We want Monroe

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

The Snooze (not to mention common sense) this morning is suggesting the Mets are looking for a RH bench player in the wake of Easley's injury, and menion internal candidates (Tatis, Ambres); trade targets (Jeff Conine), and recently released guys Craig Monroe and (hold your nose) Miguel F. Cairo.

Gotta think Monroe is the best choice here. He's only 30 and had 65 XBHs last year. He whiffs a bit, and is having a bad year, but so again are most of the other potentials mentioned.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I know I don't want Jeff Conine.

Easley has two roles:

1) Back up at infield positions

2) Come off the bench cold but able to turn on a good fastball.

Come September, two guys will be able to fill those roles, so we likely need just number two, as depth isn't necessarily as important in October.

Slugging .450 at Comerica ain't easy.

Probabably the best move right now is to get a look at Tatis or Kiger to see what they've got, but I don't know who they'd swap out.

Is Ben Johnson done for the year?

[Guest OlerudOwned]

Wait, has Monroe actually been released, or did Detroit just pass him through waivers?

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

They designated him for assignment, meanining, I think, if they can't trade him in 10 days they must release him. Rubin sez he's expected to clear waivers soon.

[Guest metsguyinmichigan]

The Free Press here is saying that there are several teams talking to the Tigers about a trade, but didn't say if the Mets were one of them.

The guy who replaced Monroe, Cameron Maybin, was here in Grand Rapids last year, and we're in the low-A Midwest League. He was here the whole season, which surprised people, and was as good as advertised. They're selling cool Maybin bobbleheads, too!

[Gwreck]

Edgy DC wrote: Is Ben Johnson done for the year?

Yes, ankle fracture.

[TransMonk]

Looks like Conine takes the lead:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7139452

[MFS62]

And Conine WINS!
For Sean Henry and (?) Castro - an A level shortstop.

Henry was converted from shortstop to centerfielder (the legacy of Casey Stengel).
But I think his upside, IF he ever makes it to the majors is Angel Pagan.
Every time Henry has gotten his average up near .300 this year, he has gone into a prolonged o-fer.

As for Castro - I think he'll be a good major leaguer some day.
But the Mets signed the top international infield prospect a few weeks ago, so I don't think Castro will be missed.

Later

[Elster88]

http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070820&content_id=2160123&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym

]He was quite productive as a pinch-hitter -- a .409 average with four RBIs and no home runs in 22 at-bats

Pinch hitting is hard.

What Met will he be when he gets into a game?

[TransMonk]

1.099 OPS with 2 outs and RISP in 32 plate appearances in 2007.

.304 average in 102 career postseason ABs.

Could be worse...we could be relying on Julio.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I think what always bothered me about him was the subtle "0-9" sewn into his name.

[Guest attgig]

i'm glad Niner is on the mets. for a pinch hitter, he's definitely more reliable than a guy like monroe. monroe would be for the future, battling with lastings and gomez.... not a pinch hitter for a contender.

[Willets Point]

Jeff Conine still plays professional baseball?

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

What troubles me is that if Delgado remains hurt Conine's suddenly the first baseman. With Monroe we'd at least acquire a guy who could do it everyday if we needed him in his position.

I like the idea of giving him No. 09

[TransMonk]

Willets Point wrote: Jeff Conine still plays professional baseball?

He swears he's hangin' 'em up after this season.

[Valadius]

Oh lord.

My grandpa, the Marlins fan, will likely carry on and get excited - he LOVES Conine.

[metirish]

Valadius wrote: Oh lord. My grandpa, the Marlins fan, will likely carry on and get excited - he LOVES Conine.

Well he is Mr.Marlin,or should that be Mr.Marlins?

[Guest Edgy DC]

Jeff Conine has more career RBI than Hack Wilson.

[metirish]

Jeff says that he is proud to be a Met forever how long it will be for.

[MFS62]

Edgy DC wrote: Jeff Conine has more career RBI than Hack Wilson.

Wow!
I don't think Mrs. Conine would have guessed that.

Good get.

Later

[bmfc1]

Cubs: Acquired outfielder Craig Monroe and a cash consideration from the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named later.