Benjamin Grimm

="Centerfield":3oavbtld]Marlon Anderson owns him. Which means that we now have one reason to retain Marlon Anderson for next year.[/quote:3oavbtld] The other way of looking at it is that Marlon will no longer be facing the one guy he can hit against. Gwreck Dec 09 2008 03:23 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":3v797aff]Mets vs. Frankie[/quote:3v797aff] I'd forgotten that we got one of his blown saves in 2008. 86-Dreamer Dec 09 2008 03:30 PM I'm pleased. It was a glaring need, he has been among the best at his position for several years, he is 26, and he was signed for less years and dollars than most would have guessed just a few weeks ago. I'd gladly swap Heilman and Feliciano for Howston Street if that really is an option. If not, I'd consider a one year deal to Hoffman to setup. His left/right splits are a concern, but his overall WHIP, K/9 and walk rate are still quite good. No idea if he values another 30 saves more than a chance to pitch for a contending team. OlerudOwned Dec 09 2008 04:30 PM If he went down from 57 to 54, he'd be using the number of now-former teammate and fellow Venezuelan Ervin Santana, who legally changed his name in 2003 to avoid confusion with his namesake at the time, Johan Santana. Kong76 Dec 09 2008 05:17 PM I took love it, love the years compared to all the speculation. Shoulda just started a new thread for the poll imgaho. metirish Dec 09 2008 06:10 PM Couldn't beat this with a big stick , got to like it for the years and if it turns out golden then he gets a few more years , turns out pear shaped he's not here for long. Nymr83 Dec 09 2008 06:15 PM I voted Neutral because I feel that big contracts for relievers fail and much as they succeed, but I'm happy to have Rodriguez on the Mets for 2009. Rockin' Doc Dec 09 2008 06:25 PM Nice start to the off season. Now all Omar has to do is add a starter to the rotation, get an upgrade at either left field, second base, or catcher, and then get 2-3 more reliable arms for the bullpen to get games to senor Rodriguez. There is still a lot of work to do, but this is a great start. I like the deal quite a bit. This free agent market is shaping up to be a good buyers market. Hopoefully, the Mets can fill a few of their other needs while the market is depressed. Fman99 Dec 09 2008 07:28 PM I heart Frankie. This guy was the best closer on the market and it didn't cost any young talent. metirish Dec 09 2008 07:33 PM It will cost the Mets draft picks as you know , with the very easy vesting option this might as well be a four year deal. Kong76 Dec 09 2008 07:34 PM Ny83: I voted Neutral because I feel that big contracts for relievers fail and much as they succeed, but I'm happy to have Rodriguez on the Mets for 2009 <=== He couldn't have been had for '09 without a few more years added on. The thing to be happy with is it wasn't sick six or five years like what might have happened in a better market. The guy is young and it's worth the gamble no matter what your fantasy spreadsheets are telling you. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 09 2008 07:58 PM I think the Mets'll get good value for the money/years. Prospectus' MORP puts Rodriguez at 14.3, 10.5, and 8.3 million over the next three years. So the Mets probably overpaid a little, but they're one of the few teams that can afford to do that, and they got the best available closer. I put down "Love it". Now, Fuentes or Wood for set-up? Frayed Knot Dec 09 2008 08:10 PM Wood & Fuentes are going to get closer money and aren't going to come here for set-up duties. Valadius Dec 09 2008 08:11 PM Wood looks like he's going to Cleveland. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 09 2008 09:09 PM ="Frayed Knot":1b7mjflt]Wood & Fuentes are going to get closer money and aren't going to come here for set-up duties.[/quote:1b7mjflt] I know, I just wonder if they were offered closer money if they would accept a setup role. Fman99 Dec 09 2008 09:29 PM ="metirish":3kn98oo4]It will cost the Mets draft picks as you know , with the very easy vesting option this might as well be a four year deal.[/quote:3kn98oo4] True -- I was thinking more of the guys currently in their system that keep coming up in trade rumors - Evans, Parnell, Martinez, etc. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 07:26 AM Back page of the Daily News: K TO THE CITI. Sign of how things have changed. A year ago it would have probably been "SHEA K" I voted that I like the deal. I know you need good arms in the bullpen, so therefore this will help. But I think the importance of celebrity closers is overrated, so I don't see this as having the kind of impact they got from getting Santana. willpie Dec 10 2008 08:51 AM I went for Like. I'm on the verge of Love, especially for that amount of money. I'm worried about his arm, though. Between his antics and Reyes's, we ought to see some good fights this year. