N.Y. Mets Preview: In Search Of The Elusive .500 Record

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Back To Queens!

NEW YORK METS: Entering 2014, they are now a team about to venture out from their cave.  They will either adjust to the light, and continue forth with Amazin' confidence, or hide their eyes from the light, and venture back into the safety of the shade.

On Monday, a truck filled with Mets stuff started driving north on I-95, back towards Flushing. The question is, who's stuff will the last truck out of Florida be hauling?  With less than a week to go before the Mets season and home opener against the Nationals, the 2014 roster is starting to finally take shape.  Few questions remain, but, not all the answers are quite exactly to Mets fan's liking.

I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but as we know, the Mets have not posted a winning season since Citi Field replaced Shea Stadium as home of the Mets.  That's five straight losing seasons.  I think finally however, the 2014 season begins the turnaround in Flushing.  While the upcoming season will still require patience on behalf of the fans, which also includes pleas for their increased patronage, I believe finishing .500 or better would certainly be an affirmative step forward for MetsKind.

I'm not greedy, 81 to 84 victories would do just fine.  The Mets posted a 74-88 record last season. In order to finish .500, they need a seven game swing.  That's considerable.

It's hard to tell if Sandy Alderson's 90 win projection was just more of his acidic humor, or if it was said after one too many, or came from the bottom of his heart, or was just simply wishful thinking on his part.  Some of it was unmistakably pom-pom shaking, and trying to drum up interest in the team, and entice ticket sales.

Memo to front office: Only winning will do that.  And through that, attendance will go up.

If the Mets compete for anything this season, it will be thanks to the new Wild Card set-up.  That still joins them in stiff competition with several quality teams.  But, with a good, sustained start to their season, if the Mets can indeed make a compelling case for Sandy Alderson to make additions, all eyes will be on the Wilpons for approval.  That's when they will be revealed as either players, or pretenders.  Of course, should the Mets flop in the first half of the season, they're off the hook until the following year again.

Sorry, no Mets preview is complete without calculating the effect ownership's situation still
has on team operations, or Alderson's real autonomy.  Any potential roster enhancements will increase payroll, and any REAL addition, will cost considerable money.  Remember, over the winter, Sandy Alderson didn't exactly go on a won-ton spending spree.  He merely gave different people the same money he was already operating with.

There is no doubting that Curtis Granderson, Chris Young, and Bartolo Colon made for a curious shopping list.  But, grading Sandy Alderson's off-season is something best attempted much later in the season.

The Mets outfield had long been ridiculed as an AAAA outfit.  Sandy secured two outfielders.  One is a proven MLB caliber slugger, while the other is a huge gamble.

Chris Young was the first of Alderson's winter signings.  The timing was bad, because, his signing came rather early in the free agent process, but nevertheless followed a standard procedure in recent years.  Let the alpha predators feed first, then make due on the left-overs.  Preceding him were Marlon Byrd and Scott Hairston.  If Chris Young provides similar productivity, I guess the signing will reflect well.

What Sandy Alderson didn't do was, acquire an MLB level catcher to back-up d'Arnaud, like he said wanted to back in October, nor did he acquire a shortstop, which he stated as his top priority at the onset of the free agent period.  Lastly, Sandy Alderson stood by while the run on quality relief pitchers took place in December, and only very recently addressed the bullpen with rolls of the dice on Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Valverde.  In the big picture, that tells me the money wasn't there.

All that said, let the games begin!  The influx of young talent may save this organization yet.


STARTING ROTATION:

Unlike Matt Harvey, who is noisily trying to exercise his CBA right to be the rehabbing Dark Knight of Gotham, Zack Wheeler is quietly going about his business this spring.  That wasn't always the case. While still in the minors, Wheeler was involved in a few incidences that drew attention his way.  He now appears to be approaching his 2nd MLB season, and 1st full season, very confidently, and with maturity as well.

If you're interested in the truth, then there is only one way to view Zack Wheeler - as the ace of this staff.  In the grand scheme of things, Bartolo Colon and Dice-K do not factor deeply into the Mets future.  And without really proving himself over a full MLB season yet, the expectations placed upon him already surpass those placed on Dillon Gee and Jon Niese anyway.  So, real or imagined, why don't we just call an ace an ace.

Dillon Gee has had his share of ups and downs.  He was already a good pitcher, but now seems even more in command of himself than ever.  With health, Gee is poised to become a 15 game winner.  I believe that.  Due to Jon Niese's recent arm development, Dillon Gee has been named this year's Opening Day starter.  He will become the Mets 23rd different pitcher bestowed with the privilege.  His selection was also well deserved.  He's been a good soldier.

Bartolo Colon has looked sharp this spring.  He remarkably remains unfazed by age and girth.  It's a long season though, but early indications say he's ready to challenge National League line-ups. The balance of power is currently tipped towards the American League, and if you also consider that he will no longer be facing the DH nearly as much, Bartolo Colon could have a very good season.  The Mets would benefit handsomely if Colon can secure 15 victories this season.

The Mets paid Dice-K $100,000 in order to retain him, yet temporarily keep him off the roster.  To start the season, the Mets can therefore utilize an extra bench player, until the fifth starter role comes into play.

Sandy Alderson said Jenrry Mejia will not be pitching in the bullpen.  So, either Mejia makes the starting rotation over Dice-K, or spends time in Las Vegas.

I left Jon Niese last, believing he will pose a potential problem for the starting rotation at some point this year, if not soon.  He suffered a partial tear in his rotator cuff last season, which he rehabbed without surgery.  So far this spring, he's been flown to NYC for two different MRI's on his shoulder and elbow, with negative results.  However, I fear all is not well.

Niese is the lone left-hand pitcher in the rotation.  Lefty John Lannan could be utilized to back fill Niese's spot.  Or, Jenrry Mejia could very well find himself right back in the rotation mix.

STARTING FIVE: Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, Bartolo Colon, Daisuke Matsuzaka
POTENTIAL DEPTH: Jenrry Mejia, John Lannan,
POTENTIAL 2014 CALL-UPS: Rafael Montero, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom


BULLPEN:

I don't know that Mets fans can exhale with confidence, but they can certainly sigh with relief.  On the one hand, Bobby Parnell has looked fine this spring.  On the other, unfortunately, Vic Black has not.  That should not preclude Black from coming north though.

Scott Rice is the known lefty in the bullpen.  A second lefty still remains a questionable item.  John Lannan will most likely join Rice in the bullpen.  Josh Edgin, who will begin the season with Las Vegas, can, and should be an option.

After a shaky stint in the Arizona Fall League, followed by decent work pitching in winter ball, Jeurys Familia is having a fine time in the Grapefruit League.  He has regenerated high expectations for himself.

Jose Valverde and Carlos Torres seem likely to round out a bullpen of seven pitchers.

