metirish

="gerrard00":2hnurwk4]This would actually have been an awesome promotion. Who wasn't reaching for their wallet before the AFD radar kicked in?[/quote:2hnurwk4] In another economy I would have gone for the wallet but not now , no not now. Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 10:57 AM Welcome abordick gerard00. G-Fafif Apr 01 2009 10:58 AM ="Mendoza Line":2y2fnrdx]It's hard to argue with Gooden in 1985, but in the AFD spirit I would have moved Gooden to 1984, given 1986 to Keef, and saved 1985 for Sidd Finch.[/quote:2y2fnrdx] Sidd was conSiddered. But had to keep the joke rolling. metirish Apr 01 2009 11:00 AM ="Edgy DC":1r8d8mzt]Welcome abordick gerard00.[/quote:1r8d8mzt] the new member is probably an April fools joke. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 01 2009 11:06 AM I wonder if he's any relation to Girard 11 Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 11:16 AM That's what we said about you. Drop your guard and welcome the dude. G-Fafif Apr 01 2009 11:23 AM Welcome! New blood! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2009 11:51 AM Re: The really funny part ="gerrard00"]This would actually have been an awesome promotion. Who wasn't reaching for their wallet before the AFD radar kicked in? No longer the new guy... does this mean I get to haze him? I want Combos, every flavor of Big League and Carmex lip balm-- the cream and the clear-- in your bullpen bag, rook. (Pleased to have you aBordick.) themetfairy Apr 01 2009 12:00 PM Welcome Abordick! batmagadanleadoff Apr 01 2009 03:00 PM ="G-Fafif":q8yid208]We wuz gonna give Marv a bobblehead. But we wuz afraid he'd drop it.[/quote:q8yid208] ... or at least bobble it. MFS62 Apr 01 2009 03:12 PM Welcome abordick. Now. Time for rookie hazing. Climb up on that virtual table in the middle of the room and sing your school's fight song. (One of these days, someone might actually do it) Later

Pretty sure I won this last season 1. First hit - Murphy 2. First double - Murphy 3. First triple - Reyes 4. First home run - Delgado 5. First stolen base - Reyes 6. First baserunner caught stealing/picked off - Church 7. First guy to hit into a double-play - Wright 8. First batter to strike out - Reyes 9. First fielder to commit an error - Wright 10. First guy to score a run - Reyes 11. First guy to drive in a run - Delgado 12. First Met player to field a batted ball in fair territory - Church 13. First Met to draw a walk - Castillo 14. First Met relief pitcher to make an appearance - Green 15. First Met to reach base on an error - Beltran 16. First winning Met pitcher - Santana 17. First Met pitcher to be relieved in the middle of an inning - Maine 18. First Met to to plunk an opposing batter - Maine 19. First Met to be hit by a pitch - Murphy 20. First Met pinch-hitter - Evans

Make what you will of this....from the Snooze ] By keeping Anderson over Kielty, the Mets won't have a righty pinch-hitter on the bench from Game 5 on when Tatis starts - that is, other than Castro, who typically wouldn't be used in that role because he's the backup catcher. So who pinch-hits against a lefty reliever? "Livan," Manuel joked, referring to his fifth starter, who is a career .233 hitter. "I've got all that covered, man." As for the decision to keep Anderson, Mets brass cited his improved shape this spring as well as his track record as a pinch-hitter. "Marlon has been a guy that when he's right has been very, very good for us," Manuel said. Get in shape guys.

I'm sure we will see Kielty before long.

I hope Green shows more balls on the mound than he has with this act , imagine the conversation if he ever meets up with Heilman.

Oh just give us the fucking answer for fucks sake , it can only be a disapointment at this stage.

Carter thinks Mets snubbed him twice ] Gary Carter indicated in an interview with WFAN Tuesday that he was disappointed not to have been chosen to catch either the ceremonial last pitch at Shea Stadium or the first pitch at Citi Field. In both cases, Mike Piazza was selected to catch Tom Seaver's pitch. Asked by Boomer Esiason whether he was surprised he was bypassed for the Citi ceremony, Carter said: "Yeah, a little bit. I was a little surprised at the closing of Shea last year. I don't understand it.'' The Ducks manager wondered whether the organization's view of him soured when he rejected their Double-A managing job two years ago. "When I turned it down, it's almost like they turned their backs to me,'' he said, adding that catching the final pitch at Shea or first at Citi "would have been very special.'' Carter, who unlike Piazza won a championship with the Mets, was invited to participate in the closing ceremonies at Shea. It didn't help Carter's image when he appeared to lobby for the Mets' manager job in a radio interview last year before Willie Randolph had been fired. Carter accused the media of "throwing him under the bus'' and said he and Randolph had discussed the incident. "He knows there were no malicious intentions of trying to take his job,'' Carter said. -- NEIL BEST

Oh I thought you meant in the starting nine.

="metirish":xlm3fylz]According to UMDB Shinjo came in a a pinch runner , Benny Agbayani was in the starting line up. I was going to guess Desi Relaford but that's not correct.[/quote:xlm3fylz] Sorry Ben Grim but I was asking if I was right about this. Benjamin Grimm Mar 31 2009 06:03 PM Yes, Shinjo entered the game as a pinch-runner, but he was the only player to make his Mets debut in the first game of 2001. metirish Mar 31 2009 06:08 PM Oh I thought you meant in the starting nine. HahnSolo Apr 01 2009 09:01 AM ="metirish":2zrh990b]Oh I thought you meant in the starting nine.[/quote:2zrh990b] Yeah, I was wondering why Don Aase was on the list. So if relief/bench players count, then wouldn't KRod, Putz, Green, Reed be possibilities? [Edit: nevermind, I'm easily confused. I should read things more thoroughly before I post] Benjamin Grimm Apr 02 2009 06:56 AM Junior Noboa is the remaining 1992 guy. Edgy DC Apr 02 2009 07:19 AM I deserve copious amounts of parting gifts for coming up with Aase. I mean, I should lose half of them for conflating Orsulak and Gallagher, but there you are. G-Fafif Apr 02 2009 08:18 AM ="Edgy DC":28f3t4q6]I deserve copious amounts of parting gifts for coming up with Aase.[/quote:28f3t4q6] Page 163. Fman99 Apr 02 2009 09:22 AM I think I'll dip into recent history for the 2006 group of 6: LoDuca Delgado Nady Wagner Julio Franco Valentin Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 07:51 AM Fman goes six for six with '06 picks! Fman99 Apr 03 2009 07:53 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":3g47tz21]Fman goes six for six with '06 picks![/quote:3g47tz21] I was thinking A-Hern too, who was the opening day 2B, but he had a callup in the fall of '05.

Was I wrong about Shinjo or did I miss the point of this thread.

According to UMDB Shinjo came in a a pinch runner , Benny Agbayani was in the starting line up. I was going to guess Desi Relaford but that's not correct. Sorry Ben Grim but I was asking if I was right about this.

I hope Alex Cora won't make his debut on opening day as part of the starting lineup , with a week to go though who knows.

We'll always have 2006 to remember Jose for. A future coach somewhere I suppose.

That thing about Malo's mother rings a bell , good memory JCL . I'm sure we had a thread about it a few years ago. Marty Noble writes And as scant a chance as Green had, it was diminished by the late emergence of Jonathan Malo, a 25-year-old Canadian-born second baseman who has impressed Manuel to such a degree that the manager has told people in the organization that Malo is among his favorites among the possible reserves. But there seems to be no place for Malo on the roster. Doesn't answer the question though

