HahnSolo

As in "Buckle Down, Winsocki"? (I can Google, yay!) Buckle down = Fasten your seatbelts? Bob Murphy?

="metirish":z7miuiq4]12 pages..... Not sure if it was last season or the one before that Alomar was shown in the stands at Shea watching a game , looked pretty good then , may have been Father's Day IIRC.[/quote:z7miuiq4] I believe so. I think he, his dad and brother took the Shea countdown number down on Fathers Day. I didn't see him that day. Vic Sage Feb 11 2009 10:51 AM there is no evidence that he knew he was positive until 1/06, and the complaint doesn't allege any. That he SHOULD have known before then, based on his various symptoms, is a matter of conjecture, and not the basis of "criminal" conduct. It might rise to tortious conduct, if her allegations are proven true, and though sections 29-34 of the complaint are worded broadly (as such complaints generally are), they clearly are about what he SHOULD have known. Of course, during all this time HE should have known, shouldn't she have? Why would she continue to have unprotected sex with someone whose symptoms she alleges were so obvious that ignoring or denying them rose to the level of negligence (civil, much less criminal negligence!). Wasn't she contributorily negligent? Oh the other hand, if he actually told her that he'd been tested on the numerous times that she alleges, and always told her he had tested negative, that's fraudulant behavior. Still, in most jurisdictions "emotional distress" needs at least some element of physical damage to be actionable, and certainly so for a criminal prosecution. She doesn't claim any battery, and as long as she tests negative, neither she nor any state may have a claim against him for what he might have or should have known. But certainly, if her allegations are true, there is moral culpability here. Edgy DC Feb 11 2009 11:05 AM Possiblities also exist that (1) he honestly had been tested, and received a false negative, and (2) had honestly been tested, and received an accurate negative, but contracted the disease subsequently. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 11 2009 02:20 PM A suit for distress several years after the supposed diagnosis... and after she continued to cohabitate (and, presumably, perform girlfriend-ly duties) with the guy for 3-plus years after THAT? I'm guessing that he's not a fantastic breaker-upper. metirish Feb 11 2009 06:05 PM My wife tells me that of course this is shocking news in Puerto Rico , anyway Robbie's current squeeze is a TV personality and model and she has been all over TV over there today talking about how all of this is false and that in due course all will be reveled , she did say that the ex told Alomar that when they broke up she was going to ruin him.Current GF also claims that Robbie is in good health. Edgy DC Feb 11 2009 06:16 PM I hope that's true. Good health doesn't necessarily mean virus-free, but it's good to have a woman stand by you when another is airing you out. metirish Feb 11 2009 06:22 PM More news , that picture is recent because they have been dating for only six months , current girl is the object of much scorn and ridicule in Puerto Rico , she is known for being an air head...also known as "dark cloud" as a BF from a few years ago killed himself and a guy she dated last year got cancer.....crazy stuff. Edgy DC Feb 11 2009 06:27 PM La Nube Oscura. Ouch. Frayed Knot Feb 11 2009 07:03 PM Robbie will be part of next year's 1st timers club for HoF consideration. Fman99 Feb 11 2009 07:56 PM ="metirish"]My wife tells me that of course this is shocking news in Puerto Rico , anyway Robbie's current squeeze is a TV personality and model and she has been all over TV over there today talking about how all of this is false and that in due course all will be reveled , she did say that the ex told Alomar that when they broke up she was going to ruin him.Current GF also claims that Robbie is in good health. I'd shake that shack. soupcan Feb 11 2009 08:37 PM I dunno - he don't look so good to me.. Of course I'm looking at him thinking he's got full-blown AIDS and he's trying to hide it but doesn't he look a little gaunt? He looks older than a 41 year-old former professional athlete should and he was always a pretty youthful looking guy. SteveJRogers Feb 11 2009 09:11 PM Shots of him getting inducted into the Blue Jays' Level of Excellence (they don't retire numbers) last spring Edgy DC Feb 11 2009 09:39 PM ="The New York Times":gev7takj]After he joined the mediocre Mets in 2002, Alomar�s play took a sharp turn for the worse.[/quote:gev7takj] Hey, paper of record, easy on the editorializing. That's not a blog you're writing. metirish Feb 19 2009 08:32 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Feb 19 2009 08:44 AM Nothing new in this case , some pictures here of Alomar's GF... Be careful Opening These At Work[/url:2ob5iosb] scroll down John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 19 2009 08:35 AM Looks like she's smuggling a few batting helmets in her top. metirish Feb 26 2009 07:03 PM Update if anyone is interested......Gisselle a famous Puerto Rican Merengue singer and ex squeeze of Alomar's felt compelled to take a HIV test and go public with the results today because of a smear campaign down there in the gossip pages....she tested negative. Also his current GF holds daily news briefs on Robbie and has taken to calling him her husband....my wife tells me this girl is really a hate figure down there and it's worse now because she is seen to be using Alomar for her own publicity. I didn't appreciate how highly thought of the Alomar family are in Puerto Rico and it's a circus there right now. TransMonk May 06 2009 01:00 PM That's settled: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/05/06/2009-05-06_alomar_settles_suit_with_former_gal_pal.html Ex-Met Roberto Alomar settles suit with former gal pal in AIDS lawsuit BY John Marzulli DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER Wednesday, May 6th 2009, 4:00 AM The ex-girlfriend of Roberto Alomar has settled her lawsuit that accused the former Mets' second baseman of being stricken with full-blown AIDS and having unprotected sex with her, according to court records. No terms of the settlement was disclosed. Ilya Dall, 31, had alleged that Alomar had been in declining health for years, but insisted he was disease-free before testing positive for AIDS in February 2006, according to the suit filed in Brooklyn Federal Court. She sought $15 million in damages. The couple had been dating since 2002 and broke up last October. Dall claimed in the suit that Alomar had told her he was suffering from erectile dysfunction and had been "raped by two Mexican men" when he was 17. Asked if she regretted the public disclosure of intimate details of Alomar's health, Dall told the Daily News: "I'm sorry, but I have no comment." Alomar's lawyer would not comment on whether the baseball legend had AIDS. "He's healthy and he looks great," said Charles Bach. "The matter is over. The plaintiff [Dall] has withdrawn her complaint." As part of the settlement, Dall agreed not to file any future lawsuit against Alomar. Dall's suit originally filed in Queens Supreme Court in January, was transferred to federal court at Alomar's request because they live in different states - he in Florida and Dall in Whitestone, Queens. Dall's lawyer, Robert Sullivan, also declined to comment on the settlement. jmarzulli@nydailynews.com metirish May 06 2009 01:06 PM My wife was telling me last night that Robbies current GF who also serves as his spokesperson in PR has been all over TV there boasting that they are getting married and showing off a ring that she says cost $300K . This information was blurted out during a press conference yesterday to announce the settlement. Benjamin Grimm May 06 2009 01:16 PM Of course, this settlement doesn't settle the issue of Alomar's health. It just got the plaintiff to agree to shut up. He's still just as HIV positive, or not, as he was before today. So that issue remains up in the air. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 06 2009 03:18 PM ="metirish"]My wife was telling me last night that Robbies current GF who also serves as his spokesperson in PR has been all over TV there boasting that they are getting married and showing off a ring that she says cost $300K . This information was blurted out during a press conference yesterday to announce the settlement. This GF... is she actually made of plastic, or does she just seem as if she must be?

So who is your DH, Vlad or Abreu?

I hope the lines aren't as long at this Shake Shack as they are at the ones in Manhattan. I am quite fond of the Shack-ago Dog myself.

All this time I thought he was happily pillowing Mary Pierce.

A couple questions for the group: 1. If the Mets signed him, how does that affect the rest of the lineup? He's the everyday RF, do Tatis and Church platoon in LF, or is Church the everyday LF? Can Church play LF? Does this send Murph back to the minors, or do we give him a shot at 2B? This is one of those situations that I would like, giving us a lot of options at different spots, but it seems the Mets are hesitant to do it. 2. This might come across as simplistic, and generate a lot of "it's not his fault" responses, but is there anything to make of the fact that the first two full seasons after he is traded the Phillies make the playoffs for the first time in forever, and in his second full year in NY, the Yanks don't make the playoffs for the first time in forever? Is he a great numbers, bad chemistry guy? I don't know many Phillie or Yankee fans who is totally broken up over him leaving their team.

Interesting (probably only to me) that Gomez's '71 card had manager abbreviated as "mgr", while Hodges's is spelled out "manager".

I miss crazy old Uncle Nelson.

Rather than taking away voters' rights, I'd like to expand who gets to vote. Let's have more voices heard...why is it only the BBWWA? Some in this thread advocated for broadcasters, I agree. Why should Buster Olney have a vote and Gary Cohen not? If you've been broadcasting (radio or TV) for more than 10 years, or whatever limit you want to put on it, you get a vote. So come on down Vin Scully. I'd add internet writers. No vote for Rob Neyer? Boo. Am I sounding like Bill James now? Well, let's bring him and Bob Costas to the party.

Speaking of the NYDN, Bill Madden today called the Phillies "big winners" in the hot stove this winter. Why? Because they signed Ibanez to replace Burrell (probably a step up but nothing to go crazy over) and they picked up Chan Ho Park. Seriously.

ESPN is reporting that we have at least an interest in one Dodger outfielder, not who you think: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3798671 Yuk.

="Edgy DC":1nhltiet]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:1nhltiet] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:48 PM I suppose if you bring in Burrell you play him most days and mostly in left. Then Murph could challenge either Church or Castillo. The other thing we gotta think about is first base in 2010 -- not many good FA's coming to market then, unless you count Delgado, so maybe this year's left fielder is next year's first baseman. That also looks maybe like a Burrell kinda job. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:37 PM 1B - we have relatively lower dollars tied up in all the other "trouble" positions, and if in-season moves are necessary, we won't be paralyzed by budgetary constraints to fix any of them, unlike our $12m 1bman. Also, none of the other positions are being counted on for middle-of-the-order production. So, if Delgado's 1st half becomes the first 2/3 of the 2009 season, it'll be hard for the Mets to come back. If his 1st half is replicated for the entire 2009 season, we're cooked. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:51 PM ]Speaking of Cleveland, didn't someone here, in the last offseason, advocate going after Josh Barfield and Kelly Shoppach in a trade? that sounds like me. I'm surprised Barfield has not developed, but Shoppach sure showed some punch last year. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 08:05 PM From ESPN: The Red Sox, too, have bid aggressively, after having quietly targeted the switch-hitting, Gold-Glove caliber first baseman throughout this entire offseason. Teixeira, who turns 29 next April, has been among the most consistent hitters in the majors in recent years, thriving when he was traded to contenders twice in consecutive years -- first, in 2007, to the Braves, and then in 2008, to the Angels. Teixeira batted .358 in 54 games for the Angels, with 13 homers and 43 RBIs. When the Angels met the Red Sox in the postseason, Teixeira batted .467 with four walks in four games. If the Red Sox complete the negotiations for Teixeira, they presumably would shift Kevin Youkilis -- who finished third in the AL MVP voting in 2008 -- to third base, and look to deal veteran third baseman Mike Lowell, who is under contract through 2 010. The Red Sox have gauged the market enough to know that they can find a suitable deal for Lowell, if necessary. Boston may decide to keep Lowell into spring training, until they get a read on how effective Ortiz will be going into this season. The Red Sox became increasingly concerned about the quality of the middle of their lineup through the 2008 season, as David Ortiz struggled to come back from a wrist injury and after Manny Ramirez was traded. Is there any question that if Omar were the Sox GM, he would talk about how they are "set" at first and third? For the record, the Red Sox beat the Mets in just about every offensive category. I realize that there's that DH thing, but the Sox were second only to Texas in runs scored in the AL. They could have easily used that "we scored enough runs last year" logic if they so chose. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 08:37 PM Proof in pudding. Actions will speak. smg58 Dec 19 2008 05:25 AM For starters, the Red Sox are currently talking as though they've been seriously outbid. 8 years and $200M for Teixeira is looking likely. In addition, with a few third baseman on the market who won't make $24M over the next two years, will not cost players, and are not injury risks, don't assume that the Sox can sell Lowell for more than pennies on the dollar. The Mets would be in a similar position with Delgado; if teams looking for a DH/1B can get a year of Giambi for less money and no players, or three years of Dunn for less money per year and no players, pennies on the dollar is the most you can hope for. And that has to be factored into the final bill for Teixeira. And the Red Sox don't need more pitching as badly as the Mets, either. We need to add another lefty reliever, and right now we have two spots in the rotation to fill with only one rookie who's likely a year away in any position to fill one of them. metirish Dec 19 2008 07:14 AM Red Sox owner said in an email to reporters that they went to Dallas to meet with Texeria and Boras and quickly realized that they would not be a factor despite offering $160 million for eight years. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2008 07:48 AM They did a similar act with Dice-K before they wound up with him. Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 08:16 AM ="HahnSolo":sx1dmk2j]="Edgy DC":sx1dmk2j]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd say it's like that every year. Centerfield Dec 19 2008 11:21 AM ="Edgy DC":3a6v80an]Proof in pudding. Actions will speak.[/quote:3a6v80an] They've already acted. They don't have to actually land Texiera to act in the manner I want the Mets to act in. By exploring their opportunities, recognizing a valuable asset, gauging the market for Lowell, they've already done exactly what I've been saying Omar should do. If they get outbid, so be it. At least they've demonstrated an ability to be creative and not get boxed in with conventional thinking. They recognized how special Texiera was as a player. They recognized that, despite impressive offensive numbers last year, that the middle of their lineup could use upgrading. They did not allow that fact that they have players locked in at those positions prevent them from making a run at Texeira. And if, after all that, they get outbid, so be it. At least they tried. My point this whole offseason is that the Mets should have tried to make a run at him. They should have explored the market for Delgado. Even if they get nothing back for Carlos other than dumping his salary, and if they can find a taker for Schneider (Red Sox rumored to be interested), then that frees up $18 million. Backload an 8 year, 160 million dollar deal and that adds no additional payroll. It does not prevent them from pursuing a pitcher or three. Is there anyone on earth that wouldn't rather have a combination of Texiera/Castro rather than Delgado/Schneider? If that's the case, why not try? Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 12:22 PM I'm referring, I think it's clear in my tense, to the team having a full off-season in which to continue to pursue players. Do we really need more leaks out of Metland as proof of adminstrative action? Nymr83 Dec 19 2008 02:58 PM The proof will be in the roster that takes the field April 1st, at which time I'll criticize Omar (or praise him) for his roster moves, meanwhile he should keep his hand close to his chest.