TOP SEVEN: Bobby Parnell, Vic Black, Jeurys Familia, Jose Valverde, Carlos Torres, (LHP) Scott Rice, (LHP) John Lannan
REINFORCEMENTS: Josh Edgin, Germen Gonzalez
POTENTIAL 2014 CALL-UPS: Jack Leathersich, Jeff Walters, John Church, Joel Carreno


THE DIAMOND:

Catcher - Travis d'Arnaud's defensive skills, and handling of pitchers are apparently up to snuff. But, his Grapefruit League production is starting to give people the jitters.  He was short circuited last year by an injury to his foot.  He returned to post a .304 average in 56 at-bats for Las Vegas. He then only managed a .202 average over 99 at-bats during his call up to Flushing.  This spring, he is batting .154 over 36 at-bats, with three extra base hits.  At 25-years of age, there is a measurable amount of pressure being placed on d'Arnaud to produce respectable numbers in what is officially still his rookie season.

For the last two seasons, I've been wanting the Mets to sign A.J. Pierzynski to a one or two year deal.  He'll be with the Boston Red Sox this season.  I digress.  Anthony Recker will once again be the back-up catcher in Flushing.  I'm cool with that.  You either like players, or, you don't.

First Base - Sandy Alderson stated the Mets will head north with both Ike Davis and Lucas Duda on the roster.  I guess the Mets have no current available alternative, but what a broken situation this has been, and for quite some time may I add.  Josh Satin will serve as the right hand bat in a platoon situation, and come off the bench.  It is believed Ike Davis will get the season's first crack.

It's hard to envision Lucas Duda's bat not in the line-up on days he does not play first.  His at-bats in the outfield will bleed into Juan Lagares' and EYJ's playing time.  Odds are, Ike Davis is being showcased with diminishing hopes of still trading him.  Lucas Duda was said to be the team's preference at first base some time ago.

Second Base - Daniel Murphy is going to be 29-years old this season, and I'm expecting big things from him - not gargantuan numbers, but very productive, well rounded, balanced numbers.  The only thing I feel that can derail him from having an all-star season is injury.  Otherwise, I look forward to a stronger, wiser, Daniel Murphy taking advantage of an improved line-up behind him.

Sandy Alderson sent Wilmer Flores to minor league camp.  I understand the GM wants Flores playing 2B and SS everyday while in Las Vegas.  I can't say I'm happy about it though.  I wanted Wilmer Flores heading north with the team.  Instead, Omar Quintanilla once again seems to be this year's utility infielder up the middle.  I also wonder whether Sandy Alderson still has lingering ideas of trading Flores.

Shortstop - Ruben Tejada has the unrealistic demands of others to thank for his employment this season.  Jhonny Peralta priced himself out of the Mets pocketbook early in the free agent process, while Stephen Drew and his agent Scott Boras, continue to reside in outer space with their contract requests.  With no one of quality, ready, available, or otherwise, to step into the position from the minors, and no trade prospects on the horizon, Ruben Tejada wins the shortstop job by default. To date, he has done little to change the minds of Terry Collins and Sandy Alderson, or reverse his falling out of the club's favor.

Omar Quintanilla may get more starting time than any of us anticipated, unless Sandy Alderson strikes an in-season deal.  In truth, Wilfredo Tovar would still be an inconsequential addition to the mix.

Third Base - The Captain of the Mets has not been impervious to injuries.  They've hampered him throughout his prime years.  He's provided enough evidence however, to prove he is far from through.  At 31-years of age, David Wright appears poised to strike back.  He finally has the line-up protection he sorely lacked over recent years.  With health, a renaissance season seems in order.

He is entering his second decade with the Mets.  He's been here for down times, good times, and down times again.  He is still in prime position to lead the team into the next good period of Mets history.  There are also 20 million other reasons why David Wright needs to have a good season.

For now, Josh Satin will also serve as the back-up third baseman.

THE STARTERS: Travis d'Arnaud, Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada, David Wright
BACKING-UP: Omar Quintanilla, Josh Satin, Anthony Recker
REINFORCEMENTS: Zach Lutz, Wilfredo Tovar
POTENTIAL 2014 CALL-UPS: Wilmer Flores, Juan Centeno


OUTFIELD:

Since Sandy Alderson insists both Ike Davis and Lucas Duda will be on the opening day roster, Lucas Duda's presence in the outfield means a number of things.  In an effort to keep Duda's bat in the line-up, playing time will be taken away from Jaun Lagares and EYJ.  On a second tier, players like Andrew Brown, Matt den Dekker, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis are forced to start the season in Las Vegas, as the fifth outfield slot now belongs to Duda.

The only major question remaining is whether the Mets find Juan Lagares' defense more preferable to Eric Young's speed potential.  Both factor into the lead-off role, and to date, there is no clear answer as both need improvement at the plate.

While I believe Curtis Granderson certainly possesses Pepsi Porch power, I do not think he'll be achieving 40+ home run levels again.  Tiger Stadium and Citi Field have more in common with each other, than either park has with Yankee Stadium.  But, if Granderson can still hit 25+ home runs hitting behind David Wright, he will be well worth the investment.  His addition should ideally have a domino effect throughout the line-up, and help get overall scoring up.  The Mets ranked towards the bottom of the N.L. in runs last season.

Chris Young may be the biggest question mark the Mets have.  The team has been through the circus hoops with Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada, but Young is the truly unknown commodity.  So far, so good - Chris is fine, and doing well in Grapefruit League action.  More so than Travis d'Arnaud, or either left handed first baseman, Chris Young is the true X-factor in the line-up.  If he can somehow recapture his home run and RBI totals he posted from 2007 through 2010, the Mets can make more noise than anyone anticipated.  He is also being counted on to provide line-up protection for Curtis Granderson.

STARTING THREE: Curtis Granderson, Chris Young, Juan Lagares
4th AND 5th OUTFIELDER: Eric Young Jr., Lucas Duda
REINFORCEMENTS: Matt den Dekker, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Andrew Brown
POTENTIAL 2014 CALL-UPS: Cesar Puello, Dustin Lawley


UPDATES:

Wednesday 3/26 - Vic Black sent to minor league camp.  Jose Valverde added to 40-man roster.


Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Tabulating Sandy Alderson's Dollar On The Muscle

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR.  MET

 

Are there any more dollars on the money tree?

 

NEW YORK METS: Cost Effective Risk Management Was Something Lost On The Previous Regime.

Considering the Mets only really needed to rent a quality starter for one season, at $20 million for two years, Sandy Alderson may have signed the best pitcher available for the dollar.  Pending a physical, the terms of the agreement call for less years and less money, than it potentially would have taken to secure Bronson Arroyo, who was last rumored to be seeking $14 million over four seasons.

Comparatively, Hiroki Kuroda re-signed with the Yankees for one year at $16 million.  Scott Kazmir received $22 million for two years.  Tim Husdon signed for $23 million over two years.  Phil Hughes signed for three years at $24 million, and Ricky Nolaso signed a four year $49 million dollar pact.  So, it appears to me, the Mets did well to only spend $10 million a season on a much needed free agent starting pitcher.

Bartolo Colon will be 41 years old next May, which has already caused anxiety in some, and is  considered out of shape.  But to whom?  He has worn his weight well over the years.  If it works for him, then it works for me.  As for as his age, Bartolo Colon is the type who constantly pounds the strike zone with fast balls - a quality I appreciate.  He missed all of the 2010 regular season, and between 2006 and 2009 only managed 48 appearances.  So, he's not exactly worn like a 41 year old might, and his arm now seems sound.

