Edgy MD

there is no salary cap, hence infinite. Yes, there is a salary cap, limited by the amount of money the organization has to spend. there is a maximum amount of production. it's the sum of the 25 players on the roster, and the playing time they'll get over the course of a season. I disagree. Those figures don't add up to production. They can achieve zero production (strike out all year long) or an amazing amount of production (hit homers almost into perpetuity, extended opening day by weeks as they score thousands of runs, until the players collapse, only to have their replacements continue by scoring thousands of runs in game two, which has been rescheduled by weeks). Let's say, just for math's sake, that if each player is worth 4, they can all add up to a total of 100 wins. Four what? Dickey is a 4. Every player on the team is as good as Dickey? If you trade him, almost definitely replacing him with a 2, the max total is now 98. Sure. Completely made up numbers? Why not? You do that a couple of times and suddenly it's almost impossible to make the playoffs, no matter how secure you are. No, you have saved $15 million dollars. Can be parlayed into improving yourself at another position. Of course, in your fantastical scenario, every player on the Mets is as good as Dickey --- and every player in AAA too, in case somebody gets hurt. So, maybe they can trade, two of those four for a six, and then go out and buy a five! YEAH!! BAM!! One hundred and six wins, Baby! The Mets don't have a ton of 4s, and if you don't have any your max is 75. They will have more with more money to spend. Even if Myers is a 2, and that 2+2 gives you just as much production as the Dickey+0 outfielder we have now or the scrub we end up with if Alderson doesn't do anything (which is unlikely), you have a bunch more money saved but NOWHERE to spend that money. Anybody? Can anybody parse this? As for NOWHERE to spend that money, how about the free agent market. Especially given that Dickey doesn't cost much, and if they can work out a reasonable extension won't, it makes a hell of a lot more sense to spend the MONEY on the 0 because it provides the maximum value for production. Spending money on the 0. My brain is rending. Trading Dickey is taking a step or two backwards in hopes of finding a better way forward, but there's only so much time you can spend looking for the best path when it's possible you're already on a good one. Unless you trade him for a really good player that makes a lot less, then it's taking two steps forward, twirling, dropping your pants, laughing, pulling up your pants, taking another step forward, and accepting a congratulatory call from the president. Total wins is what you're after, and total wins is what begets more money. best economy of wins just saves the Wilpons some cash in the short term. No, money saved can be spent --- and often is spent --- in the pursuit of wins. I don't understand how this can be elusive. http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/inc-well/How-Small-Business-Owners-Can-Reinvest-Money-Saved-by-Going-Green-159047035.html http://www.biztechmagazine.com/article/2012/05/businesses-save-money-new-technologies-and-reinvest-other-areas http://www.creditsesame.com/blog/infographic-the-rich-get-ready-to-reinvest/

OK, Angel Pagan. 1. That wasn't about obtaining a more secure position. It was about reducing salary and jettisoning a player the management had lost confidence in. 2. Obtaining a more secure position does not mean to guarantee protection from failure. The notion of a diversified portfolio is about risk management, not a risk-free existence. Trading R.A. Dickey for Wil Myers would not be the same as trading Angel Pagan for Andres Torres and Ram�n Ram�rez? Why bring what up? And what's with that finite/infinite thing? I hate trades. All of them.

Ceetar wrote: But dollars count --- and we've been down this road --- as they can be turned into production elsewhere. Ceetar wrote: so why bring it up? Why bring what up? Ceetar wrote: I disagree obviously. Money doesn't count and it can't be turned into production elsewhere? Ceetar wrote: production is finite, money isn't. I'm not sure what this means. I've never understood that the Mets' access to money is infinite. Ceetar wrote: Losing Dickey lowers the ceiling of production by slotting in a almost definitely lesser product there. Dickey won't be a Cy Young winner forever. In fact, it's overwhelmingly likely that he'll never be that again. You have to try to maximize at a couple of positions or the aggregate will never be good enough. Eggs in multiple baskets is often a more secure position. A diversified portfolio. Ceetar wrote: Especially given that Dickey is a good candidate to out-produce the money he's making the next couple of years which BOOSTS his trade value. Well, next year, anyway.

Yahoo's story features a photo with two Mets Hall-of-Famers. Any guesses on who is on the left and right? (Jane Jarvis? Bob Apodaca?)

But dollars count --- and we've been down this road --- as they can be turned into production elsewhere.

Lester's tied up for two years, as is Shields. I don't want to trade Dickey, but pitching is ephemeral. Dudes with potential is what a high-end 38-year-old starter gets, and a 22-year-old who just slugged .600 in the high minors speaks to me a little about potential. Bordering on Trout has been heating up the alt-folk scene in recent years. A lot of flannel-wearing fans. I'd wager on Dickey being more valuable the next couple of years. Depends on what the "next couple of years" means. But on a per-dollar basis, I wouldn't guess this comes to pass.

