seawolf17

="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2fo3jrac]="seawolf17":2fo3jrac]="Frayed Knot":2fo3jrac]Rays will NOT pick up their option on Cliff Floyd[/quote:2fo3jrac] I wish he could pinch-hit, but he's worthless in that role.[/quote:2fo3jrac] Yah. His caught looking to me was somehow way worse than Beltran's.[/quote:2fo3jrac] Me too, because it could have been avoided. He shouldn't have been up in that spot. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 09:37 AM ="seawolf17":n3xzl9sw]="John Cougar Lunchbucket":n3xzl9sw]="seawolf17":n3xzl9sw]="Frayed Knot":n3xzl9sw]Rays will NOT pick up their option on Cliff Floyd[/quote:n3xzl9sw] I wish he could pinch-hit, but he's worthless in that role.[/quote:n3xzl9sw] Yah. His caught looking to me was somehow way worse than Beltran's.[/quote:n3xzl9sw] Me too, because it could have been avoided. He shouldn't have been up in that spot.[/quote:n3xzl9sw] Stupid non-magical Mets. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 09:40 AM So that one "failed" PH AB is somehow proof that he's useless in that role for ever and ever afterward? seawolf17 Nov 04 2008 09:43 AM ="Frayed Knot":dx5gsmdf]So that one "failed" PH AB is somehow proof that he's useless in that role for ever and ever afterward?[/quote:dx5gsmdf] No, I'm going by that 5-for-39 over the last four seasons. I love Cliff, but I don't know if he fits right now. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2008 09:53 AM No, he doesn't. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 10:04 AM I'm not saying he fits here either - for a variety of reasons. But what I wouldn't do is use a handful of ABs to pronounce him as a lousy PH and reject him solely on that basis. Edgy DC Nov 04 2008 10:05 AM I agree. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2008 10:08 AM Yeah, I think he'd be an OK pinch hitter. I just think he'd be too one-dimensional, at his age, for the Mets roster. I'd rather have the spot taken by someone more versatile seawolf17 Nov 04 2008 10:09 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":201pvy0l]Yeah, I think he'd be an OK pinch hitter. I just think he'd be too one-dimensional, at his age, for the Mets roster. I'd rather have the spot taken by someone more versatile[/quote:201pvy0l] That's my point, just more eloquently put. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 10:10 AM ="Frayed Knot":23i4g8hz]I'm not saying he fits here either - for a variety of reasons. But what I wouldn't do is use a handful of ABs to pronounce him as a lousy PH and reject him solely on that basis.[/quote:23i4g8hz] I don't think anyone is. I just wanted to finmd a place to get in a thought I'd had. Cliff's whiff = underrated. Beltran's whiff = overrated. Edgy DC Nov 04 2008 10:44 AM Junichi Tawaza looks to be a potential big import. Here he is pitching for Nippon Oil, a coporate team that he's playing for after telling Japan teams not to draft him, because he wanted to play in the States. I guess that means there'll be no onerous posting fee. It doesn't mean he'll be any good, but the risk is lessened. Vic Sage Nov 04 2008 11:18 AM omar vizquel has been non-tendered. could/should we pursue him, as a UT IF? Is he ready for that transition? John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 11:22 AM He's like... old. metirish Nov 04 2008 11:23 AM If he was up for that I would take him on , he still has that glove. Vic Sage Nov 04 2008 11:26 AM yes, he's old. So he may just retire rather than be anybody's UT. But if he was willing he'd be an ideal guy on the bench, working with our younger players, playing SS and 2b, pinch-hitting and pinch-running. I'd rather him than A.Reyes, at this point. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2008 11:26 AM Me too. Argenis should spend 2009 in Buffalo. Gwreck Nov 04 2008 11:34 AM Not mentioned anywhere in the Cliff Floyd posts is that he didn't even play a single inning in the field in '08. He'll remain one of my favorite Mets regardless -- but I don't think we need him. I suspect Cliff retires. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 11:46 AM ="Vic Sage":33s8b7tk]yes, he's old. So he may just retire rather than be anybody's UT. But if he was willing he'd be an ideal guy on the bench, working with our younger players, playing SS and 2b, pinch-hitting and pinch-running. I'd rather him than A.Reyes, at this point.[/quote:33s8b7tk] A Reyes is worthless until he learns three other positions and I doubt he will. I can't see how Vizquel is any better a choice than Renteria for the same role, to bring up one guy we'd already discussed. Alex Cora did a nice job in a reserve SS role for the Red Sox last year and is a free agent. Jerry Hairston Jr. is a free agent and played all 3 OF, 2B, SS and 3B for the Reds last year and put up a (surprise) 125 OPS+. Bats right and is 6 years younger than Easley. Dude. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 11:52 AM Vizquel's only real value is as a SS and ours plays about 159x9 innings. Certainly not a PH, probably too old to be a PR. I'm sure he could play 2B but might not outhit the guy everyone wants to get rid of. Vic Sage Nov 04 2008 12:17 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":14x06nme]="Vic Sage":14x06nme]yes, he's old. So he may just retire rather than be anybody's UT. But if he was willing he'd be an ideal guy on the bench, working with our younger players, playing SS and 2b, pinch-hitting and pinch-running. I'd rather him than A.Reyes, at this point.[/quote:14x06nme] A Reyes is worthless until he learns three other positions and I doubt he will. I can't see how Vizquel is any better a choice than Renteria for the same role, to bring up one guy we'd already discussed. Alex Cora did a nice job in a reserve SS role for the Red Sox last year and is a free agent. Jerry Hairston Jr. is a free agent and played all 3 OF, 2B, SS and 3B for the Reds last year and put up a (surprise) 125 OPS+. Bats right and is 6 years younger than Easley. Dude.[/quote:14x06nme] my problem with Renteria is only that he's likely to still get a starter's position somewhere, including St.L. Vizquel is not. But he's still a better player than Cora, or other career backups. Hairston is a risk because of his injury history, but i like him. my point about Vizquel is only that we can't go into the season with A.Reyes as the UT/SS... until he learns to hit, as well as play other positions. While the bullpen, a 4th SPer, and maybe a LFer (if we don't trust Murphy) is obviously a higher off-season priority, the bench still has a hole in it worth mentioning. Edgy DC Nov 04 2008 12:35 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 05 2008 07:40 AM ="Frayed Knot":20nngahg]Vizquel's only real value is as a SS and ours plays about 159x9 innings.[/quote:20nngahg] Except when a sudden pop means he doesn't. If Vizquel's main value would be that insurance that an injury to Reyes won't leave us without a capable experienced big-league shortshop, that's not to be discounted. Peripheral value can be found in backing up at second, lending to Reyes whatever wisdom his experience can offer, and giving Santana the Venezuelan brotherness he might lose if Endy gets dealt. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 12:39 PM Jerry. Hairston. Junior. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 03:46 PM Not a big surprise: AJ Burnett opts out of the final two years of his contract w/Toronto making himself a FA. The Jays got more medical bills than innings out of that deal No surprise at all: Yanx decline the final year option on Jason Giambi (to the tune of a $5mil buyout - heh, heh) and Carl Pavano making them both FAs smg58 Nov 04 2008 06:00 PM Hairston was a big asset to my fantasy team when he played, but he got hurt often. He also might want to go to a team that would guarantee him regular playing time and pay him accordingly. On the other hand, he might present good value as an everyday second baseman who could slide over if needed. I'm not sure I'd make him a top priority, but he's worth considering. Vizquel does still have a strong glove, but his .550 OPS is not a selling point. He might not be any better than Argenis at this point, and I see no point in paying for the name. Edgy DC Nov 05 2008 07:43 AM I'm remembering Giambi crying during an A-Rod slump that he was chasing pitches out of the strike zone to make up for A-Rod. Now he's cut loose like a deuce and Rodriguez is signed through the duration of the next Yankee Stadium. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 05 2008 08:47 AM The A's have hired Giambi's dealer, I mean, trainer in what's seen as an overture to bringing him back to Oakland. metirish Nov 05 2008 08:51 AM Snooze has Minaya going high for Lowe ] Derek Lowe tops wish list for Omar Minaya and Mets BY ADAM RUBIN DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Sipkin/News Mets GM Omar Minaya has a lot on his to-do list this offseason, but Derek Lowe seems to be his top choice. DANA POINT, Calif. - Mets GM Omar Minaya bowled an average of 150 while competing against his counterparts from other teams Tuesday afternoon. He insisted the two-hour event was productive with regard to discussing trades, and didn't just serve as a social gathering. "You kind of check in with guys and say, 'Hey, what about this and that?'" Minaya said. Late on Day 2 of the GM Meetings, Minaya said he had yet to hold any face-to-face meetings with agents, only phone conversations. Minaya acknowledged that chatting with Scott Boras was on tap before the four-day gathering closes Thursday. While Boras will make headlines this winter for his dealings concerning Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira, the Mets have prioritized pitching. And Boras client Derek Lowe appears atop the Mets' list, as does speaking with Boras about re-signing Oliver Perez. Lowe is doubly attractive to the Mets because not only is he an accomplished starting pitcher, he also has been successful in a closing role. Free agent Ryan Dempster, a 17-game winner with the Cubs this year, also fits that profile, having recorded 85 saves over the previous three seasons. "You have to consider that. If a guy is a starter and has relieved in the past, you think about that," Minaya said. "But I couldn't tell you that we're looking at guys right now that are starters and are saying to ourselves, 'Let's get him as a reliever.' We're looking at him at him as a starter." The Mets' major turnover this winter will occur in the bullpen, where only Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano and Brian Stokes may return from the 2008 relief corps. The Mets figure to accommodate Aaron Heilman's desire to pitch elsewhere - potentially as a starter - with the Rockies, Cardinals, Cubs and Diamondbacks among the potential destinations. Scott Schoeneweis, owed $3.6 million in 2009, also appears to be a goner. The Mets and Tigers discussed a trade for Schoeneweis in spring training and Detroit still needs lefthanded relief pitching. As for the rotation, Jon Niese should be the favorite to claim the No.5 spot next spring, but the Mets will need to bring in a bona fide starter to join Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine. While Lowe may be the priority, Minaya strongly suggested he'd feel good about bringing back Perez. No one expects the Lowe or Perez situations to be resolved before December, given Boras' track record. "The history with Scott has been that once the player gets to free agency, he'd rather have him explore the market," Minaya said, downplaying any chance of signing Perez during the 15-day period following the World Series when teams can exclusively negotiate with their own free agents. "But we're definitely going to sit down and talk to him. You'd always rather sign your guy, if possible. You know him already, so you'd rather get your guy done, if possible. We know who he is. He knows who we are. There's not the effect of the first year in New York, where the first year in New York takes some adjustments. That being said, we have to see how that works out." As for the other client who will interest the Mets, Boras said: "Derek Lowe became one of those rare pitchers in baseball where it's Bob Gibson-ish. You're having a guy throw the first, fourth and seventh game of a postseason series. The last two months of the season he was really a No.1 pitcher - that classic terminology of a 'rubber-arm' guy. Remember, he had 40 saves in a season. So he's one of those few guys, like a (Dennis) Eckersley, who can carry on a number of roles. Durability is big in the marketplace. Sometimes the performance level is not going to be there but you know you're going to get the innings and go forward." What is Boras smoking? John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 05 2008 08:54 AM I'd bring back Ollie. It's also gotta be a given that we offer him arbitration, yes? Benjamin Grimm Nov 05 2008 09:14 AM I would think so. What would the downside be? He's not going to accept unless NOBODY is interested in him, and that's pretty unlikely. Edgy DC Nov 05 2008 09:26 AM Derek Lowe makes me feel sad. smg58 Nov 05 2008 10:06 AM A month or so ago I thought Derek Lowe would present the best value of the free agent pitchers. But I hear more rumors about teams being interested in him than in anybody else. I no longer think he'll come that cheap. He's more consistent and durable than any other pitcher on the market besides CC, but at his age I wouldn't want to be the team that offers him a fourth year at $15M+ per. HahnSolo Nov 05 2008 10:32 AM Red Sox fans might disagree that Lowe was "successful" in a closing role. duan Nov 05 2008 11:44 AM I'm not enthused about Derek Lowe. Although yes Sal/Ira/whatever you now be called it would have been a good idea to have him instead of Tom Glavine whatever time you suggested it. Frayed Knot Nov 05 2008 04:34 PM Brad Penny's option NOT picked up by Dodgers. Edgy DC Nov 06 2008 07:20 AM Wow, the Dodgers are just shedding pitchers I dislike and distrust and don't want. Brad Penny on May 8 was giving up a 10-spot to a Met squad led by offensive mainstays such as Luis Castillo, Marlon Anderson, and Raul Casanova. http://www.leaptoad.com/mets/gamedetail.php?gameno=7426 He came back against us May 29 and this time got battered by Castillo again, but joined by more typical Met heroes. http://leaptoad.com/mets/gamedetail.php?gameno=7446 Those would be two good final memories of Brad Penny. I ill-regard him. metirish Nov 06 2008 07:27 AM From the LA Times. ]in their first major decisions of the off-season, the Dodgers on Wednesday disclosed a multi-year contract offer to Manny Ramirez and cut ties with two-time All-Star pitcher Brad Penny by declining his option for next season. The deal that was proposed to Ramirez on Tuesday night would give the 36-year-old free-agent outfielder "the highest average annual value in the history of the franchise and the second-highest average annual value in baseball" -- somewhere between the $27.5 million per season earned by Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees and the $22.9 million earned by Johan Santana of the New York Mets -- according to General Manager Ned Colletti. So are they dumping pitchers to pay Manny? Vic Sage Nov 06 2008 11:37 AM Manny turned them into a playoff team last year. If i was the Dodgers, I'd offer him 2yrs/$25m@yr, with an option for a 3rd year. I wouldn't go 4 years under any circumstances, nor would i give him A-Rod money (unless he suddenly became a GG-caliber IFer who stole 30+ bases, on top of his current hitting prowess). Nymr83 Nov 06 2008 01:59 PM ]If i was the Dodgers, I'd offer him 2yrs/$25m@yr, with an option for a 3rd year. what was the offer he reportedly turned down? metirish Nov 07 2008 08:45 AM Pat Burrell and Jamie Moyer filed for FA yesterday. Vic Sage Nov 07 2008 09:40 AM ="Nymr83"]]If i was the Dodgers, I'd offer him 2yrs/$25m@yr, with an option for a 3rd year. what was the offer he reportedly turned down? according to Craig Carton (always a dubious source), it was 3 years/$75m. So, it looks like it'll take at least a 4th year at around that price. I don't think i'd do that. Benjamin Grimm Nov 07 2008 10:09 AM MLB.com is running a contest where you pick the destination of 15 free agents. The prize is Opening Day tickets. I entered, but if I win it will be pure dumb luck. I don't know much about the needs of any of the other 29 teams, so I probably made some pretty uneducated guesses. Frayed Knot Nov 07 2008 10:09 AM I'm not even sure the Dodgers are guaranteeing the 3rd year at this point. Tim Kurkjian mentioned something about 2-for-$45 with an option for a 3rd year, not a whole lot more than he was due to get from Boston (2x$20). Boras says he wants 6 years ... um yeah. DocTee Nov 10 2008 01:00 PM Matt Holliday to Oakland for a package built around 16 game LOSER Greg Smith. HahnSolo Nov 10 2008 07:22 PM All NL East trade! Florida sends Willingham and Scot Olsen to the Nationals for Emilio Bonifacio and a pair of minor leaguers, P P.J. Dean and SS Jake Smolinski. Frayed Knot Nov 10 2008 08:32 PM Mmmmm. Bonifacio is the 2nd baseman they got from Arizona in the deal for that big reliever. Sounds like Florida plans to either move Uggla to 1B now that Jacobs is gone or move him out of town. Losing Willingham makes room for OFer Cameron Maybin, the young OF they got from Detroit in the Cabrera/Willis deal. Don't know anything about those Washington minor leaguers. Frayed Knot Nov 11 2008 06:50 AM Padres and Trevor Hoffman are parting ways after 17 ML seasons. The team offered him a contract he could refuse (approx half his previous $7+mil) and so he did. Pads are doing some serious cost cutting. Vince Coleman Firecracker Nov 11 2008 07:10 AM ="HahnSolo":1heiqobk]All NL East trade! Florida sends Willingham and Scot Olsen to the Nationals for Emilio Bonifacio and a pair of minor leaguers, P P.J. Dean and SS Jake Smolinski.[/quote:1heiqobk] Real good trade for Washington. Bonifacio is, at best, the next Pokey Reese. Smolinski struggled to make the transition to A-ball and Dean is a 19-year-old seventh-round pick a long way from the majors. Willingham and Olsen are both above average major leaguers (Olsen's ERA+ is about league average, but he's only 24 and can throw 200 innings a year. He's a lot like Oliver Perez, but younger and cheaper and surlier). This is a trade that the Mets could have made; and if they were willing to live with Olsen being kind of a jerk, it would have made them better. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 07:37 AM You think this means that Bonifaccio goes to second and Uggla to first? MFS62 Nov 11 2008 07:57 AM I had read that they were making room for their top prospect, who is a "can't miss" first baseman. (forget his name) IMO Uggla would be a backup plan if the kid isn't ready yet. Later sharpie Nov 11 2008 08:00 AM I'm guessing Uggla gets traded as well. He is arbitration-eligible. soupcan Nov 11 2008 08:10 AM ="sharpie":vn5i1y3v]I'm guessing Uggla gets traded as well. He is arbitration-eligible.[/quote:vn5i1y3v] Uggla's a nice little hitter. The Mets have no place for him though, huh? MFS62 Nov 11 2008 08:18 AM ="soupcan":t4z2e84m]="sharpie":t4z2e84m]I'm guessing Uggla gets traded as well. He is arbitration-eligible.[/quote:t4z2e84m] Uggla's a nice little hitter. The Mets have no place for him though, huh?[/quote:t4z2e84m] Not unless they decide to move to the AL. From what I've seen of him, Uggla's best position is at bat. Later Vince Coleman Firecracker Nov 11 2008 08:42 AM ="Edgy DC":1f8m41c7]You think this means that Bonifaccio goes to second and Uggla to first?[/quote:1f8m41c7] I think so. I think this was a salary dump to afford Uggla's arbitration. Farmer Ted Nov 11 2008 02:43 PM NYPost gurgling over K-Rod. $15 million per season for 4 years? smg58 Nov 11 2008 05:54 PM The Marlins/Nats trade is a real headscratcher. I can't imagine the Marlins couldn't have gotten many better offers from around the league for those two players. Selling so low within your own division just doesn't make sense. A good deal from the Mets perspective, as the Marlins take a step backwards and it will take a lot more than this to make the Nats any good. In other news, Salomon Torres announced his retirement, Pat Neshek got the TJS he should have gotten in May and will miss the 2009 season, and former Met Henry Owens tested positive for PEDs. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 07:27 AM Wow. Torres could've pitched another five years easy. smg58 Nov 12 2008 12:36 PM I was surprised, too. You don't often see a guy quit while there appears to be plenty still in the tank. In other ex-Pirate reliever news, the Yankees brought back Damaso Marte for 3 years and $12M. The possible good news from a Mets perspective is that it caps what other lefties like Jeremy Affeldt can ask for. Nymr83 Nov 12 2008 12:43 PM I think the Marlins REALLY want to call up McPherson to play 1st or 3rd, he hit like 40 homers in AAA last year. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 12:56 PM You wonder what's wrong with the system when a guy like McPherson gets buried like that. Yeah, he missed all of 2007 with back surgery, but there was a job waiting for Duaner Sanchez after missing a year and a half. The guy has done nothing but club. metirish Nov 12 2008 01:54 PM ] Mets pursue Takahashi to add pitching depth BY DAVID LENNON | david.lennon@newsday.com November 12, 2008 In their search for more pitching depth, the Mets could be among a number of teams pursuing Ken Takahashi, a lefthander from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Takahashi is 40 years old, according to Japaneseballplayers.com Takahashi, who filed for free agency this week, went 8-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 21 games for the Carp last season. He throws a fastball, slider and shuuto, which resembles a screwball. Benjamin Grimm Nov 12 2008 01:56 PM Ken? What kind of a Japanese name is Ken? Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 02:02 PM We need somebody who throws a shuuto. metirish Nov 12 2008 02:03 PM Google that name and you get a professor of some sort http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~ken/PUB/swabs.html http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~ken/ Here is pitcher Ken's bio from what looks like a Japanese baseball reference http://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=281 Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 02:06 PM I think Arnold's last name was Takahashi. Benjamin Grimm Nov 13 2008 07:15 AM Teams are free to negotiate with other teams' free agents after midnight tonight, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. DocTee Nov 13 2008 12:27 PM Marlins trade closer Kevin Gregg (29 saves) to Cubs....Kerry Wood FA eligible at midnight. metirish Nov 13 2008 12:36 PM Angels owner on K-Rod ] "I think as a whole, we're probably turning the page on this one," Moreno said on "The Sports Lodge," which is broadcast on KLAA in Southern California. "I think that we as an organization made this decision. And I'm not one of these 'never, never' people. I'm saying, I think as a whole, it's important to turn the page and move forward, and get prepared to do some of the other things we want to do." In the same David Lennon article he says the Mets have talked to the White Sox about Jenks but will try the FA route first, Lennon says that the White Sox are looking to trade someone form a group of Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome, with Jenks and Nick Swisher available at a higher price. A Boy Named Seo Nov 13 2008 01:04 PM ="DocTee"]Marlins trade closer Kevin Gregg (29 saves) to Cubs....Kerry Wood FA eligible at midnight. Their entire team payroll in '08 was $22.65M and they've gotten rid of these dudes, all arbitration eligible: DUDE, '08 SALARY Gregg, $2.5M Olsen, $405,000 Willingham, $405,000 Jacobs, $395,000 Wonder if they could end up with a payroll under $20M? smg58 Nov 13 2008 01:43 PM ="DocTee":3usa9hkd]Marlins trade closer Kevin Gregg (29 saves) to Cubs....Kerry Wood FA eligible at midnight.[/quote:3usa9hkd] Gregg's OK, but he's a setup guy on a team with a good pen. Even if Wood doesn't come back, I can't see Gregg closing ahead of Marmol. The prospect the Marlins got in return is Jose Ceda, who has a very live arm and seems to have taken to pitching in relief. It's not a bad pickup for the Marlins, but geez they don't want to pay ANYBODY. It must really suck to be a fan of that team. Oh wait, they've somehow won the World Series twice... Nymr83 Nov 13 2008 03:33 PM Gregg is nothing special. Take away the "closer" label and he's a middle of the road reliever. The Marlins are smart to not want to pay a guy like that and instead get a prospect for him. metirish Nov 14 2008 07:57 AM Just saw this , looking to 2009 in this Hot stove preview. The last paragraph is what caught my eye. Caleb Peiffer, Baseball Prospectus ] New York Mets What Do They Have? Like the Phillies, they have a phenomenal core, consisting of the best left side of the infield in baseball (third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes), as well as the best center fielder in the NL (Carlos Beltran), all of whom are signed through at least 2011. At first base, Carlos Delgado showed he can still be a powerful force with a .308/.392/.626 line in 372 plate appearances from June 27 onward, making the decision to pick up his $12 million option an easy one for GM Omar Minaya. In the rotation Johan Santana retains the title of best pitcher in baseball, coming off of career highs in both innings and ERA, and Mike Pelfrey has emerged as a young workhorse to complement the ace after harnessing his nasty sinker. What Do They Need? New York lost a major league-high seven games when leading at the start of the ninth in 2008, and the bullpen was a major contributor to the team's second straight September collapse, going 3-5 with a 6.65 ERA in the final 16 games. The Mets made more pitching changes than any other team in the majors (719) because almost all of their relievers were helpless against one side of the plate or the other (or just plain helpless). They need a couple of arms who can retire both lefties and righties, especially with closer Billy Wagner out for 2009 after Tommy John surgery. Beyond the bullpen New York could go several different ways in left field. The Mets would also love to unload Luis Castillo's albatross contract, but that's a pipe dream unless Minaya can swap it for some other bad deal. Then there are questions about the rotation -- if Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez depart, New York will need at least one and possibly two starters, depending on whether they see Jonathon Niese as ready for primetime. What Are They Likely To Do? They will probably let Martinez and Perez walk, while bringing in another Scott Boras client, Derek Lowe. They'll sign a lower-profile starter to compete for the fifth spot (perhaps Bartolo Colon), package Aaron Heilman to Colorado for relief help, and sign Brian Fuentes to close, while bringing in several other lower-profile arms to compete for bullpen jobs. Expect them to stick with Ryan Church in right, a Dan Murphy/Fernando Tatis platoon in left, and Castillo at second base, while bringing in a known quantity to back up at the keystone, such as Felipe Lopez, Alex Cora, Jerry Hairston Jr. or David Eckstein. What Should They Do? It might be wise to re-sign Perez, who will come cheaper than Lowe or Ryan Dempster. Bringing in another starter who won't cost the team draft picks -- like Colon, Odalis Perez, Freddy Garcia or Randy Wolf -- would also have the benefit of giving Niese more time at Triple-A. Biting the bullet and selling low on Heilman for a reliever or fifth starter couldn't hurt, as he has wanted out of New York for several years and badly needs a change of scenery. They could offer Type B free agent Luis Ayala arbitration so that if he decides to depart they'll receive a draft pick in return. Inking Fuentes to a three-year deal if he'll come will bolster the pen, as would pursuing a trade for J.J. Putz or Huston Street. Using some creativity to fill out the bullpen could shift their focus to a number of intriguing minor league free agents, such as 24-year-old lefty R.J. Swindle (1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 67 K in 53 innings between Double- and Triple-A last year), Kiko Calero (coming back from a rotator cuff injury), Fernando Cabrera and former Met Scott Strickland. New York should also try to keep its 40-man roster below capacity in order to add other potentially promising arms in the Rule 5 draft. smg58 Nov 14 2008 09:50 AM Swindle's intriguing. You look at his numbers ([url:3vaofvwh]http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/R.J.-Swindle.shtml[/url:3vaofvwh]), and you wonder why he hasn't moved through the minors any faster than he has. Nymr83 Nov 15 2008 04:12 PM FireJoeMorgan.com is shutting down, a big loss for anyone who appreciates criticism of shitty journalism/anouncing. Benjamin Grimm Nov 15 2008 06:17 PM Ken Davidoff in Newsday is predicting the Mets will sign Oliver Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Kevin Millar, and Raul Ibanez this winter. ="Ken Davidoff":160k5uj4] Starting Pitchers Platinum CC Sabathia. Yankees, six years, $160 million Gold A.J. Burnett. Blue Jays, four years, $60 million Silver Ryan Dempster. Cubs, four years, $48 million Derek Lowe. Yankees, four years, $56 million Oliver Perez. Mets, four years, $55 million Bronze Jon Garland. Dodgers, three years, $36 million Mike Mussina. Retire. Brad Penny. Rangers, two years, $20 million Ben Sheets. Astros, two years, $24 million Randy Wolf. Giants, two years, $21 million Value Randy Johnson. Diamondbacks, one year, $6.5 million. Jamie Moyer. Phillies, one year, $10 million Andy Pettitte. Yankees, one year, $11 million Relief pitchers Platinum Francisco Rodriguez. Mets, four years, $54 million Gold Brian Fuentes. Cardinals, three years, $38 million Bronze Joe Beimel. Dodgers, three years, $9 million Juan Cruz. Cardinals, three years, $15 million Trevor Hoffman. Indians, one year, $7 million Value Russ Springer. Cardinals, one year, $4 million Chan Ho Park. Dodgers, one year, $3.5 million Catchers Value Ivan Rodriguez. Marlins, one year, $4 million Jason Varitek. Red Sox, two years, $10 million First basemen Platinum Mark Teixeira. Angels, seven years, $145 million Silver Jason Giambi. A's, two years, $15 million Value Kevin Millar. Mets, one year, $4 million Second basemen Gold Orlando Hudson. Giants, four years, $36 million Value Ray Durham. Astros, one year, $3 million Shortstops Gold Rafael Furcal. Tigers, three years, $30 million Value Edgar Renteria. Braves, two years, $12 million. Third basemen Bronze Casey Blake. Dodgers, two years, $15 million Value Joe Crede. Indians, one year, $5 million Outfielders Platinum Manny Ramirez. Dodgers, three years with a vesting option for a fourth year, $70 million Gold Adam Dunn. Nationals, five years, $70 million Silver Bobby Abreu. Cubs, three years, $38 million Pat Burrell. Blue Jays, three years, $35 million Bronze Milton Bradley. Rangers, three years, $26 million Raul Ibanez. Mets, two years, $19 million Value Garret Anderson. Angels, one year, $6 million Rocco Baldelli. Red Sox, two years, $10 million[/quote:160k5uj4] metirish Nov 17 2008 01:45 PM From Buster Olney ] Mets looking for strikeouts in bullpen Monday, November 17, 2008 There are no perfect stats, but in an era when 100 pitches has become a threshold for starting pitchers, and when bullpens are often left to for account for the last nine to 12 outs even when they assume leads, here's a number which carries some meaning: the strikeout ratio for bullpens. You can find the eight teams that made the playoffs among the top 10 ranked teams in strikeout ratio in 2008. The year before, five playoff teams ranked among the top 10 in bullpen strikeout ratio. Some years the number has been lower, but in general, it's a quality that leads to quality, because of the impact of a strikeout -- fewer balls are put into play and this reduces the chance for mistakes, fewer inherited runners score, and the strikeouts are indicative of dominance. All of this is why the Mets are focusing on relievers who generate missed swings, who get strikeouts, as they reshape their bullpen. They don't intend to settle on a high-wire closer; they want a couple of relievers who come in and control innings. The Mets' relievers finished the 2008 season ranked 17th in the ratio of strikeouts-per-nine-innings, at 7.48, but that standing dipped after Billy Wagner was hurt at midseason. Wagner had whiffed 52 in 47 innings before he was hurt, and if you take him out of the equation -- and he is not expected to pitch in 2009 -- then the Mets' K-per-9 ratio for the rest of the relievers was 7.22, a ratio that would've placed them 23rd among 30 teams in 2008. With that in mind: � In 2008, Francisco Rodriguez struck out 77 hitters in 68.1 innings, and in his career, his strikeout ratio has been staggering -- 587 punchouts in 451.2 innings. But there is a concern among scouts, generally, that K-Rod's growing reliance on his breaking ball might eventually lead to a breakdown, and they wonder if we're already seeing signs of wear: His WHIP of 1.288 was the highest in his career. � Brian Fuentes racked up a whopping 82 strikeouts in 62.2 innings, confounding hitters with his unusual delivery. In his career, he has averaged more than a punchout per inning (480 in 422 innings). He is naturally more potent against left-handed hitters (20 strikeouts in 53 at-bats in '08), but he gets a lot of missed swings against righties, as well (62 in 203 at-bats). Each time a player from a small market comes under consideration from a Boston, Philly or New York team, there are the inevitable questions about whether the player can survive in that atmosphere -- but sources say that the Mets are confident that Fuentes would thrive pitching in New York. � Kerry Wood did what Kerry Wood usually does when he pitches: He struck out a lot of guys, and compiled 84 in 66.1 innings. The concern with Wood, as always, is about his durability. � Trevor Hoffman had 30 saves in 34 chances for the Padres in 2008. But given the Mets' preference for power relievers this winter, Hoffman -- whose fastball is now in the low-80s -- would not seem to be a fit. � Brandon Lyon is going to get some play as a possible closer in the market, after picking up 26 saves in 2008, but he allowed 75 hits and struck out 44 in 59.1 innings; he's not really a match for New York. � The Mets won't consider Juan Cruz for closer, but they will undoubtedly be attracted to him as a possible middle reliever, after a season in which he struck out 71 in 51.2 innings, while allowing just 34 hits and holding opposing hitters to a .192 batting average. I hadn't read that before about Minaya and his staff looking for swing and miss pitchers. Edgy DC Nov 17 2008 01:52 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 17 2008 02:01 PM Heilman, though, got lots of strikeouts. I'd like a few not-walking-guys relievers. smg58 Nov 17 2008 01:58 PM And the first domino falls. Jeremy Affeldt goes to the Giants for two years and $8M. Affeldt would have fit nicely here, and I don't think the Giants overpaid. metirish Nov 18 2008 07:44 AM From David Lennon ] The Mets had no interest in Jeremy Affeldt, who signed yesterday with the Giants for a reported two-year, $8-million deal, and they have not yet focused much attention on upgrading the rest of the their bullpen. As for Affeldt, one team official explained that the Mets already have two lefthanders in the pen, which suggests that Pedro Feliciano and Scott Schoeneweis are still considered part of that mix. smg58 Nov 18 2008 08:07 AM Sigh. seawolf17 Nov 18 2008 09:12 AM Well, the fact is, they do. And if you sign him, and you can't deal either of the other two, then you're stuck with three guys, and someone you really need doesn't get a spot. That'sa baseball, as Zvon would say. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 18 2008 09:25 AM I gotta believe the Mets for whatever reason prefer Joe Beimel, the big dumb alcoholic lefty of the Dodgers who missed the '06 playoffs with a cut hand he tried to fake was a broken water glass in a hotel room and of course was actually sustained in a bar brawl. Joe Beimel. E before I, yeah. Anyway, later bloomer, nice ERA but I don't like the smell of his periferals. About equally effective vs. LH & RH, so an upgrade over Show in a setup role but not exactly reaching for the stars. Dodger fans love him for his personaility and shit. Wears No. 97. Edgy DC Nov 18 2008 10:15 AM Dodgers collect pitchers with active ids, I tell you what. Vic Sage Nov 18 2008 10:18 AM It's not what arm you throw with, it's who you can get out. Affeldt is better than Beimel, even against righties. Show and Feliciano are specialists. I say "boo, Omar". Frayed Knot Nov 18 2008 10:43 AM Affeldt was a 'Type B' FA too meaning no loss of draft pick (Cincy will pick up a supplemental). Virtually all of the other relievers being looked (including many of the non-closers) at would cost a Mets a 1st rounder -- assuming arb were offered and all that. sharpie Nov 18 2008 01:32 PM Ryan Dempster re-ups with Cubs, 4-years/52 million smackaroonies. Frayed Knot Nov 18 2008 01:52 PM Now we know where the floor is on Ollie Perez negotiations. Vic Sage Nov 18 2008 03:44 PM i think Ollie will get a 5th year, but not necessarily more $$/yr. smg58 Nov 18 2008 05:21 PM ="seawolf17":2s3iqik6]Well, the fact is, they do. And if you sign him, and you can't deal either of the other two, then you're stuck with three guys, and someone you really need doesn't get a spot.[/quote:2s3iqik6] Neither was so bad last year as to be undealable (although we'd probably have to eat a portion of Schoeneweis' salary). The problem is that the Mets really don't need two lefthanded relievers who can't be trusted against righthanded batters. They could use a lefty who can be left in against a righthanded batter in a meaningful situation, and they sorely need a reliever who can give them 70+ quality innings. Affeldt was both of those things. DocTee Nov 18 2008 06:18 PM Mariners set to name former catcher (surprise surprise) and current Athletics coach Don Wakamatsu as manager. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3711540 I thought Joey Cora was as good as inked. Edgy DC Nov 18 2008 07:23 PM When I was living with my grandmother in the early nineties, I came home to find her concerned that she'd heard a major league team was being sold to Japanese ownership. "Are they going to replace the players with Japs? The manager?" "Nah, they're just the owners, Nanny. They'll field an American team with American and Latin American players." She knew more than I gave her credit for. Interesting Wakamatsu factamatsu: Each of his major league starts came with Charlie Hough on the mound. Farmer Ted Nov 19 2008 09:27 AM CoCo Beware. The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez, SI.com has confirmed. smg58 Nov 19 2008 10:06 AM With seemingly everybody in the market for relievers, the Royals should have done much better than two sub-.800 OPS hitters for a pair of young relievers who had ERA's below 3 last year. I also wonder how much more than Chavez it would have taken for us to match the Sox' offer. On edit: Jacobs had an OPS of .812. But I still think the Royals are doing themselves more harm than good. MFS62 Nov 19 2008 10:30 AM ="Farmer Ted":eyakn20f] CoCo Beware. The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez, SI.com has confirmed.[/quote:eyakn20f] Kansas City is already famous for its barbeque. Why would they need to bring in some crispy critter? Later Ashie62 Nov 22 2008 02:27 PM The winter of discontent possibly...Methinks the Met post season moves will be limited. Castillo will go into camp with the 2B to lose...Heilman & The Show will be back. Murphy in left..Church in right I'm thinking Raul Ibanez, Kevin Millar, Ollie or Pedro and Fuentes or KRod come on board Personally I would rather take a cheap flyer on Pedro than overspend on a Derek Lowe type for example. The Mets are close...I will contradict myself in that if Texeira got into the mix I love the idea of Wright at third and Tex at first.. It's all good.. Edgy DC Nov 22 2008 04:39 PM I think the Mets will make a lot of changes. attgig Nov 23 2008 04:08 PM rocco baldelli's contract got bought out by the rays, making him a free agent. he's had the mysterious illness which makes him a risk, but I would love to see him become the player he can be on the mets. perhaps games played incentive contract? Ashie62 Nov 23 2008 10:20 PM I see in Newsday Bobby Abreu is on the radar..Funny..I never thought of him as a possibility I have a friend in Florida who has Multiple Sclerosis and he told me the Rocco Baldelli mitochondrial disorder was feared to be MS..Hope the kid is OK...Great talent Nymr83 Nov 23 2008 10:40 PM Abreu's OBP numbers make me salivate, he does have a reputation as being scared of the wall though, he's 34 so i'm not sure how long a potential deal would be and those great OBP's have been in decline (though they are still good.) smg58 Nov 24 2008 02:45 PM The Giants remain aggressive in the free agent market, signing Edgar Renteria for two years and $18M (according to WFAN). Even the mediocre Renteria from last year would be a significant offensive upgrade for the Giants, but at that price they're optimistic about getting more than that. smg58 Nov 24 2008 05:37 PM And now the FAN report concerning Renteria is being disputed. Fun! Frayed Knot Nov 26 2008 06:36 AM Still no confirmation on Renteria to SF. Two demerits for WFAN's Sweeny Murti (source of the scoop) Overnight scuttlebutt from various sources (ESPN & SI.com) - Angels diving in on Sabathia, either instead of Teixeira or at least as a signal to him that they're not going to wait around at the altar forever with flowers in their hands. No word on how close it might get to the NYY offer. - Pettitte has talked to Torre several times about a possible spot on the LAD staff - Cubs still interested in a Peavy trade but probably need a 3rd team to get involved. metirish Nov 26 2008 10:50 AM Reports have the Mets "reaching out" to the agents for Rodriguez and Fuentes , Paul Kinzer the agent for Rodriguez confirmed those talks. ] We talked for a little while, but nothing significant, We'll probably get together at the winter meetings, Dec. 8-11 in Las Vegas. reports have the Mets wanting Huston Street as the primary setup man to the closer and would send Heilman to Colorado to get him , the Rockies said they would like Feliciano with Heilman, the Mets said no. Centerfield Nov 26 2008 01:06 PM ="metirish":31blscn8] reports have the Mets wanting Huston Street as the primary setup man to the closer and would send Heilman to Colorado to get him , the Rockies said they would like Feliciano with Heilman, the Mets said no.[/quote:31blscn8] Are the Mets idiotic? I will drive Feliciano to Colorado to make that deal happen. Nymr83 Nov 26 2008 02:30 PM ="Centerfield":1ybilf22]="metirish":1ybilf22] reports have the Mets wanting Huston Street as the primary setup man to the closer and would send Heilman to Colorado to get him , the Rockies said they would like Feliciano with Heilman, the Mets said no.[/quote:1ybilf22] Are the Mets idiotic? I will drive Feliciano to Colorado to make that deal happen.[/quote:1ybilf22] I'll chip in for gas & tolls. Feliciano is nice to have around but he is redundant with Schoenweis. OlerudOwned Nov 26 2008 03:34 PM Jesus Christ, I'll pull the damned rickshaw I have to. smg58 Nov 26 2008 04:25 PM The Mets can't seriously be equating Heilman with Huston Street. Can they? Honestly, the Rockies' counter-offer looks perfectly fair to me, if not still generous to us. I hope either that the report got a detail or two wrong (possible), or that the Mets know they can get more for Heilman and Feliciano than Street (I'd be very pleasantly surprised). Ashie62 Nov 26 2008 06:44 PM I s it possible the Mets ae the "Mystery" team in the Rafael Furcal negotiations. I don't see any fit whatsoever... metirish Dec 01 2008 09:37 AM Davidoff over at Newsday has the Mets talking recently with the Rangers about Gerald Laird, although according to Davidoff not much talk lately. Edgy DC Dec 01 2008 09:53 AM ="Ashie62":2ltxwl1v]I s it possible the Mets ae the "Mystery" team in the Rafael Furcal negotiations. I don't see any fit whatsoever...[/quote:2ltxwl1v] Well, it's certainly not an ideal fit (I came out against it in another thread), but it is a viable one. In these days of short benches, there's something to be said for a secondbaseman who could slide over to short (and handle the leadoff slot) in the event of a long-term injury to Jose Reyes. duan Dec 02 2008 03:21 AM lots of fun at the arbitration deadline ok free agents who just go more attractive to the mets cause they won't cost a first round pick (remember though, if we sign ONE type A free agent who was offered arbitration we lose the first round pick, so if we're signing one we might as well sign plenty as the value on the subsequent picks is substantially lower). Bobby Abreu (the yankees scared of him accepting and getting $16 million) Kerry Wood Pat Burrell Adam Dunn. Jamie Moyer Trevor Hoffman Guys who we've been linked to who now definitely would cost us our first round pick Derek Lowe Manny Ramirez Mark Texiera Francisco Roderiguez Brian Fuentes Orlando Hudson Raul Ibanez ***** In the front offices head, they SHOULD be aware of a domino effect here, If you're going to sign Derek Lowe go ahead and sign Ibanez and Fuentes. We'll still get the pics from Oliver Perez, so the 2nd/3rd type A free agents will just be sandwich picks and our later picks. ****** Kerry Wood and Bobby Abreu are now quite a bit higher up my list. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 04:47 AM Dunn isn't type A??? who invented these rules? Benjamin Grimm Dec 02 2008 04:52 AM I think you're misreading that. Dunn won't cost a draft pick because he wasn't offered arbitration. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 04:56 AM yes i am, never mind. smg58 Dec 02 2008 07:17 AM Mike Hampton appears to be headed back to Houston, for $2M plus incentives. Perhaps he concluded that Houston had the best school system all along. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 07:39 AM Why Mike Hampton didn't just say "I've got a family, a career-ending injury can occur at any moment so I should grab all the $$ I can while I'm healthy, I'm taking the Rockies' offer and I'm sorry the Mets couldn't beat it" is beyond me. I'd have respected that over some BS about school systems. Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 08:13 AM Nobody ever says that. Benjamin Grimm Dec 02 2008 08:17 AM Well, sometimes they do, but they phrase it differently. The new team "showed that they wanted me" or "showed their commitment to winning" or something like that. Frayed Knot Dec 02 2008 08:17 AM The whole 'school systems' stuff belongs in the ranks of the most over-emphasized comments ever. Of course he signed for the money. Almost all do and most get no closer to admitting so other than to say they were interested in "security for my family". All Hampton did in giving his reasons was to add that because his entire family was going to relocate there: wife, kids, parents, in-laws, they considered the entire life-style of the area including stuff like where the kids would attend school. Met fans - pissed off because he didn't re-up here - latched onto the schools comment like he was citing it as his sole reason for ditching NYC. NYers (and others) have to get over this, particularly since it was the best (non) move of the decade for us. seawolf17 Dec 02 2008 08:29 AM Re: lots of fun at the arbitration deadline ="duan":3gjg99s0]ok free agents who just go more attractive to the mets cause they won't cost a first round pick (remember though, if we sign ONE type A free agent who was offered arbitration we lose the first round pick, so if we're signing one we might as well sign plenty as the value on the subsequent picks is substantially lower). Bobby Abreu (the yankees scared of him accepting and getting $16 million) Kerry Wood Pat Burrell Adam Dunn Jamie Moyer Trevor Hoffman[/quote:3gjg99s0] Hell, I'd sign all six of those guys and trade Delgado for a bag of balls. edit: I guess we don't need both closers, unless Hoffman's willing to set up. Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 08:32 AM I want more than the bag. Benjamin Grimm Dec 02 2008 08:54 AM Yeah, really. Are we already back to saying Delgado is worthless, just because he hasn't homered in two months? seawolf17 Dec 02 2008 09:11 AM I was exaggerating. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 09:36 AM If the Mets signed Dunn to play 1B I wouldn't care what they got for Delgado (I'd assume they'd have to move his contract before they be willing to commit $$ to Dunn.) Otherwise I have no problem with Delgado returning, he earned it despite everything I (and others) said about him early in the year. Gwreck Dec 02 2008 11:27 AM ="Frayed Knot":2s8gnkll]NYers (and others) have to get over this, particularly since it was the best (non) move of the decade for us.[/quote:2s8gnkll] Because of Wright and Heilman, or because Hampton bombed out in Colorado? Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 11:30 AM You don't have to choose. Throw in also that Hampton's failures and injuries came at a very dear price. Gwreck Dec 02 2008 11:43 AM Avoiding Hampton's failures and injuries certainly turned out well but I don't think it can be said with any certainty that those same failures (or even injuries) would have happened had he remained with the Mets. As for Wright and Heilman -- given that those two draft picks are the most successful the Mets have had in the past 15 (25?) years, I think it's safe to say that the two Hampton-compensation picks turned out so well was mostly a function of luck. Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 11:52 AM ="Gwreck":3mh1lucm]As for Wright and Heilman -- given that those two draft picks are the most successful the Mets have had in the past 15 (25?) years, I think it's safe to say that the two Hampton-compensation picks turned out so well was mostly a function of luck.[/quote:3mh1lucm] Preston Wilson? Jason Isringhausen? Scott Bloody Kazmir? These guys haven't outpaced Aaron Heilman? Really, whether you consider the actual outcome or the average of all the hosts of possible outcomes, the Mets made the right move there every time. Frayed Knot Dec 02 2008 12:13 PM ="Gwreck"]Avoiding Hampton's failures and injuries certainly turned out well but I don't think it can be said with any certainty that those same failures (or even injuries) would have happened had he remained with the Mets. Certainly couldn't have been predicted his troubles to the degree that they occured; Hampton was still young, athletic and without any kind of unreasonable injury history. But he was also a guy with only 2 or 3 good years getting a lengthy contract at superstar money during a bubble market all of which made it an almost impossible standard to live up to. One of the best lessons from 'Moneyball' was that it's usually easier to recover from the player you fail to sign than it is to recover from the one you sign at the wrong price. ]As for Wright and Heilman -- given that those two draft picks are the most successful the Mets have had in the past 15 (25?) years, I think it's safe to say that the two Hampton-compensation picks turned out so well was mostly a function of luck. I was strictly thinking about not being stuck with his contract when I talked about 'best non-move' even though that part involved more "luck" than the picks IMO. Even though high picks are no guarantee, the more good ones you have the better your chances and eventually you'll find gold under one of those rocks you overturn. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 07:25 AM Joel Shoiman sez: 1) Mets "officials" are denying a hot rumor about a blockbuster deal bringing both Bobby Jenks and Jermaine Dye from the White Sox, with Fernando Martinez going to Chicago. He describes Martinez as "all but untouchable." I think he's about as untouchable as Lastings Milledge, that is, he's untouchable up until the point where describing him as untouchable won't increase his value. Newsday pretty much sums it up the same way. 2) Mets like Putz as much as if not more than Rodriguez or Fuentes, but other teams want a little Putz of their own. 3) They won't go over three years guaranteed for either of the big ticket closers. (Nothing new there, I think.) 4) They're willing to go for Kerry Wood for two years (first I heard about Wood). 5) They turned away Tampa who tried to deal them Chad Bradford, because, like Tampa, they don't want to pay a ROOGy $3.5 mils. Benjamin Grimm Dec 04 2008 08:00 AM That Jenks/Dye for Fernando Martinez deal, if there's any truth to it, must involve additional players from the Mets, right? If it's a straight two-for-one I can't see the Mets not doing it. metirish Dec 04 2008 08:07 AM Omar would be a putz to do that deal. Gwreck Dec 04 2008 08:23 AM ="Edgy DC":1qe4vw0z]5) They turned away Tampa who tried to deal them Chad Bradford, because, like Tampa, they don't want to pay a ROOGy $3.5 mils.[/quote:1qe4vw0z] In 2009, Bradford would be in year 3 of that contract (the 3 year deal that the Mets refused to give him but gave to Schoeneweis). I'd have to believe that not getting Bradford would be more of a function of his potential role already filled by Joe Smith than just a few million bucks. Gwreck Dec 04 2008 08:34 AM ="Edgy DC":1kf4rwd2]Preston Wilson? Jason Isringhausen? Scott Bloody Kazmir?[/quote:1kf4rwd2] All of their success was elsewhere, but I suppose that doesn't really matter when evaluating the quality of the pick. Those ones weren't too bad. HahnSolo Dec 04 2008 10:20 AM Boston Globe reporting that the Phillies have made an offer to Derek Lowe. No details of the offer, but apparently another team has also made an offer. [url:27icv0p0]http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/12/04/teams_starting_to_make_pitches/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Red+Sox+news[/url:27icv0p0] Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 10:24 AM Lowe may be the free agent I unwant the most this offseason. metirish Dec 04 2008 10:31 AM I read today that the Giants are mulling an offer to C.C. in the $100 million plus for five years range , he is from an area close to San Francisco. smg58 Dec 04 2008 10:33 AM I see no point in dealing for a closer if the market is so glutted with options that won't cost players. Keep in mind that Putz is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a significant injury and an off year. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 10:37 AM I hear you. But, as a trade-hater myself, I'm sure the Mets see the advantages of dealing as (a) not giving up draft picks, ( getting a guy at yesterday's salary rather than tomorrow's, and (c) getting a guy who is closer to the expiration of his deal, protecting them from having to pay for nothing in year four, like they are with Wagner. metirish Dec 04 2008 10:39 AM Numbers from Newsday regarding Fernando Martinez ] Martinez, who turned 20 in October, is looking impressive again in the Dominican Winter League after another injury-plagued season at Double-A Binghamton. Martinez was batting .323 with four home runs, 19 RBIs and a .382 on-base percentage in 28 games for Leones del Escogido. Compared with his .282 average for the B-Mets, along with eight homers in 86 games, Martinez appears ready for a breakthrough season DocTee Dec 04 2008 02:04 PM SF finally gets their man: Edgar Renteria, 2 years, $18.5 million Busy off-season for the G-men: Renteria, Howry and Affeldt and now, apparently, maybe Sabathia Frayed Knot Dec 04 2008 02:23 PM House-cleaning Pads deal rapidly-declining Khalil Green to the Cards Russel Branyan signs with Seattle John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2008 02:27 PM Jack Wilson reportedly traded to Detroit Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 02:28 PM Tough couple of minutes for talented but enigmatic white shortstops. smg58 Dec 04 2008 02:28 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 04 2008 02:29 PM You can't fault the Giants for being aggressive when everybody else is cautious. Affeldt is a very nice pickup for two years. Howry I'm not so sure about; they already have a deeper pen than people realize, and Sergio Romo is a guy to watch. (PS I wonder what the Giants would want for Romo.) As for Renteria, it depends on which version shows up. But even the 2008 version is an upgrade at the position, so they don't have a whole lot to lose. I certainly wouldn't fault them for going after Sabathia, either. You get the sense he's waiting for somebody to at least try and compete with the Yankees. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2008 02:29 PM You're really into Jack Wilson, aren't you. metirish Dec 04 2008 02:29 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":30uw5ppo]Jack Wilson reportedly traded to Detroit[/quote:30uw5ppo] Don't go posting "Jackie Wilson Said " now. Valadius Dec 04 2008 02:49 PM Jack Wilson is the single ugliest player in professional baseball. soupcan Dec 04 2008 02:58 PM 'What you talkin' 'bout, Vlad?' Valadius Dec 04 2008 03:59 PM seawolf17 Dec 04 2008 05:15 PM Currently, yes. All-time, he's not even in the Top Ten. Nymr83 Dec 04 2008 05:30 PM Aren't you forgetting someone? Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 05:58 PM Johnny Dickshot is the only guy in the BB-r.com database with the nickname "Ugly." seawolf17 Dec 04 2008 06:42 PM ="Nymr83"]Aren't you forgetting someone? Nymr83 Dec 04 2008 08:06 PM theres no need to post a second picture of the guy... metirish Dec 05 2008 06:58 AM From the Snooze ] The Braves made their first proposal to Burnett Thursday, according to sources, offering him a four-year deal worth roughly $64 million with a vesting option for a fifth year based on the number of innings pitched. The Yankees, Blue Jays and Orioles are still interested in Burnett, but the fifth-year option may be enough to put the Braves over the top. Good luck to them with that. Benjamin Grimm Dec 05 2008 07:19 AM How far away are the Braves from being a contender? From what I recall of last year, they have some doin' to do before I'm going to start worrying about them. In other Hot Stove news, SNY's Mets Hot Stove Report is going to air four (count 'em, four!) live shows next week from the winter meetings. Apparently they're expecting a lot of fast-breaking news, but it's possible that this might be Geraldo Rivera and Al Capone's vault all over again. Valadius Dec 05 2008 07:28 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":e413zzsl]This might be Geraldo Rivera and Al Capone's vault all over again.