Bedford & Sullivan Podcast: The Dodgers, Springtime, and Brooklyn

From the desk: A SAM MAXWELL PRODUCTION

BEDFORD & SULLIVAN

meets

BROOKLYN TROLLEY BLOGGER

with guest

ARMCHAIR DODGERS HISTORIAN

Rob Barnes

eighty-five minutes

Dodgers Town ~ Cherry Blossoms ~ Casey Stengel ~ Cuba ~ Spring Training

Duke Snyder and snakes ~ Pete Rieser ~ Jackie Robinson ~ batting helmets ~ Prospect Park Zoo 

tomatoes ~ Coney Island ~ gardening ~ Ernest Hemingway ~ Cuban X Giants

Brooklyn Nets ~ Brooklyn Americans ~ Brooklyn Cyclones

Flatbush Avenue and more Brooklyn!

N.Y. Mets: Grapefruit League Offers Dellin Betances No Quarter

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SPRING TRAINING

2021

Dellin Betances' Grapefruit Struggles Continue Tuesday Against Houston Astros

Spring Training means different things to different players.  Some merely work on timing or building arm strength; some are trying to impress and win jobs, while others are just biding time until Opening Day, whatever their respective case may be.  

However, there's one player whose Grapefruit League performance is likely being fueled by desperation, a veteran pitcher who turns 33-years old later this week and is suddenly being forced to relearn his craft in the face of losing upwards of four mph on his fastball.  

It's not a stretch at this point to say the future career of reliever Dellin Betances potentially lies in the balance.  

There no denying for five seasons as a member of the New York Yankees, he was among the American League's dominant relievers.  From 2014 through 2018, Betances averaged a 2.31 ERA in 74.2 innings pitched, highlighted by an efficient 5.2 H/9 and potent 14.7 K/9 averages.

All that came to a grinding halt when in 2019, he developed a right shoulder impingement.  But that was only the beginning of an injury-riddled season futher beset by a strained lat muscle and a torn Achilles tendon.

Just over two months after pitching his last game as a Bronx Bomber on Sept. 15, 2019, (then) Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen signed free agent Dellin Betances to a two-year pact with a third-year player option.

After missing all but one game the previous season, Dellin returned in 2020 to make 15 appearances in which he yielded ten runs on twelve hits and twelve walks with eleven strikeouts through 11.2 innings pitched.  All of which translated into a 7.71 ERA, a 2.057 WHiP, and a career-low 18.6% strikeout rate against batters faced.

With just 16 regular-season appearances over the last two years, the beleaguered reliever entered Tuesday's action, having previously faced 15 batters and yielding five runs, four earned, on three hits (including a home run), and three walks with a strikeout over three innings pitched.  Pitching Tuesday afternoon against the Astros, Betances faced six more batters, allowing two earned runs on two hits with a strikeout.  All told, he's faced 21 batters to date, surrendered six earned runs on five hits and three walks with two strikeouts over four innings pitched.  

Needless to say, efforts being made towards readapting his repertoire are not going well.  At this point, we fans are left hoping for any measure of effectiveness, further adjustments, positive trending, and/or ultimately, a turnaround of fortunes.  But the pragmatist in me says normalizing a 13.50 ERA and a bloated WHiP over two with just 15 days left till Opening Day is just not practical.

Spring Training is as Spring Training does; the exhibition season continues.

A Metsian Podcast: Just Basking in the Florida Sunshine w/ Guest, Baseball Author Brian Wright

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

w/ SAM, RICH & MIKE

GUEST

Baseball Author

Brian Wright

seventy-seven minutes

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: David Peterson's Battle To Keep Spot In Rotation Begins Now

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

PITCHERS & CATCHERS

• Off-Season: Like a Nor'Easter Over Flushing Bay
• Pitchers & Catchers: deGrominator Rising
• Pitchers & Catchers: Pressure on Marcus Stroman to Form One-Two Punch
• Pitchers & Catchers: Difference Between Good And Great Could Be Carlos Carrasco
  
• A Metsian Podcast: Reporting to Camp with Baseball Writer & Analyst Ernest Dove
  

Can David Peterson Pick Up Where He Left Off?