He pitched the last two seasons for the Oakland A's, compiling a 28-15 record with a 2.99 ERA, in 342.2 innings pitched.  Last year, he made 30 starts, and posted an 18-6 record, with a 2.65 ERA.  In 190.1 innings pitched, he surrendered 193 hits, walked only 29, for a 1.166 WHiP, and struck out 117 batters.

Of course, there's an obvious dark side to this.  Colon tested positive for testosterone in 2012, and served 45 games, of a 50-game suspension.  In 2013, he served the final five games before rejoining the Oakland A's.  To naysayers, winning 18 games as an overweight 40-year old puts him squarely under the suspicion of PED usage again.  All I can say is have faith in the testing procedure, and carry on.  Should he come up hot on a test, he's done - banned for 100 games, and effectively out of baseball.  The Mets will escape with no money lost, and relatively no harm done.  After all, he was signed to be a fourth starter, and the Mets have talented pitchers on the way.

Sandy Alderson's first free agent signing this off-season was outfielder Chris Young, whom he signed to a one year, $7.25 million dollar contract.  When you consider the ridiculous amounts of money being tossed around like confetti, the initial shock of Chris Young's price tag quickly dissipates.

Among the more ludicrous deals consummated this off-season, were those underwritten by the Yankees, who gave Jacoby Ellsbury $153 million over 7 years, and Carlos Beltran $45 million for 3 years.  Here on Earth, Marlon Byrd received $16 million for 2 years, David DeJesus signed for 2 years at $10.5 million, David Murphy signed for $12 million over 2 years, and Rajai Davis will earn $10 million over 2 years.  Alderson's one year, $7.25 million investment into Chris Young almost seems below market now, as the potential return on Young seems moderate to surprisingly good.

A former Arizona Diamondback, Chris Young spent last year with Oakland where he only batted  .200 in 335 at-bats.  Unfortunately, that's only 35-points off his career .235 average, so, the initial groans heard in rapid response to his signing were justified.

But the potential for power is there - slugging average, not so much.  In his first full MLB season in 2007, he hit 32 home runs in 569 at-bats.  He then hit 22 home runs as a sophomore, and dropped to 11 home runs the following season.  Young rebounded with 27 home runs in 2010, and hit 20 home runs in 2011, before being reduced to a part time player over the last two seasons.  And therein lies where Alderson believes the cause of Chris Young's troubles exists.  The general manager promised Young the opportunity of getting 500 at-bats again, albeit, playing in any of the three outfield positions.

Price aside, Sandy Alderson is taking a big risk.  His best season came in 2010, when Chris Young batted .257, hit 27 home runs, 33 doubles, had 91 RBI, and even stole 28 bases.  He is not a notorious slugger though.  His highest mark came back in 2007, when he slugged .467 for the season.  Since then, he only slugged above .450 one other time, and only owns a career .431 mark. 

Therefore, Chris Young is a player that needs to be kept within context.  If you look at him out of context, Young easily strikes many as a fool hardy signing.  At $7.25 million, he was signed as a one year, stopgap, supplementary outfielder.  He does not project as a third slot batter, clean-up hitter, or a fifth hitter in the Mets line-up.  He seems destined to bat sixth, behind Wright, Granderson, and very likely, Lucas Duda.  If Chris Young can merely hit to his career averages next season - 24 home runs, 73 RBI, .235 average, .315 OBP, and .431 slugging, the deal will prove price worthy.  But, easier said than done.  Generally speaking, players love hitting in Arizona's park - Citi Field, not so much.

In between those two previous signings came the sandwich meat, the protein portion of the Mets off-season meal - Curtis Granderson.  At $15 million a season over four years, is Curtis Granderson a savvy signing?  Again, the answer is yes, but for many applied reasons.

Granderson is Sandy Alderson's most lucrative signing to date.  The deal is relatively short term, and straight forward.  Curtis addressed very specific needs without having to enter the realm of ultra-mega, and prohibitive contracts.

Last year, and even the previous two years, the Mets were widely ridiculed as needing an entire outfield.  That issue has now been extinguished with two purchases, and a clutch of in-house options that should give the Mets five capable outfielders to work with.

With the outfield's shortcomings, and the need for increased power at the plate addressed, the same can be said of the starting rotation.  The Mets needed someone to keep Matt Harvey's spot in the rotation warm until his return.  The acquisition of Bartolo Colon potentially satisfies that.

Sandy Alderson's total bill on these three players will amount to $32.25 million next season, then Chris Young comes off the books.  After 2015, Colon comes off the books, which keeps the Mets obligated to just $30 million over two years for Granderson.  Three smartly staggered contracts will serve the Mets payroll flexibility very well.  On top of that, the GM has satisfied two of the club's  major needs, and will enter the season with a payroll near $90 million dollars, which, for 2014, should not be regarded as being New York cheap, but instead should be viewed as smart spending.  Isn't that what we accused the Omar Minaya regime of doing - spending wrongly?

Solving a dilemma at shortstop, clarifying the situation at first base, and addressing the bullpen are what remain before Spring Training, but the bulk of the work for 2014 is done.

We know Sandy Alderson is cryptic, and leaves room to read between the lines.  There are two things in particular he said that I am clinging to like velcro.  One is, the GM said he is having fun at his job.  The second item he intimated about was to be on the look-out for surprises.

He is likely done signing free agents this off-season, but maybe there's still room to buy a relief pitcher.  Otherwise, it's trading season now.  As a Mets executive, that is what Alderson has done best.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: The Winter Meetings Situation Report

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

 

"Who's baby is that?  What's your angle?  I'll buy that!" - Fred Flintstone

NEW YORK METS: Sandy Alderson Still Has Much To Accomplish During The Winter Meetings.

THE SITUATION REPORT ~ POSITION PLAYERS:

Baseball's Winter Meetings are upon us.  The yearly bacchanalia of baseball executives, agents, and media begins now.  If a furious start to the free agency period serves as any indication, then the Meetings should get plenty wild, and create steady streams of news.  The traditional gonzo festival will culminate on December 12th, with the Rule-V draft.

Many great careers got their start, thanks in part, to being exposed to the Rule-V draft.  This is partly when Paul DePodesta earns his salary, in hopefully selecting quality talent that may have gotten squeezed out or suppressed in other organizations.

Through several recent non-tenders, Sandy Alderson reduced the team's 40-man roster, then added Chris Young to set the number at 35 players.  Once Curtis Granderson is (officially) figured in, the 40-man roster sits at 36 players.  Yes Mets fans, after much adieu, Sandy Alderson finally addressed the outfield through free agency.

The Mets still have positions that require his immediate attention.  A starting pitcher, perhaps a reliever, and a shortstop top the list.  A back-up catcher, and clarification regarding first base would rate second on the list.  While much can be anticipated over the next several days, Mets fans can still reasonably expect more activity from their general manager.  With room on the roster, and with a few more dollars to spend, Sandy Alderson indeed still has much to accomplish.