="TransMonk":5i0sjryr]Willis would be worth a bigger look than Sheff IMO.[/quote:5i0sjryr] I would really like to see Willis get a shot with the Mets if he is cut. I always thought he would end up with the Mets , or hoped maybe. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 08:52 AM Because the 18 outfielders the sorry Nationals currently have just isn't enough. Maybe back to Florida, taking the lefties off of Jeremy Hermida. There's always Texas. Always. But my guess is going to be Seattle, where he can share DHing with Junior Griffey. Their starting leftfielder, if you believe their depth chart, is Endy Chavez, so they don't look particularly set. duan Mar 31 2009 08:59 AM ="metirish":fr5lf557]="TransMonk":fr5lf557]Willis would be worth a bigger look than Sheff IMO.[/quote:fr5lf557] I would really like to see Willis get a shot with the Mets if he is cut. I always thought he would end up with the Mets , or hoped maybe.[/quote:fr5lf557] not least because it's crazy to not have him hitting. Dontrelle's a dude and I'd love to get him back on track. smg58 Mar 31 2009 09:41 AM If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right? I'd have no problem giving Willis a no-risk look. It would be ironic, given all those trade rumors a few years ago. I wouldn't get my hopes up for too much, though; he's basically a lottery ticket at this point. seawolf17 Mar 31 2009 09:44 AM I'd take a shot on Willis too, but wow, he's been dreadful. Something's not right... PEDs or an injury or something in his head. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 09:49 AM ="smg58":2utwdplb]If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right?[/quote:2utwdplb] Of course they can. And they will when there is a more compelling reason to than fan outrage over last season. duan Mar 31 2009 10:16 AM ="smg58":389e0x5a]If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right? I'd have no problem giving Willis a no-risk look. It would be ironic, given all those trade rumors a few years ago. I wouldn't get my hopes up for too much, though; he's basically a lottery ticket at this point.[/quote:389e0x5a] Of course, but if you could stash him at Buffalo and come up with a coherent plan you'd love to have bought him at the right time. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2009 11:05 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 31 2009 11:07 AM ="Edgy DC":1j4faii2]="smg58":1j4faii2]If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right?[/quote:1j4faii2] Of course they can. And they will when there is a more compelling reason to than fan outrage over last season.[/quote:1j4faii2] How about: A) Below-replacement-level defensive prowess Little to no positional flexibility C) Slightly below average speed D) Career OPS for the PH specialist: .705 This is a recording. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2009 11:06 AM ="duan":119j9z0h]="John Cougar Lunchbucket":119j9z0h]Sheff's the kind of guy who will wind up with Washington.[/quote:119j9z0h] and will tatoo Oliver Perez with alarming regularity.[/quote:119j9z0h] I had the same thought, exactly. Spooky. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 11:18 AM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]A) Below-replacement-level defensive prowess[/quote:31ocln8d] As measured how? ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d] Little to no positional flexibility[/quote:31ocln8d] Demonstrably untrue. ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]C) Slightly below average speed[/quote:31ocln8d] Who is average? Is baserunning really part of the case against this guy? ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]D) Career OPS for the PH specialist: .705[/quote:31ocln8d] And he's .275 / .340 / .413 // .753 as a pinch-hitter. And can we talk in terms of whom we are giving the spot to instead? Because until we do, it's simply vindictiveness. ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]This is a recording.[/quote:31ocln8d] Really? How many times have you made that post? The guy was awful for the Mets last season, but as bad as he was, he was just as excellent in 2007. I suspect he'll be closer to 2008 myself, but I don't see the poison pill in giving the season four weeks to find out. smg58 Mar 31 2009 12:39 PM Marlon had a sub .600 OPS last year, and he has a sub .600 OPS in spring training. The Mets have already committed to two lefthanded hitters on the bench; if Anderson is a third, then when Tatis starts the only righty bat on the bench will be the backup catcher. He was needed to play second base just once last year (four innings), and presumably Murphy could give us that in an emergency. Bobby Kielty and Nick Evans are better hitters who would give our bench better balance. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 12:47 PM Bobby Kielty and Nick Evans are better hitters, I agree. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2009 01:15 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Mar 31 2009 02:16 PM ="Edgy DC"]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]A) Below-replacement-level defensive prowess As measured how? Um... virtually every (admittedly imperfect) defensive stat out there (career UZRs in the -6 range for every OF position-- and that's with little time at each position; crap range factors throughout his career). The one spot where he's been decent at points-- 2B-- is a spot where he hasn't logged significant time in 3 years... and hasn't had one of those decent points in 5. ]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"] Little to no positional flexibility Demonstrably untrue. Fair enough-- this I blew. What I was edging toward was the point that he doesn't fill any team needs, position-wise. Every position at which he can fill a lineup spot is one at which we've already got 2-3 abler bodies (Cora, Reed) or bats (Tatis, Evans/Kielty, potentially). ]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]C) Slightly below average speed Who is average? Is baserunning really part of the case against this guy? Insofar as it's another skill which would give him value as a bench player, yep. (A little unfair? Maybe... but two of our other bench candidates offer this as a weapon.) ]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]D) Career OPS for the PH specialist: .705 And he's .275 / .340 / .413 // .753 as a pinch-hitter. And can we talk in terms of whom we are giving the spot to instead? Because until we do, it's simply vindictiveness. Kielty or Evans for two, established and burgeoning (respectively) lefty-killers. I see your point about waiting-- Anderson's spot on the team isn't angrying up my stomach lining like other things about the squad. But, ideally, I like a bench constructed out of players who are either well-rounded-- doing 3-4 things well, or serviceably (SuperJoes, if you will)-- or well-imbalanced, doing 1-2 things of value, but doing them exceptionally well (Rustys/Endys). To my mind, if he's going to serve as our "professional hitter" off the bench, and offer little else of on-field value, then he better be pretty damn impactful-- or potentially so-- in that one aspect. One magical half-season aside, he isn't. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 01:27 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":j3sfxl32]To my mind, if he's going to serve as our "professional hitter" off the bench, and offer little else of on-field value, then he better be pretty damn impactful-- or potentially so-- in that one aspect. One magical half-season aside, he isn't.[/quote:j3sfxl32] If he doesn't serve, he will be replaced, as Franco was. I think we're all certain. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 01:49 PM Manuel meets media today with speculation that he's going to announce his 25-man roster early. MFS62 Mar 31 2009 04:23 PM Sheffield in the Mets' clubhouse? I'd rather have Michael Vick watch my dog while I'm on vacation. Later Rockin' Doc Mar 31 2009 08:39 PM Remember that John Rocker is available to pet sit for those of you with cats. Benjamin Grimm Apr 01 2009 04:52 AM Sheffield currently has 499 home runs. It would probably stick in his craw (wherever THAT is) if he didn't get a shot at one more. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2009 08:33 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]Sheffield currently has 499 home runs. It would probably stick in his craw (wherever THAT is) if he didn't get a shot at one more. Seems it did stick in that enormous, entirely-not-enhanced-by-steroid-usage craw... and his brainpan, where it impeded his ability to realistically process the world around him: "I wouldn't say I'm shocked, but I am surprised," Sheffield told The Oakland Press of Pontiac. "To do this when somebody is one home run away ... I don't know how to react to it." "Jim [Leyland] said, 'We're going to go with versatility.' When he said that word I thought to myself, 'I'm probably the most athletic guy on this team.' But they're entitled to their opinion," Sheffield said. According to a number of reputable sources, the Phils have been working the phone. Hard. Frayed Knot Apr 01 2009 06:38 PM ="duan"] Tigers released OF/DH Gary Sheffield. The club will eat all of the $14 million they owe him for 2009. Sheffield, 40, hit .225 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI in 114 games last season. He missed time with a shoulder and oblique issue, but was thought to be fully healthy this spring. Sheff is just one homer shy of 500." The problem with Sheff here is that the OF part of that OF/DH designation pretty much left the station about two years ago. Well that plus the fact that he's an asshole. Ranks behind maybe only Clemens in my list of MLB players I really dislike. And how stoopid were the Tigers giving him that deal in the first place? I mean they traded live human beings to the Yanx just to get his 38 year-old self and then tacked on a larger deal then the one he already was under even though there was no No-trade clause incentive to make them do it. I called this one as stupid at the time. Now you can tack this on to the Dontrelle deal (they gave him a contract boost after that trade too) and they're looking at eating a ton of money this year and have a reamed farm system to boot. Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 06:50 PM http://archives.cranepoolforum.net/5000/f1_t5080.shtml Nice predition, Edgy. seawolf17 Apr 01 2009 07:14 PM ="Edgy DC":2gczmn5v]Nice predition, Edgy.[/quote:2gczmn5v] But FK nailed it: ="FK":2gczmn5v]He should still be good for Detroit this year (how 'bout the fact that being sent to Detroit is no longer considered "banishment") but I'm not so sure I like him 3 years out.