Hot Stove 2009-2010

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

I hope that the Mets know something that virtually every impartial observer and/or relevant statistical measure of defense doesn't know, because their decisions and public statements run counter to virtually every example of both. (Also, point-of-fact: Hudson's base salary was 3.0 million... but with a heavy PA and games-played-based incentive package. He earned about 8 million last year.)

"Felipe and I are still looking for a place to stay, though."

Edited February 4, 2010 by Guest

[ashie62]

Come to Beavis

[Fman99]

I hope that the Mets know something that virtually every impartial observer and/or relevant statistical measure of defense doesn't know, because their decisions and public statements run counter to virtually every example of both. (Also, point-of-fact: Hudson's base salary was 3.0 million... but with a heavy PA and games-played-based incentive package. He earned about 8 million last year.) "Felipe and I are still looking for a place to stay, though."

She can check into the Hotel Del MyFace.

[Valadius]

Jarrod Washburn is talking retirement if he doesn't get an offer he likes.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I think Fman may invite him to check in to the other Hotel down the block from his face.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Apparently, a minor-league offer from the Mets (as well as one from the O's) fails to make Japanese lefty Hisanori Takahashi happy-in-pants.

Various other reports have him "wanting to pitch on the West Coast" and "possibly headed for Pittsburgh." (Perhaps he meant the west coast of the Allegheny.)

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Only these lonely can't play.

Among those still waiting by the phone are those listed below (with good value remaining in the OF):

SP
Pedro Martinez
Chien-Ming Wang
Jarrod Washburn*
John Smoltz
Braden Looper
Todd Wellemeyer
Brett Tomko
Dustin Moseley
Paul Byrd
Livan Hernandez

RP
Ron Mahay*
Joe Beimel*
Will Ohman*
Chan Ho Park
Joaquin Benoit
Russ Springer
Mike McDougal
Jason Isringhausen
Scott Schoeneweis*

C
Rod Barajas
Paul Bako
Jose Molina
Shawn Riggans

1B
Russ Branyan
Carlos Delgado
Dmitri Young
Hank Blalock

2B/SS
Felipe Lopez
Ramon Martinez

3B
Joe Crede
Aaron Boone

OF
Johnny Damon
Endy Chavez
Rocco Baldelli
Jermaine Dye
Johnny Gomes
Garrett Anderson
Gary Sheffield

[smg58]

I can't believe Branyan and Lopez are still available. Calero, too -- FA relievers have done nicely this offseason, and you can argue that he had the best year of all of them. I'd ask the Marlins what in addition to Murphy would get us Nolasco (I'm assuming Josh Johnson is out of the question), and I'd ask the Cubs if Ollie, Castillo, and Parnell plus taking on all of Zambrano's contract (basically 2012 at $18M, plus an option) would be enough. If I could get assurance Chien-Ming would be ready by June, I'd sign him now and sit tight. (I tried multiple variations of that sentence using the word Wang, and each one was more embarrassing than the previous.)

One or two meaningful pickups this week would make the offseason actually look good.

[seawolf17]

Quick! Let's buy an expansion team and sign all those guys! That's not a bad squad.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

It's like a really plush expansion team, it is.

God help me, I could go for some Pedro and/or Wang this year. Either one would make a fine luxury science-fair project. Same with Branyan.

[Vic Sage]

[u:1ho6dj95]SP[/u:1ho6dj95]
Pedro Martinez
Jarrod Washburn*
John Smoltz
Todd Wellemeyer
Dustin Moseley
DL: Chien-Ming Wang

[u:1ho6dj95]RP[/u:1ho6dj95]
Mike McDougal - closer
Braden Looper
Ron Mahay*
Joe Beimel*
Will Ohman*
Joaquin Benoit

C - Rod Barajas
1B - Russ Branyan
2B - Ramon Martinez
SS - Felipe Lopez
3B - Hank Blalock
LF - Johnny Damon
CF - Endy Chavez
RF - Johnny Gomes
DH - Carlos Delgado
ut - Joe Crede, Aaron Boone
Of- Rocco Baldelli
Of- Jermaine Dye
C2 - Jose Molina

Lopez
Damon
Blalock
Delgado
Branyon
Gomes
Barajas
Martinez
Chavez

This team would suck

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Yes, but it's got a great f*cking bench-- Dye, Blalock and Baldelli as PH threats, and Molina/Baldelli as defensive replacements-- and I have a feeling that an aggressive, smart manager (with, say, a predilection for fake mustaches and/or bad stoner impressions) could squeeze 80 wins out of it.

(And I'd probably start Crede over Blalock, make him my 1B/3B swingman, and drop McDougal for Calero.)

[smg58]

Marcus Thames to the Yankees on a minor-league deal. Brian Giles to the Dodgers, also on a minor-league deal.