So far, no further word has materialized regarding Sandy Alderson's now questionable interest in pitcher Bronson Arroyo.  Otherwise, the GM has a few major league players, and a basket full of minor league eggs to talk trades with.

Heading into the Winter Meetings, here is the Mets current Positional Players situation report:

Catcher

Projected Starter: Travis d'Arnaud

Projected Back-Up: Pending.

Situation: Sandy Alderson ended the regular season saying he wanted to acquire an experienced MLB catcher, as a hedge should Travis d'Arnaud reinjure himself.  Free agent A.J. Pierzynski was my preference, but is no longer available, having signed with the Red Sox.

Travis d'Arnaud himself has even been involved in mild, if not baseless rumors.  For the moment, Anthony Recker is the favorite to back-up d'Arnaud.

Alternative: Juan Centeno.

Future Prospect: Kevin Plawecki; projected to play 2014 in Binghamton.



First Base

Projected Starter: Lucas Duda

Projected Back-Up: Josh Satin.

Situation: Make no mistake, Ike Davis is on the trading block.  Most recent rumors have him linked with the Tampa Bay Rays.  Otherwise, first base looks to remain an in-house issue next season.

I prefer a platoon with Josh Satin.  I think Coach Collins does too, but first base seems primarily Duda's for the moment.  He, like Ike Davis, is falling out of favor, and falling short on time.  This will surely be Duda's last opportunity to prove his worth.  Duda is no less on the trading block than Ike Davis is.

Free agent James Loney is still available should Sandy Alderson be compelled to spend more Wilpon dollars.  However, it is finally time for Lucas Duda to provide the same type of production, or be moved.  Save money here, and ensure both Duda and Satin get a fair shake.

Alternative: Despite breaking his fibula while playing winter ball in Venezuela, I'm in favor of re-signing our in-house free agent minor leaguer, Allan Dykstra, and giving him an equal chance at winning the job in Spring Training.

Future Prospect: Dominic Smith; projected to play 2014 in Brooklyn.



Second Base

Projected Starter: Daniel Murphy.

Projected Back-Up: Wilmer Flores.

Situation: Murphy is arbitration eligible for two more seasons until he earns his free agency in 2016.  He is regarded as the Mets best major league trading chip.  His name constantly gets mentioned, and lately, even more so.  However, it doesn't appear as if Murphy is going anywhere, any time soon.  I could be wrong though.  That's the great thing about the Winter Meetings.  Murphy recently endured major slights, first from a Jeff Wilpon omission regarding core players, then by his general manager who specified a want for more good guys in the clubhouse.  That was code for Alderson's displeasure with Murph's free swinging ways.

Non-tendering Justin Turner opened up a more clearly defined role for Wilmer Flores as the back-up second baseman.

Alternative: As Jordany Valdespin and Justin Turner, were non-tendered by the Mets, Eric Young Jr. can be moved back to his natural position should Daniel Murphy get traded.

Future Prospect: 1) - Dilson Herrera; projected to play 2014 in Kingsport, or Brooklyn.
2) - L.J. Mazzilli; projected to play 2014 in Savannah.



Shortstop

Projected Starter: Ruben Tejada

Projected Back-Up: Wilfredo Tovar.

Situation: Free agent Jhonny Perlata priced himself beyond the Mets parameters, and ultimately signed with the Cardinals.  The Mets also turned away from Rafael Furcal, while Red Sox free agent Stephen Drew still remains unsigned.

Several trade scenarios can, and need to be explored.  With Ian Kinsler headed to the Tigers, I would assume the Texas Rangers would be less inclined to trade Jurickson Profar, although he has recently been rumored to be included in a possible deal for David Price of Tampa.  The possibility for a deal remains open.

Otherwise, the Mets non-tendered Omar Quintanilla, which all but ensures Ruben Tejada's return to shortstop next season.  Ruben has a lot of impressing to do.  He and Lucas Duda signed up for a strengthening program this off-season, and for Ruben's sake, it better pay off.  The GM and Terry Collins have long been disgusted by Tejada's work ethic and conditioning.  This is the final straw for the Mets diminutive shortstop.  If he doesn't shape up, he'll be shipped out.

Wilfredo Tovar is now the front-runner to assume the back-up role.  This position is by no means Ruben Tejada's to keep.

Alternative: None to speak of.  The Winter Meeting may solve this dilemma.

Future Prospect: Gavin Cecchini; projected to play 2014 in Savannah.



Third Base

Projected Starter: David Wright

Projected Back-Up: Josh Satin, Zach Lutz, Wilmer Flores

Situation: There is no situation.  For as long as he remains healthy, David Wright is a Met for life, which in Flushing years, means for the next seven seasons.  Before the signing of Curtis Granderson, he was the only positional surety the Mets had, and now, he may finally have reliable protection behind him in the line-up, as well.  Wright should benefit from hitting along side both Granderson and Chris Young, and could conceivably have his first 100+ RBI season since 2010.

Alternative: None to speak of.  Lutz and Flores have that covered.

Future Prospect: OF/3B Dustin Lawley; projected to play 2014 in Binghamton.



Left Field

Projected Starter: Curtis Granderson

Projected Back-Up: Eric Young, Matt den Dekker

Situation: Sandy Alderson signed free agent Curtis Granderson to a straight four year, $60 million dollar contract.

Alternative: None to speak of.  The position is manageable with their current depth.

Future Prospect:
1) - OF/3B Dustin Lawley. 
2) - Cesar Puello; projected to play 2014 in Port St. Lucie or Binghamton.



Center Field

Projected Starter: Juan Lagares

Projected Back-Up: Curtis Granderson, Matt den Dekker, Eric Young

Situation: The door remains wide open for someone else to take over center field, but despite suffering a minor injury playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Juan Lagares has seized the moment.  He showed enough poise and defensive prowess during his MLB debut to warrant the starting center field job.  At 24 years of age, he is an eight year minor league veteran.  Juan will still need to provide his share of offense, which still remains a questionable proposition.

Alternative: Matt den Dekker may pose the greatest in-house challenge to Lagares' current hold on center.  Dekker is similarly known as an above average fielder, and perhaps swings a mightier bat.

Eric Young is arbitration eligible.  Despite leading the National League with 46 stolen bases last season, Eric Young's .249 batting average, and his .310 OBP were not up to lead-off hitter standards.  Working in his favor, Young is a switch hitter.  A platoon with lefty-swinging Matt den Dekker isn't out of the question, as Eric Young is a better hitter from the right side of the plate.

Future Prospect: Brandon Nimmo; projected to play 2014 in Port St. Lucie.



Right Field

Projected Starter: Chris Young

Projected Back-Up: Curtis Granderson, Andrew Brown, Matt den Dekker

Situation: Sandy Alderson signed free agent Chris Young to a one year, $7.25 million dollar contract.  He'll be needed to at least replicate Marlon Byrd's season, and Scott Hairston before him.  Otherwise, Young is merely the latest on a long list of players over the last ten years to play right field for the Mets.  There is potential for a lot of upside here.  With the way money has been tossed around so wantonly during this free agency period, Chris Young's price tag has officially become reasonable.