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 08:57 AM His antics really are a bit much. I don't think I've ever seen him pitch, (the Mets games in Anaheim this year were well past my bedtime) but I saw some clips last night in the opening montage of Mets Hot Stove Report. batmagadanleadoff Dec 10 2008 10:12 AM I voted "Love It". The Mets obtained one of baseball's best relievers. I don't see how any Met fan could not love this acquisition. I understand that FR might underperform, or even flop in 2009. But so could Beltran. Or Wright. Today, no one knows for sure, either way. By the way, this Mets pickup is hardly back-page headline worthy any more: Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 11:23 AM Pass the physical! Physical! You gotta pass the physical! Come on pass the physical Let me hear the trainer talk! Trainer talk! Let me hear the trainer talk! Valadius Dec 10 2008 11:39 AM C.C. Sabathia and Mo Vaughn having dinner - how much food would be consumed? Frayed Knot Dec 10 2008 11:41 AM All of it metirish Dec 10 2008 01:29 PM Some nuggets here from David Lennon. ] The Mets will the announce the signing of Francisco Rodriguez here at the Bellagio later Wednesday afternoon when GM Omar Minaya steps to the podium. Rodriguez completed his physical in New York earlier Wednesday to clear the way to make the three-year, $37-million deal official. Also, new details emerged Wednesday about the speedy negotiations with the free-agent closer: -- When K-Rod and his agent, Paul Kinzer, had dinner with the Mets on Sunday night, they were pleasantly surprised when the team executives got a call from Johan Santana, who had no idea they were meeting with Rodriguez. K-Rod, a fellow Venezuelan, idolizes Santana and was thrilled that he called. The Mets handed the phone to K-Rod and the two talked. In retrospect, it was a turning point as Santana expressed his excitement that K-Rod could be closing games for him. The Mets blew seven saves for Santana last season. -- After the Mets' initial offer of two years, $24 million, the two sides had marathon negotiating sessions on Monday that stretched until 5 a.m. Tuesday morning in Omar Minaya's suite. The clock was ticking because COO Jeff Wilpon was leaving Las Vegas on his private jet at 7:40 a.m.Tuesday and both sides wanted a deal done before then. Kinzer even brought in K-Rod for the final two hours of those talks just so he could see the urgency and stress involved. -- Just as the Mets badly needed K-Rod, he needed them too, and both sides seemed to realize that. Kinzer stressed that K-Rod is best on the big stage and that's why New York is perfect for him. A few other teams were involved with K-Rod, but not the Cardinals -- as was reported -- or the Angels, despite the bottom falling out of the closer market. -- So what number will K-Rod wear? His first choice is 57, but that's taken by Santana. Next is 37, but that once belonged to Casey Stengel and is retired. So that leaves his next favorite, the No. 17, which Fernando Tatis wore last season and was famously owned by Keith Hernandez. It's safe to say that K-Rod may be able to wrangle the No. 17 from Tatis -- perhaps with a new Rolex or some other token of appreciation. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 01:42 PM So he likes the number seven, but seems to not want an even number in the tens column. 17, 37, 57, 77, 97. 97 would be a cool number. seawolf17 Dec 10 2008 01:49 PM Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 01:56 PM ="Adam Rubin":1imbkppa]Las Vegas - Francisco Rodriguez was at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Wednesday morning, undergoing a physical. There was no official word on K-Rod passing the physical, though the Mets hope to make an announcement within hours that he's cleared the medical hurdle. A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Rodriguez agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal Tuesday with a fourth-year vesting option based on games finished.[/quote:1imbkppa] They should all put on hardhats and have the press conference at what's left of Shea Stadium. Valadius Dec 10 2008 02:03 PM ="seawolf17":19bv4xds]Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it.[/quote:19bv4xds] This is why we retire numbers. Centerfield Dec 10 2008 02:14 PM ="seawolf17":30mm7xcs]Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it.[/quote:30mm7xcs] DAE. SUNG. KOO. metirish Dec 10 2008 02:18 PM Mr. Koo did that number proud. Zvon Dec 10 2008 02:59 PM I like this. Can't feel the love for it until I see what he does for us. I learned a long time ago not to throw my heart around like that. Landing a real closer was my number one concern, and its been addressed. The deal is at a nice price and length. So I'm really liking this. G-Fafif Dec 10 2008 04:24 PM E-mail from mets.com says K-Rod goes for No. 75. Fman99 Dec 10 2008 08:04 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":ti8ow5qk]="Adam Rubin":ti8ow5qk]Las Vegas - Francisco Rodriguez was at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Wednesday morning, undergoing a physical. There was no official word on K-Rod passing the physical, though the Mets hope to make an announcement within hours that he's cleared the medical hurdle. A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Rodriguez agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal Tuesday with a fourth-year vesting option based on games finished.