Ceetar

Best case is Martinez tears it up in Buffalo and replaces a 'reverted to sucky' Francoeur in May.

John Franco has been working with the team. He was there last spring. I wonder how he'd do as Pitching Coach.

I like the Sox. I think if they can advance they could win it all, and any Sox success hurts Yankees fans egos. On the other hand, them getting killed by the Angels again could be fun. Also, no Yankees-Red Sox ALCS would help hype up the Mets-Phillies rivalry next year as the 'best' rivalry. Then again, I bought tickets to game 7 at Yankee Stadium of the ALCS, and I'll be able to turn a nice profit of that's a Red Sox game.

Not enthused about many of the teams this year. I do think if the Cardinals win this series they likely win it all. hard to root for them to win it all given their success and 2006, but I also like them as a team that could take down the Phillies or Yankees if either was to advance.

I like the Tigers chances against the Yankees better.

Okay, first off, no moving home plate or the walls or anything. too much has been made of that. I wouldn't totally be against moving it 2 feet or so forward to help alleviate some of the obstructed views for the corner (not that they're that big a deal) but that would move the foul poles and cause just as much visibility problems. Pagan has hit every chance he's gotten with the Mets. But he's been injured constantly. He can't have the LF job. But I want him to stay as the 4th OF, and possibly the RF when/if Francoeur reverts to the below-average player he is. The 1B free agent market is a lot weaker than LF. I don't think a trade is a great option, because most of what the Mets have to trade for a legitimate Gonzalez type piece they need, guys like Parnell. So I'd keep Murphy there. I think Murphy has made great strides, as long as he's an everyday player, and not a platoon guy, where he struggled. I like his aggressive nature at 1B defensively, the ability to go to second on a bunt or infield hit for the lead runner. (example: Yesterday, Murphy had the forsight to break for a ball in the gap between him and Castillo, realize that he wouldn't get it and Castillo would, and was able to return to first to field the throw.) He's made some mental/pressing errors, but I'm hoping an off season and spring will help him be more comfortable. I would sign either Jason Bay, or Matt Holliday. There are some secondary level guys that might be okay, but I feel the power is need here. The one big 'presence' bat in the lineup to make _Everyone_ better. Catcher is a problem. I think Jose Molina might be a decent backup, but backup catcher is a minor concern. Santos is not good enough. Even if he claims he's going to 'work hard' in the offseason. (Was he not working hard as a career minor leaguer?) Josh Bard maybe? I might give the job to Thole. That seems too much of a gamble though. But if I'm confident that Reyes will be ready to go, and we get that big LF bat and everything else looks good, I might take that gamble. Need another starter, that's healthy, will stay in games, and will make 35 starts. Justin Duchscherer maybe. I'm not sold on Lackey for the price he'll command. Josh Fogg? I would do some hardcore analysis and talk to Warthen about who he likes as well. The bullpen is actually pretty good. I imagine Parnell sticks around, and I think he'll make a solid set-up guy. Frankie should be better once the games actually matter. Stokes and Green turned out to be pretty good. I feel like Relievers are hit or miss, so I'd sign/grab a handful, and have 'em waiting in the wings and let whoever pitches well make the team. I might sign Cora, I think he's a good guy to have, a good backup. If I could get a more disposable/cheaper option that i felt I could rely on, I'd do it, but It wouldn't be a focus. Curiousities: Nelson Figueroa, Pat Misch: Both these guys have pitched very well in my opinion, and I think they both deserve a legitimate shot. I don't think the Mets can afford that shot though, because they could be bad. No one claimed Figgy off waivers mid-season, but off his second half he might have some trade value. I don't think they're enough to get anything major, but I'd bring in some younger pitching prospects or infielders that other teams may have soured on. Some injury depth insurance. Nick Evans: I have no idea what to do with this guy. He didn't play enough to evaluate. He has no trade value and likely no place on this team. Niese: You gotta give Niese a shot to compete for a spot, but you can't afford not to sign another pitcher either. Shame he got injured. Maine will probably be cheap and expendable, and Niese _could_ take his spot if Maine sucks in spring/gets hurt. Jeremy Reed/Cory Sullivan: Neither guy had a lot of value. I think they both have a lot of value as a defensive guy. I think they both can hit enough as that 5th/defensive outfield, however, they may not have a spot, and you can't keep both. Reed isn't liked by Manuel (never gets a shot to start, even given the injuries. was kept 'cold' in my opinion.). Sullivan was maybe liked less, as he wasn't called up despite playing well in AAA. Bench: This is a big part of the team. It's been a weak point in my mind. They need some healthy guys in their that can pop one, like Marlon Anderson and Damien Easley in 2006. No Tatis, no Sullivan/Reed. maybe Evans can field this role. This might be a knock for Cora being the backup. Another plus for Pagan as the 4th OF. I don't know who best to sign for this stuff, but opposing managers weren't exactly threatened by the idea of Manuel pinch hitting Cora, DP Tatis, or Reed. Santos and Schneider aren't really power guys/scary either. Sheffield had a reputation, but couldn't make much of it, and was hurt so often. Power on the bench is more important than building a power lineup in my mind.