Alternative: None to speak of.  The position is manageable with their current depth.

Future Prospect: Lacking.  Cory Vaughn's minor league career is falling apart.  See left field.




Mike.BTB

Latest For Rising Apple - On The Chris Young Signing: My Two Cents

This is my latest for

RisingApple.com

 

 

23 November 2013

On The Chris Young Signing: Here's My Two Cents

 

Previously:

Allan Dykstra Breaks Fibula Playing In Venezuela

 

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets ~ Bombers' Bullpen Slams Door on Game Two

From the desks of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  and  BLAME CARLOS MAY

Roosevelt Avenue Showdown

SUBWAY SERIES ~ FLUSHING

I  -  NYM 6; NYY 4

II  -  NYY 4; NYM 3

III  -  Sunday Evening

NEW YORK METS:  Bomber Subs Dump On Chris Young's Effort.  Mets Strand Too Many Runners as Yankees' Bullpen Slams Door on Game Two.

Mike Pelfrey's replacement pitched scoreless baseball through five innings.  The Mets staked Chris Young to a two run lead.  Kirk Nieuwenhuis homered in the third inning off Ivan Nova, and Josh Thole's fielder's choice brought home Scott Hairston in the fourth.


In the sixth, Chris Young faced Alex Rodriguez with one out and Curtis Granderson on first.  Young induced a pop-up to short.  Granderson went on to steal second base.  Then Robinson Cano followed with an inning ending pop-up, this time to David Wright at third.  The Yankees remained scoreless.


In the home sixth, Daniel Murphy led off by lacing a double to left-center.  Scott Hairston did a great job laying off some nasty breaking balls, but struck out on an Ivan Nova fastball right down the middle.  Omar Quintanilla moved Murphy to third on a topper to Derek Jeter at short.  The Yankees then intentionally walked Josh Thole so as to face the pitcher, Chris Young, with two outs.  Coach Terry let his starter bat.  And the Mets' starter rewarded his manager by promptly serving Ivan Nova's first pitch; a fastball; very cleanly to right field, scoring Murphy from third.


With Chris Young helping his own cause, the Mets picked up their much needed insurance run and chased Ivan Nova from the game.  In came Clay Rapada from the Yankees' bullpen to face Kirk Nieuwenhuis.  Rapada got Nieuwenhuis swinging to end the Mets' threat, and hold the Mets to a 3-0 lead.


Out came Chris Young for the seventh inning.  He issued his third walk of the evening to Mark Teixiera leading off.  Nick Swisher then served a liner to right which Lucas Duda misplayed, but was backed up by Nieuwenhuis to keep runners at first and third.  With no move to the bullpen, Raul Ibanez then stepped up and hooked Chris Young's first pitch just inside the right field foul pole for a three run home run, and a tie game.


With Chris Young's night finished, Jon Rauch entered the game to face Russell Martin.  Rauch caught Martin looking.  Pinch hitting for Clay Rapada, Eric Chavez then drove a high fastball just inside the left field foul pole this time, for a go ahead home run.


Cody Eppley came in from the Yankees' pen to face the Mets in the home seventh.  Jodany Valdespin led off with a floater to left, where Raul Ibanez couldn't make a catch.  The ball got away some, and Valdespin made it safely to second.  David Wright moved Valdespin to third on a grounder to Cano.
Joe Girardi then opted to bring Boone Logan into the game to face Lucas Duda.  Lucas swung at a breaking ball, looked at a breaking ball, then swung at another breaking ball, before making his way back to the dugout.  Daniel Murphy followed, and struck out on three pitches as well.


Still leading 4-3 in the eighth, the Yankees turned the ball over to David Robertson.  After striking out Hairston, he walked Omar Quintanilla, and Josh Thole.  With one out, Justin Turner stepped in and looked at strike three on the inside corner.  With two on, Kirk Nieuwenhuis took his turn with two outs.  After Robertson blew a couple of fastballs by him, the teams headed into the ninth.


Jeremy Hefner pitched a scoreless frame, setting up the Mets' last licks against Rafael Soriano in the home ninth.  Jodany Valdespin swung through a strike three fastball for out number one.  David Wright finally punched through with a single; his first hit of the game.  Lucas Duda then stepped in with one out and struck out on a series of nasty breaking balls.  Daniel Murphy came up and lofted a long, hopeful fly to the right field corner.  But it wasn't enough.  Nick Swisher made the catch, and whooped it up in the corner with a Yankee fan.  Game over.  Thuuugh Yankees win.


Ponderous!  There is nothing to be happy about when you lose to Raul Ibanez and Eric Chavez.  The largest crowd in Citi Field's brief history watched the Mets knock Ivan Nova out of the box, then let one get away.  And what a shame Chris Young's effort went down the toilet.  He was cruising along until the 7-train got derailed with four runs in the seventh.  Overall, the Mets left eleven men on base, and batted 1 for 14 with runners in scoring position. So it's not like the Mets weren't without chances. They had plenty.


On the other side, what a job the Yankees' bullpen turned in.  In 3.1 innings, five relivers combined to allow two hits, no runs, they walked two, and struck out eight Mets.  It was quite a formidible display.


The Mets suffered their first loss in their last five games.  The Yankees snapped their three game losing streak.  Sunday night will be the Roosevelt Avenue showdown everyone has been waiting for; C.C. Sabathia versus R.A. Dickey in the rubber game.





Mike.BTB

Subway Series ~ Roosevelt Avenue Showdown

From the desks of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  and  BLAME CARLOS MAY

SUBWAY SERIES~ II

Roosevelt Avenue Showdown

Mets Lead Series 1-0

I  -  NYM 6; NYY 4

GAME TWO

New York Yankees

vs.

NEW YORK METS

From

CITI FIELD
Flushing, Queens

NEW YORK METS:  "It's Seven O'clock and I Wanna Rock; Get a Belly Full of Beer  -  Saturday Night is Alright For Fightin', Get A Little Action In."

What happened in the Bronx, stays in the Bronx.  But even then, Terry's Kids looked undaunted by the Yankees last series.  Since these teams last played, life has quite literally been a world of sweep, or be swept for the Mets.  In the process however, they've proven they can take a punch, and still continue forward with a good fight.  Teams find that quality disturbing about their opponents.  It raises the volume of the voices talking inside their heads.  Even the Yankees; and Joe Girardi.  There is no page in his Blue Binder to demystify how the Mets win games.

...And you did Joe.  Your team did hit three home runs, and still lost.  After yesterday's game, Joe Girardi wasn't intimating the Bombers needed another clutch home run...was he?  Is that what his binder says?

Yeah.., that's New York.  Never satisfied.  And so, he we go again.  But for the first time, in let's say June, the Mets finally seized upon a Game One.  Doesn't winning Game One change the whole complexion of a series, or at least our perceptions?  After failing to do so against the Phils, Nats, Yanks, and Reds, this win finally came against the Yankees in the rematch series.  Not that it matters.  The Mets are just trying to win games.  But if you're striving to be somebody at the trade deadline, then Jon Niese winning Game One, especially on a night Andy Pettitte faltered, should be viewed as important.  So, yes, this is about finally seizing the moment; about stepping up if you're Jon Niese, and delivering in a big moment.  His wasn't a exactly a superlative start, but it was a winning start; his fifth.  At this point, I'm more concerned with taking a sizable step forward.  Winning Game Ones will help that along.  And from Jon Niese, it's what we needed.