One wonders why the union didn't hammer their members to lobby more vociferously for him. That is, if the one is myself.

Well, the guys replaced by those sex-Mets are Milt Thompson (Phils), Scott Coolbaugh (Rangers, who only had the job for a year after stepping in during a minor crisis), and Gregg Ritchie, (Buccos). Ritchie has since moved on to the relative stability of the NCAA, taking the head coaching job at George Washington.

It's as comforting as ever to know Ashie agrees with Ashie. Meanwhups, Ken Rosenthal of Foxy Sports says an offer is on the table.

Believe it or not, my somnambulent finger accidentally slipped onto the "Throw to third" button, and Wheeler --- presumably cheesed as any pitcher ever at his manager ordering him to commit competitive suicide --- saw his lone opportunity and nailed Valaika. A wild cheer arose from the electronic crowd, stunned to silence up until then by my bizarre "Walk Everybody on Purpose" strategy, and the screams and celebrations of the suddenly pickoff-delirious patrons woke me up to find, like Rip Van Winkle, a surprising new reality.

Exahaustingly busy weekend. As I bedded down last night, I realized I had an unfinished game of Out-of-the-Park Baseball from earlier to finish. I had built up a 9=1 lead after three innings, so I figured it would be a quick snap --- keep throwing strikes and swap out my key starters after seven. I didn't make it far. One out in the top of the fourth, and I apparently fall asleep, but with my fingers apparently still tickling the keyboard and giving orders that my electronic players loyally follow.

Yeah, it seemed like from 1980 to 1995, it was really hard to name a successful comedy without some Second City DNA. Many with a lot. Occasional seedy violent comedies like Midnight Run or 48 Hours were the main exceptions.

Ooh. Drenching a guy while he's wired. Tim McCarver's gonna kick your ass.

Well, it's not necessarily an either/or. Ronny Cede�o's spot on the roster is still open. Currently being squatted by Zack Lutz, but that's not really gonna happen.

Adam Bomb Rubin reports that the Mets are looking for a AAA hitting coach with MLB experience. I assume that means MLB experience as a batting coach, rather than as a player. George Greer may also return there. Since the offseason began, Steve Henderson, Dave Magadan, and Jay Bell have all come off the market, with the first getting promoted from the ranks of the minors by the Phillies, the second getting the MLB job with the Rangers, and the last hired by the Pirates. Other hitting coaches with some degree of Metly pedigree who are already working at the current time are Lloyd McClendon (Tigers) and Don Baylor (Diamondbacks). Else, the sky is the limit. Find the team a batsmith.

Hit four homers in a row in AAA this season. He wasn't on the 40 for the A's, but he is out of option years. Would he have to clear waivers for the Mets to assign him to Buffavegas? Justin Turner, feel that flame up your ass?

Ceetar wrote: Edgy MD wrote: Review some films we have seen, folks. Saw Wreck-It Ralph the other day. GO!

Review some films we have seen, folks.

Samoan dreams die hard as Matt Tuiasosopo signs a minor league dealio with the Tigers. Adam Rubin reports interestingly that Wally Backman lobbied for a September call for Tooey, but found himself rebuffed. In my Out-of-the-Park replay of the 2012 season, Matt is barely hanging on at Binghamton.