Not only the giving up outs, routinely, with bunts in way too many situations (Never mind the confidence you show in a player asking them to bunt regularly or swapping them for a pinch hitter for platoons. Tell a guy he can't get it done, and he won't.) the IBBs kill me too. The one that stands out is from way back when the Mets were healthy, against the Marlins, with Johan Santana. (may have been the josh johnson/Murphy game) Manuel had him intentionally walk Alfredo Amezega twice to face the pitcher. This is Johan Santana, against a player who hadn't faced him before. It's that underlying attitude from coaching that gets me the most. Here's Manuel/Warthen showing no confidence in one of the best in the game to get a singular hitter out. Johan Santana should intentionally walk no one, with the possible exception of a runner on third with 1 out with the score tied or up by one..late in the game. On the offensiveside they seem to go up there with a bad game plan, or no game plan. How often do we see guys swing first pitch (and I'm not talking All-Stars like Beltran that you generally let swing if they feel they're going to get a good pitch) when they should be taking? Bunting when a pitcher is struggling to get outs, and then suddenly on 2-strikes you have him trying to get a hit? way to set him up to fail. On the fielding side, they've been sloppy and disorganized. Even player that normally aren't. Murphy to me has looked like a good first baseman, but he looks flustered. he looks like he works too hard. he looks like he takes everything personally and stresses constantly. Most of the onus is on him, but a manager should have their players in the right mindset the play the game. How many walked-off errors do we have now? If I had to pick one word to describe the 2009 Mets, besides injured, it would have to be 'unprepared'. (Remember the game Manuel pinch hit for Castro with Omir Santos, who was apparently neither ready nor in the dugout at the time? How about how they hemmed and hawed about what to do with 1B when Delgado was hurting and they had Murphy learning 1B while also trying to learn LF and just sorta threw Tatis, or Reed, or whoever there? How about how they had no contingency plan for what to do with Murphy should Delgado actually make it back on time?) I like Murphy and would support him coming back to play 1B given the right acquisition in LF (and catchers), but given walks is one of our offensive issues, can we afford Murphy and Francoeur on the team right now?

It seems obvious to me that Pelfrey is just sorta trying things out. Extra curves, etc. Which is understandable, he's got a spot next year. This is pretty much winter leagues for him.

I know there is little reason to break down lineups anymore, but.. A. Where is Evans? come on.. B. Schneider again? I was fine with him getting a start here and there, yesterday. Two days in a row? Sept isn't enough time to evaluate Thole as it is, never mind if he's going to sit for Schneider. C. Francoeur needs surgery. The season is over. Is this just a small sign of the disconnect between management, doctors, and players? I understand _he_ wants to play, but it can't hurt to evaluate Pagan and Evans (and even Sullivan and Reed, one of which could return next year as a bench guy). Tell him flat out he's done, go get the surgery. Obviously we need to evaluate Francoeur's place in the 2010 Mets as well, but it's starting to sound like the Mets have already made up their minds, and what real evaluation can you do when he's injured anyway? Griping out of the way, I'm only going to sorta pay attention to the game as I go about other things.

This is a little weird to me. For one, I'd be surprised if the MLB Network wouldn't want him, and I don't know why he'd rather be at ESPN. Money explains that, however.. I'd think he'd want to at least consider managing first. It's not even the offseason, and I'm sure there will be managers fired (Manuel hopefully..). Why not hold out until November?

This mean worry warts will actually be clamoring for Mets to make the All-Star game this year? as it means they'll already be recovered from the jetlag by the time they play the giants after the break. What's with the weird 2 game series with the fish in late September, sandwiched by a Monday and Thursday off day? I can definitely see that being a makeup of a florida rainout though. I'm picking 9/24 in Philadelphia as the day they clinch the division.

metsblog mentioned it earlier, and I noticed it last night, but apparently the Yankees are having money concerns? Supposedly they balked at the idea of paying Bannister's 650k salary.

As far as surplus goes..how about we take Veritek instead of Andy?