="Benjamin Grimm":xjjhr5lh]="HahnSolo":xjjhr5lh]Is there any market for Hudson. I don't see his name linked to too many teams. Actually, the only place I usually see his name is from Mets fans who want Luis out and him in. Just wondering that if there's not much market, then maybe it doesn't cost as much in years and dollars. The hideous Castillo contract haunts us some more.[/quote:xjjhr5lh] I got curious (no, not like Marv Albert did!) and checked Google News to see if there are any rumors about any teams bidding for Hudson. A quick glance at the results shows casual interest from the Yankees and Washington and strong interest from San Francisco and Cleveland, but both the Giants and Indians stories are almost a month old by now.[/quote:xjjhr5lh] Speaking of Cleveland, didn't someone here, in the last offseason, advocate going after Josh Barfield and Kelly Shoppach in a trade? HahnSolo Dec 18 2008 02:48 PM ="Edgy DC":1nhltiet]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:1nhltiet] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:48 PM I suppose if you bring in Burrell you play him most days and mostly in left. Then Murph could challenge either Church or Castillo. The other thing we gotta think about is first base in 2010 -- not many good FA's coming to market then, unless you count Delgado, so maybe this year's left fielder is next year's first baseman. That also looks maybe like a Burrell kinda job. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:37 PM 1B - we have relatively lower dollars tied up in all the other "trouble" positions, and if in-season moves are necessary, we won't be paralyzed by budgetary constraints to fix any of them, unlike our $12m 1bman. Also, none of the other positions are being counted on for middle-of-the-order production. So, if Delgado's 1st half becomes the first 2/3 of the 2009 season, it'll be hard for the Mets to come back. If his 1st half is replicated for the entire 2009 season, we're cooked. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:51 PM ]Speaking of Cleveland, didn't someone here, in the last offseason, advocate going after Josh Barfield and Kelly Shoppach in a trade? that sounds like me. I'm surprised Barfield has not developed, but Shoppach sure showed some punch last year. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 08:05 PM From ESPN: The Red Sox, too, have bid aggressively, after having quietly targeted the switch-hitting, Gold-Glove caliber first baseman throughout this entire offseason. Teixeira, who turns 29 next April, has been among the most consistent hitters in the majors in recent years, thriving when he was traded to contenders twice in consecutive years -- first, in 2007, to the Braves, and then in 2008, to the Angels. Teixeira batted .358 in 54 games for the Angels, with 13 homers and 43 RBIs. When the Angels met the Red Sox in the postseason, Teixeira batted .467 with four walks in four games. If the Red Sox complete the negotiations for Teixeira, they presumably would shift Kevin Youkilis -- who finished third in the AL MVP voting in 2008 -- to third base, and look to deal veteran third baseman Mike Lowell, who is under contract through 2 010. The Red Sox have gauged the market enough to know that they can find a suitable deal for Lowell, if necessary. Boston may decide to keep Lowell into spring training, until they get a read on how effective Ortiz will be going into this season. The Red Sox became increasingly concerned about the quality of the middle of their lineup through the 2008 season, as David Ortiz struggled to come back from a wrist injury and after Manny Ramirez was traded. Is there any question that if Omar were the Sox GM, he would talk about how they are "set" at first and third? For the record, the Red Sox beat the Mets in just about every offensive category. I realize that there's that DH thing, but the Sox were second only to Texas in runs scored in the AL. They could have easily used that "we scored enough runs last year" logic if they so chose. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 08:37 PM Proof in pudding. Actions will speak. smg58 Dec 19 2008 05:25 AM For starters, the Red Sox are currently talking as though they've been seriously outbid. 8 years and $200M for Teixeira is looking likely. In addition, with a few third baseman on the market who won't make $24M over the next two years, will not cost players, and are not injury risks, don't assume that the Sox can sell Lowell for more than pennies on the dollar. The Mets would be in a similar position with Delgado; if teams looking for a DH/1B can get a year of Giambi for less money and no players, or three years of Dunn for less money per year and no players, pennies on the dollar is the most you can hope for. And that has to be factored into the final bill for Teixeira. And the Red Sox don't need more pitching as badly as the Mets, either. We need to add another lefty reliever, and right now we have two spots in the rotation to fill with only one rookie who's likely a year away in any position to fill one of them. metirish Dec 19 2008 07:14 AM Red Sox owner said in an email to reporters that they went to Dallas to meet with Texeria and Boras and quickly realized that they would not be a factor despite offering $160 million for eight years. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2008 07:48 AM They did a similar act with Dice-K before they wound up with him. Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 08:16 AM ="HahnSolo":sx1dmk2j]="Edgy DC":sx1dmk2j]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd say it's like that every year. Centerfield Dec 19 2008 11:21 AM ="Edgy DC":3a6v80an]Proof in pudding. Actions will speak.[/quote:3a6v80an] They've already acted. They don't have to actually land Texiera to act in the manner I want the Mets to act in. By exploring their opportunities, recognizing a valuable asset, gauging the market for Lowell, they've already done exactly what I've been saying Omar should do. If they get outbid, so be it. At least they've demonstrated an ability to be creative and not get boxed in with conventional thinking. They recognized how special Texiera was as a player. They recognized that, despite impressive offensive numbers last year, that the middle of their lineup could use upgrading. They did not allow that fact that they have players locked in at those positions prevent them from making a run at Texeira. And if, after all that, they get outbid, so be it. At least they tried. My point this whole offseason is that the Mets should have tried to make a run at him. They should have explored the market for Delgado. Even if they get nothing back for Carlos other than dumping his salary, and if they can find a taker for Schneider (Red Sox rumored to be interested), then that frees up $18 million. Backload an 8 year, 160 million dollar deal and that adds no additional payroll. It does not prevent them from pursuing a pitcher or three. Is there anyone on earth that wouldn't rather have a combination of Texiera/Castro rather than Delgado/Schneider? If that's the case, why not try? Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 12:22 PM I'm referring, I think it's clear in my tense, to the team having a full off-season in which to continue to pursue players. Do we really need more leaks out of Metland as proof of adminstrative action? Nymr83 Dec 19 2008 02:58 PM The proof will be in the roster that takes the field April 1st, at which time I'll criticize Omar (or praise him) for his roster moves, meanwhile he should keep his hand close to his chest.

Actually, Joe, when I think of Astros closers I do not think of you. Seems like a wrong way to inject yourself into a conversation or story. Joe Sambito, bad fit. What I recall about Smith that year is that he was pretty light's out against everybody, but the Mets hit him well, and not only that, thought they could hit him if they brought him in. I had cahnfidence going into the 9th inning of Game 3.