[/quote:ti8ow5qk] They should all put on hardhats and have the press conference at what's left of Shea Stadium.[/quote:ti8ow5qk] You were close. Frank et al. were at the new park, but donning the Mets hardhats, which are damn foolish looking if you're not welding something. Big "Mets welcome K-Rod" sign at CitiField. They apparently aren't reading this thread. SteveJRogers Dec 10 2008 08:39 PM =Adam Rubin]A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Interesting. They can not host press conferences, but last September advertisements in the Mets program suggested that starting this winter, i.e. now, Citi Field would ready to be hosting "events" (corporate, weddings, whatever the heck they did at Shea) and were soliciting reservations. batmagadanleadoff Dec 11 2008 09:45 AM It's still Autumn. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 11 2008 09:50 AM May also have to do with communication-type stuff and broadcasting abilities coming in later than banquet rooms. Benjamin Grimm Dec 11 2008 09:53 AM I'm guessing they have to wait until Citi Field is no longer a hard-hat zone. metirish Dec 13 2008 12:46 PM K-Rod jumps right into Mets-Phillies rivalry BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com 12:53 PM EST, December 13, 2008 Francisco Rodriguez didn't even wait for his first save to jump into the war of words between the Mets and Phillies. In a telephone news conference today, K-Rod's first interaction with the New York media, the Mets' new closer proclaimed his confidence in his new teammates. "Of course we're going to be the frontrunner," Rodriguez told reporters. "Of course were going to be the team to beat. "I don't want there to be a controversy. I don't want the other team to take it personally, or take it in a bad way. But I'm a really competitive guy. I like to win. "If they ask me, "Who's going to be the ball club that will win the National League East, it'll be the Mets." "Team to beat" has become a well-known phrase in the Mets-Phillies rivalry. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins first used the words to describe his team prior to the 2007 season, and Rollins proceeded to win the National League Most Valuable Player award as his team lived up to that proclamation. This past season, during spring training, the Mets' Carlos Beltran, usually soft-spoken, declared his club as the team to beat. The Mets couldn't quite make Beltran look good, giving up a mid-September divisional lead. On Thursday, Phillies ace Cole Hamels upped the ante when, on an interview with WFAN, he referred to the Mets as "choke artists." Rodriguez said that his velocity did drop in 2008, as many scouts and opponents observed, but that it happened because he was working in a new pitch, a changeup that proved effective. In 2009, he said, his velocity should return to the mid-90s now that he's more comfortable with the arm action needed to make his fastball and changeup look identical out of his hand. Ashie62 Dec 14 2008 06:25 PM On Thursday, Phillies ace Cole Hamels upped the ante when, on an interview with WFAN, he referred to the Mets as "choke artists." Well..he's not totally off base But I signed up for phillienation under a bogus ID and sent Chase Utley a less than friendly "get well" email. metirish Dec 17 2008 11:29 AM Looks like Barry Bonds. Mets introduce Rodriguez. metirish Dec 17 2008 01:56 PM > Benjamin Grimm Dec 17 2008 02:03 PM He has "K-ROD" monogrammed into his shirts? Oh, brother. I'm afraid that nickname isn't going to go away any time soon. But, wow, don't Jeff and Jerry seem thrilled? You'd think a faulty bullpen caused them to miss the playoffs last season. metirish Dec 17 2008 02:08 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1i00hhby]He has "K-ROD" monogrammed into his shirts? Oh, brother. I'm afraid that nickname isn't going to go away any time soon. But, wow, don't Jeff and Jerry seem thrilled? You'd think a faulty bullpen caused them to miss the playoffs last season.[/quote:1i00hhby] That Jeff can smile like that after Dad got taken to the cleaners is admirable. I admire you Jeffy Wilpon , nothing stands in this mans way. Centerfield Dec 17 2008 02:08 PM Meanwhile Omar has a look that seems to say "This shit had better work or I'm gonna end up bantering with Kruk on Baseball Tonight." Benjamin Grimm Dec 17 2008 02:12 PM Ain't dat the troof! My concern is that Omar is fixing last year's problem, which is well and good, but not addressing next year's problem. I don't like how he's standing pat on the offense. Sure, they scored a lot of runs last year, but guys like Delgado and Tatis are both one year older (actually, everyone is, but it's more of an issue with the old guys!) and we might also see decline from guys like Church and Castillo. themetfairy Mar 30 2009 10:58 AM I couldn't find the thread where we were discussing possible nicknames for our new closer. However, I was at the Modell's in Herald Square yesterday, and there was a lot of K-Rod 75 merchandise on display. metirish Mar 30 2009 11:01 AM One of the TV guys said that Rodriguez does not like or want to be called K-Rod...I think it was keith who said it....goes by Frankie..