="Edgy DC":1vocdbvq]Crazy thought: Castillo?[/quote:1vocdbvq] Because they're looking to replace the reigning MVP at 2B? Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:05 PM No, I just think things are flying around and he'd end up elswhere. (I really don't really have any idea.) Ceetar Jul 31 2009 01:07 PM As far as surplus goes..how about we take Veritek instead of Andy? Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:08 PM Big Mets fan: LaRoche on Mets' Beltran: 'Zero class' Saturday, June 06, 2009 By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette HOUSTON -- Adam LaRoche responded to New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran's comments Thursday that he was "embarrassed" at being swept in three games by the Pirates. "I think it shows zero class and zero professionalism," the Pirates' first baseman said yesterday at Minute Maid Park. "When somebody says that, they know what they're saying, and they know it's going to get out. He knows we're not going to be real happy about it. If you go and say that to your buddies, it's one thing. If you go to the media and make that public for us to hear? Yeah, that's no class." LaRoche paused. "You know, if we're as bad as he says we are and we swept them, then what's that make them?" LaRoche, the players and coaching staff read about the remark on PDAs just before their flight took off Thursday night from Pittsburgh for Houston, and it apparently was a hot topic. Beltran's comment Thursday: "The reality of this is coming here to Pittsburgh and getting swept, me, I feel embarrassed. I mean, we have to take this personally. It can't happen. It can't happen, us being able to come here and lose three games just like that. Three games to this team. I know they're a big-league ball club, but we're better than them." Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09157/975605-63.stm#ixzz0MrjAxYCP metirish Jul 31 2009 01:11 PM If he comes then he's got to kiss Beltran's mole. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:22 PM LaRoche headed to Braves. Jerry Hairston Jr. headed to MFYs. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:22 PM Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports says the Red Sox have traded 1B Adam LaRoche to the Braves. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM According to NESN, the Braves will send 1B Casey Kotchman to Boston. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM Like I was saying Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM Hairston and LaRoche, two legacies. seawolf17 Jul 31 2009 01:44 PM What's the point of LaRoche for Kotchman? They're the same guy. I thought the whole point was to move a 1B out so they could add Martinez. Weird. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:46 PM Seriously, where are the Mets on Boston's glut of corner infielders? metirish Jul 31 2009 01:46 PM ="seawolf17":2cvsmpmr]What's the point of LaRoche for Kotchman? They're the same guy. I thought the whole point was to move a 1B out so they could add Martinez. Weird.[/quote:2cvsmpmr] Probably not done trading ..... Gwreck Jul 31 2009 01:55 PM ="Valadius":2uvfq6z8]Seriously, where are the Mets on Boston's glut of corner infielders?[/quote:2uvfq6z8] What do you suggest we offer them? Nymr83 Jul 31 2009 01:56 PM Kotchman is a gap hitter with a mediocre OBP, I wouldn't really want him. his career ops+ is 98, its 105 the last 3 years, the mets need to find a way to do better than that at first base. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:57 PM Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:59 PM ="Valadius":3f0i6m1v]Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though.[/quote:3f0i6m1v] only if he donned an afro wig and black face. Frayed Knot Jul 31 2009 02:35 PM So LaRoche goes from Atlanta to Pittsburgh in 2007, and then from Pitt to Boston then back to Atlanta in the span of the last 3 weeks. He amassed all of 19 ABs w/Boston. Valadius Jul 31 2009 02:40 PM It's like Piazza with the Marlins. Nymr83 Jul 31 2009 03:11 PM ="Valadius":jimfpzg0]It's like Piazza with the Marlins.[/quote:jimfpzg0] not really, the Red Sox likely intended to keep him around until something better came along. Ashie62 Jul 31 2009 07:20 PM ="Valadius":3hjrusbx]Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though.[/quote:3hjrusbx] Kotchman is another first baseman that can hit .280 with 10 HR..ughh

