MFS62

Ryan comes across as more naive than bigoted. But those first few interviews with the NY media are going to be doozies until the issue is put to bed. Later

Nice thread title. But maybe that discussion (if we have it at all) belongs on the non-baseball forum. Later

Speaking of ethnic things, last night Steve Somers said (I paraphrase) "At least Ryan can play on Jewish holidays". But then I came across this. Looks like Ryan will be holding some press conferences: ]back in 2005, Church was forced to issue an apology for anti-Semetic comments attributed to him. Excerpt: An article in Sunday's paper about Baseball Chapel quoted Church as saying that he had turned to [Jon] Moeller [Nats chaplain] for advice about his former girlfriend, who was Jewish. "I said, like, Jewish people, they don't believe in Jesus. Does that mean they're doomed? Jon nodded, like, that's what it meant. My ex-girlfriend! I was like, man, if they only knew. Other religions don't know any better. It's up to us to spread the word," Church said. In a written statement yesterday distributed by the team, Church said: "Those who know me on a personal level understand that I am not the type of person who would call into question the religious beliefs of others. I sincerely regret if the quote attributed to me in Sunday's Washington Post article offended anyone." http://www.washingtonpost...93_pf.html Later

So, I guess he made it to 29. Later

Edgy DC wrote: Diamond Dad had a Met who was one letter off. One freaking letter! My name (including the first and last) is very close to that of the first designated hitter, Ron Bloomberg. My friends and co-workers called me by that name as a joke. And I hate that f'n rule. My last name is also close to that of the world's first heart transplant patient. I joked that I was the one who needed the brain transplant. Later

With the signing of Stokes, it appears that the Mets now have 3 or 4 open roster spots. The deadline for protecting minor leaguers from the Rule V Draft (by adding them to the major league roster) has passed. And Omar didn't add anyone. http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=670 So, with open spots on the roster going into the meetings, the alternatives seem to be: 1) Omar will draft some players in the upcoming draft. (They would have to stay on the 25 man roster all seasons, with some minor rule exceptions, or potentially be lost). 2) The Mets will sign some free agents. (or wait to sign players who are not offered eligibility or released). 3) There will be some deals in which 40 man roster level players will be acquired. Which do you think is the most likely? Why? Later

I'd be in if we did it the old way (random picking of players only). I'm going to have to see more details if it will be done differently. I'm a definite maybe. Later

Oops. Later

Craig Brazell DFA'd by KC. (I couldn't get the link to open. But I'm not sure if this should be in the Rico Brogna thread, anyhow.) Later

Getting Estrada for Mota? Johnny's a fan favorite before he plays in his first game. Later

The author of the Newsday article just lost his bet on Mota. I'm kvelling. Later

Looks like you can now bump J.A. Reyes for Estrada. Later

LINK: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=644 New York Mets (26) Righthanders: Joe Hietpas, Brian Lawrence, Clint Nageotte, Marcelo Perez, Corey Ragsdale, Jose Santiago Lefthanders: Ricardo Morales, Raul Valdes Catchers: Edwards Guzman, Jose Reyes First baseman: Andy Tracy Second basemen: J.E. Cruz, Jake Gautreau Third basemen: Brett Harper, Vince Harrison, Fernando Tatis Shortstops: Jason Alfaro, Wilson Batista, Mark Kiger Outfielders: Ender Chavez, Ambiorix Concepcion, Elvis Cruz, Jesus Feliciano, Chad Hermansen, Luis Matos, Miguel Negron Later

A Boy Named Seo wrote: I took Vic's Shoppach/Barfield deal to an Indians site and peddled it. There was already some Cliff Lee and Kelly Shoppach to the Mets talk there, so I foresee some hot and fast action. Ahem. Later

SI Metman wrote: quick, put a team in Vegas to plug up that hole in the west. Pete Rose is giving 3-5 odds that won't happen. Later

The Marlins' territory is wherever their fan happens to be that day. Later

Wouldn't it be great if both he and A-Rod get 10 years? Later

metirish wrote: Omar needs to get Micah Owings, he can hit and catch when he's not pitching. Does he sell tickets prior to, peddle beer during, and sweep out the stadium after, games? And then help little old ladies across the street on the way home? If so, he might be the next Derek Jeter. Later

MFS62 wrote: I posted Shoppach (C) and Barfield (2B) to the Mets for Heilman or Pelfrey to the Indians. I'll let you know the reaction. Later Here's the only response so far. Not a bad analysis. ]Interesting trade suggestion. Mark Shapiro has said he can't imagine an 2008 Indians team without Asdrubal Cabrera a major part, and he's also said Jhonny Peralta is the team's shortstop next year, sp Barfie;d is expendable to the Tribe and good trade bait. Shoppach is the back-up catcher and Victor Martinez's improvement behind the plate this past year means Shoppach will continue to be a back-up as long as he's with the Tribe. But he could very well start for other teams and is quite capable of hitting 20+ homers a season if he starts. So, from the Indians standpoint, both players should be trade bait. However, I'm not sure if Heilman and Pelfrey address any of the Tribe's needs. The Indians already have a log jam at starting pitcher. By picking up Byrd's option recently, the Tribe only has one spot for Cliff Lee, Sowers and Aaron Laffey to fill. Acquiring Pelfrey only complicates that situation, unless of course the Indians could (as suggested) package Lee and Sowers in deal for Miguel Cabrera. Or maybe Pelfrey would be part of that deal. Heilman would be a help in the bullpen, but he's not someone they desparately need. Perhaps acquiring Pelfrey to be used in another trade makes the most sense for the Indians. Later

The correct answer to the question is probably Paris Hilton, although I wouldn't want to. So I voted for the third choice, keeping Humber and Milledge. Later

I posted Shoppach © and Barfield (2B) to the Mets for Heilman or Pelfrey to the Indians. I'll let you know the reaction. Later

You can have all the replays you would ever want, and the umps will still believe Clemens when he said he thought he was throwing a ball instead of a bat shard. Later

metsguyinmichigan wrote: You'd think O'Malley would get support. Not from fans who remember (or who rooted for) the Brooklyn Dodgers. I'd rather give birth to a flaming porcupine than vote for him for the HOF. Later

Williams released. Newhan, too. (BTW - where was Newhan on your list? Did I miss a prior change you made?) Valentin's option not picked up. Later

IIRC, for a few years recently, the organizational program for minor league starting pitching prospects included having them spend at least a month pitching out of the bullpen. That way, they would be better prepared to fill that role should they be brought up (at the end of or mid season). I noticed they didn't do that this year. But maybe they're thinking to get Humber and Pelfrey (or another starter) ready for the bullpen role during next spring training. Later