[/quote:e413zzsl] I think I missed that one. What happened there? Benjamin Grimm Dec 05 2008 07:29 AM Sometimes I forget how old I am. The Al Capone thing was from before you were born, Val. Here's Wiki's article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Capone%27s_Vault Valadius Dec 05 2008 07:35 AM Wow. How did Geraldo Rivera maintain any credibility whatsoever after that? Not like Fox News has any credibility, but still. Edgy DC Dec 05 2008 07:37 AM "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vault was a one-time live American television special broadcast in syndication in April 1986 hosted by Geraldo Rivera." One time? Somebody's forgetting Rivera's opening of the Andrea Doria vault. soupcan Dec 05 2008 08:01 AM I remember that - all the hype about the vault. Then, the vault is opened and Geraldo's looking inside and...... There's nothing there! Too funny. Benjamin Grimm Dec 05 2008 08:07 AM I remember a quote from Geraldo, years later, that went something like, "If only there was SOMETHING in that damn vault!" I was hoping the Wiki article would include that quote, but it didn't. He had major egg on his face for quite a while after that. It was, as soupcan said, very funny. metirish Dec 06 2008 05:54 PM Olney reports that Furcal turned down a take it or leave four year deal from Oakland worth $35 million-$40 million. What market does he think is out there for him? Valadius Dec 06 2008 09:23 PM Last year's economy? seawolf17 Dec 09 2008 07:16 PM One of my favorite players on the move, as Ryan Freel and two prospects go to Baltimore for catcher Ramon Hernandez. metirish Dec 09 2008 07:18 PM My sources are telling me that the MFY's will better the Braves money for Burrnett and go the extra year. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 08:03 AM This, from esspin: ]Minaya: Mets interested in re-signing Pedro, plan to meet with agent The New York Mets are interested in retaining Pedro Martinez and plan to meet with the Dominican pitcher's agent, GM Omar Minaya informed ESPNdeportes.com. "We have interest in him. We're going to talk to his agent when we have the opportunity," Minaya said Tuesday, the second day of the winter meetings. Minaya said that he has not yet scheduled a formal meeting with Fernando Cuza, Martinez's agent, or Martinez. Martinez, however, said he isn't ready to start thinking about where he wants to play next season. "I've said it previously and I have said to my agents that they do not speak to me of contracts until January," Martinez said Tuesday. Martinez, 37, also likely won't decide whether to pitch for the Dominican Republic in next year's World Baseball Classic until he reaches a contract agreement with a major league team. The three-time Cy Young winner endured the worst season of his 16-year career in 2008. Martinez went 5-6 and 5.61 ERA in 20 outings and was affected by various injuries and personal problems. Why? Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 08:08 AM Because if you can get him cheap, he's a veteran pitcher you can have in the mix as a fallback if Niese isn't ready. It would be a mistake to sign him, at any price, and pencil him in to the rotation. But having him hanging out there as an option isn't a bad idea. He does have an upside; if he has a bounceback year then you really have something. But you can't count on that happening and hopefully the Mets won't. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 08:10 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]Because if you can get him cheap, he's a veteran pitcher you can have in the mix as a fallback if Niese isn't ready. It would be a mistake to sign him, at any price, and pencil him in to the rotation. But having him hanging out there as an option isn't a bad idea. He does have an upside; if he has a bounceback year then you really have something. But you can't count on that happening and hopefully the Mets won't. If he's cheap (which I doubt) and if you could bench him if he stunk (which would be tricky), it's not a bad insurance plan. I don't think the answer to either of those ifs will work in the team's interest, though. DocTee Dec 10 2008 11:23 AM Alan Embree to Colorado, lessening their need for a LOOGY and kiboshing the proposed Heiman/Feliciano for Street swap. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 11:44 AM Well that's good for us in the sense that Omah was holding back on including Feliciano in the first place. Now he can throw in Duaner Sanchez instead and call it a dealeeeo. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 12:56 PM Rumor has it that the Mets and Dodgers are discussing Juan Pierre. (Seems to be coming from Fox Sports.) Word is that the Dodgers would have to eat a big chunk of Pierre's contract in order to move him. The Mets have a guy like that... Would the Dodgers have any use at all for Castillo? If so, then maybe the two teams could trade headaches. Frayed Knot Dec 10 2008 12:58 PM I'd rather have Castillo than Pierre sharpie Dec 10 2008 01:04 PM Agreed. I'd hate to waste an outfield spot on a speed-only guy. Valadius Dec 10 2008 01:10 PM What the hell do we need Pierre for? We have a center fielder. HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 01:10 PM Good lord, Juan Pierre and Pedro? Haven't they already met their quota of guys who suck? Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 01:14 PM Pierre is useful if Endy is already ticketed as part of another package. Other than that, he can revitatlize our long-since-interrupted Outfielders from Mobile, tradition, and maybe cancel some of the kharmic dept for trading Amos Otis. He puts the bat on the ball witout GiDPing. But he's looking a lot like a pinch-runner on the wrong side of 30. HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 01:16 PM ="Edgy DC":1vw8dz0f]Pierre is useful if Endy is already ticketed as part of another package.[/quote:1vw8dz0f] But if reports are true that the Mets don't want to venture too far over last year's payroll, I wouldn't want to add on his contract. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 01:17 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":g0bx2ilm]Word is that the Dodgers would have to eat a big chunk of Pierre's contract in order to move him.[/quote:g0bx2ilm] HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 02:36 PM I'm still on the negative side of meh with him. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 02:55 PM Well, you sure don't see me tossing my pom-poms in the air. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 02:58 PM Me neither. Pierre and Castillo made a nice pair on the 2002 Marlins, but that was a long time ago. Remember how they used to abuse Piazza? Almost unfair. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 03:00 PM What I wonder, though, is if trading Castillo for Pierre would make the Mets more willing to spend to upgrade at second base. It doesn't really make any sense, but it's possible that they might see it that way. (They'd still be increasing the payroll, but at least they wouldn't be paying Castillo to sit on the bench. And maybe they'd get something out of Pierre. Or at least, more than they expect from Castillo.) Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 03:40 PM Luis Castillo is a useful major leaguer who happens to be overpaid. Juan Pierre is a useless major leaguer who happens to be overpaid. Castillo is a below average second baseman who can't slug. Pierre's a terrible center fielder (or an average left fielder) who can't hit. Endy Chavez is a better player than Juan Pierre. Almost all major leaguers are better players than Juan Pierre. The one thing he can do is steal bases, and he's not very good at that. Here are his CS% numbers, per year, for his career: 01 27% 02 20% 03 24% 04 38% 05 23% 06 26% 07 19% 08 23% For is career, that's 25%, the break-even point. If he's even a little bit off his career average, he's a liability on the base paths. Pierre is exactly the kind of player you can't hand to a manager. He has a reputation as a good defender, a leadoff type hitter and, perhaps, a "winner." Managers give these kind of players way too many plate appearances and innings in the field based on reputation while the team's performance suffers. bmfc1 Dec 10 2008 07:37 PM From Ken Rosenthal, tonight: 8:46 p.m. � Mets trying to land M's Putz The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez � and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West. J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources. Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez. metirish Dec 10 2008 07:38 PM Can I get a WOW? metirish Dec 10 2008 07:42 PM From KR 9:32 p.m. � Source: Tigers to aqcuire Edwin Jackson The Detroit Tigers are set to acquire right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Matt Joyce, according to a major-league source. Tampa Bay, with David Price on the way, had a surplus of starting pitching. Jackson, 25, was 14-11 this year with a 4.25 ERA. In exchange the Rays get a 24-year-old, left-handed-hitting corner outfielder who hit 12 homers in 242 at-bats. -- Ed Price metirish Dec 10 2008 07:42 PM ="bmfc1":3tnm13me]From Ken Rosenthal, tonight: 8:46 p.m. � Mets trying to land M's Putz The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez � and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West. J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources. Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.[/quote:3tnm13me] Just so this is not lost on the last page. Gwreck Dec 10 2008 07:55 PM Putz is extremely valuable but won't come cheap: $5 million for '09 and $8.6 million club option for '10 (with a $1M buyout). The other 3 players combined make less than $4 million. I think we'd miss Chavez a lot. HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 07:56 PM I'd love to know how he would feel about going from a closer to a setup guy. Would hate to bring him in only to have him griping about his role. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 08:00 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 10 2008 08:12 PM Chavez isn't going to help us if he hits like he did last year. I love him and all. Meantime I think three guys are all you wanna surrender for a single reliever, especially one coming off a poor season like Putz (edit - poor for him). seawolf17 Dec 10 2008 08:09 PM Heilman, Chavez, Carp for Putz? Yes. Heilman, Chavez, Carp and Joe Smith for Putz? No. smg58 Dec 10 2008 08:36 PM I'd be worried about trusting workhorse innings to a guy coming off a serious injury, but when he's healthy Putz is as good a reliever as anybody. And the Mets do not appear to be giving up anybody they might miss. The Mets need a righthanded reserve outfielder more than they'd need Chavez. I'd make sure JJ gets a thorough physical, but if he passes, I'm for it. metirish Dec 11 2008 07:30 PM davidoff ] The Mets reopened trade discussions with the Cubs Thursday about acquiring Staten Island native Jason Marquis, according to SI.com. Marquis has a hefty salary -- he will earn $9.5 million this season -- but Minaya could dump Scott Schoeneweis ($3.6M) on Chicago to accomplish another one of Minaya's goals of addition by subtraction. It worked with Heilman. One thing about these meetings I find interesting is that every year various baseball types go there looking for a gig , from prominent free agents to former players, I read that Bobby Meacham is there selling himself as is Lee Mazzilli. metirish Dec 11 2008 07:57 PM Minaya on getting more offense. ] "Before I start moving my dollars to offense, I have to move my dollars to pitching," the GM said."Last year was very simple guys. We had 20 blown saves. We scored the runs." smg58 Dec 12 2008 04:49 AM ="metirish"]davidoff ] The Mets reopened trade discussions with the Cubs Thursday about acquiring Staten Island native Jason Marquis, according to SI.com. Marquis has a hefty salary -- he will earn $9.5 million this season -- but Minaya could dump Scott Schoeneweis ($3.6M) on Chicago to accomplish another one of Minaya's goals of addition by subtraction. It worked with Heilman. Marquis' ERA+ last year (99) was comparable with those of Perez (100) and Maine (101). I might try to be ambitious here, offering Anderson, Feliciano, and a second-tier prospect for Marquis and Mike Fontenot. We'd take on more money, but we'd fill two needs and keep the Cubs from revisting sending DeRosa to the Phillies if the Peavy deal gets resurrected. But Schoeneweis for Marquis would be a perfectly acceptable fallback. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 12 2008 05:07 AM I'm not that enamored with Marquis. MFY fan, you know. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 06:26 AM All this talk about Marquis and Pierre makes me think Omar loves Frenchies. bmfc1 Dec 12 2008 07:06 AM Marquis is a fine #5 pitcher, perhaps a 4, but nothing more than that. He's a SOB which might be good at stretch time. We (sadly) know that he can hit. (For what it's worth, he's also a NYker and a M.O.T.) I hope this gets done. Phillies got Ibanez which means that Burrell goes elsewhere. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 12 2008 07:33 AM ="bmfc1":2vohih50]Marquis is a fine #5 pitcher, perhaps a 4, but nothing more than that. He's a SOB which might be good at stretch time. We (sadly) know that he can hit. (For what it's worth, he's also a NYker and a M.O.T.) I hope this gets done. Phillies got Ibanez which means that Burrell goes elsewhere.[/quote:2vohih50] See now right there's a reason to not part with Shoeneweis, if you needed one. Phils are going to be even more loaded with LH hitting than last year. I think maybe the Mets go get Burrell, what do you say? He's streaky and a bit of a dumb jock but he hits, he's righty and it sticks it the Phils (he's definitely better than Ibanez). I suppose Marquis would be alright near the end of the rotation but I'd hate for them to be fighting to get their money's worth with him. Benjamin Grimm Dec 12 2008 07:45 AM I don't have a problem with Marquis being a four or five pitcher; that's pretty much what the Mets are looking for anyway. It would be nice to get someone who would be number 2, and bump Maine and Pelfrey each down a slot, but that's not all that realistic. I too have been thinking about Burrell as a Met. (I've always seen him as a future Met; they tend to get guys who've hurt them, even if it's not until they've passed their prime.) If they do sign him, I suppose their five-man outfield is Beltran, Church, Burrell, Tatis, and Murphy. (Evans and Reed to Buffalo.) I'd be a little concerned with Murphy not getting enough playing time, but I imagine he'd find his spots. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 07:47 AM Ryan Howard, who Marty Noble insists was the MVP last year, went a m odest .219 / .313 / .479 // .792 vs the Mets last year. If you've got to decide which lefty to keep, consider that he didn't reach base once against Feliciano in seven plate appearances (four Ks), while Schoeneweis was perfect against him in five confrontations, with two Ks. Wait, that doesn't help at all. Um, Schoenewess came out on top in his one matchup with Ibanez last year, while Feliciano didn't see and Raul action. But that only makes them more even. Eeny, meeny, miny, mo. seawolf17 Dec 12 2008 07:56 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":11ubw6yw]I too have been thinking about Burrell as a Met. (I've always seen him as a future Met; they tend to get guys who've hurt them, even if it's not until they've passed their prime.) If they do sign him, I suppose their five-man outfield is Beltran, Church, Burrell, Tatis, and Murphy. (Evans and Reed to Buffalo.) I'd be a little concerned with Murphy not getting enough playing time, but I imagine he'd find his spots.[/quote:11ubw6yw] I'd still rather have Dunn than Burrell, but I'd take Burrell in a second. I'm concerned about Murphy getting overexposed; give him 250 ABs in a part-time role and let him earn his stripes again. MFS62 Dec 12 2008 07:59 AM Speaking of Ibanez, the Phillies just signed him to a three year, $30 million contract. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=376426 8 Too bad. I think he would have been a great pickup for the Mets. Later Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:07 AM Head, slammed through wall. Rockin' Doc Dec 12 2008 08:28 AM If the Mets could pick up Pat Burrell for reasonable termsd, I would be okay with that. The Mets need a corner outfielder and some right handed power to help balance the line up. Burrell would accomplish both. Murphy could still get reps as the fourth outfielder, possible spot starter at second base and the top lefty bat off the bench. Tatis would be the top righty bat off the bench while serving as a back up in LF and the corner infield spots. The only problem I see with that plan is with Endy gone, there is no one to serve as a late inning defensive substitute in LF unless Jeremy fills that role. That, however would be too many outfielders and someone (likely Murphy or Reed) would have to go elsewhere (Buffalo). Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:32 AM Marlon, I think, is not long for this town. Benjamin Grimm Dec 12 2008 08:33 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2d4wl6of]If the Mets could pick up Pat Burrell for reasonable termsd, I would be okay with that. The Mets need a corner outfielder and some right handed power to help balance the line up. Burrell would accomplish both. Murphy could still get reps as the fourth outfielder, possible spot starter at second base and the top lefty bat off the bench. Tatis would be the top righty bat off the bench while serving as a back up in LF and the corner infield spots. The only problem I see with that plan is with Endy gone, there is no one to serve as a late inning defensive substitute in LF unless Jeremy fills that role. That, however would be too many outfielders and someone (likely Murphy or Reed) would have to go elsewhere (Buffalo).[/quote:2d4wl6of] Yes. Right now the fifth outfielder spot appears to be a competition between Evans and Reed. If a Burrell or Dunn were signed, the competition would be over and both of those outfielders would end up in Buffalo. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:37 AM Evans is going to Buffalo. Marlon is going to Arizona. The Mets have a big fat slot waiting for a big fat outfielder to fill it. MFS62 Dec 12 2008 08:44 AM ="Edgy DC":3pbxjx7s]Evans is going to Buffalo. Marlon is going to Arizona. The Mets have a big fat slot waiting for a big fat outfielder to fill it.[/quote:3pbxjx7s] Well, Dmitri Young wasn't tendered and is a free agent. He certainly fills the "big fat" parts of that slot. Later Gwreck Dec 12 2008 09:40 AM ="Edgy DC":1wn8w6gz]Head, slammed through wall.[/quote:1wn8w6gz] Rollins Ibanez Utley Howard Werth Victorino Dobbs/Feliz Ruiz Ouch. Only consolation is that it's a left-heavy lineup. Centerfield Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM Ibanez basically replaces Burrell's production. Meaning the Phils will return a very similar lineup to last year's. Mark Texiera still available. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM I'm slamming my head through a wall because of the proliferation of posting without reading. smg58 Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM Evans belongs at Buffalo playing first base. With Carp gone and Delgado in his walk year, he should be getting full-time AB's at his best position. The Mets need more lefthanded pitching. Burrell might not be better than Ibanez when you factor in ballparks. But both might hurt (might have hurt, in Ibanez' case) the Mets defensively more than they'd help offensively. The Mets absolutely need another righthanded bat in the outfield, but not at a cost that's disproportionate to the benefit. sharpie Dec 12 2008 10:24 AM Ibanez is a pretty good fielder, certainly not a guy you have to take out in the late innings. TransMonk Dec 12 2008 03:13 PM Looks like the Yanks will overpay for Burnett[/url:3vyw4v5q] rather than overpay for Lowe. Holy wallets. Valadius Dec 12 2008 03:47 PM Good. Burnett breaks down virtually every year. metirish Dec 12 2008 04:33 PM Of all the crazy things , I guess they won the bidding war again. Frayed Knot Dec 13 2008 06:50 AM So the Yanx had themselves a 1/4 Billion dollar week. Or, as they say in the Bronx, a good starting point. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 13 2008 06:58 AM Here's hoping Burnett is even a bigger bust than Pavano. He's apparently a bigger idiot, and already a bigger injury risk. smg58 Dec 13 2008 08:27 AM The non-tenders are headed rather shockingly by ex-Met Ty Wigginton, after a very strong year with the bat. He's not that good defensively in the infield, but I have to think it had more to do with money. I also can't imagine that none of the teams in the market for a third baseman (the Twins, the Indians, the Giants) wouldn't have given him a look. I've always thought Ty could be the 10th man on a good team, and the Mets have room for him (as primarily an outfielder), but somebody might still pay him a starter's salary. Other noteworthy non-tenders include Chris Capuano (still recovering from TJS but might be worth a long-term look) and Takaishi Saito (his worth depends entirely on the status of his elbow). The only Met I saw was Argenis Reyes. If that's it, that would mean that Stokes (a good move) and Robinson Cancel (a bit surprising, unless they know they can move one of the other catchers) are staying on the 40. Nymr83 Dec 13 2008 12:59 PM i would LOVE to bring Wiggy back as a bench player, he has the pop that this bench needs and can play 2B/3B when needed (though not necessarily well) Valadius Dec 13 2008 01:20 PM I'd plug Wiggy into Easley's spot in a heartbeat. OlerudOwned Dec 13 2008 02:47 PM I'm a lot happier with Ibanez in Philly than as a Met, especially at 3 years. Keith Law calls it "absurd[/url:20pumd9t]." Ashie62 Dec 14 2008 06:30 PM What about Burrell for an everyday LF and Jon Garland as an SP? Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 07:37 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 14 2008 07:48 PM ="Valadius":2u4mpb0q]I'd plug Wiggy into Easley's spot in a heartbeat.[/quote:2u4mpb0q] We'll be competing to buy him as a super-sub against teams looking for a starting thirdbaseman. You'd probably have to be thinking of him as your starting secondbaseman when you sign him. Aaron Miles, meanwhile got non-tendered. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 14 2008 07:47 PM Besides Easley's role also included backing up Reyes at SS and Wiggy is an unrealistic option there. Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 07:56 PM Miles plays everywhere, shortstop (and mopup pitcher) included. He's pretty similar from both sides of the plate. He can take lefties away from Castillo (against whom Luis is historically weaker), pressing him for the full-time job, backup at shortstop, and fill in elsewhere as needed. He's pretty analogous to Super Joe, with a little more average and a little less power, but has more starting experience and is less likely to be over-exposed by over-use. Ashie62 Dec 15 2008 04:19 AM Miles would come cheap and would be a rich mans superjoe I'd prefer Wiggy cause he can play anything..maybe even left or RF when Murphy or Church have problems Don't we need to focus on a full-time outfielder? Relying on Church & Murphy for 150 games seems a stretch. I'd love Burrell..surly as he is and as far as a SP goes..wait til Most of The A pitchers go and go after Sheets or Garland. metirish Dec 15 2008 06:55 AM Alex Cora was again mentioned in a report today. smg58 Dec 15 2008 07:24 AM Miles is another player who would be an upgrade over Castillo. He has similar hitting numbers to Castillo from a few years ago. He's also at least average with the glove, which Castillo can no longer say. He'd be worth bringing in for something like two years and $5M, although I might go higher than that if there are no other viable 2B options. He's not Orlando Hudson, but he could present significant value. I'd be willing to go 2 years and $6M for Wigginton's services, even if I could only guarantee him starts against lefties (in the outfield). Somebody like him or Juan Rivera would boost our bench, enable us to platoon Ryan Church, and provide cover if something goes wrong with Murphy, Church, or Delgado. I'm not sure that would be enough, but nobody jumped at the chance to trade for him. Edgy DC Dec 15 2008 07:35 AM Unless and until Castillo and/or Delgado are dealt, we've got to be thinking shortstopability in our next infielder. MFS62 Dec 15 2008 07:45 AM ="Edgy DC":1omuczeq]Unless and until Castillo and/or Delgado are dealt, we've got to be thinking shortstopability in our next infielder.[/quote:1omuczeq] I agree. B'sides, if the Mets sign Cora, we might be subjected to pictures of him with his brother. I'd get flashbacks of images of Joe Torre and his sister. Hide the eyes of the chill'uns. Miles gets my vote. Later MFS62 Dec 15 2008 08:54 AM Righthander Chan Ho Park said in a press conference in Seoul today that he has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Phillies. According to the Korea Times, Park, 35, will have a base salary of $2.5 million with incentives that could push the total package to $5 million. There had been reports that the Phillies were close to coming to terms with Park to improve their bullpen. However, the pitcher said he opted for the Phillies in part because they viewed him as a starter. �I was a little worried about the Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies, which is hitter-friendly,� he said. "But as they considered me a starter, I signed with Philadelphia.� http://www.philly.com/philly/b...l_for_Park.html Later Frayed Knot Dec 15 2008 05:29 PM The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either. Centerfield Dec 15 2008 07:32 PM It was me. I had some extra money lying around and I figured, "Oh what the hell." themetfairy Dec 15 2008 07:37 PM ="Centerfield":38yhgguz]It was me. I had some extra money lying around and I figured, "Oh what the hell."[/quote:38yhgguz] I love you, Man. Your posts always make me laugh. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 15 2008 08:19 PM ="Frayed Knot":uz2je510]The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either.[/quote:uz2je510] Go, Theo, go. Frayed Knot Dec 16 2008 06:36 AM Phils re-up 95 y/o Jamie Moyer for 2 years. OK, he's really only 46. Fman99 Dec 16 2008 06:40 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2wijd3xl]="Frayed Knot":2wijd3xl]The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either.[/quote:2wijd3xl] Go, Theo, go.[/quote:2wijd3xl] I would not be surprised if Houston was the team not being mentioned. He pitched well down there for them and they don't have a whole lot of starting pitching depth after Oswalt. Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 06:46 AM I'm OK with Pedro. I said it. Just, you know, sign a bunch of other guys also. Farmer Ted Dec 16 2008 08:51 AM I have no problem with Petey in the #5 slot to start the season. I'm more worried with the durability of Maine and whether the other teams catch up with Pelfry's stuff. metsguyinmichigan Dec 16 2008 09:28 AM Any day the Phils resign Jamie Moyer and add Chan Ho Park is a good day for us! Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 09:31 AM The Phils trying to get two more years out of an ancient lefty strikes me as one more good reason for us to Burrell up. DocTee Dec 19 2008 09:14 AM Knucksie in Dixie: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/18/SPMQ14QQMI.DTL John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2008 09:31 AM Never made any sense to me that Lance Neikro wasn't a knuckleballer to begin with. IIRC, he had a big hit vs. the Mets (was it a game-winning HR or something?) when he first came up with the Giants and I naturally assumed he was on his way to major stardom. Fman99 Dec 21 2008 10:55 AM Fireballer Daniel Cabrera goes to the Nats, 1 year, 2.6 million. Valadius Dec 21 2008 10:55 AM Ha, good luck with that. Guy's a head case. Fman99 Dec 21 2008 10:57 AM ="Valadius":2pz740g9]Ha, good luck with that. Guy's a head case.[/quote:2pz740g9] I think people were saying that about Ollie Perez before the Pirates sent him to us. Talented, strikeout pitcher, control issues, high ERA, etc. metsguyinmichigan Dec 21 2008 10:29 PM OK, now both the Angels and the Red Sox say they're not going after Texiera anymore. Has Boras finall pushed people over the edge, or is this all just negotiating ploys? Frayed Knot Dec 22 2008 07:05 AM The Angels are claiming that their offer is "off the table" and that there'll be no further negotiating - which at least doesn't sound like a ploy. Boston, for its part, isn't claiming that, only that they think they're not going to be his choice due to other teams raising their offers beyond where they're willing to go. That leaves Teixeira in the position of either taking Boston's "low" offer or going the Baltimore/Washington route which kind of flies in the face of his 'I wanna be a contendah' pledge. Supposedly this was going to be wrapped up by Xmas but it wouldn't be the first time Boras has over-played his hand. Benjamin Grimm Dec 22 2008 07:07 AM There's still Baltimore and Washington. Boras isn't quite out of options yet. metsguyinmichigan Dec 22 2008 07:19 AM Speaking of Boras... Murray Chass MurrayChass.com Now that CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett have signed, other pitchers on the free-agent list are expected to follow. Derek Lowe is probably next on the list in terms of interest, but the interest has been all talk and no offers. His agent's asking price is said to be the reason. Scott Boras has told clubs he wants Barry Zito money for the 35-year-old Lowe, which means $18 million a year. Clubs interested in Lowe have not rushed forward with such offers. The slow-moving market may be just what the Mets want. ...Barry Zito isn't worth Barry Zito money. But Derek Lowe? Is he nuts? Edgy DC Dec 22 2008 01:44 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 22 2008 02:20 PM I'm not sure I'd support the Mets spending $18 million a year for two Derek Lowes. Valadius Dec 22 2008 02:04 PM The MOST I'd spend on Derek Lowe is $8 million a year. $18 million is beyond rationality. Willets Point Dec 22 2008 03:01 PM Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone. MFS62 Dec 23 2008 07:36 AM ="Willets Point":2bf2t6s1]Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone.[/quote:2bf2t6s1] Are you saying this because he associates with Scott Boras? Or is there something else you know about him? Later smg58 Dec 23 2008 11:23 AM Guys who can consistently give you 200+ IP with 15 wins and a sub-4 ERA are worth plenty more than 8 million. I wouldn't go four years with Lowe, on account of his age, but I'd much rather have him than Ollie. Willets Point Dec 23 2008 03:04 PM ="MFS62":3rvs0psj]="Willets Point":3rvs0psj]Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone.[/quote:3rvs0psj] Are you saying this because he associates with Scott Boras? Or is there something else you know about him? Later[/quote:3rvs0psj] Just a joke about Lowe's rumored love of the drink. Valadius Dec 26 2008 09:01 PM Randy Johnson will pursue his 300th win as a San Francisco Giant. Nymr83 Dec 27 2008 01:15 AM he could it be cutting it close with the type of run support the giants give their starters. he needs 5 wins, it took Matt Cain all year to get 8 wins for the Giants with an ERA+ the same as Johnson's last year. Frayed Knot Dec 27 2008 05:08 AM 'Randy Johnson is a Giant' is somewhat of a redundant headline. He's probably been called that since he was in the 4th grade. On the other hand, there must have been plenty in in the Castro district of SF who were excited to hear that someone called 'The Big Unit' was coming to their city. DocTee Dec 27 2008 09:16 AM FK with a late entry for post o' the year. The Giants have had a nice offseason (Renteria, Affeldt, Howry, Johnson) and if local rumors of them adding Adam Dunn are correct, they could be players in a weak West. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 27 2008 09:19 AM I agree. You can definitely quibble with the wisdom of a team's particular moves but I like to see franchises who've had bad years making a bunch of moves in the offseason, whether they are effective or not. Like the Giants... and the MFYs... Frayed Knot Dec 27 2008 03:49 PM X-Rockie, X-Astro OFer Wily Tavarez signs a two-year deal with Cincy. He's good at stealing bases and also .... ummmm, I'll think of something. And Kevin Mensch heads for Japan. The Japanese just might get a look at his monsterously huge head and add a second rising sun to their flag. I think that thing has its own gravitational pull. Frayed Knot Dec 29 2008 07:20 AM Penny for your Sox ... Brad Penny to Boston for 1 yr/$5mil -- pending a physical which could yet throw a wrench into the works. As mentioned elsewhere, this could keep them from chasing the likes of Lowe, Wolf, Ollie, etc. thus reducing the demand pool by one more team. Benjamin Grimm Dec 31 2008 11:20 AM This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. smg58 Dec 31 2008 12:29 PM The Cubs sign Aaron Miles for two years, then trade DeRosa to the Indians for three low level (not even top 20) prospects. At least it's not the Phillies, but that's one mild upgrade over Castillo and one significant upgrade who found takers at prices we could have afforded. Frayed Knot Dec 31 2008 12:30 PM Cubs 2B Mark DeRosa - long rumored as part of a Jake Peavy trade - dealt to Cleveland for a trio of minor league pitchers. smg58 Dec 31 2008 12:36 PM Fuentes got two years at $17.5M, plus a club option. Rotoworld says "Fuentes almost certainly took less money to play close to home," but I'm not sure who was competing with the Angels. Frayed Knot Jan 02 2009 05:47 AM Good news folks, Barry Bonds says that he should be fully recovered from the hip surgery he needs in time for opening day! Nymr83 Jan 02 2009 06:41 AM ="Frayed Knot":1xejc7ja]Good news folks, Barry Bonds says that he should be fully recovered from the hip surgery he needs in time for opening day![/quote:1xejc7ja] Better news- nobody really cares about him anymore, including it seems the GMs of all 30 teams. DocTee Jan 02 2009 04:46 PM Tony Clark returns to D-Baggs: 1 year, 800K. metirish Jan 02 2009 05:34 PM Watching MLB Network Hot Stove and they are reporting that San Francisco have offered Manny Ramirez a four year deal. Dodgers and A Jones have agreed to defer most of his money owed likely leading to him playing elsewhere. Scott Proctor to the Marlins for one year. Ashie62 Jan 03 2009 12:33 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2ytj1poh]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels.[/quote:2ytj1poh] This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker metsmarathon Jan 03 2009 12:40 PM ="Ashie62":hblnrkgs]Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker[/quote:hblnrkgs] i don't believe that for a second. Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 12:58 PM ="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. Kong76 Jan 03 2009 01:36 PM Maybe the three closer thing is the way to go after the last two seasons. Ashie62 Jan 05 2009 02:37 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. True..my impatience caused me to jump over Krod & Putz KP DOOTY...I'm just frustrated that the odds of landing a power corner and a decent SP , Sheets, Garland, Lowe..are diminishing and pray the Mets are not newly cash short Burrell has a rep for being a prick but if the Rays can land him at 16 million for 2 years I then wonder why the Mets wouldn't top that and not have to expect 150 games from Murphy and even let Murphy learn 2B at AAA as an experiment. smg58 Jan 05 2009 03:15 PM The Cubs apparently are giving 3 years and $30M to Milton Bradley. They expect him to play right field full time, even though he has had trouble staying in the lineup when he's been the DH. Given Burrell's deal and the fact that Abreu would have made much more sense for them, I really don't get this one. MFS62 Jan 05 2009 04:20 PM ="smg58":1gnuo0ct]The Cubs apparently are giving 3 years and $30M to Milton Bradley. They expect him to play right field full time, even though he has had trouble staying in the lineup when he's been the DH. Given Burrell's deal and the fact that Abreu would have made much more sense for them, I really don't get this one.[/quote:1gnuo0ct] Can't wait to see him go head-to-head with Pinella. Later smg58 Jan 07 2009 05:51 AM And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 06:20 AM ="smg58":162h2ehz]And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price.[/quote:162h2ehz] Makes ya crazy. Geez. I mean, about Hairston. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 07:18 AM Maybe Hairston gets a chance to start in Cincy and couldn't be sure of that here. Never did even hear a rumor of them looking at him though. Also: - Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 07:42 AM Andy Pettitte turns down one year and $10 million from the Yanks in a declining market. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 10:10 AM Yomiuri Giant Koji Uehara signs with Bal'more for two years. Reports say that he's the team's first Japanese player, but they forget Nippo-Hawaiian Len Sakata. Centerfield Jan 07 2009 10:41 AM Len was American. smg58 Jan 07 2009 10:58 AM ="Frayed Knot":2gsb44fr]- Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino[/quote:2gsb44fr] I'll laugh if Pavano gives the Indians 27 starts (i.e., more starts than he gave the MFY's in four years). The Marquis deal appears to leave Jorge de la Rosa out of the rotation in Colorado. I'd see what the asking price for him is; he finished very strongly last year, and he's at least as good as Tim Redding. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 11:01 AM ="Centerfield":biqnwx39]Len was American.[/quote:biqnwx39] As I said. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 12:00 PM From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly MFS62 Jan 07 2009 12:14 PM ="Frayed Knot":3hnipcdi]From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly[/quote:3hnipcdi] Pure insurance with Utley out for the early part of the year due to surgery. Later metirish Jan 07 2009 08:04 PM From MetsBlog Mike Fitzpatrick of the Associated Press believes the Mets have made an offer to free-agent RHP Tim Redding, who was 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts against the Phillies last season Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 08:56 PM I'll give Redding this: with one inning and six runs, he may be the worst performing Yankee ever. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 09:06 PM Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox. Rockin' Doc Jan 07 2009 10:03 PM If Rocco Baldelli can be reasonably healthy, he could be a great pick up for the Red Sox. I hope he is healthy and has a great season for the Sox. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:39 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3gx2svou]Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox.[/quote:3gx2svou] And quite possibly Smoltz too! Not official yet but several outlets are reporting it's 'bout a done deal. I guess they're promising him a starting job - don't think he would have jumped otherwise. Other reports have Trevor Hoffman going to the Brews ... although this is only one day after others had him headed to the Dodgers. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 07:46 AM Sort of a homecoming for Smoltz. Didn't he start his career with the Braves when they were still playing in Boston? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM No, the Tigers. Anywhoo, oughta soitenly remove Boston from the list of potential Lowe suitors (and cause me some concern too: Why don't any of Lowe's former employers want him back?) smg58 Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM The additions of Smoltz and Brad Penny probably take the Sox out of the discussions for Derek Lowe. Assuming Baldelli gets something like what Hairston got, I'd be a little annoyed that we didn't give him a look. We do need another righthanded bat. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:57 AM Yeah, I was half-hoping for Baldelli too. He's not a great player and has played fewer games in the last two seasons than Alou had in the two before we got him. But if this problem of his has finally been diagnosed correctly he could be a useful guy to have around. But Omar seems to be on this 'one problem at a time' schedule where nothing can even be talked about until the starter question is answered. metirish Jan 08 2009 08:01 AM Did bucket mis-read Ben's post? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 08:02 AM Yes. Yes I did. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 08:14 AM I almost did too because I sometimes confuse the Smoltz trade with the Bagwell one from Boston. The Smoltz from Detroit for Denny Alexander trade happened around the same era as Bagwell for Larry Anderson. Both were done for pennant push help and in each case the minor leaguers were home-town guys (Smoltz is from Mich, Bags from Conn) who turned into HoF possibilities. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 08:17 AM Doyle Alexander. Now Denny McLain or somebody is getting into the conflation. metirish Jan 08 2009 10:25 AM Looking at a potential nightmare with outfield defense the MFY's are apparently looking to trade Swisher and Nady. Yankees fielding offers for Nady, Swisher Posted by: Jon Heyman The Yankees are fielding trade offers for corner outfielders Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. There's been some speculation they might consider trading Hideki Matsui, too, but he has a full no-trade clause and is coming off knee surgery, so there's really no way to trade him. A logjam at the corners was created when the Yankees surprised a lot of folks and signed Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract. Swisher previously had been penciled in as the Yankees' first baseman but now becomes part of a crowded mix of accomplished corner outfielders. Swisher is a versatile player and can play some center field, as well. Some National League teams may be interested. However, Nady's trade value is higher after a better offensive season, so he may be just as likely to be dealt. Nady, acquired by the Yankees in a midseason trade with the Pirates, combined to hit .305 with 25 home runs and 97 RBIs for the year, while Swisher finished at .219 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs for the White Sox before being dealt to the Yankees after the season Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 02:09 PM i'd sure take Nady back, to split time with Church, Murphy and Delgado. But no way the Yanx trade him cross town. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:30 PM You leave Tatis out of that mix. Nady gives you what Tatis gives you, only more and probably better and definitely younger. Tatis' only advantage is playing third. I'd love a Nady around because I think the best way to get something like last year's productivity out of Tatis is to make him earn every at-bat. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 02:43 PM Maybe Murphy will do that, but I'm not counting on it. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:46 PM What's going down, and I think a lot of us feel it, is that a lot of things went kind of right in Omar's offense that could have easily gone wronger, and he's kind of seeming to kind of be counting on a lot of those same thingies to go right again. Fans be pessemistic creatures, of course. Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 03:21 PM Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard. attgig Jan 08 2009 03:29 PM ="Vic Sage":37m9y64n]Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard.[/quote:37m9y64n] and you have a wild card at 1b, so it's not even half a lineup. nobody has faith in schnied to produce offensively, and while castro COULD provide some pop, he just gets hurt too often (he must be the worst backup catcher in the league). 2b, nobody has faith in castillo, except he's saying all the right things. and Church... will his head be screwed on straight? it'll be an interesting few more weeks before spring training. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 03:35 PM I agree with Vic, including about left field, but I'd be okay with giving Murphy/Tatis a chance to shine again. But in doing that, you have to protect yourself by beefing up some of the other positions. And as yet, the Mets haven't done anything towards that end. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 07:12 PM Ramon Castro, not the worst backup catcher in the league. DocTee Jan 09 2009 09:42 AM John Smoltz, Red Sock. metirish Jan 09 2009 12:35 PM Swisher the Yanks' preferred candidate over Nady BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com January 9, 2009 In their current roster logjam, the Yankees would strongly prefer to trade Xavier Nady and retain Nick Swisher, a person familiar with the club's thinking said yesterday. General manager Brian Cashman has received more requests for Swisher than for Nady. With spring training more than a month away and the season opener just about three months away, however, there is no imperative to execute a quick trade. The Mets enjoyed having Nady on their club for the first four months of the 2006 season, and they inquired about him last July, when the Yankees wound up getting him from Pittsburgh. For now, however, the Mets are focused on their starting rotation and are not looking to acquire a bat either through free agency or through a trade. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 01:54 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 09 2009 02:02 PM Swisher switch-hits, and is better and more versatile defensively. He's also signed for the next few years which could be either good or bad depending on whether he regains his hitting from last season's off year. Nady is more likely to hit better (though walk less) and would only be for one year at a price to be determined by arbitration then would be a FA after that. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 09 2009 01:59 PM If we weren't already loaded with lefthanded hitting outfielders, I'd take Godzilla as a LH bench masher in the Franco/Staub mold. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 02:04 PM As long as the Cranks would pay 90% of the freight and expect nothing back in return, sure. (OK, maybe 70% with a throw-in going the other way would do) Ashie62 Jan 09 2009 05:10 PM I feel safe to say Tatis has had his middle aged career year..I wouldn't put too high a ceiling there. Daniel Murphy needs more seasoning and I still advocate a year at AAA to learn 2B Mr. Nady..wasn't he a Met who know has Yankee cooties? metirish Jan 11 2009 03:46 PM Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Fman99 Jan 11 2009 07:52 PM ="metirish"]Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Pedro really looked spent in 2008, after having a respectable September prior. I don't think he has much in the tank and I would not miss all the drama. Rockin' Doc Jan 11 2009 09:29 PM Marlins not interested in signing Pedro By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- Don't look for Pedro Martinez to wind up with the Marlins. A day after a report stated the Marlins were in the mix for the 37-year-old right-hander, a league source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday that Florida has zero interest. Reports in the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and SunSentinel also ruled out the possibility of Martinez joining the club. On Saturday night, a report on ESPNdeportes.com stated the Marlins had discussions with agent Fernando Cuza regarding Martinez. The report added Florida may have begun preliminary contract talks, and that the two sides were expected to continue talking this week. As of late Sunday afternoon, the Marlins were not considered a possible fit. Martinez has a home in Miami, and he has expressed privately a desire to pitch for the Marlins. On Monday, Cuza is expected to have discussions with the Mets about a possible return to New York. The right-hander also is expected to test the free-agent market. Hampered by injuries last year, Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts. He threw 109 innings. Working with minimal financial resources, the Marlins are looking for affordable free agents. The team did explore adding veteran Carl Pavano, who signed with the Indians. The Marlins are prepared to head into Spring Training with a rotation that includes Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez. Nolasco, eliglbe for arbitration, still has not signed. Florida continues to explore depth at catcher. The team is looking for low-priced options there. A free agent that could be a fit is Ivan Rodriguez, but only if his price tag continues to drop this month. Frayed Knot Jan 12 2009 07:01 AM IOW, the earlier story was an agent plant. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 08:20 AM Yeah, use the threat of the Daddy Warbucks Marlins to trigger a false bidding war. That's the ticket. Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:09 AM I think that Pedro had far more interest in the Marlins than they had in him. I believe that Pedro is desperate to play another season, but I don't think teams throughout the league are very interested in signing him. Pedro was once a dominant, HOF caliber pitcher, but he seems to be the one person that doesn't see how far removed from his former greatness he now is. metirish Jan 12 2009 11:17 AM If Pedro Martinez retired tomorrow he would surely be in the HOF at first ballot , wouldn't he? Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:21 AM I was not inferring that Pedro Martinez was not worthy of enshrinement in Coopperstown. He has had a tremendous career and was arguably one of the top 2 or 3 pitchers in MLB for several seasons. I would vote for him (if I had a vote) when his name comes up on the HOF ballot. I was simply stating that he is not nearly the dominant pitcher he once was. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 11:22 AM I think he's pretty aware of what happened last year. If he didn't still believe he could turn it around, he wouldn't be the great pitcher he is. What's more, I believe he could turn it around. In his prime, he had an unprecedented four killer pitches, so it's not like he was fastball-reliant. It's a matter of finding what he can do with what's left of his fastball and using it to complement the rest of his arsenal. That's a far ways from saying he will return to a productive level, but I'm certain he can. Glavine continued to pitch effectively with a powder puff fastball and a change. While his control was still very good, Pedro's has always been even better. And if I'm the Mets, I'm willing to spend some change to find out. Giving him Redding's money with an automatically vesting bonus year of $9 million if he gets 180 innings? Yeah, go for it. I'm certain he can do as well as Redding in 2009, and a damn fine bet to do better. The only thing Redding has over him is a better doctor's report. metirish Jan 12 2009 05:05 PM Michael Young wants out of Texas , can play 2nd base. I should add that Heyman just said on the Hot stove that he has %62 million left on his big contract. smg58 Jan 12 2009 05:22 PM Young's expensive, and the dropoff in his numbers over the past three years has been precipitous. Even if they took Castillo it would still be a $10M payroll hit, and he's just not that good anymore. Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 01:14 PM Dodgers reportedly to release Andruw before today is out Benjamin Grimm Jan 15 2009 01:52 PM Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year? Someone will be able to pick him up for minimum wage, and they may get a hell of a bargain at the Dodgers expense. metirish Jan 15 2009 01:56 PM Jones was on MLB Network the other night talking about how he would love to go back to the Braves. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 02:01 PM No doubt. metsmarathon Jan 15 2009 02:28 PM i'd give andruw a shot, for minimum wage... Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 05:45 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2v9kwf3v]Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year?[/quote:2v9kwf3v] I guess not enough of a chance in their minds to make carrying him all year worth it. They restructured his deal last week with a release in mind so I assume they're going to do similar thing to what we did with Bonilla (only on a much bigger scale): pay out the remainder over a long period to avoid getting hit with it all at once. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:34 AM The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting today that the Phillies are aggressively trying to sign Moises Alou. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:36 AM Would Alou be a starter there or would he be in a limited role , who's in the outfield there along with Ibanez?...Dobbs?....Victorino? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:37 AM Watch him hit .500 and stay healthy all year. Bastard. Frayed Knot Jan 23 2009 08:44 AM He wouldn't start there - but he'd be a potentially good RH bat off the bench for a predominately lefty hitting squad. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:51 AM The three options (Perez, Wolf, and Sheets) may be soon reduced to two: ="MLB.com":2t16pb69]The deep freeze that's been the Major League free-agent market this winter has shown indications a thaw is coming -- at least for starting pitchers. On the heels of the Mets reaching an apparent agreement on a Minor League deal with right-hander Freddy Garcia, it looks like the Dodgers have taken the inside track in the competition for lefty starter Randy Wolf's services. According to sources for FoxSports.com, Wolf could most likely be signed to a one or two-year deal. Wolf previously pitched for Los Angeles in 2007 and was 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA in a combined 33 starts last season for the Padres and Astros. FoxSports.com said Wolf would get less than the three-year, $28 million offer the pitcher turned down from Houston earlier this winter. [/quote:2t16pb69] metsguyinmichigan Jan 23 2009 08:57 AM Supposedly, Sheets is meeting with the Rangers. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Wolf turned down an offer for that much? , and I was thinking he could be had for a song on a one year deal. sharpie Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Fine. I actually saw Wolf pitch twice last year, at the only game I attended at MFY Stadium and at the game I attended at Petco. Both time he got shellacked. smg58 Jan 23 2009 09:34 AM There are a number of available starters who can give you at least a league average ERA, several of whom have the upside to do significantly better. Randy Wolf is not one of them. I see no point in pursuing a demonstrably inferior pitcher just because he's a lefty. Edgy DC Jan 23 2009 09:59 AM I don't think anybody but Wally Matthews is arguing that his leftiness is important, and Wally is only throwing that pitch to drum up "Mets Gotta Steal Pettitte" angles. Who do you have your eye on? metirish Jan 23 2009 08:11 PM Just turned over to MLB Network after watching "What Not To Wear" and heard Tom Verducci say that Perez is moving closer to signing with the Mets. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:59 PM Here's the source: Jon "Boras Boy" Heyman ]Mets extend offer to Perez, their top target The Mets have placed an offer on the table for free-agent lefthander Oliver Perez, SI.com has learned, and are hopeful to have an answer in coming days regarding their prime pitching target. The Mets are believed to have improved their original thought, which was for about $30 million over three years. But it isn't certain what their latest offer is. Perez remains the Mets' top choice for the final spot in their rotation, though the team has remained in contact with three other free-agent pitchers -- Randy Wolf, Jon Garland and Ben Sheets. They know they'd have competition for Wolf (Dodgers), Garland (Diamondbacks) and Sheets (Rangers, possibly Yankees) but aren't sure what other teams are competing for Perez. The Mets had been hopeful to land free agent Derek Lowe earlier but were surprised when the rival Braves outbid them by $24 million, landing Lowe with a $60-million, four-year contract. Perez, 27, is eight years younger than Lowe, though not quite as consistent. Mets GM Omar Minaya would love to import Perez, so the Mets are not likely to take one of the other pitchers unless he feels his chances for Perez are gone. Nymr83 Jan 24 2009 12:14 PM I hope "the mystery team" comes and raises perez's price too high so we can sign Sheets. Then Boras and Perez can admit there was no mystery team and we get both at a reduced rate! MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM If money is the issue, I'd like to see the Mets sign Sheets and with any Ollie Perez money left over, go out and sign Odalis Perez. His ERA was only .10 worse than Ollie's last year, is still only 32 years old, and probably be signed for far less money than any of the other names that have been in the press lately. Later MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM Oops. Dupe Sorry Later seawolf17 Jan 30 2009 01:00 PM Varitek back to Boston for one year, $5 million. Frayed Knot Jan 30 2009 02:36 PM Varitek's (read: Boras's) threat to sit out the season and/or retire didn't get the Sox to budge I see. Tek is one of several who turned down arbitration offers this winter only to wind up not only with a much smaller deal than arb would have snagged him but didn't get the multi-year deal either. Now it's hope you play well and the economy improves when you can do the same dance next year. Ashie62 Feb 02 2009 03:56 PM Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise? Fman99 Feb 02 2009 07:27 PM ="Ashie62":2t5ssjz6]Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise?[/quote:2t5ssjz6] .220 metirish Feb 02 2009 07:43 PM Is that his weight or his average? , sucks either way though. metirish Feb 04 2009 11:35 AM ]Left-hander Chase Wright was traded by the New York Yankees to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday for outfielder-catcher Eric Fryer. metirish Feb 07 2009 02:23 PM Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's. Rockin' Doc Feb 07 2009 05:10 PM metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones. MFS62 Feb 08 2009 07:35 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2e2xwbch]metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones.[/quote:2e2xwbch] B'sides, they couldn't have the signing photo op soon anyhow. They'd first have to send out Cecil Fielder's uni to have the seams let out to fit Jones. Later Frayed Knot Feb 08 2009 08:45 PM Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do. Fman99 Feb 09 2009 06:44 AM ="Frayed Knot":1zv55w66]Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do.[/quote:1zv55w66] Yeah, poor guy. My heart breaks for him. /sarcasm Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 07:07 AM It's not like he doesn't get to keep the 15 miills. Vic Sage Feb 09 2009 09:08 AM yeah, i mean basically he just got a raise! Frayed Knot Feb 09 2009 09:26 AM Sure, it just shows a helluva difference between what someone thought he was worth last year vs what they think he's worth barely a year later. How the mighty (and fat) have fallen.