="Gwreck":1yzblum7]What exactly would we be willing to give to the Red Sox? 2 sacks of baseballs? 3?[/quote:1yzblum7] Three?! These are commemorative Citi Field baseballs you're talking about! bmfc1 Jul 31 2009 12:59 PM Jon Heyman tweets that the Braves are looking at Adam LaRoche so don't order that Mets "LaRoche" jersey yet. Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 12:59 PM I'm guessing a little cup of Argenis. Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:02 PM Crazy thought: Castillo? Ceetar Jul 31 2009 01:04 PM ="Edgy DC":1vocdbvq]Crazy thought: Castillo?[/quote:1vocdbvq] Because they're looking to replace the reigning MVP at 2B? Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:05 PM No, I just think things are flying around and he'd end up elswhere. (I really don't really have any idea.) Ceetar Jul 31 2009 01:07 PM As far as surplus goes..how about we take Veritek instead of Andy? Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:08 PM Big Mets fan: LaRoche on Mets' Beltran: 'Zero class' Saturday, June 06, 2009 By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette HOUSTON -- Adam LaRoche responded to New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran's comments Thursday that he was "embarrassed" at being swept in three games by the Pirates. "I think it shows zero class and zero professionalism," the Pirates' first baseman said yesterday at Minute Maid Park. "When somebody says that, they know what they're saying, and they know it's going to get out. He knows we're not going to be real happy about it. If you go and say that to your buddies, it's one thing. If you go to the media and make that public for us to hear? Yeah, that's no class." LaRoche paused. "You know, if we're as bad as he says we are and we swept them, then what's that make them?" LaRoche, the players and coaching staff read about the remark on PDAs just before their flight took off Thursday night from Pittsburgh for Houston, and it apparently was a hot topic. Beltran's comment Thursday: "The reality of this is coming here to Pittsburgh and getting swept, me, I feel embarrassed. I mean, we have to take this personally. It can't happen. It can't happen, us being able to come here and lose three games just like that. Three games to this team. I know they're a big-league ball club, but we're better than them." Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09157/975605-63.stm#ixzz0MrjAxYCP metirish Jul 31 2009 01:11 PM If he comes then he's got to kiss Beltran's mole. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:22 PM LaRoche headed to Braves. Jerry Hairston Jr. headed to MFYs. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:22 PM Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports says the Red Sox have traded 1B Adam LaRoche to the Braves. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM According to NESN, the Braves will send 1B Casey Kotchman to Boston. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM Like I was saying Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM Hairston and LaRoche, two legacies. seawolf17 Jul 31 2009 01:44 PM What's the point of LaRoche for Kotchman? They're the same guy. I thought the whole point was to move a 1B out so they could add Martinez. Weird. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:46 PM Seriously, where are the Mets on Boston's glut of corner infielders? metirish Jul 31 2009 01:46 PM ="seawolf17":2cvsmpmr]What's the point of LaRoche for Kotchman? They're the same guy. I thought the whole point was to move a 1B out so they could add Martinez. Weird.[/quote:2cvsmpmr] Probably not done trading ..... Gwreck Jul 31 2009 01:55 PM ="Valadius":2uvfq6z8]Seriously, where are the Mets on Boston's glut of corner infielders?[/quote:2uvfq6z8] What do you suggest we offer them? Nymr83 Jul 31 2009 01:56 PM Kotchman is a gap hitter with a mediocre OBP, I wouldn't really want him. his career ops+ is 98, its 105 the last 3 years, the mets need to find a way to do better than that at first base. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:57 PM Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:59 PM ="Valadius":3f0i6m1v]Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though.[/quote:3f0i6m1v] only if he donned an afro wig and black face. Frayed Knot Jul 31 2009 02:35 PM So LaRoche goes from Atlanta to Pittsburgh in 2007, and then from Pitt to Boston then back to Atlanta in the span of the last 3 weeks. He amassed all of 19 ABs w/Boston. Valadius Jul 31 2009 02:40 PM It's like Piazza with the Marlins. Nymr83 Jul 31 2009 03:11 PM ="Valadius":jimfpzg0]It's like Piazza with the Marlins.[/quote:jimfpzg0] not really, the Red Sox likely intended to keep him around until something better came along. Ashie62 Jul 31 2009 07:20 PM ="Valadius":3hjrusbx]Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though.[/quote:3hjrusbx] Kotchman is another first baseman that can hit .280 with 10 HR..ughh

I'd rather Murphy than LaRoche, he doesn't really seem to be a good player. Apparently, Tomorrow is Victor Martinez bobblehead night in Cleveland

