2nd base - 2006

[Guest Bret Sabermetric]

Do you think Soriano could "play" left field by standing out there while batted balls bounce to his left and to his right? This could get interesting.

[Guest old original jb]

I always thought that Frank Robinson brooked no nonsense.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

I think you have it mixed up.

Brooks Robinson franked no nonsense.

[smg58]

I do think Keppinger has outperformed Hernandez so far, and probably wouldn't benefet as much from more seasoning, but we'll see what happens.

Soriano... they'd have to take Matsui and only one other player, presumably an outfielder. (Matsui, assuming he gets off the DL, would actually be an upgrade for them at SS.) I may have considered throwing in Bannister at one point, but absolutely not now.

[Guest Bret Sabermetric]

smg58 wrote: and only one other player, presumably an outfielder..

That would be Milledge.

[Elster88]

smg58 wrote: I do think Keppinger has outperformed Hernandez so far, and probably wouldn't benefet as much from more seasoning, but we'll see what happens. Soriano... they'd have to take Matsui and only one other player, presumably an outfielder. (Matsui, assuming he gets off the DL, would actually be an upgrade for them at SS.) I may have considered throwing in Bannister at one point, but absolutely not now.

Why in the world would the Nats trade Soriano for Matsui and Bannister? Oh wait, you're not even willing to throw in Bannister?

Bret is right, we're not getting Soriano unless a guy like Milledge goes away.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

The Nationals have a guy who's making $10 million this year, and refuses to play. They're not in the strongest of bargaining positions. Few teams are in a position to take on $10 million in late March.

A smart GM should be able to take advantage of that.

My fear is that Omar will be so eager to make the deal that he won't leverage that advantage.

[MFS62]

Putting together some thoughts about second base:
From today's NY Daily News: Victor Diaz still has a minor league option.
From discussions about Soriano: He's a head case, a good hitter, but lousy fielder.

Idea: Hey! We have one of those. Why not option Diaz to AAA, put him on a diet, and play him at second base every day to see what he can do? From prior reports when we got him, Diaz wasn't terrible. It was just that he concentrated more on his hitting than his fielding. But now, maybe he can be convinced that improving his defense would be his best shot at becoming a major league regular.

Whaddaya' think?

Later

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

I suppose I've heard worse ideas. The Mets don't have a long-term answer at second base, and they don't seem to have any immediate plans for Diaz. I guess they can let him play second in Norfolk and get him into the mix for next year.

But is Diaz a good enough hitter to make up for his glove in the infield?

Also, I doubt that he's the head case Soriano is.

[MFS62]

Yancy Street Gang wrote: Also, I doubt that he's the head case Soriano is.

Sorry if that was misleading. Didn't mean to imply that. I was thinking more about the good hitter, lousy fielder part.

From things I've heard, Diaz' only problem is limited range. (Which is why I suggested the diet) He reportedly has good hands, catches anything near him and turns the DP well. (Those were the same things I heard from my Canadian friends about Jeff Kent when he was in the Jays' organization.)

Later

[Guest heep]

I don't think, nor do I hope, that Soriano is on the Mets' radar.

Keppinger has outplayed Hernandez this spring thus far, and if he continues to hit, play him. One paper this morning stated that the Mets have buried Keppinger. Why? Is he not likable?

I like rooting for the underdog, and I am pulling for him. If he does get the opening day job, I hope he hits .350 in the first month of the season.

[metirish]

heep if you go to page 14 here you will find an article I posted that may explain things, Jon Heyman says the Mets have no interest...

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-spsori214670490mar21,0,3683967.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines

[smg58]

Is now a good time to point out that Todd Walker had a higher OPS than Soriano the last two seasons? And it's not like he's any worse of a fielder. Nor would anybody suggest Milledge as a fair exchange.

[Guest Edgy DC]

]Keppinger has outplayed Hernandez this spring thus far, ...

He has outhit him, somewhat. Yeah, the difference is .231 in OPS, but, at this juncture, that's the difference between a walk here and a few extra bases there. The Mets (and most objective watchers) still respect Anderson's versatility, speed and defense more. (Matsui's also.)

]...and if he continues to hit, play him.

There's a strong argument that, unless all other considerations are close to even, it's reckless to make decisions based on a few dozen spring training at-bats.

]One paper this morning stated that the Mets have buried Keppinger. Why? Is he not likable?

He's gotten 38 plate appearances, as many as Anderson, tied for ninth most on the team, and more time at second than anybody, save Matsui. I should be so buried.

[nymr83]

smg58 wrote: Is now a good time to point out that Todd Walker had a higher OPS than Soriano the last two seasons? And it's not like he's any worse of a fielder. Nor would anybody suggest Milledge as a fair exchange.

