2010 -- Wow, we suck again ...

[metirish]

Very well said Grim. I really like what you said about taking a day or two to pick a manager for 2011 and beyond.

[seawolf17]

I'm kinda surprised Edgy hasn't turned that photo into a poll yet.

[TransMonk]

Quite frankly, I would be majorly pissed off if Manuel gets axed early and Valentine doesn't get the job.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Chickpolls. That's not my speed. More Dickshot or Ben Grimm.

[Centerfield]

The Dickshot thread has some great work in it.

I'm trying to remember the photo that started the LoDuca thread, but I can't remember.

[ashie62]

They would all look better without the uniforms, especially third form left

[ashie62]

Edgy DC wrote: Wait, Manuel has resigned?

one could only hope

[Frayed Knot]

Centerfield wrote: The Dickshot thread has some great work in it.

Several retroactive BoCs in there - particularly Soupy's cynicism and Vic's Act1/Scene 1 screenplay

[TransMonk]

3 1/2 back after the first week. That sucks. At least we're not the Astros.

Unfortunately for Philly, Rollins may be hurt. I never root for injuries, but hey, if it slows them down...

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5078900

[ashie62]

2-6 3 series lost

[TransMonk]

What a difference a week makes...we're in last again.

[MFS62]

Up to this year, if the Mets were looking to improve the team, fans were looking outside the organization. They were saying, and posting, things like "sign this guy(free agents)" or "trade for this guy".

But this year, they have been saying "bring this guy up" and the minor league organization has provided Ike, Carter, Tejada and Mejia. It is very encouraging, an indication that the minor league system isn't as bad as some"experts" have written.

Unfortunately, it appears the well has run dry of major league ready players who might help immediately. Most of the remaining good prospects are still 1 - 2 years away from being able to do that.
Now it may be time to look outside the system again, if only on a short term basis to give the remaining prospects a chance to develop.

Later

[Benjamin Grimm]

Here's something to crank up our collective angst:

I don't believe this is the case, but...

What if Omar is going to Atlanta to negotiate with John Smoltz?

[MFS62]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: What if Omar is going to Atlanta to negotiate with John Smoltz?

That would be as likely as a Muslim imigrant becoming Miss USA.
Oh, wait.

Later

[seawolf17]

I'd get Smoltz -- and Pedro -- on board. Make it happen, Omar!

[TransMonk]

It's gotten to the point where we may have to start throwing odd stuff against the wall to see what sticks. I'd be up for seeing what Smoltz or Pedro has left. I figured we might have to wait until August for these moves, but if Niese is down for a while, we've got holes to fill.

[metirish]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Here's something to crank up our collective angst: I don't believe this is the case, but... What if Omar is going to Atlanta to negotiate with John Smoltz?

I think Smoltz probably would have better options out there.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I'd definitely think hitting, lads.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Pat Burrell make his home there?

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Pat Burrell make his home there?

Between the lack of sleep, workstuff and the Mets, I'm feeling pretty close to a stroke already. PLEASE don't put me over the edge, man.

[soupcan]

I'll have one order of Bobby V. with a side of some hitting please.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Edgy DC wrote: I'd definitely think hitting, lads.

They'd go a long way by adding a reliable starting pitcher and a productive bat.

At what position would that batter play? Right field appears to be the best place to start. I don't see it happening at left field, shortstop, or third base any time soon. First base seems fine.

That leaves center field, catcher, and second base. By how much can they reasonably upgrade over Pagan, Barajas, and/or Castillo while the season is ongoing?

[seawolf17]

Edgy DC wrote: I'd definitely think hitting, lads.

Yes, but where? You don't realistically have any open spots right now, unless you think they're going to cut Jeff Francoeur loose, which I doubt. Bay, Wright, Reyes, Davis, and Barajas aren't going anywhere.

You're not going to find a second baseman unless you cut Castillo, and with Perez choking up half a bajillion dollars, I don't think they'll cut both of them. And who's out there? What would it take to get Dan Uggla? (Do we want to give the Marlins more future ammunition against us? Don't we lose to them enough?) Ty Wigginton is cheap, and having a blast of a year in Baltimore.

With the specter of Beltran hanging over CF, you really can't go out there and get a bat either.

I don't know.

[soupcan]

That's a good point. Where would the bat go? You're not going to replace Jason Bay and you're not going to get a significant upgrade over Pagan.

I guess I get really frustrated with Matthews off the bench and the starters just not playing up to their career numbers. I just want more offense but logically I'm not thinking about where to insert it.

(that's what he said)

[batmagadanleadoff]

seawolf17 wrote: Edgy DC wrote: I'd definitely think hitting, lads. Yes, but where?

The Mets would need to stay in contention until the All-Star break so that they then can, hopefully, pick up a valuable part from some other team cutting bait. That's one scenario.

[Guest Edgy DC]

They'd go a long way by adding a reliable starting pitcher and a productive bat.

Sure, but that's essentially true of every team ever.

Yes, but where?

Well, I'm not asking for anybody, but professional hitters always exist in the generic outfield/firstbase area --- some Ryan Ludwick types.

And, of course, in trading, a team frequently opens up the spots of the players it deals.

[batmagadanleadoff]

joepet wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: seawolf17 wrote: Edgy DC wrote: I'd definitely think hitting, lads. Yes, but where? The Mets would need to stay in contention until the All-Star break so that they then can, hopefully, pick up a valuable part from some other team cutting bait. That's one scenario. That is definitely THE scenario. Just don't know if they can follow it.

Yes. Everything's easier said than done.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Edgy DC wrote: They'd go a long way by adding a reliable starting pitcher and a productive bat. Sure, but that's essentially true of every team ever.

But it's especially true of teams that have sucky pitching and sucky hitting.

[Guest Edgy DC]

OK, yes, the Mets could do well by adding pitchers and hitters. They could use lefthanded and righthanded players, and they need to consider players who are both strong and fast.

But, in trying to prioritize, as people are looking for players to pick up players as the team heads into Atlanta, I think it's worth considering that they are sixth in the National League in ERA, but tenth in runs per game.

[Ceetar]

soupcan wrote: That's a good point. Where would the bat go? You're not going to replace Jason Bay and you're not going to get a significant upgrade over Pagan. I guess I get really frustrated with Matthews off the bench and the starters just not playing up to their career numbers. I just want more offense but logically I'm not thinking about where to insert it. (that's what he said)

It's why it has to be HoJo. The offense is team-wide underachieving. You could make a case to upgrade in RF. You could definitely find a better 1Bman for right now, but that's probably be counter-productive to a long term goal. Catcher? Maybe, but Barajas has been pretty good.

Looks like the answer is to find someone that's going to make all the players b etter, rather than trying to replace any one player.