="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3giwpjy1]Looks like the Red Sox will get Victor Martinez and would need a place for Adam LaRoche to go, that's where we come in according to Internets speculation.[/quote:3giwpjy1] Does LaRoche play anywhere else? I don't know that this move would help really, not sure I really like the guy. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 31 2009 12:46 PM He's on the last few months of his contract, so he'd basically upgrade at first base, make Muffy a reserve, cost Sullivan or Reed a job. metirish Jul 31 2009 12:46 PM SI reporting it's done.....they say it looks like Nick Johnson is going to the Marlins TransMonk Jul 31 2009 12:49 PM Re: Adam LaRoche? ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":sza3sla9]...a place for Adam LaRoche to go, that's where we come in according to Internets speculation.[/quote:sza3sla9] That would put us one step closer to being the 2005 Braves. metirish Jul 31 2009 12:52 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 31 2009 12:53 PM Cleveland C/1B Victor Martinez is on his way to Boston, SI.com has learned. The deal is believed to include right-hander Justin Masterson and another pitcher. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo says the other player involved is Nick Hagadone. Coveted Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz is not included in the deal, SI.com has learned. It's not going to be hard-throwing Daniel Bard because Cleveland only wants starters. The switch-hitting Martinez made his third All-Star team this season and is hitting .284 with 15 home runs, 67 RBIs and 56 runs in 99 games. Martinez, 30, is a career .297 hitter. This deal comes two days after the Indians traded reigning Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco to the Phillies for four prospects. Ashie62 Jul 31 2009 12:53 PM LaRoche..full-time 1B...Hmmm...LaRoche vs. Muffy next year possibly..Muffy can't hit worth a crap anyway Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 12:54 PM Re: Adam LaRoche? ="Ceetar":2tcdclyj]Does LaRoche play anywhere else?[/quote:2tcdclyj] DH. Ceetar Jul 31 2009 12:56 PM I'd rather Murphy than LaRoche, he doesn't really seem to be a good player. Apparently, Tomorrow is Victor Martinez bobblehead night in Cleveland Gwreck Jul 31 2009 12:58 PM What exactly would we be willing to give to the Red Sox? 2 sacks of baseballs? 3? Ceetar Jul 31 2009 12:59 PM ="Gwreck":1yzblum7]What exactly would we be willing to give to the Red Sox? 2 sacks of baseballs? 3?[/quote:1yzblum7] Three?! These are commemorative Citi Field baseballs you're talking about! bmfc1 Jul 31 2009 12:59 PM Jon Heyman tweets that the Braves are looking at Adam LaRoche so don't order that Mets "LaRoche" jersey yet. Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 12:59 PM I'm guessing a little cup of Argenis. Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:02 PM Crazy thought: Castillo? Ceetar Jul 31 2009 01:04 PM ="Edgy DC":1vocdbvq]Crazy thought: Castillo?[/quote:1vocdbvq] Because they're looking to replace the reigning MVP at 2B? Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:05 PM No, I just think things are flying around and he'd end up elswhere. (I really don't really have any idea.) Ceetar Jul 31 2009 01:07 PM As far as surplus goes..how about we take Veritek instead of Andy? Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:08 PM Big Mets fan: LaRoche on Mets' Beltran: 'Zero class' Saturday, June 06, 2009 By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette HOUSTON -- Adam LaRoche responded to New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran's comments Thursday that he was "embarrassed" at being swept in three games by the Pirates. "I think it shows zero class and zero professionalism," the Pirates' first baseman said yesterday at Minute Maid Park. "When somebody says that, they know what they're saying, and they know it's going to get out. He knows we're not going to be real happy about it. If you go and say that to your buddies, it's one thing. If you go to the media and make that public for us to hear? Yeah, that's no class." LaRoche paused. "You know, if we're as bad as he says we are and we swept them, then what's that make them?" LaRoche, the players and coaching staff read about the remark on PDAs just before their flight took off Thursday night from Pittsburgh for Houston, and it apparently was a hot topic. Beltran's comment Thursday: "The reality of this is coming here to Pittsburgh and getting swept, me, I feel embarrassed. I mean, we have to take this personally. It can't happen. It can't happen, us being able to come here and lose three games just like that. Three games to this team. I know they're a big-league ball club, but we're better than them." Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09157/975605-63.stm#ixzz0MrjAxYCP metirish Jul 31 2009 01:11 PM If he comes then he's got to kiss Beltran's mole. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:22 PM LaRoche headed to Braves. Jerry Hairston Jr. headed to MFYs. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:22 PM Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports says the Red Sox have traded 1B Adam LaRoche to the Braves. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM According to NESN, the Braves will send 1B Casey Kotchman to Boston. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM Like I was saying Edgy DC Jul 31 2009 01:29 PM Hairston and LaRoche, two legacies. seawolf17 Jul 31 2009 01:44 PM What's the point of LaRoche for Kotchman? They're the same guy. I thought the whole point was to move a 1B out so they could add Martinez. Weird. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:46 PM Seriously, where are the Mets on Boston's glut of corner infielders? metirish Jul 31 2009 01:46 PM ="seawolf17":2cvsmpmr]What's the point of LaRoche for Kotchman? They're the same guy. I thought the whole point was to move a 1B out so they could add Martinez. Weird.[/quote:2cvsmpmr] Probably not done trading ..... Gwreck Jul 31 2009 01:55 PM ="Valadius":2uvfq6z8]Seriously, where are the Mets on Boston's glut of corner infielders?[/quote:2uvfq6z8] What do you suggest we offer them? Nymr83 Jul 31 2009 01:56 PM Kotchman is a gap hitter with a mediocre OBP, I wouldn't really want him. his career ops+ is 98, its 105 the last 3 years, the mets need to find a way to do better than that at first base. Valadius Jul 31 2009 01:57 PM Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though. metirish Jul 31 2009 01:59 PM ="Valadius":3f0i6m1v]Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though.[/quote:3f0i6m1v] only if he donned an afro wig and black face. Frayed Knot Jul 31 2009 02:35 PM So LaRoche goes from Atlanta to Pittsburgh in 2007, and then from Pitt to Boston then back to Atlanta in the span of the last 3 weeks. He amassed all of 19 ABs w/Boston. Valadius Jul 31 2009 02:40 PM It's like Piazza with the Marlins. Nymr83 Jul 31 2009 03:11 PM ="Valadius":jimfpzg0]It's like Piazza with the Marlins.[/quote:jimfpzg0] not really, the Red Sox likely intended to keep him around until something better came along. Ashie62 Jul 31 2009 07:20 PM ="Valadius":3hjrusbx]Kotchman really isn't cut out for everyday duty, but I can see him as a Tony Clark kind of player. I don't know what we'd offer in return, though.[/quote:3hjrusbx] Kotchman is another first baseman that can hit .280 with 10 HR..ughh