="Benjamin Grimm":oo42szel] I doubt this will happen, but I'd like to see the Mets sign Orlando Hudson to a multi-year contract. They can give him a signing bonus and back-end the dollars so that the could minimize the combined amount that Castillo and Hudson will be getting. It might take some creative financing, and it may not be possible, but they really need to so something.[/quote:oo42szel] Is there any market for Hudson. I don't see his name linked to too many teams. Actually, the only place I usually see his name is from Mets fans who want Luis out and him in. Just wondering that if there's not much market, then maybe it doesn't cost as much in years and dollars. The hideous Castillo contract haunts us some more. Frayed Knot Dec 17 2008 02:57 PM I think I'm most concerned about LF. Despite all the good feelings Murphy cooked up in a relatively short time, the question as to whether he has enough bat to carry him in a corner position is very much up in the air. And that the alternative is Tatis doesn't smooth it over. 1B - Carlos II has been here for 3 years and good, or at least good enough, for about 2-1/2 of them. We'll survive there even if we don't thrive. 2B - He can't be worse (can he?) and, if his normal healthy self, he's at least useful. Overpaid and over-stayed, but useful. RF - Maybe we don't get his April again, but his season couldn't have gone worse after that. Even 400 healthy ABs can't help but be an improvement. C - Even Schneider's below-averageness is kinda close to average considering his position. There's better out there, just not a lot of it. soupcan Dec 17 2008 02:57 PM My ass is most worried about first base. After that, the uncomfortable seats on MetrNorth. But mostly first base. metsmarathon Dec 17 2008 02:57 PM first is where i see the greatest disparity between what we need, and what i fear we might get. Gwreck Dec 17 2008 02:59 PM ="Centerfield":19xs1h3v]I went with First Base. I think second base and catcher will be our least productive, but first base concerns me the most because it seems like Omar is banking on Delgado being a middle-of-the-lineup run producer. If he sucks, we're in trouble.[/quote:19xs1h3v] Yes, if Delgado sucks, we have a problem. We also have a problem if Wright, or Reyes or Beltran suck. I think concern should be greater for those positions where the players we have are more likely to suck. I am going with left field. I don't have much confidence in a Tatis/Murphy combo. I want to see an everyday left fielder, one that gives us the option of using Tatis to spell Church against a lefty, and use Murphy at second base (at least part of the time). Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 03:06 PM Nothing is ever solved for ten years. At least, not until those ten years are behind you. Too much luck can undo even the bet of plans. The correct answer is left. Because, by bringing in a new leftfielder, Murphy and Tatis become insurance at left, right, third, second, and first. Nymr83 Dec 17 2008 03:08 PM any of those positions could suck for us (though Church will hit just fine if he's healthy) but i went with Catcher because its the only position that i'm sure will suck for us. G-Fafif Dec 17 2008 04:02 PM Oh, my worried ass. I'll say catcher 'cause when I read we might trade Schneider, I was surprised at how thrilled I was...and how much I hoped Castro would be gone, too. Fman99 Dec 17 2008 04:04 PM Ugh, half our lineup projects to be below average. And that's if Delgado can repeat his '08 numbers in '09. Second, catcher, left, right. Me no likee. So I'll pick RF as that's the spot least likely to get upgraded before March. Rockin' Doc Dec 17 2008 04:20 PM Second base and left field concern me the most. I'd feel better about hings if the Mets would get Hudson to play second and hit behind Reyes. There does not appear to be a great deal of help availbale for the outfield via free agency. Pat Burrell (or possibly Juan Rivera) seem to be the only upgrades available without going to a trade. Given those scenarios, I would lean toward signing Hudson and then prepare to swallow a fair amount of the money that the Mets stupidly agreed to pay Castillo and move on to the future. Centerfield Dec 17 2008 04:43 PM ="Gwreck":axj5ytme]="Centerfield":axj5ytme]I went with First Base. I think second base and catcher will be our least productive, but first base concerns me the most because it seems like Omar is banking on Delgado being a middle-of-the-lineup run producer. If he sucks, we're in trouble.[/quote:axj5ytme] Yes, if Delgado sucks, we have a problem. We also have a problem if Wright, or Reyes or Beltran suck. I think concern should be greater for those positions where the players we have are more likely to suck. I am going with left field. I don't have much confidence in a Tatis/Murphy combo. I want to see an everyday left fielder, one that gives us the option of using Tatis to spell Church against a lefty, and use Murphy at second base (at least part of the time).[/quote:axj5ytme] None of those three are as likely to suck as Delgado, who after his season and half of suck, has sucked half his time here. Signing a middle of the order run-producing leftfielder would assuage a lot of these worries too, as that would mean Delgado would move down in the order. But while there are a lot of good options in leftfield, there are no real great ones. Centerfield Dec 17 2008 04:44 PM By the way, while we argue over which of these suckass options sucks the most, I think this thread demonstrates that when Omar says he was comfortable with our offense as is, he seems to be the only one. OlerudOwned Dec 17 2008 04:46 PM Left field. It's a spot where you can sacrifice defense for a big bat, and we don't have too much of either there. Nymr83 Dec 17 2008 05:26 PM ="Centerfield":3ebynzom]By the way, while we argue over which of these suckass options sucks the most, I think this thread demonstrates that when Omar says he was comfortable with our offense as is, he seems to be the only one.[/quote:3ebynzom] Isn't that what you want him to say? or do you want him to say "we are fuckin' desperate for a hitter, so any agents representing one please please please let us give you every penny you are asking for" Frayed Knot Dec 17 2008 05:42 PM After exactly 100 HRs, nearly 200 XBHs and better than .350 OBA/.500 Slugging over 3 seasons, I'd argue that Delgado has NOT "sucked half his time here". That's probably about average among 1Bmen and, considering that the best half-season might be the most recent, I'm not fearing the crash-n-burn as much as some others seem to be. LF & 2B are much more likely to be seriously below average IMO (offense & defense). Nymr83 Dec 17 2008 05:55 PM I worry that the Mets will "pencil in" Delgado for something similar to this past year's 2nd half and instead get what they got from him in 2007 (his worst year in the majors.) MFS62 Dec 17 2008 06:14 PM The team can platoon, or has semi-capable backups in left, at first and catcher. But second base troubles me the most. Even when Castillo has been healthy, he has been on a decline. His one asset was speed, on the bases and in the field. But as he gets older and loses his speed, what will he have left to contribute? And Omar seems to be placing all of his ova in that one basket. Later Gwreck Dec 17 2008 07:29 PM ="Centerfield":3li9ifou]By the way, while we argue over which of these suckass options sucks the most, I think this thread demonstrates that when Omar says he was comfortable with our offense as is, he seems to be the only one.[/quote:3li9ifou] I'm not necessarily "comfortable" either, but we didn't lose in '08 because of the offense. The runs were scored. We lost because of the 'pen. Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 08:41 PM I'm certain Minaya will have other options at second. I must say that I'm surprised at how many people seem to be arguing that the Mets will do nothing else on offense. This thread is about what his top concern should be. Are you really convinced that he has none? smg58 Dec 18 2008 07:34 AM Second base. It's by far the easiest position to upgrade. Castillo killed us with the glove and the bat last year. Ranking the other spots: Catcher. We're overpaying for what we're getting, but the defense is fine and there are not very many obvious upgrades out there. First base. Delgado concerns me a little bit. Then again, with Citifield being nine feet shorter down the rightfield line, the good Delgado could hit 40 if he shows up this year. Left field. Murphy has earned the right to play. His defense in left was actually plus, according to the Fielding Bible. Having a high OBP in the second spot in the lineup is a good thing. Right field. Church was very good when healthy, and he plays outstanding defense. A platoon partner might be in order, but I don't see anybody available who would still be an upgrade against righthanded pitching when defense is factored in. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 12:23 PM ="Nymr83":bgzpl293]Isn't that what you want him to say? or do you want him to say "we are fuckin' desperate for a hitter, so any agents representing one please please please let us give you every penny you are asking for"[/quote:bgzpl293] ="Edgy DC":bgzpl293]I'm certain Minaya will have other options at second. I must say that I'm surprised at how many people seem to be arguing that the Mets will do nothing else on offense. This thread is about what his top concern should be. Are you really convinced that he has none?[/quote:bgzpl293] I believe Omar does not think we need anything more offensively because I have heard him say it and have not heard that he has taken any action contrary to his stated position. He has said publicly that he willl address the bullpen first, then starting pitching, and if there is anything left over, maybe the offense. So far he has done exactly that. While he goes about doing this, certain candidates that might have helped us offensively have signed with other teams. It's possible that these guys were never in the Mets plans anyway. But all signs point to Omar being content with the offense. I continue to hope that such is not the case, but it is my fear. As to him playing it coy, it defies common sense. Omar can deny as much as he wants...if he were to start making offers to free agents, or explore trades, everyone would know that the interest is there. If there really were an advantage to pretending you don't have an interest, then the strategy should have been employed with the bullpen and starting rotation as well. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 12:36 PM Here's some sense: "Right now, Castillo's going to be our second baseman," Minaya said. Now, isn't it sensicle to not undermine the guy while he's still your best bet? Is saying something is the higher priority really saying other priorities will be ignored? Remember when he said something akin to "If the right deal isn't there for relief help, we'll work more on the offense." No less than seven Met fans lit themselves on fire that night, aghast that he could even consider walking away without improving the pen. The offseason is long and hard. Johan Santana arrived in February, after a winter of the Mets being cool about how desperately they desired him. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 01:53 PM You don't have to be that specific. If Omar were looking to add more offense, he could say something along the lines of, "We are continuing to explore our options to improve our offense. Although we are comfortable with the guys we have, we are always looking to improve. If the right deal comes along, we'll be in the mix." That undermines no one. There is no benefit to be had by indicating you are not looking to add offense, unless you are not looking to add offense. In that case, you could put that out there in an effort to dampen fan expectation. The Santana situation is different. No matter what Omar may have said in public, all the rumblings had the Mets in the mix for Santana from the get-go. This time, we have no rumors, no rumblings, no activity at all. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 02:00 PM I'm sure Minaya has said more or less the same. dgwphotography Dec 18 2008 02:00 PM he he - Edgy put "ass" and "hole" in the subject... I would say that my most pressing concern is 2nd base - Castillo killed us in every possible way last year. Benjamin Grimm Dec 18 2008 02:11 PM ="HahnSolo":2hrybrte]Is there any market for Hudson. I don't see his name linked to too many teams. Actually, the only place I usually see his name is from Mets fans who want Luis out and him in. Just wondering that if there's not much market, then maybe it doesn't cost as much in years and dollars. The hideous Castillo contract haunts us some more.[/quote:2hrybrte] I got curious (no, not like Marv Albert did!) and checked Google News to see if there are any rumors about any teams bidding for Hudson. A quick glance at the results shows casual interest from the Yankees and Washington and strong interest from San Francisco and Cleveland, but both the Giants and Indians stories are almost a month old by now. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:16 PM The issue with Hudson would be that signing him costs still more drafts next year. I am by no means a supporter of Castillo -- I was against signing him way back when he was good, even -- but if we just left him there and he was healthy I am CAHNfident he'll have a better year. I can't say that about any other player in the lineup 'cept maybe Church, and even then, I ain't sure. So yeah, the answer is left field, or if we trade Church, right field. Benjamin Grimm Dec 18 2008 02:24 PM Marty Noble, for what it's worth, is quite happy with the Mets in left field. (He was talking about it on Hot Stove Report a couple of weeks ago.) He likes platoons, and he thinks the Mets have it in the proper balance, with the older player being right-handed and not playing as often, and the younger guy being a lefty and getting more at bats. He thinks they'll be solid in left. I hope he's right. But it seems to me there's more than a decent chance that Tatis will decline and that Murphy's 2008 success won't carry over. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 02:36 PM Shane and Karim but me off of platooning a little. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:38 PM If one platoon works, how about two? Burrell can platoon with Murphy and/or Church. It would mean fewer starts for Tatis, but allows him to be the primary RH pinch-hitter we need and more of a 3B/RF/LF backup to all 3. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 02:44 PM My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright. HahnSolo Dec 18 2008 02:46 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":xjjhr5lh]="HahnSolo":xjjhr5lh]Is there any market for Hudson. I don't see his name linked to too many teams. Actually, the only place I usually see his name is from Mets fans who want Luis out and him in. Just wondering that if there's not much market, then maybe it doesn't cost as much in years and dollars. The hideous Castillo contract haunts us some more.[/quote:xjjhr5lh] I got curious (no, not like Marv Albert did!) and checked Google News to see if there are any rumors about any teams bidding for Hudson. A quick glance at the results shows casual interest from the Yankees and Washington and strong interest from San Francisco and Cleveland, but both the Giants and Indians stories are almost a month old by now.[/quote:xjjhr5lh] Speaking of Cleveland, didn't someone here, in the last offseason, advocate going after Josh Barfield and Kelly Shoppach in a trade? HahnSolo Dec 18 2008 02:48 PM ="Edgy DC":1nhltiet]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:1nhltiet] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:48 PM I suppose if you bring in Burrell you play him most days and mostly in left. Then Murph could challenge either Church or Castillo. The other thing we gotta think about is first base in 2010 -- not many good FA's coming to market then, unless you count Delgado, so maybe this year's left fielder is next year's first baseman. That also looks maybe like a Burrell kinda job. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:37 PM 1B - we have relatively lower dollars tied up in all the other "trouble" positions, and if in-season moves are necessary, we won't be paralyzed by budgetary constraints to fix any of them, unlike our $12m 1bman. Also, none of the other positions are being counted on for middle-of-the-order production. So, if Delgado's 1st half becomes the first 2/3 of the 2009 season, it'll be hard for the Mets to come back. If his 1st half is replicated for the entire 2009 season, we're cooked. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:51 PM ]Speaking of Cleveland, didn't someone here, in the last offseason, advocate going after Josh Barfield and Kelly Shoppach in a trade? that sounds like me. I'm surprised Barfield has not developed, but Shoppach sure showed some punch last year. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 08:05 PM From ESPN: The Red Sox, too, have bid aggressively, after having quietly targeted the switch-hitting, Gold-Glove caliber first baseman throughout this entire offseason. Teixeira, who turns 29 next April, has been among the most consistent hitters in the majors in recent years, thriving when he was traded to contenders twice in consecutive years -- first, in 2007, to the Braves, and then in 2008, to the Angels. Teixeira batted .358 in 54 games for the Angels, with 13 homers and 43 RBIs. When the Angels met the Red Sox in the postseason, Teixeira batted .467 with four walks in four games. If the Red Sox complete the negotiations for Teixeira, they presumably would shift Kevin Youkilis -- who finished third in the AL MVP voting in 2008 -- to third base, and look to deal veteran third baseman Mike Lowell, who is under contract through 2 010. The Red Sox have gauged the market enough to know that they can find a suitable deal for Lowell, if necessary. Boston may decide to keep Lowell into spring training, until they get a read on how effective Ortiz will be going into this season. The Red Sox became increasingly concerned about the quality of the middle of their lineup through the 2008 season, as David Ortiz struggled to come back from a wrist injury and after Manny Ramirez was traded. Is there any question that if Omar were the Sox GM, he would talk about how they are "set" at first and third? For the record, the Red Sox beat the Mets in just about every offensive category. I realize that there's that DH thing, but the Sox were second only to Texas in runs scored in the AL. They could have easily used that "we scored enough runs last year" logic if they so chose. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 08:37 PM Proof in pudding. Actions will speak. smg58 Dec 19 2008 05:25 AM For starters, the Red Sox are currently talking as though they've been seriously outbid. 8 years and $200M for Teixeira is looking likely. In addition, with a few third baseman on the market who won't make $24M over the next two years, will not cost players, and are not injury risks, don't assume that the Sox can sell Lowell for more than pennies on the dollar. The Mets would be in a similar position with Delgado; if teams looking for a DH/1B can get a year of Giambi for less money and no players, or three years of Dunn for less money per year and no players, pennies on the dollar is the most you can hope for. And that has to be factored into the final bill for Teixeira. And the Red Sox don't need more pitching as badly as the Mets, either. We need to add another lefty reliever, and right now we have two spots in the rotation to fill with only one rookie who's likely a year away in any position to fill one of them. metirish Dec 19 2008 07:14 AM Red Sox owner said in an email to reporters that they went to Dallas to meet with Texeria and Boras and quickly realized that they would not be a factor despite offering $160 million for eight years. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2008 07:48 AM They did a similar act with Dice-K before they wound up with him. Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 08:16 AM ="HahnSolo":sx1dmk2j]="Edgy DC":sx1dmk2j]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd say it's like that every year. Centerfield Dec 19 2008 11:21 AM ="Edgy DC":3a6v80an]Proof in pudding. Actions will speak.[/quote:3a6v80an] They've already acted. They don't have to actually land Texiera to act in the manner I want the Mets to act in. By exploring their opportunities, recognizing a valuable asset, gauging the market for Lowell, they've already done exactly what I've been saying Omar should do. If they get outbid, so be it. At least they've demonstrated an ability to be creative and not get boxed in with conventional thinking. They recognized how special Texiera was as a player. They recognized that, despite impressive offensive numbers last year, that the middle of their lineup could use upgrading. They did not allow that fact that they have players locked in at those positions prevent them from making a run at Texeira. And if, after all that, they get outbid, so be it. At least they tried. My point this whole offseason is that the Mets should have tried to make a run at him. They should have explored the market for Delgado. Even if they get nothing back for Carlos other than dumping his salary, and if they can find a taker for Schneider (Red Sox rumored to be interested), then that frees up $18 million. Backload an 8 year, 160 million dollar deal and that adds no additional payroll. It does not prevent them from pursuing a pitcher or three. Is there anyone on earth that wouldn't rather have a combination of Texiera/Castro rather than Delgado/Schneider? If that's the case, why not try? Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 12:22 PM I'm referring, I think it's clear in my tense, to the team having a full off-season in which to continue to pursue players. Do we really need more leaks out of Metland as proof of adminstrative action? Nymr83 Dec 19 2008 02:58 PM The proof will be in the roster that takes the field April 1st, at which time I'll criticize Omar (or praise him) for his roster moves, meanwhile he should keep his hand close to his chest.

To me it came down to second and catcher. I still have worries about all the others, though. I went with second, because, as you say, there are not many great catchers out there, so I could probably live with Schneid/Castro if they stay healthy. Castillo, even if he is healthy is a problem. I think New York is in his head and he'll never be the same.

I too wonder why they haven't even begun to dismantle the old stadium yet. From the second photo it appears that they are losing a bit of the "crowd right on top of the field" advantage they had before. Those second and third decks are way removed from the field.

The same Chris Brown who last I heard was working for a contractor driving a truck in Iraq. Not the job to "sleep wrong on your eye".