="Frayed Knot":21wuft3z]Rays will NOT pick up their option on Cliff Floyd[/quote:21wuft3z] I wish he could pinch-hit, but he's worthless in that role. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 09:28 AM ="seawolf17":dlhmxhud]="Frayed Knot":dlhmxhud]Rays will NOT pick up their option on Cliff Floyd[/quote:dlhmxhud] I wish he could pinch-hit, but he's worthless in that role.[/quote:dlhmxhud] Yah. His caught looking to me was somehow way worse than Beltran's. seawolf17 Nov 04 2008 09:34 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2fo3jrac]="seawolf17":2fo3jrac]="Frayed Knot":2fo3jrac]Rays will NOT pick up their option on Cliff Floyd[/quote:2fo3jrac] I wish he could pinch-hit, but he's worthless in that role.[/quote:2fo3jrac] Yah. His caught looking to me was somehow way worse than Beltran's.[/quote:2fo3jrac] Me too, because it could have been avoided. He shouldn't have been up in that spot. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 09:37 AM ="seawolf17":n3xzl9sw]="John Cougar Lunchbucket":n3xzl9sw]="seawolf17":n3xzl9sw]="Frayed Knot":n3xzl9sw]Rays will NOT pick up their option on Cliff Floyd[/quote:n3xzl9sw] I wish he could pinch-hit, but he's worthless in that role.[/quote:n3xzl9sw] Yah. His caught looking to me was somehow way worse than Beltran's.[/quote:n3xzl9sw] Me too, because it could have been avoided. He shouldn't have been up in that spot.[/quote:n3xzl9sw] Stupid non-magical Mets. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 09:40 AM So that one "failed" PH AB is somehow proof that he's useless in that role for ever and ever afterward? seawolf17 Nov 04 2008 09:43 AM ="Frayed Knot":dx5gsmdf]So that one "failed" PH AB is somehow proof that he's useless in that role for ever and ever afterward?[/quote:dx5gsmdf] No, I'm going by that 5-for-39 over the last four seasons. I love Cliff, but I don't know if he fits right now. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2008 09:53 AM No, he doesn't. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 10:04 AM I'm not saying he fits here either - for a variety of reasons. But what I wouldn't do is use a handful of ABs to pronounce him as a lousy PH and reject him solely on that basis. Edgy DC Nov 04 2008 10:05 AM I agree. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2008 10:08 AM Yeah, I think he'd be an OK pinch hitter. I just think he'd be too one-dimensional, at his age, for the Mets roster. I'd rather have the spot taken by someone more versatile seawolf17 Nov 04 2008 10:09 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":201pvy0l]Yeah, I think he'd be an OK pinch hitter. I just think he'd be too one-dimensional, at his age, for the Mets roster. I'd rather have the spot taken by someone more versatile[/quote:201pvy0l] That's my point, just more eloquently put. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 10:10 AM ="Frayed Knot":23i4g8hz]I'm not saying he fits here either - for a variety of reasons. But what I wouldn't do is use a handful of ABs to pronounce him as a lousy PH and reject him solely on that basis.[/quote:23i4g8hz] I don't think anyone is. I just wanted to finmd a place to get in a thought I'd had. Cliff's whiff = underrated. Beltran's whiff = overrated. Edgy DC Nov 04 2008 10:44 AM Junichi Tawaza looks to be a potential big import. Here he is pitching for Nippon Oil, a coporate team that he's playing for after telling Japan teams not to draft him, because he wanted to play in the States. I guess that means there'll be no onerous posting fee. It doesn't mean he'll be any good, but the risk is lessened. Vic Sage Nov 04 2008 11:18 AM omar vizquel has been non-tendered. could/should we pursue him, as a UT IF? Is he ready for that transition? John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 11:22 AM He's like... old. metirish Nov 04 2008 11:23 AM If he was up for that I would take him on , he still has that glove. Vic Sage Nov 04 2008 11:26 AM yes, he's old. So he may just retire rather than be anybody's UT. But if he was willing he'd be an ideal guy on the bench, working with our younger players, playing SS and 2b, pinch-hitting and pinch-running. I'd rather him than A.Reyes, at this point. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2008 11:26 AM Me too. Argenis should spend 2009 in Buffalo. Gwreck Nov 04 2008 11:34 AM Not mentioned anywhere in the Cliff Floyd posts is that he didn't even play a single inning in the field in '08. He'll remain one of my favorite Mets regardless -- but I don't think we need him. I suspect Cliff retires. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 11:46 AM ="Vic Sage":33s8b7tk]yes, he's old. So he may just retire rather than be anybody's UT. But if he was willing he'd be an ideal guy on the bench, working with our younger players, playing SS and 2b, pinch-hitting and pinch-running. I'd rather him than A.Reyes, at this point.[/quote:33s8b7tk] A Reyes is worthless until he learns three other positions and I doubt he will. I can't see how Vizquel is any better a choice than Renteria for the same role, to bring up one guy we'd already discussed. Alex Cora did a nice job in a reserve SS role for the Red Sox last year and is a free agent. Jerry Hairston Jr. is a free agent and played all 3 OF, 2B, SS and 3B for the Reds last year and put up a (surprise) 125 OPS+. Bats right and is 6 years younger than Easley. Dude. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 11:52 AM Vizquel's only real value is as a SS and ours plays about 159x9 innings. Certainly not a PH, probably too old to be a PR. I'm sure he could play 2B but might not outhit the guy everyone wants to get rid of. Vic Sage Nov 04 2008 12:17 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":14x06nme]="Vic Sage":14x06nme]yes, he's old. So he may just retire rather than be anybody's UT. But if he was willing he'd be an ideal guy on the bench, working with our younger players, playing SS and 2b, pinch-hitting and pinch-running. I'd rather him than A.Reyes, at this point.[/quote:14x06nme] A Reyes is worthless until he learns three other positions and I doubt he will. I can't see how Vizquel is any better a choice than Renteria for the same role, to bring up one guy we'd already discussed. Alex Cora did a nice job in a reserve SS role for the Red Sox last year and is a free agent. Jerry Hairston Jr. is a free agent and played all 3 OF, 2B, SS and 3B for the Reds last year and put up a (surprise) 125 OPS+. Bats right and is 6 years younger than Easley. Dude.[/quote:14x06nme] my problem with Renteria is only that he's likely to still get a starter's position somewhere, including St.L. Vizquel is not. But he's still a better player than Cora, or other career backups. Hairston is a risk because of his injury history, but i like him. my point about Vizquel is only that we can't go into the season with A.Reyes as the UT/SS... until he learns to hit, as well as play other positions. While the bullpen, a 4th SPer, and maybe a LFer (if we don't trust Murphy) is obviously a higher off-season priority, the bench still has a hole in it worth mentioning. Edgy DC Nov 04 2008 12:35 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 05 2008 07:40 AM ="Frayed Knot":20nngahg]Vizquel's only real value is as a SS and ours plays about 159x9 innings.[/quote:20nngahg] Except when a sudden pop means he doesn't. If Vizquel's main value would be that insurance that an injury to Reyes won't leave us without a capable experienced big-league shortshop, that's not to be discounted. Peripheral value can be found in backing up at second, lending to Reyes whatever wisdom his experience can offer, and giving Santana the Venezuelan brotherness he might lose if Endy gets dealt. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 04 2008 12:39 PM Jerry. Hairston. Junior. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2008 03:46 PM Not a big surprise: AJ Burnett opts out of the final two years of his contract w/Toronto making himself a FA. The Jays got more medical bills than innings out of that deal No surprise at all: Yanx decline the final year option on Jason Giambi (to the tune of a $5mil buyout - heh, heh) and Carl Pavano making them both FAs smg58 Nov 04 2008 06:00 PM Hairston was a big asset to my fantasy team when he played, but he got hurt often. He also might want to go to a team that would guarantee him regular playing time and pay him accordingly. On the other hand, he might present good value as an everyday second baseman who could slide over if needed. I'm not sure I'd make him a top priority, but he's worth considering. Vizquel does still have a strong glove, but his .550 OPS is not a selling point. He might not be any better than Argenis at this point, and I see no point in paying for the name. Edgy DC Nov 05 2008 07:43 AM I'm remembering Giambi crying during an A-Rod slump that he was chasing pitches out of the strike zone to make up for A-Rod. Now he's cut loose like a deuce and Rodriguez is signed through the duration of the next Yankee Stadium. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 05 2008 08:47 AM The A's have hired Giambi's dealer, I mean, trainer in what's seen as an overture to bringing him back to Oakland. metirish Nov 05 2008 08:51 AM Snooze has Minaya going high for Lowe ] Derek Lowe tops wish list for Omar Minaya and Mets BY ADAM RUBIN DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Sipkin/News Mets GM Omar Minaya has a lot on his to-do list this offseason, but Derek Lowe seems to be his top choice. DANA POINT, Calif. - Mets GM Omar Minaya bowled an average of 150 while competing against his counterparts from other teams Tuesday afternoon. He insisted the two-hour event was productive with regard to discussing trades, and didn't just serve as a social gathering. "You kind of check in with guys and say, 'Hey, what about this and that?'" Minaya said. Late on Day 2 of the GM Meetings, Minaya said he had yet to hold any face-to-face meetings with agents, only phone conversations. Minaya acknowledged that chatting with Scott Boras was on tap before the four-day gathering closes Thursday. While Boras will make headlines this winter for his dealings concerning Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira, the Mets have prioritized pitching. And Boras client Derek Lowe appears atop the Mets' list, as does speaking with Boras about re-signing Oliver Perez. Lowe is doubly attractive to the Mets because not only is he an accomplished starting pitcher, he also has been successful in a closing role. Free agent Ryan Dempster, a 17-game winner with the Cubs this year, also fits that profile, having recorded 85 saves over the previous three seasons. "You have to consider that. If a guy is a starter and has relieved in the past, you think about that," Minaya said. "But I couldn't tell you that we're looking at guys right now that are starters and are saying to ourselves, 'Let's get him as a reliever.' We're looking at him at him as a starter." The Mets' major turnover this winter will occur in the bullpen, where only Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano and Brian Stokes may return from the 2008 relief corps. The Mets figure to accommodate Aaron Heilman's desire to pitch elsewhere - potentially as a starter - with the Rockies, Cardinals, Cubs and Diamondbacks among the potential destinations. Scott Schoeneweis, owed $3.6 million in 2009, also appears to be a goner. The Mets and Tigers discussed a trade for Schoeneweis in spring training and Detroit still needs lefthanded relief pitching. As for the rotation, Jon Niese should be the favorite to claim the No.5 spot next spring, but the Mets will need to bring in a bona fide starter to join Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine. While Lowe may be the priority, Minaya strongly suggested he'd feel good about bringing back Perez. No one expects the Lowe or Perez situations to be resolved before December, given Boras' track record. "The history with Scott has been that once the player gets to free agency, he'd rather have him explore the market," Minaya said, downplaying any chance of signing Perez during the 15-day period following the World Series when teams can exclusively negotiate with their own free agents. "But we're definitely going to sit down and talk to him. You'd always rather sign your guy, if possible. You know him already, so you'd rather get your guy done, if possible. We know who he is. He knows who we are. There's not the effect of the first year in New York, where the first year in New York takes some adjustments. That being said, we have to see how that works out." As for the other client who will interest the Mets, Boras said: "Derek Lowe became one of those rare pitchers in baseball where it's Bob Gibson-ish. You're having a guy throw the first, fourth and seventh game of a postseason series. The last two months of the season he was really a No.1 pitcher - that classic terminology of a 'rubber-arm' guy. Remember, he had 40 saves in a season. So he's one of those few guys, like a (Dennis) Eckersley, who can carry on a number of roles. Durability is big in the marketplace. Sometimes the performance level is not going to be there but you know you're going to get the innings and go forward." What is Boras smoking? John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 05 2008 08:54 AM I'd bring back Ollie. It's also gotta be a given that we offer him arbitration, yes? Benjamin Grimm Nov 05 2008 09:14 AM I would think so. What would the downside be? He's not going to accept unless NOBODY is interested in him, and that's pretty unlikely. Edgy DC Nov 05 2008 09:26 AM Derek Lowe makes me feel sad. smg58 Nov 05 2008 10:06 AM A month or so ago I thought Derek Lowe would present the best value of the free agent pitchers. But I hear more rumors about teams being interested in him than in anybody else. I no longer think he'll come that cheap. He's more consistent and durable than any other pitcher on the market besides CC, but at his age I wouldn't want to be the team that offers him a fourth year at $15M+ per. HahnSolo Nov 05 2008 10:32 AM Red Sox fans might disagree that Lowe was "successful" in a closing role. duan Nov 05 2008 11:44 AM I'm not enthused about Derek Lowe. Although yes Sal/Ira/whatever you now be called it would have been a good idea to have him instead of Tom Glavine whatever time you suggested it. Frayed Knot Nov 05 2008 04:34 PM Brad Penny's option NOT picked up by Dodgers. Edgy DC Nov 06 2008 07:20 AM Wow, the Dodgers are just shedding pitchers I dislike and distrust and don't want. Brad Penny on May 8 was giving up a 10-spot to a Met squad led by offensive mainstays such as Luis Castillo, Marlon Anderson, and Raul Casanova. http://www.leaptoad.com/mets/gamedetail.php?gameno=7426 He came back against us May 29 and this time got battered by Castillo again, but joined by more typical Met heroes. http://leaptoad.com/mets/gamedetail.php?gameno=7446 Those would be two good final memories of Brad Penny. I ill-regard him. metirish Nov 06 2008 07:27 AM From the LA Times. ]in their first major decisions of the off-season, the Dodgers on Wednesday disclosed a multi-year contract offer to Manny Ramirez and cut ties with two-time All-Star pitcher Brad Penny by declining his option for next season. The deal that was proposed to Ramirez on Tuesday night would give the 36-year-old free-agent outfielder "the highest average annual value in the history of the franchise and the second-highest average annual value in baseball" -- somewhere between the $27.5 million per season earned by Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees and the $22.9 million earned by Johan Santana of the New York Mets -- according to General Manager Ned Colletti. So are they dumping pitchers to pay Manny? Vic Sage Nov 06 2008 11:37 AM Manny turned them into a playoff team last year. If i was the Dodgers, I'd offer him 2yrs/$25m@yr, with an option for a 3rd year. I wouldn't go 4 years under any circumstances, nor would i give him A-Rod money (unless he suddenly became a GG-caliber IFer who stole 30+ bases, on top of his current hitting prowess). Nymr83 Nov 06 2008 01:59 PM ]If i was the Dodgers, I'd offer him 2yrs/$25m@yr, with an option for a 3rd year. what was the offer he reportedly turned down? metirish Nov 07 2008 08:45 AM Pat Burrell and Jamie Moyer filed for FA yesterday. Vic Sage Nov 07 2008 09:40 AM ="Nymr83"]]If i was the Dodgers, I'd offer him 2yrs/$25m@yr, with an option for a 3rd year. what was the offer he reportedly turned down? according to Craig Carton (always a dubious source), it was 3 years/$75m. So, it looks like it'll take at least a 4th year at around that price. I don't think i'd do that. Benjamin Grimm Nov 07 2008 10:09 AM MLB.com is running a contest where you pick the destination of 15 free agents. The prize is Opening Day tickets. I entered, but if I win it will be pure dumb luck. I don't know much about the needs of any of the other 29 teams, so I probably made some pretty uneducated guesses. Frayed Knot Nov 07 2008 10:09 AM I'm not even sure the Dodgers are guaranteeing the 3rd year at this point. Tim Kurkjian mentioned something about 2-for-$45 with an option for a 3rd year, not a whole lot more than he was due to get from Boston (2x$20). Boras says he wants 6 years ... um yeah. DocTee Nov 10 2008 01:00 PM Matt Holliday to Oakland for a package built around 16 game LOSER Greg Smith. HahnSolo Nov 10 2008 07:22 PM All NL East trade! Florida sends Willingham and Scot Olsen to the Nationals for Emilio Bonifacio and a pair of minor leaguers, P P.J. Dean and SS Jake Smolinski. Frayed Knot Nov 10 2008 08:32 PM Mmmmm. Bonifacio is the 2nd baseman they got from Arizona in the deal for that big reliever. Sounds like Florida plans to either move Uggla to 1B now that Jacobs is gone or move him out of town. Losing Willingham makes room for OFer Cameron Maybin, the young OF they got from Detroit in the Cabrera/Willis deal. Don't know anything about those Washington minor leaguers. Frayed Knot Nov 11 2008 06:50 AM Padres and Trevor Hoffman are parting ways after 17 ML seasons. The team offered him a contract he could refuse (approx half his previous $7+mil) and so he did. Pads are doing some serious cost cutting. Vince Coleman Firecracker Nov 11 2008 07:10 AM ="HahnSolo":1heiqobk]All NL East trade! Florida sends Willingham and Scot Olsen to the Nationals for Emilio Bonifacio and a pair of minor leaguers, P P.J. Dean and SS Jake Smolinski.[/quote:1heiqobk] Real good trade for Washington. Bonifacio is, at best, the next Pokey Reese. Smolinski struggled to make the transition to A-ball and Dean is a 19-year-old seventh-round pick a long way from the majors. Willingham and Olsen are both above average major leaguers (Olsen's ERA+ is about league average, but he's only 24 and can throw 200 innings a year. He's a lot like Oliver Perez, but younger and cheaper and surlier). This is a trade that the Mets could have made; and if they were willing to live with Olsen being kind of a jerk, it would have made them better. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 07:37 AM You think this means that Bonifaccio goes to second and Uggla to first? MFS62 Nov 11 2008 07:57 AM I had read that they were making room for their top prospect, who is a "can't miss" first baseman. (forget his name) IMO Uggla would be a backup plan if the kid isn't ready yet. Later sharpie Nov 11 2008 08:00 AM I'm guessing Uggla gets traded as well. He is arbitration-eligible. soupcan Nov 11 2008 08:10 AM ="sharpie":vn5i1y3v]I'm guessing Uggla gets traded as well. He is arbitration-eligible.[/quote:vn5i1y3v] Uggla's a nice little hitter. The Mets have no place for him though, huh? MFS62 Nov 11 2008 08:18 AM ="soupcan":t4z2e84m]="sharpie":t4z2e84m]I'm guessing Uggla gets traded as well. He is arbitration-eligible.[/quote:t4z2e84m] Uggla's a nice little hitter. The Mets have no place for him though, huh?[/quote:t4z2e84m] Not unless they decide to move to the AL. From what I've seen of him, Uggla's best position is at bat. Later Vince Coleman Firecracker Nov 11 2008 08:42 AM ="Edgy DC":1f8m41c7]You think this means that Bonifaccio goes to second and Uggla to first?[/quote:1f8m41c7] I think so. I think this was a salary dump to afford Uggla's arbitration. Farmer Ted Nov 11 2008 02:43 PM NYPost gurgling over K-Rod. $15 million per season for 4 years? smg58 Nov 11 2008 05:54 PM The Marlins/Nats trade is a real headscratcher. I can't imagine the Marlins couldn't have gotten many better offers from around the league for those two players. Selling so low within your own division just doesn't make sense. A good deal from the Mets perspective, as the Marlins take a step backwards and it will take a lot more than this to make the Nats any good. In other news, Salomon Torres announced his retirement, Pat Neshek got the TJS he should have gotten in May and will miss the 2009 season, and former Met Henry Owens tested positive for PEDs. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 07:27 AM Wow. Torres could've pitched another five years easy. smg58 Nov 12 2008 12:36 PM I was surprised, too. You don't often see a guy quit while there appears to be plenty still in the tank. In other ex-Pirate reliever news, the Yankees brought back Damaso Marte for 3 years and $12M. The possible good news from a Mets perspective is that it caps what other lefties like Jeremy Affeldt can ask for. Nymr83 Nov 12 2008 12:43 PM I think the Marlins REALLY want to call up McPherson to play 1st or 3rd, he hit like 40 homers in AAA last year. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 12:56 PM You wonder what's wrong with the system when a guy like McPherson gets buried like that. Yeah, he missed all of 2007 with back surgery, but there was a job waiting for Duaner Sanchez after missing a year and a half. The guy has done nothing but club. metirish Nov 12 2008 01:54 PM ] Mets pursue Takahashi to add pitching depth BY DAVID LENNON | david.lennon@newsday.com November 12, 2008 In their search for more pitching depth, the Mets could be among a number of teams pursuing Ken Takahashi, a lefthander from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Takahashi is 40 years old, according to Japaneseballplayers.com Takahashi, who filed for free agency this week, went 8-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 21 games for the Carp last season. He throws a fastball, slider and shuuto, which resembles a screwball. Benjamin Grimm Nov 12 2008 01:56 PM Ken? What kind of a Japanese name is Ken? Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 02:02 PM We need somebody who throws a shuuto. metirish Nov 12 2008 02:03 PM Google that name and you get a professor of some sort http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~ken/PUB/swabs.html http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~ken/ Here is pitcher Ken's bio from what looks like a Japanese baseball reference http://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=281 Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 02:06 PM I think Arnold's last name was Takahashi. Benjamin Grimm Nov 13 2008 07:15 AM Teams are free to negotiate with other teams' free agents after midnight tonight, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. DocTee Nov 13 2008 12:27 PM Marlins trade closer Kevin Gregg (29 saves) to Cubs....Kerry Wood FA eligible at midnight. metirish Nov 13 2008 12:36 PM Angels owner on K-Rod ] "I think as a whole, we're probably turning the page on this one," Moreno said on "The Sports Lodge," which is broadcast on KLAA in Southern California. "I think that we as an organization made this decision. And I'm not one of these 'never, never' people. I'm saying, I think as a whole, it's important to turn the page and move forward, and get prepared to do some of the other things we want to do." In the same David Lennon article he says the Mets have talked to the White Sox about Jenks but will try the FA route first, Lennon says that the White Sox are looking to trade someone form a group of Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome, with Jenks and Nick Swisher available at a higher price. A Boy Named Seo Nov 13 2008 01:04 PM ="DocTee"]Marlins trade closer Kevin Gregg (29 saves) to Cubs....Kerry Wood FA eligible at midnight. Their entire team payroll in '08 was $22.65M and they've gotten rid of these dudes, all arbitration eligible: DUDE, '08 SALARY Gregg, $2.5M Olsen, $405,000 Willingham, $405,000 Jacobs, $395,000 Wonder if they could end up with a payroll under $20M? smg58 Nov 13 2008 01:43 PM ="DocTee":3usa9hkd]Marlins trade closer Kevin Gregg (29 saves) to Cubs....Kerry Wood FA eligible at midnight.[/quote:3usa9hkd] Gregg's OK, but he's a setup guy on a team with a good pen. Even if Wood doesn't come back, I can't see Gregg closing ahead of Marmol. The prospect the Marlins got in return is Jose Ceda, who has a very live arm and seems to have taken to pitching in relief. It's not a bad pickup for the Marlins, but geez they don't want to pay ANYBODY. It must really suck to be a fan of that team. Oh wait, they've somehow won the World Series twice... Nymr83 Nov 13 2008 03:33 PM Gregg is nothing special. Take away the "closer" label and he's a middle of the road reliever. The Marlins are smart to not want to pay a guy like that and instead get a prospect for him. metirish Nov 14 2008 07:57 AM Just saw this , looking to 2009 in this Hot stove preview. The last paragraph is what caught my eye. Caleb Peiffer, Baseball Prospectus ] New York Mets What Do They Have? Like the Phillies, they have a phenomenal core, consisting of the best left side of the infield in baseball (third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes), as well as the best center fielder in the NL (Carlos Beltran), all of whom are signed through at least 2011. At first base, Carlos Delgado showed he can still be a powerful force with a .308/.392/.626 line in 372 plate appearances from June 27 onward, making the decision to pick up his $12 million option an easy one for GM Omar Minaya. In the rotation Johan Santana retains the title of best pitcher in baseball, coming off of career highs in both innings and ERA, and Mike Pelfrey has emerged as a young workhorse to complement the ace after harnessing his nasty sinker. What Do They Need? New York lost a major league-high seven games when leading at the start of the ninth in 2008, and the bullpen was a major contributor to the team's second straight September collapse, going 3-5 with a 6.65 ERA in the final 16 games. The Mets made more pitching changes than any other team in the majors (719) because almost all of their relievers were helpless against one side of the plate or the other (or just plain helpless). They need a couple of arms who can retire both lefties and righties, especially with closer Billy Wagner out for 2009 after Tommy John surgery. Beyond the bullpen New York could go several different ways in left field. The Mets would also love to unload Luis Castillo's albatross contract, but that's a pipe dream unless Minaya can swap it for some other bad deal. Then there are questions about the rotation -- if Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez depart, New York will need at least one and possibly two starters, depending on whether they see Jonathon Niese as ready for primetime. What Are They Likely To Do? They will probably let Martinez and Perez walk, while bringing in another Scott Boras client, Derek Lowe. They'll sign a lower-profile starter to compete for the fifth spot (perhaps Bartolo Colon), package Aaron Heilman to Colorado for relief help, and sign Brian Fuentes to close, while bringing in several other lower-profile arms to compete for bullpen jobs. Expect them to stick with Ryan Church in right, a Dan Murphy/Fernando Tatis platoon in left, and Castillo at second base, while bringing in a known quantity to back up at the keystone, such as Felipe Lopez, Alex Cora, Jerry Hairston Jr. or David Eckstein. What Should They Do? It might be wise to re-sign Perez, who will come cheaper than Lowe or Ryan Dempster. Bringing in another starter who won't cost the team draft picks -- like Colon, Odalis Perez, Freddy Garcia or Randy Wolf -- would also have the benefit of giving Niese more time at Triple-A. Biting the bullet and selling low on Heilman for a reliever or fifth starter couldn't hurt, as he has wanted out of New York for several years and badly needs a change of scenery. They could offer Type B free agent Luis Ayala arbitration so that if he decides to depart they'll receive a draft pick in return. Inking Fuentes to a three-year deal if he'll come will bolster the pen, as would pursuing a trade for J.J. Putz or Huston Street. Using some creativity to fill out the bullpen could shift their focus to a number of intriguing minor league free agents, such as 24-year-old lefty R.J. Swindle (1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 67 K in 53 innings between Double- and Triple-A last year), Kiko Calero (coming back from a rotator cuff injury), Fernando Cabrera and former Met Scott Strickland. New York should also try to keep its 40-man roster below capacity in order to add other potentially promising arms in the Rule 5 draft. smg58 Nov 14 2008 09:50 AM Swindle's intriguing. You look at his numbers ([url:3vaofvwh]http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/R.J.-Swindle.shtml[/url:3vaofvwh]), and you wonder why he hasn't moved through the minors any faster than he has. Nymr83 Nov 15 2008 04:12 PM FireJoeMorgan.com is shutting down, a big loss for anyone who appreciates criticism of shitty journalism/anouncing. Benjamin Grimm Nov 15 2008 06:17 PM Ken Davidoff in Newsday is predicting the Mets will sign Oliver Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Kevin Millar, and Raul Ibanez this winter. ="Ken Davidoff":160k5uj4] Starting Pitchers Platinum CC Sabathia. Yankees, six years, $160 million Gold A.J. Burnett. Blue Jays, four years, $60 million Silver Ryan Dempster. Cubs, four years, $48 million Derek Lowe. Yankees, four years, $56 million Oliver Perez. Mets, four years, $55 million Bronze Jon Garland. Dodgers, three years, $36 million Mike Mussina. Retire. Brad Penny. Rangers, two years, $20 million Ben Sheets. Astros, two years, $24 million Randy Wolf. Giants, two years, $21 million Value Randy Johnson. Diamondbacks, one year, $6.5 million. Jamie Moyer. Phillies, one year, $10 million Andy Pettitte. Yankees, one year, $11 million Relief pitchers Platinum Francisco Rodriguez. Mets, four years, $54 million Gold Brian Fuentes. Cardinals, three years, $38 million Bronze Joe Beimel. Dodgers, three years, $9 million Juan Cruz. Cardinals, three years, $15 million Trevor Hoffman. Indians, one year, $7 million Value Russ Springer. Cardinals, one year, $4 million Chan Ho Park. Dodgers, one year, $3.5 million Catchers Value Ivan Rodriguez. Marlins, one year, $4 million Jason Varitek. Red Sox, two years, $10 million First basemen Platinum Mark Teixeira. Angels, seven years, $145 million Silver Jason Giambi. A's, two years, $15 million Value Kevin Millar. Mets, one year, $4 million Second basemen Gold Orlando Hudson. Giants, four years, $36 million Value Ray Durham. Astros, one year, $3 million Shortstops Gold Rafael Furcal. Tigers, three years, $30 million Value Edgar Renteria. Braves, two years, $12 million. Third basemen Bronze Casey Blake. Dodgers, two years, $15 million Value Joe Crede. Indians, one year, $5 million Outfielders Platinum Manny Ramirez. Dodgers, three years with a vesting option for a fourth year, $70 million Gold Adam Dunn. Nationals, five years, $70 million Silver Bobby Abreu. Cubs, three years, $38 million Pat Burrell. Blue Jays, three years, $35 million Bronze Milton Bradley. Rangers, three years, $26 million Raul Ibanez. Mets, two years, $19 million Value Garret Anderson. Angels, one year, $6 million Rocco Baldelli. Red Sox, two years, $10 million[/quote:160k5uj4] metirish Nov 17 2008 01:45 PM From Buster Olney ] Mets looking for strikeouts in bullpen Monday, November 17, 2008 There are no perfect stats, but in an era when 100 pitches has become a threshold for starting pitchers, and when bullpens are often left to for account for the last nine to 12 outs even when they assume leads, here's a number which carries some meaning: the strikeout ratio for bullpens. You can find the eight teams that made the playoffs among the top 10 ranked teams in strikeout ratio in 2008. The year before, five playoff teams ranked among the top 10 in bullpen strikeout ratio. Some years the number has been lower, but in general, it's a quality that leads to quality, because of the impact of a strikeout -- fewer balls are put into play and this reduces the chance for mistakes, fewer inherited runners score, and the strikeouts are indicative of dominance. All of this is why the Mets are focusing on relievers who generate missed swings, who get strikeouts, as they reshape their bullpen. They don't intend to settle on a high-wire closer; they want a couple of relievers who come in and control innings. The Mets' relievers finished the 2008 season ranked 17th in the ratio of strikeouts-per-nine-innings, at 7.48, but that standing dipped after Billy Wagner was hurt at midseason. Wagner had whiffed 52 in 47 innings before he was hurt, and if you take him out of the equation -- and he is not expected to pitch in 2009 -- then the Mets' K-per-9 ratio for the rest of the relievers was 7.22, a ratio that would've placed them 23rd among 30 teams in 2008. With that in mind: � In 2008, Francisco Rodriguez struck out 77 hitters in 68.1 innings, and in his career, his strikeout ratio has been staggering -- 587 punchouts in 451.2 innings. But there is a concern among scouts, generally, that K-Rod's growing reliance on his breaking ball might eventually lead to a breakdown, and they wonder if we're already seeing signs of wear: His WHIP of 1.288 was the highest in his career. � Brian Fuentes racked up a whopping 82 strikeouts in 62.2 innings, confounding hitters with his unusual delivery. In his career, he has averaged more than a punchout per inning (480 in 422 innings). He is naturally more potent against left-handed hitters (20 strikeouts in 53 at-bats in '08), but he gets a lot of missed swings against righties, as well (62 in 203 at-bats). Each time a player from a small market comes under consideration from a Boston, Philly or New York team, there are the inevitable questions about whether the player can survive in that atmosphere -- but sources say that the Mets are confident that Fuentes would thrive pitching in New York. � Kerry Wood did what Kerry Wood usually does when he pitches: He struck out a lot of guys, and compiled 84 in 66.1 innings. The concern with Wood, as always, is about his durability. � Trevor Hoffman had 30 saves in 34 chances for the Padres in 2008. But given the Mets' preference for power relievers this winter, Hoffman -- whose fastball is now in the low-80s -- would not seem to be a fit. � Brandon Lyon is going to get some play as a possible closer in the market, after picking up 26 saves in 2008, but he allowed 75 hits and struck out 44 in 59.1 innings; he's not really a match for New York. � The Mets won't consider Juan Cruz for closer, but they will undoubtedly be attracted to him as a possible middle reliever, after a season in which he struck out 71 in 51.2 innings, while allowing just 34 hits and holding opposing hitters to a .192 batting average. I hadn't read that before about Minaya and his staff looking for swing and miss pitchers. Edgy DC Nov 17 2008 01:52 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 17 2008 02:01 PM Heilman, though, got lots of strikeouts. I'd like a few not-walking-guys relievers. smg58 Nov 17 2008 01:58 PM And the first domino falls. Jeremy Affeldt goes to the Giants for two years and $8M. Affeldt would have fit nicely here, and I don't think the Giants overpaid. metirish Nov 18 2008 07:44 AM From David Lennon ] The Mets had no interest in Jeremy Affeldt, who signed yesterday with the Giants for a reported two-year, $8-million deal, and they have not yet focused much attention on upgrading the rest of the their bullpen. As for Affeldt, one team official explained that the Mets already have two lefthanders in the pen, which suggests that Pedro Feliciano and Scott Schoeneweis are still considered part of that mix. smg58 Nov 18 2008 08:07 AM Sigh. seawolf17 Nov 18 2008 09:12 AM Well, the fact is, they do. And if you sign him, and you can't deal either of the other two, then you're stuck with three guys, and someone you really need doesn't get a spot. That'sa baseball, as Zvon would say. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 18 2008 09:25 AM I gotta believe the Mets for whatever reason prefer Joe Beimel, the big dumb alcoholic lefty of the Dodgers who missed the '06 playoffs with a cut hand he tried to fake was a broken water glass in a hotel room and of course was actually sustained in a bar brawl. Joe Beimel. E before I, yeah. Anyway, later bloomer, nice ERA but I don't like the smell of his periferals. About equally effective vs. LH & RH, so an upgrade over Show in a setup role but not exactly reaching for the stars. Dodger fans love him for his personaility and shit. Wears No. 97. Edgy DC Nov 18 2008 10:15 AM Dodgers collect pitchers with active ids, I tell you what. Vic Sage Nov 18 2008 10:18 AM It's not what arm you throw with, it's who you can get out. Affeldt is better than Beimel, even against righties. Show and Feliciano are specialists. I say "boo, Omar". Frayed Knot Nov 18 2008 10:43 AM Affeldt was a 'Type B' FA too meaning no loss of draft pick (Cincy will pick up a supplemental). Virtually all of the other relievers being looked (including many of the non-closers) at would cost a Mets a 1st rounder -- assuming arb were offered and all that. sharpie Nov 18 2008 01:32 PM Ryan Dempster re-ups with Cubs, 4-years/52 million smackaroonies. Frayed Knot Nov 18 2008 01:52 PM Now we know where the floor is on Ollie Perez negotiations. Vic Sage Nov 18 2008 03:44 PM i think Ollie will get a 5th year, but not necessarily more $$/yr. smg58 Nov 18 2008 05:21 PM ="seawolf17":2s3iqik6]Well, the fact is, they do. And if you sign him, and you can't deal either of the other two, then you're stuck with three guys, and someone you really need doesn't get a spot.[/quote:2s3iqik6] Neither was so bad last year as to be undealable (although we'd probably have to eat a portion of Schoeneweis' salary). The problem is that the Mets really don't need two lefthanded relievers who can't be trusted against righthanded batters. They could use a lefty who can be left in against a righthanded batter in a meaningful situation, and they sorely need a reliever who can give them 70+ quality innings. Affeldt was both of those things. DocTee Nov 18 2008 06:18 PM Mariners set to name former catcher (surprise surprise) and current Athletics coach Don Wakamatsu as manager. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3711540 I thought Joey Cora was as good as inked. Edgy DC Nov 18 2008 07:23 PM When I was living with my grandmother in the early nineties, I came home to find her concerned that she'd heard a major league team was being sold to Japanese ownership. "Are they going to replace the players with Japs? The manager?" "Nah, they're just the owners, Nanny. They'll field an American team with American and Latin American players." She knew more than I gave her credit for. Interesting Wakamatsu factamatsu: Each of his major league starts came with Charlie Hough on the mound. Farmer Ted Nov 19 2008 09:27 AM CoCo Beware. The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez, SI.com has confirmed. smg58 Nov 19 2008 10:06 AM With seemingly everybody in the market for relievers, the Royals should have done much better than two sub-.800 OPS hitters for a pair of young relievers who had ERA's below 3 last year. I also wonder how much more than Chavez it would have taken for us to match the Sox' offer. On edit: Jacobs had an OPS of .812. But I still think the Royals are doing themselves more harm than good. MFS62 Nov 19 2008 10:30 AM ="Farmer Ted":eyakn20f] CoCo Beware. The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez, SI.com has confirmed.