="metirish":3q84hg0z]Carroll seems like he's getting increasingly manic the more he writes on this.[/quote:3q84hg0z] He's mincing words to make a story out of nothing. I feel like if there was a serious possibility that he'd need this surgery, they would've done it immediately. It wasn't like the team was cruising at the time, and the choice at that time would've been an 85% Beltran, max, for 2009, or a "fully" healed Beltran for 2010. Now it's at the point where he'll miss all of it, which would be stupid (not that discounts things aroung here..) Beltran was playing, and hitting, through it pretty well before he was actually placed on the DL. So no reason to think he won't be able to do the same now. Let him play if that's the decision, and then in November, send him down to Puerto Rico with a victory Mai Tai and have him put his leg up for 3 months. Ashie62 Jul 31 2009 12:45 PM ="Edgy DC"]He's guessing, but Met fans are manic when asking for clarification? I don't care if he's guessing or not. This is not the first time I've heard micro-fracture in reference to Beltran. Will it happen? Who the hell knows. I just remember the term being applied to Mo Vaughn once and the implication then was career ender. Beltran was talking about an extension recently, so he must not feel too bad...Just don't draft him in fantasy for steals Rockin' Doc Jul 31 2009 06:42 PM It's not an ideal situation, but if Beltran's knees will no longer allow him to play center field (or possibly even left field), then maybe the Mets should look at playing him at first base. He has the bat to play first base, and it would certainly require less running and likely put less strain on his knees than the outfield. Of course, it would depend on his ability to make the move defensively. The Mets really need to determine his future status so that they can intelligently move forward this off season. Kong76 Jul 31 2009 07:01 PM A62: Beltran was talking about an extension recently <<< Really? metirish Jul 31 2009 07:07 PM ="Kong76"]A62: Beltran was talking about an extension recently <<< Really? On his house in PR IIRC Ashie62 Jul 31 2009 07:16 PM ="Kong76"]A62: Beltran was talking about an extension recently <<< Really? On an SNY pregame a week or so ago they had updates on the wounded and mentioned that Beltran was hoping to get back soon and talk about an extension I dont have a link for proof but it caught my attention in that Carlos must be optimistic TheOldMole Aug 02 2009 07:42 AM ]It seems many interpreted "last hurrah" as "end of career," This has to be the weasel of the month. It never occurred to him that anyone would interpret "last hurrah" as "end of career"? Mex17 Aug 04 2009 04:58 AM On the topic of an extension, a younger-than-Beltran Grady Sizemore is scheduled to be a free agent the same winter that Beltran is. Would it not behoove the Mets to at least keep their options open? Nymr83 Aug 04 2009 06:51 AM ="Mex17":3vecf8c8]On the topic of an extension, a younger-than-Beltran Grady Sizemore is scheduled to be a free agent the same winter that Beltran is. Would it not behoove the Mets to at least keep their options open?[/quote:3vecf8c8] He'll be a free agent after the 2011 season, he'll turn 35 in april of 2012. It would behoove the Mets not to give an extension to a mid-30's and recently injured player who isn't a free agent for another 2 full seasons (plus the rest of this one), Sizemore isn't really a factor there. Ashie62 Aug 04 2009 12:47 PM I would love to see Sizemore as a Met. Out of Cleveland where he is held to the same standard as David Wright..less pressure and 30/30 Fuck Beltran Nymr83 Aug 04 2009 01:07 PM fuck beltran?? seriously?? do you hate Wright too since he might not be as good as Longoria? Ashie62 Aug 04 2009 01:46 PM ="Nymr83":1jwt5wy7]fuck beltran?? seriously?? do you hate Wright too since he might not be as good as Longoria?[/quote:1jwt5wy7] No, I think Beltran plays soft smg58 Aug 04 2009 01:50 PM Sizemore hasn't had a higher OPS than Beltran since 05, and he's not as good a fielder. He's also currently hitting .229. Yes he's younger, and maybe in 2011 that will be meaningful, but he has not been a better player. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 04 2009 02:26 PM Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Aug 04 2009 02:54 PM ="Ashie62"]="Nymr83"]fuck beltran?? seriously?? do you hate Wright too since he might not be as good as Longoria? No, I think Beltran plays soft With all due respect, that's just plain goofy. Beltran has played superlative defense and offense for four years, approximately two of which have been played on painfully cartilage-free knees. He's done so at a premium defensive position and given us OPS+es of 125-130... in off years (think high-150s when he's "good"). I'll say it again-- two years out of the last four with a painful chronic condition that can never really be repaired. How does that strike you as "soft?" Is it that he doesn't make a gritty Victorino face when he makes catches up Tal's hill, or is that he doesn't pump his fist like a meth-addled masturbator as he steals second and third in a one-run game? I'm not sure I'd advocate resigning him at 35... but it damn sure isn't because he's "soft." Nymr83 Aug 04 2009 02:27 PM it was really 'soft' of him to get a concussion running into Mike Cameron to get to a ball. seawolf17 Aug 04 2009 02:45 PM Maybe his mole is soft. Centerfield Aug 04 2009 03:33 PM If Beltran plays soft, give me more soft players. My problem is Beltran playing hard (out there on a bad knee) when he should be sipping drinks on a beach until his knee is 100%. metirish Aug 04 2009 03:48 PM I'm certain there was a question about his "toughness' a few years ago and I may have even partaken in such nonsense but it's not valid talk. Nymr83 Aug 04 2009 04:43 PM ="Centerfield":3mtgukzx]If Beltran plays soft, give me more soft players. My problem is Beltran playing hard (out there on a bad knee) when he should be sipping drinks on a beach until his knee is 100%.[/quote:3mtgukzx] or until the Mets are within 10 or so net games back of the division or wildcard, or april 1st 2010. i hate that anyone is being rushed back right now. rushed might not even be the right word, i hate that anyone is even being allowed to 'resume baseball activities' at less than 100%, the team doesnt need them (because the season is o-v-e-r), the team needs them healthy next spring. the exception is delgado, since he is a free agent i'd tell him that its entirely up to him whether he wants to worry more about a) getting healthy or showcasing himself at less than 100% Ashie62 Aug 04 2009 04:48 PM The whole team, from top to bottom is soft. I hope Carlos Delgado returns so he can showcase himself or as a curtain call for Cooperstown Beltran & Reyes are excused for 2009. Personally I hope Reyes is excused for good. Frayed Knot Aug 04 2009 05:55 PM I may regret asking this, but what defines a player as "soft"? Valadius Aug 04 2009 06:12 PM You hope Reyes is excused for good? Are you dissatisfied with his work? Ashie62 Aug 04 2009 06:27 PM Excessive absenteism by a key employee is usually cause for dismissal. Beyond that, it