Edgy MD

You know what, Barry Jones? Fuck it. If that's your attitude, I don't want your autograph after all.

See now, I thought "Wecky" was Recker, but only now am I realizing that he means PLA-Wecky. This is why I need the medication.

Astros pitching coach Brent Strom fondly recalls his earliest days in New York, and becoming the second-ever recipient of Tommy John surgery. [fimg=600]http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2229337.1432139023!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_970/477589943sd00017-houston-as.jpg?enlarged[/fimg]

I'm looking forward to it.

He's just a guy. DePodesta made the announcement because he's the head of scouting. He didn't say he was out of shape. He said he needed to get in baseball shape. In game shape. He hasn't been playing competitive ball and guys signed in May who've been waiting months for the bureaucratic wheels to turn to allow them to play don't typically just drop into games against guys who have had a spring training and seven weeks of games. There are dozens of people working out in St. Lucie, all of them brought in under the supervision of DePodesta. This is one more and I don't think it affects Niese. Ballclubs are systems with a lot of moving parts, sometimes moving independently, and sometimes collectively. Maybe this guy is to shore up catching depth after they deal off Plawecki and Niese in the buig Yaseil Puig deal.

Man. In the offseason, you were asserting that lack of player acquisition meant that they weren't doing anything. Here, a player acquisition means they aren't doing anything else. We can be certain that the office in charge of scouting and signing a foreign player isn't the same guys involved with Gee's rehab or Niese's lousy fastball last night.

Caps are such a terrible thing. Why use some of it for that guy? Because they thought he might make them stronger and he might be undervalued in the market, I guess.

What you be talking about, whether being relevant or being absurd, is a nose for a story. Gelbs and Mcineny (or whatever his name is) ain't showed much of it yet.

Dramatic. Our nation turns it's thinning hope to the not-so-thinning Bartolo Colon.

Yeah, that's notable in light of the booth's waxing on about the Cards' consistently solid fundamentals over time. One could write that off to typical Cardinal-fluffing, but Keith knows enough to be privy to the existence, contents, and priority of the Cardinals' fundamentals manual, and also knows enough to call bullshit bullshit if it's bullshit he knows. And he wasn't calling bullshit. Gary asked why, when presumably other teams have an explicit, written fundamental standards, the Cardinals have long seemed to embody them better. One answer that wasn't suggested might be that they're not above trading off a player, no matter how good, if he grows aloof from the team's fundamental standards, or perhaps thinks himself above them. Keith, of all people, should be able to speak about getting dumped by the Cards at what should have been his prime. I mean, they dealt off Shelby F. Miller who almost pitched a no-hitter yesterday and they're flourishing. They really are � and have long been � a team unafraid of dealing from the top of the deck if they see what they like. And they win doing it. Probably very overstated, but it's something I was thinking about when I saw the team completely unaware of how to shift around the infield on a bunt play. My other complaint is that Terry just doesn't seem hungry to find an edge on his opponent.

Leatherboy, you just walked the mailman.

I dunno what's in that Book of Cardinal Fundies that Keith was talking about, but the second baseman charging the squeeze bunt probably isn't there.

Tejadadada woulda had that.

You don't get to see a popup drop in front of Laggy very often.

Much has been made of impatiently waiting for Alderson products to make the majors, but he's the very first Met to reach the majors from 2009's draft class — the last under Omar Minaya. Sixth-round pick David Buchanan didn't sign, but eventually reached the majors as a Phillie, logging 25 games over the last two years. Still, in the system from that draft: [list:3vw8gr3h][*:3vw8gr3h]Steven Matz, sp, round two, now at AAA[/*:m:3vw8gr3h] [*:3vw8gr3h]Darin Gorski, sp, round seven, now at AAA[/*:m:3vw8gr3h] [*:3vw8gr3h]Jeff Glenn, c, round nine, now at A+[/*:m:3vw8gr3h] [*:3vw8gr3h]Neifi Zapata, c/1b, round 19, now at AAA[/*:m:3vw8gr3h] [*:3vw8gr3h]John Church, rp, round 23, now at AAA[/*:m:3vw8gr3h][/list:u:3vw8gr3h] Taylor Whitenton (round 39) left pro ball after 2012, but the Mets brought him back this year, but he hasn't been pitching. Darrell's brother Devin was drafted, but has apparently opted out of pro ball. Somebody has to take the clients hunting. Wonder if he has another brother named Darrell. Good job nursing this guy through five years in the bushies.

He's an outfielder man, sliding right into Nieuwenhuis' role.