Mets fans.., we won that game on Karma; good Karma.  As alien as that sounds to us; believe it.  A stunt like calling the Yankees a bunch of "chickens" would have gone over like passing gas in a space suit a few years ago; which is to say not very well.  Additionally, the Media would have been pounding this team for being woefully streaky, or worse, inconsistent.  But they, the media, are not.  Instead, the Mets have their attention, and are now starting to get the benefit of the doubt.

Think about it, the Mets haven't been pelted by asteroids smashing into the front office and managers, and the cries of a disenchanted fan base calling for the owner's head have effectively been muted.  And Ike Davis hits a Nick Swisher assisted home run?  The credit goes directly Terry Collins, and his team for making us forget a great many things.  It's AMAZIN' what winning just a few more games than you lose can do.

Tonight, the Mets and Yankees will play Game Two in the Roosevelt Avenue stop on the Subway Series.  Chris Young will oppose Ivan Nova.  The Mets will be able to reload their line up with the usual assortment of lefty bats.  So, I'm feeling good about the Mets chances again tonight.

Let's Go Mets!

 

Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets ~ Nats Outlast The Amazins

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS:  Washington Takes Game One.

Nationals Barely Out-Last the Amazin's Tenacity.

N.L. East

1) - Nationals  -  *

2) - Marlins  -  1

3) - METS  -  1.5

4) - Braves  -  2

5) - Phillies  -  5

Tuesday was the opening game of a battle for first place against the Washington Nationals.  As such, I have a thing about winning first games.  They send messages; whether big or small; they send messages none the less.  Although, this game said a little more than I think we Mets fans cared for.

I didn't like what I saw from Josh Thole Tuesday night.  This was his first negative showing since returning from a concussion.  In the bottom of the twelfth, as in the tenth inning, Josh Thole failed to block a pitch in the dirt, which put the winning run on third, with one out.  It looked like the Mets were going to escape the inning, but Bryce Harper singled home the game winning run in the home twelfth.

Josh Thole was failing to drop to his knees and squaring his body to the pitch.  As a result, pitches in the dirt ate him up.  And visually speaking, the effort looked poor.  He's my dude, but I have to call it like I see it.  Within the inning, he corrected himself though; but too late.  The damage was done.  The Mets also suffered mightily at shortstop.  Omar Quintanilla (1), and Jordany Valdespin (2), committed a series of untimely E-6's as well.

Between Chris Young's return to the mound with five innings of work, and Bryce Harper's game winning single, the Mets held three different leads which, A) - the bullpen shouldn't receive too much blame for blowing on three separate occasions, because B) - the Mets got handcuffed on a series of infield dinks, thus forcing the defense into several unfortunate donuts.  Sometimes that's baseball.

Tim Byrdak and Bobby Parnell were victims of odd play that ensued between the eighth and twelfth innings despite pitching fairly well.  Frank Francisco, at worst was hittable.  In light of the recent DFA's Sandy Alderson initiated within the bullpen, and now having Jon Rauch's and Ramon Ramirez' injury status to consider, it is just plain unfortunate Buffalo call-up, young Elvin Ramirez was pressed into pitching a second inning of work.  By then Coach Terry was on his fifth reliever of the evening.  And the fact Elvin was even in that position (12th inning) demonstrates how dire the Mets' bullpen situation really is.

So, against their leading competition Tuesday evening, instead of seizing the day, the Mets faults were exposed.  With Thole behind the plate, and a consortium of infielders misplaying several chances at shortstop, the Mets showed their weakness up the middle.  There is no sense in continually harping on Daniel Murphy's defense.  And while Andres Torres is quite capable in center, it is clear the Mets are still defensively inefficient in the key positions up the middle.  And then, yes, the bullpen also continues to be a season long liability.

On the positive side of this game, Terry Collins managed this contest terribly well..., again.  His Boys continue to be resilient, and play with a never say die attitude.  AND, they hit with power again.  On Tuesday, the Mets tapped into their comeback abilities multiple times and held three different leads, as mentioned.

The secret is now out.  When Clark Kent isn't fumblin' around the coffee maker at the office, he's busy moonlighting as a home run hitter for the New York Mets.  When the call for Truth, Justice, and the Metropolitan Way sounded again Tuesday night, Scott Hairston stepped up and hit his eighth home run of the season in the top of the twelfth inning, to give the Mets a (then) 6-5 lead over the Nationals.

Before you knew it, Terry's Kids looked like they were going to do it again.  Well, not so fast.  This took extra innings, and they did lose.  Regardless, sometimes we don't even know how the Mets do it.  But we all know by now, Terry Collins doesn't allow his Kids to ease up for a second, even when things aren't exactly going according to plan.  Even in defeat, it is clear, the team, and their skipper, are engaged together with a tremendous amount of mutual respect.  And that's half your battle.  With yet another eye-opener, Terry's Kids are easily reviving an old Flushing mantra which has everyone calling this year's Mets, AMAZIN', once again.  And for a change, it's a pure, unpolluted, expression of the fans, and not contrived or forced by the Media.

And maybe Chris Young has shown he can be this season's answer to the Mets fifth spot in the rotation.  He allowed two earned runs and six hits in five innings.  He walked one and struck out two. If that's what we get in his first game back, then I guess there's hope for the fifth spot after all.  At least, let's agree to call the situation, promising.

Now, I don't believe in moral victories.  But I will gauge how much of a fight a team puts up in defeat.  Sometimes a team's ability to be competitive, and Baseball's Law of Averages, just clash with each other.  Like this game.

Being Amazin' again is cool.  But "Ya Gotta Believe" - that comes way later.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. METS ~ Rocky Mountain Rain-Out

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS:  Postponed;  Foul Weather Shuts Down Mets In Colorado. 


METS LITE:

A rain out today in Colorado?  I'll take it.  It's a good time to jump in some puddles.

For starters..., there are no more starters.  Buffalo is tapped out.  So, no game Wednesday means, theoretically, no one else gets hurt now that Chris Young is most likely done for the season. 

Meh... Whatever we were going to get from him this season would have been gravy.  Now we'll just have to eat our Metropolitan turkey dry now.  Losing Young for a second and more permanent DL stint comes on the heals of losing Henrry Mejia to Tommy John surgery.  Boof Bonser is done for the season too.  And by the way, I don't anticipate Johan Santana being an effective pitcher for us this season and I don't believe we should hasten him back later in the season either

So where are the Mets going to get pitching from?  Dillon Gee is already here.  There's always the French Foreign Legion I suppose.  Pat Misch?  ...please.

On May 5th, the Mets purchased the contract of former MLB pitcher-Brian Sweeney who was kicking around with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League.  Sweeney didn't pitch too badly in his Buffalo debut.  Maybe we'll be seeing him soon.  Outside of that, lets just be thankful for now that Citi Field is so cavernous.  What else is there?