[/quote:eyakn20f] Kansas City is already famous for its barbeque. Why would they need to bring in some crispy critter? Later Ashie62 Nov 22 2008 02:27 PM The winter of discontent possibly...Methinks the Met post season moves will be limited. Castillo will go into camp with the 2B to lose...Heilman & The Show will be back. Murphy in left..Church in right I'm thinking Raul Ibanez, Kevin Millar, Ollie or Pedro and Fuentes or KRod come on board Personally I would rather take a cheap flyer on Pedro than overspend on a Derek Lowe type for example. The Mets are close...I will contradict myself in that if Texeira got into the mix I love the idea of Wright at third and Tex at first.. It's all good.. Edgy DC Nov 22 2008 04:39 PM I think the Mets will make a lot of changes. attgig Nov 23 2008 04:08 PM rocco baldelli's contract got bought out by the rays, making him a free agent. he's had the mysterious illness which makes him a risk, but I would love to see him become the player he can be on the mets. perhaps games played incentive contract? Ashie62 Nov 23 2008 10:20 PM I see in Newsday Bobby Abreu is on the radar..Funny..I never thought of him as a possibility I have a friend in Florida who has Multiple Sclerosis and he told me the Rocco Baldelli mitochondrial disorder was feared to be MS..Hope the kid is OK...Great talent Nymr83 Nov 23 2008 10:40 PM Abreu's OBP numbers make me salivate, he does have a reputation as being scared of the wall though, he's 34 so i'm not sure how long a potential deal would be and those great OBP's have been in decline (though they are still good.) smg58 Nov 24 2008 02:45 PM The Giants remain aggressive in the free agent market, signing Edgar Renteria for two years and $18M (according to WFAN). Even the mediocre Renteria from last year would be a significant offensive upgrade for the Giants, but at that price they're optimistic about getting more than that. smg58 Nov 24 2008 05:37 PM And now the FAN report concerning Renteria is being disputed. Fun! Frayed Knot Nov 26 2008 06:36 AM Still no confirmation on Renteria to SF. Two demerits for WFAN's Sweeny Murti (source of the scoop) Overnight scuttlebutt from various sources (ESPN & SI.com) - Angels diving in on Sabathia, either instead of Teixeira or at least as a signal to him that they're not going to wait around at the altar forever with flowers in their hands. No word on how close it might get to the NYY offer. - Pettitte has talked to Torre several times about a possible spot on the LAD staff - Cubs still interested in a Peavy trade but probably need a 3rd team to get involved. metirish Nov 26 2008 10:50 AM Reports have the Mets "reaching out" to the agents for Rodriguez and Fuentes , Paul Kinzer the agent for Rodriguez confirmed those talks. ] We talked for a little while, but nothing significant, We'll probably get together at the winter meetings, Dec. 8-11 in Las Vegas. reports have the Mets wanting Huston Street as the primary setup man to the closer and would send Heilman to Colorado to get him , the Rockies said they would like Feliciano with Heilman, the Mets said no. Centerfield Nov 26 2008 01:06 PM ="metirish":31blscn8] reports have the Mets wanting Huston Street as the primary setup man to the closer and would send Heilman to Colorado to get him , the Rockies said they would like Feliciano with Heilman, the Mets said no.[/quote:31blscn8] Are the Mets idiotic? I will drive Feliciano to Colorado to make that deal happen. Nymr83 Nov 26 2008 02:30 PM ="Centerfield":1ybilf22]="metirish":1ybilf22] reports have the Mets wanting Huston Street as the primary setup man to the closer and would send Heilman to Colorado to get him , the Rockies said they would like Feliciano with Heilman, the Mets said no.[/quote:1ybilf22] Are the Mets idiotic? I will drive Feliciano to Colorado to make that deal happen.[/quote:1ybilf22] I'll chip in for gas & tolls. Feliciano is nice to have around but he is redundant with Schoenweis. OlerudOwned Nov 26 2008 03:34 PM Jesus Christ, I'll pull the damned rickshaw I have to. smg58 Nov 26 2008 04:25 PM The Mets can't seriously be equating Heilman with Huston Street. Can they? Honestly, the Rockies' counter-offer looks perfectly fair to me, if not still generous to us. I hope either that the report got a detail or two wrong (possible), or that the Mets know they can get more for Heilman and Feliciano than Street (I'd be very pleasantly surprised). Ashie62 Nov 26 2008 06:44 PM I s it possible the Mets ae the "Mystery" team in the Rafael Furcal negotiations. I don't see any fit whatsoever... metirish Dec 01 2008 09:37 AM Davidoff over at Newsday has the Mets talking recently with the Rangers about Gerald Laird, although according to Davidoff not much talk lately. Edgy DC Dec 01 2008 09:53 AM ="Ashie62":2ltxwl1v]I s it possible the Mets ae the "Mystery" team in the Rafael Furcal negotiations. I don't see any fit whatsoever...[/quote:2ltxwl1v] Well, it's certainly not an ideal fit (I came out against it in another thread), but it is a viable one. In these days of short benches, there's something to be said for a secondbaseman who could slide over to short (and handle the leadoff slot) in the event of a long-term injury to Jose Reyes. duan Dec 02 2008 03:21 AM lots of fun at the arbitration deadline ok free agents who just go more attractive to the mets cause they won't cost a first round pick (remember though, if we sign ONE type A free agent who was offered arbitration we lose the first round pick, so if we're signing one we might as well sign plenty as the value on the subsequent picks is substantially lower). Bobby Abreu (the yankees scared of him accepting and getting $16 million) Kerry Wood Pat Burrell Adam Dunn. Jamie Moyer Trevor Hoffman Guys who we've been linked to who now definitely would cost us our first round pick Derek Lowe Manny Ramirez Mark Texiera Francisco Roderiguez Brian Fuentes Orlando Hudson Raul Ibanez ***** In the front offices head, they SHOULD be aware of a domino effect here, If you're going to sign Derek Lowe go ahead and sign Ibanez and Fuentes. We'll still get the pics from Oliver Perez, so the 2nd/3rd type A free agents will just be sandwich picks and our later picks. ****** Kerry Wood and Bobby Abreu are now quite a bit higher up my list. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 04:47 AM Dunn isn't type A??? who invented these rules? Benjamin Grimm Dec 02 2008 04:52 AM I think you're misreading that. Dunn won't cost a draft pick because he wasn't offered arbitration. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 04:56 AM yes i am, never mind. smg58 Dec 02 2008 07:17 AM Mike Hampton appears to be headed back to Houston, for $2M plus incentives. Perhaps he concluded that Houston had the best school system all along. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 07:39 AM Why Mike Hampton didn't just say "I've got a family, a career-ending injury can occur at any moment so I should grab all the $$ I can while I'm healthy, I'm taking the Rockies' offer and I'm sorry the Mets couldn't beat it" is beyond me. I'd have respected that over some BS about school systems. Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 08:13 AM Nobody ever says that. Benjamin Grimm Dec 02 2008 08:17 AM Well, sometimes they do, but they phrase it differently. The new team "showed that they wanted me" or "showed their commitment to winning" or something like that. Frayed Knot Dec 02 2008 08:17 AM The whole 'school systems' stuff belongs in the ranks of the most over-emphasized comments ever. Of course he signed for the money. Almost all do and most get no closer to admitting so other than to say they were interested in "security for my family". All Hampton did in giving his reasons was to add that because his entire family was going to relocate there: wife, kids, parents, in-laws, they considered the entire life-style of the area including stuff like where the kids would attend school. Met fans - pissed off because he didn't re-up here - latched onto the schools comment like he was citing it as his sole reason for ditching NYC. NYers (and others) have to get over this, particularly since it was the best (non) move of the decade for us. seawolf17 Dec 02 2008 08:29 AM Re: lots of fun at the arbitration deadline ="duan":3gjg99s0]ok free agents who just go more attractive to the mets cause they won't cost a first round pick (remember though, if we sign ONE type A free agent who was offered arbitration we lose the first round pick, so if we're signing one we might as well sign plenty as the value on the subsequent picks is substantially lower). Bobby Abreu (the yankees scared of him accepting and getting $16 million) Kerry Wood Pat Burrell Adam Dunn Jamie Moyer Trevor Hoffman[/quote:3gjg99s0] Hell, I'd sign all six of those guys and trade Delgado for a bag of balls. edit: I guess we don't need both closers, unless Hoffman's willing to set up. Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 08:32 AM I want more than the bag. Benjamin Grimm Dec 02 2008 08:54 AM Yeah, really. Are we already back to saying Delgado is worthless, just because he hasn't homered in two months? seawolf17 Dec 02 2008 09:11 AM I was exaggerating. Nymr83 Dec 02 2008 09:36 AM If the Mets signed Dunn to play 1B I wouldn't care what they got for Delgado (I'd assume they'd have to move his contract before they be willing to commit $$ to Dunn.) Otherwise I have no problem with Delgado returning, he earned it despite everything I (and others) said about him early in the year. Gwreck Dec 02 2008 11:27 AM ="Frayed Knot":2s8gnkll]NYers (and others) have to get over this, particularly since it was the best (non) move of the decade for us.[/quote:2s8gnkll] Because of Wright and Heilman, or because Hampton bombed out in Colorado? Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 11:30 AM You don't have to choose. Throw in also that Hampton's failures and injuries came at a very dear price. Gwreck Dec 02 2008 11:43 AM Avoiding Hampton's failures and injuries certainly turned out well but I don't think it can be said with any certainty that those same failures (or even injuries) would have happened had he remained with the Mets. As for Wright and Heilman -- given that those two draft picks are the most successful the Mets have had in the past 15 (25?) years, I think it's safe to say that the two Hampton-compensation picks turned out so well was mostly a function of luck. Edgy DC Dec 02 2008 11:52 AM ="Gwreck":3mh1lucm]As for Wright and Heilman -- given that those two draft picks are the most successful the Mets have had in the past 15 (25?) years, I think it's safe to say that the two Hampton-compensation picks turned out so well was mostly a function of luck.[/quote:3mh1lucm] Preston Wilson? Jason Isringhausen? Scott Bloody Kazmir? These guys haven't outpaced Aaron Heilman? Really, whether you consider the actual outcome or the average of all the hosts of possible outcomes, the Mets made the right move there every time. Frayed Knot Dec 02 2008 12:13 PM ="Gwreck"]Avoiding Hampton's failures and injuries certainly turned out well but I don't think it can be said with any certainty that those same failures (or even injuries) would have happened had he remained with the Mets. Certainly couldn't have been predicted his troubles to the degree that they occured; Hampton was still young, athletic and without any kind of unreasonable injury history. But he was also a guy with only 2 or 3 good years getting a lengthy contract at superstar money during a bubble market all of which made it an almost impossible standard to live up to. One of the best lessons from 'Moneyball' was that it's usually easier to recover from the player you fail to sign than it is to recover from the one you sign at the wrong price. ]As for Wright and Heilman -- given that those two draft picks are the most successful the Mets have had in the past 15 (25?) years, I think it's safe to say that the two Hampton-compensation picks turned out so well was mostly a function of luck. I was strictly thinking about not being stuck with his contract when I talked about 'best non-move' even though that part involved more "luck" than the picks IMO. Even though high picks are no guarantee, the more good ones you have the better your chances and eventually you'll find gold under one of those rocks you overturn. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 07:25 AM Joel Shoiman sez: 1) Mets "officials" are denying a hot rumor about a blockbuster deal bringing both Bobby Jenks and Jermaine Dye from the White Sox, with Fernando Martinez going to Chicago. He describes Martinez as "all but untouchable." I think he's about as untouchable as Lastings Milledge, that is, he's untouchable up until the point where describing him as untouchable won't increase his value. Newsday pretty much sums it up the same way. 2) Mets like Putz as much as if not more than Rodriguez or Fuentes, but other teams want a little Putz of their own. 3) They won't go over three years guaranteed for either of the big ticket closers. (Nothing new there, I think.) 4) They're willing to go for Kerry Wood for two years (first I heard about Wood). 5) They turned away Tampa who tried to deal them Chad Bradford, because, like Tampa, they don't want to pay a ROOGy $3.5 mils. Benjamin Grimm Dec 04 2008 08:00 AM That Jenks/Dye for Fernando Martinez deal, if there's any truth to it, must involve additional players from the Mets, right? If it's a straight two-for-one I can't see the Mets not doing it. metirish Dec 04 2008 08:07 AM Omar would be a putz to do that deal. Gwreck Dec 04 2008 08:23 AM ="Edgy DC":1qe4vw0z]5) They turned away Tampa who tried to deal them Chad Bradford, because, like Tampa, they don't want to pay a ROOGy $3.5 mils.[/quote:1qe4vw0z] In 2009, Bradford would be in year 3 of that contract (the 3 year deal that the Mets refused to give him but gave to Schoeneweis). I'd have to believe that not getting Bradford would be more of a function of his potential role already filled by Joe Smith than just a few million bucks. Gwreck Dec 04 2008 08:34 AM ="Edgy DC":1kf4rwd2]Preston Wilson? Jason Isringhausen? Scott Bloody Kazmir?[/quote:1kf4rwd2] All of their success was elsewhere, but I suppose that doesn't really matter when evaluating the quality of the pick. Those ones weren't too bad. HahnSolo Dec 04 2008 10:20 AM Boston Globe reporting that the Phillies have made an offer to Derek Lowe. No details of the offer, but apparently another team has also made an offer. [url:27icv0p0]http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/12/04/teams_starting_to_make_pitches/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Red+Sox+news[/url:27icv0p0] Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 10:24 AM Lowe may be the free agent I unwant the most this offseason. metirish Dec 04 2008 10:31 AM I read today that the Giants are mulling an offer to C.C. in the $100 million plus for five years range , he is from an area close to San Francisco. smg58 Dec 04 2008 10:33 AM I see no point in dealing for a closer if the market is so glutted with options that won't cost players. Keep in mind that Putz is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a significant injury and an off year. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 10:37 AM I hear you. But, as a trade-hater myself, I'm sure the Mets see the advantages of dealing as (a) not giving up draft picks, ( getting a guy at yesterday's salary rather than tomorrow's, and (c) getting a guy who is closer to the expiration of his deal, protecting them from having to pay for nothing in year four, like they are with Wagner. metirish Dec 04 2008 10:39 AM Numbers from Newsday regarding Fernando Martinez ] Martinez, who turned 20 in October, is looking impressive again in the Dominican Winter League after another injury-plagued season at Double-A Binghamton. Martinez was batting .323 with four home runs, 19 RBIs and a .382 on-base percentage in 28 games for Leones del Escogido. Compared with his .282 average for the B-Mets, along with eight homers in 86 games, Martinez appears ready for a breakthrough season DocTee Dec 04 2008 02:04 PM SF finally gets their man: Edgar Renteria, 2 years, $18.5 million Busy off-season for the G-men: Renteria, Howry and Affeldt and now, apparently, maybe Sabathia Frayed Knot Dec 04 2008 02:23 PM House-cleaning Pads deal rapidly-declining Khalil Green to the Cards Russel Branyan signs with Seattle John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2008 02:27 PM Jack Wilson reportedly traded to Detroit Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 02:28 PM Tough couple of minutes for talented but enigmatic white shortstops. smg58 Dec 04 2008 02:28 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 04 2008 02:29 PM You can't fault the Giants for being aggressive when everybody else is cautious. Affeldt is a very nice pickup for two years. Howry I'm not so sure about; they already have a deeper pen than people realize, and Sergio Romo is a guy to watch. (PS I wonder what the Giants would want for Romo.) As for Renteria, it depends on which version shows up. But even the 2008 version is an upgrade at the position, so they don't have a whole lot to lose. I certainly wouldn't fault them for going after Sabathia, either. You get the sense he's waiting for somebody to at least try and compete with the Yankees. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2008 02:29 PM You're really into Jack Wilson, aren't you. metirish Dec 04 2008 02:29 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":30uw5ppo]Jack Wilson reportedly traded to Detroit[/quote:30uw5ppo] Don't go posting "Jackie Wilson Said " now. Valadius Dec 04 2008 02:49 PM Jack Wilson is the single ugliest player in professional baseball. soupcan Dec 04 2008 02:58 PM 'What you talkin' 'bout, Vlad?' Valadius Dec 04 2008 03:59 PM seawolf17 Dec 04 2008 05:15 PM Currently, yes. All-time, he's not even in the Top Ten. Nymr83 Dec 04 2008 05:30 PM Aren't you forgetting someone? Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 05:58 PM Johnny Dickshot is the only guy in the BB-r.com database with the nickname "Ugly." seawolf17 Dec 04 2008 06:42 PM ="Nymr83"]Aren't you forgetting someone? Nymr83 Dec 04 2008 08:06 PM theres no need to post a second picture of the guy... metirish Dec 05 2008 06:58 AM From the Snooze ] The Braves made their first proposal to Burnett Thursday, according to sources, offering him a four-year deal worth roughly $64 million with a vesting option for a fifth year based on the number of innings pitched. The Yankees, Blue Jays and Orioles are still interested in Burnett, but the fifth-year option may be enough to put the Braves over the top. Good luck to them with that. Benjamin Grimm Dec 05 2008 07:19 AM How far away are the Braves from being a contender? From what I recall of last year, they have some doin' to do before I'm going to start worrying about them. In other Hot Stove news, SNY's Mets Hot Stove Report is going to air four (count 'em, four!) live shows next week from the winter meetings. Apparently they're expecting a lot of fast-breaking news, but it's possible that this might be Geraldo Rivera and Al Capone's vault all over again. Valadius Dec 05 2008 07:28 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":e413zzsl]This might be Geraldo Rivera and Al Capone's vault all over again.[/quote:e413zzsl] I think I missed that one. What happened there? Benjamin Grimm Dec 05 2008 07:29 AM Sometimes I forget how old I am. The Al Capone thing was from before you were born, Val. Here's Wiki's article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Capone%27s_Vault Valadius Dec 05 2008 07:35 AM Wow. How did Geraldo Rivera maintain any credibility whatsoever after that? Not like Fox News has any credibility, but still. Edgy DC Dec 05 2008 07:37 AM "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vault was a one-time live American television special broadcast in syndication in April 1986 hosted by Geraldo Rivera." One time? Somebody's forgetting Rivera's opening of the Andrea Doria vault. soupcan Dec 05 2008 08:01 AM I remember that - all the hype about the vault. Then, the vault is opened and Geraldo's looking inside and...... There's nothing there! Too funny. Benjamin Grimm Dec 05 2008 08:07 AM I remember a quote from Geraldo, years later, that went something like, "If only there was SOMETHING in that damn vault!" I was hoping the Wiki article would include that quote, but it didn't. He had major egg on his face for quite a while after that. It was, as soupcan said, very funny. metirish Dec 06 2008 05:54 PM Olney reports that Furcal turned down a take it or leave four year deal from Oakland worth $35 million-$40 million. What market does he think is out there for him? Valadius Dec 06 2008 09:23 PM Last year's economy? seawolf17 Dec 09 2008 07:16 PM One of my favorite players on the move, as Ryan Freel and two prospects go to Baltimore for catcher Ramon Hernandez. metirish Dec 09 2008 07:18 PM My sources are telling me that the MFY's will better the Braves money for Burrnett and go the extra year. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 08:03 AM This, from esspin: ]Minaya: Mets interested in re-signing Pedro, plan to meet with agent The New York Mets are interested in retaining Pedro Martinez and plan to meet with the Dominican pitcher's agent, GM Omar Minaya informed ESPNdeportes.com. "We have interest in him. We're going to talk to his agent when we have the opportunity," Minaya said Tuesday, the second day of the winter meetings. Minaya said that he has not yet scheduled a formal meeting with Fernando Cuza, Martinez's agent, or Martinez. Martinez, however, said he isn't ready to start thinking about where he wants to play next season. "I've said it previously and I have said to my agents that they do not speak to me of contracts until January," Martinez said Tuesday. Martinez, 37, also likely won't decide whether to pitch for the Dominican Republic in next year's World Baseball Classic until he reaches a contract agreement with a major league team. The three-time Cy Young winner endured the worst season of his 16-year career in 2008. Martinez went 5-6 and 5.61 ERA in 20 outings and was affected by various injuries and personal problems. Why? Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 08:08 AM Because if you can get him cheap, he's a veteran pitcher you can have in the mix as a fallback if Niese isn't ready. It would be a mistake to sign him, at any price, and pencil him in to the rotation. But having him hanging out there as an option isn't a bad idea. He does have an upside; if he has a bounceback year then you really have something. But you can't count on that happening and hopefully the Mets won't. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 08:10 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]Because if you can get him cheap, he's a veteran pitcher you can have in the mix as a fallback if Niese isn't ready. It would be a mistake to sign him, at any price, and pencil him in to the rotation. But having him hanging out there as an option isn't a bad idea. He does have an upside; if he has a bounceback year then you really have something. But you can't count on that happening and hopefully the Mets won't. If he's cheap (which I doubt) and if you could bench him if he stunk (which would be tricky), it's not a bad insurance plan. I don't think the answer to either of those ifs will work in the team's interest, though. DocTee Dec 10 2008 11:23 AM Alan Embree to Colorado, lessening their need for a LOOGY and kiboshing the proposed Heiman/Feliciano for Street swap. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 11:44 AM Well that's good for us in the sense that Omah was holding back on including Feliciano in the first place. Now he can throw in Duaner Sanchez instead and call it a dealeeeo. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 12:56 PM Rumor has it that the Mets and Dodgers are discussing Juan Pierre. (Seems to be coming from Fox Sports.) Word is that the Dodgers would have to eat a big chunk of Pierre's contract in order to move him. The Mets have a guy like that... Would the Dodgers have any use at all for Castillo? If so, then maybe the two teams could trade headaches. Frayed Knot Dec 10 2008 12:58 PM I'd rather have Castillo than Pierre sharpie Dec 10 2008 01:04 PM Agreed. I'd hate to waste an outfield spot on a speed-only guy. Valadius Dec 10 2008 01:10 PM What the hell do we need Pierre for? We have a center fielder. HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 01:10 PM Good lord, Juan Pierre and Pedro? Haven't they already met their quota of guys who suck? Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 01:14 PM Pierre is useful if Endy is already ticketed as part of another package. Other than that, he can revitatlize our long-since-interrupted Outfielders from Mobile, tradition, and maybe cancel some of the kharmic dept for trading Amos Otis. He puts the bat on the ball witout GiDPing. But he's looking a lot like a pinch-runner on the wrong side of 30. HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 01:16 PM ="Edgy DC":1vw8dz0f]Pierre is useful if Endy is already ticketed as part of another package.[/quote:1vw8dz0f] But if reports are true that the Mets don't want to venture too far over last year's payroll, I wouldn't want to add on his contract. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 01:17 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":g0bx2ilm]Word is that the Dodgers would have to eat a big chunk of Pierre's contract in order to move him.[/quote:g0bx2ilm] HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 02:36 PM I'm still on the negative side of meh with him. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 02:55 PM Well, you sure don't see me tossing my pom-poms in the air. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 02:58 PM Me neither. Pierre and Castillo made a nice pair on the 2002 Marlins, but that was a long time ago. Remember how they used to abuse Piazza? Almost unfair. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 03:00 PM What I wonder, though, is if trading Castillo for Pierre would make the Mets more willing to spend to upgrade at second base. It doesn't really make any sense, but it's possible that they might see it that way. (They'd still be increasing the payroll, but at least they wouldn't be paying Castillo to sit on the bench. And maybe they'd get something out of Pierre. Or at least, more than they expect from Castillo.) Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 03:40 PM Luis Castillo is a useful major leaguer who happens to be overpaid. Juan Pierre is a useless major leaguer who happens to be overpaid. Castillo is a below average second baseman who can't slug. Pierre's a terrible center fielder (or an average left fielder) who can't hit. Endy Chavez is a better player than Juan Pierre. Almost all major leaguers are better players than Juan Pierre. The one thing he can do is steal bases, and he's not very good at that. Here are his CS% numbers, per year, for his career: 01 27% 02 20% 03 24% 04 38% 05 23% 06 26% 07 19% 08 23% For is career, that's 25%, the break-even point. If he's even a little bit off his career average, he's a liability on the base paths. Pierre is exactly the kind of player you can't hand to a manager. He has a reputation as a good defender, a leadoff type hitter and, perhaps, a "winner." Managers give these kind of players way too many plate appearances and innings in the field based on reputation while the team's performance suffers. bmfc1 Dec 10 2008 07:37 PM From Ken Rosenthal, tonight: 8:46 p.m. � Mets trying to land M's Putz The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez � and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West. J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources. Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez. metirish Dec 10 2008 07:38 PM Can I get a WOW? metirish Dec 10 2008 07:42 PM From KR 9:32 p.m. � Source: Tigers to aqcuire Edwin Jackson The Detroit Tigers are set to acquire right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Matt Joyce, according to a major-league source. Tampa Bay, with David Price on the way, had a surplus of starting pitching. Jackson, 25, was 14-11 this year with a 4.25 ERA. In exchange the Rays get a 24-year-old, left-handed-hitting corner outfielder who hit 12 homers in 242 at-bats. -- Ed Price metirish Dec 10 2008 07:42 PM ="bmfc1":3tnm13me]From Ken Rosenthal, tonight: 8:46 p.m. � Mets trying to land M's Putz The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez � and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West. J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources. Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.[/quote:3tnm13me] Just so this is not lost on the last page. Gwreck Dec 10 2008 07:55 PM Putz is extremely valuable but won't come cheap: $5 million for '09 and $8.6 million club option for '10 (with a $1M buyout). The other 3 players combined make less than $4 million. I think we'd miss Chavez a lot. HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 07:56 PM I'd love to know how he would feel about going from a closer to a setup guy. Would hate to bring him in only to have him griping about his role. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 08:00 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 10 2008 08:12 PM Chavez isn't going to help us if he hits like he did last year. I love him and all. Meantime I think three guys are all you wanna surrender for a single reliever, especially one coming off a poor season like Putz (edit - poor for him). seawolf17 Dec 10 2008 08:09 PM Heilman, Chavez, Carp for Putz? Yes. Heilman, Chavez, Carp and Joe Smith for Putz? No. smg58 Dec 10 2008 08:36 PM I'd be worried about trusting workhorse innings to a guy coming off a serious injury, but when he's healthy Putz is as good a reliever as anybody. And the Mets do not appear to be giving up anybody they might miss. The Mets need a righthanded reserve outfielder more than they'd need Chavez. I'd make sure JJ gets a thorough physical, but if he passes, I'm for it. metirish Dec 11 2008 07:30 PM davidoff ] The Mets reopened trade discussions with the Cubs Thursday about acquiring Staten Island native Jason Marquis, according to SI.com. Marquis has a hefty salary -- he will earn $9.5 million this season -- but Minaya could dump Scott Schoeneweis ($3.6M) on Chicago to accomplish another one of Minaya's goals of addition by subtraction. It worked with Heilman. One thing about these meetings I find interesting is that every year various baseball types go there looking for a gig , from prominent free agents to former players, I read that Bobby Meacham is there selling himself as is Lee Mazzilli. metirish Dec 11 2008 07:57 PM Minaya on getting more offense. ] "Before I start moving my dollars to offense, I have to move my dollars to pitching," the GM said."Last year was very simple guys. We had 20 blown saves. We scored the runs." smg58 Dec 12 2008 04:49 AM ="metirish"]davidoff ] The Mets reopened trade discussions with the Cubs Thursday about acquiring Staten Island native Jason Marquis, according to SI.com. Marquis has a hefty salary -- he will earn $9.5 million this season -- but Minaya could dump Scott Schoeneweis ($3.6M) on Chicago to accomplish another one of Minaya's goals of addition by subtraction. It worked with Heilman. Marquis' ERA+ last year (99) was comparable with those of Perez (100) and Maine (101). I might try to be ambitious here, offering Anderson, Feliciano, and a second-tier prospect for Marquis and Mike Fontenot. We'd take on more money, but we'd fill two needs and keep the Cubs from revisting sending DeRosa to the Phillies if the Peavy deal gets resurrected. But Schoeneweis for Marquis would be a perfectly acceptable fallback. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 12 2008 05:07 AM I'm not that enamored with Marquis. MFY fan, you know. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 06:26 AM All this talk about Marquis and Pierre makes me think Omar loves Frenchies. bmfc1 Dec 12 2008 07:06 AM Marquis is a fine #5 pitcher, perhaps a 4, but nothing more than that. He's a SOB which might be good at stretch time. We (sadly) know that he can hit. (For what it's worth, he's also a NYker and a M.O.T.) I hope this gets done. Phillies got Ibanez which means that Burrell goes elsewhere. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 12 2008 07:33 AM ="bmfc1":2vohih50]Marquis is a fine #5 pitcher, perhaps a 4, but nothing more than that. He's a SOB which might be good at stretch time. We (sadly) know that he can hit. (For what it's worth, he's also a NYker and a M.O.T.) I hope this gets done. Phillies got Ibanez which means that Burrell goes elsewhere.[/quote:2vohih50] See now right there's a reason to not part with Shoeneweis, if you needed one. Phils are going to be even more loaded with LH hitting than last year. I think maybe the Mets go get Burrell, what do you say? He's streaky and a bit of a dumb jock but he hits, he's righty and it sticks it the Phils (he's definitely better than Ibanez). I suppose Marquis would be alright near the end of the rotation but I'd hate for them to be fighting to get their money's worth with him. Benjamin Grimm Dec 12 2008 07:45 AM I don't have a problem with Marquis being a four or five pitcher; that's pretty much what the Mets are looking for anyway. It would be nice to get someone who would be number 2, and bump Maine and Pelfrey each down a slot, but that's not all that realistic. I too have been thinking about Burrell as a Met. (I've always seen him as a future Met; they tend to get guys who've hurt them, even if it's not until they've passed their prime.) If they do sign him, I suppose their five-man outfield is Beltran, Church, Burrell, Tatis, and Murphy. (Evans and Reed to Buffalo.) I'd be a little concerned with Murphy not getting enough playing time, but I imagine he'd find his spots. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 07:47 AM Ryan Howard, who Marty Noble insists was the MVP last year, went a m odest .219 / .313 / .479 // .792 vs the Mets last year. If you've got to decide which lefty to keep, consider that he didn't reach base once against Feliciano in seven plate appearances (four Ks), while Schoeneweis was perfect against him in five confrontations, with two Ks. Wait, that doesn't help at all. Um, Schoenewess came out on top in his one matchup with Ibanez last year, while Feliciano didn't see and Raul action. But that only makes them more even. Eeny, meeny, miny, mo. seawolf17 Dec 12 2008 07:56 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":11ubw6yw]I too have been thinking about Burrell as a Met. (I've always seen him as a future Met; they tend to get guys who've hurt them, even if it's not until they've passed their prime.) If they do sign him, I suppose their five-man outfield is Beltran, Church, Burrell, Tatis, and Murphy. (Evans and Reed to Buffalo.) I'd be a little concerned with Murphy not getting enough playing time, but I imagine he'd find his spots.[/quote:11ubw6yw] I'd still rather have Dunn than Burrell, but I'd take Burrell in a second. I'm concerned about Murphy getting overexposed; give him 250 ABs in a part-time role and let him earn his stripes again. MFS62 Dec 12 2008 07:59 AM Speaking of Ibanez, the Phillies just signed him to a three year, $30 million contract. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=376426 8 Too bad. I think he would have been a great pickup for the Mets. Later Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:07 AM Head, slammed through wall. Rockin' Doc Dec 12 2008 08:28 AM If the Mets could pick up Pat Burrell for reasonable termsd, I would be okay with that. The Mets need a corner outfielder and some right handed power to help balance the line up. Burrell would accomplish both. Murphy could still get reps as the fourth outfielder, possible spot starter at second base and the top lefty bat off the bench. Tatis would be the top righty bat off the bench while serving as a back up in LF and the corner infield spots. The only problem I see with that plan is with Endy gone, there is no one to serve as a late inning defensive substitute in LF unless Jeremy fills that role. That, however would be too many outfielders and someone (likely Murphy or Reed) would have to go elsewhere (Buffalo). Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:32 AM Marlon, I think, is not long for this town. Benjamin Grimm Dec 12 2008 08:33 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2d4wl6of]If the Mets could pick up Pat Burrell for reasonable termsd, I would be okay with that. The Mets need a corner outfielder and some right handed power to help balance the line up. Burrell would accomplish both. Murphy could still get reps as the fourth outfielder, possible spot starter at second base and the top lefty bat off the bench. Tatis would be the top righty bat off the bench while serving as a back up in LF and the corner infield spots. The only problem I see with that plan is with Endy gone, there is no one to serve as a late inning defensive substitute in LF unless Jeremy fills that role. That, however would be too many outfielders and someone (likely Murphy or Reed) would have to go elsewhere (Buffalo).[/quote:2d4wl6of] Yes. Right now the fifth outfielder spot appears to be a competition between Evans and Reed. If a Burrell or Dunn were signed, the competition would be over and both of those outfielders would end up in Buffalo. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 08:37 AM Evans is going to Buffalo. Marlon is going to Arizona. The Mets have a big fat slot waiting for a big fat outfielder to fill it. MFS62 Dec 12 2008 08:44 AM ="Edgy DC":3pbxjx7s]Evans is going to Buffalo. Marlon is going to Arizona. The Mets have a big fat slot waiting for a big fat outfielder to fill it.[/quote:3pbxjx7s] Well, Dmitri Young wasn't tendered and is a free agent. He certainly fills the "big fat" parts of that slot. Later Gwreck Dec 12 2008 09:40 AM ="Edgy DC":1wn8w6gz]Head, slammed through wall.[/quote:1wn8w6gz] Rollins Ibanez Utley Howard Werth Victorino Dobbs/Feliz Ruiz Ouch. Only consolation is that it's a left-heavy lineup. Centerfield Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM Ibanez basically replaces Burrell's production. Meaning the Phils will return a very similar lineup to last year's. Mark Texiera still available. Edgy DC Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM I'm slamming my head through a wall because of the proliferation of posting without reading. smg58 Dec 12 2008 09:45 AM Evans belongs at Buffalo playing first base. With Carp gone and Delgado in his walk year, he should be getting full-time AB's at his best position. The Mets need more lefthanded pitching. Burrell might not be better than Ibanez when you factor in ballparks. But both might hurt (might have hurt, in Ibanez' case) the Mets defensively more than they'd help offensively. The Mets absolutely need another righthanded bat in the outfield, but not at a cost that's disproportionate to the benefit. sharpie Dec 12 2008 10:24 AM Ibanez is a pretty good fielder, certainly not a guy you have to take out in the late innings. TransMonk Dec 12 2008 03:13 PM Looks like the Yanks will overpay for Burnett[/url:3vyw4v5q] rather than overpay for Lowe. Holy wallets. Valadius Dec 12 2008 03:47 PM Good. Burnett breaks down virtually every year. metirish Dec 12 2008 04:33 PM Of all the crazy things , I guess they won the bidding war again. Frayed Knot Dec 13 2008 06:50 AM So the Yanx had themselves a 1/4 Billion dollar week. Or, as they say in the Bronx, a good starting point. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 13 2008 06:58 AM Here's hoping Burnett is even a bigger bust than Pavano. He's apparently a bigger idiot, and already a bigger injury risk. smg58 Dec 13 2008 08:27 AM The non-tenders are headed rather shockingly by ex-Met Ty Wigginton, after a very strong year with the bat. He's not that good defensively in the infield, but I have to think it had more to do with money. I also can't imagine that none of the teams in the market for a third baseman (the Twins, the Indians, the Giants) wouldn't have given him a look. I've always thought Ty could be the 10th man on a good team, and the Mets have room for him (as primarily an outfielder), but somebody might still pay him a starter's salary. Other noteworthy non-tenders include Chris Capuano (still recovering from TJS but might be worth a long-term look) and Takaishi Saito (his worth depends entirely on the status of his elbow). The only Met I saw was Argenis Reyes. If that's it, that would mean that Stokes (a good move) and Robinson Cancel (a bit surprising, unless they know they can move one of the other catchers) are staying on the 40. Nymr83 Dec 13 2008 12:59 PM i would LOVE to bring Wiggy back as a bench player, he has the pop that this bench needs and can play 2B/3B when needed (though not necessarily well) Valadius Dec 13 2008 01:20 PM I'd plug Wiggy into Easley's spot in a heartbeat. OlerudOwned Dec 13 2008 02:47 PM I'm a lot happier with Ibanez in Philly than as a Met, especially at 3 years. Keith Law calls it "absurd[/url:20pumd9t]." Ashie62 Dec 14 2008 06:30 PM What about Burrell for an everyday LF and Jon Garland as an SP? Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 07:37 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 14 2008 07:48 PM ="Valadius":2u4mpb0q]I'd plug Wiggy into Easley's spot in a heartbeat.[/quote:2u4mpb0q] We'll be competing to buy him as a super-sub against teams looking for a starting thirdbaseman. You'd probably have to be thinking of him as your starting secondbaseman when you sign him. Aaron Miles, meanwhile got non-tendered. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 14 2008 07:47 PM Besides Easley's role also included backing up Reyes at SS and Wiggy is an unrealistic option there. Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 07:56 PM Miles plays everywhere, shortstop (and mopup pitcher) included. He's pretty similar from both sides of the plate. He can take lefties away from Castillo (against whom Luis is historically weaker), pressing him for the full-time job, backup at shortstop, and fill in elsewhere as needed. He's pretty analogous to Super Joe, with a little more average and a little less power, but has more starting experience and is less likely to be over-exposed by over-use. Ashie62 Dec 15 2008 04:19 AM Miles would come cheap and would be a rich mans superjoe I'd prefer Wiggy cause he can play anything..maybe even left or RF when Murphy or Church have problems Don't we need to focus on a full-time outfielder? Relying on Church & Murphy for 150 games seems a stretch. I'd love Burrell..surly as he is and as far as a SP goes..wait til Most of The A pitchers go and go after Sheets or Garland. metirish Dec 15 2008 06:55 AM Alex Cora was again mentioned in a report today. smg58 Dec 15 2008 07:24 AM Miles is another player who would be an upgrade over Castillo. He has similar hitting numbers to Castillo from a few years ago. He's also at least average with the glove, which Castillo can no longer say. He'd be worth bringing in for something like two years and $5M, although I might go higher than that if there are no other viable 2B options. He's not Orlando Hudson, but he could present significant value. I'd be willing to go 2 years and $6M for Wigginton's services, even if I could only guarantee him starts against lefties (in the outfield). Somebody like him or Juan Rivera would boost our bench, enable us to platoon Ryan Church, and provide cover if something goes wrong with Murphy, Church, or Delgado. I'm not sure that would be enough, but nobody jumped at the chance to trade for him. Edgy DC Dec 15 2008 07:35 AM Unless and until Castillo and/or Delgado are dealt, we've got to be thinking shortstopability in our next infielder. MFS62 Dec 15 2008 07:45 AM ="Edgy DC":1omuczeq]Unless and until Castillo and/or Delgado are dealt, we've got to be thinking shortstopability in our next infielder.[/quote:1omuczeq] I agree. B'sides, if the Mets sign Cora, we might be subjected to pictures of him with his brother. I'd get flashbacks of images of Joe Torre and his sister. Hide the eyes of the chill'uns. Miles gets my vote. Later MFS62 Dec 15 2008 08:54 AM Righthander Chan Ho Park said in a press conference in Seoul today that he has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Phillies. According to the Korea Times, Park, 35, will have a base salary of $2.5 million with incentives that could push the total package to $5 million. There had been reports that the Phillies were close to coming to terms with Park to improve their bullpen. However, the pitcher said he opted for the Phillies in part because they viewed him as a starter. �I was a little worried about the Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies, which is hitter-friendly,� he said. "But as they considered me a starter, I signed with Philadelphia.� http://www.philly.com/philly/b...l_for_Park.html Later Frayed Knot Dec 15 2008 05:29 PM The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either. Centerfield Dec 15 2008 07:32 PM It was me. I had some extra money lying around and I figured, "Oh what the hell." themetfairy Dec 15 2008 07:37 PM ="Centerfield":38yhgguz]It was me. I had some extra money lying around and I figured, "Oh what the hell."[/quote:38yhgguz] I love you, Man. Your posts always make me laugh. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 15 2008 08:19 PM ="Frayed Knot":uz2je510]The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either.[/quote:uz2je510] Go, Theo, go. Frayed Knot Dec 16 2008 06:36 AM Phils re-up 95 y/o Jamie Moyer for 2 years. OK, he's really only 46. Fman99 Dec 16 2008 06:40 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2wijd3xl]="Frayed Knot":2wijd3xl]The Pettitte camp (acc to WFAN) says it has a 3-year/$36mil offer from ... well, they're not saying, but I don't think it's the Yanx who are supposedly sticking w/1 year. I hope it's not us either.[/quote:2wijd3xl] Go, Theo, go.[/quote:2wijd3xl] I would not be surprised if Houston was the team not being mentioned. He pitched well down there for them and they don't have a whole lot of starting pitching depth after Oswalt. Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 06:46 AM I'm OK with Pedro. I said it. Just, you know, sign a bunch of other guys also. Farmer Ted Dec 16 2008 08:51 AM I have no problem with Petey in the #5 slot to start the season. I'm more worried with the durability of Maine and whether the other teams catch up with Pelfry's stuff. metsguyinmichigan Dec 16 2008 09:28 AM Any day the Phils resign Jamie Moyer and add Chan Ho Park is a good day for us! Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 09:31 AM The Phils trying to get two more years out of an ancient lefty strikes me as one more good reason for us to Burrell up. DocTee Dec 19 2008 09:14 AM Knucksie in Dixie: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/18/SPMQ14QQMI.DTL John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2008 09:31 AM Never made any sense to me that Lance Neikro wasn't a knuckleballer to begin with. IIRC, he had a big hit vs. the Mets (was it a game-winning HR or something?) when he first came up with the Giants and I naturally assumed he was on his way to major stardom. Fman99 Dec 21 2008 10:55 AM Fireballer Daniel Cabrera goes to the Nats, 1 year, 2.6 million. Valadius Dec 21 2008 10:55 AM Ha, good luck with that. Guy's a head case. Fman99 Dec 21 2008 10:57 AM ="Valadius":2pz740g9]Ha, good luck with that. Guy's a head case.[/quote:2pz740g9] I think people were saying that about Ollie Perez before the Pirates sent him to us. Talented, strikeout pitcher, control issues, high ERA, etc. metsguyinmichigan Dec 21 2008 10:29 PM OK, now both the Angels and the Red Sox say they're not going after Texiera anymore. Has Boras finall pushed people over the edge, or is this all just negotiating ploys? Frayed Knot Dec 22 2008 07:05 AM The Angels are claiming that their offer is "off the table" and that there'll be no further negotiating - which at least doesn't sound like a ploy. Boston, for its part, isn't claiming that, only that they think they're not going to be his choice due to other teams raising their offers beyond where they're willing to go. That leaves Teixeira in the position of either taking Boston's "low" offer or going the Baltimore/Washington route which kind of flies in the face of his 'I wanna be a contendah' pledge. Supposedly this was going to be wrapped up by Xmas but it wouldn't be the first time Boras has over-played his hand. Benjamin Grimm Dec 22 2008 07:07 AM There's still Baltimore and Washington. Boras isn't quite out of options yet. metsguyinmichigan Dec 22 2008 07:19 AM Speaking of Boras... Murray Chass MurrayChass.com Now that CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett have signed, other pitchers on the free-agent list are expected to follow. Derek Lowe is probably next on the list in terms of interest, but the interest has been all talk and no offers. His agent's asking price is said to be the reason. Scott Boras has told clubs he wants Barry Zito money for the 35-year-old Lowe, which means $18 million a year. Clubs interested in Lowe have not rushed forward with such offers. The slow-moving market may be just what the Mets want. ...Barry Zito isn't worth Barry Zito money. But Derek Lowe? Is he nuts? Edgy DC Dec 22 2008 01:44 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 22 2008 02:20 PM I'm not sure I'd support the Mets spending $18 million a year for two Derek Lowes. Valadius Dec 22 2008 02:04 PM The MOST I'd spend on Derek Lowe is $8 million a year. $18 million is beyond rationality. Willets Point Dec 22 2008 03:01 PM Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone. MFS62 Dec 23 2008 07:36 AM ="Willets Point":2bf2t6s1]Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone.[/quote:2bf2t6s1] Are you saying this because he associates with Scott Boras? Or is there something else you know about him? Later smg58 Dec 23 2008 11:23 AM Guys who can consistently give you 200+ IP with 15 wins and a sub-4 ERA are worth plenty more than 8 million. I wouldn't go four years with Lowe, on account of his age, but I'd much rather have him than Ollie. Willets Point Dec 23 2008 03:04 PM ="MFS62":3rvs0psj]="Willets Point":3rvs0psj]Oh man, Lowe needs $10 million just for booze alone.[/quote:3rvs0psj] Are you saying this because he associates with Scott Boras? Or is there something else you know about him? Later[/quote:3rvs0psj] Just a joke about Lowe's rumored love of the drink. Valadius Dec 26 2008 09:01 PM Randy Johnson will pursue his 300th win as a San Francisco Giant. Nymr83 Dec 27 2008 01:15 AM he could it be cutting it close with the type of run support the giants give their starters. he needs 5 wins, it took Matt Cain all year to get 8 wins for the Giants with an ERA+ the same as Johnson's last year. Frayed Knot Dec 27 2008 05:08 AM 'Randy Johnson is a Giant' is somewhat of a redundant headline. He's probably been called that since he was in the 4th grade. On the other hand, there must have been plenty in in the Castro district of SF who were excited to hear that someone called 'The Big Unit' was coming to their city. DocTee Dec 27 2008 09:16 AM FK with a late entry for post o' the year. The Giants have had a nice offseason (Renteria, Affeldt, Howry, Johnson) and if local rumors of them adding Adam Dunn are correct, they could be players in a weak West. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 27 2008 09:19 AM I agree. You can definitely quibble with the wisdom of a team's particular moves but I like to see franchises who've had bad years making a bunch of moves in the offseason, whether they are effective or not. Like the Giants... and the MFYs... Frayed Knot Dec 27 2008 03:49 PM X-Rockie, X-Astro OFer Wily Tavarez signs a two-year deal with Cincy. He's good at stealing bases and also .... ummmm, I'll think of something. And Kevin Mensch heads for Japan. The Japanese just might get a look at his monsterously huge head and add a second rising sun to their flag. I think that thing has its own gravitational pull. Frayed Knot Dec 29 2008 07:20 AM Penny for your Sox ... Brad Penny to Boston for 1 yr/$5mil -- pending a physical which could yet throw a wrench into the works. As mentioned elsewhere, this could keep them from chasing the likes of Lowe, Wolf, Ollie, etc. thus reducing the demand pool by one more team. Benjamin Grimm Dec 31 2008 11:20 AM This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. smg58 Dec 31 2008 12:29 PM The Cubs sign Aaron Miles for two years, then trade DeRosa to the Indians for three low level (not even top 20) prospects. At least it's not the Phillies, but that's one mild upgrade over Castillo and one significant upgrade who found takers at prices we could have afforded. Frayed Knot Dec 31 2008 12:30 PM Cubs 2B Mark DeRosa - long rumored as part of a Jake Peavy trade - dealt to Cleveland for a trio of minor league pitchers. smg58 Dec 31 2008 12:36 PM Fuentes got two years at $17.5M, plus a club option. Rotoworld says "Fuentes almost certainly took less money to play close to home," but I'm not sure who was competing with the Angels. Frayed Knot Jan 02 2009 05:47 AM Good news folks, Barry Bonds says that he should be fully recovered from the hip surgery he needs in time for opening day! Nymr83 Jan 02 2009 06:41 AM ="Frayed Knot":1xejc7ja]Good news folks, Barry Bonds says that he should be fully recovered from the hip surgery he needs in time for opening day![/quote:1xejc7ja] Better news- nobody really cares about him anymore, including it seems the GMs of all 30 teams. DocTee Jan 02 2009 04:46 PM Tony Clark returns to D-Baggs: 1 year, 800K. metirish Jan 02 2009 05:34 PM Watching MLB Network Hot Stove and they are reporting that San Francisco have offered Manny Ramirez a four year deal. Dodgers and A Jones have agreed to defer most of his money owed likely leading to him playing elsewhere. Scott Proctor to the Marlins for one year. Ashie62 Jan 03 2009 12:33 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2ytj1poh]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels.[/quote:2ytj1poh] This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker metsmarathon Jan 03 2009 12:40 PM ="Ashie62":hblnrkgs]Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker[/quote:hblnrkgs] i don't believe that for a second. Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 12:58 PM ="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. Kong76 Jan 03 2009 01:36 PM Maybe the three closer thing is the way to go after the last two seasons. Ashie62 Jan 05 2009 02:37 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. True..my impatience caused me to jump over Krod & Putz KP DOOTY...I'm just frustrated that the odds of landing a power corner and a decent SP , Sheets, Garland, Lowe..are diminishing and pray the Mets are not newly cash short Burrell has a rep for being a prick but if the Rays can land him at 16 million for 2 years I then wonder why the Mets wouldn't top that and not have to expect 150 games from Murphy and even let Murphy learn 2B at AAA as an experiment. smg58 Jan 05 2009 03:15 PM The Cubs apparently are giving 3 years and $30M to Milton Bradley. They expect him to play right field full time, even though he has had trouble staying in the lineup when he's been the DH. Given Burrell's deal and the fact that Abreu would have made much more sense for them, I really don't get this one. MFS62 Jan 05 2009 04:20 PM ="smg58":1gnuo0ct]The Cubs apparently are giving 3 years and $30M to Milton Bradley. They expect him to play right field full time, even though he has had trouble staying in the lineup when he's been the DH. Given Burrell's deal and the fact that Abreu would have made much more sense for them, I really don't get this one.[/quote:1gnuo0ct] Can't wait to see him go head-to-head with Pinella. Later smg58 Jan 07 2009 05:51 AM And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 06:20 AM ="smg58":162h2ehz]And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price.[/quote:162h2ehz] Makes ya crazy. Geez. I mean, about Hairston. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 07:18 AM Maybe Hairston gets a chance to start in Cincy and couldn't be sure of that here. Never did even hear a rumor of them looking at him though. Also: - Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 07:42 AM Andy Pettitte turns down one year and $10 million from the Yanks in a declining market. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 10:10 AM Yomiuri Giant Koji Uehara signs with Bal'more for two years. Reports say that he's the team's first Japanese player, but they forget Nippo-Hawaiian Len Sakata. Centerfield Jan 07 2009 10:41 AM Len was American. smg58 Jan 07 2009 10:58 AM ="Frayed Knot":2gsb44fr]- Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino[/quote:2gsb44fr] I'll laugh if Pavano gives the Indians 27 starts (i.e., more starts than he gave the MFY's in four years). The Marquis deal appears to leave Jorge de la Rosa out of the rotation in Colorado. I'd see what the asking price for him is; he finished very strongly last year, and he's at least as good as Tim Redding. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 11:01 AM ="Centerfield":biqnwx39]Len was American.[/quote:biqnwx39] As I said. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 12:00 PM From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly MFS62 Jan 07 2009 12:14 PM ="Frayed Knot":3hnipcdi]From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly[/quote:3hnipcdi] Pure insurance with Utley out for the early part of the year due to surgery. Later metirish Jan 07 2009 08:04 PM From MetsBlog Mike Fitzpatrick of the Associated Press believes the Mets have made an offer to free-agent RHP Tim Redding, who was 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts against the Phillies last season Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 08:56 PM I'll give Redding this: with one inning and six runs, he may be the worst performing Yankee ever. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 09:06 PM Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox. Rockin' Doc Jan 07 2009 10:03 PM If Rocco Baldelli can be reasonably healthy, he could be a great pick up for the Red Sox. I hope he is healthy and has a great season for the Sox. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:39 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3gx2svou]Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox.[/quote:3gx2svou] And quite possibly Smoltz too! Not official yet but several outlets are reporting it's 'bout a done deal. I guess they're promising him a starting job - don't think he would have jumped otherwise. Other reports have Trevor Hoffman going to the Brews ... although this is only one day after others had him headed to the Dodgers. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 07:46 AM Sort of a homecoming for Smoltz. Didn't he start his career with the Braves when they were still playing in Boston? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM No, the Tigers. Anywhoo, oughta soitenly remove Boston from the list of potential Lowe suitors (and cause me some concern too: Why don't any of Lowe's former employers want him back?) smg58 Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM The additions of Smoltz and Brad Penny probably take the Sox out of the discussions for Derek Lowe. Assuming Baldelli gets something like what Hairston got, I'd be a little annoyed that we didn't give him a look. We do need another righthanded bat. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:57 AM Yeah, I was half-hoping for Baldelli too. He's not a great player and has played fewer games in the last two seasons than Alou had in the two before we got him. But if this problem of his has finally been diagnosed correctly he could be a useful guy to have around. But Omar seems to be on this 'one problem at a time' schedule where nothing can even be talked about until the starter question is answered. metirish Jan 08 2009 08:01 AM Did bucket mis-read Ben's post? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 08:02 AM Yes. Yes I did. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 08:14 AM I almost did too because I sometimes confuse the Smoltz trade with the Bagwell one from Boston. The Smoltz from Detroit for Denny Alexander trade happened around the same era as Bagwell for Larry Anderson. Both were done for pennant push help and in each case the minor leaguers were home-town guys (Smoltz is from Mich, Bags from Conn) who turned into HoF possibilities. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 08:17 AM Doyle Alexander. Now Denny McLain or somebody is getting into the conflation. metirish Jan 08 2009 10:25 AM Looking at a potential nightmare with outfield defense the MFY's are apparently looking to trade Swisher and Nady. Yankees fielding offers for Nady, Swisher Posted by: Jon Heyman The Yankees are fielding trade offers for corner outfielders Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. There's been some speculation they might consider trading Hideki Matsui, too, but he has a full no-trade clause and is coming off knee surgery, so there's really no way to trade him. A logjam at the corners was created when the Yankees surprised a lot of folks and signed Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract. Swisher previously had been penciled in as the Yankees' first baseman but now becomes part of a crowded mix of accomplished corner outfielders. Swisher is a versatile player and can play some center field, as well. Some National League teams may be interested. However, Nady's trade value is higher after a better offensive season, so he may be just as likely to be dealt. Nady, acquired by the Yankees in a midseason trade with the Pirates, combined to hit .305 with 25 home runs and 97 RBIs for the year, while Swisher finished at .219 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs for the White Sox before being dealt to the Yankees after the season Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 02:09 PM i'd sure take Nady back, to split time with Church, Murphy and Delgado. But no way the Yanx trade him cross town. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:30 PM You leave Tatis out of that mix. Nady gives you what Tatis gives you, only more and probably better and definitely younger. Tatis' only advantage is playing third. I'd love a Nady around because I think the best way to get something like last year's productivity out of Tatis is to make him earn every at-bat. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 02:43 PM Maybe Murphy will do that, but I'm not counting on it. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:46 PM What's going down, and I think a lot of us feel it, is that a lot of things went kind of right in Omar's offense that could have easily gone wronger, and he's kind of seeming to kind of be counting on a lot of those same thingies to go right again. Fans be pessemistic creatures, of course. Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 03:21 PM Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard. attgig Jan 08 2009 03:29 PM ="Vic Sage":37m9y64n]Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard.[/quote:37m9y64n] and you have a wild card at 1b, so it's not even half a lineup. nobody has faith in schnied to produce offensively, and while castro COULD provide some pop, he just gets hurt too often (he must be the worst backup catcher in the league). 2b, nobody has faith in castillo, except he's saying all the right things. and Church... will his head be screwed on straight? it'll be an interesting few more weeks before spring training. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 03:35 PM I agree with Vic, including about left field, but I'd be okay with giving Murphy/Tatis a chance to shine again. But in doing that, you have to protect yourself by beefing up some of the other positions. And as yet, the Mets haven't done anything towards that end. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 07:12 PM Ramon Castro, not the worst backup catcher in the league. DocTee Jan 09 2009 09:42 AM John Smoltz, Red Sock. metirish Jan 09 2009 12:35 PM Swisher the Yanks' preferred candidate over Nady BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com January 9, 2009 In their current roster logjam, the Yankees would strongly prefer to trade Xavier Nady and retain Nick Swisher, a person familiar with the club's thinking said yesterday. General manager Brian Cashman has received more requests for Swisher than for Nady. With spring training more than a month away and the season opener just about three months away, however, there is no imperative to execute a quick trade. The Mets enjoyed having Nady on their club for the first four months of the 2006 season, and they inquired about him last July, when the Yankees wound up getting him from Pittsburgh. For now, however, the Mets are focused on their starting rotation and are not looking to acquire a bat either through free agency or through a trade. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 01:54 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 09 2009 02:02 PM Swisher switch-hits, and is better and more versatile defensively. He's also signed for the next few years which could be either good or bad depending on whether he regains his hitting from last season's off year. Nady is more likely to hit better (though walk less) and would only be for one year at a price to be determined by arbitration then would be a FA after that. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 09 2009 01:59 PM If we weren't already loaded with lefthanded hitting outfielders, I'd take Godzilla as a LH bench masher in the Franco/Staub mold. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 02:04 PM As long as the Cranks would pay 90% of the freight and expect nothing back in return, sure. (OK, maybe 70% with a throw-in going the other way would do) Ashie62 Jan 09 2009 05:10 PM I feel safe to say Tatis has had his middle aged career year..I wouldn't put too high a ceiling there. Daniel Murphy needs more seasoning and I still advocate a year at AAA to learn 2B Mr. Nady..wasn't he a Met who know has Yankee cooties? metirish Jan 11 2009 03:46 PM Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Fman99 Jan 11 2009 07:52 PM ="metirish"]Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Pedro really looked spent in 2008, after having a respectable September prior. I don't think he has much in the tank and I would not miss all the drama. Rockin' Doc Jan 11 2009 09:29 PM Marlins not interested in signing Pedro By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- Don't look for Pedro Martinez to wind up with the Marlins. A day after a report stated the Marlins were in the mix for the 37-year-old right-hander, a league source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday that Florida has zero interest. Reports in the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and SunSentinel also ruled out the possibility of Martinez joining the club. On Saturday night, a report on ESPNdeportes.com stated the Marlins had discussions with agent Fernando Cuza regarding Martinez. The report added Florida may have begun preliminary contract talks, and that the two sides were expected to continue talking this week. As of late Sunday afternoon, the Marlins were not considered a possible fit. Martinez has a home in Miami, and he has expressed privately a desire to pitch for the Marlins. On Monday, Cuza is expected to have discussions with the Mets about a possible return to New York. The right-hander also is expected to test the free-agent market. Hampered by injuries last year, Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts. He threw 109 innings. Working with minimal financial resources, the Marlins are looking for affordable free agents. The team did explore adding veteran Carl Pavano, who signed with the Indians. The Marlins are prepared to head into Spring Training with a rotation that includes Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez. Nolasco, eliglbe for arbitration, still has not signed. Florida continues to explore depth at catcher. The team is looking for low-priced options there. A free agent that could be a fit is Ivan Rodriguez, but only if his price tag continues to drop this month. Frayed Knot Jan 12 2009 07:01 AM IOW, the earlier story was an agent plant. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 08:20 AM Yeah, use the threat of the Daddy Warbucks Marlins to trigger a false bidding war. That's the ticket. Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:09 AM I think that Pedro had far more interest in the Marlins than they had in him. I believe that Pedro is desperate to play another season, but I don't think teams throughout the league are very interested in signing him. Pedro was once a dominant, HOF caliber pitcher, but he seems to be the one person that doesn't see how far removed from his former greatness he now is. metirish Jan 12 2009 11:17 AM If Pedro Martinez retired tomorrow he would surely be in the HOF at first ballot , wouldn't he? Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:21 AM I was not inferring that Pedro Martinez was not worthy of enshrinement in Coopperstown. He has had a tremendous career and was arguably one of the top 2 or 3 pitchers in MLB for several seasons. I would vote for him (if I had a vote) when his name comes up on the HOF ballot. I was simply stating that he is not nearly the dominant pitcher he once was. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 11:22 AM I think he's pretty aware of what happened last year. If he didn't still believe he could turn it around, he wouldn't be the great pitcher he is. What's more, I believe he could turn it around. In his prime, he had an unprecedented four killer pitches, so it's not like he was fastball-reliant. It's a matter of finding what he can do with what's left of his fastball and using it to complement the rest of his arsenal. That's a far ways from saying he will return to a productive level, but I'm certain he can. Glavine continued to pitch effectively with a powder puff fastball and a change. While his control was still very good, Pedro's has always been even better. And if I'm the Mets, I'm willing to spend some change to find out. Giving him Redding's money with an automatically vesting bonus year of $9 million if he gets 180 innings? Yeah, go for it. I'm certain he can do as well as Redding in 2009, and a damn fine bet to do better. The only thing Redding has over him is a better doctor's report. metirish Jan 12 2009 05:05 PM Michael Young wants out of Texas , can play 2nd base. I should add that Heyman just said on the Hot stove that he has %62 million left on his big contract. smg58 Jan 12 2009 05:22 PM Young's expensive, and the dropoff in his numbers over the past three years has been precipitous. Even if they took Castillo it would still be a $10M payroll hit, and he's just not that good anymore. Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 01:14 PM Dodgers reportedly to release Andruw before today is out Benjamin Grimm Jan 15 2009 01:52 PM Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year? Someone will be able to pick him up for minimum wage, and they may get a hell of a bargain at the Dodgers expense. metirish Jan 15 2009 01:56 PM Jones was on MLB Network the other night talking about how he would love to go back to the Braves. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 02:01 PM No doubt. metsmarathon Jan 15 2009 02:28 PM i'd give andruw a shot, for minimum wage... Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 05:45 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2v9kwf3v]Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year?[/quote:2v9kwf3v] I guess not enough of a chance in their minds to make carrying him all year worth it. They restructured his deal last week with a release in mind so I assume they're going to do similar thing to what we did with Bonilla (only on a much bigger scale): pay out the remainder over a long period to avoid getting hit with it all at once. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:34 AM The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting today that the Phillies are aggressively trying to sign Moises Alou. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:36 AM Would Alou be a starter there or would he be in a limited role , who's in the outfield there along with Ibanez?...Dobbs?....Victorino? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:37 AM Watch him hit .500 and stay healthy all year. Bastard. Frayed Knot Jan 23 2009 08:44 AM He wouldn't start there - but he'd be a potentially good RH bat off the bench for a predominately lefty hitting squad. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:51 AM The three options (Perez, Wolf, and Sheets) may be soon reduced to two: ="MLB.com":2t16pb69]The deep freeze that's been the Major League free-agent market this winter has shown indications a thaw is coming -- at least for starting pitchers. On the heels of the Mets reaching an apparent agreement on a Minor League deal with right-hander Freddy Garcia, it looks like the Dodgers have taken the inside track in the competition for lefty starter Randy Wolf's services. According to sources for FoxSports.com, Wolf could most likely be signed to a one or two-year deal. Wolf previously pitched for Los Angeles in 2007 and was 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA in a combined 33 starts last season for the Padres and Astros. FoxSports.com said Wolf would get less than the three-year, $28 million offer the pitcher turned down from Houston earlier this winter. [/quote:2t16pb69] metsguyinmichigan Jan 23 2009 08:57 AM Supposedly, Sheets is meeting with the Rangers. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Wolf turned down an offer for that much? , and I was thinking he could be had for a song on a one year deal. sharpie Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Fine. I actually saw Wolf pitch twice last year, at the only game I attended at MFY Stadium and at the game I attended at Petco. Both time he got shellacked. smg58 Jan 23 2009 09:34 AM There are a number of available starters who can give you at least a league average ERA, several of whom have the upside to do significantly better. Randy Wolf is not one of them. I see no point in pursuing a demonstrably inferior pitcher just because he's a lefty. Edgy DC Jan 23 2009 09:59 AM I don't think anybody but Wally Matthews is arguing that his leftiness is important, and Wally is only throwing that pitch to drum up "Mets Gotta Steal Pettitte" angles. Who do you have your eye on? metirish Jan 23 2009 08:11 PM Just turned over to MLB Network after watching "What Not To Wear" and heard Tom Verducci say that Perez is moving closer to signing with the Mets. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:59 PM Here's the source: Jon "Boras Boy" Heyman ]Mets extend offer to Perez, their top target The Mets have placed an offer on the table for free-agent lefthander Oliver Perez, SI.com has learned, and are hopeful to have an answer in coming days regarding their prime pitching target. The Mets are believed to have improved their original thought, which was for about $30 million over three years. But it isn't certain what their latest offer is. Perez remains the Mets' top choice for the final spot in their rotation, though the team has remained in contact with three other free-agent pitchers -- Randy Wolf, Jon Garland and Ben Sheets. They know they'd have competition for Wolf (Dodgers), Garland (Diamondbacks) and Sheets (Rangers, possibly Yankees) but aren't sure what other teams are competing for Perez. The Mets had been hopeful to land free agent Derek Lowe earlier but were surprised when the rival Braves outbid them by $24 million, landing Lowe with a $60-million, four-year contract. Perez, 27, is eight years younger than Lowe, though not quite as consistent. Mets GM Omar Minaya would love to import Perez, so the Mets are not likely to take one of the other pitchers unless he feels his chances for Perez are gone. Nymr83 Jan 24 2009 12:14 PM I hope "the mystery team" comes and raises perez's price too high so we can sign Sheets. Then Boras and Perez can admit there was no mystery team and we get both at a reduced rate! MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM If money is the issue, I'd like to see the Mets sign Sheets and with any Ollie Perez money left over, go out and sign Odalis Perez. His ERA was only .10 worse than Ollie's last year, is still only 32 years old, and probably be signed for far less money than any of the other names that have been in the press lately. Later MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM Oops. Dupe Sorry Later seawolf17 Jan 30 2009 01:00 PM Varitek back to Boston for one year, $5 million. Frayed Knot Jan 30 2009 02:36 PM Varitek's (read: Boras's) threat to sit out the season and/or retire didn't get the Sox to budge I see. Tek is one of several who turned down arbitration offers this winter only to wind up not only with a much smaller deal than arb would have snagged him but didn't get the multi-year deal either. Now it's hope you play well and the economy improves when you can do the same dance next year. Ashie62 Feb 02 2009 03:56 PM Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise? Fman99 Feb 02 2009 07:27 PM ="Ashie62":2t5ssjz6]Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise?[/quote:2t5ssjz6] .220 metirish Feb 02 2009 07:43 PM Is that his weight or his average? , sucks either way though. metirish Feb 04 2009 11:35 AM ]Left-hander Chase Wright was traded by the New York Yankees to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday for outfielder-catcher Eric Fryer. metirish Feb 07 2009 02:23 PM Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's. Rockin' Doc Feb 07 2009 05:10 PM metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones. MFS62 Feb 08 2009 07:35 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2e2xwbch]metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones.[/quote:2e2xwbch] B'sides, they couldn't have the signing photo op soon anyhow. They'd first have to send out Cecil Fielder's uni to have the seams let out to fit Jones. Later Frayed Knot Feb 08 2009 08:45 PM Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do. Fman99 Feb 09 2009 06:44 AM ="Frayed Knot":1zv55w66]Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do.[/quote:1zv55w66] Yeah, poor guy. My heart breaks for him. /sarcasm Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 07:07 AM It's not like he doesn't get to keep the 15 miills. Vic Sage Feb 09 2009 09:08 AM yeah, i mean basically he just got a raise! Frayed Knot Feb 09 2009 09:26 AM Sure, it just shows a helluva difference between what someone thought he was worth last year vs what they think he's worth barely a year later. How the mighty (and fat) have fallen.

