Spinal Stenosis

[Ceetar]

Tampa, presumably was salary dumping though. Is Oakland after the same thing?

Or perhaps because they gave up so little they'd be less stingy about getting more?

Murphy can't play SS and (well, perhaps Flores can't either) Flores can't get on base.

Zobrist is better, and fits the profile of a guy that you wouldn't necessarily have to bench if/when Wright comes back. and even if Wright were only out for the year, he's a one-year guy that you don't need to keep next year.

I mean, Wright is irreplaceable. You're not replacing his production in one guy. So any best case scenario includes him returning, so it makes sense to make a move that factors that possiblity in. Someone that can play elsewhere. Zobrist fits the bill. There are surely other guys, but at least Zobrist is pretty good over a long stretch. OPS+ of at least 112 every year but one going back to 2008. Has played some SS going back to last year (and it's not like we'd be replacing a gold glover there, he won't be worse than Flores)

And this was what, his first DL stint? He played at least 146 games each of the last 6 years. Yes, clearly give him a physical, and yes he's older so maybe don't sign him long term, but he's an above average quality player and the Mets sorely need that. Would rather gamble on his health than gamble on someone else (particularly a mostly sucky guy like McGehee) having a good second half.

[Edgy MD]

You're right. Get Matz a plane ticket.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

It would seem pretty ridiculous to trade Matz for Zobrist, particularly when he might not be worth a lot more than Gee.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I agree. The trade is an absurd idea. If they're going to trade Matz, they should settle for no less than someone like Victor Zambrano.

[nymr83]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I agree. The trade is an absurd idea. If they're going to trade Matz, they should settle for no less than someone like Victor Zambrano.

This was EXACTLY what came to mind when I saw the idea of trading a top prospect for a guy like Zobrist.

I would call Reynolds up and see what happens.

[Ceetar]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: It would seem pretty ridiculous to trade Matz for Zobrist, particularly when he might not be worth a lot more than Gee.

Matz or Zobrist?

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Do you get paid by the reply?

Zobrist you maniac.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Tampa Bay may feel iffy about Zobrist's moves from here on out, but only in a keeping-creepy-tabs-on-your-ex way; he's an Athletic.

Also, the A's traded for him this offseason, and it isn't yet June; Beane isn't dealing him as yet without a massive overpay involved.

[Edgy MD]

Then throw in Nimmo. This is BEN ZOBRIST we're talking about.

[Edgy MD]

The funny thing is that the Mets don't really need a versatile guy. They have enough infield/outfield versatility at is, that they could stand to add a guy (presumably the best available guy) who plays virtually any position, save first or catcher. And if there's a setback for d'Arnaud, they could stand to add a catcher also.

[Edgy MD]

The Braves scratched Alberto Callaspo from the lineup last night, leading to reports that a trade was imminent. He's had a 10-year career, and has rarely been any good during it.

If they're just trying to get something/anything for Nieuwenhuis, well, he's cheaper than McGehee, but still more expensive than Nieuwenhuis.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

switch hits, can play second and third. Hmmmm

[Centerfield]

Getting back to Wright for a second, Sandy's latest comments suggest he may be back sooner than expected. Will see a specialist in California and will know more in a few days.

I am encouraged by his comment:

�None of the doctors at this point have given us any indication this is a long-term problem that can�t be managed.�

Of course, this is classic Sandy-speak, in that presumably none of the doctors have given any indication that this is a short term problem that can be managed.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I think the ship has sailed on "sooner than expected." Back when this was just a hamstring, weren't we thinking he'd be back by early May?

[dgwphotography]

Centerfield wrote: Getting back to Wright for a second, Sandy's latest comments suggest he may be back sooner than expected. Will see a specialist in California and will know more in a few days. I am encouraged by his comment: �None of the doctors at this point have given us any indication this is a long-term problem that can�t be managed.� Of course, this is classic Sandy-speak, in that presumably none of the doctors have given any indication that this is a short term problem that can be managed.

They've lied to us too often. their won't be a next time I believe anything this front office has to say regarding injuries, or anything actually.