="metsguyinmichigan":2a90z7f9]Stan Jefferson, I think. I saw a couple of those spring games.[/quote:2a90z7f9] Two guys I went to high school with, Cliff Gonzalez (8th round pick of the Mets in '85) and Chris Walpole, were in that camp. Gonzalez and Jefferson knew each other having both been from Co-op City. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:11 AM ] DYKSTRA DROPS THE BALL By KEITH J. KELLY December 17, 2008 -- FORMER New York Mets out fielder Lenny Dykstra appears to be striking out with his magazine, Players Club. Dykstra, who helped the 1986 Mets capture the World Series before landing with the Philadelphia Phillies, is leaving behind a string of unpaid bills and a constant parade of shifting editors and office addresses. In the latest upheaval, Chris Frankie, the acting editor, resigned Dec. 4 along with two other staffers. Now Loren Feldman, former editor-in-chief of Philadelphia magazine, is said to be ready to join as the new chief editor. "Loren Feldman is the new editor," said Dykstra. Meanwhile, Frankie says he's owed back pay. But Dykstra sees things differently: "That's not true. Frankie owes me money. Whatever he's talking about is delusional." Counters Frankie, "That's beyond ridiculous. How could an employee owe an employer money?" Beyond three months' back pay, Frankie said he's also owed for business expenses. Frankie, who had originally helped Dykstra write the TheStreet.com's "Nails on the Numbers" column, got the editor job in August after Dykstra's talks with Neil Amdur, a former sports editor at The New York Times, collapsed at the last minute after a fight over Amdur's ability to hire deputies. "I did fly out there for a meeting with Dykstra about the editor's job," Amdur confirmed. "I spent a couple of days with him. He did offer me the job." The last issue of Players Club was published in October, and the November issue will now be combined into a year-end double issue that has yet to appear. His aim with the magazine was to help professional athletes make sensible investments with the money they earn from sports to ensure they don't go broke when their pro careers end. But present and former staffers say that Dykstra, who during his days with Major League Baseball had the nickname "Nails," is tough as nails when it comes to paying his staff or vendors. Frequently, sources said, he got staff to use their own credit cards to pay for ex penses related to the maga zine, and took months to re imburse the employees. Although the magazine is less than a year old, it has al ready had four different printers and three different editors. Several vendors have also stopped doing business with the magazine. The latest vendor to suspend business is Getty Images, which sources say is owed around $40,000. Dykstra claims that's not true. "I have a great relationship with them," he said of Getty. One source who's worked closely with Dykstra said he "has a haphazard way of paying - he just wires you money." "It's always that the money is just about to come in and everyone will be paid," this person said, adding that if someone demands payment, then Dykstra turns on them. "If you demand payment, then you are the enemy. "He always feels abandoned by people, but he doesn't seem to realize that he's the reason people abandon him." Frayed Knot Dec 17 2008 09:24 AM This surprises me not. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Gotta love the irony in this venture being all about athletes spending wisely. Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Another day, another house of cards. Edgy DC Dec 22 2008 03:04 PM Aaron Ledesma, infield coach for the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees. The Yankees get a AAA infield coach? What a ripoff! Frayed Knot Dec 22 2008 07:36 PM Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore. Edgy DC Dec 26 2008 08:28 AM DJ has no regrets. Of course he doesn't. He got to be a Met. D.J. Dozier had a Bo Jackson-like versatility Posted to: 50 Greatest Sports By Ed Miller The Virginian-Pilot As William, Bill, or even Billy, it just would not have worked as well. William Henry "D.J." Dozier would have been no less the athlete without that alliterative name, smooth as one of his touchdown runs or fielding gems at shortstop. That name - "D.J. Dozier" - was the shiny bow on top of the package of prep stardom. And Dozier was the complete package: a three-sport standout at Kempsville High, wooed by virtually every major football program in the country, coveted by virtually every pro baseball scout. Virginia Tech coach Bill Dooley came to the Norfolk Sports Club in December 1982 and made a public pitch for Dozier, something that would not be allowed under recruiting rules today, when coaches can't woo prospects through the media. Major league teams waved dollar signs in front of him, trying to convince him to skip football and play baseball. Dozier, No. 12 on the list of greatest athletes from South Hampton Roads, chose football - and Penn State. Later, after several years in the NFL, he reversed course and picked up a bat and glove. Good enough to briefly make it to the majors, he was, in an era of two-sport dabblers, a local, lower-wattage version of guys such as Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. "Obviously, when you look at the statistics, the numbers are certainly not what I hoped they would have been," said Dozier, now 43 and back in Virginia Beach working as a business consultant. "But the fact that I had the opportunity to go that far with what I would call God-given ability is a tremendous blessing." A dynamo at Penn State, Dozier forever will be a made man among Nittany Lion greats after leading the team in rushing four straight years, earning All-America honors twice and scoring the winning touchdown in a national championship victory over Miami. Things never clicked for him in the NFL, though. A first-round pick, Dozier missed time with injuries and didn't like the way the Vikings were using him - which was not too often. After three years, he signed with the Mets and began the climb through the minors in 1990. Meanwhile, contract talks with the Vikings stalled. Dozier finally re-signed with them halfway through the 1990 season. Dozier finished out that season and played six games with Detroit in 1991. With his baseball career seemingly blossoming, he left football behind. He would play just 25 games for the Mets, though, in 1992. In 1994, at 28, he moved on with his life, retiring from baseball. Dozier has coached, traveled the world doing missionary work, worked as a financial planner and investment banker. He moved back to Virginia recently from Allentown, Pa. He brought with him no regrets. Dozier said he remembered a former Kempsville teammate who played at Lock Haven University. Dozier knew he was good enough to play at Penn State and told his coaches. They offered him a chance to come to Happy Valley. In the end, though, the friend chose the security of staying at Lock Haven, later second-guessing his decision not to take his shot. "I never forgot what he told me about the regret part of it," Dozier said. "That's what it was for me with baseball. I look at it as something that was a bit nuts, but I really felt that I could do it. "The biggest thing about it is I didn't want to look back and regret not trying." He'll never have to. Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372 ed.miller@pilotonline.com metsguyinmichigan Dec 26 2008 11:17 AM That's a nice story! Plus, I'd forgotten how nasty those old Tides caps were. G-Fafif Dec 26 2008 01:32 PM ="Frayed Knot":34ueq9bz]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:34ueq9bz] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy? themetfairy Dec 26 2008 02:12 PM ="G-Fafif":1emwxaju]="Frayed Knot":1emwxaju]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:1emwxaju] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy?[/quote:1emwxaju] No - just with a simple, "Welcome Abordick," of course! Edgy DC Dec 30 2008 07:42 AM Felix Mantilla, spreading the good chromosomes around. Mantilla earning court time at Yale December 30, 2008 NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT Mundelein High grad Raffi Mantilla has worked his way into the playing rotation for the Yale University men's basketball team. The sophomore guard has played in all eight Bulldog games (2-6 record), and is averaging nearly 10 minutes of action each game. He's scored a total of 18 points in those eight contests. Mantilla is the grandson of former major-league baseball player Felix Mantilla, who played with the Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox in a long pro career. MFS62 Jan 03 2009 02:29 PM In keeping with the three name thread in the non-baseball forum, I'll always remember him as Felix Lamela Mantilla. (I dunno why, but his middle name always stuck in my mind) Later Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 02:31 PM Yup, and time to retire Brogna 2008.

="G-Fafif":1lmhw7l1]="Edgy DC":1lmhw7l1]West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff.[/quote:1lmhw7l1] What's Distefano's Met pedigree (other than breaking up David Cone's no-hitter?) At least this will give Distefano and DePastino a chance to exchange each other's misdirected mail.[/quote:1lmhw7l1] Italian restaurants in West Michigan are scurrying to bid for the postgame spread. HahnSolo Dec 16 2008 02:26 PM ="metsguyinmichigan":2a90z7f9]Stan Jefferson, I think. I saw a couple of those spring games.[/quote:2a90z7f9] Two guys I went to high school with, Cliff Gonzalez (8th round pick of the Mets in '85) and Chris Walpole, were in that camp. Gonzalez and Jefferson knew each other having both been from Co-op City. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:11 AM ] DYKSTRA DROPS THE BALL By KEITH J. KELLY December 17, 2008 -- FORMER New York Mets out fielder Lenny Dykstra appears to be striking out with his magazine, Players Club. Dykstra, who helped the 1986 Mets capture the World Series before landing with the Philadelphia Phillies, is leaving behind a string of unpaid bills and a constant parade of shifting editors and office addresses. In the latest upheaval, Chris Frankie, the acting editor, resigned Dec. 4 along with two other staffers. Now Loren Feldman, former editor-in-chief of Philadelphia magazine, is said to be ready to join as the new chief editor. "Loren Feldman is the new editor," said Dykstra. Meanwhile, Frankie says he's owed back pay. But Dykstra sees things differently: "That's not true. Frankie owes me money. Whatever he's talking about is delusional." Counters Frankie, "That's beyond ridiculous. How could an employee owe an employer money?" Beyond three months' back pay, Frankie said he's also owed for business expenses. Frankie, who had originally helped Dykstra write the TheStreet.com's "Nails on the Numbers" column, got the editor job in August after Dykstra's talks with Neil Amdur, a former sports editor at The New York Times, collapsed at the last minute after a fight over Amdur's ability to hire deputies. "I did fly out there for a meeting with Dykstra about the editor's job," Amdur confirmed. "I spent a couple of days with him. He did offer me the job." The last issue of Players Club was published in October, and the November issue will now be combined into a year-end double issue that has yet to appear. His aim with the magazine was to help professional athletes make sensible investments with the money they earn from sports to ensure they don't go broke when their pro careers end. But present and former staffers say that Dykstra, who during his days with Major League Baseball had the nickname "Nails," is tough as nails when it comes to paying his staff or vendors. Frequently, sources said, he got staff to use their own credit cards to pay for ex penses related to the maga zine, and took months to re imburse the employees. Although the magazine is less than a year old, it has al ready had four different printers and three different editors. Several vendors have also stopped doing business with the magazine. The latest vendor to suspend business is Getty Images, which sources say is owed around $40,000. Dykstra claims that's not true. "I have a great relationship with them," he said of Getty. One source who's worked closely with Dykstra said he "has a haphazard way of paying - he just wires you money." "It's always that the money is just about to come in and everyone will be paid," this person said, adding that if someone demands payment, then Dykstra turns on them. "If you demand payment, then you are the enemy. "He always feels abandoned by people, but he doesn't seem to realize that he's the reason people abandon him." Frayed Knot Dec 17 2008 09:24 AM This surprises me not. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Gotta love the irony in this venture being all about athletes spending wisely. Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Another day, another house of cards. Edgy DC Dec 22 2008 03:04 PM Aaron Ledesma, infield coach for the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees. The Yankees get a AAA infield coach? What a ripoff! Frayed Knot Dec 22 2008 07:36 PM Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore. Edgy DC Dec 26 2008 08:28 AM DJ has no regrets. Of course he doesn't. He got to be a Met. D.J. Dozier had a Bo Jackson-like versatility Posted to: 50 Greatest Sports By Ed Miller The Virginian-Pilot As William, Bill, or even Billy, it just would not have worked as well. William Henry "D.J." Dozier would have been no less the athlete without that alliterative name, smooth as one of his touchdown runs or fielding gems at shortstop. That name - "D.J. Dozier" - was the shiny bow on top of the package of prep stardom. And Dozier was the complete package: a three-sport standout at Kempsville High, wooed by virtually every major football program in the country, coveted by virtually every pro baseball scout. Virginia Tech coach Bill Dooley came to the Norfolk Sports Club in December 1982 and made a public pitch for Dozier, something that would not be allowed under recruiting rules today, when coaches can't woo prospects through the media. Major league teams waved dollar signs in front of him, trying to convince him to skip football and play baseball. Dozier, No. 12 on the list of greatest athletes from South Hampton Roads, chose football - and Penn State. Later, after several years in the NFL, he reversed course and picked up a bat and glove. Good enough to briefly make it to the majors, he was, in an era of two-sport dabblers, a local, lower-wattage version of guys such as Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. "Obviously, when you look at the statistics, the numbers are certainly not what I hoped they would have been," said Dozier, now 43 and back in Virginia Beach working as a business consultant. "But the fact that I had the opportunity to go that far with what I would call God-given ability is a tremendous blessing." A dynamo at Penn State, Dozier forever will be a made man among Nittany Lion greats after leading the team in rushing four straight years, earning All-America honors twice and scoring the winning touchdown in a national championship victory over Miami. Things never clicked for him in the NFL, though. A first-round pick, Dozier missed time with injuries and didn't like the way the Vikings were using him - which was not too often. After three years, he signed with the Mets and began the climb through the minors in 1990. Meanwhile, contract talks with the Vikings stalled. Dozier finally re-signed with them halfway through the 1990 season. Dozier finished out that season and played six games with Detroit in 1991. With his baseball career seemingly blossoming, he left football behind. He would play just 25 games for the Mets, though, in 1992. In 1994, at 28, he moved on with his life, retiring from baseball. Dozier has coached, traveled the world doing missionary work, worked as a financial planner and investment banker. He moved back to Virginia recently from Allentown, Pa. He brought with him no regrets. Dozier said he remembered a former Kempsville teammate who played at Lock Haven University. Dozier knew he was good enough to play at Penn State and told his coaches. They offered him a chance to come to Happy Valley. In the end, though, the friend chose the security of staying at Lock Haven, later second-guessing his decision not to take his shot. "I never forgot what he told me about the regret part of it," Dozier said. "That's what it was for me with baseball. I look at it as something that was a bit nuts, but I really felt that I could do it. "The biggest thing about it is I didn't want to look back and regret not trying." He'll never have to. Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372 ed.miller@pilotonline.com metsguyinmichigan Dec 26 2008 11:17 AM That's a nice story! Plus, I'd forgotten how nasty those old Tides caps were. G-Fafif Dec 26 2008 01:32 PM ="Frayed Knot":34ueq9bz]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:34ueq9bz] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy? themetfairy Dec 26 2008 02:12 PM ="G-Fafif":1emwxaju]="Frayed Knot":1emwxaju]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:1emwxaju] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy?[/quote:1emwxaju] No - just with a simple, "Welcome Abordick," of course! Edgy DC Dec 30 2008 07:42 AM Felix Mantilla, spreading the good chromosomes around. Mantilla earning court time at Yale December 30, 2008 NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT Mundelein High grad Raffi Mantilla has worked his way into the playing rotation for the Yale University men's basketball team. The sophomore guard has played in all eight Bulldog games (2-6 record), and is averaging nearly 10 minutes of action each game. He's scored a total of 18 points in those eight contests. Mantilla is the grandson of former major-league baseball player Felix Mantilla, who played with the Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox in a long pro career. MFS62 Jan 03 2009 02:29 PM In keeping with the three name thread in the non-baseball forum, I'll always remember him as Felix Lamela Mantilla. (I dunno why, but his middle name always stuck in my mind) Later Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 02:31 PM Yup, and time to retire Brogna 2008.

As mentioned earlier, the 3 perfect innings that Friday night against the Yankees in 2006 stand out. I also thought it was cool in 2006, at least initially, that he used London Calling as his entrance music.