... damn glad to meet you. Mentioned in the roster thread is the Mets signing the starting catcher from the Cuban National Team 2012-2013. Deets are sketchy as they tend to be with Cubans. He's 27 so we'll likely see him relatively soon or not at all. Looks more like an insurance/reserve signing, but hey, a Cuban! And he's named Lednier! If nothing else, it could signal the end of the Dan Rohlfing era. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ricard000led

In other news, Sean Ratliff, once Ceciliani's peer and rival as they took a parallel course of ascension through the system, before being forced to retire due to a serious eye injury, has rejoined the organization as the hitting coach for the Kingsport Mets. That's Seannie, second from right. Hasn't been out of baseball very long, but is already padding his belly like a coach. Good show.

In all this excitement over Darrell Ceciliani and not-going-to-be-Met-1,000-ness, one mustn't overlook the under-the-radar signing of Cuban catcher Lednier Ricardo. Transaction Signed To Minor League ContractAdded To Roster And Promoted From Las Vegas Designated For AssignmentPosition=#008000]Catcher=#0000FF]Outfielder=#0000FF]Outfielder[fimg=90]http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/images/fan_forum/y2010/questionmark_90x135.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/571553/generic/90x135/571553.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_543590.jpg[/fimg]NameLednier RicardoDarrell CecilianiKirk NieuwenhuisDoB1/13/88 #??6/22/90 #18/7/87 #9 Your New York Mets Position=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_112526.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_594798.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_518774.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_477003.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_592789.jpg[/fimg]NameBartolo ColonJacob deGromMatt HarveyJonathon NieseNoah SyndergaardDoB5/24/73 #406/19/88 #483/27/89 #3310/27/86 #498/29/1992 #34Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_544727.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_543219.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_592340.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_605333.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_570663.jpg[/fimg]NameJeurys FamiliaSean GilmartinEric GoeddelJack LeathersichHansel RoblesDoB10/10/89 #2711/4/1986 #3612/20/88 #627/14/1990 #518/13/90 #67Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#008000]Catcher=#008000]Catcher[fimg=90]http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_456776.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_448614.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_476192.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_608700.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_489232.jpg[/fimg]Name�lex TorresCarlos TorresJohnny MonellKevin PlaweckiAnthony ReckerDoB12/8/87 #5310/22/82 #523/27/86 #192/26/91 #228/28/83 #20Position=#8000FF]Infielder=#8000FF]Infielder=#8000FF]Infielder=#8000FF]Infielder=#8000FF]Infielder[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_493472.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_446263.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_527038.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_502517.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_514913.jpg[/fimg]NameEric CampbellLucas DudaWilmer FloresDaniel MurphyRuben TejadaDoB4/9/87 #292/3/86 #218/6/91 #44/11/85 #2810/27/89 #11Position=#0000FF]Outfielder=#0000FF]Outfielder=#0000FF]Outfielder=#0000FF]Outfielder=#0000FF]Outfielder[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/571553/generic/90x135/571553.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_150212.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_434158.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_501571.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_460055.jpg[/fimg]NameDarrell CecilianiMichael CuddyerCurtis GrandersonJuan LagaresJohn MayberryDoB6/22/90 #19/27/79 #233/16/81 #33/17/89 #1212/21/83 #44 Also on 40-Man Roster Position=#FF0000]Relief Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_518716.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_571927.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_606160.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_554430.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/593679/t505/180x270/593679.jpg[/fimg]NameDillon Gee 15-Day Steven Matz Rafael Montero 15-Day Zack Wheeler 60-Day Gabriel Ynoa DoB4/28/86 #355/29/91 #6310/17/90 #505/30/90 #455/26/1993 #63Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_516714.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_502195.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_460283.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_234194.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_572831.jpg[/fimg]NameDario Alvarez Vic Black 15-Day Jerry Blevins 15-Day Buddy Carlyle 15-Day Josh Edgin 60-Day DoB1/17/89 #685/23/88 #386/6/83 #1312/21/77 #4312/17/86 #66Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#8000FF]Infielder[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_516769.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/592570/t543/180x270/592570.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_458730.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_518595.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_599096.jpg[/fimg]NameJenrry Mejia 80-Day SuspensionAkeel MorrisBobby Parnell 15-Day Travis d'Arnaud 15-Day Dilson Herrera 15-Day DoB10/11/89 #5811/14/1992 #649/8/84 #392/10/89 #75/3/94 #2Position=#8000FF]Infielder=#8000FF]Infielder=#8000FF]Infielder=#0000FF]Outfielder[fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_594940.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_541600.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_431151.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_527049.jpg[/fimg]NameDanny MunoWilfredo Tovar David Wright 15-Day Cesar Puello 60-Day DoB2/9/89 #168/11/91 #7012/20/82 #54/1/1991 #65 Designated for Assignment Position=#0000FF]Outfielder[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_543590.jpg[/fimg]NameKirk NieuwenhuisDoB8/7/87 #9 Coaching Staff Position=#BF0000] Manager=#BF0000]Hitting Coach=#BF0000]Pitching Coach=#BF0000]First Base Coach=#BF0000]Third Base Coach[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/492632.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/438989.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/123951.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/114961.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/123212.jpg[/fimg]NameTerry CollinsKevin LongDan WarthenTom GoodwinTim TeufelDoB5/27/49 #1012/30/6612/1/52 #597/27/68 #277/7/58 #18Position=#BF0000]Bench Coach=#BF0000]Bullpen Coach=#BF0000]Ass't Batting Coach=#BF0000]Strength and Cond. Coach=#BF0000]Strength and Cond. Coach[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/114712.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/111191.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/pat-roessler-1.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/mike-barwis.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/dustin-clarke-1.jpg[/fimg]NameBob GerenRicky BonesPat RoesslerMike BarwisDustin ClarkeDoB9/22/61 #154/7/69 #2512/27/596/6/73circa 1987Position=#BF0000]Bullpen Catcher=#BF0000]Bullpen Catcher[fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/534948.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/430002.jpg[/fimg]NameDave RacanielloEric LangillDoB6/3/78 #547/7/58 #18