Now for the weird.  In a somewhat baffling injury, Ike Davis did something wrong on that pop-up that fell in between David Wright and Ike the other night; the excuse me pop-up no one caught when they collided into each other by the mound.  It seemed harmless enough at the time.  But then we learned David Wright and Ike wouldn't have started this afternoon's game as a result; as a result for needing rest or what...who knows.  But Ike is headed back to N.Y. and inside the tube to see if there is any damage. This injury should turn out to be nothing.  But as I watched the play unfold, I was thinking to myself, "You've got to be kidding me."


I'm not souring on my boy Josh Thole; and I could care less about him Tweeting.  And by the way...about that; - Way to go to all the dumb-asses out there who continually put him on blast on his Twitter account.  Way to blow that one!  But what I'm really thinking is that he may need a few weeks back in Buffalo to straighten out his head, and refine his game a little bit.  He's been going through a rough, if not feeble looking stretch behind the plate lately and his hitting is too sporadic.  There's no doubt I want him back and behind the plate.  But maybe a few weeks till June will do him good.   ...Trust me, he won't be missing many happenings on the Big Club while he's gone.

However, being sent down, I don't believe is really an option right now.  So if what is called for is a strict platoon behind the plate, then so be it.





Mike.BTB

N.Y. METS ~ 'Mazins End A Bad Week With Win

From the desk of:  Head-Butting Mr. Met



NEW YORK METS:  'Mazins Rookie Snaps a Bad String of Games for the Mets.

Doctors for the New York Mets have been mismanaging these players for years now!  What's the deal with Jason Bay!?

Fog, rain, double-headers, injury, a losing streak, mockery, and finally through desperation, a win; - That's the latest week in the life of the Mets and their fans.  The team has Monday night off and I think fans needed the break more.

The Mets called on Dillon Gee to fill Chris Young's roster spot who was placed on the DL earlier in the week.  Who knows if Gee ever got his luggage back, but the Mets' AAA-Buffalo farm-hand earned a win Sunday by pitching 5.2 innings of five hit; one run baseball.  He struck out four and walked two batters while helping the Mets snap a seven game losing streak in which they dropped two double-headers within three days.  Ouch!

Let me tell you what makes me happy.  A good Egg Cream makes me happy.  Dillon Gee pitching effectively and Josh Thole getting two RBI in leading the Mets to victory makes me silly with joy.

The plan originally was to have Dillon Gee and Hennry Mejia pitch a full year at Buffalo.  Matters on the big club have already altered that plan.  The debate about when to bring up Hennry Mejia has also quietly started.  So then, how radically will Sandy Alderson alter the plan?

Burn it down!   ...sorry.

Aside from thinking responsibly (which is never fun) and keeping them both in Buffalo for the sake of development, I would have zero to no problem going with a starting rotation of Pelfrey, Niese, Dickey, Gee and Mejia. 

C'mon, who are we kidding with this rotation?  I'd welcome it.  If you keep up with me, you know where my head is.  I'm about handing over every available job to a kid.  It's just because of who and where we are as a team.  The Mets have between now and the trade deadline to experiment with.  Then..., Ka-Boom! ...Sandy Alderson blows this thing up to smithereens.  I mean think about this for a moment; - Is Terry Collins really using starting pitchers in relief appearances......during APRIL?  I don't care if it was their throw day or not.  It's embarrassing!
*sigh*

Assuming Chris Young does comes back, Dillon Gee should get sent back down - right?  I think Dillon Gee and Hennry Mejia both should be held down as long as possible this season.  There's really no reason to have them on the big club as long as I continue to think Sandy Alderson will gut the organization come July.  But I learned a long time ago from a show called The Odd Couple, what happens when you assume.

The real question is, Will Chris Young be back?  With our doctors, you never know.  And quite honestly...


** RANT ALERT **

The Met doctors' track record hasn't been pretty over the last few years.  They've done more to promote controversy than promoting wellness and health.  Bad diagnosis; misdiagnosis; or no diagnosis at all have gotten the Mets in a lot of trouble to say the least.  Jason Bay is the last example of promising out-looks and frustrating delays.  So who knows when Chris Young might be back.  You never can tell anymore with this team or these doctors who carry with them a thick file documenting mismanaged injuries.

Jason Bay?  Is he coming back or what?  He was going to start last week....Then he's being pushed back two more days!?  What are they doing? 

Chris Young?  I have two words for you - GOOD LUCK! 

I wouldn't trust the Mets doctors to put a Band-Aid on me with the way they've handled EVERYONE from Ryan Church on after.  Carlos Delgado and his hip; Jose Reyes' hamstrings or his whatever's..; Carlos Beltran's knees; John Maine's arm; an unsuccessful lobotomy on Ollie Perez; Luis Castillo's and the fan's nagging pains;  ...You name it - They've misdiagnosed it.

Oh the pain!!



So how did you spend the Mets day off?





Mike.BTB

N.Y. METS ~ Chris Young Has Phun in Philly

From the desk of:  Head-Butting Mr. Met


NEW YORK METS: A Three Game Win Streak Is Cool.  Beating Philly Is Great.  Dumping On Cole Hamels Is Even Better.  But I'm Still A Big Picture Guy.

The Mets won their Opening series of the season against the Florida Marlins by winning games two and three after dropping the Opener. Then they won game one of their series against division rival Philadelphia last night.  A three game winning streak?  Contain yourselves Met fans.  Act like we've been here before OK?

I'll say this right off the bat.  You can't win pennants in April; but you can lose them.  I believe in good starts.  Having said that, I am not fixing my mind to chase down a division title just because we have a three game win streak going.  We know what this season is supposed to be for us.  We already have a list of things to do.  And most importantly, we know what kind of financial situation our owners are currently in.  So, no; I'm not living in the moment.  I still chose to adhere to the big picture.  But if things should go our way and the Mets do good things this season, I'm going to enjoy myself right along with you.

Do I have confidence in this team as presently constituted?  Yes...absolutely.  I never thought we were that much in a state of disrepair and far off from being fixable.  But I am telling you, I willingly chose to keep my optimism level in line with the pace of our changes.  I want to ensure we close out the last era of Met Baseball properly and seal that door shut for good, before I invest myself in a more promising outlook.  I'm not being a pessimist.  I'm being a realist.  Our eventual reality still relies on shedding Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez; addressing Jose Reyes' future with the Mets; and figuring out how get Johan Santana and Jason Bay healthy again and actually getting a return on all that money we're spending on them.

Here's something I live by.  You can't be disappointed with what you do not expect.  Therefore I have no expectations of the Mets and this season.  My mindset is more concerned with Sandy Alderson's continuing reconfiguration of the Mets.  That is priority number one for me.  Number two on the list is the situation our ownership finds themselves in.  Then third, I am concerned with the players and their performances on the field.

I assure you I'm happier this year than last.  But should the Mets be in a position of contention as the trade deadline nears, we should all be prepared for the Front Office doing nothing to enhance the roster, dollar wise.  But I am a Mets fan and I will enjoy myself between now and then.  I only suggest that we do not lose focus of who we really are in the present tense.  We are a team with a lot of problems and some questions that won three games in a row.