Injured in-house guys brought back on minor-league deals: something this organization seems to like. Re-Signed To Minor League Contract And Invited To Camp Switched From Bullpen Catcher Relief PitchersBatting Practice Pitcher =#0000FF]40 Tim Byrdak DoB: 10/37/1978 =#0000FF]78 Eric Langill DoB: 4/9/1979 Your Projected Opening Day 2013 Mets (Orange Indicates Players Have Options) Starting Pitchers =#0000FF]43 R.A. Dickey DoB: 10/29/1974 =#0000FF]33 =#FF8000]Matt Harvey DoB: 3/27/1989 =#0000FF]49 Jonathon Niese DoB: 10/27/1986 =#0000FF]34 Mike Pelfrey DoB: 1/14/1984 =#0000FF]57 Johan Santana DoB: 3/13/1979Relief Pitchers =#0000FF]46 Manny Acosta DoB: 5/1/1981 =#0000FF]73 =#FF8000]Robert Carson DoB: 1/23/1989 =#0000FF]66 =#FF8000]Josh Edgin DoB: 12/17/1986 =#0000FF]48 Frank Francisco DoB: 9/11/1979 =#0000FF]32 =#FF8000]Jenrry Mejia DoB: 10/11/1989Relief Pitchers Catchers Infielders =#0000FF]39 Bobby Parnell DoB: 9/8/1984 =#0000FF]62 Elvin Ramirez DoB: 10/10/1987 =#FF8000]20 =#0000FF]Anthony Recker DoB: 2/13/1983 =#0000FF]30 Josh Thole DoB: 4/28/1986 =#0000FF]29 =#FF8000]Ike Davis DoB: 3/22/1987Infielders =#0000FF]65 =#FF8000]Zach Lutz DoB: 6/3/1986 =#0000FF]28 Daniel Murphy DoB: 4/1/1985 =#0000FF]11 Ruben Tejada DoB: 10/27/1989 =#0000FF]2 Justin Turner DoB: 11/23/1984 =#0000FF]5 David Wright DoB: 12/20/1982Outfielders =#0000FF]23 =#FF8000]Mike Baxter DoB: 12/7/1984 =#0000FF]21 =#FF8000]Lucas Duda DoB: 2/3/1986 =#0000FF]9 =#FF8000]Kirk Nieuwenhuis DoB: 8/7/1987 =#0000FF]56 Andr�s Torres DoB:1/26/1978 =#0000FF]1 =#FF8000]Jordany Valdespin DoB: 12/23/1987 Also on 40-Man Roster Starting Pitchers Infielders =#0000FF]27 =#FF8000]Jeurys Familia DoB: 10/10/1989 =#0000FF]35 =#FF8000]Dillon Gee DoB: 4/28/1986 =#0000FF]53 =#FF8000]Jeremy Hefner DoB: 3/11/1981 =#0000FF]36 =#FF8000]Collin McHugh DoB: 6/19/1987 =#0000FF]71 =#FF8000]Wilmer Flores DoB: 8/6/1991InfieldersOutfielders =#0000FF]74 =#FF8000]Reese Havens DoB: 10/20/1986 =#0000FF]76 =#FF8000]Juan Lagares DoB: 3/17/1989 =#0000FF]67 =#FF8000]Cesar Puello DoB: 4/1/1991 Also in Camp Relief Pitchers Catchers =#FF8000]40 =#0000FF]Greg Burke DoB: 9/21/1982 =#0000FF]40 Tim Byrdak DoB: 10/37/1978 =#FF8000]67 =#FF8000]Scott Rice DoB: 9/21/1981 =#FF8000]59 =#0000FF]Carlos Torres DoB: 10/22/1982 =#0000FF]4 Mike Nickeas DoB: 8/29/1983 InfieldersOutfielders =#FF8000]12 =#0000FF]Brian Bixler DoB: 10/22/1982 =#FF8000]55 =#FF8000]Jamie Hoffman DoB:8/20/1984 Free Agents Starting PitchersRelief Pitchers Catchers =#0000FF]55 Chris Young DoB: 5/25/1979 =#0000FF]45 =#FF8000]Justin Hampson DoB: 1/23/1989 =#0000FF]52 Ram�n Ram�rez DoB:8/31/1981 =#0000FF]60 John Rauch DoB:9/27/1978 =#0000FF]6 Kelly Shoppach DoB: 4/29/1984 Infielders Outfielders =#0000FF]13 Ronny Cede�o DoB: 2/2/1983 =#0000FF]44 Jason Bay DoB: 9/20/1978 =#0000FF]12 Scott Hairston DoB: 5/25/1980 =#0000FF]15 Fred Lewis DoB: 12/9/1980 Coaching Staff ManagerBench CoachBatting CoachPitching CoachThird Base CoachFirst Base Coach =#0000FF]10 Terry Collins DoB: 5/27/1949 =#0000FF]7 Bob Geren DoB: 9/22/1959 =#0000FF]51 Dave Hudgens DoB: 12/5/1956 =#0000FF]59 Dan Warthan DoB: 12/1/1952 =#0000FF]18 Tim Teufel DoB: 7/7/1958 =#0000FF]26 Tom Goodwin DoB: 8/27/1968 Bullpen Coach Bullpen CatcherBatting Practice Pitcher Head Trainer Assistant Trainer Mascot =#0000FF]25 Ricky Bones DoB: 4/7/1969 =#0000FF]79 Dave Racaniello DoB: 10/15/1981 =#0000FF]78 Eric Langill DoB: 4/9/1979 =#BF8080].=#0000FF] Ray Ramirez =#BF8080]. =#BF8080].=#0000FF] Brian Chicklo =#BF8080]. =#BF8080].=#0000FF] Mr. Met =#BF8080].

Anne Marie Dolan:

I imagine there's two times an official player weight gets publicly released in his career --- when he first signs and reports to minor league camp, and that becomes his official "weight" through his minor league career, and when he first reports big league camp, and that becomes his weight thereafter. But I'd sure like to see that article.

Wow. What a story. You learn when you work with these folks --- there's a certain mental illness that's triggered for some of them, where any roof at all becomes a cage. I'm all for re-posting any obituary that reverences Met fandom.

Recall from where? Have you seen the guy at a Bluefish game or something? Official weights can hardly be trusted, but Baseball-Reference has him at 6'3" and 190 and that's really different. Doesn't look particularly massive...

Hey, I'm rooting for him. Again, I'm just surprised that a guy with the last two years looking like that gets a contract up front. But I guess minor league contracts pretty much guarantee little more than the bonus and a few weeks per diems anyway.