[/quote:2gczmn5v] LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 02 2009 01:33 PM http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/mlbnews.asp?articleID=180751 Intriguing. VEEEERY intriguing. (Seems to have been missed a lot-- and vocally, too-- wherever he's left. Delgado was a big fan of his, if memory serves...) metirish Apr 02 2009 01:35 PM A bit insulting that they dumped him to make room for Andru Jones. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 02 2009 03:58 PM Agreed. A Cura-crime. But seriously... we wouldn't rather have Catalanotto than Marlon? (1B/OF/As much a 2B as Marlon; faster, stronger and slightly younger. At minor-league prices, that's not something we'd be interested in?) Oh, but he's not the professional pinch-hitter that Marlon is: (Pinch-hitting, career) MA .275/.340/.413 (OPS .753) FC .289/.375/.423 (OPS .798) OlerudOwned Apr 02 2009 04:17 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]Agreed. A Cura-crime. But seriously... we wouldn't rather have Catalanotto than Marlon? (1B/OF/As much a 2B as Marlon; faster, stronger and slightly younger. At minor-league prices, that's not something we'd be interested in?) Oh, but he's not the professional pinch-hitter that Marlon is: (Pinch-hitting, career) MA .275/.340/.413 (OPS .753) FC .289/.375/.423 (OPS .798) I'm by no means a fan of Marlon, but that seems like a sort of unfair shot at anyone defending him. The general vibe I've been getting is that there's no reason to outright dump the guy without having anyone demonstrably better. Now we can argue that there is. Edgy DC Apr 02 2009 04:45 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 07:25 AM I have no problems with Cattle a Knotto. The kick in the gut that is getting released may be just what he needs to be an inspired bench player this year. He's a Long Islander and a solid walk man. Any defense I have for the Mets giving another look to Anderson is based on comparing him to other options in house, and their contracts allowing them to be parked while he cannot be. If we merely want somebody who did better last year, well, that would be almost everybody, I can't argue. My main concern with Frank C. would be that he hasn't played infield since 2002. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 06:31 AM Back page of the Daily News: ON THE MENU Mets consider bringing Sheff aboard And then, as usual, the article itself explains that it's not likely to happen. Sheffield wants to play full time, the Mets are committed to Murphy, etc. metirish Apr 03 2009 07:24 AM That was a bad job right there by Rubin. Gwreck Apr 03 2009 10:33 AM Rubin doesn't write the headlines. Just typical Daily News idiocy there with the back page nonsense. metirish Apr 03 2009 10:42 AM The article was rubbish too. bmfc1 Apr 03 2009 11:07 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 11:07 AM The NY Post (yeah, I know), says that Sheffield is close to joining the Mets. On one hand, he provides the righty power bat off the bench they lack. OTOH, will he gripe about being a bench guy? (This should have a separate thread.) LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 11:07 AM Lennon, Sherman, ESPN 1050... this is disturbingly close to happening. (Of course, it could also be the same source filtered through different outlets, but, still...) Would this signing make Sheffield... A) 2009's George Foster or 2009's Richie Hebner or C) 2009's Kingman, Take 2/Bobby Bo, Take 2? Why? dinosaur jesus Apr 03 2009 11:16 AM 2009's Duke Snider, a class act from a real New York team showing the young Metsies how it's done? Maybe not. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:16 AM If Minaya wanted to sign a malcontent then he should have tired for Manny Ramirez . Fman99 Apr 03 2009 11:17 AM Newsday is saying it could happen as soon as tonight, as per Rotoworld. Blerch. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:19 AM Probably they will cut Anderson to make room which should cheer up several people here LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 11:20 AM ="dinosaur jesus":2l2zb8au]2009's Duke Snider, a class act from a real New York team showing the young Metsies how it's done? Maybe not.[/quote:2l2zb8au] Best case, in our DH-free league, he's 2009's 2007 Moises. BEST case. Still, I wouldn't mind having him around for interleague. Does the MLBPA still frown on timeshares? Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 11:24 AM I'm recalling the MOFo days, when Sheffield was trying to dickbag his way out of his Dodger contract. The Mets were widely considered the likeliest destination, as they almost always are when an expensive asshole needs a home (see Manny). The forum caught fire with the pro- and anti-Sheffield factions, until one out of every three threads was Sheffield related. After weeks of controversy, someone --- I think the poster then known as Leftfield --- looked at the back end of the forum and discovered the very last thread was about Sheffield, as was the very first. Twenty pages and twenty threads on each page. Wall to wall Sheffield. I'm not sure I can deal with a guy who carts around that sort of bullshit. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 11:26 AM Now that we've got the Post, the D-News, Newsday, ESPN radio, and WFAN all reporting it's near a done deal, I guess it's near a done deal. Either that there's one full-o-shit source out there and the others are all copying each other while pretending they dug up the info on their own. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 11:28 AM I'm still skeptical. His personality aside (for a moment) if he's willing to be a pinch-hitter, reserve player, then that's one thing. But if he's looking to take a job away from Daniel Murphy or Ryan Church, that's another. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:30 AM I would think that he pushes Murphy to the bench. Daniel is lovely and all but he is a rookie. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 11:37 AM Fuck that. Sheffield is ugly and ugly. And Murphy's rookie year is behind him. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:39 AM Not saying that's what I want but it seems likely to me. OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 11:41 AM Murphy's a better player at this point, and with his versatility, I'd say Tatis is a better option too. The signing does keep him out of Philly where he would fit much better: platooning with Ibanez or Werth to break up that huge string of lefties, hitting and fielding in a smaller ballpark. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 11:44 AM He hit .225 last year. (He OBP'ed .326 and slugged .400.) 16 doubles and 19 homers in 418 at bats. Walked 58 times, struck out 83 times. Nothing special at all about that. No way would I sit Murphy and stall his progress for a year just to give some aging malcontent a shot at a milestone home run. He can replace Anderson if he wants, but not Murphy. OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 11:46 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 11:53 AM He's played a whopping 48 games in the field over the last 3 seasons. Total career Fielding Runs Above Average in the outfield for his career: -94.2 (On a related note, anybody check out the redesign of Baseball Reference. It's incredible.) Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 11:53 AM Here's what David Lennon is saying in Newsday: ]The Mets have contacted Gary Sheffield directly to gauge his interest in coming to New York and a person familiar with the situation said today that he could sign with a club as soon as tonight. Sheffield worked out yesterday at a college field in Tampa, as first reported by SI.com, and the Mets are considered to be his first choice, with the Phillies and Reds also showing interest. Note that he could sign with a club as soon as tonight. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 11:56 AM And the (richest bitches) are his first choice. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 12:26 PM Having taken a few deep breaths, and looked at the numbers... I've reevaluated. Say what you will about the guy... even when he's relatively crappy, he's still of significant offensive value. His walk rate in the latter phase of his career has remained a plus-plus-- even last year, he was top-15 in the AL, ahead of guys like Brian Roberts, Damon, Abreu and A-Rod. He slugged .443 in two down years. If his bat speed has recovered even slightly since last year, he's an .800 OPS--with such a shayne punim, too!--on the bench. attgig Apr 03 2009 12:34 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 12:34 PM while his walk rate is good, it doesn't help much if he doesn't have any speed. can he really pinch hit? I just don't see it. Catalanotto would've been a better choice imo. we already have tatis, and evens sounds like he'll have a shot sometime during the year. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 12:34 PM Has he ever left a team without burning shit first? Braves? metsmarathon Apr 03 2009 12:38 PM sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254 i'm really hoping the mets aren't foolish enough to actually sign him. and that if they do, that they do not then compound the error by placing him higher in the depth chart than either murphy or church. Fman99 Apr 03 2009 12:41 PM ="metsmarathon":1p6sjfmz]sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254[/quote:1p6sjfmz] Wow. Those numbers cut me deep. I like him as a "kick Marlon to the curb" guy and to spell Church or Murph against a tough lefty, and as a power PH bat off the bench. But no way do I think they should be handing him a starting job of any kind, until "interleague DH" pops up as a choice. metirish Apr 03 2009 12:47 PM #16 is available...Pagan was the last to wear it... LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 12:49 PM ="Edgy DC":3hf23mwu]Has he ever left a team without burning shit first? Braves?[/quote:3hf23mwu] I hope you meant that figuratively, because I don't think signing an arsonist when breaking in a new stadium is a good idea. metsmarathon Apr 03 2009 12:50 PM ="metsmarathon":2k3jrt6p]sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254 i'm really hoping the mets aren't foolish enough to actually sign him. and that if they do, that they do not then compound the error by placing him higher in the depth chart than either murphy or church.[/quote:2k3jrt6p] ok, i'm suffering a case of conflicting reports. on baseball prospectus' pecota cards, they have his 2008 EqA as 0.256. on their DT cards, they have it at 0.267. castillo's pecota card and DT card both show 0.261, and schneider's pecota and DT cards both say 0.256. and now i can't get back to the page that showed me the 0.257 for castillo. so i guess, take my numbers as approximate....? regardless, even at 0.267, that's no great shakes. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 01:14 PM Sheff's a Met (acc to WFAN) Can't remember the last time I [u:25ntqmw0]Pre[/u:25ntqmw0]-disliked a Met player. duan Apr 03 2009 01:17 PM jesus wept. 400,000 is all he'll be paid and we've a starting outfield including 2 guys who're lefties and NEITHER of whom are locks to hit 20 home runs and a lefty firstbaseman too? I know you might feel he's a grumpy fucker, but if he can he the can of fire in his belly that Manny had for the dodgers last year then he's got plenty of potential to be a contributor and if he ISN'T we cut him and bring up Bobby Kielty!!!!!! John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 03 2009 01:17 PM If Anderson gets whacked here I can see it. OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 01:20 PM My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:25 PM Yeah his glove isn't great but neither is Murphy's or Church's defense that great. Sheff is a real gansta for Jerry Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 01:27 PM I'll disagree on Church. Compared to most rightfielders, I'm saying he's good. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:28 PM Yes he is good , better than we were led to believe I think.... G-Fafif Apr 03 2009 01:29 PM Ladies and gentlemen, your 1997 World Champion Florida Marlins! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 01:30 PM Heyman has it, too. He's at his best when motivated (raking in a couple of previous contract years)... and if desperation doesn't motivate, what does? metirish Apr 03 2009 01:31 PM Sheffield always wanted to be a Mets player.......I'm sure of it... MFS62 Apr 03 2009 01:32 PM ="Edgy DC"] The Mets were widely considered the likeliest destination, as they almost always are when an expensive asshole needs a home (see Manny). A brief, but accurate, description. Later attgig Apr 03 2009 01:40 PM first milestone home run hit in citibank: Gary Sheffield - 500. he doesn't play at all while on the road, and only plays at home until 500 gets hit. he gets cut soon after batting .212 through the month of april. that's my prediction for what happens to gary. attgig Apr 03 2009 01:43 PM they still haven't made it official that marlon's the one getting cut, have they? RealityChuck Apr 03 2009 01:47 PM It's chump change to sign him. Doesn't work out? He gets released. It's a smart deal. It may not work out, but for the minimum, it's a cheap gamble for a significant upside. duan Apr 03 2009 01:55 PM ="OlerudOwned":3mofw6v8]My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense.[/quote:3mofw6v8] but right now, he'd be competing with Nick Evans and Marlon Anderson for a roster spot - it isn't hard to see him being quite a lot better then either of them. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 01:57 PM Keeping a guy even though he sucks is more likely when you're on the hook for a big contract. Since the Mets will be paying Sheffield the minimum salary, that shouldn't be a problem. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:58 PM Ken Davidoff ] It will be interesting to see how Sheff would function in this Mets clubhouse. When he was with the Yankees, Sheffield knew that he couldn't cross Derek Jeter. Will Sheffield respect anyone in this clubhouse the same way? Probably not. But again - if he hits, his personality isn't much of an issue. If he doesn't hit, he's out. mind boggling OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 02:00 PM ="metirish"]Ken Davidoff ] It will be interesting to see how Sheff would function in this Mets clubhouse. When he was with the Yankees, Sheffield knew that he couldn't cross Derek Jeter. Will Sheffield respect anyone in this clubhouse the same way? Probably not. But again - if he hits, his personality isn't much of an issue. If he doesn't hit, he's out. mind boggling It has to all be a joke, right? Like, a game of one-upsmanship to see who drop the most ridiculous Jeter deification into a piece of professional journalism? Please? Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:05 PM I resolve to send a box of candy and a basket of fresh fruit to any sportswriter who leaves Jeter unchecked on his Hall-of-Fame ballot. metirish Apr 03 2009 02:05 PM Would even Sheffield cross these two ?...I think not Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:06 PM That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror. metirish Apr 03 2009 02:11 PM ="Benjamin Grimm"]That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror. OK , this one is more fierce LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 02:34 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":7llf1e9x]That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror.[/quote:7llf1e9x] More gay, si. More disturbing? Not in the least. And if Sheff doesn't play... is it because Jerry's racist? Nymr83 Apr 03 2009 02:42 PM i think this will end up being a distraction. my prediction: he won't hit enough to deserve to take significant ABs away from church or murphy in the outfield, he'll play a little more than he deserves too because of who he is, he'll still whine and cry about playign time, he'll be gone by July 1st. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 02:46 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 06:26 PM ="Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:48 PM I swear, sportswriting has reached a level of insanity I never would have imagined. Here's a fun fact about Gary Sheffield: He was the Comeback Player of the Year... in 1992! Seventeen years ago! Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 03:03 PM ="Nymr83":282zbt07]i think this will end up being a distraction. my prediction: he won't hit enough to deserve to take significant ABs away from church or murphy in the outfield, he'll play a little more than he deserves too because of who he is, he'll still whine and cry about playign time, he'll be gone by July 1st.[/quote:282zbt07] You know, a lot of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals are about a group of disparate people learning to live together --- farmers and ranchers, US servicemembers and South Seas islanders, townees and carnies --- and to thrive once they get past differences and find their united purpose. But you know --- before they could unify and prosper, they would have to take out the bad seed, face up to ol' Jud and give him his. Somebody not with the program had to be whacked. Maybe Shef will end up being the new George Foster. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 03:09 PM He still could be enough of a RH threat w/good OBP to put a scare into opposing pitchers & managers - which is kind of what we need in a way. The problems are: - questionable (at best) defensive skills to the point where he may be marginally useable anywhere but in the batter's box -- something that's particularly true in an OF he's never seen with what looks like might be a tricky wall in spots - he reportedly only wanted to sign with a team that was going to give him significant ABs. Did they promise him that? -- If so that's something that can only come at the expense of either Murphy or Church - he's not only an ass, but he's one who will trash mgmt, teammates, the press, MLB as a whole, and probably Barack Obama if he's not getting what he wants -- and he often finds something to get pissed at (see points 1 & 2). Hopefully he got read the riot act before a deal was signed. Not that they couldn't drop him anyway but at least this way he knows that going in. metsguyinmichigan Apr 03 2009 03:10 PM So our first 500 homer celebration will be like our first 300 win celebration. A guy we don't like, but we'll take it! OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 03:41 PM ="Edgy DC"]="By Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." I can only conclude that Sheffield is homeless, and looks forward to taking shelter in the now-abandoned facilities of the old Yankee Stadium. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 03:44 PM ]he's not only an ass, but he's one who will trash mgmt, teammates, the press, MLB as a whole, and probably Barack Obama if he's not getting what he wants -- and he often finds something to get pissed at (see points 1 & 2). Hopefully he got read the riot act before a deal was signed. Not that they couldn't drop him anyway but at least this way he knows that going in. He always seems to say this stuff on the way out the door. Maybe he's not so much a bad guy... as a bad breaker-upper? "Hey, Evans-- you have a big head! Big head!" Kong76 Apr 03 2009 03:55 PM FK: Can't remember the last time I Pre-disliked a Met player <<< I have to say this made me laugh out loud when I was lurking at work. Nymr83 Apr 03 2009 04:55 PM ="Kong76"]FK: Can't remember the last time I Pre-disliked a Met player <<< I have to say this made me laugh out loud when I was lurking at work. Tom Glavine Kong76 Apr 03 2009 05:00 PM Yeah, but two completely different types of dislike. Farmer Ted Apr 03 2009 05:13 PM Fun fact...Sheff and Derek Bell were little league teammates. I hope most similarities end there. batmagadanleadoff Apr 03 2009 05:24 PM ="duan":3d2r4ikm]="OlerudOwned":3d2r4ikm]My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense.[/quote:3d2r4ikm] but right now, he'd be competing with Nick Evans and Marlon Anderson for a roster spot - it isn't hard to see him being quite a lot better then either of them.[/quote:3d2r4ikm] Yes. But will Sheffield go along with getting the amount of playing time -- and no more -- that would have otherwise gone to either Evans or Anderson? It seems that Sheffield would not have agreed to play for the Mets under those conditions. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 06:47 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." WAIT. Did an actual paid sportswriter actually write that? Holy fuck. I am so sick of this Yankee-loving bullshit. You have got to be kidding me. Hey, Red Sox and Rays, put that on your fucking bulletin boards, in case you need any more reason to knock those fuckers back into third place where they belong. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 06:49 PM Oh, and you know what? I'm down with Sheffield. Bring it on, Gary! Welcome to the Mets! Make us proud! Kong76 Apr 03 2009 07:00 PM I'll feel better after a coupla three run ding dongs. Frayed Knot Apr 04 2009 05:55 AM ="Kong76":daiwlvuq]Yeah, but two completely different types of dislike.[/quote:daiwlvuq] Egg-Zactly! Actually, I never really disliked Glavine anyway but even so, there's 'pre-dislike' simply because a guy's an accomplished opponent and there's dislike because he comes across as a fuckin' asshole. Chipper, for instance, would be type A and I'd have no problem rooting for him in orange & blue. With Sheff on the other hand - while I'm not going to root for him to fail (an increasingly popular activity for some Met fans it seems) - it's going to be tough to get the warm and fuzzies going.