Mets vs. Frankie

What uniform number would you give him? I guess he'll get his choice of all available numbers, but I'd like to see him get a 47. Or maybe 58. That way we can keep our "big splash" Venezuelan pitchers numerically sequenced.

I'll never call him K-Rod. "Frankie" sounds better to me.

="OlerudOwned":w9avw6n8]I believe nothing unitl it falls from the lips of Peter Gammons Ken Rosenthal. NOTHING! [/quote:w9avw6n8] ="Ken Rosenthal":w9avw6n8]The New York Mets have reached an agreement in principle with All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez on a three-year, $37 million contract, according to major-league sources. The deal includes a $14 million vesting option for a fourth year that would raise the total value of the contract to $51 million. The deal is contingent upon Rodriguez passing a physical, and the language of the contract still needs to be finalized. That vesting option is within reach as long as Rodriguez pitches his normal number of innings as a closer, either in the third year of the deal or in a combination of years two and three. "Basically, he's just got to be healthy," one source said. The deal also includes performance bonuses that are considered within reasonable reach. News of an imminent deal was first reported by the New York Post. Contract figures were first reported by SI.com.[/quote:w9avw6n8] seawolf17 Dec 09 2008 01:51 PM Bingo bango. Welcome abordick, Senor Rodriguez. Now stand on the table and sing your college fight song. bmfc1 Dec 09 2008 01:53 PM Do we have to call him "F Rod"? How about "Frank", "Frankie"? Valadius Dec 09 2008 01:54 PM Now we need to rebuild the rest of the bullpen. We have the technology. metirish Dec 09 2008 01:55 PM Mr. Rodriguez , Rodriguez but not K-Rod or any variation of it. At least I will try and stick to that. G-Fafif Dec 09 2008 02:10 PM Get some decent setup men in there and they can be Frank(i)e & The Knockouts. Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2008 02:20 PM I'll never call him K-Rod. "Frankie" sounds better to me. G-Fafif Dec 09 2008 02:25 PM Wasn't there already[/url:2wqvsdkw] a Frankie Rodriguez? sharpie Dec 09 2008 02:28 PM Let's hope our Frankie Rodriguez doesn't start putting up numbers like that Frankie Rodriguez. seawolf17 Dec 09 2008 02:31 PM "Frod" sounds good. Goes well with "Fartinez." Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2008 02:49 PM What uniform number would you give him? I guess he'll get his choice of all available numbers, but I'd like to see him get a 47. Or maybe 58. That way we can keep our "big splash" Venezuelan pitchers numerically sequenced. Valadius Dec 09 2008 02:51 PM 62. Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2008 02:55 PM Mets vs. Frankie Centerfield Dec 09 2008 03:06 PM Marlon Anderson owns him. Which means that we now have one reason to retain Marlon Anderson for next year. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2008 03:07 PM ]What uniform number would you give him? Mets by the Numbers is reporting he's going to go for 75. Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2008 03:18 PM ="Centerfield":3oavbtld]Marlon Anderson owns him. Which means that we now have one reason to retain Marlon Anderson for next year.[/quote:3oavbtld] The other way of looking at it is that Marlon will no longer be facing the one guy he can hit against. Gwreck Dec 09 2008 03:23 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":3v797aff]Mets vs. Frankie[/quote:3v797aff] I'd forgotten that we got one of his blown saves in 2008. 86-Dreamer Dec 09 2008 03:30 PM I'm pleased. It was a glaring need, he has been among the best at his position for several years, he is 26, and he was signed for less years and dollars than most would have guessed just a few weeks ago. I'd gladly swap Heilman and Feliciano for Howston Street if that really is an option. If not, I'd consider a one year deal to Hoffman to setup. His left/right splits are a concern, but his overall WHIP, K/9 and walk rate are still quite good. No idea if he values another 30 saves more than a chance to pitch for a contending team. OlerudOwned Dec 09 2008 04:30 PM If he went down from 57 to 54, he'd be using the number of now-former teammate and fellow Venezuelan Ervin Santana, who legally changed his name in 2003 to avoid confusion with his namesake at the time, Johan Santana. Kong76 Dec 09 2008 05:17 PM I took love it, love the years compared to all the speculation. Shoulda just started a new thread for the poll imgaho. metirish Dec 09 2008 06:10 PM Couldn't beat this with a big stick , got to like it for the years and if it turns out golden then he gets a few more years , turns out pear shaped he's not here for long. Nymr83 Dec 09 2008 06:15 PM I voted Neutral because I feel that big contracts for relievers fail and much as they succeed, but I'm happy to have Rodriguez on the Mets for 2009. Rockin' Doc Dec 09 2008 06:25 PM Nice start to the off season. Now all Omar has to do is add a starter to the rotation, get an upgrade at either left field, second base, or catcher, and then get 2-3 more reliable arms for the bullpen to get games to senor Rodriguez. There is still a lot of work to do, but this is a great start. I like the deal quite a bit. This free agent market is shaping up to be a good buyers market. Hopoefully, the Mets can fill a few of their other needs while the market is depressed. Fman99 Dec 09 2008 07:28 PM I heart Frankie. This guy was the best closer on the market and it didn't cost any young talent. metirish Dec 09 2008 07:33 PM It will cost the Mets draft picks as you know , with the very easy vesting option this might as well be a four year deal. Kong76 Dec 09 2008 07:34 PM Ny83: I voted Neutral because I feel that big contracts for relievers fail and much as they succeed, but I'm happy to have Rodriguez on the Mets for 2009 <=== He couldn't have been had for '09 without a few more years added on. The thing to be happy with is it wasn't sick six or five years like what might have happened in a better market. The guy is young and it's worth the gamble no matter what your fantasy spreadsheets are telling you. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 09 2008 07:58 PM I think the Mets'll get good value for the money/years. Prospectus' MORP puts Rodriguez at 14.3, 10.5, and 8.3 million over the next three years. So the Mets probably overpaid a little, but they're one of the few teams that can afford to do that, and they got the best available closer. I put down "Love it". Now, Fuentes or Wood for set-up? Frayed Knot Dec 09 2008 08:10 PM Wood & Fuentes are going to get closer money and aren't going to come here for set-up duties. Valadius Dec 09 2008 08:11 PM Wood looks like he's going to Cleveland. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 09 2008 09:09 PM ="Frayed Knot":1b7mjflt]Wood & Fuentes are going to get closer money and aren't going to come here for set-up duties.[/quote:1b7mjflt] I know, I just wonder if they were offered closer money if they would accept a setup role. Fman99 Dec 09 2008 09:29 PM ="metirish":3kn98oo4]It will cost the Mets draft picks as you know , with the very easy vesting option this might as well be a four year deal.[/quote:3kn98oo4] True -- I was thinking more of the guys currently in their system that keep coming up in trade rumors - Evans, Parnell, Martinez, etc. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 07:26 AM Back page of the Daily News: K TO THE CITI. Sign of how things have changed. A year ago it would have probably been "SHEA K" I voted that I like the deal. I know you need good arms in the bullpen, so therefore this will help. But I think the importance of celebrity closers is overrated, so I don't see this as having the kind of impact they got from getting Santana. willpie Dec 10 2008 08:51 AM I went for Like. I'm on the verge of Love, especially for that amount of money. I'm worried about his arm, though. Between his antics and Reyes's, we ought to see some good fights this year. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 08:57 AM His antics really are a bit much. I don't think I've ever seen him pitch, (the Mets games in Anaheim this year were well past my bedtime) but I saw some clips last night in the opening montage of Mets Hot Stove Report. batmagadanleadoff Dec 10 2008 10:12 AM I voted "Love It". The Mets obtained one of baseball's best relievers. I don't see how any Met fan could not love this acquisition. I understand that FR might underperform, or even flop in 2009. But so could Beltran. Or Wright. Today, no one knows for sure, either way. By the way, this Mets pickup is hardly back-page headline worthy any more: Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 11:23 AM Pass the physical! Physical! You gotta pass the physical! Come on pass the physical Let me hear the trainer talk! Trainer talk! Let me hear the trainer talk! Valadius Dec 10 2008 11:39 AM C.C. Sabathia and Mo Vaughn having dinner - how much food would be consumed? Frayed Knot Dec 10 2008 11:41 AM All of it metirish Dec 10 2008 01:29 PM Some nuggets here from David Lennon. ] The Mets will the announce the signing of Francisco Rodriguez here at the Bellagio later Wednesday afternoon when GM Omar Minaya steps to the podium. Rodriguez completed his physical in New York earlier Wednesday to clear the way to make the three-year, $37-million deal official. Also, new details emerged Wednesday about the speedy negotiations with the free-agent closer: -- When K-Rod and his agent, Paul Kinzer, had dinner with the Mets on Sunday night, they were pleasantly surprised when the team executives got a call from Johan Santana, who had no idea they were meeting with Rodriguez. K-Rod, a fellow Venezuelan, idolizes Santana and was thrilled that he called. The Mets handed the phone to K-Rod and the two talked. In retrospect, it was a turning point as Santana expressed his excitement that K-Rod could be closing games for him. The Mets blew seven saves for Santana last season. -- After the Mets' initial offer of two years, $24 million, the two sides had marathon negotiating sessions on Monday that stretched until 5 a.m. Tuesday morning in Omar Minaya's suite. The clock was ticking because COO Jeff Wilpon was leaving Las Vegas on his private jet at 7:40 a.m.Tuesday and both sides wanted a deal done before then. Kinzer even brought in K-Rod for the final two hours of those talks just so he could see the urgency and stress involved. -- Just as the Mets badly needed K-Rod, he needed them too, and both sides seemed to realize that. Kinzer stressed that K-Rod is best on the big stage and that's why New York is perfect for him. A few other teams were involved with K-Rod, but not the Cardinals -- as was reported -- or the Angels, despite the bottom falling out of the closer market. -- So what number will K-Rod wear? His first choice is 57, but that's taken by Santana. Next is 37, but that once belonged to Casey Stengel and is retired. So that leaves his next favorite, the No. 17, which Fernando Tatis wore last season and was famously owned by Keith Hernandez. It's safe to say that K-Rod may be able to wrangle the No. 17 from Tatis -- perhaps with a new Rolex or some other token of appreciation. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 01:42 PM So he likes the number seven, but seems to not want an even number in the tens column. 17, 37, 57, 77, 97. 97 would be a cool number. seawolf17 Dec 10 2008 01:49 PM Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 01:56 PM ="Adam Rubin":1imbkppa]Las Vegas - Francisco Rodriguez was at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Wednesday morning, undergoing a physical. There was no official word on K-Rod passing the physical, though the Mets hope to make an announcement within hours that he's cleared the medical hurdle. A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Rodriguez agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal Tuesday with a fourth-year vesting option based on games finished.[/quote:1imbkppa] They should all put on hardhats and have the press conference at what's left of Shea Stadium. Valadius Dec 10 2008 02:03 PM ="seawolf17":19bv4xds]Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it.[/quote:19bv4xds] This is why we retire numbers. Centerfield Dec 10 2008 02:14 PM ="seawolf17":30mm7xcs]Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it.