Again, I hope it doesn't sound like I'm being negative.  To the contrary, I'm very content with the team.  I like all our young players and I like the Front Office changes.  On the positive side, I think this season can sneak up on us like 1984 did.  Although I'm not suggesting we'll win 90 games.  I actually think we'll be just a .500 team.  But the kids will be pleasant to watch grow and we'll be contented with that.  We always were before if we knew we were up-ticking.

Change is still the order of the day.  Winning can be a happy by-product for us.  But remind yourselves, some losing is on the way also.  It's a long season folks.  Just refer to, and compare the Opening Loss hysteria versus the feel-good of winning three in a row.  It's too drastic a swing to start all that in April.
But if we do win tonight against the Phillies in game two of the series,  you're damn right I'm going to be happy about it.

However, I'm still not going to allow myself to talk about player performances after just four games and the first time through the starting rotation...   But just to show you this is still fun no matter how stoic I try to make myself sound.. -   Chris Young already has more hits and more strikeouts this season than Luis Castillo, Oliver Perez and John Maine combined.  Against the Philadelphia Phillies, Chris Young was the biggest two-way threat to take the field since Babe Ruth played for the Red Sox!

See?

Other stuff, like making fun of Cole Hamels and Phillies' fans, is stuff for a different post.

On it.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. METS ~ The 49th Season Of Metropolitan Baseball Starts Now

OPENING DAY

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON TO ALL!

and now...

From the Desk of:  Head-Butting Mr. Met

Welcome to Mets' Year 9 A.D.

(AFTER DOUBLEDAY)

This is
"The Saul B. Katz Dilemma"

We LIVE in the THE AGE of WILPONIANISM

GAME ONE of the 2011 SEASON

NEW YORK METS

vs.

Florida Marlins

From Some Where in South Florida

Dear Fellow Met Fans,

I just don't know.  The end.  Thank you for your time.

NEW YORK METS:  The S.S. Wilpon has sailed into the perfect storm and threatens to sink our team.  So what am I so happy about?  And what still makes me grumpy?

I was much more angrier heading into last season than I am headed into this one.  Last season we were still desperate for changes.  This year we start under a new regime with some of the changes having been made.  That's a positive right?  We all know there will be more changes to come; with some more drastic than we realize.  See Jose Reyes. 

But there is more for me to be optimistic about this season than last.  Yet the cloud hovering over our team grows darker by the day.

The truth is this season will be our most trying season ever.  Even after our matriarch and original owner; Mrs. Joan Payson passed away, we knew the plan was for the eventual sale of the Mets in it's entirety.  Today we face a radically dis-similar situation with an owner desperately trying to hold on to his team while faced with mounting debt, dwindling assets, plummeting profits and a disconnected fan base.  The present owner's thinking is by bringing in a minority partner, their major financial crisis can be more handily managed through the coming rough times ahead.  The plan seems a little impotent to me.  It makes a Mets' fan almost feel as if we are taking a back seat to Fred Wilpon's grandchildren whom he would love to leave this organization behind to.  Woe is us.

In the mean time, what about us?  Mr. Wilpon..., if you're not considering that question at this very moment, your attendance figures over the first three months will give you an unsolicited indication (I guess) as to how we feel about our favorite team's ever-dimming outlook.  And it won't be because of the players.  They are the ones who just may save your company books from reflecting big fat negative zeroes and a lot of red ink.  No; instead I'm talking about...You.  Your best laid intentions may still go up in smoke if we have little faith in you.  You have a lot of winning-over to do, or, hand this team over to someone who can operate the organization in a New York State Of Mind and not from the New York State Social Services office.

But that's not all.  I don't enjoy kicking a guy when he's down, and seldom do.  But did EVERYTHING Omar Minaya touch turn into coal?  It's as if he is eternally cursed for the Bartolo Colon acquisition when he was GM of the Montreal Expos; you know - the deal that single handed rebuilt the Cleveland Indians with one trade.

Omar's last big acquisition as GM of the Mets was Jason Bay.  Omar's last hurrah will be starting the season on the DL with..whatever.  Me?  As you can see I'm viewing Bay's injury with apathy.

Omar's other lingering legacies; Carlos Beltran? - I'm just done.  I liked him; defended him; - But I'm done with him.  I just want to move on already and hand these jobs over to our younger guys like Lucas Duda and company..  Ditto with the other guy, K-Rod.  Done.  Johan Santana?  Did someone place a curse on Omar?  It's all so bizarre. 

Francisco Rodriguez brings up a fascinating dilemma in itself because of his appearances clause in his contract.  If he makes 55(?) appearances, a $17 million dollar option kicks in?  Well, with the Mets as tight as a tourniquet right now money wise, it's unlikely the Mets will let him achieve that appearance plateau.  Then, that will probably trigger a grievance by the Player's Union.  It should be fun.  Don't miss out on all the minutia.

Back to Lucas Duda, that's when I start to get a lot happier about this team.  I'm happy because we have a collection of "our guys" on the team.  For a change, they are here in bunches.  How refreshing.  And they're a bunch I'm already very attached to.  I don't think it's backlash displacement anger for the other guys.  I genuinely like this crop (and this is where Omar will never get a full serving of credit for drafting many of these kids we're about to rely on).

Josh Thole?  He's my Dude!  I have far more confidence in him than the majority of the Media seems to have in him.  Ike Davis and the Original Brooklyn Cyclone - Angel Pagan return as most favorite players.  I have always been behind Pagan since 2001 when he played for Brooklyn.

Want to know why I'm so with Dillon Gee (AAA), Jonathan Niese and Big Pelf?  Because they weren't hyped to kingdom-come like Generation-K was.  I like what I see out of those three; more-so when Gee and Niese are concerned.  I'm content, and am more than willing to hand those three the ball every fifth day.  And I've been a big Bobby Parnell fan also.  Jenrry Mejia may yet deliver the goods for us one day, as well as Nieve.  But Sandy Alderson made some acquisitions for the pitching staff with high potential reward factors attached.  Yea, they are coming off injuries and they scream of moves Omar made.  But I'm rolling with it.  Chris Capuano and Chris Young will be getting a fair shake from me.

You might call me one of those rare Met fans with patience.  But my head is without a doubt, in the new.  Above all, I'm just happy to see the new faces; finally.  I'm happy to give these guys a full year together.  We know what's in store for us Met fans.  Don't we?  Of course we do.  I'm in total break-away mode folks and I know it's going to take another year to continue purging and reconfiguring this team.

That's why I'm going to have fun watching these new Metsies grow-up.  I've been wanting it.  And now I'm starting to see it.  My complaints have been with what remains of the old.  And I realize the gutting work is still in progress.  Over the years I have screamed loudest for the Wilpons to go off campus and hire a GM unfamiliar to them.  They have done that.

So, I must say, according to my own words and wants, I go into 2011 a happier Met fan than last year, oddly, as the organization's foundation and pillars are crumbling before our eyes.

If it's not one thing, it's always another.

Let's Go Mets!

Mike.BTB