up, between 1B and the corner outfield he could find plenty of playing time. But what would motivate the Pirates to trade one of their most productive players, many people when they discuss trades treat the small market teams like they are AAA organizations, their for the large market teams to replenish their rosters. But small market teams make moves for a purpose; 1) salary dump 2) a hot commodity player who will produce a nice return in players 3) prior to free agency to get the most for a player who they can't re-sign.Nady doesn't have a large contract and he' still two years from free agency, so the only motivation to solely move Nady will be his value. However, that puts the Pirates in the drivers seat as they can sit back at the trade deadline and watch t...
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Fire in the belly.....No curtain call is a good sign
2008-04-28 00:26:00
I know somewhere out there, someone will read this post and call me a hypocrite. "You've been making suggestions about first base for the last two weeks; suggesting trades, position changes and farm hand call-ups". First of all, I've also added to every post about Delgado that I hope he proves me wrong and that I wish it didn't appear to be the end of the road for the big man. With that said, Delgado has been so bad to start the season and for a huge chunk of last year that you'd have to be the most optimistic Met Fan not to be looking for his replacement.I noticed yesterday, but didn't write about it because he went 0-4 that something seemed different with Delgado. Twice on double play balls, we got that trademark fist pump which I haven't seen in sometime. He was also very proactive with the pitching staff, going to the mound several times and speaking to a dejected Heilman on the bench. Delgado in the past worked well with the pitchers going to the mound, buying time or tel...
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Backup 1B right under our nose........
2008-04-27 03:39:00
With Carlos Delgado struggling to the point that it appears his career maybe coming to an end, I've heard all kinds of suggestions in regards to a platoon partner or replacement. Let me first say that while I've spent a significant amount of time talking about the situation that's mainly because it's become such a glaring problem. I like Delgado and it makes me sad to see him going out this way. Delgado came to this club on the verge of HOF consideration but instead of going out on his terms the game has eaten him up, he's had HOF years but not enough of them to make it and now he's just holding on, at 36 y/o it shouldn't be happening this quick. I hope were all wrong and that this is just a prolonged slump but realistically for the good of the team, contingency plans have to be made.....I've heard several people suggest Moises Alou and Ryan Church, but I have a hard time seeing 42 y/o frail Alou as an option and it would be a waste of Church's defensive skills. Sure you co...
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Delgado only costs 13mil
2008-04-26 18:11:00
I was a huge supporter of Carlos Delgado , I thought the big man was a clubhouse leader and his desire for a championship would drive this team into the playoffs. He could also help groom other quiet members of the team and show them how to become leaders within their personality, Carlos Beltran has benefited greatly from playing along side Delgado. Even if Delgado couldn't hit .300 anymore, .250 and 30 HRs is enough to provide protection in the line-up and put pressure on young pitchers (making them wild). His defense has always been secondary but as long as he could make the routine play and dig a throw out of the dirt it was good enough. For the past two years, Delgado has provided all of the above, granted more so in '06' then '07' but it was money well spent.I might be wrong but either Delgado is hurt or he's given up, I've never seen any one's skills so rapidly decline in all aspects of his game. At the plate his bat speed is so slow that against a good fastball pitcher...
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We have pitching options
2008-04-26 06:10:00
There are several pitchers who are currently doing very well in New Orleans and could easily be plugged into the major league team to replace ineffective pitchers, here is an update on the four with MLB experience.It takes a pitcher generally six starts in spring training to work his way into opening day shape. Tony Armas Jr. was delayed in arriving at camp due to Visa issues. Tonight he pitched in his fifth game and went seven innings in which he allowed one run on three hits and no walks. In five starts in AAA he has a record of 1-1 with a rotation leading ERA of 2.51 with a great BB/SO ratio of 4/18. It was rumored that Armas wouldn't accept assignment if he didn't make the team out of camp and now that he's almost ready he may force the team to make a decision. Armas has worked out of the pen and as a starter, he could easily replace Sosa if the team decides to make a move. As I said earlier in the day if the club actually made a move involving Aaron Heilman, Carlos Muniz has...
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Is this as Good as it gets...........500
2008-04-26 03:06:00
I'm at a loss for words, is this as good as it gets.... These games seemed scripted, as if Mr. Wizard is behind the curtain playing games with us Mets fans. When I look at a roster with Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Church, Santana, Martinez and Wagner it should be better then this.Pelfrey was awful there's no way around it, some will look at five runs and say that's not so bad. But Pelfrey was in trouble in every inning, he had multiple runners in six straight innings. Pelfrey walked four and gave up nine hits in only 5 1/3 innings. Pelfrey was given a nice lead and once again a Mets starter could not maintain that lead, the offense is as much to blame for these losses as the pitchers but it has to be demoralizing to keep getting on top and then being knocked down, again........Now to the offense, while our prospect couldn't stay out of trouble the only trouble the 22 y/o first year pitcher, Jurrjens had was his own. Jurrjens breezed through the Mets offense, he allowed thre...
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Here's some roster ideas
2008-04-25 18:25:00
I was always told that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. I do understand that the organization was hoping last year was an aberration and that the worst collapse in recent baseball history would motivate them, after all this is the same core of players that won in 2006. But just 20 games into the season you can tell that this team is preforming just as it did during that historic fall. So unless something changes it's crazy to expect different results......Carlos Delgado has become the poster child for the lackluster, anti-hustle persona of this team. I'm sure Willie talks to him and of course you take a different approach with different personalities (that's Mgt. 101 for any job) but I think it has come to a point where there needs to be a public display of discipline for the team's sake, Willie's status amongst his players and lastly the fans. Delgado is a leader in the clubhouse based solely on his past accomplish...
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Long Island "Little Cat" could be available
2008-04-25 07:13:00
As I said earlier in the day (which was before Delgado failed to bend over for a double play ball and went 0-4) in my opinion 1B is at a critical point and I will be exploring option as they become available. I know Mike Carp is hitting the cover off the ball but that's in AA, there aren't many guys who come straight up and are successful. I think Carp is a year away and the team will look for a stop gap or a guy they can move when Carp is ready.Yesterday, Joel Sherman of the NY Post reviewed the state of the Texas Rangers, the Rangers look like they could be on the verge of a becoming sellers (firesale) and one of the names mentioned was Frank Catalanotto. The 33 y/o left hand hitting Catalanotto has been mentioned over the years in regards to the Mets, partly because of his Long Island roots and part because he is an Omar type player. A lifetime .294 hitting Catalanotto came up as a 2B (Tigers) but in struggling to find playing time made himself into a versatile utility man play...
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LMillz benched
2008-04-25 05:40:00
For all of those LMillz supporters who are still brewing over the trade, here's just another bone headed move by the great prospect. According to John Delcos at Lo Hud Journal the reason Willie Harris played center tonight was because Milledge was benched for being late. I heard so many people say Milledge was going to shove it Omar's face with the Nats, no clubhouse problems and All-star caliber play. Well he's hitting .271 (not bad but not All-star) with a BB/SO ratio of 7/17, his defense is still an adventure to say the least (last week a ball bounced off his head) and obviously with the tardiness he hasn't learned from past mistakes. Oh, by the way that over the hill, weak hitting catcher just received a huge amount of praise for calling a great game by our two time Cy Young Award winning staff ace and the other guy is hitting fifth in the line-up at .350 with great defense and a cannon arm. Neither of which are anywhere near getting benched or having notes on their lockers....