[Valadius]

The White Sox have unretired Luis Aparicio's #11 for the 2010 season, as Omar Vizquel has obtained Aparicio's blessing to wear it.

[ashie62]

Why can't Hank Blalock get a bite. I know he hit .234 and struck out very much, but 25 HR and only 28 years old. Played 1B last season, but has been used around the infield.

[Gwreck]

smg58 wrote: Marcus Thames to the Yankees on a minor-league deal. Brian Giles to the Dodgers, also on a minor-league deal.

We couldn't sign one of these guys for the bench? (Ok, Giles probably wanted to stay on the West Coast). But still -- our outfield bench is...Gary Matthews, Jr., Fernando Tais and Nick Evans?

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

Gwreck wrote: smg58 wrote: Marcus Thames to the Yankees on a minor-league deal. Brian Giles to the Dodgers, also on a minor-league deal. We couldn't sign one of these guys for the bench? (Ok, Giles probably wanted to stay on the West Coast). But still -- our outfield bench is...Gary Matthews, Jr., Fernando Tais and Nick Evans?

Omar has had no time to waste on role playing bench help. He's been far too busy landing a front line starter for the rotation.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Chris Carter, Fernando Martinez, Angel Pagan (after Beltran returns), and possibly Mike Hessman. These ain't bums either.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Sherman suggests some moves to "salvage the offseason," including Mr. Lopez. Can't say I disagree with most of the thinking here, but of more interest...

The Mets obviously know they are best served with Santos and Josh Thole at Triple-A for depth because they recently re-engaged Arizona about Chris Snyder. But despite public proclamations that they are fine financially, the Mets might have real cash-flow issues � and can�t afford anything else now � since they told the D�backs that Arizona had to eat almost all of Snyder�s $4.75 million 2010 contract or no deal. So no deal.

Um... if this isn't a massive distortion of the talks about Snyder, there might be a reason why Castillo hasn't moved.

[Valadius]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Sherman suggests some moves to "salvage the offseason," including Mr. Lopez. Can't say I disagree with most of the thinking here, but of more interest... The Mets obviously know they are best served with Santos and Josh Thole at Triple-A for depth because they recently re-engaged Arizona about Chris Snyder. But despite public proclamations that they are fine financially, the Mets might have real cash-flow issues � and can�t afford anything else now � since they told the D�backs that Arizona had to eat almost all of Snyder�s $4.75 million 2010 contract or no deal. So no deal. Um... if this isn't a massive distortion of the talks about Snyder, there might be a reason why Castillo hasn't moved.

Yeah, because all of Fred's money ended up in Bernie's caviar.

[Vic Sage]

i agree with all the moves Sherman suggests, and have suggested most of them myself (as have many of us here). These aren't likely to be expensive moves, and would likely put us around last year's budget (at least it would if they hadn't thrown bad money around to backups Cora and GMJ). That they're budget-cutting, after just opening a new stadium and creating their own network, can only be attributed to either losses in their other businesses (i.e., Madoff) or because they think we won't notice, or they're just huge cock-sucking assholes intent on driving fans over a cliff.

[smg58]

If money was so tight, they could have made a lower offer to Bay (nobody was competing with us) or settled for Damon at one year and $6M or so and spread the rest of the money around; non-tendered Francoeur and either brought him back for less than half that much or gone for any of the other cheap outfield options; tried to move K-Rod while closers were the only position with a sellers' market; and refrained from signing Cora for $2M when, given the current market for past-their-prime veterans, he'd most likely still be available now.

But they did make offers to Piniero and Molina, so I'd have to assume there's no hard cap right where they are.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

As per Scott Boras and the Detroit Free P, Johnny Damon has always been a big Red Wings fan.

In other news, Olde English has been a favorite font in the Damon household for decades. Also, if you're a major-league GM anywhere, he thinks your hair looks great like that, and wonders whether you've got any shoes that need shining or dry cleaning in need of pickup.

[metirish]

When he and I go to a Greek restaurant, he always orders octopus," Boras said

Something else that Boras

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

I don't see any report of an interview where Johnny professes his love of Chick-Fil-A and fandom-since-childhood of Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, but he seems to have finagled a one-year offer from Atlanta, as per the AP, with terms unspecified.

[duan]

jesus christ, that octopus thing is only half a step removed from sacrificing a chicken.

[MFS62]

duan wrote: jesus christ, that octopus thing is only half a step removed from sacrificing a chicken.

That reminds me. I wonder if Pedro Cerrano is available as a free agent?

Later

[MFS62]

Here's some long distance optimism from my pal, the German Mets fan.
Its a nice recap that seems to mirror some of what has already been said.