You have to assume he'll be back; he has an onerous contract, and he's Johan Santana's best friend in the whole wide world. Not pretty offensively, but it might be what it is.

RHP: Smith/Parnell/Heilman/Kunz LHP: Schoeneweis/Feliciano/Fuentes That's not bad. You'd have to find something to do with Duaner Sanchez, and Brian Stokes could/should be a factor as well.

="soupcan":1mxbmvn9]A sign of team mascot Mr. Met saying smoking is prohibited in the stadium has already been sold for $100, Meisel said.[/quote:1mxbmvn9] FUCKIN' HELL. That's all I wanted from the stadium. I just left a message with someone at MeiGray. soupcan Nov 07 2008 07:18 AM Found these at baseball-fever.com First game ever at Shea... Last game ever at Shea... Benjamin Grimm Nov 07 2008 07:37 AM It was prettier when it opened than when it closed. Edgy DC Nov 07 2008 08:39 AM The pitch could have been in better condition. G-Fafif Nov 07 2008 09:00 AM A ballpark that looked better with a parking lot in the background will now itself be a parking lot. The irony is as thick as the outfield grass was thin. Benjamin Grimm Nov 07 2008 09:12 AM Looking at the two photos together really shows how much garishness was added to Shea over the years. I'm sure Citi Field with start out with a lot of that clutter already in place. I can only imagine what it will look like 40 years from now. (And I hope I live to find out! At this point, another 40 years is about as much as I care to get.) John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 07 2008 09:33 AM ="Edgy DC":2749cxyp]The pitch could have been in better condition.[/quote:2749cxyp] Shea was barely complete when it opened. They worked till the very last minute. They said it was very soft and muddy in the outfield. metirish Nov 07 2008 09:40 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1qbr6llo]="Edgy DC":1qbr6llo]The pitch could have been in better condition.[/quote:1qbr6llo] Shea was barely complete when it opened. They worked till the very last minute. They said it was very soft and muddy in the outfield.[/quote:1qbr6llo] Was there even a fence at the back behind CF separating it form the parking lot , it's hard to tell. soupcan Nov 07 2008 09:43 AM And half of the parking lot isn't even paved yet. Willets Point Nov 07 2008 09:46 AM All the cars are the same size though. soupcan Nov 11 2008 08:03 AM First base Field level is gone, Third base nearly so. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 08:14 AM One advantage to implosions (yes, I realize that wasn't possible in this case) is that they're quick. This is like a band-aid being slowly and painfully peeled off. seawolf17 Nov 11 2008 11:29 AM ="themetfairy":2tehg78d]One advantage to implosions (yes, I realize that wasn't possible in this case) is that they're quick. This is like a band-aid being slowly and painfully peeled off.[/quote:2tehg78d] No kidding. I should stop opening this thread. G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 12:26 PM That sure was some tadium. Zvon Nov 11 2008 12:57 PM ="themetfairy":3vpl9tnq]One advantage to implosions (yes, I realize that wasn't possible in this case) is that they're quick. This is like a band-aid being slowly and painfully peeled off.[/quote:3vpl9tnq] I couldn't have said it better. I have to say I am a bit surprised how the destruction of Shea is effecting me. It has to be this slow torturous way I'm viewing it bit by bit. ="seawolf17":3vpl9tnq]No kidding. I should stop opening this thread.[/quote:3vpl9tnq] I'm with you seawolf17. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 01:12 PM We let this happen. More than a few advocated it's happening. It's no time to turn away now. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 01:22 PM I'll own up to wanting the new stadium. I'm not denying that. But I've seen this transition done in several other cities during the past few years, and to a team they've all handled it better than the Mets have. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 01:34 PM I'm enjoying the pictures and saving everyone one of them. Keep 'em coming, I stopped licking my wound about ten days ago. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 01:35 PM tmf: they've all handled it better than the Mets have <<< How so? soupcan Nov 11 2008 01:39 PM I'll miss the old girl too but c'mon. Think of what it will be like having wide walkways! Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 01:42 PM Wide walkways and legroom are nothing to sneeze at. I'd feel differently if I still lived in New York. But as rarely as I get to Shea Queens to see the Mets play anymore, I don't think Citi Field will ever feel like home to me. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 01:44 PM I remember the Phillies homage to the Vet in 2003 - a stadium that was younger than Shea and didn't have nearly the history Shea did. IIRC they were the first to take down a number before each game, but they made sure that every number was taken down by someone with a meaningful connection to the team or the stadium (not a Lincoln Mercury dealer in the lot). Their post-game ceremony after their final game was very moving (I'll find the link to it shortly), without the idiotic delay that Mets fans had to endure after Shea's final game. They had books ghost written by the Phillies Phanatic helping prepare younger fans for the move. From top to bottom it just seemed like a much better thought out operation. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 01:49 PM That has little to do with photos of the de-construction. Is a delay before a ceremony such a big deal? themetfairy Nov 11 2008 01:52 PM The delay before the ceremony was just endemic of the half-assed job the Mets did in properly celebrating Shea's final season. They had an opportunity to do the old girl real justice, and they dropped the ball every chance they could. I couldn't find that footage of the final game ceremony at the Vet on the Phillies' site (and I feel very dirty trolling around there - ick!). But it had much more of a well-planned feel to it. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 01:56 PM How did we get from handling the transition in a day by day demolition thread which you said other teams did better to closing ceremonies and silly number countdowns? themetfairy Nov 11 2008 02:06 PM ="KC"]How did we get from handling the transition in a day by day demolition thread which you said other teams did better to closing ceremonies and silly number countdowns? I mentioned the transition in general. You asked for details. I think that if the Mets did a better job in paying homage to Shea this past season that people wouldn't be as upset about its destruction as they are. Agree or disagree with that premise - it's merely a theory. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 02:08 PM I wouldn't feel dirty seeking for it if you liked it. If you like it, you like it. It's all MLB's website anyhow. I'm just not ready to kick the Mets because they don't demolish the stadium in a manner comparable to the White Sox or the Rangers. Or such having anything to do with why folks say they won't open this thread. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 02:12 PM You seem to be switching gears, going from "we let this happen/some advocated for it" to "I'm not ready to kick the Mets." You cool with this or not? Kong76 Nov 11 2008 02:15 PM tmf: I mentioned the transition in general. You asked for details <<< How did all the others "to a team" handle the dismantling of their old stadium better than the Mets? Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 02:21 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 11 2008 02:27 PM You're excerpting phrases out of sentences there. It's clear to anybody that I didn't support a new stadium. How it's demolished is a moot point and I don't see how it can be done better, or indeed has been done better by everyone else. Frayed Knot Nov 11 2008 02:25 PM Maybe they can demolish the stadium by bringing each piece out on a velvet pillow laid out on a sled pulled by a puppy dog. I'm sure we'd all feel better then. This wound-licking is getting too much. I want video of the destruction and i hope it's bloody. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 02:29 PM I don't think the Mets did such a bad job with the last year of Shea. Yeah, there were too many Lincoln-Mercury dealers pulling down the numbers. But I think the closing ceremony was nicely done. Very nicely done. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 02:36 PM The physical demolition of Shea has to be done in this manner because implosion is not possible. My point is that I don't think that people would be reacting to the demolition process as painfully as they are if the Mets had done a better job of honoring Shea properly in its final season. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 02:38 PM Speaking only for myself, I just find it a little bit sad. No pain though. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 02:39 PM I know people who are in real pain over this. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 02:44 PM There's no way I could cull what fairy's point was from what she typed, I don't read posters minds, we were talking about the demolition pics. Problem with getting too wrapped up in the Mets will never be the same with- out good ol' Shea is before you know it's twenty years from now and you're writing letters to the paper like Bob L about how greener the grass was there and popcorn fresher. The bathroom floors were even drier and less sticky 20 years from now too I bet and those wonderful sight lines ... themetfairy Nov 11 2008 02:50 PM If that's the case, then I weep for the yet-to-be-finished Citi Field. Frayed Knot Nov 11 2008 02:54 PM I think we're starting to sound like the wound-lickers we used to make fun of; - oh no, this stadium is being destroyed worse than any other stadium in the history of destroyed stadiums - only the Mets could paint their foul lines crooked - why did Shea have to die so young? Kong76 Nov 11 2008 02:57 PM tmf: I know people who are in real pain over this <<< Send 'em here! Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 03:00 PM ="Frayed Knot":3qcqh3up]I think we're starting to sound like the wound-lickers we used to make fun of; - oh no, this stadium is being destroyed worse than any other stadium in the history of destroyed stadiums - only the Mets could paint their foul lines crooked - why did Shea have to die so young?[/quote:3qcqh3up] Wait a minute, that second one wuz you. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 03:00 PM ="KC"]tmf: I know people who are in real pain over this <<< Send 'em here! I think they're minors. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 03:02 PM Actually, Iubital's post yesterday ("it doesn't surprise me") started me on this build up of let's stop the wound licking that was bound to come out. I think. I ain't going back to look. (OE: meaning the foul line not lining up) themetfairy Nov 11 2008 03:18 PM ="Edgy DC"]="KC"]tmf: I know people who are in real pain over this <<< Send 'em here! I think they're minors. No - the minors I know aren't as connected to Shea as most of the adults I know. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 03:24 PM How do they feel about the demolition? Do the also feel that it's being handled "to a team" much worse by the Mets? Or are they just bitter about the closing ceremonies and number countdown too? Send 'em here. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 03:32 PM Who are you talking about? Kong76 Nov 11 2008 03:39 PM The people who are in real pain over this, McFly. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 03:45 PM I'll leave it to them to specifically reply to you or not. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 03:50 PM If they're here (and I suspected they were) then you should have left them out of your poor defense to begin with and let them speak for themselves. You wiggled off like four hooks in this thread. G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 04:06 PM There is beauty, pain and joy in baseball. When they gut and pry apart where you experienced most of it, a person is likely to reflect on all three and feel, upon viewing the kinds of pictures in question, one of those sensations in particular. The beauty and the joy may have been carried out safely before MeiGray could sell them, but it is not surprising that the pain should linger and overshadow for many if not all across the duration of the demolition. Later? Who knows? We haven't been there yet. I suspect the beauty and the pain and the joy will coalesce into the warmer memories the magic of distance allows. Reality says somebody's doing a job in taking down Shea Stadium. Reality says the plan has been on the table long enough for everybody to adjust to the plan. But baseball and reality were never intended to mesh so easily. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 04:17 PM Eloquent as ever, and on topic. Bravo! themetfairy Nov 11 2008 04:29 PM ="KC":cumx5g68]If they're here (and I suspected they were) then you should have left them out of your poor defense to begin with and let them speak for themselves. You wiggled off like four hooks in this thread.[/quote:cumx5g68] Don't ask direct questions if you're not going to like the answers. What was I supposed to do? Ignore you? G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 04:32 PM ="KC":3vuetxpl]Eloquent as ever, and on topic. Bravo![/quote:3vuetxpl] Thanks much, but just throwing the last pitch of what TMF stated quite reasonably, I think...Benitez to the Fairy's Leiter, as it were. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 04:33 PM Thanks G. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 04:35 PM I disagree, I think she said something and then changed it to something else and then played on then something else. I have to stop, I'm gonna start getting PM's about causing waves in the bath tub. Frayed Knot Nov 11 2008 04:38 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Frayed Knot"]I think we're starting to sound like the wound-lickers we used to make fun of; - oh no, this stadium is being destroyed worse than any other stadium in the history of destroyed stadiums - only the Mets could paint their foul lines crooked - why did Shea have to die so young? Wait a minute, that second one wuz you. Yes, but I was just noting the fact that they looked off via the angle in that aerial shot. What followed was a reply which stated that only the Mets could do something like that as if the new stadium really will have foul poles 150' from home plate on account of this organization being so incompetant that the thought of seeing where the lines actually lead hasn't yet occured to anyone during this whole multi-million dollar operation. I'd bring up the one post wondering if they really had to ruin the grass with all that machinery during the deconstruction but I don't think that one was totally serious (although I waver at times). G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 04:39 PM I find it way more upsetting that I posted my way up from Richie Hebner only to morph into Jerry DiPoto. Who ranks these things? Oh right. Us. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 04:46 PM ="KC":6z6ktyl3]I disagree, I think she said something and then changed it to something else and then played on then something else. I have to stop, I'm gonna start getting PM's about causing waves in the bath tub.[/quote:6z6ktyl3] I did nothing of the kind. I answered a question that you asked me. You chose not to like the answer. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 05:05 PM I ain't outlining it for you, and don't be so fucking snippy. You're not always right. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 05:07 PM I'm just playing defense here. I'm not the one accusing people of changing things around. Nor have I done or said anything that merits you swearing at me. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 05:16 PM I'm sorry, but you're just freakin' maddening sometimes. Poorly handled transition does not equal demolition. Go wiggle yourself. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 05:24 PM I never said it equaled demolition. I was talking about people's reactions to the demolition. And nothing I said justifies the kind of reaction you're having. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 05:33 PM No, your first response was about the closing ceremonies and the count down .... have you been drinking with cooby? I'm comfortable with my reaction for purposes of this thread and I apologize for cursing and that's all I have to say on the matter. C'mon, "go wiggle yourself" was pretty funny. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 05:43 PM No, I have not been drinking. This is what you consider an apology? I made a comment about the transition being handled poorly. You asked me to extrapolate. I did, and you reacted in a pretty hostile manner. If you don't like my opinion that's your prerogative. But you needn't go off like that just because you disagree with it. Kong76 Nov 11 2008 05:50 PM I apologized for cursing, that's it. Your reading comprehension skills are taking a beating in this thread. themetfairy Nov 11 2008 05:54 PM No. I'm simply taking a beating for not seeing an issue exactly the way that you do. Kong76 Nov 12 2008 04:20 AM A beating? If I was gonna get nasty I'd dig up a picture of you in a Phillies uniform and really stick it to you. I'm ultimately taking the beating when we argue because the bath house mentality of this board will almost always side with you. Mean ol' KC. *sigh* HahnSolo Nov 12 2008 06:42 AM Hi, I'm here for the "intelligent, lively and provocative discussion of the Mets, Ed Kranepool, and on a good day, the Ramones." Am I in the right place? Kong76 Nov 12 2008 06:58 AM seawolf17 Nov 12 2008 07:17 AM ="HahnSolo":3u9spspm]Hi, I'm here for the "intelligent, lively and provocative discussion of the Mets, Ed Kranepool, and on a good day, the Ramones." Am I in the right place?[/quote:3u9spspm] Eff that. I come here for the weekly KC/Scarlet fights. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 07:35 AM I missed a GREAT NIGHT. Zvon Nov 12 2008 08:48 PM whats all this then....? Pages of posts but nary an image. Addressing the issue of pain... Some of us do feel pain in regard to Shea's demise. It's not even that bad. Its a pang....a feeling of remorse. It hurts on a level that's hard to express, and its a passing phase. Eventually this will be a thing of the past. Not yet though, seeing it being ripped down bit by bit, here and at other places as well. I have been going around and collecting pictures of Shea myself. Anything I come across. Early days,recent times,....even the demolition. So I bop in here and I see there have been additions to the Shea Photo thread, and I'm like, "Oh kool! Maybe its one I haven't seen. Hope its the older Shea...but any nice pic of Shea would be sweet to see..." I hope to see pictures of Shea in way of a recollection, an homage. That's just me though. Maybe there should be a seperate thread for Shea's demolition, ...I dunno. But it's really not a big deal. As you can see I'll still check out this thread, hoping for kool pics of Shea Stadium when it was in use. I've come across some really great Shea photos online recently, especially at Baseball Fever. Like this one. I am 95% positive that thats me running onto the field after game 5 of the '73 NLCS. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 09:05 PM Classy look. Apparently, nobody was allowed in that day --- by law --- except 21-year-old white males with shoulder-length hair, workshirts, and bellbottoms. Zvon Nov 12 2008 09:15 PM ="Edgy DC":3fjgok91]Classy look. Apparently, nobody was allowed in that day --- by law --- except 21-year-old white males with shoulder-length hair, workshirts, and bellbottoms.[/quote:3fjgok91] Not so. I was 15. Kong76 Nov 13 2008 04:34 AM EDC: Classy look. Apparently, nobody was allowed in that day --- by law --- except 21-year-old white males with shoulder-length hair, workshirts, and bellbottoms ------------- I never noticed, but you're right. It looks like they just opened a gate for field level gen adm for a Deep Purple concert or something and all the guys are scrambling to get a good spot. Cool picture to be in. G-Fafif Nov 13 2008 05:42 AM It's fascinating, from a cultural perspective, to contrast the crowds storming the field images from '69 and '73. The tumult of the '60s may have waned away from the ballpark, but its remnants seem to have become codified in places that were largely shielded from change while change was at its most intense: like the ballpark. (Which is probably what pissed Dick Young off so.) It's often been said there was more of an edge to the '73 rushing of the field than '69's, for what that's worth. I don't remember the Orioles complaining they were frightened for their well-being the way the Reds did. That YouTube clip that MLB pulled earlier this year, the pregame show from Game Four of the '73 World Series, showed (to me anyway) what a different world we were living in versus four years earlier, not just in style but substance. If you recall, Kubek, Seaver and Hunter were all taking Charlie Finley to task for his handling of the Mike Andrews situation. Questioning authority, kind of a radical concept in establishment circles in 1969, was part of the polyester fabric of the game by 1973. Probably not a coincidence this was the same year as the Senate's Watergate hearings nor that within two weeks there would be such a backlash to the Saturday Night Massacre. soupcan Nov 14 2008 09:54 AM Latest shots from wcbs880 chopper... Field level is completely gone now. Here's some interesting stuff that I got from baseball fever. Shea Demolition Plans: Edgy DC Nov 14 2008 09:58 AM What's a "NON-BEARTING STRUCTURE"? Benjamin Grimm Nov 14 2008 10:00 AM Before anyone else beats me to it, let me just get this out of the way: It figures! The stupid Mets can't even get the spelling right! Willets Point Nov 14 2008 10:04 AM Question for Zvon. Is your shirt open showing your Siegfried & Roy hairless chest or were you wearing a fleshtone t-shirt? Zvon Nov 14 2008 01:26 PM ="Willets Point"]Question for Zvon. Is your shirt open showing your Siegfried & Roy hairless chest or were you wearing a fleshtone t-shirt? lol. I never went around displaying my slinky chest so I'm sure that's a T-shirt. Doubt it was fleshtone, probly orange. Thing is I'm not positive that's me. First time I saw the pic I looked right past that guy searching for me. Eventually I got back to him and thought that must be me. I have no recollection of what I wore that day. I do know I was a skinny guy with long hair who always wore white sneaks. If I had on a flannel shirt, which I wore often enough, it be rolled up at the sleeves. And the path I took puts me right about where that guy is. After that I ran to the edge of the home plate grass, stopped... saw that girl on the mound (looks like she's going for the rubber <[joke setup<]).. our eyes met...I ran to her on the mound and we did a Koosman/Grote type jump and hug. Twirled in a circle, split and ran in different directions. I never saw her again but I'll never forget that moment. Benjamin Grimm Nov 14 2008 01:27 PM I had no idea that Marlo Thomas was there that day! metirish Nov 14 2008 01:34 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 14 2008 01:34 PM WOW , what a great picture , guy in the yellow shirt at second stands out and I count three suits that might be security , one to the right of yellow shirt and one to the left of Buddy and one n front of him. Edgy DC Nov 14 2008 01:34 PM That's a great story. How about Barry Gibb chicken dancing to your right? Zvon Nov 14 2008 01:37 PM ="Edgy DC":38ctzctd]That's a great story. How about Barry Gibb chicken dancing to your right?[/quote:38ctzctd] No hug for him. Zvon Nov 14 2008 02:31 PM The thing about storming (and that's a very apt description) of the field in '73, and why it did get out of control, was that every kid wanted to be part of that moment, to be part of the celebration like in '69. And as the game went on we all had the same idea : to get down to field level so it was possible. We did the same thing during game four. I ended up on the 1st base side then. Rose hit that extra inning homer and the celebration was over. I was right on the rail behind the added box on the 3rd base side late in game 5. The Reds families were sitting in them. Eventually the game was stopped and they were led out to the Reds bullpen for their safety. And it's not that we were bothering them personally in any way, shape or form (fans did taunt them when they were being led away though, lol). Its just that there was a sea of people behind them that became like one big giant swaying creature. We could not move independently, could hardly even breath. And you know what I did then? I jumped the rail into the make shift box. Like the Reds families I was a bit concerned for my safety. Unfortunately everyone along the rail ended up jumping into the box like lemmings. Again we became crammed. I saw the fans on the 1st base side did the same thing, but they were so packed in that the little wooden wall that enclosed the section collapsed, and they spilled out onto the field. The game had to be halted again. Tug was on the mound at this point. He was pissed off. I remember him approaching the pile of people waving his arms over and over in an upward motion as if to say EVERYONE! BACK UP AND INTO THE STANDS! It was pretty crazy. I got so sandwiched in the corner of the box that I felt that we were gonna burst out on this side too. I jumped out and went down into the Reds dugout. I was able to hide in plain sight there for quite a few minutes, sitting on a stool in the far corner of the dugout. Eventually a cop came up to me and asked what I was doing there. I told him...I was trying to stay alive, lol. He told me I had to stay alive back up in the stands. This was when I was shown on TV, when the cop was talking to me. (my parents and brothers got to see that from home. My bros thought it was the koolest thing, my folks were like wtf were you doing?). I've told this story before here (I have also mentioned looking for the footage of me on TV and it is nowhere to be found.) but I don't think I ever stressed the point that what happened occurred because too many kids had this dream of being in a '69 like celebration highlight reel. And what actually happened was we so embarrassed the team, the game, the city, that that footage will forever be locked away and forgotten. One of my best Shea memories though. A Boy Named Seo Nov 14 2008 02:40 PM I re-read that part about you being in the Reds dugout a couple times thinking I misread or misunderstood you. That's the craziest thing I've ever heard. Wild story, man. Thanks for sharing. dgwphotography Nov 15 2008 12:28 PM I think I'm one of the one's in real pain over this that TMF is referring to. The thing is not once has the countdown, the ceremonies, or anything that the Mets did or didn't do play a role in it. It is simply the fact that a place that has been a desired destination for me for over 35 years is no longer there. Shea is a place that I dreamed about visiting since my aunt gave me my first yearbook in 1972. It's the knowledge that I will never feel the attachment to the new place that I do to the old place. It's the fact that it was a home away from home of sorts - a place where I knew ever nook and cranny, where I knew where to get the best knishes, or the best dogs. A place that is home to so many memories. Whatever the Mets did or didn't do to mark this occasion plays no role in how I feel about it. Benjamin Grimm Nov 15 2008 01:43 PM I agree with that, except for the part about feeling real pain. I feel a touch of sadness, and a sense of loss, but I wouldn't call it pain. Kong76 Nov 15 2008 04:31 PM I'd like to get a copy of that CAD file with the non bearting typo. Hell, they show part of the guy's name and addy and it was easily discovered who and where he is. Maybe he's got a sense of humor and would leak one to us. Edgy DC Nov 15 2008 07:56 PM Scarsdale. Vic can take a short drive and knock on his door. cooby Nov 16 2008 08:19 PM Zvon, great picture, great stories! cooby Nov 16 2008 08:20 PM And what does "Non Bearting" mean? soupcan Nov 18 2008 11:01 AM All of these from baseball-fever.com Edgy DC Nov 18 2008 11:11 AM What? The auction house couldn't generate any action on the spongetech.com sign? Farmer Ted Nov 18 2008 11:17 AM Soup's top photo shows the location of our old seats. Crushing. Willets Point Nov 18 2008 11:25 AM ="Edgy DC":133d3wiq]What? The auction house couldn't generate any action on the spongetech.com sign?[/quote:133d3wiq] Maybe Bubba Sponge? Farmer Ted Nov 18 2008 11:31 AM Missed the Spongetech sign. Very sponge worthy. soupcan Nov 20 2008 10:01 AM More pictures available at nycsubway.org 9/1963 5/10/1964 8/1/1979 8/1/1979 Tiles removed between 1979 and 1980. 8/16/1980 9/24/2008 holychicken Nov 24 2008 09:01 AM Might be a bit late for this coming in after all of the destruction pics . . . but this is one of my favorite pictures of shea. It is my gf's younger sister. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 24 2008 09:47 AM ="holychicken"]Might be a bit late for this coming in after all of the destruction pics . . . but this is one of my favorite pictures of shea. It is my gf's younger sister. Is she like, legal? holychicken Nov 24 2008 09:56 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":22rs38rb]Is she like, legal?[/quote:22rs38rb] Oh, I see. You see a dark-skinned person and immediately think "illegal immigrant." You should be ashamed! ehehhe SteveJRogers Nov 24 2008 11:37 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket"]="holychicken"]Might be a bit late for this coming in after all of the destruction pics . . . but this is one of my favorite pictures of shea. It is my gf's younger sister. Is she like, legal? Uh, 'Bucket, aren't you very much attached at the moment? Now Chicken, I ask you the same question! Benjamin Grimm Nov 24 2008 11:39 AM I find it a little odd to be lusting after someone when all you know is the shape of her nose. Edgy DC Nov 24 2008 11:44 AM And which pores are and aren't corrupted. holychicken Nov 24 2008 12:06 PM Exactly. I didn't even post a picture of her most desirable body part, her posterior. Dear god, tell me my gf doesn't read this forum or she will surely whup me. seawolf17 Nov 24 2008 12:08 PM ="holychicken":21z05y4i]Exactly. I didn't even post a picture of her most desirable body part, her posterior. Dear god, tell me my gf doesn't read this forum or she will surely whup me.[/quote:21z05y4i] It's okay, you can still post it. We don't mind. Edgy DC Nov 24 2008 12:25 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 24 2008 12:42 PM Butts, schmutz. Steve's a snot man. seawolf17 Nov 24 2008 12:38 PM ="Edgy DC":1hrzmxox]Butts, schmutz. Steve's a snot man.[/quote:1hrzmxox] Must be a Yankee fan thing. SteveJRogers Nov 24 2008 01:14 PM ="holychicken":26x42lii]Exactly. I didn't even post a picture of her most desirable body part, her posterior. Dear god, tell me my gf doesn't read this forum or she will surely whup me.[/quote:26x42lii] Geez, I was just following Bucket's lead. I mean I need some Met Chick love more than he does! soupcan Dec 04 2008 08:12 AM All from baseball-fever John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2008 08:18 AM Mike Mulligan always said his Steam Shovel could take down one stadium as fast as 100 men could in a day, although he was never quite sure of that. Benjamin Grimm Dec 04 2008 08:26 AM So now they're chewing away at the Loge level? Are they going to get to a point where there's just an unattached Upper Level (or Upper Tank as Keith Hernandez would call it) floating high in the air? soupcan Dec 04 2008 08:28 AM Yeah that's weird isn't it? You'd think they'd go top to bottom rather than the other way around. I'd like to think that they are professional demolishers and know what they are doing rather than they might just be stupid. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 09:21 AM I don't know. These two guys aren't winning any smart awards with me right now. << dgwphotography Dec 04 2008 10:58 AM ="soupcan"] Zvon - is it me, or does this look tone-mapped? It looks like it has that HDR glow to it... HahnSolo Dec 04 2008 11:21 AM ="Edgy DC":2sv0q5gv] I don't know. These two guys aren't winning any smart awards with me right now. <<[/quote:2sv0q5gv] Those two guys are still waiting for their hot pretzel ordered at the last home game. G-Fafif Dec 04 2008 12:30 PM Talk about your stiff Breezes playing havoc with Shea's outfield. Valadius Dec 04 2008 02:00 PM Part of me is rooting to see the picture of them ripping down that Fox News sign. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 02:14 PM You strike me as somewhat partisan. Am I right? soupcan Dec 04 2008 02:17 PM Who Vlad? Nah - he's as fair and balanced as they come. Kong76 Dec 04 2008 03:45 PM I sent those latest photos to a friend of mine. He wrote back that he thought they were building a new stadium and not just fixing up Shea and slappin' on a new coat of paint like in years gone by. Chucklehead. Zvon Dec 04 2008 04:57 PM ="Iubitul"]="soupcan"] Zvon - is it me, or does this look tone-mapped? It looks like it has that HDR glow to it... Yes. Especially in comparison with the others. It does bring the shaded areas out. Zvon Dec 04 2008 05:02 PM I wish they would get this over with. How are they gonna take down the highest heights sans demolition? themetfairy Dec 04 2008 05:12 PM It may take a while. I remember Old Comiskey Park was in a state of partial demolition when we visited New Comiskey in August of 1991. Kong76 Dec 04 2008 05:22 PM Z: How are they gonna take down the highest heights sans demolition? <=== Cranes and stuff, and how is what they've been doing not demolition? Kong76 Dec 04 2008 05:52 PM tmf: It may take a while. <=== They don't really have much time if they plan to level the joint and make it a parking lot. My guess is they'll finish well before opening day. I don't want to get into union contracts twice tonight, but they make it worth it to finish on time so there's no lolligaggin' nowadays. Zvon Dec 05 2008 03:10 PM ="KC":21ab889l]Cranes and stuff, and how is what they've been doing not demolition?[/quote:21ab889l] Sorry. I meant the usage of explosive charges. Kong76 Dec 05 2008 03:42 PM I figured, I was just goofin'. soupcan Dec 09 2008 08:13 AM Upper deck wrecking ball. BAM! Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2008 08:32 AM They should have painted the wrecking ball to look like a baseball. metirish Dec 09 2008 08:33 AM That would have been really taking the piss on those that see that as a sad event. Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2008 08:37 AM It would be a nod to tradition. It's what they did with the Ebbets Field wrecking ball. The same ball was used a few years later on the Polo Grounds: Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2008 08:50 AM Cincinnati's Crosley Field too! soupcan Dec 13 2008 02:19 PM Wow - now I'm even starting to have a hard time looking... baseball-fever.com Benjamin Grimm Dec 13 2008 02:36 PM Yikes. Edgy DC Dec 13 2008 02:55 PM GYAH! Kong76 Dec 13 2008 07:10 PM They didn't sell the panels depicting the leap and Seaver's head? Edgy DC Dec 13 2008 07:23 PM It looks like the terrorist hit we were praying wouldn't happen actually did. Kong76 Dec 13 2008 07:44 PM Fuck terrorists, an accidental plane crash on a foggy evening in the wrong flight path was what I thought mighta happened one day. *62 Dec 14 2008 12:56 PM The pictures may be gruesome but the Stadium has overstayed its welcome. I may miss living in Brooklyn desperately, but 3,000 sq. ft. is way better than 920. Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 05:11 PM I don't get the reference. *62 Dec 14 2008 05:39 PM I love Shea for lots of reasons, and will miss it some ..... but it's a dump. Better? Edgy DC Dec 14 2008 05:53 PM I thought those numbers referred to something. Rockin' Doc Dec 14 2008 06:57 PM I think *62 lives in Florida if my memory is correct. He apparently once lived in Brooklyn and apparently hung out at Shea quite a bit in the past. I think he was stating that he missed living in Brooklyn, but preferred the 3000 sq. ft. of living space he can now afford over the 920 sq. ft. of living space he had in Brooklyn. Living in the south and comparing costs for homes with my friends and relatives relatives that live near the city, I understand what he is referring too. Then again, maybe I miss interpreted the meaning of his post. Either way, it's nice to have *62 posting here again. I hope he hangs around. soupcan Dec 16 2008 01:42 PM StadiumPage.com Benjamin Grimm Dec 16 2008 02:04 PM It's amazing that just ten weeks ago it was still full of color and people and noise. soupcan Dec 18 2008 07:45 PM soupcan Dec 29 2008 07:51 AM soupcan Jan 05 2009 12:40 PM G-Fafif Jan 05 2009 12:52 PM Impressive Photoshopping, Soup. Quite interesting to see what Shea Stadium would look like if somebody went mad and started to tear it down. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, please put Shea back together again. Thank you. batmagadanleadoff Jan 05 2009 01:18 PM ="soupcan"]http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q308/soupcan11/shea5-1.jpg That neon batter just reminded me of Gary Carter' follow through, particularly the way Gary would take an inside pitch and line drive one-bounce it to the outfielder for a single. Are there any other Mets that the neon hitter resembles? Edgy DC Jan 05 2009 02:35 PM Looks kind of slender for Carter. It also looks like a guy going to right, while Carter more typically pulled. metirish Jan 13 2009 01:35 PM from 01/10/2009 metsguyinmichigan Jan 13 2009 02:35 PM They're not saving any of the neon players? I know they're huge. but heck, they could slice them up and sell them for $10 a foot to geeks like me! Zvon Jan 13 2009 02:58 PM ="metsguyinmichigan":8phckkps]They're not saving any of the neon players? I know they're huge. but heck, they could slice them up and sell them for $10 a foot to geeks like me![/quote:8phckkps] Why sell just their feet? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 13 2009 04:19 PM wham G-Fafif Jan 13 2009 04:53 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1virpusd]wham[/quote:1virpusd] "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" vs. "Baby I'm Your Man" Whoops...wrong thread. metirish Jan 15 2009 08:00 AM Newsday today has a classic Shea pictures collection. Die-hard fans dance in the aisles at 1:50 a.m. during the 21st inning of a 25-inning marathon game between the Mets and the Cardinals at Shea Stadium. (AP Photo / September 12, 1974) A view of Shea Stadium during the national anthem before a New York Mets-Los Angeles Dodgers game in 1973. (AP Photo / June 9, 1973) Fans rush onto the field and players celebrate after the Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles to win the 1969 World Series. (AP Photo / October 16, 1969 A view of Shea Stadium after after souvenir-hunting fans ripped up the sod following the Mets' victory in the 1969 World Series. (AP Photo / October 16, 1969) Pirates first baseman Willie Stargell waves to the crowd at Shea Stadium during Willie Stargell Night at Shea. The man at left wiping his eye is Nelson Doubleday, Mets chairman of the board. (Newsday / Paul J. Bereswill / September 27, 1982 The new owners of the Mets pose at Shea Stadium. From left: Stephen E. O'Neil, president of City Investing Company; Nelson Doubleday, president of Doubleday Co.; Fred Wilpon, Chairman of the Board of Sterling Equities and John O. Pickett, owner of the NHL New York Islanders, who was instrumental in setting up the sale of the team. Pickett was not listed as an owner of the club. (AP File Photo / January 25, 1980) Car fire involving several cars in the Shea Stadium parking lot during a game in 2002. (AP Photo / April 27, 2002) Workers Angelo DiMaria, left, and Dominico Bannezo clean off old paint and rust as they get Shea Stadium ready for Opening Day in 2001. (Newsdya / J. Conrad Williams Jr / March 28, 2001) > soupcan Jan 15 2009 08:09 AM Amazing how much Jeff looks like his dad used to. Even down to the bad hairdo. ="metirish"] Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 08:10 AM Car Fire Day: Best. Promotion. Ever. HahnSolo Jan 15 2009 08:36 AM I miss crazy old Uncle Nelson. soupcan Jan 15 2009 08:39 AM Pop Quiz - without looking it up, how much did Nelson & Jeff pay for the Mets in 1980. If I remember right, I think it was $20 million. Farmer Ted Jan 15 2009 08:45 AM I only recall $350 million or so to finally kick Doubleday to the curb in '02. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 09:02 AM Who pitched on Car Fire Day? metirish Jan 15 2009 09:07 AM ="Edgy DC":kdd41i0v]Who pitched on Car Fire Day?[/quote:kdd41i0v] I remember that game , I should say I remember it from watching it on TV and the announcers talking about the fire in the parking lot and showing it. I'll guess that Steve Trachsel pitched . John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 15 2009 09:14 AM ="soupcan":sgwypaic]Pop Quiz - without looking it up, how much did Nelson & Jeff pay for the Mets in 1980. If I remember right, I think it was $20 million.[/quote:sgwypaic] For some reason $21 million is the number I remember but geez. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 09:14 AM Pedro Pistacio took a no-hiiter into the seventh the day after a crisp one-hitter by Testes. It was game two of a three-game sweep over Milwaukee and, for a minute there, it looked like the 2002 Mets had scrapped together a winning rotation of Leiter-Estes-Astacio-D'Amico-Trachsel. That plan blew up in the parking lot like so many SUVs. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 09:15 AM Is that logo stitched together? It acually looks like a giant shoulder patch. soupcan Jan 15 2009 09:16 AM D'Amico. I had high hopes for him. soupcan Jan 15 2009 09:17 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":esm8z809]For some reason $21 million is the number I remember but geez.[/quote:esm8z809] I think you're right. dgwphotography Jan 15 2009 11:19 AM ="batmagadanleadoff"]="soupcan"] That neon batter just reminded me of Gary Carter' follow through, particularly the way Gary would take an inside pitch and line drive one-bounce it to the outfielder for a single. Are there any other Mets that the neon hitter resembles? flip it around, and it's Mex. attgig Jan 15 2009 12:16 PM ="metirish"] Fans rush onto the field and players celebrate after the Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles to win the 1969 World Series. (AP Photo / October 16, 1969 > i wonder if that will ever be allowed in pro sports. when did that stop? it's only on college that you see fans rushing the field. why is that? Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 12:19 PM Because student athletes don't need/demand protection from the masses the way millionnaire atheletes do. Why is the cop screening home plate doing the time warp? metirish Jan 15 2009 12:23 PM How about the guy down the RF line jumping from the stands? Benjamin Grimm Jan 15 2009 12:23 PM I think it stopped in 1986, at least in New York. The fans rushed the field after the division clincher, but the mounted cops prevented it in the World Series. I think, though, that the Phillies had the cops on horseback for the 1980 World Series. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 17 2009 12:20 PM I went out there this morning, photos on facebook. Here's a vid shot as the 7 train arrives in Willets Pt. metirish Jan 17 2009 01:59 PM Great pictures btw. soupcan Jan 18 2009 01:53 PM These are from baseballfever... Kong76 Jan 18 2009 02:08 PM Even dollar cost averaging down to ~ 7 1/2, that sums up my Citigroup stock feelings. I've been somewhat unaffected by most of the images, but this one is particularly eerie to me: Kong76 Jan 18 2009 02:10 PM I know the home opener is late this year, but are they really gonna have the ol' girl completely gone by then and a parking lot installed? I thought they'd be more far along. Benjamin Grimm Jan 18 2009 03:30 PM I'm not sure they have to. The existing parking lot served Shea for the last few years, and Shea held more fans than Citi will. Kong76 Jan 18 2009 03:37 PM I don't mean they have to, I just thought that was the plan. Since groundbreaking, parking there has been a pain in the neck and I took the train mostly to games. I like to tailgate, plan on doing it a lot this year, and it's easier to do with a car. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 18 2009 04:26 PM ="Kong76":3gm6qt5k]I know the home opener is late this year, but are they really gonna have the ol' girl completely gone by then and a parking lot installed? I thought they'd be more far along.[/quote:3gm6qt5k] Official plan is the last bits of Shea are to be disappeared by June 30. Those photos put mine to shame! metirish Jan 23 2009 02:23 PM Vince Coleman Firecracker Jan 23 2009 02:43 PM An auto body shop in a Quonset hut. Fantastic. Willets Point Jan 23 2009 02:44 PM I've got dibs on "City * Field * Collision" as my band's name. Frayed Knot Jan 24 2009 11:28 AM The ends of the horseshoe are starting to disappear http://www.wfan.com/pages/3706726.php?imageGalleryXRefId=907755#imgXR http://www.wfan.com/pages/3706726.php?imageGalleryXRefId=907756#imgXR G-Fafif Jan 24 2009 11:53 AM It's a stump, but it's our stump. dgwphotography Jan 24 2009 01:07 PM soupcan Jan 26 2009 12:33 PM More at stadiumpage.com Frayed Knot Jan 26 2009 12:56 PM btw, Harvey Araton tees off the Yanx in a piece in Sunday's NYTimes. Specifically it's the sweet time they're taking in getting rid of the old park even though the new one is nearly finished and that the whole deal was based on trading stadium space for park land, park land that now seems destined for 2011 at the earliest. Their answer as to when they'll get around to even starting deconstruction is essentially "when we fuckin' get around to it - now go away and stop bothering us", even as they had no problem making a public spectacle about marching their offices across to the new digs the street last week. "Mayor Bloomberg, tear down this stadium" metirish Jan 26 2009 01:16 PM The arrogance of all involved is sickening , how I despise all things Yankees. SteveJRogers Jan 26 2009 02:14 PM Supposedly they are going to use YSII for a movie production, plus the plan was that either the Mets or Yankees would use YSII to play games if either Citi Field or YSIII weren't ready come April. So despite the arrogance, there really are valid reasons why it is still up. Frayed Knot Jan 26 2009 02:36 PM Even if using YSII was the on-paper 'just-in-case' backup plan in the event that some wild mishap went on with the construction of either of the new stadiums the virtually ZERO chance such a plan would ever be put into place has now shrunk to roughly that of the Lions being put into next week's Super Bowl were a case of bubonic plague to sweep through either the Steeler or Cardinal camp. And, as the article mentions, they've yet to even select a company that would do the deconstruction or set a date as to when it might start. So the reason it's not only still up but will be so for at least another year has everything to do with the fact that they haven't finished milking the old girl for every cent she's worth and if that means that the city that just re-re-issued more tax-free bonds as the price climbed over a billion dollars and the local kids in the neighborhood they claim to care so much for (whenever they weren't threatening to leave that is) go without a public park for the next few years well then that's none of their damn business. metirish Jan 28 2009 08:10 PM New York Times ] In Dead of Winter, Shea Stadium Is Melting Away By KEN BELSON Published: January 28, 2009 With each passing day, Shea Stadium, the home of the Mets since 1964, fades further from Citi Field, the team�s new home. In the last few weeks, demolition crews have been ripping down entire sections of Shea from both ends of the outfield decks toward its middle. What was once a semi-enclosed bowl with 57,000 seats is now a skeleton of a grandstand. In the first weeks after the Mets finished their final season at Shea (with another desultory loss that knocked them out of playoff contention), crews removed the seats, signs and anything else that could be sold to collectors or reused in city parks. Then demolition crews started knocking out the field level and the concrete decks that made up the loge and the mezzanine. But the structure of the stadium, built for nearly $30 million, was largely intact. Not so anymore. Since the beginning of the year, crews have clawed away at Shea�s walls and beams, exposing escalators, elevator banks and air ducts. The stands above Gates A and E have vanished and parts of the neon players that adorned the outside of the stadium are gone, too. Twelve sections of the upper deck still have their concrete floors, but the other sections that remain are outlined only by their steel beams. Unlike stadiums in other cities that have been imploded, Shea had to be taken down piece by piece because of building codes. The rat-a-tat-tat of the construction machinery drowned out the noise of the jets taking off from LaGuardia Airport. Tarps on chain link fences say �Almost Home,� a reference to the soon-to-be-opened Citi Field, but also the six-month process of erasing Shea. In all, nearly 10,000 tons of steel and another 2,500 tons of concrete will be pulled out of Shea. Some of the concrete will be ground up and reused as the base material for the parking lot that will be installed in its place. The lot will include space for 2,000 cars and signs marking where home plate and the pitcher�s mound once were. Team representatives said that the demolition will be completed some time in the coming weeks, which is not hard to imagine. On Wednesday, lines of dump trucks made their way onto what was once the outfield, weaving around piles of crumpled metal and concrete covered in snow. Several Web sites have sprung up that have chronicled the destruction of the place where Seaver once threw, Piazza once squatted and the Stork, George Theodore, once roamed. In a way, the sites are a testament to the morbid curiosity of Mets fans, who have endured many morbid Mets teams. �It�s interesting how they are doing it piece by piece,� said Eric Okurowski, a 31-year master�s candidate and a life-long Met fan from Babylon, N.Y., who runs stadiumpage.com. �Most old stadia are blown up and it takes just a few seconds. It�s pretty interesting seeing it come apart in pieces over the course of four months.� Okurowski and several other die-hard fans are organizing a final farewell at Shea at noon Saturday to share stories and take photographs of what is left of the ballpark. As Shea diminishes, Citi Field emerges. While less imposing than Shea, the new stadium, at least from the outside, has an elegance that Shea lacked. Instead of the lattice of concrete ramps that constituted Shea�s exterior, Citi Field is covered in brick and punctuated with arches and an entrance rotunda. Flood lights highlight the outside while klieg lights illuminate what is left of Shea. More Articles in Sports �A version of this article appeared in print on January 29, 2009, on page B18 of the New York edition. apmorris Jan 29 2009 04:58 PM ="metirish"]New York Times ] Okurowski and several other die-hard fans are organizing a final farewell at Shea at noon Saturday to share stories and take photographs of what is left of the ballpark. Anyone going? (bring a camera) metirish Jan 29 2009 05:28 PM People are going http://www.faithandfearinflushing.com/ G-Fafif Jan 30 2009 03:38 PM Damn, dirty apes... apmorris Jan 30 2009 04:43 PM ="G-Fafif"]Damn, dirty apes... Awesomenessness Kong76 Jan 30 2009 07:24 PM Classic pic. dgwphotography Jan 31 2009 05:41 AM that's just brilliant. Benjamin Grimm Jan 31 2009 05:44 AM That really is brilliant. metirish Jan 31 2009 05:47 AM Yeah it's very clever. themetfairy Jan 31 2009 06:19 AM It's just a model.... batmagadanleadoff Jan 31 2009 04:06 PM I'm guessing that the picture has something to do with the Statue Liberty finale in Planet of.... But that picture never came up on my browser. Not today. Not yesterday. Benjamin Grimm Jan 31 2009 04:14 PM Me neither. I had to right click, select "Copy Location" and paste the following in my browser: http://faithandfear.blogharbor.com/_photos/heston.jpg Edgy DC Feb 02 2009 07:05 AM You MANIACS! soupcan Feb 05 2009 07:11 AM From stadiumpage.com Just a matter of time now.... Benjamin Grimm Feb 05 2009 08:06 AM It's starting to look more like the grandstand you'd see at a race track. Frayed Knot Feb 05 2009 08:11 AM Never can say goodbye No no no no, I Never can say goodbye Even though the pain and heartache Seems to follow me wherever I go Though I try and try to hide my feelings They always seem to show Then you try to say you're leaving me And I always have to say no... Tell me why Is it so That I ... Never can say goodbye No no no no, I Never can say goodbye Evertime I think I had enough I start heading for the door There's a very strange vibration That pierces me right to the core It says turn around you fool You know you love her more and more Tell me why Is it so Don't wanna let yo go I never can say goodbye soupcan Feb 06 2009 10:55 AM These are from wcbs880.com. And there are a few more there as well. G-Fafif Feb 08 2009 03:10 PM Shea among the ruins... Kong76 Feb 08 2009 03:47 PM I called KB over and asked if she wanted to see an eerie picture on my laptop and she saw this and started bawling. "That's all that's left? When was that picture taken?" "Uh, I guess last time it snowed." ... (I'm obnoxious in real life too) and I told her this is like a 25 page thread of the destruction of Shea and we started talking about our Moms and games and tailgates and she got me all throaty too and crying and screw you all but ok I admit that it's hard to see the old thing disappear and I've been suppressing the sadness. There, I said it. dgwphotography Feb 09 2009 07:41 AM the first time we go there this year will be a shock. Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 07:50 AM We should go and have a tribute concert in the parking lot. G-Fafif Feb 09 2009 10:37 AM ="Kong76":1akaid2f]I called KB over and asked if she wanted to see an eerie picture on my laptop and she saw this and started bawling.[/quote:1akaid2f] My wife, who worked downtown throughout the fall of 2001, invoked Ground Zero in terms of what it reminded her of looking at. soupcan Feb 13 2009 10:09 AM Another from baseballfever.com metirish Feb 13 2009 10:27 AM Great pictures over there...taken this morning from the #7 train Benjamin Grimm Feb 13 2009 10:48 AM They should leave that last chunk in place. smg58 Feb 13 2009 12:34 PM I drove past it the other day. It's really sad to see it. soupcan Feb 14 2009 07:21 AM I'm at LaGuardia waiting for a flight. Drove past Citi and Shea. Shea looks so sad and insignificant. I'm excited and wistful at the same time. cooby Feb 14 2009 08:22 AM Please, check for ice and geese. Not joking. soupcan Feb 14 2009 08:38 AM We're flying Continental - what could go wrong? dgwphotography Feb 14 2009 09:44 AM ="metirish"] It's fitting that that's the last piece left... Frayed Knot Feb 14 2009 09:49 AM Think of it as an image of Koosman throwing the final pitch of the '69 WS. It could be Orosco/'86 too but it looks more like Koosman. dgwphotography Feb 14 2009 09:51 AM hmmmm.... I always saw Matlack in that image... dgwphotography Feb 14 2009 09:57 AM ="Iubitul"]hmmmm.... I always saw Matlack in that image... Actually, no. Bob Ojeda. SteveJRogers Feb 14 2009 11:49 AM ="Iubitul"]="Iubitul"]hmmmm.... I always saw Matlack in that image... Actually, no. Bob Ojeda. What is that watermark on the other side of the card top? A Boy Named Seo Feb 14 2009 11:58 AM ="metirish"]Great pictures over there...taken this morning from the #7 train Nice pic, Irish. Poor, little Shea getting swallowed up by Citi on both sides. Kong76 Feb 15 2009 01:46 PM We took a ride out there today. We packed up a camera, a couple of Heineken keg cans (KB drove) and set out. I was kind of emotional getting ready but by the time we were in the car and on our way I was kinda excited. There were a bunch of people milling about doing the same thing we were and while I didn't talk to anyone we all smiled and nodded to each other like we got it. What we really should have done was cooked a few hot dogs one more time but the beer was enough I guess to count as a tailgate of sorts. The pictures posted all over the internet get redundant after awhile I suppose, but I got a few unique images. metirish Feb 15 2009 02:20 PM Great pictures , thanks. themetfairy Feb 15 2009 03:08 PM Nice shots Kase! LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 15 2009 05:20 PM Thanks, sir. Beautiful and gut-wrenching. (All in all, this offseason's been like a months-long wake... except one where the guests take parts of the deceased with them as souvenirs.) A Boy Named Seo Feb 15 2009 05:30 PM Great shots, man. Love the one of you raising your can of Heiny in salutation. holychicken Feb 15 2009 05:49 PM Whoa, crazy, KC. I was there today too and took some very similar pictures. I was the jackass with my little brown dog off the leash. He was very happy to be out running about like that. Edgy DC Feb 15 2009 06:01 PM Should have a concert out there. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 15 2009 06:05 PM Or an Irish wake? -Loading up on Jameson fifths/Cueing up "Body of an American" on the iPods. Kong76 Feb 15 2009 06:13 PM holyc: I was the jackass with my little brown dog off the leash <<< I didn't see any little brown pups running about. It's funny, but I really thought I'd run into at least one Mets' fan I knew out there. Running into you woulda been cool and we coulda done a Heiny. holychicken Feb 15 2009 07:42 PM Yeah, I figured there would be no one there but the when I saw the number of people there I figured I would see someone I knew. I checked everyone saw there, but didn't recognize anyone as well. I figured my dog would have stuck out tho more than me DocTee Feb 15 2009 08:27 PM Cool pics, thanks for sharing them. Did you pour some of that Heiny on the ground, ghetto style, to remember Shea, your fallen friend? Kong76 Feb 16 2009 01:11 PM Tee: Did you pour some of that Heiny on the ground <<< I have to confess that I did deposit some used Heiny behind some construction materials. Edgy DC Feb 16 2009 01:13 PM I'm going to guess you haven't puked at Shea since October 12, 1982. Kong76 Feb 16 2009 06:24 PM I had to google the date but I didn't yak that night. John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 17 2009 09:25 AM Nice shotz guys. ah, screw it. Zvon Feb 17 2009 12:28 PM ="SteveJRogers"]="Iubitul"]="Iubitul"]hmmmm.... I always saw Matlack in that image... Actually, no. Bob Ojeda. What is that watermark on the other side of the card top? That's the Desert Storm logo/thing they added to sets of cards for the troops overseas back in the day. themetfairy Feb 17 2009 02:00 PM Zvon! How have you been? attgig Feb 17 2009 03:53 PM http://twitpic.com/photos/bluenautica one last piece remaining. Frayed Knot Feb 18 2009 11:14 AM Last piece down (video available via Newsday's main sports page) It's all over but the sweeping. soupcan Feb 24 2009 08:02 AM These I guess are almost a week old. From http://www.stadiumpage.com Edgy DC Feb 24 2009 08:14 AM To heck with your copyright, Gary. soupcan Feb 24 2009 08:32 AM 'Zactly. Zvon Feb 24 2009 02:38 PM ="Edgy DC":33njl1ow]To heck with your copyright, Gary.[/quote:33njl1ow] I'll photoshop that out. Shhhh. holychicken Feb 24 2009 03:59 PM ="Zvon":13ygrx4a]="Edgy DC":13ygrx4a]To heck with your copyright, Gary.[/quote:13ygrx4a] I'll photoshop that out. Shhhh.[/quote:13ygrx4a] Simple crop job ought to do. Edgy DC Mar 16 2009 02:56 PM Mini-Shea ripped up from the ground. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/you-too-can-own-a-piece-of-the-mini-city/ Farmer Ted Mar 16 2009 03:14 PM They couldn't save those two satellite dishes? Coulda saved me a few bucks with DirecTV.