Soriano is just way overvalued, one of the best 2Bmen and (#2 hitters!) was traded this offseason and that was Mark Loretta....boy do i wish we'd demanded him for Cameron.

[Guest Rotblatt]

Edgy DC wrote: ]Keppinger has outplayed Hernandez this spring thus far, ... He has outhit him, somewhat. Yeah, the difference is .231 in OPS, but, at this juncture, that's the difference between a walk here and a few extra bases there. The Mets (and most objective watchers) still respect Anderson's versatility, speed and defense more. (Matsui's also.)

The problem is that Hernandez hasn't walked or hit for an extra base even once in 38 at bats, and it's not like he has a strong history of doing either--he's only had a good half season.

Don't get me wrong, I like Hernandez, but he just doesn't look ready yet.

] ]...and if he continues to hit, play him. There's a strong argument that, unless all other considerations are close to even, it's reckless to make decisions based on a few dozen spring training at-bats. ]One paper this morning stated that the Mets have buried Keppinger. Why? Is he not likable? He's gotten 38 plate appearances, as many as Anderson, tied for ninth most on the team, and more time at second than anybody, save Matsui. I should be so buried.

Those are all good points, Edge. At the very least, they're still looking at Keppinger--or were, before Reyes got back.

[Frayed Knot]

"The problem is that Hernandez hasn't walked or hit for an extra base even once in 38 at bats, and it's not like he has a strong history of doing either--he's only had a good half season."

So you're saying that the radio callers should maybe put the Andy-Handy bronze plaque on hold for a bit yet?

[Elster88]

="Frayed Knot"]"The problem is that Hernandez hasn't walked or hit for an extra base even once in 38 at bats, and it's not like he has a strong history of doing either--he's only had a good half season." So you're saying that the radio callers should maybe put the Andy-Handy bronze plaque on hold for a bit yet?

It's not just the radio callers.

[Guest Edgy DC]

They split time there yesterday. Hernandez got the first three at-bats (1-3) and Keppinger the last (1-1).

I'm not saying the Mets are right if they go with Hernandez over Keppinger. I'm saying that if they do, it's likely not because (1) Keppinger's white, (2) they hate him, or (3) he smells bad. But rather esoteric stuff like projectability, defense, and versatility (if and when Matsui reutrns).

I guess I'm also saying that he hasn't been buried.

I agree that I'd want to see Anderson maybe find a few gaps or work out a hard-foulght walk or two --- display a full range of his skils --- before handing him a big league job.

[Vic Sage]

] agree that I'd want to see Anderson maybe find a few gaps or work out a hard-foulght walk or two --- display a full range of his skils --- before handing him a big league job.

I agree, but they handed Reyes a big league job without waiting for him to do that. What makes you think they'll wait for Handy Andy to display such skills?

[Guest Edgy DC]

I don't really, though Reyes was under a different regime.

A few things will likely happen before this shakes out.

[Vic Sage]

Reyes was handed the everyday job as a leadoff hitter by Willie Randolph, at the same time that he was keeping Wright in the bottom 1/2 of the order because he "was a young player and he wanted to bring him along slowly".

Reason #349 that Willie is an idiot.

[Elster88]

Vic Sage wrote: Reyes was handed the everyday job as a leadoff hitter by Willie Randolph

Art Howe.


Not that Willie necessarily had to keep him there. I'd call it reason number #348 and 1/2.

[Vic Sage]

i'll restate:

"In 2005, Randolph allowed Reyes to retain the job of leadoff hitter after demonstrating in 2004 that he was not yet ready for that responsibility, and as he continued to demonstrate throughout the 2005 season by barely accumulating a .300 OB%"

I still think his judgment on this issue (especially in the context of his decision-making about Wright) ranks as #349.

[HahnSolo]

Francesa just said he spoke with Omar off the air, and Omar expects Hernandez to start the season at second base. Not an earth shattering news brief, I know.
He also said Omar was willing to part with Matsui for Soriano. The Nats asked for Milledge. Gee both sides making an unreasonable demand, what a shock.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

Well, geez, of course he'd deal Matsui for Soriano even up. They're both poor fielding second basemen in their walk years, but Soriano's only getting $2 million more, and for that money you get a lot more offensive production.

It's good to hear that Omar refrained from dealing Milledge for Soriano. I'm still not confident that Lastings will still be Mets property in 2007, but that tidbit of news is a good sign.

[Elster88]

Vic Sage wrote: i'll restate: "In 2005, Randolph allowed Reyes to retain the job of leadoff hitter after demonstrating in 2004 that he was not yet ready for that responsibility, and as he continued to demonstrate throughout the 2005 season by barely accumulating a .300 OB%" I still think his judgment on this issue (especially in the context of his decision-making about Wright) ranks as #349.