[/quote:30mm7xcs] DAE. SUNG. KOO. metirish Dec 10 2008 02:18 PM Mr. Koo did that number proud. Zvon Dec 10 2008 02:59 PM I like this. Can't feel the love for it until I see what he does for us. I learned a long time ago not to throw my heart around like that. Landing a real closer was my number one concern, and its been addressed. The deal is at a nice price and length. So I'm really liking this. G-Fafif Dec 10 2008 04:24 PM E-mail from mets.com says K-Rod goes for No. 75. Fman99 Dec 10 2008 08:04 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":ti8ow5qk]="Adam Rubin":ti8ow5qk]Las Vegas - Francisco Rodriguez was at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Wednesday morning, undergoing a physical. There was no official word on K-Rod passing the physical, though the Mets hope to make an announcement within hours that he's cleared the medical hurdle. A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Rodriguez agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal Tuesday with a fourth-year vesting option based on games finished.[/quote:ti8ow5qk] They should all put on hardhats and have the press conference at what's left of Shea Stadium.[/quote:ti8ow5qk] You were close. Frank et al. were at the new park, but donning the Mets hardhats, which are damn foolish looking if you're not welding something. Big "Mets welcome K-Rod" sign at CitiField. They apparently aren't reading this thread. SteveJRogers Dec 10 2008 08:39 PM =Adam Rubin]A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Interesting. They can not host press conferences, but last September advertisements in the Mets program suggested that starting this winter, i.e. now, Citi Field would ready to be hosting "events" (corporate, weddings, whatever the heck they did at Shea) and were soliciting reservations. batmagadanleadoff Dec 11 2008 09:45 AM It's still Autumn. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 11 2008 09:50 AM May also have to do with communication-type stuff and broadcasting abilities coming in later than banquet rooms. Benjamin Grimm Dec 11 2008 09:53 AM I'm guessing they have to wait until Citi Field is no longer a hard-hat zone. metirish Dec 13 2008 12:46 PM K-Rod jumps right into Mets-Phillies rivalry BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com 12:53 PM EST, December 13, 2008 Francisco Rodriguez didn't even wait for his first save to jump into the war of words between the Mets and Phillies. In a telephone news conference today, K-Rod's first interaction with the New York media, the Mets' new closer proclaimed his confidence in his new teammates. "Of course we're going to be the frontrunner," Rodriguez told reporters. "Of course were going to be the team to beat. "I don't want there to be a controversy. I don't want the other team to take it personally, or take it in a bad way. But I'm a really competitive guy. I like to win. "If they ask me, "Who's going to be the ball club that will win the National League East, it'll be the Mets." "Team to beat" has become a well-known phrase in the Mets-Phillies rivalry. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins first used the words to describe his team prior to the 2007 season, and Rollins proceeded to win the National League Most Valuable Player award as his team lived up to that proclamation. This past season, during spring training, the Mets' Carlos Beltran, usually soft-spoken, declared his club as the team to beat. The Mets couldn't quite make Beltran look good, giving up a mid-September divisional lead. On Thursday, Phillies ace Cole Hamels upped the ante when, on an interview with WFAN, he referred to the Mets as "choke artists." Rodriguez said that his velocity did drop in 2008, as many scouts and opponents observed, but that it happened because he was working in a new pitch, a changeup that proved effective. In 2009, he said, his velocity should return to the mid-90s now that he's more comfortable with the arm action needed to make his fastball and changeup look identical out of his hand. Ashie62 Dec 14 2008 06:25 PM On Thursday, Phillies ace Cole Hamels upped the ante when, on an interview with WFAN, he referred to the Mets as "choke artists." Well..he's not totally off base But I signed up for phillienation under a bogus ID and sent Chase Utley a less than friendly "get well" email. metirish Dec 17 2008 11:29 AM Looks like Barry Bonds. Mets introduce Rodriguez. metirish Dec 17 2008 01:56 PM > Benjamin Grimm Dec 17 2008 02:03 PM He has "K-ROD" monogrammed into his shirts? Oh, brother. I'm afraid that nickname isn't going to go away any time soon. But, wow, don't Jeff and Jerry seem thrilled? You'd think a faulty bullpen caused them to miss the playoffs last season. metirish Dec 17 2008 02:08 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1i00hhby]He has "K-ROD" monogrammed into his shirts? Oh, brother. I'm afraid that nickname isn't going to go away any time soon. But, wow, don't Jeff and Jerry seem thrilled? You'd think a faulty bullpen caused them to miss the playoffs last season.[/quote:1i00hhby] That Jeff can smile like that after Dad got taken to the cleaners is admirable. I admire you Jeffy Wilpon , nothing stands in this mans way. Centerfield Dec 17 2008 02:08 PM Meanwhile Omar has a look that seems to say "This shit had better work or I'm gonna end up bantering with Kruk on Baseball Tonight." Benjamin Grimm Dec 17 2008 02:12 PM Ain't dat the troof! My concern is that Omar is fixing last year's problem, which is well and good, but not addressing next year's problem. I don't like how he's standing pat on the offense. Sure, they scored a lot of runs last year, but guys like Delgado and Tatis are both one year older (actually, everyone is, but it's more of an issue with the old guys!) and we might also see decline from guys like Church and Castillo. themetfairy Mar 30 2009 10:58 AM I couldn't find the thread where we were discussing possible nicknames for our new closer. However, I was at the Modell's in Herald Square yesterday, and there was a lot of K-Rod 75 merchandise on display. metirish Mar 30 2009 11:01 AM One of the TV guys said that Rodriguez does not like or want to be called K-Rod...I think it was keith who said it....goes by Frankie..