="holychicken":2j5aqkgl]I always remember him as evidence that hometown fans can destroy one of their own players and unfairly blame one person for the loss of a 7 game series.[/quote:2j5aqkgl] I don't think this is totally true. I don't believe the majority of fans blamed him for 2006. He was booed intensely last year, but that was for sucking so bad in 2008, not for what happened in October 2006. metsguyinmichigan Dec 11 2008 07:36 AM I have to give Aaron credit for ending my Streak of Shame. He was hanging out by the railing before the game in Cincy, chatting with fans and signing autographs. He signed my scorecard -- and didn't pitch. Really tall. Very friendly. I wish him well. Gwreck Dec 11 2008 08:07 AM If we ever wanted textbook-evidence that a vast percentage of Mets fans are stupid, look no further. I still think that 2008 was an aberration more than anything. Some Heilman memories not yet mentioned: May 19, 2006, the now "legendary" game against the Yankees that was won on David Wright's walk-off double. Lost somewhere between Beltran's 3-run homer that put us back in the game and Wright's hit to win it was Heilman's three perfect innings. July 26, 2008 against the Cardinals. Heilman wound up getting the loss when he gave up a homer to Pujols in his third inning of work -- but was the last man out of the pen and still pitched three innings despite having pitched both of the two previous nights. I always felt that this game shouldn't have been counted against his '08 statistics. MFS62 Dec 11 2008 08:18 AM I remember when he was drafted, reports said he was "closest (as in getting there quickest) to the Majors" and "a sure fire #2 or #3 major league starter". Later Edgy DC Dec 11 2008 08:23 AM Any sources there? Go, Mets fans! 86-Dreamer Dec 11 2008 08:26 AM Despite so many failures, he was the reliever I wanted to see in the 7th or 8th. Then he would walk the leadoff hitter, allow another hit, maybe a long HR. But considering the other options, I still thought he was the best option the next time there was a lead to protect. I wish him well, but thankful/hopeful that we have a better option now. MFS62 Dec 11 2008 08:27 AM Edgy, I knew that as soon as I hit "enter" you would reply that way. No, just newspaper and (baseball america and other) website comments that I recall. Nothing specific, but there were several of them. If you want to find them, check out the NY newspapers and BA the day or two following that year's draft. Maybe I just should have said "IIRC". Later Edgy DC Dec 11 2008 08:30 AM I don't want to find them. soupcan Dec 11 2008 08:32 AM I always liked him, always tried to be positive when he came in a game thinking that this was the one where he would turn it around. -The 1-hitter against the Cubs in Chicago with his coach from Notre Dame in attendance. -I remember Rick Peterson on WFAN with Russo and Francesa discussing Aaron's difficulties this past year saying that he 'had more moving parts' than your average pitcher, suggesting that when everything was in alignment he was great, but if one thing was out of whack - than it was very difficult for Aaron. Peterson said that he used to spend quite a bit of time with Aaron constantly reminding him and pointing this out. I always wanted him to get his starting shot. Yesterday though Peterson was on the FAN and said that Aaron has had 25 big league starts and in those starts he is 5-15 with an era over 5. He suggested that while Aaron could very well become an average ML starter he felt that his best chance for success was in the 'pen. To be fair though - average starters seem to make about 3 times what average to good middle inning bullpen guys do. No wonder why Aaron wants to start. DocTee Dec 11 2008 08:50 AM One of my favorites. Cute wife. Centerfield Dec 11 2008 10:45 AM I thought he could have been a good starter. Remember, most of those starts he made were before he moved his arm angle back down. Coming out of college the Mets fucked with his delivery depriving him of some of his natural movement. I always thought he was an appearance or two from getting straightened out in in 2008. Mostly because the stuff was there. Alas he didn't. So he sucked. Before that, he was pretty good though. You obviously can't get through this thread without mentioning Yadier Molina, but I also remember thinking that it was the right call to go to him at the time (tie game in the ninth, choosing him over Wagner). That says something about the season he had been having. He had a sourpuss face, and seemed to pout after bad outings that made him really easy to dislike. But afterwards, would say all the right things so I would be reminded how wrong impressions can be. I thought he got screwed by the Mets when they moved his arm angle. And I imagine it was hard for him to not blow a gasket when the Mets were not giving him a shot at starting when they were trotting out the likes of Brandon Knight and Chan Ho Park. I think Ben Grimm even got a spot start in 2006. But through it all he played the role of a good teammate. Fans treated him like shit. But fans being douchebags is nothing new. I'll miss Aaron. I think he will have a great 2009. Vic Sage Dec 11 2008 11:47 AM i'm rooting for him to succeed in Seattle. so long, Aaron ...and thanks for all the fish. G-Fafif Dec 11 2008 11:51 AM Every time they zoomed in on him finding his arm angle, his shoulder drooping just a bit, he reminded me of Shermy, the generally forgotten Peanuts kid, doing his part in the holiday dance number. I'd start humming the "Linus and Lucy" theme and think of "A Charlie Brown Christmas". G-Fafif Dec 11 2008 11:52 AM ="themetfairy":8rwa00al]I guess my biggest memory of Aaron was one of the first times that I met G-Fafif in person. It was in the late innings, and I had gone over to the area where he was sitting. Heilman made a bad defensive play. Although I never booed the man, I remember pointing my finger and yelling, "Bad Aaron, Bad!" like he was a dog or something. I'm kind of amazed that G-Fafif still hung out with me after that....[/quote:8rwa00al] Oh god, that was that horrible grounder when he didn't cover first, wasn't it? I thought that was an incredibly unheady move by a guy who had to rely on headyness. I wouldn't have hung out with you if you hadn't admonished him Benjamin Grimm Dec 11 2008 11:53 AM ="Centerfield":mm2drzzu]I think Ben Grimm even got a spot start in 2006. [/quote:mm2drzzu] CF is dumping on me a lot this week. I think I may have to pout or something. themetfairy Dec 11 2008 12:17 PM ="G-Fafif":u5aeok49]="themetfairy":u5aeok49]I guess my biggest memory of Aaron was one of the first times that I met G-Fafif in person. It was in the late innings, and I had gone over to the area where he was sitting. Heilman made a bad defensive play. Although I never booed the man, I remember pointing my finger and yelling, "Bad Aaron, Bad!" like he was a dog or something. I'm kind of amazed that G-Fafif still hung out with me after that....[/quote:u5aeok49] Oh god, that was that horrible grounder when he didn't cover first, wasn't it? I thought that was an incredibly unheady move by a guy who had to rely on headyness. I wouldn't have hung out with you if you hadn't admonished him [/quote:u5aeok49] Yup� Frustrating as all heck. G-Fafif Dec 11 2008 12:35 PM Get out your handkerchiefs, courtesy of Metstradamus[/url:331z0wqr]... Gwreck Dec 11 2008 01:40 PM Can't see why any of the non-masochists among us would want to watch that. Zvon Dec 11 2008 01:47 PM ="Benjamin Grimm"] ... I think I may have to pout or something. You better not pout... Zvon Dec 11 2008 01:50 PM Wish him well, hope he gets to start and goes like .500 for the rest of his days, don't let the screen door leave waffle marks on that howdy doody face on your way out. Yes, he is walking backwards out the door. Don't question it. Howdy doody face^ attgig Dec 11 2008 02:19 PM i always liked the guy too. my favorite memory is 2009, #5 starter in seattle. 13-8 record. 4.25 era. oh wait, that hasn't happened yet? HahnSolo Dec 11 2008 02:58 PM As mentioned earlier, the 3 perfect innings that Friday night against the Yankees in 2006 stand out. I also thought it was cool in 2006, at least initially, that he used London Calling as his entrance music. Frayed Knot Dec 12 2008 10:32 AM ="MFS62":awnr4y7m]I remember when he was drafted, reports said he was "closest (as in getting there quickest) to the Majors" and "a sure fire #2 or #3 major league starter".[/quote:awnr4y7m] As a college senior in the midst of juniors, Jucos, and prep kids, calling him closer to making it was a logical guess. As is projecting a mid-1st rounder as a #2 or #3 so long one doesn't take phrases like "sure-fire" too seriously (assuming that phrase was even used). Some revisionist history tried to turn Heilman's pick into a "reach" but that was a load of crap. Drafted 3 times: as a HSer by the Yanx (later round), then 31st overall by the Twins as a college Jr, then 18th overall when he passed up the Twins offer and went undefeated as a Notre Dame Sr. But fans tend to think they're guaranteed perennial All-Stars w/mid-1st round picks, but I once went back and looked at all 18th overall picks and to find a better one than Heilman one had to go back to Willie Wilson back in the closing days of the Nixon administration. His fall-off this year was stunning but what's amazing is those now acting as if this was the real Aaron all along. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 10:54 AM Real conversation mid-summer last year with a real person. "Do you know what his record was last year?" "Um, no." "Some Mets fan. Seven and seven. So don't tell me that he was good because, even at his best, he was a .500 pitcher on a winning team." "He, um..." "He sucks. He's a fuck and he sucks."I think the Mets should charge more at the gate if you look unreasonably angry. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 11:22 AM Aaron, who gives me what will be my sig line for a day or two, goes down in history as the last inhabitant of Tom Seaver's locker. metirish Dec 13 2008 05:53 AM Heilman getting lustily booed by Mets fans on the road was the worst , it was one of those cities where you get lots of Mets fans , Colorado I think it was.

I'd love to know how he would feel about going from a closer to a setup guy. Would hate to bring him in only to have him griping about his role.

I'm still on the negative side of meh with him.