is my feeling that Reyes will be dealing with his hammy for the rest of his baseball life. Thank you for your help Mr. Reyes you now work for ----- OlerudOwned Aug 04 2009 06:35 PM I still don't get the logic that Sizemore will be under less scrutiny moving from Cleveland to New York. Kong76 Aug 04 2009 06:37 PM A62: Excessive absenteism by a key employee is usually cause for dismissal <<< Not for medical reasons. A62: Beyond that, it is my feeling that Reyes will be dealing with his hammy for the rest of his baseball life <<< Stop the presses, Ashie62 had a feeling. Ashie62 Aug 04 2009 06:45 PM Unfortunately for a Professional athlete medical reasons count You're telling me in all seriousness Reye's problems don't concern you beyond the here & now? If not, so be it, I disagree, thats all Frayed Knot Aug 04 2009 06:51 PM And let me guess, you knew this hamstring situation was going to be a lingering problem in 2005, then would allow him to play virtually every inning of 2006, 2007, and 2008, before becoming a lingering problem again in 2009 and beyond? Kong76 Aug 04 2009 06:51 PM Being concerned doesn't have me penciling him in for never seeing another AB in a Mets' uniform. You're itchin' to go cleon or whatever ... resist the temptation. PiggiesTomatoes Aug 04 2009 08:41 PM What does leg discomfort mean? Is there a pussy factor here? Edgy DC Aug 04 2009 09:11 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 04 2009 09:34 PM Oh, come on. Pussy factor? ]Unfortunately for a Professional athlete medical reasons count Just about anywhere in the civilized world, if you get injured in the line of duty, the company is responsible for you. Ashie62 Aug 04 2009 09:21 PM ="Kong76":2iq5lj0m]Being concerned doesn't have me penciling him in for never seeing another AB in a Mets' uniform. You're itchin' to go cleon or whatever ... resist the temptation.[/quote:2iq5lj0m] I don't understand the large amount of support for Reyes on this board. Yeah, he's hurt and in a couple of days we'll find out how badly. His full season numbers are impressive, but he disappeared the last 2 Septembers, and wasn't doing much til 5/21 of 09. I'm the only one on this board that would like to move him?? That surprises me. Edgy DC Aug 04 2009 09:40 PM ="Ashie62":30jtftth]I don't understand the large amount of support for Reyes on this board.[/quote:30jtftth] It's a board full of Met fans. He's easily the best shortstop that has ever worn the uniform. In almost 50 years. ="Ashie62":30jtftth]Yeah, he's hurt and in a couple of days we'll find out how badly.[/quote:30jtftth] And getting hurt is generally considered a forgiveable offense. ="Ashie62":30jtftth]His full season numbers are impressive, but he disappeared the last 2 Septembers, and wasn't doing much til 5/21 of 09.[/quote:30jtftth] That's cherry-picking and vindictive. And almost certainly counter-productive. ="Ashie62":30jtftth]I'm the only one on this board that would like to move him?? That surprises me.[/quote:30jtftth] Yet it seems true. Piggy may be leaning your way, however. You strike me, to be fair, as a fan who is usually looking over the shoulders of the current players for the next thing. Reyes is far from perfect but I can't think of anybody on this team whose performance is harder to replace. We're seeing that everyday. seawolf17 Aug 05 2009 04:53 AM Plus there's the whole "he's only 25" thing. Hell, guys get hurt; it happens. But he's still getting BETTER. Shut him down and get him ready for 2010. Moving him is asinine, especially considering that you get shit for him coming off an injury. If the Mets trade him in the offseason, then he comes back and has a typical year next year for the Brewers or whoever, then you're the first one bitching about why we traded this guy and complaining why David Fucking Eckstein is our shortstop. Mex17 Aug 05 2009 05:41 AM The last game before he got hurt provided a good example as to why people were beginning to get sick of him. The player has immense talent. The ability/desire to become great by means of actually thinking about what you are doing on the field as opposed to playing by the seat of your pants may or may not come. It's a tough mix to handle, you do not want to sacrfice that natural joy but you do want to see some added seasoning from him. Kong76 Aug 05 2009 06:16 AM A62: I don't understand the large amount of support for Reyes on this board <<< You made a delirious prediction that he'd never play another game as a Met and now it's taken longer for him to come back and I'm sick of hearing you bang your drum is what it boils down to for me. I'm not opposed to moving anyone for the right price. Including posters :-) Edgy DC Aug 05 2009 07:15 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 05 2009 08:49 AM I think Reyes thinks about what he is doing on the field. And I think he has displayed more than a little seasoning. metsmarathon Aug 05 2009 08:38 AM y'know, i always thought rickey henderson had hamstring problems... also, i've noticed through my own experience that about the only muscle group that's perhaps more tricky and annoying to recover from than a hamstring is a quad. i give beltran all the credit in the world for playing as much as he had, and as well as he had, with his various quad strains. that's hardly soft in my book. Edgy DC Aug 05 2009 08:51 AM Yeah, Ricky was a lazy shiftless goodfornutttin' with the Yanks for not getting back from injuries faster and then he ends up playing 20 more years and has to be dragged from the field. Ashie62 Aug 05 2009 09:29 AM ="Kong76"]A62: I don't understand the large amount of support for Reyes on this board <<< You made a delirious prediction that he'd never play another game as a Met and now it's taken longer for him to come back and I'm sick of hearing you bang your drum is what it boils down to for me. I'm not opposed to moving anyone for the right price. Including posters :-) I wouldn't say it was a delirious prediction, but I can be traded for a poster to be named later. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 05 2009 09:30 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 05 2009 09:50 AM Does that mean we may have to put up with another 20-some-odd years of killing speed, .490 slugging and absurdly skilled defense... and attendant displays of joy that piss off opponents for whom we don't particularly care? Crap. From here on in, I may need to have a delicious beer or two per game in order to choke this possibility down, and clap until my hands hurt to drown out that awful crowing and cheering after one of those disgustingly flamboyant triples. Ashie62 Aug 05 2009 09:36 AM ="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]Does that mean we may have to put up with another 20-some-odd years of killing speed, .490 slugging and absurdly skilled defense... andattendant displays of joy that piss off opponents for whom we don't particularly care? Crap. From here on in, I may need to have a beer or two per game in order to choke this possibility down, and clap until my hands hurt to drown out that awful crowing and cheering after one of those disgustingly flamboyant triples. Have a Schaefer on me