1) Fact is, the 2009/2010 free agent market was very thin. There was no true elite talent available and only two legit impact bats in Holliday and Bay. The Mets got one of the two and thus get a RH slugger they�ve lacked for quite some time. As for the pitching market, sure, the Mets could have used a more dependable SP for their rotation vs. what they have now. However, was any of the available options dependable and worth a larger investment ? - Lackey - as good as he is - has missed time in both 08 and 09 with shoulder issues. Nothing major but definitely a concern for a 31-year-old who is supposed to be a true workhorse and who gets a 10+ % share of the overall payroll for several years - Pineiro - a very good 2009 season under the tutalage of Dave Duncan that followed a career that makes Ollie Perez look consistent. Hardly worth a larger investment. - R.Wolf - coming off a fine 2009 season but already in his mid 30s and with a track record full of serious injuries before being healthy in 2009 and for most of 2008. These three could have helped for sure and made for a nice 2010 spring outlook - but at what price and without any guarantees. All other available SP were either consistently mediocre (Garland, Marquis) or major risks like Sheets, Harden or Bedard. So, this leaves the Mets with essentially the same rotation they had in 2008 and in 2009. In 2008, it fell one game short of reaching the postseason. Had the Mets had a closer in 2008, it would have been enough. In 2009, injuries struck while Pelfrey regressed and the team collapsed entirely. Santana is one of the greatest pitchers in Baseball. If Pelfrey - Maine - Perez manage to combine for 85+ starts, 500+ IP and an overall ERA of 4.00, the Mets will be alright. If you look up their 2008 production, that�s essentially what they did back then. The Mets had no legit 5th starter in 2008 or 2009 either. At least this year, there�s a good shot to see a younger, more promising pitcher like Jon Niese or Fernando Nieve get a long look here. Can�t do much worse than what was used in previous years. 2) The Mets resisted trading away any prospects. While there�s a lot of debate among prospect raters whether the Mets have a terrible farm (Rubin and some BA guys) or a pretty solid and underrated farm (K.Law, Sickels, Goldstein of BP as well), it was vital keeping this group of prospects intact. If the Mets want to become a successful franchise again, they need a steady pipeline of young talent at all levels of the system. Last year, one of the big problems besides the rash of injuries was the lack of talent at AAA to help out when injuries struck. And not only that, for fans it�s easier accepting a lost season when you�re getting a glimpse of the future. However, except for a few F.Martinez games, the replacements essentially were the Angel Berroas and Corey Sullivans of the world. Mediocre Quadruple A players who have seen the best side of their career. By keeping all the prospects, the AAA and AA rosters - for the first time in years - will feature several promising young talents. Even if there�s a lot of debate regarding the future value of Ike Davis, Jenry Mejia, Fernando Martinez, Reese Havens, Brad Holt, Josh Thole, Kirk Nieuwenhuis or Ruben Tejeda - fact is they�re all young and will all just be a phone call away from the majors if needed - without being totally rushed. 3) Yes, the Mets look well below average at C and 2b right now offensively and possibly defensively as well. 1b and RF are big question marks too - though the young age of Franceour and Murphy somewhat help. CF remains a concern as well as long Beltran is out and Pagan / Matthews have to fill in. That said, assuming health from Reyes, a bounceback from Wright. Bay producing on a normal level, the lineup won�t be all that terrible. The Braves also have major lineup question marks at multiple spots: - brittle Troy Glaus at 1b - unproven Martin Prado at 2b - declining Chipper Jones (age 38) at 3b - overrated Melky Cabrera in LF - Matt Diaz in RF And I�d certainly rather have Reyes - Wright - Bay than McCann - Escobar - McLouth among the more predictable lineup anchors. Sure, the Braves have a better rotation on paper - though it�s an all RH staff, Lowe looked poor in 2009, Hudson is 35 and missed most of 2008 / 2009, Kawakami is a mediocre filler. Hanson & Jurrjens look like legit young aces though and thus give the Braves the edge for now. However, this is far from a landslide. Is it really a foregone conclusion that Hudson outpitches Maine ? Santana & Pelfrey perform worse overall than Hanson & Jurrjens ? Perez does worse than Lowe ? Kawakami outpitches Niese / Nieve ? Let�s play the season to find out. Overall, I see the Mets as an 85-win team on paper right now. Not in the ballpark of the Phillies but on par with the Braves, Marlins and fellow 2nd place / Wild Card contenders in the NL. With a few good breaks the Mets win 90 games and reach the playoffs while developing a stronger farm nucleus. With a few bad breaks the Mets win 80 games and clean house at some point in 2010 and a new GM inherits a roster without too many crippling long term contracts. Reply | Quote

Later

[HahnSolo]

The Mets have 11 players on their 40-man roster who either switch-hit or bat lefty, and that group combined for 26 homers from the left side in 2,634 at-bats last year.

From the Sherman article in his argument for Branyan. Wow.

I am not sure I really want Branyan, but wow.

[Guest Edgy DC]

It's not like they displayed that much righthanded power either.