[Ceetar]

Centerfield wrote: Getting back to Wright for a second, Sandy's latest comments suggest he may be back sooner than expected. Will see a specialist in California and will know more in a few days. I am encouraged by his comment: �None of the doctors at this point have given us any indication this is a long-term problem that can�t be managed.� Of course, this is classic Sandy-speak, in that presumably none of the doctors have given any indication that this is a short term problem that can be managed.

This is the only answer he would give in public.

So either he's going to be fine or he's trying to make other GMs think he's not desperate for a quality bat that can play 3B.

[seawolf17]

What the hell is wrong with you people? A 34-year-old Ben Fucking Zobrist coming off the DL is NOT the answer, unless Oakland's eating money, and they're not. Especially not for Matz. Crikey.

[Benjamin Grimm]

"You people" is a bit too broad. There's only one person here who seems to think it's a good idea.

[Ceetar]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: "You people" is a bit too broad. There's only one person here who seems to think it's a good idea.

I don't see even one.

Well, unless you count Billy Beane, but I don't think he's here.

[Centerfield]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I think the ship has sailed on "sooner than expected." Back when this was just a hamstring, weren't we thinking he'd be back by early May?

I think Sandy was just suggesting that after the trip to California, he may not need a long-term solution at third.

I don't know. The Newsday article was somewhat encouraging:

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-send-david-wright-to-california-for-back-treatment-1.10472440

[Centerfield]

And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base.

If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third.

When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary.

[Edgy MD]

Edgy MD wrote: The Braves scratched Alberto Callaspo from the lineup last night, leading to reports that a trade was imminent. He's had a 10-year career, and has rarely been any good during it. If they're just trying to get something/anything for Nieuwenhuis, well, he's cheaper than McGehee, but still more expensive than Nieuwenhuis.

Reports now have the Braves potentially sending Collaspo to the Dodgers for Juan Uribe. Or more specifically, Uribe and a minor leaguer for Callaspo and three minor leaguers.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I don't think the Mets need anyone whose name sounds so much like "collapse."

[Edgy MD]

Or, alternatively, a guy whose name sounds like "One RBI."

[nymr83]

Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary.

Bang. A Plan.

[Ceetar]

Nymr83 wrote: Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary. Bang. A Plan.

Ahh, the glorious "Let's just play the guys we have and hope they're good/get better" plan.

[dgwphotography]

Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary.

Sure - make sense. See if we care...

[Edgy MD]

Ceetar wrote: Ahh, the glorious "Let's just play the guys we have and hope they're good/get better" plan.

Guys DO get better.

And it's not just a matter of hope. It's a matter of work. It's a matter of a philosophy that folks are on board with. It's a matter of the right personnel. It's a matter of investing in youth. It's a matter of major and minor league track records. It's a matter of intelligently experimenting with combinations. It's a matter of rehabilitation and having information about your players that other people don't have.

[dgwphotography]

dgwphotography wrote: Centerfield wrote: And for what it's worth, fuck Ben Zobrist. Call up Reynolds. If it's a few weeks, play him at third base. If Wright it out an extended period of time, play Reynolds at SS and Flores at third. When Dilson Herrera gets healthy sit anyone that isn't hitting and re-align as necessary. Sure - make sense. See if we care...

Everyone is too quick to make a trade involving one of our young pitchers. Unless we can bring back a hitter like Mike Trout or Giancarlo Stanton (I know, I know), There isn't much worth trading for, and I don't think we should overpay for the crap that is available.

[Ceetar]

Edgy MD wrote: Ceetar wrote: Ahh, the glorious "Let's just play the guys we have and hope they're good/get better" plan. Guys DO get better. And it's not just a matter of hope. It's a matter of work. It's a matter of a philosophy that folks are on board with. It's a matter of the right personnel. It's a matter of investing in youth. It's a matter of major and minor league track records. It's a matter of intelligently experimenting with combinations. It's a matter of rehabilitation and having information about your players that other people don't have.

Yup, but we've got a hell of lot of gambles in that department, and no matter plans and information and 'work' the less major league experience they have the bigger the risk. The idea here is to reduce the risk and create more stable offense. Can the Mets afford that many growing pains? it doesn't seem like it.