="Edgy DC":1vw8dz0f]Pierre is useful if Endy is already ticketed as part of another package.[/quote:1vw8dz0f] But if reports are true that the Mets don't want to venture too far over last year's payroll, I wouldn't want to add on his contract. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 01:17 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":g0bx2ilm]Word is that the Dodgers would have to eat a big chunk of Pierre's contract in order to move him.[/quote:g0bx2ilm] HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 02:36 PM I'm still on the negative side of meh with him. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 02:55 PM Well, you sure don't see me tossing my pom-poms in the air. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 02:58 PM Me neither. Pierre and Castillo made a nice pair on the 2002 Marlins, but that was a long time ago. Remember how they used to abuse Piazza? Almost unfair. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 03:00 PM What I wonder, though, is if trading Castillo for Pierre would make the Mets more willing to spend to upgrade at second base. It doesn't really make any sense, but it's possible that they might see it that way. (They'd still be increasing the payroll, but at least they wouldn't be paying Castillo to sit on the bench. And maybe they'd get something out of Pierre. Or at least, more than they expect from Castillo.) Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 03:40 PM Luis Castillo is a useful major leaguer who happens to be overpaid. Juan Pierre is a useless major leaguer who happens to be overpaid. Castillo is a below average second baseman who can't slug. Pierre's a terrible center fielder (or an average left fielder) who can't hit. Endy Chavez is a better player than Juan Pierre. Almost all major leaguers are better players than Juan Pierre. The one thing he can do is steal bases, and he's not very good at that. Here are his CS% numbers, per year, for his career: 01 27% 02 20% 03 24% 04 38% 05 23% 06 26% 07 19% 08 23% For is career, that's 25%, the break-even point. If he's even a little bit off his career average, he's a liability on the base paths. Pierre is exactly the kind of player you can't hand to a manager. He has a reputation as a good defender, a leadoff type hitter and, perhaps, a "winner." Managers give these kind of players way too many plate appearances and innings in the field based on reputation while the team's performance suffers. bmfc1 Dec 10 2008 07:37 PM From Ken Rosenthal, tonight: 8:46 p.m. � Mets trying to land M's Putz The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez � and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West. J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources. Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez. metirish Dec 10 2008 07:38 PM Can I get a WOW? metirish Dec 10 2008 07:42 PM From KR 9:32 p.m. � Source: Tigers to aqcuire Edwin Jackson The Detroit Tigers are set to acquire right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Matt Joyce, according to a major-league source. Tampa Bay, with David Price on the way, had a surplus of starting pitching. Jackson, 25, was 14-11 this year with a 4.25 ERA. In exchange the Rays get a 24-year-old, left-handed-hitting corner outfielder who hit 12 homers in 242 at-bats. -- Ed Price metirish Dec 10 2008 07:42 PM ="bmfc1":3tnm13me]From Ken Rosenthal, tonight: 8:46 p.m. � Mets trying to land M's Putz The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez � and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West. J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources. Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.[/quote:3tnm13me] Just so this is not lost on the last page. Gwreck Dec 10 2008 07:55 PM Putz is extremely valuable but won't come cheap: $5 million for '09 and $8.6 million club option for '10 (with a $1M buyout). The other 3 players combined make less than $4 million. I think we'd miss Chavez a lot. HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 07:56 PM I'd love to know how he would feel about going from a closer to a setup guy. Would hate to bring him in only to have him griping about his role. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 08:00 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 10 2008 08:12 PM Chavez isn't going to help us if he hits like he did last year. I love him and all. Meantime I think three guys are all you wanna surrender for a single reliever, especially one coming off a poor season like Putz (edit - poor for him). seawolf17 Dec 10 2008 08:09 PM Heilman, Chavez, Carp for Putz? Yes. Heilman, Chavez, Carp and Joe Smith for Putz? No. smg58 Dec 10 2008 08:36 PM I'd be worried about trusting workhorse innings to a guy coming off a serious injury, but when he's healthy Putz is as good a reliever as anybody. And the Mets do not appear to be giving up anybody they might miss. The Mets need a righthanded reserve outfielder more than they'd need Chavez. I'd make sure JJ gets a thorough physical, but if he passes, I'm for it. metirish Dec 11 2008 07:30 PM davidoff ] The Mets reopened trade discussions with the Cubs Thursday about acquiring Staten Island native Jason Marquis, according to SI.com. Marquis has a hefty salary -- he will earn $9.5 million this season -- but Minaya could dump Scott Schoeneweis ($3.6M) on Chicago to accomplish another one of Minaya's goals of addition by subtraction. It worked with Heilman. One thing about these meetings I find interesting is that every year various baseball types go there looking for a gig , from prominent free agents to former players, I read that Bobby Meacham is there selling himself as is Lee Mazzilli. metirish Dec 11 2008 07:57 PM Minaya on getting more offense. ] "Before I start moving my dollars to offense, I have to move my dollars to pitching," the GM said."Last year was very simple guys. We had 20 blown saves. We scored the runs." smg58 Dec 12 2008 04:49 AM ="metirish"]davidoff ] The Mets reopened trade discussions with the Cubs Thursday about acquiring Staten Island native Jason Marquis, according to SI.com. Marquis has a hefty salary -- he will earn $9.5 million this season -- but Minaya could dump Scott Schoeneweis ($3.6M) on Chicago to accomplish another one of Minaya's goals of addition by subtraction. It worked with Heilman. Marquis' ERA+ last year (99) was comparable with those of Perez (100) and Maine (101). I might try to be ambitious here, offering Anderson, Feliciano, and a second-tier prospect for Marquis and Mike Fontenot. We'd take on more money, but we'd fill two needs and keep the Cubs from revisting sending DeRosa to the Phillies if the Peavy deal gets resurrected. But Schoeneweis for Marquis would be a perfectly acceptable fallback. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 12 2008 05:07 AM I'm not that enamored with Marquis. MFY fan, you know. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 06:26 AM All this talk about Marquis and Pierre makes me think Omar loves Frenchies. bmfc1 Dec 12 2008 07:06 AM Marquis is a fine #5 pitcher, perhaps a 4, but nothing more than that. He's a SOB which might be good at stretch time. We (sadly) know that he can hit. (For what it's worth, he's also a NYker and a M.O.T.) I hope this gets done. Phillies got Ibanez which means that Burrell goes elsewhere. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 12 2008 07:33 AM ="bmfc1":2vohih50]Marquis is a fine #5 pitcher, perhaps a 4, but nothing more than that. He's a SOB which might be good at stretch time. We (sadly) know that he can hit. (For what it's worth, he's also a NYker and a M.O.T.) I hope this gets done. Phillies got Ibanez which means that Burrell goes elsewhere.[/quote:2vohih50] See now right there's a reason to not part with Shoeneweis, if you needed one. Phils are going to be even more loaded with LH hitting than last year. I think maybe the Mets go get Burrell, what do you say? He's streaky and a bit of a dumb jock but he hits, he's righty and it sticks it the Phils (he's definitely better than Ibanez). I suppose Marquis would be alright near the end of the rotation but I'd hate for them to be fighting to get their money's worth with him. Benjamin Grimm Dec 12 2008 07:45 AM I don't have a problem with Marquis being a four or five pitcher; that's pretty much what the Mets are looking for anyway. It would be nice to get someone who would be number 2, and bump Maine and Pelfrey each down a slot, but that's not all that realistic. I too have been thinking about Burrell as a Met. (I've always seen him as a future Met; they tend to get guys who've hurt them, even if it's not until they've passed their prime.) If they do sign him, I suppose their five-man outfield is Beltran, Church, Burrell, Tatis, and Murphy. (Evans and Reed to Buffalo.) I'd be a little concerned with Murphy not getting enough playing time, but I imagine he'd find his spots. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 07:47 AM Ryan Howard, who Marty Noble insists was the MVP last year, went a m odest .219 / .313 / .479 // .792 vs the Mets last year. If you've got to decide which lefty to keep, consider that he didn't reach base once against Feliciano in seven plate appearances (four Ks), while Schoeneweis was perfect against him in five confrontations, with two Ks. Wait, that doesn't help at all. Um, Schoenewess came out on top in his one matchup with Ibanez last year, while Feliciano didn't see and Raul action. But that only makes them more even. Eeny, meeny, miny, mo. seawolf17 Dec 12 2008 07:56 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":11ubw6yw]I too have been thinking about Burrell as a Met. (I've always seen him as a future Met; they tend to get guys who've hurt them, even if it's not until they've passed their prime.) If they do sign him, I suppose their five-man outfield is Beltran, Church, Burrell, Tatis, and Murphy. (Evans and Reed to Buffalo.) I'd be a little concerned with Murphy not getting enough playing time, but I imagine he'd find his spots.[/quote:11ubw6yw] I'd still rather have Dunn than Burrell, but I'd take Burrell in a second. I'm concerned about Murphy getting overexposed; give him 250 ABs in a part-time role and let him earn his stripes again. MFS62 Dec 12 2008 07:59 AM Speaking of Ibanez, the Phillies just signed him to a three year, $30 million contract. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=376426 8 Too bad. I think he would have been a great pickup for the Mets. Later Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:07 AM Head, slammed through wall. Rockin' Doc Dec 12 2008 08:28 AM If the Mets could pick up Pat Burrell for reasonable termsd, I would be okay with that. The Mets need a corner outfielder and some right handed power to help balance the line up. Burrell would accomplish both. Murphy could still get reps as the fourth outfielder, possible spot starter at second base and the top lefty bat off the bench. Tatis would be the top righty bat off the bench while serving as a back up in LF and the corner infield spots. The only problem I see with that plan is with Endy gone, there is no one to serve as a late inning defensive substitute in LF unless Jeremy fills that role. That, however would be too many outfielders and someone (likely Murphy or Reed) would have to go elsewhere (Buffalo). Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:32 AM Marlon, I think, is not long for this town. Benjamin Grimm Dec 12 2008 08:33 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2d4wl6of]If the Mets could pick up Pat Burrell for reasonable termsd, I would be okay with that. The Mets need a corner outfielder and some right handed power to help balance the line up. Burrell would accomplish both. Murphy could still get reps as the fourth outfielder, possible spot starter at second base and the top lefty bat off the bench. Tatis would be the top righty bat off the bench while serving as a back up in LF and the corner infield spots. The only problem I see with that plan is with Endy gone, there is no one to serve as a late inning defensive substitute in LF unless Jeremy fills that role. That, however would be too many outfielders and someone (likely Murphy or Reed) would have to go elsewhere (Buffalo).[/quote:2d4wl6of] Yes. Right now the fifth outfielder spot appears to be a competition between Evans and Reed. If a Burrell or Dunn were signed, the competition would be over and both of those outfielders would end up in Buffalo. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:37 AM Evans is going to Buffalo. Marlon is going to Arizona. The Mets have a big fat slot waiting for a big fat outfielder to fill it. MFS62 Dec 12 2008 08:44 AM ="Edgy DC":3pbxjx7s]Evans is going to Buffalo. Marlon is going to Arizona. The Mets have a big fat slot waiting for a big fat outfielder to fill it.[/quote:3pbxjx7s] Well, Dmitri Young wasn't tendered and is a free agent. He certainly fills the "big fat" parts of that slot. Later Gwreck Dec 12 2008 09:40 AM ="Edgy DC":1wn8w6gz]Head, slammed through wall.[/quote:1wn8w6gz] Rollins Ibanez Utley Howard Werth Victorino Dobbs/Feliz Ruiz Ouch. Only consolation is that it's a left-heavy lineup. Centerfield Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM Ibanez basically replaces Burrell's production. Meaning the Phils will return a very similar lineup to last year's. Mark Texiera still available. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM I'm slamming my head through a wall because of the proliferation of posting without reading. smg58 Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM Evans belongs at Buffalo playing first base. With Carp gone and Delgado in his walk year, he should be getting full-time AB's at his best position. The Mets need more lefthanded pitching. Burrell might not be better than Ibanez when you factor in ballparks. But both might hurt (might have hurt, in Ibanez' case) the Mets defensively more than they'd help offensively. The Mets absolutely need another righthanded bat in the outfield, but not at a cost that's disproportionate to the benefit. sharpie Dec 12 2008 10:24 AM Ibanez is a pretty good fielder, certainly not a guy you have to take out in the late innings. TransMonk Dec 12 2008 03:13 PM Looks like the Yanks will overpay for Burnett[/url:3vyw4v5q] rather than overpay for Lowe. Holy wallets. Valadius Dec 12 2008 03:47 PM Good. Burnett breaks down virtually every year. metirish Dec 12 2008 04:33 PM Of all the crazy things , I guess they won the bidding war again. Frayed Knot Dec 13 2008 06:50 AM So the Yanx had themselves a 1/4 Billion dollar week. Or, as they say in the Bronx, a good starting point. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 13 2008 06:58 AM Here's hoping Burnett is even a bigger bust than Pavano. He's apparently a bigger idiot, and already a bigger injury risk. smg58 Dec 13 2008 08:27 AM The non-tenders are headed rather shockingly by ex-Met Ty Wigginton, after a very strong year with the bat. He's not that good defensively in the infield, but I have to think it had more to do with money. I also can't imagine that none of the teams in the market for a third baseman (the Twins, the Indians, the Giants) wouldn't have given him a look. I've always thought Ty could be the 10th man on a good team, and the Mets have room for him (as primarily an outfielder), but somebody might still pay him a starter's salary. Other noteworthy non-tenders include Chris Capuano (still recovering from TJS but might be worth a long-term look) and Takaishi Saito (his worth depends entirely on the status of his elbow). The only Met I saw was Argenis Reyes. If that's it, that would mean that Stokes (a good move) and Robinson Cancel (a bit surprising, unless they know they can move one of the other catchers) are staying on the 40. Nymr83 Dec 13 2008 12:59 PM i would LOVE to bring Wiggy back as a bench player, he has the pop that this bench needs and can play 2B/3B when needed (though not necessarily well) Valadius Dec 13 2008 01:20 PM I'd plug Wiggy into Easley's spot in a heartbeat. OlerudOwned Dec 13 2008 02:47 PM I'm a lot happier with Ibanez in Philly than as a Met, especially at 3 years. Keith Law calls it "absurd[/url:20pumd9t]." Ashie62 Dec 14 2008 06:30 PM What about Burrell for an everyday LF and Jon Garland as an SP? Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 07:37 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 14 2008 07:48 PM ="Valadius":2u4mpb0q]I'd plug Wiggy into Easley's spot in a heartbeat.[/quote:2u4mpb0q] We'll be competing to buy him as a super-sub against teams looking for a starting thirdbaseman. You'd probably have to be thinking of him as your starting secondbaseman when you sign him. Aaron Miles, meanwhile got non-tendered. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 14 2008 07:47 PM Besides Easley's role also included backing up Reyes at SS and Wiggy is an unrealistic option there. Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 07:56 PM Miles plays everywhere, shortstop (and mopup pitcher) included. He's pretty similar from both sides of the plate. He can take lefties away from Castillo (against whom Luis is historically weaker), pressing him for the full-time job, backup at shortstop, and fill in elsewhere as needed. He's pretty analogous to Super Joe, with a little more average and a little less power, but has more starting experience and is less likely to be over-exposed by over-use. Ashie62 Dec 15 2008 04:19 AM Miles would come cheap and would be a rich mans superjoe I'd prefer Wiggy cause he can play anything..maybe even left or RF when Murphy or Church have problems Don't we need to focus on a full-time outfielder? Relying on Church & Murphy for 150 games seems a stretch. I'd love Burrell..surly as he is and as far as a SP goes..wait til Most of The A pitchers go and go after Sheets or Garland. metirish Dec 15 2008 06:55 AM Alex Cora was again mentioned in a report today. smg58 Dec 15 2008 07:24 AM Miles is another player who would be an upgrade over Castillo. He has similar hitting numbers to Castillo from a few years ago. He's also at least average with the glove, which Castillo can no longer say. He'd be worth bringing in for something like two years and $5M, although I might go higher than that if there are no other viable 2B options. He's not Orlando Hudson, but he could present significant value. I'd be willing to go 2 years and $6M for Wigginton's services, even if I could only guarantee him starts against lefties (in the outfield). Somebody like him or Juan Rivera would boost our bench, enable us to platoon Ryan Church, and provide cover if something goes wrong with Murphy, Church, or Delgado. I'm not sure that would be enough, but nobody jumped at the chance to trade for him. Edgy DC Dec 15 2008 07:35 AM Unless and until Castillo and/or Delgado are dealt, we've got to be thinking shortstopability in our next infielder. MFS62 Dec 15 2008 07:45 AM ="Edgy DC":1omuczeq]Unless and until Castillo and/or Delgado are dealt, we've got to be thinking shortstopability in our next infielder.