Is there some kind of an affinity that Venezuelans have for the number 57? Or is it just a coincidence that Johan and Frankie both wear that number?

That would make sense.

I'm concerned with the whole damn bullpen. The impression I'm getting is that the Mets want to hang on to Smith, Stokes, and Feliciano and are willing to part with Schoeneweis and Heilman. If it's true that Heilman and Feliciano would have brought back Howston Street, then maybe including Schoeneweis instead would do the trick. (I'm not at all sure, by the way, why Feliciano would be more desirable than Schoeneweis.)

I'll put my level of concern at a 6. I don't know if this is realistic or not, but I hope that the Mets will be able to groom a successor from within. So maybe, if Rodriguez has an injury-plagued year in 2010 or 2011, a guy like Smith or Parnell can step up and inherit the closer role.

Well, it is starting to sound like Frankie is just about wrapped up. That would be good; we can get the closer search behind us and Omar can move on to other stuff.

Cincinnati's Crosley Field too!

It would be a nod to tradition. It's what they did with the Ebbets Field wrecking ball. The same ball was used a few years later on the Polo Grounds:

="metirish":aa4djcti]Should I not judge Rodriguez on his time with the MFY's? If we get him can we not call him I-Rod?[/quote:aa4djcti] I think "Pudge" has eclipsed "I-Rod." Obviously, Pudge wouldn't be a long-term solution, but he could at least hold down the position for a year and give the Mets time to plan for their 2010 catcher. I think Ivan Rodriguez, along with a backup from among Castro, Casanova, Cancel, and Molina, would be adequate for this year. And hopefully Schneider would bring back someone decent, although not necessarily a catcher. Edgy DC Dec 09 2008 09:18 AM The Mets system does have catchers, though none ready to step in as a number one at all. You've got your your Sal Manriquez, who could get a taste this season; your Josh Thole, on-base machine at St. Lucie and in the AFL; your high-average/low power/old school-named Dock Doyle, bouncing around the lower levels; your Canadian mountie Jean Luc Blaquiere your wallabee Patrick Maat, only now just starting to get US at-bats after sticking with Australian ball (but under a Mets contract) for a few years; your Jason Jacobs, who struggled this season after knocking the cover off the ball in Brooklyn in 2007; your Francisco Pe�a, only 19, who may or may not have turned a corner in his second SALlie league season in 2008.A rich crop from which somebody is bound to spring, but I thought it was up to Castro and the Schneid to hold the spot down until then. The model seems to be high obp guys, so that's cool. OlerudOwned Dec 09 2008 09:33 AM I think Fasano was paid with a case of Keystone last year. metsguyinmichigan Dec 09 2008 09:38 AM Pudge Rodriguez is done like dinner and there's no way I'd want him starting in the Mets next season. He can't buy a walk. He didn't get along with the pitchers. The bat just wasn't what it was. When he was traded last year there was some sentimental sadness, but from a performance perspective, it wasn't a loss. Fman99 Dec 09 2008 09:38 AM Bleh. DON'T DO IT OMAR. Varitek hit .220 last year. Pudge hit .219 in New York. They are both 36 and many years past their all-star primes. Just put down the checkbook and walk away. Take a gander on someone younger, please please please. Edgy DC Dec 09 2008 09:39 AM While a lot of those free agent names seem to come (I can't recall) from the fringes of the Mitchell List, Fasano topps the Pearlman List. smg58 Dec 09 2008 09:43 AM I wonder if Manny Delcarmen could be had for Schneider. I'd be curious to know which of the Indians' catchers they'd be willing to deal, and for what. I'm not sure there's a good match there, but the Indians have wealth at that position and there's no harm in asking. Centerfield Dec 09 2008 09:52 AM I agree with Fman. There are like five good catchers in all of baseball. Everyone else sucks. Since we won't be able to get one of the five, Omar should be looking to go cheap and utilize the money where it can be more productive. Should we dump Schneider's contract, I'd have no problem with going into 2009 with a Castro/Cancel duo. Maybe Ramon will be motivated to get his ass into shape. metirish Dec 09 2008 09:56 AM ="Edgy DC":1tw0exzx]While a lot of those free agent names seem to come (I can't recall) from the fringes of the Mitchell List, Fasano topps the Pearlman List.