And it wasn't like he was dominating the previous two innings, either. There'll be a time for pushing him a little harder. I'm not particularly upset that last night wasn't that time.

Freddy Freeman really likes ankle-high pitches, doesn't he?

Cuddyer is continuing his pattern of being just clued in enough to not seem utterly clueless. One really good at bat, followed by two or three enigmatic ones. Excellent point about Robles and Goeddel. It was a real coming out party for them. I'm tired of hearing about bullpen experience. Let them fly. I also want to note that Molina seemed to be running that entire show � setting the defense, carrying his pitchers with his force of will, and taking the running and bunting games for the Mets off the table in a game where they could really have use them. At one point, he came out from behind the plate to jump on dribbler that would have been an infield hit 95% of the time (OE: this was in the eighth, with Monell at the plate and hustling down the line), and I imagine he called the pickoff that got Flores with his pants around his ankles. It was really impressive to see everything a catcher can be for his team without coming to the plate � somewhat like I imagine Grote was for the team only I was too young to appreciate him. They should just name him player-manager.

Yeah, the offense didn't put on much of a show, but they beat the team with the best record in baseball. You celebrate such wins any way you can get 'em. Nice, indeed, for a one-run win to fall our way after three of the four losses in Chicago were one-runners. You're going to lift your shutout-pitching starting pitcher for your closer, have the grace to pull your poor defenders when able replacements are rotting on the bench. Nice to see the Mets (a) better armed for a war of attrition, having five bench players to the Cardinals' four, and ( using them more judiciously, as noted when the Cards sent their last pinch hitter up in an obvious bunting situation, thus burning a successful pitcher as well as their last hitter without a RISP. Darn peculiar, Metheny. The Mets were not solving Maness, and the Cards ended up letting him hit and then pulling him anyway. Darn peculiar, Metheny. You stick with those guys as long as you can. Eventually you'll get to a pitcher (**cough**Tuivailala**cough**) who just doesn't have it. Cards used seven relievers and got 117 pitches out of them. Mets used five pitchers, who threw 100 pitches � 58 of them by Los Torreses. Always smart to keep score of these things after extended extra innings, especially in the first game of a series. Gilmartin and Leathersich were the two who stayed in the pen.

Ironically, the Mets might have won in regulation if Terry had tried to get what utility there was left out Nieuwenhuis and sent him out to right in the late innings as a defensive sub for Grandy. The run maybe scores anyhow, but Nieuwie probably has a better shot at Kozma than Granderson. More likely, there's a better chance that Kozma holds his base outright. It's funny that Terry came to us with a rep as a coldhearted hardass, and will eventually leave with a rep as a guy with such psychological sensitivity that he didn't lift weak fielders for defensive subs, or move people from the position they've grown accustomed to, or even put a veteran at a position he hadn't played in a while, even in an emergency, without first asking permission, or waiting for the player to come to him and volunteer.

!![/bigpurple]