[/quote:1omuczeq] I agree. B'sides, if the Mets sign Cora, we might be subjected to pictures of him with his brother. I'd get flashbacks of images of Joe Torre and his sister. Hide the eyes of the chill'uns. Miles gets my vote. Later MFS62 Dec 15 2008 08:54 AM Righthander Chan Ho Park said in a press conference in Seoul today that he has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Phillies. According to the Korea Times, Park, 35, will have a base salary of $2.5 million with incentives that could push the total package to $5 million. There had been reports that the Phillies were close to coming to terms with Park to improve their bullpen. However, the pitcher said he opted for the Phillies in part because they viewed him as a starter. �I was a little worried about the Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies, which is hitter-friendly,� he said. "But as they considered me a starter, I signed with Philadelphia.� http://www.philly.com/philly/b...l_for_Park.html Later Frayed Knot Dec 15 2008 05:29 PM The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either. Centerfield Dec 15 2008 07:32 PM It was me. I had some extra money lying around and I figured, "Oh what the hell." themetfairy Dec 15 2008 07:37 PM ="Centerfield":38yhgguz]It was me. I had some extra money lying around and I figured, "Oh what the hell."[/quote:38yhgguz] I love you, Man. Your posts always make me laugh. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 15 2008 08:19 PM ="Frayed Knot":uz2je510]The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either.[/quote:uz2je510] Go, Theo, go. Frayed Knot Dec 16 2008 06:36 AM Phils re-up 95 y/o Jamie Moyer for 2 years. OK, he's really only 46. Fman99 Dec 16 2008 06:40 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2wijd3xl]="Frayed Knot":2wijd3xl]The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either.[/quote:2wijd3xl] Go, Theo, go.[/quote:2wijd3xl] I would not be surprised if Houston was the team not being mentioned. He pitched well down there for them and they don't have a whole lot of starting pitching depth after Oswalt. Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 06:46 AM I'm OK with Pedro. I said it. Just, you know, sign a bunch of other guys also. Farmer Ted Dec 16 2008 08:51 AM I have no problem with Petey in the #5 slot to start the season. I'm more worried with the durability of Maine and whether the other teams catch up with Pelfry's stuff. metsguyinmichigan Dec 16 2008 09:28 AM Any day the Phils resign Jamie Moyer and add Chan Ho Park is a good day for us! Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 09:31 AM The Phils trying to get two more years out of an ancient lefty strikes me as one more good reason for us to Burrell up. DocTee Dec 19 2008 09:14 AM Knucksie in Dixie: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/18/SPMQ14QQMI.DTL John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2008 09:31 AM Never made any sense to me that Lance Neikro wasn't a knuckleballer to begin with. IIRC, he had a big hit vs. the Mets (was it a game-winning HR or something?) when he first came up with the Giants and I naturally assumed he was on his way to major stardom. Fman99 Dec 21 2008 10:55 AM Fireballer Daniel Cabrera goes to the Nats, 1 year, 2.6 million. Valadius Dec 21 2008 10:55 AM Ha, good luck with that. Guy's a head case. Fman99 Dec 21 2008 10:57 AM ="Valadius":2pz740g9]Ha, good luck with that. Guy's a head case.[/quote:2pz740g9] I think people were saying that about Ollie Perez before the Pirates sent him to us. Talented, strikeout pitcher, control issues, high ERA, etc. metsguyinmichigan Dec 21 2008 10:29 PM OK, now both the Angels and the Red Sox say they're not going after Texiera anymore. Has Boras finall pushed people over the edge, or is this all just negotiating ploys? Frayed Knot Dec 22 2008 07:05 AM The Angels are claiming that their offer is "off the table" and that there'll be no further negotiating - which at least doesn't sound like a ploy. Boston, for its part, isn't claiming that, only that they think they're not going to be his choice due to other teams raising their offers beyond where they're willing to go. That leaves Teixeira in the position of either taking Boston's "low" offer or going the Baltimore/Washington route which kind of flies in the face of his 'I wanna be a contendah' pledge. Supposedly this was going to be wrapped up by Xmas but it wouldn't be the first time Boras has over-played his hand. Benjamin Grimm Dec 22 2008 07:07 AM There's still Baltimore and Washington. Boras isn't quite out of options yet. metsguyinmichigan Dec 22 2008 07:19 AM Speaking of Boras... Murray Chass MurrayChass.com Now that CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett have signed, other pitchers on the free-agent list are expected to follow. Derek Lowe is probably next on the list in terms of interest, but the interest has been all talk and no offers. His agent's asking price is said to be the reason. Scott Boras has told clubs he wants Barry Zito money for the 35-year-old Lowe, which means $18 million a year. Clubs interested in Lowe have not rushed forward with such offers. The slow-moving market may be just what the Mets want. ...Barry Zito isn't worth Barry Zito money. But Derek Lowe? Is he nuts? Edgy DC Dec 22 2008 01:44 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 22 2008 02:20 PM I'm not sure I'd support the Mets spending $18 million a year for two Derek Lowes. Valadius Dec 22 2008 02:04 PM The MOST I'd spend on Derek Lowe is $8 million a year. $18 million is beyond rationality. Willets Point Dec 22 2008 03:01 PM Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone. MFS62 Dec 23 2008 07:36 AM ="Willets Point":2bf2t6s1]Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone.[/quote:2bf2t6s1] Are you saying this because he associates with Scott Boras? Or is there something else you know about him? Later smg58 Dec 23 2008 11:23 AM Guys who can consistently give you 200+ IP with 15 wins and a sub-4 ERA are worth plenty more than 8 million. I wouldn't go four years with Lowe, on account of his age, but I'd much rather have him than Ollie. Willets Point Dec 23 2008 03:04 PM ="MFS62":3rvs0psj]="Willets Point":3rvs0psj]Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone.[/quote:3rvs0psj] Are you saying this because he associates with Scott Boras? Or is there something else you know about him? Later[/quote:3rvs0psj] Just a joke about Lowe's rumored love of the drink. Valadius Dec 26 2008 09:01 PM Randy Johnson will pursue his 300th win as a San Francisco Giant. Nymr83 Dec 27 2008 01:15 AM he could it be cutting it close with the type of run support the giants give their starters. he needs 5 wins, it took Matt Cain all year to get 8 wins for the Giants with an ERA+ the same as Johnson's last year. Frayed Knot Dec 27 2008 05:08 AM 'Randy Johnson is a Giant' is somewhat of a redundant headline. He's probably been called that since he was in the 4th grade. On the other hand, there must have been plenty in in the Castro district of SF who were excited to hear that someone called 'The Big Unit' was coming to their city. DocTee Dec 27 2008 09:16 AM FK with a late entry for post o' the year. The Giants have had a nice offseason (Renteria, Affeldt, Howry, Johnson) and if local rumors of them adding Adam Dunn are correct, they could be players in a weak West. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 27 2008 09:19 AM I agree. You can definitely quibble with the wisdom of a team's particular moves but I like to see franchises who've had bad years making a bunch of moves in the offseason, whether they are effective or not. Like the Giants... and the MFYs... Frayed Knot Dec 27 2008 03:49 PM X-Rockie, X-Astro OFer Wily Tavarez signs a two-year deal with Cincy. He's good at stealing bases and also .... ummmm, I'll think of something. And Kevin Mensch heads for Japan. The Japanese just might get a look at his monsterously huge head and add a second rising sun to their flag. I think that thing has its own gravitational pull. Frayed Knot Dec 29 2008 07:20 AM Penny for your Sox ... Brad Penny to Boston for 1 yr/$5mil -- pending a physical which could yet throw a wrench into the works. As mentioned elsewhere, this could keep them from chasing the likes of Lowe, Wolf, Ollie, etc. thus reducing the demand pool by one more team. Benjamin Grimm Dec 31 2008 11:20 AM This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. smg58 Dec 31 2008 12:29 PM The Cubs sign Aaron Miles for two years, then trade DeRosa to the Indians for three low level (not even top 20) prospects. At least it's not the Phillies, but that's one mild upgrade over Castillo and one significant upgrade who found takers at prices we could have afforded. Frayed Knot Dec 31 2008 12:30 PM Cubs 2B Mark DeRosa - long rumored as part of a Jake Peavy trade - dealt to Cleveland for a trio of minor league pitchers. smg58 Dec 31 2008 12:36 PM Fuentes got two years at $17.5M, plus a club option. Rotoworld says "Fuentes almost certainly took less money to play close to home," but I'm not sure who was competing with the Angels. Frayed Knot Jan 02 2009 05:47 AM Good news folks, Barry Bonds says that he should be fully recovered from the hip surgery he needs in time for opening day! Nymr83 Jan 02 2009 06:41 AM ="Frayed Knot":1xejc7ja]Good news folks, Barry Bonds says that he should be fully recovered from the hip surgery he needs in time for opening day![/quote:1xejc7ja] Better news- nobody really cares about him anymore, including it seems the GMs of all 30 teams. DocTee Jan 02 2009 04:46 PM Tony Clark returns to D-Baggs: 1 year, 800K. metirish Jan 02 2009 05:34 PM Watching MLB Network Hot Stove and they are reporting that San Francisco have offered Manny Ramirez a four year deal. Dodgers and A Jones have agreed to defer most of his money owed likely leading to him playing elsewhere. Scott Proctor to the Marlins for one year. Ashie62 Jan 03 2009 12:33 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2ytj1poh]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels.[/quote:2ytj1poh] This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker metsmarathon Jan 03 2009 12:40 PM ="Ashie62":hblnrkgs]Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker[/quote:hblnrkgs] i don't believe that for a second. Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 12:58 PM ="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. Kong76 Jan 03 2009 01:36 PM Maybe the three closer thing is the way to go after the last two seasons. Ashie62 Jan 05 2009 02:37 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. True..my impatience caused me to jump over Krod & Putz KP DOOTY...I'm just frustrated that the odds of landing a power corner and a decent SP , Sheets, Garland, Lowe..are diminishing and pray the Mets are not newly cash short Burrell has a rep for being a prick but if the Rays can land him at 16 million for 2 years I then wonder why the Mets wouldn't top that and not have to expect 150 games from Murphy and even let Murphy learn 2B at AAA as an experiment. smg58 Jan 05 2009 03:15 PM The Cubs apparently are giving 3 years and $30M to Milton Bradley. They expect him to play right field full time, even though he has had trouble staying in the lineup when he's been the DH. Given Burrell's deal and the fact that Abreu would have made much more sense for them, I really don't get this one. MFS62 Jan 05 2009 04:20 PM ="smg58":1gnuo0ct]The Cubs apparently are giving 3 years and $30M to Milton Bradley. They expect him to play right field full time, even though he has had trouble staying in the lineup when he's been the DH. Given Burrell's deal and the fact that Abreu would have made much more sense for them, I really don't get this one.[/quote:1gnuo0ct] Can't wait to see him go head-to-head with Pinella. Later smg58 Jan 07 2009 05:51 AM And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 06:20 AM ="smg58":162h2ehz]And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price.[/quote:162h2ehz] Makes ya crazy. Geez. I mean, about Hairston. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 07:18 AM Maybe Hairston gets a chance to start in Cincy and couldn't be sure of that here. Never did even hear a rumor of them looking at him though. Also: - Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 07:42 AM Andy Pettitte turns down one year and $10 million from the Yanks in a declining market. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 10:10 AM Yomiuri Giant Koji Uehara signs with Bal'more for two years. Reports say that he's the team's first Japanese player, but they forget Nippo-Hawaiian Len Sakata. Centerfield Jan 07 2009 10:41 AM Len was American. smg58 Jan 07 2009 10:58 AM ="Frayed Knot":2gsb44fr]- Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino[/quote:2gsb44fr] I'll laugh if Pavano gives the Indians 27 starts (i.e., more starts than he gave the MFY's in four years). The Marquis deal appears to leave Jorge de la Rosa out of the rotation in Colorado. I'd see what the asking price for him is; he finished very strongly last year, and he's at least as good as Tim Redding. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 11:01 AM ="Centerfield":biqnwx39]Len was American.[/quote:biqnwx39] As I said. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 12:00 PM From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly MFS62 Jan 07 2009 12:14 PM ="Frayed Knot":3hnipcdi]From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly[/quote:3hnipcdi] Pure insurance with Utley out for the early part of the year due to surgery. Later metirish Jan 07 2009 08:04 PM From MetsBlog Mike Fitzpatrick of the Associated Press believes the Mets have made an offer to free-agent RHP Tim Redding, who was 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts against the Phillies last season Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 08:56 PM I'll give Redding this: with one inning and six runs, he may be the worst performing Yankee ever. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 09:06 PM Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox. Rockin' Doc Jan 07 2009 10:03 PM If Rocco Baldelli can be reasonably healthy, he could be a great pick up for the Red Sox. I hope he is healthy and has a great season for the Sox. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:39 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3gx2svou]Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox.[/quote:3gx2svou] And quite possibly Smoltz too! Not official yet but several outlets are reporting it's 'bout a done deal. I guess they're promising him a starting job - don't think he would have jumped otherwise. Other reports have Trevor Hoffman going to the Brews ... although this is only one day after others had him headed to the Dodgers. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 07:46 AM Sort of a homecoming for Smoltz. Didn't he start his career with the Braves when they were still playing in Boston? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM No, the Tigers. Anywhoo, oughta soitenly remove Boston from the list of potential Lowe suitors (and cause me some concern too: Why don't any of Lowe's former employers want him back?) smg58 Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM The additions of Smoltz and Brad Penny probably take the Sox out of the discussions for Derek Lowe. Assuming Baldelli gets something like what Hairston got, I'd be a little annoyed that we didn't give him a look. We do need another righthanded bat. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:57 AM Yeah, I was half-hoping for Baldelli too. He's not a great player and has played fewer games in the last two seasons than Alou had in the two before we got him. But if this problem of his has finally been diagnosed correctly he could be a useful guy to have around. But Omar seems to be on this 'one problem at a time' schedule where nothing can even be talked about until the starter question is answered. metirish Jan 08 2009 08:01 AM Did bucket mis-read Ben's post? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 08:02 AM Yes. Yes I did. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 08:14 AM I almost did too because I sometimes confuse the Smoltz trade with the Bagwell one from Boston. The Smoltz from Detroit for Denny Alexander trade happened around the same era as Bagwell for Larry Anderson. Both were done for pennant push help and in each case the minor leaguers were home-town guys (Smoltz is from Mich, Bags from Conn) who turned into HoF possibilities. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 08:17 AM Doyle Alexander. Now Denny McLain or somebody is getting into the conflation. metirish Jan 08 2009 10:25 AM Looking at a potential nightmare with outfield defense the MFY's are apparently looking to trade Swisher and Nady. Yankees fielding offers for Nady, Swisher Posted by: Jon Heyman The Yankees are fielding trade offers for corner outfielders Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. There's been some speculation they might consider trading Hideki Matsui, too, but he has a full no-trade clause and is coming off knee surgery, so there's really no way to trade him. A logjam at the corners was created when the Yankees surprised a lot of folks and signed Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract. Swisher previously had been penciled in as the Yankees' first baseman but now becomes part of a crowded mix of accomplished corner outfielders. Swisher is a versatile player and can play some center field, as well. Some National League teams may be interested. However, Nady's trade value is higher after a better offensive season, so he may be just as likely to be dealt. Nady, acquired by the Yankees in a midseason trade with the Pirates, combined to hit .305 with 25 home runs and 97 RBIs for the year, while Swisher finished at .219 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs for the White Sox before being dealt to the Yankees after the season Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 02:09 PM i'd sure take Nady back, to split time with Church, Murphy and Delgado. But no way the Yanx trade him cross town. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:30 PM You leave Tatis out of that mix. Nady gives you what Tatis gives you, only more and probably better and definitely younger. Tatis' only advantage is playing third. I'd love a Nady around because I think the best way to get something like last year's productivity out of Tatis is to make him earn every at-bat. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 02:43 PM Maybe Murphy will do that, but I'm not counting on it. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:46 PM What's going down, and I think a lot of us feel it, is that a lot of things went kind of right in Omar's offense that could have easily gone wronger, and he's kind of seeming to kind of be counting on a lot of those same thingies to go right again. Fans be pessemistic creatures, of course. Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 03:21 PM Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard. attgig Jan 08 2009 03:29 PM ="Vic Sage":37m9y64n]Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard.[/quote:37m9y64n] and you have a wild card at 1b, so it's not even half a lineup. nobody has faith in schnied to produce offensively, and while castro COULD provide some pop, he just gets hurt too often (he must be the worst backup catcher in the league). 2b, nobody has faith in castillo, except he's saying all the right things. and Church... will his head be screwed on straight? it'll be an interesting few more weeks before spring training. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 03:35 PM I agree with Vic, including about left field, but I'd be okay with giving Murphy/Tatis a chance to shine again. But in doing that, you have to protect yourself by beefing up some of the other positions. And as yet, the Mets haven't done anything towards that end. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 07:12 PM Ramon Castro, not the worst backup catcher in the league. DocTee Jan 09 2009 09:42 AM John Smoltz, Red Sock. metirish Jan 09 2009 12:35 PM Swisher the Yanks' preferred candidate over Nady BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com January 9, 2009 In their current roster logjam, the Yankees would strongly prefer to trade Xavier Nady and retain Nick Swisher, a person familiar with the club's thinking said yesterday. General manager Brian Cashman has received more requests for Swisher than for Nady. With spring training more than a month away and the season opener just about three months away, however, there is no imperative to execute a quick trade. The Mets enjoyed having Nady on their club for the first four months of the 2006 season, and they inquired about him last July, when the Yankees wound up getting him from Pittsburgh. For now, however, the Mets are focused on their starting rotation and are not looking to acquire a bat either through free agency or through a trade. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 01:54 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 09 2009 02:02 PM Swisher switch-hits, and is better and more versatile defensively. He's also signed for the next few years which could be either good or bad depending on whether he regains his hitting from last season's off year. Nady is more likely to hit better (though walk less) and would only be for one year at a price to be determined by arbitration then would be a FA after that. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 09 2009 01:59 PM If we weren't already loaded with lefthanded hitting outfielders, I'd take Godzilla as a LH bench masher in the Franco/Staub mold. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 02:04 PM As long as the Cranks would pay 90% of the freight and expect nothing back in return, sure. (OK, maybe 70% with a throw-in going the other way would do) Ashie62 Jan 09 2009 05:10 PM I feel safe to say Tatis has had his middle aged career year..I wouldn't put too high a ceiling there. Daniel Murphy needs more seasoning and I still advocate a year at AAA to learn 2B Mr. Nady..wasn't he a Met who know has Yankee cooties? metirish Jan 11 2009 03:46 PM Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Fman99 Jan 11 2009 07:52 PM ="metirish"]Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Pedro really looked spent in 2008, after having a respectable September prior. I don't think he has much in the tank and I would not miss all the drama. Rockin' Doc Jan 11 2009 09:29 PM Marlins not interested in signing Pedro By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- Don't look for Pedro Martinez to wind up with the Marlins. A day after a report stated the Marlins were in the mix for the 37-year-old right-hander, a league source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday that Florida has zero interest. Reports in the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and SunSentinel also ruled out the possibility of Martinez joining the club. On Saturday night, a report on ESPNdeportes.com stated the Marlins had discussions with agent Fernando Cuza regarding Martinez. The report added Florida may have begun preliminary contract talks, and that the two sides were expected to continue talking this week. As of late Sunday afternoon, the Marlins were not considered a possible fit. Martinez has a home in Miami, and he has expressed privately a desire to pitch for the Marlins. On Monday, Cuza is expected to have discussions with the Mets about a possible return to New York. The right-hander also is expected to test the free-agent market. Hampered by injuries last year, Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts. He threw 109 innings. Working with minimal financial resources, the Marlins are looking for affordable free agents. The team did explore adding veteran Carl Pavano, who signed with the Indians. The Marlins are prepared to head into Spring Training with a rotation that includes Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez. Nolasco, eliglbe for arbitration, still has not signed. Florida continues to explore depth at catcher. The team is looking for low-priced options there. A free agent that could be a fit is Ivan Rodriguez, but only if his price tag continues to drop this month. Frayed Knot Jan 12 2009 07:01 AM IOW, the earlier story was an agent plant. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 08:20 AM Yeah, use the threat of the Daddy Warbucks Marlins to trigger a false bidding war. That's the ticket. Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:09 AM I think that Pedro had far more interest in the Marlins than they had in him. I believe that Pedro is desperate to play another season, but I don't think teams throughout the league are very interested in signing him. Pedro was once a dominant, HOF caliber pitcher, but he seems to be the one person that doesn't see how far removed from his former greatness he now is. metirish Jan 12 2009 11:17 AM If Pedro Martinez retired tomorrow he would surely be in the HOF at first ballot , wouldn't he? Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:21 AM I was not inferring that Pedro Martinez was not worthy of enshrinement in Coopperstown. He has had a tremendous career and was arguably one of the top 2 or 3 pitchers in MLB for several seasons. I would vote for him (if I had a vote) when his name comes up on the HOF ballot. I was simply stating that he is not nearly the dominant pitcher he once was. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 11:22 AM I think he's pretty aware of what happened last year. If he didn't still believe he could turn it around, he wouldn't be the great pitcher he is. What's more, I believe he could turn it around. In his prime, he had an unprecedented four killer pitches, so it's not like he was fastball-reliant. It's a matter of finding what he can do with what's left of his fastball and using it to complement the rest of his arsenal. That's a far ways from saying he will return to a productive level, but I'm certain he can. Glavine continued to pitch effectively with a powder puff fastball and a change. While his control was still very good, Pedro's has always been even better. And if I'm the Mets, I'm willing to spend some change to find out. Giving him Redding's money with an automatically vesting bonus year of $9 million if he gets 180 innings? Yeah, go for it. I'm certain he can do as well as Redding in 2009, and a damn fine bet to do better. The only thing Redding has over him is a better doctor's report. metirish Jan 12 2009 05:05 PM Michael Young wants out of Texas , can play 2nd base. I should add that Heyman just said on the Hot stove that he has %62 million left on his big contract. smg58 Jan 12 2009 05:22 PM Young's expensive, and the dropoff in his numbers over the past three years has been precipitous. Even if they took Castillo it would still be a $10M payroll hit, and he's just not that good anymore. Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 01:14 PM Dodgers reportedly to release Andruw before today is out Benjamin Grimm Jan 15 2009 01:52 PM Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year? Someone will be able to pick him up for minimum wage, and they may get a hell of a bargain at the Dodgers expense. metirish Jan 15 2009 01:56 PM Jones was on MLB Network the other night talking about how he would love to go back to the Braves. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 02:01 PM No doubt. metsmarathon Jan 15 2009 02:28 PM i'd give andruw a shot, for minimum wage... Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 05:45 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2v9kwf3v]Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year?[/quote:2v9kwf3v] I guess not enough of a chance in their minds to make carrying him all year worth it. They restructured his deal last week with a release in mind so I assume they're going to do similar thing to what we did with Bonilla (only on a much bigger scale): pay out the remainder over a long period to avoid getting hit with it all at once. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:34 AM The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting today that the Phillies are aggressively trying to sign Moises Alou. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:36 AM Would Alou be a starter there or would he be in a limited role , who's in the outfield there along with Ibanez?...Dobbs?....Victorino? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:37 AM Watch him hit .500 and stay healthy all year. Bastard. Frayed Knot Jan 23 2009 08:44 AM He wouldn't start there - but he'd be a potentially good RH bat off the bench for a predominately lefty hitting squad. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:51 AM The three options (Perez, Wolf, and Sheets) may be soon reduced to two: ="MLB.com":2t16pb69]The deep freeze that's been the Major League free-agent market this winter has shown indications a thaw is coming -- at least for starting pitchers. On the heels of the Mets reaching an apparent agreement on a Minor League deal with right-hander Freddy Garcia, it looks like the Dodgers have taken the inside track in the competition for lefty starter Randy Wolf's services. According to sources for FoxSports.com, Wolf could most likely be signed to a one or two-year deal. Wolf previously pitched for Los Angeles in 2007 and was 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA in a combined 33 starts last season for the Padres and Astros. FoxSports.com said Wolf would get less than the three-year, $28 million offer the pitcher turned down from Houston earlier this winter. [/quote:2t16pb69] metsguyinmichigan Jan 23 2009 08:57 AM Supposedly, Sheets is meeting with the Rangers. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Wolf turned down an offer for that much? , and I was thinking he could be had for a song on a one year deal. sharpie Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Fine. I actually saw Wolf pitch twice last year, at the only game I attended at MFY Stadium and at the game I attended at Petco. Both time he got shellacked. smg58 Jan 23 2009 09:34 AM There are a number of available starters who can give you at least a league average ERA, several of whom have the upside to do significantly better. Randy Wolf is not one of them. I see no point in pursuing a demonstrably inferior pitcher just because he's a lefty. Edgy DC Jan 23 2009 09:59 AM I don't think anybody but Wally Matthews is arguing that his leftiness is important, and Wally is only throwing that pitch to drum up "Mets Gotta Steal Pettitte" angles. Who do you have your eye on? metirish Jan 23 2009 08:11 PM Just turned over to MLB Network after watching "What Not To Wear" and heard Tom Verducci say that Perez is moving closer to signing with the Mets. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:59 PM Here's the source: Jon "Boras Boy" Heyman ]Mets extend offer to Perez, their top target The Mets have placed an offer on the table for free-agent lefthander Oliver Perez, SI.com has learned, and are hopeful to have an answer in coming days regarding their prime pitching target. The Mets are believed to have improved their original thought, which was for about $30 million over three years. But it isn't certain what their latest offer is. Perez remains the Mets' top choice for the final spot in their rotation, though the team has remained in contact with three other free-agent pitchers -- Randy Wolf, Jon Garland and Ben Sheets. They know they'd have competition for Wolf (Dodgers), Garland (Diamondbacks) and Sheets (Rangers, possibly Yankees) but aren't sure what other teams are competing for Perez. The Mets had been hopeful to land free agent Derek Lowe earlier but were surprised when the rival Braves outbid them by $24 million, landing Lowe with a $60-million, four-year contract. Perez, 27, is eight years younger than Lowe, though not quite as consistent. Mets GM Omar Minaya would love to import Perez, so the Mets are not likely to take one of the other pitchers unless he feels his chances for Perez are gone. Nymr83 Jan 24 2009 12:14 PM I hope "the mystery team" comes and raises perez's price too high so we can sign Sheets. Then Boras and Perez can admit there was no mystery team and we get both at a reduced rate! MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM If money is the issue, I'd like to see the Mets sign Sheets and with any Ollie Perez money left over, go out and sign Odalis Perez. His ERA was only .10 worse than Ollie's last year, is still only 32 years old, and probably be signed for far less money than any of the other names that have been in the press lately. Later MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM Oops. Dupe Sorry Later seawolf17 Jan 30 2009 01:00 PM Varitek back to Boston for one year, $5 million. Frayed Knot Jan 30 2009 02:36 PM Varitek's (read: Boras's) threat to sit out the season and/or retire didn't get the Sox to budge I see. Tek is one of several who turned down arbitration offers this winter only to wind up not only with a much smaller deal than arb would have snagged him but didn't get the multi-year deal either. Now it's hope you play well and the economy improves when you can do the same dance next year. Ashie62 Feb 02 2009 03:56 PM Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise? Fman99 Feb 02 2009 07:27 PM ="Ashie62":2t5ssjz6]Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise?[/quote:2t5ssjz6] .220 metirish Feb 02 2009 07:43 PM Is that his weight or his average? , sucks either way though. metirish Feb 04 2009 11:35 AM ]Left-hander Chase Wright was traded by the New York Yankees to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday for outfielder-catcher Eric Fryer. metirish Feb 07 2009 02:23 PM Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's. Rockin' Doc Feb 07 2009 05:10 PM metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones. MFS62 Feb 08 2009 07:35 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2e2xwbch]metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones.[/quote:2e2xwbch] B'sides, they couldn't have the signing photo op soon anyhow. They'd first have to send out Cecil Fielder's uni to have the seams let out to fit Jones. Later Frayed Knot Feb 08 2009 08:45 PM Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do. Fman99 Feb 09 2009 06:44 AM ="Frayed Knot":1zv55w66]Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do.[/quote:1zv55w66] Yeah, poor guy. My heart breaks for him. /sarcasm Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 07:07 AM It's not like he doesn't get to keep the 15 miills. Vic Sage Feb 09 2009 09:08 AM yeah, i mean basically he just got a raise! Frayed Knot Feb 09 2009 09:26 AM Sure, it just shows a helluva difference between what someone thought he was worth last year vs what they think he's worth barely a year later. How the mighty (and fat) have fallen.