="John Cougar Lunchbucket":pat63lcr]Sheff returns Sunday, but we could be out of it by then...[/quote:pat63lcr] I doubt we'll be "out of it" But Sheff isn't the power answer. He plays pathetic defense and really hasn't hit that well, with the exception of taking walks. He's hitting a home run less than once a week, and who knows if he'll be 100% if/when he comes back. Valadius Jul 31 2009 06:23 AM What about Carlos Pena? I know he's hitting shit for average this season, but it's not like we're keeping Delgado beyond this season anyway. Fman99 Jul 31 2009 06:33 AM ="MFS62":2y8a65p2]After tonight's game, an ESPN "expert" was saying that Victor Martinez would be an excellent fit for the Mets. (Didn't catch the name, but it may have been Andrew Marchand). He added that he didn't think it was too likely. But it would make sense to me - against lefties playiing first with Santos catching and catching with Murphy at first against righties. (Yeah, I know, Murph hits lefties pretty well. But the Mets need that thumper.) Later[/quote:2y8a65p2] Twitter sez... SI_JonHeyman: #mets spoke briefly about victor martinez but wont part with mejia, holt or niese. #redsox, #rays more active with v-mart. (54 minutes ago from web) metirish Jul 31 2009 06:34 AM ="Ceetar":3subh3w8]="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3subh3w8]Sheff returns Sunday, but we could be out of it by then...[/quote:3subh3w8] I doubt we'll be "out of it" But Sheff isn't the power answer. He plays pathetic defense and really hasn't hit that well, with the exception of taking walks. He's hitting a home run less than once a week, and who knows if he'll be 100% if/when he comes back.[/quote:3subh3w8] And here was me thinking that Sheffield was one of the better players for the Mets during the worst of times this season. Hitting a home run less than once a week seems an odd way to make a point ceetar.