Reyes retained the job at least partly by default. It's not like we had a better option. I'll stick with 348 and a 1/2 myself. Maybe 1/4.

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

I hope that the Mets want no part of Soriano and his prima donna attitude. Let Hernandez and Keppinger handle second base. If neither of them displays that they are ready to be starters by the time Matsui comes off the DL, then give him a shot at it. If Hernandez or Keppinger is doing well when Matsui is ready, then look to move Matsui.

Just please, don't let Soriano anywhere near a Mets uniform.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Atlanta Journal-Constitution says... meet Jeff!

Jeff Keppinger on...

Published on: 03/03/06

THE MOMENTS

� Highlight of high school career (Parkview): "We won the state championship my sophomore year against Walton. I was MVP all three years."

� Highlight of college career (Georgia): "In the [2001] regional, we lost the opening game. In the second game on Saturday, I hit for the cycle. The next day in the final game, I went 5-for-5. I was 4-for-4, I'd already hit two home runs in the game, and they decided to pitch to me. We were losing by one, with two outs. I hit a two-run homer and we won 9-8 against Coastal Carolina."

� Highlight of pro career (drafted by Pirates, traded to Mets): "The funniest thing is my first year [in the minors] I was in the home run derby [in the South Atlantic League]. All the people now who tell me I have no power, I tell them that. I think I hit one. They pick the home run derby the first month-and-a-half of the season. I had, like, seven. I had two games in one week when I hit two, so I had four in a week."

� How about your real highlight? Was it your major league debut (Aug. 20, 2004)?: "Yeah, it was in San Francisco. We were in a playoff race. My dad and mom were there. My wife, who was then my girlfriend, flew in. Getting my first hit [the following night] and getting my first home run. I hit a home run to start off a game. I think we set a record [a team-record seven leadoff homers on the season]. To be a part of that, to know I had one of them."

� Most embarrassing baseball moment: "I was 7 or 8. We beat the Red Devils like 25-0 every year. In Margate, Fla., we had the lead in the last inning. I was at shortstop, the bases were loaded with two outs. We're up by three. Guy hit a ground ball to me. The ball went right between my legs. ... We lost. I went home crying. My mom and my brother still [rib me] about that. All they have to say is 'Margate.' "

PLAYING FAVORITES

� Favorite TV show: "Judge Judy"

� Favorite musician: Tom Petty (How about a BLC vote, Jeff?)

� Favorite movie: "Wizard of Oz"

� Favorite baseball player, growing up: Pete Rose

� Favorite athlete now, in a sport other than baseball: Tiger Woods

SHORT ANSWER

� Loves about spring training: "I'm competing for a job this year, but I've never really looked at it that way. It's just a time to get ready, relax, get loose and get used to playing every day."

� With whom/where you worked out in the offseason: He hit at Renz Baseball Academy in Duluth. "I did a lot of swimming at SwimAtlanta. Twice a week, I swam laps, freestyle and backstroke. It was good to keep weight off my leg."

� Craziest, or most fun thing you did in offseason: "Got married."

� Best thing about playing baseball in college: "It helped me mature and learn how to play the game."

� Best advice you've ever gotten about baseball: "Play hard every day. Don't take the game for granted. From my grandfather, my mom and my dad."

GWINNETT FLAVOR

� Biggest influence growing up? "My brother Billy."

� Last time you were at Parkview? "Last day of school my senior year."

� Is your wife from Gwinnett, by chance? "Yeah, she went to Parkview. She's my best friend's little sister. Her name is Morgan [Jaillett] Keppinger."

� You got some dirt on the other baseball guys from Gwinnett? "My brother-in-law grew up with [Jeff] Francoeur. He said when [Francoeur was little] he used to say, 'Hi, I'm Jeff-wee.' "

FILL IN THE BLANK

� Three people I'd like to play golf in a foursome with: "Tom Glavine. Maybe now he'll call me in the offseason. The president. Pete Rose." (Forget about Rose, Jeff. You'll lose your shirt, to start.)

� Most famous person I've ever met is: Muhammad Ali.

� If I weren't a baseball player I'd be a: "Probably a lawyer."

� Last summer job was: "I've never had a job. Baseball."

� The sport I played most recently, other than baseball was: Golf.

� A sport I'm awful at is: "You've got me stumped."

� Last thing I cooked was: "Pork tenderloin."

� Secret talent : "Ping-Pong."

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

His secret talent isn't a secret anymore.

Didn't Willie Randolph say something about Ping Pong skills being the thing he looks for most in a secondbaseman?