[/quote:1tw0exzx] Pearlman writes for Reader's Digest ? , nothing wrong with that of course just I have not read that in years. Edgy DC Dec 09 2008 09:56 AM With catchers, what you're often paying for is not someone who can put up better averages than other, but someone who has shown that they can do it while starting four games in five. So teams look for Schneiders and LoDucas even when the numbers say to dig deeper and spend cheaper. Valadius Dec 09 2008 10:23 AM Didn't Brad Ausmus retire? Edgy DC Dec 09 2008 10:26 AM I think so, unofficially, at least. He's even given Mike Hampton permission to wear his number. But that's just an obstacle. Centerfield Dec 09 2008 02:44 PM What's Todd Pratt up to? Frayed Knot Dec 09 2008 02:45 PM ="Centerfield":m7ensgxg]What's Todd Pratt up to?[/quote:m7ensgxg] My guess? About 275 John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2008 06:58 PM Reds trade Ryan Freel and a coupla prospects to the O's for Ramon Hernandez. Hernandez' career needs new life, and the Reds needed a real ctacher. I'm thinking now we get Snyder and have a Snyder-Schneider platoon. How cool would that be? Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 09:57 AM Matt Treanor signs with Detroit, taking away one chance to continue getting our catching from Florida.

They should have painted the wrecking ball to look like a baseball.

The Mets could end up leading the city in Rodriguezes.

Reports today from various sources that the Red Sox have expressed interest in Brian Schneider. The Washington Post goes so far as to say that the Mets and Red Sox are discussing a deal. If he is dealt, what are our options? Internally, the Mets have the RC3 and Gustavo Molina. Maybe they get Pudge Rodriguez for a one-year deal? (Nobody calls him I-Rod anymore, do they?)

The lighting confused me. Parts of it look like the dark red from the upper deck.

Are those field level or upper deck?

There have been a few rumors about the Mets upgrading at catcher. (There was something about Laird in the last week or so.) I don't know if there's anything to that, but I hope at least they're considering something. I don't disagree with focusing on pitching first. I'm disappointed that Texiera doesn't seem to be in the mix. But I'm still hopeful that once they get their pitching and least partially resolved that the Mets might turn their attention to left field, second base, and/or catcher.

That's not cool. They should have driven there in a hybrid vehicle.

According to numerous sources, Omar met with Francisco Rodriguez yesterday, and expects to come home from the winter meetings with a deal closed for a closer. Me, I'd be surprised if he got it all done in the next few days, but he might very well lay the groundwork for an announcement some time next week. I'm still expecting it will be Rodriguez.

Of all free-agent players offered arbitration this fall, only two have accepted, and both are ex-Mets: Darren Oliver of the Angels and Dave Weathers of the Reds.

My understanding (could be wrong, though) is that the old apple is going to be inside the stadium but somewhere in centerfield.

A clever suggestion from the New York Times: ] Citi Field by Any Other Name, Part II By Andrew Das With a column and a blog post, George Vecsey started a lively debate this week by proposing new names for the Mets� new ballpark, which will for now keep the name of its faltering financial sugar daddy, Citigroup. Some of George�s suggestions � Jackie Robinson Stadium, Gil Hodges Stadium � included homages to the city�s baseball past. Readers tossed out other ideas: Bailout Ballpark, Strawberry Field. WNYC�s Brian Lehrer weighed in when he took reader questions on our City Room blog this week. The name Citi Field is fast becoming a joke. Shall we rename it Taxpayer Field? Federal Reserve Park? Cover the infield with the Henry Paulson TARP? But Lehrer wasn�t done. He continued the discussion when he went on the air at WNYC (Chez Stadium has a nice expense-account flair to it), and that back and forth produced a name that I think appeals to everything from baseball history to the city�s history to fans� shared Citi anger. For now at least, the leader in the clubhouse has to be �. Debits Field.

Imagine the three of them going into Cooperstown together.