Valadius wrote: Someone explain why Doug Brocail is worth Type A compensation. Even at 41, Brocail was one of the best middle relievers in the NL last year. I'd take him ahead of anyone in the Mets' bullpen except for Joe Smith.

Heyman was a Type D(umbass) free agent, though, so Newsday had no recourse.

="Benjamin Grimm":36b19cxk]I'd guess that in 1986 he was just visiting with his old head.[/quote:36b19cxk] Possibly for a 25th anniversary event, which would make sense. Edgy DC Nov 03 2008 02:40 PM The High-A Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino (real name!) have announced their coaching staff, including John Valentin as batting coach and Charlie Hough as pitching coach. I confused Hough with Verne Ruhle and thought he was dead. Edgy DC Nov 10 2008 02:45 PM Candidates being looked at for the Seattle managerial job include Jose Oquendo, the prototype for Rey Ordoñez; Joey Cora, who managed for the Mets in the minors, and Randy Ready, who has one of the porniest names in baseball history. sharpie Nov 11 2008 11:36 AM Soon we can enjoy the literary stylings of Mike Piazza: Mike Piazza, a 12-time All Star for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets, has signed a deal to write his autobiography for Simon & Schuster. V-p and senior editor Bob Bender acquired world rights from David Black, CEO of Black Inc., and Dan Lozano, Piazza�s sports agent. Publication is slated for 2010. In the book, Piazza, who retired just before the 2008 season, will discuss controversies of his career, including the 2000 World Series incident when Roger Clemens threw a shattered bat at him, and the press conference he held to deny rumors that he was gay. The autobiography will also cover Piazza�s tumultuous relationships with the Dodgers, their front office and Tommy Lasorda; as well as his former teammates Bobby Valentine, Pedro Martinez, Rickey Henderson and others. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 11:40 AM He actually retired well into the 2008 season when he hadn't gotten interest from anybody. And Bobby Valentine wasn't his teammate. Who writes press releases these days? John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 11 2008 11:47 AM Who cares. I'm going to read the hell out of that book. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 11:52 AM If'n I were you, I contact that agent NOW!!!! and show him your writin' credentials. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 11:55 AM Good thought. Writing the hell out of the book would be even better than reading the hell out of it. HahnSolo Nov 11 2008 12:19 PM Knowing the publishing industry as I do, I can tell you that acquiring editor had absolutely no interest in the writin' credentials in the manuscript and cared primarily about the name on page 1. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 12:21 PM So Piazza now shops around for a ghost, I suppose? I figure he'll go with a sportswriter he had a good relationship with during his playing days. G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 12:23 PM Or a David Frum/Michael Gershon otherwise underemployed wordsmith of the right. Mike goes that way. HahnSolo Nov 11 2008 12:25 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":r3mb7fqz]So Piazza now shops around for a ghost, I suppose? I figure he'll go with a sportswriter he had a good relationship with during his playing days.[/quote:r3mb7fqz] I doubt Piazza does the shopping unless there's a writer he was really close to and insists on using him. Otherwise, I expect the literary agent would work with the publisher to find someone. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 12:28 PM Which is fucking why you should be acting NOW!!!! G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 12:30 PM I'm Richie Hebner for another eight posts or so. I'm not going out of my way to pick up any ground balls for a little while. sharpie Nov 11 2008 12:32 PM David Black, the agent, reps many bigtime sportswriters (including Mitch Albom of "Tuesdays With Morrie" fame). Piazza would have already come attached with a writer by the time the deal was made. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 12:32 PM I don't want to stir up an ugly intramural competition, but GFafif should also throw his hat in the ring. G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 12:40 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":3prysgfg]I don't want to stir up an ugly intramural competition, but GFafif should also throw his hat in the ring.[/quote:3prysgfg] Thanks, but first I have to finish my "as told to myself" thing. After I stop being Richie Hebner. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 10:23 AM Former Pitchers Leading Today's Brogna News: Hideo Nomo, teaching the forkball to young buffalos. Frank Viola, getting into the analyst game. Tom Seaver, advising the youth of today and liquoring up Tommy Davis. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 12 2008 10:41 AM Read also where Leiter was joining the staff at MLB-TV. I guess that means he's leaving the NO! network. Edgy DC Nov 13 2008 08:14 AM So, if you're like me, you grew sick of stories of Lenny Dykstra, swinging finance trader, about two paragraphs into the first one, but now the angle isn't that he's just another player, but that he's actually flourishing during these hard times. The claim is that he's 82-0 in stock picks endorsed in his newsletter. Edgy DC Nov 13 2008 01:36 PM Rick Sweet returning as manager of the Louisville Bats. Local favorite Roger Mason joins the Traverse City Beach Bums as pitching coach. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 13 2008 01:38 PM Ron Gardenhire gets an extension. Leiter btw, will still work for Al-Yankazeera. Reynolds tho is out at SNY, raising speculation that Bobby Ojeda is on his way in. I think I speak for everyone ever by saying it would be nice to mix a 73er or 99-00er in there. TransMonk Nov 13 2008 01:42 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1jn4n2h7]I think I speak for everyone ever by saying it would be nice to mix a 73er or 99-00er in there.[/quote:1jn4n2h7] Didn't Zeile get a shot once? Benjamin Grimm Nov 13 2008 01:44 PM I was thinking a 69er: Ron Swoboda. Edgy DC Nov 13 2008 05:02 PM Sam Perlozzo joins the Phils. Bang. metsguyinmichigan Nov 13 2008 11:01 PM ="Edgy DC":828l4i24]Rick Sweet returning as manager of the Louisville Bats. Local favorite Roger Mason joins the Traverse City Beach Bums as pitching coach.[/quote:828l4i24] Traverse City is a beautiful resort area about two hours north of me. The team is fairly new, and plays in an independent league. We used to play in an all-newspaper softball tournament in Traverse, and it was fun until the Detroit News took it over and started stacking its team with ringers who didn't work for the paper. Cads! I'll have to head up this summer and see a game and talk to Mason! Edgy DC Nov 14 2008 10:19 AM Holy Foli, Batman, it's Sammy Drake! In a Mets hat! An old friendship, forged 50 years ago, is rekindled AUGUSTA -- It was the New York Mets cap on his head. This being Red Sox country, people had to stop the athletic, older man this week and ask. "What's up with the hat?" That's when C. Wayne Mitchell glanced at his guest and stepped in. "This is Sammy Drake. Don't you know who he is?" No one did, to the amusement of both men. "He's an original member of the Mets," Mitchell would tell them. "He's my friend." It's a friendship forged nearly 50 years ago, interrupted by decades of separation and searching by Mitchell and resumed about four years ago. Mitchell's family, aware of his wish to reconnect, trolled the Internet, finding Drake at a Mets reunion in New Jersey. Sunday, Drake came to Mitchell's home in Sidney for a four-day visit. They laughed and joked and marveled again at the strength of a relationship neither fully understood when it began on a hot U.S. Army base in the deep south at a time when full integration was still a dream. Drake was a draftee from Little Rock, Ark. trying to keep alive his dream of playing major league baseball while he was serving his country. Mitchell was the 7-year-old son of a career soldier returned from duty in Germany and new to the Georgia base. That summer, the young boy discovered the Fort Gordon Rams and a young, talented infielder who asked Mitchell if he wanted to be the bat boy. "I could see he was interested in baseball," said Drake during lunch at a local restaurant Wednesday. Drake remembered when he fell in love with the game. The two played catch. Sometimes, Mitchell would go the base recreation center where Drake worked. They were so different in age and in race. Then, Mitchell was too young to understand what it meant to be a young black adult in Georgia. Drake, of course, did. A year or two after meeting, Mitchell's father was transferred to Taiwan. Mitchell got a baseball glove, a bat, a handshake, and much later, when he could fully understand, an outlook on life. "Of all the hello's and good-bye's, his was the one I remember most," said Mitchell, while Drake nodded. "I knew a thank-you would be in order." Mitchell's story to this point became a column I wrote four years ago. Then, I couldn't reach Drake who had returned to his home in Los Angeles. Wednesday, at lunch, I introduced myself. Meeting Mitchell wasn't a coincidence, Drake said. There was a reason that maybe still isn't clear 50 years later. Drake was surprised, but not stunned when Mitchell walked up to his table at the hotel where the Mets reunion and autograph session took place. He's met a lot of people in his 74 years and has usually found the goodness in them, even under trying circumstances. "At first I thought he as a typical fan," Drake said. "When he started talking about Fort Gordon I knew right away." Drake can't say he thought about Mitchell much over the years. Neither did he forget the young bat boy who would go to the gym to fold towels and stay out of the way of the soldiers.� "He would get picked on by the ballplayers a little bit. It was all in fun, but I could see it bothered him. I'd say, come with me. Let's play catch." Drake signed with the Chicago Cubs for $1,500 and was later assigned to Macon, Ga. to play for Pepper Martin in the so-called Sally League. He was the first African-American to play in the league he says. The most hurtful part of that season? "Not being able to sleep in the same hotels with my teammates. Not being able to eat with them. I could get carry-out or go across the river to a (black-owned restaurant.)" In the next breath, Drake tells of Martin's effort to get him seated with the team at a restaurant in Indiana. Martin, nicknamed the Wild Horse of the Osage, was a third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals' "Gashouse Gang" in the 1930s and colorblind. Drake remembers one of his first trips to spring training with the Cubs after his two years in the Army. He was one of three black ballplayers in a group of 50 minor leaguers were assigned to a barracks-style building. "Every night I would pray. They must have thought I was from another planet. "But I had a good spring training. When camp broke, everyone was on their knees praying but two." Monday, Mitchell and Drake had breakfast with Roger Katz, the mayor of Augusta and a baseball fan. Katz invited Drake to speak to the city council that night. He told the story of a Cubs tryout he attended in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the sore arm he had. He couldn't throw across the infield. Discouraged, he called the grandmother who raised him. Don't worry, he was told. She would pray for him. "We had a big snowstorm," said Drake smiling. "We couldn't use the field for two weeks. I soaked my arm in the bath tub every day. I was ready." The Mets drafted him off the Cubs roster. His two-year, major league career was the proverbial cup of coffee. In 53 games he hit .153. His older brother, Solly, played parts of three seasons with the Cubs, Phillies and Dodgers. Together, they were the first African-American brothers to play major league baseball. Early Thursday morning, Drake said good-bye to Mitchell and his wife, Bonnie, and began his trip back to Los Angeles. A graduate of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, he's a retired investigator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He teaches Sunday School at the Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where his brother, the Rev. Dr. Solomon Drake, is pastor to a 6,000-member congregation. They've listened to the story of how a young white boy and a young black adult became lasting friends. It shouldn't be forgotten. Edgy DC Nov 19 2008 10:38 AM Jack Aker, out of work and vulnerable like the rest of us. This old ballplayer understands life better than most by Rabbi Ben Kamin, Spiritual Life Examiner Jack Aker, a name known to aficionados of the national pastime, is something of a legend. But if his baseball card could talk, you�d hear a lot more than breezy play-by-play. Here�s a guy who made more appearances (495) as a relief pitcher than anybody in his time, but found himself taken out of the game quite before he expected. Like anybody suddenly not doing the thing we�ve been doing forever, Jack found himself looking down the abyss�he was tearful, anxious, and despondent. Baseball players are real people, in spite of the hype we impose on them, and their souls hurt, their spirits droop, just like all hard-working Americans. Jack won the Sporting News �Fireman of the Year� award in 1966 and played for the Kansas City and then Oakland Athletics, the Seattle Pilots, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets. When I met him some years ago, he was pitching coach of the Cleveland Indians; I caught my breath short, extending and receiving hands of friendship with a living and breathing major leaguer who was on a first-name basis with such stars as Phil Niekro and Tom Seaver. I saw him at his tallest. Arriving on the green natural field before game time, Jack came for me, in full regalia�snappy cap and shimmering team jacket. He walked across fresh, chalky baselines with a certain, lanky royalty. There were the first faint smells of popcorn and beer from the bowels from the bowels of the old stadium as the coach escorted me into the clubhouse. Jack took me into a comfortably large room filled with open booths that served as repositories for the players. �Here,� he declared, �we meet and discuss the game plan.� Like a knothole sentry, he walked past the colognes and hair dryers of the bath area towards a large bin containing thick, polished baseball bats. He said, somberly: �Nobody can touch a man�s bat. You see, Ben, they are numbered according to his uniform number. The bat is a very personal matter to a guy. Nobody can touch it.� I understood what a sacrilege was and I shook my head in awe of power and success. A little over a year later, following a season of fallen expectations and profits, Jack (and the team manager) were both summarily dismissed from their positions. Now, this same Jack, record-holder, my invincible hero, sat in the front of my automobile, shoulders slumped, his head in his hands. We were taking a ride in the country as the venerable coach tried to sort things out. His prestige, his income, and his self-image were suddenly as powdery as the faded chalk lines of that emerald ball field he had once ruled. Jack was gone, the manager was gone, as well as a number of the muscular, sleek, swaggering players I had met that shining afternoon�in a different season. A person is so much more than his baseball card, her resume, his cellular list of �contacts.� Jack is doing okay, taking in his children and grandchildren, knowing well what it means to be laid off, discarded, discontinued. Maybe this old ballplayer understands America right now better than most. MFS62 Nov 19 2008 11:00 AM Thank you, Edgy. Anyone who ever lost a job knows that you didn't have to bold that portion. We would have noticed it and commiserated(sp?) with Jack. But the way it was said was an unexpected pleasure in a piece like that, wasn't it? Later Edgy DC Nov 19 2008 11:03 AM I was just imitating the original publishing, which set it as a pullquote. Farmer Ted Nov 19 2008 12:07 PM Tim Foli will return to manage Washington's Class AAA affiliate in 2009. Met Hunter Nov 19 2008 10:37 PM John Stearns will be back managing the Nats AA team in Harrisburg as well. Benjamin Grimm Nov 20 2008 06:14 AM Tim Bogar was among three who interviewed for a spot on the Phillies coaching staff. The problem is, they thought they were interviewing Doug Flynn. Edgy DC Nov 21 2008 10:06 AM John Nunnaly, batting coach with the Columbus Clippers. Edgy DC Nov 23 2008 08:56 PM Jeff Innis, Cape Cod League Hall-of-Famer. Edgy DC Nov 28 2008 11:45 AM Tim Bogar formally accepts the Red Sox offer to coach first. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 28 2008 12:37 PM The last 5 or 6 messages belong in that other thread. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 10:34 AM I consider coaching jobs part of retirement. Rico's was a coaching job. I hear you, though. Nonetheless, I'm sticking with it for one more thread, as Joe McEwing takes over the Winston-Salem Former Warthogs. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2008 10:43 AM Just for that it's my duty to report that Jason Hardtke has been named hitting coach of the Missoula Osprey (Dbaggs -Pioneer League). The Baggs also named Brett Butler manager of the Reno Aces (PCL). G-Fafif Dec 04 2008 01:04 PM I once received a letter letting me know Brett Butler would come and speak to my employees and motivate them with his life experiences and faith in Christ for only $20,000. How much is each Ace going to have to ante up for the privilege? Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 09:38 AM West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff. Benjamin Grimm Dec 16 2008 09:56 AM You must have overlooked Jerry Cram in your Google subscription: ="Our Sports Central":3gap6pnt] SAN JOSE, CALIF December 15, 2008- The San Jose Giants announced their 2009 coaching staff today with Andy Skeels joining the club as manager, Jerry Cram as pitching coach and Gary Davenport returning as hitting coach. Yukiya Oba also returns as the team's athletic trainer. ... Jerry Cram is familiar with San Jose after spending three years as the Giants pitching coach from 2001-2003. The former major leaguer is now entering his ninth season in the San Francisco organization after working the last five years (2004-2008) as pitching coach of the Salem- Keizer Volcanoes (Short-Season). During his time in the Giants farm system, Cram's teams have won three league championships: San Jose in 2001 and Salem-Keizer in 2006 and 2007. Cram spent parts of four seasons in the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals (1969, 1976) and New York Mets (1974-1975), compiling a 0-3 record and 2.98 ERA over 23 career appearances. Cram has devoted 28 years to the Kansas City organization, the last 14 as a pitching instructor, in a tenure that ended in 1997. Cram then spent three seasons as a pitching coach in the Colorado Rockies minor league system before joining the San Francisco organization prior to the 2001 campaign. ... The San Jose Giants open their 2009 season on Thursday, April 9th at Municipal Stadium vs. the Stockton Ports. The Opening Night Extravaganza will include a post-game fireworks display, 2009 magnet schedule giveaway, the return of Gigante and much more. [/quote:3gap6pnt] metsguyinmichigan Dec 16 2008 12:29 PM ="Edgy DC":3l94882y]West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff.[/quote:3l94882y] The Whitecaps have a thing on Sunday afternoons where you can either go on the field to play catch, or go near the dugout where all the players stand in a line and sign autographs. (kids get a free soda and hot dog, too. We got to a lot of Sunday games.) So last year I brought my treasured Mets book, sought out DePastino to sign it and tried to talk to him about his short Mets tenure. Even though there was no one else around and nothing going on, he had absolutely nothing to say. Was disappointed. Maybe I'll have better luck with Benny. G-Fafif Dec 16 2008 12:37 PM ="Edgy DC":1sfgljfz]West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff.[/quote:1sfgljfz] What's Distefano's Met pedigree (other than breaking up David Cone's no-hitter?) At least this will give Distefano and DePastino a chance to exchange each other's misdirected mail. Benjamin Grimm Dec 16 2008 12:49 PM He was a replacement player with the Mets in spring training 1995. G-Fafif Dec 16 2008 12:59 PM Now that you say it, it sounds remotely familiar though I have to confess I might have missed it on a multiple choice. Any other ex-big leaguers in that camp? metsguyinmichigan Dec 16 2008 02:07 PM Stan Jefferson, I think. I saw a couple of those spring games. HahnSolo Dec 16 2008 02:25 PM ="G-Fafif":1lmhw7l1]="Edgy DC":1lmhw7l1]West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff.[/quote:1lmhw7l1] What's Distefano's Met pedigree (other than breaking up David Cone's no-hitter?) At least this will give Distefano and DePastino a chance to exchange each other's misdirected mail.[/quote:1lmhw7l1] Italian restaurants in West Michigan are scurrying to bid for the postgame spread. HahnSolo Dec 16 2008 02:26 PM ="metsguyinmichigan":2a90z7f9]Stan Jefferson, I think. I saw a couple of those spring games.[/quote:2a90z7f9] Two guys I went to high school with, Cliff Gonzalez (8th round pick of the Mets in '85) and Chris Walpole, were in that camp. Gonzalez and Jefferson knew each other having both been from Co-op City. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:11 AM ] DYKSTRA DROPS THE BALL By KEITH J. KELLY December 17, 2008 -- FORMER New York Mets out fielder Lenny Dykstra appears to be striking out with his magazine, Players Club. Dykstra, who helped the 1986 Mets capture the World Series before landing with the Philadelphia Phillies, is leaving behind a string of unpaid bills and a constant parade of shifting editors and office addresses. In the latest upheaval, Chris Frankie, the acting editor, resigned Dec. 4 along with two other staffers. Now Loren Feldman, former editor-in-chief of Philadelphia magazine, is said to be ready to join as the new chief editor. "Loren Feldman is the new editor," said Dykstra. Meanwhile, Frankie says he's owed back pay. But Dykstra sees things differently: "That's not true. Frankie owes me money. Whatever he's talking about is delusional." Counters Frankie, "That's beyond ridiculous. How could an employee owe an employer money?" Beyond three months' back pay, Frankie said he's also owed for business expenses. Frankie, who had originally helped Dykstra write the TheStreet.com's "Nails on the Numbers" column, got the editor job in August after Dykstra's talks with Neil Amdur, a former sports editor at The New York Times, collapsed at the last minute after a fight over Amdur's ability to hire deputies. "I did fly out there for a meeting with Dykstra about the editor's job," Amdur confirmed. "I spent a couple of days with him. He did offer me the job." The last issue of Players Club was published in October, and the November issue will now be combined into a year-end double issue that has yet to appear. His aim with the magazine was to help professional athletes make sensible investments with the money they earn from sports to ensure they don't go broke when their pro careers end. But present and former staffers say that Dykstra, who during his days with Major League Baseball had the nickname "Nails," is tough as nails when it comes to paying his staff or vendors. Frequently, sources said, he got staff to use their own credit cards to pay for ex penses related to the maga zine, and took months to re imburse the employees. Although the magazine is less than a year old, it has al ready had four different printers and three different editors. Several vendors have also stopped doing business with the magazine. The latest vendor to suspend business is Getty Images, which sources say is owed around $40,000. Dykstra claims that's not true. "I have a great relationship with them," he said of Getty. One source who's worked closely with Dykstra said he "has a haphazard way of paying - he just wires you money." "It's always that the money is just about to come in and everyone will be paid," this person said, adding that if someone demands payment, then Dykstra turns on them. "If you demand payment, then you are the enemy. "He always feels abandoned by people, but he doesn't seem to realize that he's the reason people abandon him." Frayed Knot Dec 17 2008 09:24 AM This surprises me not. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Gotta love the irony in this venture being all about athletes spending wisely. Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Another day, another house of cards. Edgy DC Dec 22 2008 03:04 PM Aaron Ledesma, infield coach for the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees. The Yankees get a AAA infield coach? What a ripoff! Frayed Knot Dec 22 2008 07:36 PM Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore. Edgy DC Dec 26 2008 08:28 AM DJ has no regrets. Of course he doesn't. He got to be a Met. D.J. Dozier had a Bo Jackson-like versatility Posted to: 50 Greatest Sports By Ed Miller The Virginian-Pilot As William, Bill, or even Billy, it just would not have worked as well. William Henry "D.J." Dozier would have been no less the athlete without that alliterative name, smooth as one of his touchdown runs or fielding gems at shortstop. That name - "D.J. Dozier" - was the shiny bow on top of the package of prep stardom. And Dozier was the complete package: a three-sport standout at Kempsville High, wooed by virtually every major football program in the country, coveted by virtually every pro baseball scout. Virginia Tech coach Bill Dooley came to the Norfolk Sports Club in December 1982 and made a public pitch for Dozier, something that would not be allowed under recruiting rules today, when coaches can't woo prospects through the media. Major league teams waved dollar signs in front of him, trying to convince him to skip football and play baseball. Dozier, No. 12 on the list of greatest athletes from South Hampton Roads, chose football - and Penn State. Later, after several years in the NFL, he reversed course and picked up a bat and glove. Good enough to briefly make it to the majors, he was, in an era of two-sport dabblers, a local, lower-wattage version of guys such as Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. "Obviously, when you look at the statistics, the numbers are certainly not what I hoped they would have been," said Dozier, now 43 and back in Virginia Beach working as a business consultant. "But the fact that I had the opportunity to go that far with what I would call God-given ability is a tremendous blessing." A dynamo at Penn State, Dozier forever will be a made man among Nittany Lion greats after leading the team in rushing four straight years, earning All-America honors twice and scoring the winning touchdown in a national championship victory over Miami. Things never clicked for him in the NFL, though. A first-round pick, Dozier missed time with injuries and didn't like the way the Vikings were using him - which was not too often. After three years, he signed with the Mets and began the climb through the minors in 1990. Meanwhile, contract talks with the Vikings stalled. Dozier finally re-signed with them halfway through the 1990 season. Dozier finished out that season and played six games with Detroit in 1991. With his baseball career seemingly blossoming, he left football behind. He would play just 25 games for the Mets, though, in 1992. In 1994, at 28, he moved on with his life, retiring from baseball. Dozier has coached, traveled the world doing missionary work, worked as a financial planner and investment banker. He moved back to Virginia recently from Allentown, Pa. He brought with him no regrets. Dozier said he remembered a former Kempsville teammate who played at Lock Haven University. Dozier knew he was good enough to play at Penn State and told his coaches. They offered him a chance to come to Happy Valley. In the end, though, the friend chose the security of staying at Lock Haven, later second-guessing his decision not to take his shot. "I never forgot what he told me about the regret part of it," Dozier said. "That's what it was for me with baseball. I look at it as something that was a bit nuts, but I really felt that I could do it. "The biggest thing about it is I didn't want to look back and regret not trying." He'll never have to. Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372 ed.miller@pilotonline.com metsguyinmichigan Dec 26 2008 11:17 AM That's a nice story! Plus, I'd forgotten how nasty those old Tides caps were. G-Fafif Dec 26 2008 01:32 PM ="Frayed Knot":34ueq9bz]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:34ueq9bz] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy? themetfairy Dec 26 2008 02:12 PM ="G-Fafif":1emwxaju]="Frayed Knot":1emwxaju]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:1emwxaju] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy?[/quote:1emwxaju] No - just with a simple, "Welcome Abordick," of course! Edgy DC Dec 30 2008 07:42 AM Felix Mantilla, spreading the good chromosomes around. Mantilla earning court time at Yale December 30, 2008 NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT Mundelein High grad Raffi Mantilla has worked his way into the playing rotation for the Yale University men's basketball team. The sophomore guard has played in all eight Bulldog games (2-6 record), and is averaging nearly 10 minutes of action each game. He's scored a total of 18 points in those eight contests. Mantilla is the grandson of former major-league baseball player Felix Mantilla, who played with the Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox in a long pro career. MFS62 Jan 03 2009 02:29 PM In keeping with the three name thread in the non-baseball forum, I'll always remember him as Felix Lamela Mantilla. (I dunno why, but his middle name always stuck in my mind) Later Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 02:31 PM Yup, and time to retire Brogna 2008.