After just 247.2 innings worth of experience at the minor league level, David Peterson made his MLB debut last season.  The Mets 2017 first-round draft pick (20th overall) was called up in late July and finished out the season with ten appearances and nine starts.  He yielded just 36 hits and fanned 40 batters in 49.2 innings pitched but allowed an untidy 4.3 walks per nine innings pitched.  Peterson otherwise posted a 3.44 ERA and 1.208 WHiP, while his slightly elevated 4.52 FIP was offset by a fine .233 BABIP and .202 average against.

He averaged 5.1 innings per start but finished stronger than that.  In his penultimate start of the season, he went six full while striking out ten Atlanta Braves, then in his season finale allowed one run on just four hits over seven full in a victory over Washington.

Not bad for a rookie ... 

David Peterson retains his eligibility by a hair; the rookie cut-off is 50 innings pitched, and he did not spend more than 45 days on the pre-expanded 25-man roster.  With any luck, he circumvents baseball's mysterious sophomore jinx and can pick up where he left off.

His repertoire consists of the new-age traditional fastball/slider/change, which is based on deception and keeping hitters off-balance, of which I'm not a huge fan.  I prefer an accurately placed fastball, location in the zone, and a curveball that falls off the table.  Be that as it may, Peterson's fastball and slider come in at 92.6mph and 92.2mph, respectively, and he offsets that with an 84mph change-up.

Peterson went from a pre-camp rotation surety to suddenly being faced with stiff competition for a spot amongst the starting five.  It's safe to say the latest free-agent acquisition, Taijuan Walker, is certain to occupy the fourth rotation spot.  That leaves a three-way battle for the number five spot between fellow acquisitions Jordan Yamamoto, Joey Lucchesi, and the homegrown David Peterson. 

One factor out of Peterson's control is management's manipulation of options.  Lucchesi has one option remaining, Yamamoto has two, and Peterson, the freshest of the bunch, has three.  All three can expect to see time this season both at Syracuse and Flushing.  The only question is when. 

Jordan Yamamoto projects as a power pitcher but still lacks requisite control.  Instead, the onus is on Joey Lucchesi and David Peterson to distinguish themselves over the next five weeks.  The winner moves on to start the season as the rotation's lone southpaw.

A Metsian Podcast: Ringing in Pitchers & Catchers with Baseball Analyst Ernest Dove

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

with SAM, RICH & MIKE

GUEST

Baseball Writer, Reporter, Analyst

ERNEST DOVE

one hundred-three minutes

Northeast weather remains frightful, but down in Port St. Lucie, it's far more delightful.  For everything you want to know, baseball writer and analyst Ernest Dove joins this evening's show.  In the spirit of Pitchers & Catchers, the starting rotation and bullpen are up for discussion.  Also on the docket are front office maneuverings and/or lack thereof, this year's non-roster invitees, and speculating who breaks north to Flushing and who starts the season at Syracuse, along with other minor league-related issues. 

#LGM

ARod, Mad Man Manfred, and Other Great Stuff on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Show Date: 16 February 2020

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

94 minutes

Mad Man Manfred's Wacky Playoff Proposal  ~  Spring Training Experience

Zack Wheeler vs. Brodie Van Wagenen  ~  Trolling Noah Syndergaard

Rick Porcello  ~  Michael Wacha  ~  Pete Alonso

Mets to Wear #43  ~  Who Is Jerry Girard  ~  Al Lang Stadium

Florida Geography  ~  Things and Stuff  ~  The $57 Million Dollar Question

A-Rod and J-Lo  ~  so much more!

N.Y. Mets: Time for the Real Steven Matz to Step Forward

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

CALL of the PALM TREES

METSIAN PODCAST: 

Spring Training Preview

PITCHERS and CATCHERS

• Wilson Ramos and Devin Mesoraco are Agreeable Short Term Improvements 
• The Jacob deGrom Contract Dilemma 
• Zack Wheeler Poised for Breakout Season

New York Mets: A Healthy Steven Matz Can Help Transform the Starting Rotation into the Idealized Fearsome Foursome Fans Have Been Longing For.

Can Steven Matz endure a full season?

That is the question.

Until he demonstrates otherwise, the Mets fragile fifth year pitcher still requires handling with care.

Matz made his MLB debut in June of 2015, and started three more games before season's end, posting a nifty 4-0 record with a 2.27 ERA, while allowing 34 hits, and fanning 34 through 35.2 innings pitched.  After which, he's been riddled by arm troubles ever since.  In 2016, he managed 132.1 innings pitched through 22 starts.  However, by mid-season it was revealed he was pitching with bone spurs in his elbow.  He pressed on but was shut down by late August upon feeling shoulder tightness.  He would undergo off-season surgery as scheduled.  Steven then began the 2017 season on the disabled list with a flexor strain.  His season finally commenced on June 10, but came to an abrupt end just over two months later when an ulnar nerve issue short-circuited his season after just 13 starts.  For a second straight off-season, Matz would undergo surgery.