="seawolf17":2ohvvtsc]="86-Dreamer":2ohvvtsc]When Wally Matthews writes a column tomorrow proclaiming that the Mets HAVE to do this, then I will be even more confident in my position.[/quote:2ohvvtsc] This.[/quote:2ohvvtsc] Good posting.... Do guys guaranteed $14 million get cut for having a bad ST , obviously they do but is there more to this? duan Mar 31 2009 08:47 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3bjqmc0t]Sheff's the kind of guy who will wind up with Washington.[/quote:3bjqmc0t] and will tatoo Oliver Perez with alarming regularity. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 31 2009 08:47 AM Gotta tip ypour hat to the Tigers. They know how to eat money. They released Easley when he had a bundle coming to him and are considering the same with Willis I understand. TransMonk Mar 31 2009 08:49 AM Willis would be worth a bigger look than Sheff IMO. metirish Mar 31 2009 08:52 AM ="TransMonk":5i0sjryr]Willis would be worth a bigger look than Sheff IMO.[/quote:5i0sjryr] I would really like to see Willis get a shot with the Mets if he is cut. I always thought he would end up with the Mets , or hoped maybe. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 08:52 AM Because the 18 outfielders the sorry Nationals currently have just isn't enough. Maybe back to Florida, taking the lefties off of Jeremy Hermida. There's always Texas. Always. But my guess is going to be Seattle, where he can share DHing with Junior Griffey. Their starting leftfielder, if you believe their depth chart, is Endy Chavez, so they don't look particularly set. duan Mar 31 2009 08:59 AM ="metirish":fr5lf557]="TransMonk":fr5lf557]Willis would be worth a bigger look than Sheff IMO.[/quote:fr5lf557] I would really like to see Willis get a shot with the Mets if he is cut. I always thought he would end up with the Mets , or hoped maybe.[/quote:fr5lf557] not least because it's crazy to not have him hitting. Dontrelle's a dude and I'd love to get him back on track. smg58 Mar 31 2009 09:41 AM If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right? I'd have no problem giving Willis a no-risk look. It would be ironic, given all those trade rumors a few years ago. I wouldn't get my hopes up for too much, though; he's basically a lottery ticket at this point. seawolf17 Mar 31 2009 09:44 AM I'd take a shot on Willis too, but wow, he's been dreadful. Something's not right... PEDs or an injury or something in his head. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 09:49 AM ="smg58":2utwdplb]If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right?[/quote:2utwdplb] Of course they can. And they will when there is a more compelling reason to than fan outrage over last season. duan Mar 31 2009 10:16 AM ="smg58":389e0x5a]If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right? I'd have no problem giving Willis a no-risk look. It would be ironic, given all those trade rumors a few years ago. I wouldn't get my hopes up for too much, though; he's basically a lottery ticket at this point.[/quote:389e0x5a] Of course, but if you could stash him at Buffalo and come up with a coherent plan you'd love to have bought him at the right time. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2009 11:05 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 31 2009 11:07 AM ="Edgy DC":1j4faii2]="smg58":1j4faii2]If the Tigers can cut Sheffield then we can cut Marlon, right?[/quote:1j4faii2] Of course they can. And they will when there is a more compelling reason to than fan outrage over last season.[/quote:1j4faii2] How about: A) Below-replacement-level defensive prowess Little to no positional flexibility C) Slightly below average speed D) Career OPS for the PH specialist: .705 This is a recording. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2009 11:06 AM ="duan":119j9z0h]="John Cougar Lunchbucket":119j9z0h]Sheff's the kind of guy who will wind up with Washington.[/quote:119j9z0h] and will tatoo Oliver Perez with alarming regularity.[/quote:119j9z0h] I had the same thought, exactly. Spooky. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 11:18 AM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]A) Below-replacement-level defensive prowess[/quote:31ocln8d] As measured how? ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d] Little to no positional flexibility[/quote:31ocln8d] Demonstrably untrue. ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]C) Slightly below average speed[/quote:31ocln8d] Who is average? Is baserunning really part of the case against this guy? ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]D) Career OPS for the PH specialist: .705[/quote:31ocln8d] And he's .275 / .340 / .413 // .753 as a pinch-hitter. And can we talk in terms of whom we are giving the spot to instead? Because until we do, it's simply vindictiveness. ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":31ocln8d]This is a recording.[/quote:31ocln8d] Really? How many times have you made that post? The guy was awful for the Mets last season, but as bad as he was, he was just as excellent in 2007. I suspect he'll be closer to 2008 myself, but I don't see the poison pill in giving the season four weeks to find out. smg58 Mar 31 2009 12:39 PM Marlon had a sub .600 OPS last year, and he has a sub .600 OPS in spring training. The Mets have already committed to two lefthanded hitters on the bench; if Anderson is a third, then when Tatis starts the only righty bat on the bench will be the backup catcher. He was needed to play second base just once last year (four innings), and presumably Murphy could give us that in an emergency. Bobby Kielty and Nick Evans are better hitters who would give our bench better balance. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 12:47 PM Bobby Kielty and Nick Evans are better hitters, I agree. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 31 2009 01:15 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Mar 31 2009 02:16 PM ="Edgy DC"]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]A) Below-replacement-level defensive prowess As measured how? Um... virtually every (admittedly imperfect) defensive stat out there (career UZRs in the -6 range for every OF position-- and that's with little time at each position; crap range factors throughout his career). The one spot where he's been decent at points-- 2B-- is a spot where he hasn't logged significant time in 3 years... and hasn't had one of those decent points in 5. ]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"] Little to no positional flexibility Demonstrably untrue. Fair enough-- this I blew. What I was edging toward was the point that he doesn't fill any team needs, position-wise. Every position at which he can fill a lineup spot is one at which we've already got 2-3 abler bodies (Cora, Reed) or bats (Tatis, Evans/Kielty, potentially). ]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]C) Slightly below average speed Who is average? Is baserunning really part of the case against this guy? Insofar as it's another skill which would give him value as a bench player, yep. (A little unfair? Maybe... but two of our other bench candidates offer this as a weapon.) ]="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]D) Career OPS for the PH specialist: .705 And he's .275 / .340 / .413 // .753 as a pinch-hitter. And can we talk in terms of whom we are giving the spot to instead? Because until we do, it's simply vindictiveness. Kielty or Evans for two, established and burgeoning (respectively) lefty-killers. I see your point about waiting-- Anderson's spot on the team isn't angrying up my stomach lining like other things about the squad. But, ideally, I like a bench constructed out of players who are either well-rounded-- doing 3-4 things well, or serviceably (SuperJoes, if you will)-- or well-imbalanced, doing 1-2 things of value, but doing them exceptionally well (Rustys/Endys). To my mind, if he's going to serve as our "professional hitter" off the bench, and offer little else of on-field value, then he better be pretty damn impactful-- or potentially so-- in that one aspect. One magical half-season aside, he isn't. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 01:27 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":j3sfxl32]To my mind, if he's going to serve as our "professional hitter" off the bench, and offer little else of on-field value, then he better be pretty damn impactful-- or potentially so-- in that one aspect. One magical half-season aside, he isn't.[/quote:j3sfxl32] If he doesn't serve, he will be replaced, as Franco was. I think we're all certain. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 01:49 PM Manuel meets media today with speculation that he's going to announce his 25-man roster early. MFS62 Mar 31 2009 04:23 PM Sheffield in the Mets' clubhouse? I'd rather have Michael Vick watch my dog while I'm on vacation. Later Rockin' Doc Mar 31 2009 08:39 PM Remember that John Rocker is available to pet sit for those of you with cats. Benjamin Grimm Apr 01 2009 04:52 AM Sheffield currently has 499 home runs. It would probably stick in his craw (wherever THAT is) if he didn't get a shot at one more. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 01 2009 08:33 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]Sheffield currently has 499 home runs. It would probably stick in his craw (wherever THAT is) if he didn't get a shot at one more. Seems it did stick in that enormous, entirely-not-enhanced-by-steroid-usage craw... and his brainpan, where it impeded his ability to realistically process the world around him: "I wouldn't say I'm shocked, but I am surprised," Sheffield told The Oakland Press of Pontiac. "To do this when somebody is one home run away ... I don't know how to react to it." "Jim [Leyland] said, 'We're going to go with versatility.' When he said that word I thought to myself, 'I'm probably the most athletic guy on this team.' But they're entitled to their opinion," Sheffield said. According to a number of reputable sources, the Phils have been working the phone. Hard. Frayed Knot Apr 01 2009 06:38 PM ="duan"] Tigers released OF/DH Gary Sheffield. The club will eat all of the $14 million they owe him for 2009. Sheffield, 40, hit .225 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI in 114 games last season. He missed time with a shoulder and oblique issue, but was thought to be fully healthy this spring. Sheff is just one homer shy of 500." The problem with Sheff here is that the OF part of that OF/DH designation pretty much left the station about two years ago. Well that plus the fact that he's an asshole. Ranks behind maybe only Clemens in my list of MLB players I really dislike. And how stoopid were the Tigers giving him that deal in the first place? I mean they traded live human beings to the Yanx just to get his 38 year-old self and then tacked on a larger deal then the one he already was under even though there was no No-trade clause incentive to make them do it. I called this one as stupid at the time. Now you can tack this on to the Dontrelle deal (they gave him a contract boost after that trade too) and they're looking at eating a ton of money this year and have a reamed farm system to boot. Edgy DC Apr 01 2009 06:50 PM http://archives.cranepoolforum.net/5000/f1_t5080.shtml Nice predition, Edgy. seawolf17 Apr 01 2009 07:14 PM ="Edgy DC":2gczmn5v]Nice predition, Edgy.