Yeah Seo! I would say that "Gun" is going to get a plethora of votes, however.

Eff you all.

I've seen both of these a million times. This might be the hardest vote for me so far.

Ah, cut the Phillies some slack. They finally caught up to the Mets after an eighty-year head start. Congrats to them and their pissant fans.

Boy, I could watch Chad Bradford pitch all day. Fascinating.

Frayed Knot wrote: So he leaves the LHP in to pitch to Burrell and THEN removes him for Bradford?!!? If nothing else, Bradford almost always keeps the ball in the park. Howell almost didn't. Joe Maddon forgot to take his anti-senility meds this morning.

That was a great play by Utley, and a great play by Ruiz. Tim McCarver showing his Mets roots, referring to Howell as "J.C. Martin."

YEAH ROCCO! SUCK IT, PHILLIES!

If, Tim, their pitching coach says Howell has been their "most valuable pitcher, getting big outs all year," then why don't you bring him in to counter Jenkins and force the Phils to spend another hitter? They haven't even mentioned that as a possibility.

He did, two nights ago. He could have sent him out there, then after Jenkins was announced, bring in Howell. Fuckin' hell.

It was -- it was posted right after they were eliminated. Very well done.

Zvon wrote: Good call with Jenkins Seawolf17. But Maddon does not counter. And apparently, I'm starter than Joe Maddon tonight.

No, they save Dobbs for a big spot. They announce Jenkins, forcing the Rays to counter with a lefty, and then bring up Taguchi.

Someone swing down to Philly and tap Tim on the shoulder and ask if it's him.

="A Boy Named Seo":1gbomtrk]Rogers was either going with the popular, but controversial Lucky Day/El Guapo definition of "infamous"[/quote:1gbomtrk] Hilarious. "Jefe? Do you know what is a plethora? Well, you told me I have a plethora. I would not like to think that a person would tell someone he has a plethora, and then find out that that person has no idea what it means to have a plethora." One of the best movies ever. Edgy DC Oct 29 2008 05:45 PM Well, maybe one of the best million films ever. I can go for that. Kong76 Oct 29 2008 06:17 PM EDC: Steve seems to know more about the history of this place than I do, and I don't know hardly anything about him <<< StevieJStalker sees all! Frayed Knot Oct 29 2008 07:39 PM ="SteveJRogers":2nu9sgsu]Several of the posters on the current MOFO were on GSS and got the boot in the same fashion as Vic mentioned, for pretty much the same reasons.[/quote:2nu9sgsu] What Vic did to got booted (and me IIRC) had nothing to do with what others did. Edgy DC Oct 30 2008 10:58 AM Dan Reilly, knew when to keep his mouth shut. Check out the piping on ihs original uni. Villager photo by Will McKinleyDan Reilly, the original Mr. Met, at Shea Stadium recently. Reilly with his Mr. Met baseball head back in the mid-1960s when he was the team�s mascot at home games. Mr. Met recalls heady times as first mascot for Amazin�s By WILL McKINLEY Dozens of Mets legends were honored at Shea Stadium�s closing ceremony last month, from Tom Seaver to Mike Piazza and all the lesser lights in between. But one seminal figure in the team�s history was conspicuous by his absence. Dan Reilly, the first man to wear the costume of iconic mascot Mr. Met, watched the bittersweet festivities at home on TV like an ordinary fan. But the longtime Soho resident and author of the new book �The Original Mr. Met Remembers,� is anything but. �I�m disappointed they didn�t invite me back, but I�m not angry,� said Reilly, who played the Mets mascot on and off the field from 1964 through 1967, the first three of his nine years with the club. �Seaver, Koosman, Swoboda, all those guys were my buddies. And I figured they�d like to see me again, too, just to say hello, a few handshakes, keep in touch. They all still call me Mr. Met.� Now 70 and retired, Reilly�s ties with the team go back to Shea�s inaugural season, when he joined the Mets ticket sales staff two months before the debut of their new home. �It was a snowy February morning the day of my interview,� Reilly said last week, as he walked the grounds of the soon-to-be-demolished stadium. �From the outside, it looked like an orange-and-blue skeleton. Nothing was happening and nobody was around. Inside, they were still putting the seats in. And now I�m watching them take those seats out. It�s sad.� Sadness is not an emotion readily associated with Reilly, a jovial, outgoing raconteur who worked in the restaurant business after leaving the Mets in 1972, and recently concluded a four-year stint as the host of game-day ferry rides to Shea. On boat or barstool, the Richmond Hill, Queens, native spins colorful tales of the early days of the Amazin� Mets with a hearty laugh and, on this occasion, a misty eye. �We were a small organization back then, no superstars,� said Reilly, clad in a Mets jersey and still using �we� and �us� when referring to the team he left 36 years ago. �I drank with those guys. I knew where all the good Irish bars in Queens were. And I knew when to keep my mouth shut. That�s why everyone liked me.� Reilly was front and center for nearly all of the significant events of the team�s first decade: Shea�s first opening day; the 1964 All-Star Game; Casey Stengel�s on-field 75th birthday celebration and the infamous after-party at Toots Shor�s, where the legendary manager broke his hip and ended his career; the arrival of 1967 Rookie of the Year Seaver; the managerial tenure of Reilly�s boyhood idol Gil Hodges and, most memorably, the Miracle Mets World Series victory on Oct. 16, 1969. �As soon as that game was over, I ran from the press box down to the clubhouse,� Reilly said 39 years and one day later, as he traced the trajectory from the top of the stadium to the bottom with his finger. �There�s a picture of me in the 1970 yearbook, being doused with champagne by Jerry Grote. Those were my guys. They were the best.� In addition to his daily responsibilities, first in ticket sales and later in the promotions department, Reilly also served as the V.I.P. handler for visiting celebrities and politicians, ran the Mets Speakers Bureau program and filled in as public address announcer at Shea for three weeks in 1966. He also wished four members of a British rock band good luck as they ran on to the field for an August 1965 concert. �I said, �Break a leg, guys,� and one of them said, �Thanks mate!�� Reilly remembered. �I don�t know which one it was because I didn�t know who The Beatles were back then.� But Reilly�s fondest memories began on May 31, 1964, when he donned the papier-m�ch�, baseball-shaped head of the first mascot in Major League Baseball history. The Mets lost both sides of a doubleheader that day to the Giants, whose defection to California with the Brooklyn Dodgers after the 1957 season inspired attorney Bill Shea�s successful crusade to bring National League baseball back to New York. But, between games of that doubleheader, a star was born. �The stadium was packed and I was nervous,� Reilly said with a laugh. �They had told me to play it straight, just walk out there and wave, but the kids started swarming down to meet me in the stands. I shook hands, posed for pictures, signed autographs. After that, I got cocky and started dancing. It was an instant hit. Back then, the fans might not have recognized the players, but they always recognized Mr. Met.� As Reilly remembered the glories of four decades past, he struck up a conversation with a current Mets fan, 48-year-old software engineer Mark Szemberski, who was snapping photos of the now-shuttered stadium. �Of all people to meet, the last time I�m at Shea � Mr. Met!� Szemberski exclaimed, as he posed for a picture with the unlikely celebrity. �You made my day. I hope they invite you back when they open the new stadium.� Reilly handed Szemberski his business card, which features a photo of his younger self in a regulation Mets uniform, holding the outsized head that made him famous. The original Mr. Met is smiling broadly, as always. �Baseball is tradition,� Reilly said, as he bid final farewell to Shea from a departing 7 train. �Mr. Met touched people then, and he still does. I think it�s important to remember how we used to do it, what Shea used to be like. If we do, there will always be a Shea Stadium.� �The Original Mr. Met Remembers: When the Miracle Began� (138 pages) is available at iUniverse.com. HahnSolo Oct 30 2008 11:22 AM The uniform on the right suggests that photo is from '86 (racing stripes and anniversary logo), not from the early sixties. (I see Edgy beat me to that). soupcan Oct 30 2008 11:23 AM Yeah - something's wrong there. Benjamin Grimm Oct 30 2008 11:38 AM I'd guess that in 1986 he was just visiting with his old head. seawolf17 Oct 30 2008 12:07 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":36b19cxk]I'd guess that in 1986 he was just visiting with his old head.[/quote:36b19cxk] Possibly for a 25th anniversary event, which would make sense. Edgy DC Nov 03 2008 02:40 PM The High-A Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino (real name!) have announced their coaching staff, including John Valentin as batting coach and Charlie Hough as pitching coach. I confused Hough with Verne Ruhle and thought he was dead. Edgy DC Nov 10 2008 02:45 PM Candidates being looked at for the Seattle managerial job include Jose Oquendo, the prototype for Rey Ordoñez; Joey Cora, who managed for the Mets in the minors, and Randy Ready, who has one of the porniest names in baseball history. sharpie Nov 11 2008 11:36 AM Soon we can enjoy the literary stylings of Mike Piazza: Mike Piazza, a 12-time All Star for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets, has signed a deal to write his autobiography for Simon & Schuster. V-p and senior editor Bob Bender acquired world rights from David Black, CEO of Black Inc., and Dan Lozano, Piazza�s sports agent. Publication is slated for 2010. In the book, Piazza, who retired just before the 2008 season, will discuss controversies of his career, including the 2000 World Series incident when Roger Clemens threw a shattered bat at him, and the press conference he held to deny rumors that he was gay. The autobiography will also cover Piazza�s tumultuous relationships with the Dodgers, their front office and Tommy Lasorda; as well as his former teammates Bobby Valentine, Pedro Martinez, Rickey Henderson and others. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 11:40 AM He actually retired well into the 2008 season when he hadn't gotten interest from anybody. And Bobby Valentine wasn't his teammate. Who writes press releases these days? John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 11 2008 11:47 AM Who cares. I'm going to read the hell out of that book. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 11:52 AM If'n I were you, I contact that agent NOW!!!! and show him your writin' credentials. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 11:55 AM Good thought. Writing the hell out of the book would be even better than reading the hell out of it. HahnSolo Nov 11 2008 12:19 PM Knowing the publishing industry as I do, I can tell you that acquiring editor had absolutely no interest in the writin' credentials in the manuscript and cared primarily about the name on page 1. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 12:21 PM So Piazza now shops around for a ghost, I suppose? I figure he'll go with a sportswriter he had a good relationship with during his playing days. G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 12:23 PM Or a David Frum/Michael Gershon otherwise underemployed wordsmith of the right. Mike goes that way. HahnSolo Nov 11 2008 12:25 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":r3mb7fqz]So Piazza now shops around for a ghost, I suppose? I figure he'll go with a sportswriter he had a good relationship with during his playing days.[/quote:r3mb7fqz] I doubt Piazza does the shopping unless there's a writer he was really close to and insists on using him. Otherwise, I expect the literary agent would work with the publisher to find someone. Edgy DC Nov 11 2008 12:28 PM Which is fucking why you should be acting NOW!!!! G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 12:30 PM I'm Richie Hebner for another eight posts or so. I'm not going out of my way to pick up any ground balls for a little while. sharpie Nov 11 2008 12:32 PM David Black, the agent, reps many bigtime sportswriters (including Mitch Albom of "Tuesdays With Morrie" fame). Piazza would have already come attached with a writer by the time the deal was made. Benjamin Grimm Nov 11 2008 12:32 PM I don't want to stir up an ugly intramural competition, but GFafif should also throw his hat in the ring. G-Fafif Nov 11 2008 12:40 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":3prysgfg]I don't want to stir up an ugly intramural competition, but GFafif should also throw his hat in the ring.[/quote:3prysgfg] Thanks, but first I have to finish my "as told to myself" thing. After I stop being Richie Hebner. Edgy DC Nov 12 2008 10:23 AM Former Pitchers Leading Today's Brogna News: Hideo Nomo, teaching the forkball to young buffalos. Frank Viola, getting into the analyst game. Tom Seaver, advising the youth of today and liquoring up Tommy Davis. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 12 2008 10:41 AM Read also where Leiter was joining the staff at MLB-TV. I guess that means he's leaving the NO! network. Edgy DC Nov 13 2008 08:14 AM So, if you're like me, you grew sick of stories of Lenny Dykstra, swinging finance trader, about two paragraphs into the first one, but now the angle isn't that he's just another player, but that he's actually flourishing during these hard times. The claim is that he's 82-0 in stock picks endorsed in his newsletter. Edgy DC Nov 13 2008 01:36 PM Rick Sweet returning as manager of the Louisville Bats. Local favorite Roger Mason joins the Traverse City Beach Bums as pitching coach. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 13 2008 01:38 PM Ron Gardenhire gets an extension. Leiter btw, will still work for Al-Yankazeera. Reynolds tho is out at SNY, raising speculation that Bobby Ojeda is on his way in. I think I speak for everyone ever by saying it would be nice to mix a 73er or 99-00er in there. TransMonk Nov 13 2008 01:42 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1jn4n2h7]I think I speak for everyone ever by saying it would be nice to mix a 73er or 99-00er in there.[/quote:1jn4n2h7] Didn't Zeile get a shot once? Benjamin Grimm Nov 13 2008 01:44 PM I was thinking a 69er: Ron Swoboda. Edgy DC Nov 13 2008 05:02 PM Sam Perlozzo joins the Phils. Bang. metsguyinmichigan Nov 13 2008 11:01 PM ="Edgy DC":828l4i24]Rick Sweet returning as manager of the Louisville Bats. Local favorite Roger Mason joins the Traverse City Beach Bums as pitching coach.[/quote:828l4i24] Traverse City is a beautiful resort area about two hours north of me. The team is fairly new, and plays in an independent league. We used to play in an all-newspaper softball tournament in Traverse, and it was fun until the Detroit News took it over and started stacking its team with ringers who didn't work for the paper. Cads! I'll have to head up this summer and see a game and talk to Mason! Edgy DC Nov 14 2008 10:19 AM Holy Foli, Batman, it's Sammy Drake! In a Mets hat! An old friendship, forged 50 years ago, is rekindled AUGUSTA -- It was the New York Mets cap on his head. This being Red Sox country, people had to stop the athletic, older man this week and ask. "What's up with the hat?" That's when C. Wayne Mitchell glanced at his guest and stepped in. "This is Sammy Drake. Don't you know who he is?" No one did, to the amusement of both men. "He's an original member of the Mets," Mitchell would tell them. "He's my friend." It's a friendship forged nearly 50 years ago, interrupted by decades of separation and searching by Mitchell and resumed about four years ago. Mitchell's family, aware of his wish to reconnect, trolled the Internet, finding Drake at a Mets reunion in New Jersey. Sunday, Drake came to Mitchell's home in Sidney for a four-day visit. They laughed and joked and marveled again at the strength of a relationship neither fully understood when it began on a hot U.S. Army base in the deep south at a time when full integration was still a dream. Drake was a draftee from Little Rock, Ark. trying to keep alive his dream of playing major league baseball while he was serving his country. Mitchell was the 7-year-old son of a career soldier returned from duty in Germany and new to the Georgia base. That summer, the young boy discovered the Fort Gordon Rams and a young, talented infielder who asked Mitchell if he wanted to be the bat boy. "I could see he was interested in baseball," said Drake during lunch at a local restaurant Wednesday. Drake remembered when he fell in love with the game. The two played catch. Sometimes, Mitchell would go the base recreation center where Drake worked. They were so different in age and in race. Then, Mitchell was too young to understand what it meant to be a young black adult in Georgia. Drake, of course, did. A year or two after meeting, Mitchell's father was transferred to Taiwan. Mitchell got a baseball glove, a bat, a handshake, and much later, when he could fully understand, an outlook on life. "Of all the hello's and good-bye's, his was the one I remember most," said Mitchell, while Drake nodded. "I knew a thank-you would be in order." Mitchell's story to this point became a column I wrote four years ago. Then, I couldn't reach Drake who had returned to his home in Los Angeles. Wednesday, at lunch, I introduced myself. Meeting Mitchell wasn't a coincidence, Drake said. There was a reason that maybe still isn't clear 50 years later. Drake was surprised, but not stunned when Mitchell walked up to his table at the hotel where the Mets reunion and autograph session took place. He's met a lot of people in his 74 years and has usually found the goodness in them, even under trying circumstances. "At first I thought he as a typical fan," Drake said. "When he started talking about Fort Gordon I knew right away." Drake can't say he thought about Mitchell much over the years. Neither did he forget the young bat boy who would go to the gym to fold towels and stay out of the way of the soldiers.� "He would get picked on by the ballplayers a little bit. It was all in fun, but I could see it bothered him. I'd say, come with me. Let's play catch." Drake signed with the Chicago Cubs for $1,500 and was later assigned to Macon, Ga. to play for Pepper Martin in the so-called Sally League. He was the first African-American to play in the league he says. The most hurtful part of that season? "Not being able to sleep in the same hotels with my teammates. Not being able to eat with them. I could get carry-out or go across the river to a (black-owned restaurant.)" In the next breath, Drake tells of Martin's effort to get him seated with the team at a restaurant in Indiana. Martin, nicknamed the Wild Horse of the Osage, was a third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals' "Gashouse Gang" in the 1930s and colorblind. Drake remembers one of his first trips to spring training with the Cubs after his two years in the Army. He was one of three black ballplayers in a group of 50 minor leaguers were assigned to a barracks-style building. "Every night I would pray. They must have thought I was from another planet. "But I had a good spring training. When camp broke, everyone was on their knees praying but two." Monday, Mitchell and Drake had breakfast with Roger Katz, the mayor of Augusta and a baseball fan. Katz invited Drake to speak to the city council that night. He told the story of a Cubs tryout he attended in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the sore arm he had. He couldn't throw across the infield. Discouraged, he called the grandmother who raised him. Don't worry, he was told. She would pray for him. "We had a big snowstorm," said Drake smiling. "We couldn't use the field for two weeks. I soaked my arm in the bath tub every day. I was ready." The Mets drafted him off the Cubs roster. His two-year, major league career was the proverbial cup of coffee. In 53 games he hit .153. His older brother, Solly, played parts of three seasons with the Cubs, Phillies and Dodgers. Together, they were the first African-American brothers to play major league baseball. Early Thursday morning, Drake said good-bye to Mitchell and his wife, Bonnie, and began his trip back to Los Angeles. A graduate of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, he's a retired investigator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He teaches Sunday School at the Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where his brother, the Rev. Dr. Solomon Drake, is pastor to a 6,000-member congregation. They've listened to the story of how a young white boy and a young black adult became lasting friends. It shouldn't be forgotten. Edgy DC Nov 19 2008 10:38 AM Jack Aker, out of work and vulnerable like the rest of us. This old ballplayer understands life better than most by Rabbi Ben Kamin, Spiritual Life Examiner Jack Aker, a name known to aficionados of the national pastime, is something of a legend. But if his baseball card could talk, you�d hear a lot more than breezy play-by-play. Here�s a guy who made more appearances (495) as a relief pitcher than anybody in his time, but found himself taken out of the game quite before he expected. Like anybody suddenly not doing the thing we�ve been doing forever, Jack found himself looking down the abyss�he was tearful, anxious, and despondent. Baseball players are real people, in spite of the hype we impose on them, and their souls hurt, their spirits droop, just like all hard-working Americans. Jack won the Sporting News �Fireman of the Year� award in 1966 and played for the Kansas City and then Oakland Athletics, the Seattle Pilots, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets. When I met him some years ago, he was pitching coach of the Cleveland Indians; I caught my breath short, extending and receiving hands of friendship with a living and breathing major leaguer who was on a first-name basis with such stars as Phil Niekro and Tom Seaver. I saw him at his tallest. Arriving on the green natural field before game time, Jack came for me, in full regalia�snappy cap and shimmering team jacket. He walked across fresh, chalky baselines with a certain, lanky royalty. There were the first faint smells of popcorn and beer from the bowels from the bowels of the old stadium as the coach escorted me into the clubhouse. Jack took me into a comfortably large room filled with open booths that served as repositories for the players. �Here,� he declared, �we meet and discuss the game plan.� Like a knothole sentry, he walked past the colognes and hair dryers of the bath area towards a large bin containing thick, polished baseball bats. He said, somberly: �Nobody can touch a man�s bat. You see, Ben, they are numbered according to his uniform number. The bat is a very personal matter to a guy. Nobody can touch it.� I understood what a sacrilege was and I shook my head in awe of power and success. A little over a year later, following a season of fallen expectations and profits, Jack (and the team manager) were both summarily dismissed from their positions. Now, this same Jack, record-holder, my invincible hero, sat in the front of my automobile, shoulders slumped, his head in his hands. We were taking a ride in the country as the venerable coach tried to sort things out. His prestige, his income, and his self-image were suddenly as powdery as the faded chalk lines of that emerald ball field he had once ruled. Jack was gone, the manager was gone, as well as a number of the muscular, sleek, swaggering players I had met that shining afternoon�in a different season. A person is so much more than his baseball card, her resume, his cellular list of �contacts.� Jack is doing okay, taking in his children and grandchildren, knowing well what it means to be laid off, discarded, discontinued. Maybe this old ballplayer understands America right now better than most. MFS62 Nov 19 2008 11:00 AM Thank you, Edgy. Anyone who ever lost a job knows that you didn't have to bold that portion. We would have noticed it and commiserated(sp?) with Jack. But the way it was said was an unexpected pleasure in a piece like that, wasn't it? Later Edgy DC Nov 19 2008 11:03 AM I was just imitating the original publishing, which set it as a pullquote. Farmer Ted Nov 19 2008 12:07 PM Tim Foli will return to manage Washington's Class AAA affiliate in 2009. Met Hunter Nov 19 2008 10:37 PM John Stearns will be back managing the Nats AA team in Harrisburg as well. Benjamin Grimm Nov 20 2008 06:14 AM Tim Bogar was among three who interviewed for a spot on the Phillies coaching staff. The problem is, they thought they were interviewing Doug Flynn. Edgy DC Nov 21 2008 10:06 AM John Nunnaly, batting coach with the Columbus Clippers. Edgy DC Nov 23 2008 08:56 PM Jeff Innis, Cape Cod League Hall-of-Famer. Edgy DC Nov 28 2008 11:45 AM Tim Bogar formally accepts the Red Sox offer to coach first. John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 28 2008 12:37 PM The last 5 or 6 messages belong in that other thread. Edgy DC Dec 04 2008 10:34 AM I consider coaching jobs part of retirement. Rico's was a coaching job. I hear you, though. Nonetheless, I'm sticking with it for one more thread, as Joe McEwing takes over the Winston-Salem Former Warthogs. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 04 2008 10:43 AM Just for that it's my duty to report that Jason Hardtke has been named hitting coach of the Missoula Osprey (Dbaggs -Pioneer League). The Baggs also named Brett Butler manager of the Reno Aces (PCL). G-Fafif Dec 04 2008 01:04 PM I once received a letter letting me know Brett Butler would come and speak to my employees and motivate them with his life experiences and faith in Christ for only $20,000. How much is each Ace going to have to ante up for the privilege? Edgy DC Dec 16 2008 09:38 AM West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff. Benjamin Grimm Dec 16 2008 09:56 AM You must have overlooked Jerry Cram in your Google subscription: ="Our Sports Central":3gap6pnt] SAN JOSE, CALIF December 15, 2008- The San Jose Giants announced their 2009 coaching staff today with Andy Skeels joining the club as manager, Jerry Cram as pitching coach and Gary Davenport returning as hitting coach. Yukiya Oba also returns as the team's athletic trainer. ... Jerry Cram is familiar with San Jose after spending three years as the Giants pitching coach from 2001-2003. The former major leaguer is now entering his ninth season in the San Francisco organization after working the last five years (2004-2008) as pitching coach of the Salem- Keizer Volcanoes (Short-Season). During his time in the Giants farm system, Cram's teams have won three league championships: San Jose in 2001 and Salem-Keizer in 2006 and 2007. Cram spent parts of four seasons in the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals (1969, 1976) and New York Mets (1974-1975), compiling a 0-3 record and 2.98 ERA over 23 career appearances. Cram has devoted 28 years to the Kansas City organization, the last 14 as a pitching instructor, in a tenure that ended in 1997. Cram then spent three seasons as a pitching coach in the Colorado Rockies minor league system before joining the San Francisco organization prior to the 2001 campaign. ... The San Jose Giants open their 2009 season on Thursday, April 9th at Municipal Stadium vs. the Stockton Ports. The Opening Night Extravaganza will include a post-game fireworks display, 2009 magnet schedule giveaway, the return of Gigante and much more. [/quote:3gap6pnt] metsguyinmichigan Dec 16 2008 12:29 PM ="Edgy DC":3l94882y]West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff.[/quote:3l94882y] The Whitecaps have a thing on Sunday afternoons where you can either go on the field to play catch, or go near the dugout where all the players stand in a line and sign autographs. (kids get a free soda and hot dog, too. We got to a lot of Sunday games.) So last year I brought my treasured Mets book, sought out DePastino to sign it and tried to talk to him about his short Mets tenure. Even though there was no one else around and nothing going on, he had absolutely nothing to say. Was disappointed. Maybe I'll have better luck with Benny. G-Fafif Dec 16 2008 12:37 PM ="Edgy DC":1sfgljfz]West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff.[/quote:1sfgljfz] What's Distefano's Met pedigree (other than breaking up David Cone's no-hitter?) At least this will give Distefano and DePastino a chance to exchange each other's misdirected mail. Benjamin Grimm Dec 16 2008 12:49 PM He was a replacement player with the Mets in spring training 1995. G-Fafif Dec 16 2008 12:59 PM Now that you say it, it sounds remotely familiar though I have to confess I might have missed it on a multiple choice. Any other ex-big leaguers in that camp? metsguyinmichigan Dec 16 2008 02:07 PM Stan Jefferson, I think. I saw a couple of those spring games. HahnSolo Dec 16 2008 02:25 PM ="G-Fafif":1lmhw7l1]="Edgy DC":1lmhw7l1]West Michigan Whitecaps going with Met pedigree this year, adding Benny Distefano to Joe DePastino's staff.[/quote:1lmhw7l1] What's Distefano's Met pedigree (other than breaking up David Cone's no-hitter?) At least this will give Distefano and DePastino a chance to exchange each other's misdirected mail.[/quote:1lmhw7l1] Italian restaurants in West Michigan are scurrying to bid for the postgame spread. HahnSolo Dec 16 2008 02:26 PM ="metsguyinmichigan":2a90z7f9]Stan Jefferson, I think. I saw a couple of those spring games.[/quote:2a90z7f9] Two guys I went to high school with, Cliff Gonzalez (8th round pick of the Mets in '85) and Chris Walpole, were in that camp. Gonzalez and Jefferson knew each other having both been from Co-op City. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:11 AM ] DYKSTRA DROPS THE BALL By KEITH J. KELLY December 17, 2008 -- FORMER New York Mets out fielder Lenny Dykstra appears to be striking out with his magazine, Players Club. Dykstra, who helped the 1986 Mets capture the World Series before landing with the Philadelphia Phillies, is leaving behind a string of unpaid bills and a constant parade of shifting editors and office addresses. In the latest upheaval, Chris Frankie, the acting editor, resigned Dec. 4 along with two other staffers. Now Loren Feldman, former editor-in-chief of Philadelphia magazine, is said to be ready to join as the new chief editor. "Loren Feldman is the new editor," said Dykstra. Meanwhile, Frankie says he's owed back pay. But Dykstra sees things differently: "That's not true. Frankie owes me money. Whatever he's talking about is delusional." Counters Frankie, "That's beyond ridiculous. How could an employee owe an employer money?" Beyond three months' back pay, Frankie said he's also owed for business expenses. Frankie, who had originally helped Dykstra write the TheStreet.com's "Nails on the Numbers" column, got the editor job in August after Dykstra's talks with Neil Amdur, a former sports editor at The New York Times, collapsed at the last minute after a fight over Amdur's ability to hire deputies. "I did fly out there for a meeting with Dykstra about the editor's job," Amdur confirmed. "I spent a couple of days with him. He did offer me the job." The last issue of Players Club was published in October, and the November issue will now be combined into a year-end double issue that has yet to appear. His aim with the magazine was to help professional athletes make sensible investments with the money they earn from sports to ensure they don't go broke when their pro careers end. But present and former staffers say that Dykstra, who during his days with Major League Baseball had the nickname "Nails," is tough as nails when it comes to paying his staff or vendors. Frequently, sources said, he got staff to use their own credit cards to pay for ex penses related to the maga zine, and took months to re imburse the employees. Although the magazine is less than a year old, it has al ready had four different printers and three different editors. Several vendors have also stopped doing business with the magazine. The latest vendor to suspend business is Getty Images, which sources say is owed around $40,000. Dykstra claims that's not true. "I have a great relationship with them," he said of Getty. One source who's worked closely with Dykstra said he "has a haphazard way of paying - he just wires you money." "It's always that the money is just about to come in and everyone will be paid," this person said, adding that if someone demands payment, then Dykstra turns on them. "If you demand payment, then you are the enemy. "He always feels abandoned by people, but he doesn't seem to realize that he's the reason people abandon him." Frayed Knot Dec 17 2008 09:24 AM This surprises me not. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Gotta love the irony in this venture being all about athletes spending wisely. Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 09:26 AM Another day, another house of cards. Edgy DC Dec 22 2008 03:04 PM Aaron Ledesma, infield coach for the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees. The Yankees get a AAA infield coach? What a ripoff! Frayed Knot Dec 22 2008 07:36 PM Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore. Edgy DC Dec 26 2008 08:28 AM DJ has no regrets. Of course he doesn't. He got to be a Met. D.J. Dozier had a Bo Jackson-like versatility Posted to: 50 Greatest Sports By Ed Miller The Virginian-Pilot As William, Bill, or even Billy, it just would not have worked as well. William Henry "D.J." Dozier would have been no less the athlete without that alliterative name, smooth as one of his touchdown runs or fielding gems at shortstop. That name - "D.J. Dozier" - was the shiny bow on top of the package of prep stardom. And Dozier was the complete package: a three-sport standout at Kempsville High, wooed by virtually every major football program in the country, coveted by virtually every pro baseball scout. Virginia Tech coach Bill Dooley came to the Norfolk Sports Club in December 1982 and made a public pitch for Dozier, something that would not be allowed under recruiting rules today, when coaches can't woo prospects through the media. Major league teams waved dollar signs in front of him, trying to convince him to skip football and play baseball. Dozier, No. 12 on the list of greatest athletes from South Hampton Roads, chose football - and Penn State. Later, after several years in the NFL, he reversed course and picked up a bat and glove. Good enough to briefly make it to the majors, he was, in an era of two-sport dabblers, a local, lower-wattage version of guys such as Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. "Obviously, when you look at the statistics, the numbers are certainly not what I hoped they would have been," said Dozier, now 43 and back in Virginia Beach working as a business consultant. "But the fact that I had the opportunity to go that far with what I would call God-given ability is a tremendous blessing." A dynamo at Penn State, Dozier forever will be a made man among Nittany Lion greats after leading the team in rushing four straight years, earning All-America honors twice and scoring the winning touchdown in a national championship victory over Miami. Things never clicked for him in the NFL, though. A first-round pick, Dozier missed time with injuries and didn't like the way the Vikings were using him - which was not too often. After three years, he signed with the Mets and began the climb through the minors in 1990. Meanwhile, contract talks with the Vikings stalled. Dozier finally re-signed with them halfway through the 1990 season. Dozier finished out that season and played six games with Detroit in 1991. With his baseball career seemingly blossoming, he left football behind. He would play just 25 games for the Mets, though, in 1992. In 1994, at 28, he moved on with his life, retiring from baseball. Dozier has coached, traveled the world doing missionary work, worked as a financial planner and investment banker. He moved back to Virginia recently from Allentown, Pa. He brought with him no regrets. Dozier said he remembered a former Kempsville teammate who played at Lock Haven University. Dozier knew he was good enough to play at Penn State and told his coaches. They offered him a chance to come to Happy Valley. In the end, though, the friend chose the security of staying at Lock Haven, later second-guessing his decision not to take his shot. "I never forgot what he told me about the regret part of it," Dozier said. "That's what it was for me with baseball. I look at it as something that was a bit nuts, but I really felt that I could do it. "The biggest thing about it is I didn't want to look back and regret not trying." He'll never have to. Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372 ed.miller@pilotonline.com metsguyinmichigan Dec 26 2008 11:17 AM That's a nice story! Plus, I'd forgotten how nasty those old Tides caps were. G-Fafif Dec 26 2008 01:32 PM ="Frayed Knot":34ueq9bz]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:34ueq9bz] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy? themetfairy Dec 26 2008 02:12 PM ="G-Fafif":1emwxaju]="Frayed Knot":1emwxaju]Mike Bordick, head baseball coach at Boys' Latin School in Baltimore.[/quote:1emwxaju] How do you suppose he'll greet his new players...or monstrously huge batboy?[/quote:1emwxaju] No - just with a simple, "Welcome Abordick," of course! Edgy DC Dec 30 2008 07:42 AM Felix Mantilla, spreading the good chromosomes around. Mantilla earning court time at Yale December 30, 2008 NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT Mundelein High grad Raffi Mantilla has worked his way into the playing rotation for the Yale University men's basketball team. The sophomore guard has played in all eight Bulldog games (2-6 record), and is averaging nearly 10 minutes of action each game. He's scored a total of 18 points in those eight contests. Mantilla is the grandson of former major-league baseball player Felix Mantilla, who played with the Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox in a long pro career. MFS62 Jan 03 2009 02:29 PM In keeping with the three name thread in the non-baseball forum, I'll always remember him as Felix Lamela Mantilla. (I dunno why, but his middle name always stuck in my mind) Later Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 02:31 PM Yup, and time to retire Brogna 2008.

It'd be funny if they just left it in the parking lot.

Don't you think?