Gwreck

G-Fafif wrote: I don't need to have my fire stoked by shiny objects, but geez these are fucking depressing reported managerial finalists. Problem is -- like Lunchbucket suggested in his article -- I don't see anyone being satisfied if it's not Valentine or Backman.

Legendary Mariners broadcaster (for their entire existence) and Ford Frick award winner. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2013399999_niehaus11.html

According to that "Total Zone Total Fielding Runs Above Average," Michael Bourn was the best outfielder in the National League, saving 23 runs above the league average. The second best? Angel Pagan, at 21 runs. Victorino was 9th. Carlos Gonzalez was 117th (!), at 2 runs BELOW average. As for the other NL positions: Arroyo and Molina were tops at their respective positions. Adrian Gonzalez, Chase Utley and Chase Headley have some legit gripes.

Baseball Reference has a fielding statistic called "Total Zone Total Fielding Runs Above Average" which is a combination statistic that measures the number of runs above or below average the player was worth based on the number of plays made. That statistic suggests that Franklin Gutierrez was 15 runs above average for AL centerfielders, which was best among all players that played there full-time in 2010. Same statistic has Jeter at 10 runs below average for AL shortstops. That would be LAST among all players at shortstop in the AL.

Sandy A. sent me some more email: On Saturday, I had good meetings in California with Wally Backman, Terry Collins, and Chip Hale to discuss the Mets Manager position. I am scheduled to interview DeMarlo Hale tomorrow at Citi Field and on Wednesday meet with Clint Hurdle and Don Wakamatsu.

Adam Rubin is reporting via twitter that Depodesta will join the Mets.

He's linked to a Federal investigation re: illegal gambling, likely on football. NY Times: http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/mets-suspend-clubhouse-manager/

Edgy DC wrote: His pretty good season was interrupted also. I don't think there's anything particularly foolish in being concerned that one injury could ruin his long-term security. What would you offer him? 5 years, $45 million.

It's impossible to sell the entire stadium out on season plans, because a large allocation of seats is claimed by MLB for the World Series. That number is a closely-guarded secret but I believe it's close to 10,000. However, it is certainly possible to sell out of full-season equivalents (either season tickets, or combined partial-season plans). While the Mets haven't ever done this, many teams do: Cubs, Red Sox, Phillies, etc. and the Mets certainly were hoping to when they moved to Citi Field. The season and partial-season ticket base was at an all time high in 2008.

For the record, neither Gooden, Elster nor Aguilera played MLB the 21st century. But good quiz nonetheless.

From Adam Rubin's Chat today: (http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/newyork/chat/_/id/35310) where he was asked repeatedly about whether Backman would be the next manager: If I can say it cryptically, I just think the Mets know things that are not circulated and don't feel comfortable. As I mentioned, sometimes organizations know things that are not widely circulated. I do not believe Wally Backman will be the next manager. I don't want to send everyone into a tizzy, but you hear things that you cannot report, but which point you to a certain conclusion. That's about as best as I can say it now. And I strongly believe Wally Backman will not be the next manager.

Adam Rubin is reporting that Razor Shines has been fired.

They have a long, long way to go re: clarity. In 2010, there were 41 seating categories with 5 different prices for each. For 2011, they're down to 35 seating categories with 4 different prices for each.

Torrealba was actually never a Met.

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Edgy DC wrote: The 1985 Cards were deceptively good hitters and shouldn't be included there.... A little help. I don't follow. The '85 Cards shouldn't be included ... "where?" The list of World Series winners, for a start.

Information regarding 2011 ticket prices was apparently revealed (prematurely?) and then removed from the Mets website today. The key information: 1. Rather than having Platinum (4), Gold (21), Silver (25), Bronze (21) and Value (10) price levels, the Mets now have: Marquee (4), Premium (22), Classic (25) and Value (30). Analysis: They basically eliminated the bronze tier and made them all value. The breakdown is as you'd expect: value games are weeknights, premium games are summer weekends, etc. 2. Almost all seats have a price reduction I'll leave it to the Dave Howard spin-machine to sell you on percentages but in almost every category there was a reduction. 3. The only price increases were in the cheap seats for premium games. Example: Promenade Reserved Infield was $35 for "Platinum" and $30 for "Gold" last year. 2011, it will be $45 for "Marquee" and $35 for "Premium." Similar increases were found in the Promenade Reserved category. Also, the cheapest tickets in the park increased $1 for value games over last year. 4. The Mets are offering season ticket holders a 10% discount off the single-game price. No word if a discount will be offered to partial-season plan holders.

Greg Maddux

I think we're heading into needing-a-split-topic territory. I think the safe assumption is that Santana misses more time in 2011 than he missed in 2010. The next time a Mets player returns from surgery in a timely fashion and performs at a high-quality level will be the first time.* *Ok, maybe not exactly. But recent history tells us to expect a longer-than-originally-predicted recovery, and an adjustment period of lesser results from the player when they return.

I thought we were looking towards 2011 more than back at 2010. I think it's a reasonable assumption that the Mets will get (significantly?) more production from their outfielders in 2011 than 2010, but also reasonable to assume that pitching stands to get worse (as the team is currently composed).

Centerfield wrote: So what you're saying is, we're good enough to win. We're just too dumb. Interesting point but wrong. It's about the pitching. We don't have pitching anywhere near as good as what San Francisco or Philadelphia (or even San Diego, who missed the playoffs) have.

Valadius wrote: I'm going to try and will Ron Gardenhire into the picture. You do understand that he, like Jon Daniels, is currently employed by a very successful club, right?

Quilvio Veras, member of the 1998 National League Champion San Diego Padres. I would've guessed Kevin Tapani but after checking, he threw 7 innings for the Mets before leaving in the Viola trade.

Omar would probably make a fine director of Latin American scouting. DePodesta is an interesting choice.

Todd Zeile redux there with Kinsler's ball hitting directly on top of the wall and then coming back into play.

Go National League!