[/quote:2gczmn5v] But FK nailed it: ="FK":2gczmn5v]He should still be good for Detroit this year (how 'bout the fact that being sent to Detroit is no longer considered "banishment") but I'm not so sure I like him 3 years out.[/quote:2gczmn5v] LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 02 2009 01:33 PM http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/mlbnews.asp?articleID=180751 Intriguing. VEEEERY intriguing. (Seems to have been missed a lot-- and vocally, too-- wherever he's left. Delgado was a big fan of his, if memory serves...) metirish Apr 02 2009 01:35 PM A bit insulting that they dumped him to make room for Andru Jones. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 02 2009 03:58 PM Agreed. A Cura-crime. But seriously... we wouldn't rather have Catalanotto than Marlon? (1B/OF/As much a 2B as Marlon; faster, stronger and slightly younger. At minor-league prices, that's not something we'd be interested in?) Oh, but he's not the professional pinch-hitter that Marlon is: (Pinch-hitting, career) MA .275/.340/.413 (OPS .753) FC .289/.375/.423 (OPS .798) OlerudOwned Apr 02 2009 04:17 PM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]Agreed. A Cura-crime. But seriously... we wouldn't rather have Catalanotto than Marlon? (1B/OF/As much a 2B as Marlon; faster, stronger and slightly younger. At minor-league prices, that's not something we'd be interested in?) Oh, but he's not the professional pinch-hitter that Marlon is: (Pinch-hitting, career) MA .275/.340/.413 (OPS .753) FC .289/.375/.423 (OPS .798) I'm by no means a fan of Marlon, but that seems like a sort of unfair shot at anyone defending him. The general vibe I've been getting is that there's no reason to outright dump the guy without having anyone demonstrably better. Now we can argue that there is. Edgy DC Apr 02 2009 04:45 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 07:25 AM I have no problems with Cattle a Knotto. The kick in the gut that is getting released may be just what he needs to be an inspired bench player this year. He's a Long Islander and a solid walk man. Any defense I have for the Mets giving another look to Anderson is based on comparing him to other options in house, and their contracts allowing them to be parked while he cannot be. If we merely want somebody who did better last year, well, that would be almost everybody, I can't argue. My main concern with Frank C. would be that he hasn't played infield since 2002. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 06:31 AM Back page of the Daily News: ON THE MENU Mets consider bringing Sheff aboard And then, as usual, the article itself explains that it's not likely to happen. Sheffield wants to play full time, the Mets are committed to Murphy, etc. metirish Apr 03 2009 07:24 AM That was a bad job right there by Rubin. Gwreck Apr 03 2009 10:33 AM Rubin doesn't write the headlines. Just typical Daily News idiocy there with the back page nonsense. metirish Apr 03 2009 10:42 AM The article was rubbish too. bmfc1 Apr 03 2009 11:07 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 11:07 AM The NY Post (yeah, I know), says that Sheffield is close to joining the Mets. On one hand, he provides the righty power bat off the bench they lack. OTOH, will he gripe about being a bench guy? (This should have a separate thread.) LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 11:07 AM Lennon, Sherman, ESPN 1050... this is disturbingly close to happening. (Of course, it could also be the same source filtered through different outlets, but, still...) Would this signing make Sheffield... A) 2009's George Foster or 2009's Richie Hebner or C) 2009's Kingman, Take 2/Bobby Bo, Take 2? Why? dinosaur jesus Apr 03 2009 11:16 AM 2009's Duke Snider, a class act from a real New York team showing the young Metsies how it's done? Maybe not. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:16 AM If Minaya wanted to sign a malcontent then he should have tired for Manny Ramirez . Fman99 Apr 03 2009 11:17 AM Newsday is saying it could happen as soon as tonight, as per Rotoworld. Blerch. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:19 AM Probably they will cut Anderson to make room which should cheer up several people here LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 11:20 AM ="dinosaur jesus":2l2zb8au]2009's Duke Snider, a class act from a real New York team showing the young Metsies how it's done? Maybe not.[/quote:2l2zb8au] Best case, in our DH-free league, he's 2009's 2007 Moises. BEST case. Still, I wouldn't mind having him around for interleague. Does the MLBPA still frown on timeshares? Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 11:24 AM I'm recalling the MOFo days, when Sheffield was trying to dickbag his way out of his Dodger contract. The Mets were widely considered the likeliest destination, as they almost always are when an expensive asshole needs a home (see Manny). The forum caught fire with the pro- and anti-Sheffield factions, until one out of every three threads was Sheffield related. After weeks of controversy, someone --- I think the poster then known as Leftfield --- looked at the back end of the forum and discovered the very last thread was about Sheffield, as was the very first. Twenty pages and twenty threads on each page. Wall to wall Sheffield. I'm not sure I can deal with a guy who carts around that sort of bullshit. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 11:26 AM Now that we've got the Post, the D-News, Newsday, ESPN radio, and WFAN all reporting it's near a done deal, I guess it's near a done deal. Either that there's one full-o-shit source out there and the others are all copying each other while pretending they dug up the info on their own. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 11:28 AM I'm still skeptical. His personality aside (for a moment) if he's willing to be a pinch-hitter, reserve player, then that's one thing. But if he's looking to take a job away from Daniel Murphy or Ryan Church, that's another. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:30 AM I would think that he pushes Murphy to the bench. Daniel is lovely and all but he is a rookie. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 11:37 AM Fuck that. Sheffield is ugly and ugly. And Murphy's rookie year is behind him. metirish Apr 03 2009 11:39 AM Not saying that's what I want but it seems likely to me. OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 11:41 AM Murphy's a better player at this point, and with his versatility, I'd say Tatis is a better option too. The signing does keep him out of Philly where he would fit much better: platooning with Ibanez or Werth to break up that huge string of lefties, hitting and fielding in a smaller ballpark. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 11:44 AM He hit .225 last year. (He OBP'ed .326 and slugged .400.) 16 doubles and 19 homers in 418 at bats. Walked 58 times, struck out 83 times. Nothing special at all about that. No way would I sit Murphy and stall his progress for a year just to give some aging malcontent a shot at a milestone home run. He can replace Anderson if he wants, but not Murphy. OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 11:46 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 11:53 AM He's played a whopping 48 games in the field over the last 3 seasons. Total career Fielding Runs Above Average in the outfield for his career: -94.2 (On a related note, anybody check out the redesign of Baseball Reference. It's incredible.) Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 11:53 AM Here's what David Lennon is saying in Newsday: ]The Mets have contacted Gary Sheffield directly to gauge his interest in coming to New York and a person familiar with the situation said today that he could sign with a club as soon as tonight. Sheffield worked out yesterday at a college field in Tampa, as first reported by SI.com, and the Mets are considered to be his first choice, with the Phillies and Reds also showing interest. Note that he could sign with a club as soon as tonight. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 11:56 AM And the (richest bitches) are his first choice. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 12:26 PM Having taken a few deep breaths, and looked at the numbers... I've reevaluated. Say what you will about the guy... even when he's relatively crappy, he's still of significant offensive value. His walk rate in the latter phase of his career has remained a plus-plus-- even last year, he was top-15 in the AL, ahead of guys like Brian Roberts, Damon, Abreu and A-Rod. He slugged .443 in two down years. If his bat speed has recovered even slightly since last year, he's an .800 OPS--with such a shayne punim, too!--on the bench. attgig Apr 03 2009 12:34 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 12:34 PM while his walk rate is good, it doesn't help much if he doesn't have any speed. can he really pinch hit? I just don't see it. Catalanotto would've been a better choice imo. we already have tatis, and evens sounds like he'll have a shot sometime during the year. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 12:34 PM Has he ever left a team without burning shit first? Braves? metsmarathon Apr 03 2009 12:38 PM sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254 i'm really hoping the mets aren't foolish enough to actually sign him. and that if they do, that they do not then compound the error by placing him higher in the depth chart than either murphy or church. Fman99 Apr 03 2009 12:41 PM ="metsmarathon":1p6sjfmz]sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254[/quote:1p6sjfmz] Wow. Those numbers cut me deep. I like him as a "kick Marlon to the curb" guy and to spell Church or Murph against a tough lefty, and as a power PH bat off the bench. But no way do I think they should be handing him a starting job of any kind, until "interleague DH" pops up as a choice. metirish Apr 03 2009 12:47 PM #16 is available...Pagan was the last to wear it... LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 12:49 PM ="Edgy DC":3hf23mwu]Has he ever left a team without burning shit first? Braves?[/quote:3hf23mwu] I hope you meant that figuratively, because I don't think signing an arsonist when breaking in a new stadium is a good idea. metsmarathon Apr 03 2009 12:50 PM ="metsmarathon":2k3jrt6p]sheffield's equivalent average last year of 0.256 puts him in the company of luis castillo 0.257 and brian schneider 0.254 i'm really hoping the mets aren't foolish enough to actually sign him. and that if they do, that they do not then compound the error by placing him higher in the depth chart than either murphy or church.[/quote:2k3jrt6p] ok, i'm suffering a case of conflicting reports. on baseball prospectus' pecota cards, they have his 2008 EqA as 0.256. on their DT cards, they have it at 0.267. castillo's pecota card and DT card both show 0.261, and schneider's pecota and DT cards both say 0.256. and now i can't get back to the page that showed me the 0.257 for castillo. so i guess, take my numbers as approximate....? regardless, even at 0.267, that's no great shakes. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 01:14 PM Sheff's a Met (acc to WFAN) Can't remember the last time I [u:25ntqmw0]Pre[/u:25ntqmw0]-disliked a Met player. duan Apr 03 2009 01:17 PM jesus wept. 400,000 is all he'll be paid and we've a starting outfield including 2 guys who're lefties and NEITHER of whom are locks to hit 20 home runs and a lefty firstbaseman too? I know you might feel he's a grumpy fucker, but if he can he the can of fire in his belly that Manny had for the dodgers last year then he's got plenty of potential to be a contributor and if he ISN'T we cut him and bring up Bobby Kielty!!!!!! John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 03 2009 01:17 PM If Anderson gets whacked here I can see it. OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 01:20 PM My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:25 PM Yeah his glove isn't great but neither is Murphy's or Church's defense that great. Sheff is a real gansta for Jerry Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 01:27 PM I'll disagree on Church. Compared to most rightfielders, I'm saying he's good. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:28 PM Yes he is good , better than we were led to believe I think.... G-Fafif Apr 03 2009 01:29 PM Ladies and gentlemen, your 1997 World Champion Florida Marlins! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 01:30 PM Heyman has it, too. He's at his best when motivated (raking in a couple of previous contract years)... and if desperation doesn't motivate, what does? metirish Apr 03 2009 01:31 PM Sheffield always wanted to be a Mets player.......I'm sure of it... MFS62 Apr 03 2009 01:32 PM ="Edgy DC"] The Mets were widely considered the likeliest destination, as they almost always are when an expensive asshole needs a home (see Manny). A brief, but accurate, description. Later attgig Apr 03 2009 01:40 PM first milestone home run hit in citibank: Gary Sheffield - 500. he doesn't play at all while on the road, and only plays at home until 500 gets hit. he gets cut soon after batting .212 through the month of april. that's my prediction for what happens to gary. attgig Apr 03 2009 01:43 PM they still haven't made it official that marlon's the one getting cut, have they? RealityChuck Apr 03 2009 01:47 PM It's chump change to sign him. Doesn't work out? He gets released. It's a smart deal. It may not work out, but for the minimum, it's a cheap gamble for a significant upside. duan Apr 03 2009 01:55 PM ="OlerudOwned":3mofw6v8]My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense.[/quote:3mofw6v8] but right now, he'd be competing with Nick Evans and Marlon Anderson for a roster spot - it isn't hard to see him being quite a lot better then either of them. Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 01:57 PM Keeping a guy even though he sucks is more likely when you're on the hook for a big contract. Since the Mets will be paying Sheffield the minimum salary, that shouldn't be a problem. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:58 PM Ken Davidoff ] It will be interesting to see how Sheff would function in this Mets clubhouse. When he was with the Yankees, Sheffield knew that he couldn't cross Derek Jeter. Will Sheffield respect anyone in this clubhouse the same way? Probably not. But again - if he hits, his personality isn't much of an issue. If he doesn't hit, he's out. mind boggling OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 02:00 PM ="metirish"]Ken Davidoff ] It will be interesting to see how Sheff would function in this Mets clubhouse. When he was with the Yankees, Sheffield knew that he couldn't cross Derek Jeter. Will Sheffield respect anyone in this clubhouse the same way? Probably not. But again - if he hits, his personality isn't much of an issue. If he doesn't hit, he's out. mind boggling It has to all be a joke, right? Like, a game of one-upsmanship to see who drop the most ridiculous Jeter deification into a piece of professional journalism? Please? Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:05 PM I resolve to send a box of candy and a basket of fresh fruit to any sportswriter who leaves Jeter unchecked on his Hall-of-Fame ballot. metirish Apr 03 2009 02:05 PM Would even Sheffield cross these two ?...I think not Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:06 PM That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror. metirish Apr 03 2009 02:11 PM ="Benjamin Grimm"]That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror. OK , this one is more fierce LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 02:34 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":7llf1e9x]That photo is even more gay than the one of Alex Rodriguez snogging his reflection in the mirror.[/quote:7llf1e9x] More gay, si. More disturbing? Not in the least. And if Sheff doesn't play... is it because Jerry's racist? Nymr83 Apr 03 2009 02:42 PM i think this will end up being a distraction. my prediction: he won't hit enough to deserve to take significant ABs away from church or murphy in the outfield, he'll play a little more than he deserves too because of who he is, he'll still whine and cry about playign time, he'll be gone by July 1st. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 02:46 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 06:26 PM ="Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 02:48 PM I swear, sportswriting has reached a level of insanity I never would have imagined. Here's a fun fact about Gary Sheffield: He was the Comeback Player of the Year... in 1992! Seventeen years ago! Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 03:03 PM ="Nymr83":282zbt07]i think this will end up being a distraction. my prediction: he won't hit enough to deserve to take significant ABs away from church or murphy in the outfield, he'll play a little more than he deserves too because of who he is, he'll still whine and cry about playign time, he'll be gone by July 1st.[/quote:282zbt07] You know, a lot of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals are about a group of disparate people learning to live together --- farmers and ranchers, US servicemembers and South Seas islanders, townees and carnies --- and to thrive once they get past differences and find their united purpose. But you know --- before they could unify and prosper, they would have to take out the bad seed, face up to ol' Jud and give him his. Somebody not with the program had to be whacked. Maybe Shef will end up being the new George Foster. Frayed Knot Apr 03 2009 03:09 PM He still could be enough of a RH threat w/good OBP to put a scare into opposing pitchers & managers - which is kind of what we need in a way. The problems are: - questionable (at best) defensive skills to the point where he may be marginally useable anywhere but in the batter's box -- something that's particularly true in an OF he's never seen with what looks like might be a tricky wall in spots - he reportedly only wanted to sign with a team that was going to give him significant ABs. Did they promise him that? -- If so that's something that can only come at the expense of either Murphy or Church - he's not only an ass, but he's one who will trash mgmt, teammates, the press, MLB as a whole, and probably Barack Obama if he's not getting what he wants -- and he often finds something to get pissed at (see points 1 & 2). Hopefully he got read the riot act before a deal was signed. Not that they couldn't drop him anyway but at least this way he knows that going in. metsguyinmichigan Apr 03 2009 03:10 PM So our first 500 homer celebration will be like our first 300 win celebration. A guy we don't like, but we'll take it! OlerudOwned Apr 03 2009 03:41 PM ="Edgy DC"]="By Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." I can only conclude that Sheffield is homeless, and looks forward to taking shelter in the now-abandoned facilities of the old Yankee Stadium. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 03:44 PM ]he's not only an ass, but he's one who will trash mgmt, teammates, the press, MLB as a whole, and probably Barack Obama if he's not getting what he wants -- and he often finds something to get pissed at (see points 1 & 2). Hopefully he got read the riot act before a deal was signed. Not that they couldn't drop him anyway but at least this way he knows that going in. He always seems to say this stuff on the way out the door. Maybe he's not so much a bad guy... as a bad breaker-upper? "Hey, Evans-- you have a big head! Big head!" Kong76 Apr 03 2009 03:55 PM FK: Can't remember the last time I Pre-disliked a Met player <<< I have to say this made me laugh out loud when I was lurking at work. Nymr83 Apr 03 2009 04:55 PM ="Kong76"]FK: Can't remember the last time I Pre-disliked a Met player <<< I have to say this made me laugh out loud when I was lurking at work. Tom Glavine Kong76 Apr 03 2009 05:00 PM Yeah, but two completely different types of dislike. Farmer Ted Apr 03 2009 05:13 PM Fun fact...Sheff and Derek Bell were little league teammates. I hope most similarities end there. batmagadanleadoff Apr 03 2009 05:24 PM ="duan":3d2r4ikm]="OlerudOwned":3d2r4ikm]My concern is less that they have him, and more that they'll keep him even if he sucks. Well, that and defense.[/quote:3d2r4ikm] but right now, he'd be competing with Nick Evans and Marlon Anderson for a roster spot - it isn't hard to see him being quite a lot better then either of them.[/quote:3d2r4ikm] Yes. But will Sheffield go along with getting the amount of playing time -- and no more -- that would have otherwise gone to either Evans or Anderson? It seems that Sheffield would not have agreed to play for the Mets under those conditions. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 06:47 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Tom Singer / MLB.com"]The possibility of playing his home games within miles of Yankee Stadium might also appeal to Sheffield. What? "Well, the Giants were offering me a second year at $4 million guaranteed, but Mets were giving me a chance to be moderately near Yankee Stadium. I couldn't pass that up." WAIT. Did an actual paid sportswriter actually write that? Holy fuck. I am so sick of this Yankee-loving bullshit. You have got to be kidding me. Hey, Red Sox and Rays, put that on your fucking bulletin boards, in case you need any more reason to knock those fuckers back into third place where they belong. seawolf17 Apr 03 2009 06:49 PM Oh, and you know what? I'm down with Sheffield. Bring it on, Gary! Welcome to the Mets! Make us proud! Kong76 Apr 03 2009 07:00 PM I'll feel better after a coupla three run ding dongs. Frayed Knot Apr 04 2009 05:55 AM ="Kong76":daiwlvuq]Yeah, but two completely different types of dislike.[/quote:daiwlvuq] Egg-Zactly! Actually, I never really disliked Glavine anyway but even so, there's 'pre-dislike' simply because a guy's an accomplished opponent and there's dislike because he comes across as a fuckin' asshole. Chipper, for instance, would be type A and I'd have no problem rooting for him in orange & blue. With Sheff on the other hand - while I'm not going to root for him to fail (an increasingly popular activity for some Met fans it seems) - it's going to be tough to get the warm and fuzzies going.

TransMonk wrote: First ST game I watched more than a couple innings of. Ollie looked good. I watched the whole shebang , for some reason it felt more like a real game , a game with meaning at least , because of Ollie I suppose but also the lineup. Murphy looks like a real hitter. Booth took calls so Keith was happy.First time I saw Parnell and was impressed. Yesterday during the Lennon chat I poked fun at "Janet" who said Murphy reminded her of Pete Rose...Keith last night said the same thing when Murphy was up hitting...from the other side of course.

A New York Times report from April 2nd 2001 BASEBALL; Subdued Mets Share in Loss Of Player With Major Future By TYLER KEPNER Published: Monday, April 2, 2001 ] The televisions were on in the Mets' clubhouse this morning, but nobody paid attention. Most players sat alone or spoke softly to teammates. There was a game to play, the Mets' last exhibition before opening day, but nobody seemed to care. The night before, at a team dinner, the players had learned that Brian Cole, a 22-year-old outfielder who had been with them for much of spring training, had been killed in a car accident. ''There's no doubt that baseball is definitely secondary today,'' the veteran outfielder Darryl Hamilton said. ''It's going to be like that for a little while for us. You can't just let it go.'' Cole was driving from spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., to Meridian, Miss., with his 17-year-old cousin, Ryan Cole, on Saturday afternoon. According to the Florida Highway Patrol in Panama City, Fla., Brian Cole's 2001 Ford Explorer, which was exceeding the 70-mile-an-hour speed limit, drifted onto the grass median from the inside westbound lane of State Route 8. The car then re-entered the westbound lane, slid sideways and rolled almost two times. Brian Cole, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the car. He and his cousin were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Marianna, Fla., almost 20 miles east of the accident site. Brian Cole was pronounced dead there, and Ryan Cole, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated and released. The police said neither alcohol nor drugs were involved in the accident. The Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates observed a moment of silence for Cole before today's game at PNC Park, and the Mets are preparing to honor him in another way. A prayer service for Cole was held for the Mets' minor leaguers in Port St. Lucie, where workouts were canceled. Dr. Allan Lans, the director of the Mets' employee assistance program, will meet with the Class AA Binghamton Mets, the team Cole would have played for, to counsel them. ''That we were all together when we heard it, I think, is something that will make us a little stronger, that we shared our grief together,'' Mets Manager Bobby Valentine said. ''Guys know there was real emotion there, and a lot of people to share it with.'' Jason Phillips, a Mets catcher who played with Cole last season, said a driver had backed into Cole's Explorer a week ago. Cole planned to fly to Binghamton after driving hi car home so that his father and brother could take it in for repairs. ''That's the only reason he was going home,'' Phillips said. Phillips and others remembered Cole's quiet confidence and his ability to match his expectations. In an interview last month, Cole said his goals for last year had been 60 stolen bases, 18 home runs, a .300 average and 75 runs batted in. He exceeded every figure. Cole was in major league training camp for the first time this spring, and he impressed Mookie Wilson, the Mets' outfield coach, with his willingness to learn. All their conversations, Wilson said, were about how Cole could get better. Cole would sit in a corner of the locker room taking everything in, and he became friends with the veteran infielder Desi Relaford. The two played video games together, and Cole spent time at Relaford's home in Jacksonville, Fla. ''It's hard to comprehend the fact it's a life that's over,'' Relaford said. Mets General Manager Steve Phillips said Cole was projected to be an impact player in the majors, and that his talents suggested he could be an updated version of the classic leadoff hitter -- Cole could steal bases, but he also had pop in his bat. Phillips saw Cole play for the Class A St. Lucie Mets last year, and Cole put on a show -- infield hits, stolen bases, home runs. The Mets even considered promoting him last September. ''We had some of our longest discussions about him during spring,'' Valentine said. ''Most of it was about whether he was going to hit 20 or 35 homers in the big leagues.'' Cole was named the organization's player of the year last season, and he was considered the team's third best prospect behind outfielder Alex Escobar and pitcher Pat Strange. Pitcher Jerrod Riggan, a former teammate, struggled to fight back tears this morning. ''He knew he was going to make it,'' Riggan said. ''He knew he was going to be a big leaguer.'' Riggan was not the only Met hit hard by the news. Cole was a teammate for a few weeks, the veteran John Franco said, but he was part of the Mets' family. ''We all have some types of tears in our eyes,'' Franco said. ''The kid had a great future ahead of him, and it was stopped so short with a tragedy like that. It makes you realize how precious life is and appreciate everything you have. You want to go home and give your kids a big hug.'' Photo: Brian Cole (Gary I. Rothstein)

It was worth the wait , what a nice tribute to Cole.

Best post ever by Val. Not everyone would share like that. Someone should tell the Seattle fans who Mr. Cellophane is.

"Creator of Nightcrawler and the Jake Monster" tough to beat that.....funny to read back over it. Val proud as a new father with his nicknames.

Nightcrawler brings back fun memories, Val at his best I think. I would hope the archives have that old nicknames thread.

Fran Healy productions has a range of shows to suit your needs.

Heard in a report on the telly that there is free Wi-Fi.

The language of such releases are all the same , jeez sounds like I'll have the expreince of my life if only I was sitting in the Pepsi porch. I do like Pepsi though