Under first year manager Mickey Callaway and new bullpen coach Dave Eiland, Steven returned in 2018 to post a 5-11 record with a 3.97 ERA, and 1.247 WHiP, and set several career marks in the process:

• 33 starts
• 154 innings pitched
• 8.9 K/9
• 7.8 H/9
• .267 BABIP

On the negative side, he finished the season with a career high 3.4 W/9 average, but more noticeably failed to negotiate yet another season without experiencing injury; the culprit this time being a late July flexor pronator strain.

It's understandable that his fastball velocity is still slightly down from his rookie year, according to Fangraphs.  But a fully recovered, and healthy Steven Matz may yet correct that.  He can turn things around by first cutting down his walks, and getting his rate of ground balls back over the 50% mark.
In 2016, Matz posted a career best 3.44 ERA over 132.1 innings pitched; improving upon that mark is an achievable goal.

Above all else, the Mets need more innings from their back-end starter.  Matz averaged just 4.2 innings per start last season, and is averaging 5.1 innings through 71 career starts.  Said another way, each of his appearances inherently places a burden on the bullpen.  And that must change.  As the team's fourth starter, a healthy, reliable, and effective, Steven Matz can serve as a key weapon of sorts insofar as consistently outperforming the competition's back-end starters.

Not out of the question ...

Open For Business: A Metsian Podcast Spring Training Preview With Guest Metstradamus

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

CALL OF THE PALM TREES

SPRING TRAINING SPECIAL

A METSIAN PODCAST 

with Sam, Rich, and Mike

WITH SPECIAL GUEST:

John Coppinger aka 

Metstradamus of the Sports Daily.com

93-minutes

METSIAN STUFF

The Mets Off-Season That Was ~ Brodie Van Wagenen Report Card

Free Agency Collusion Debate ~ 1981 Baseball Strike ~ Peter Ueberroth

Dave Winfield ~ Hanley Ramirez ~ Bryce Harper ~ Manny Machado

Chilli Davis/Coaching Staff ~ Mickey Callaway on the Hot Seat?

The Great Jacob deGrom Contract Dilemma

25-Man Roster ~ 40-Man Roster Depth

Devin Mesoraco ~ Juan Lagares ~ Robinson Cano ~ Tim Tebow

On Trading Prospects ~ Ty Kelly ~ Lets Go Syracuse

Are the Mets Intentionally Branding the Brooklyn Dodgers?

My Opinion on Culture Change and Making Unpopular Decisions

Rich: on Off-Season Minor League Deals

Metstradamus: on Frank Cashen and List of Core Players

N.L. East Preliminary Predictions

Mike FranSaySo ... and so much more!

ICYMI: 

Previous Podcast: 1 FEB 2019

FEATURING FORMER N.Y. METS CLOSER, 

Fan Favorite and Author of "Insight Pitch"

SKIP LOCKWOOD

1 hour; 48 minutes

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: Jacob deGrom's New Agent Repeats Old Message

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Truck Is Unloaded;

LET SPRING TRAINING BEGIN!

ICYMI: 

CATCHERS 

New York Mets: Jacob deGrom Contract Dilemma Shines Spotlight on Double-Agent, Brodie Van Wagenen.

Jacob deGrom wants to get paid.  And who can blame him.  On the heels of a Cy Young award winning performance, he enters 2019 arguably considered the best pitcher in baseball. 

Less than one year ago both Jacob and his former agent Brodie Van Wagenen revealed their position to the Mets regarding a contract extension in a public and rather straightforward manner.  Then something peculiar happened.  By season's end Brodie Van Wagenen was hired as general manager of the New York Mets.  So, rather than sitting side by side with Jacob at the negotiation table, Brodie now sits across from his former client's new representation.  As plot twists go, it's very likely BVW knows exactly what it will take to satiate Camp deGrom.  Only now he gets paid to negotiate what's in the best interest of the Mets checkbook.  That means taking into consideration that Jacob turns 31-years old this summer, and that he is still two years away from free agent eligibility.  Technically, the Mets needn't do a thing ... yet.

Now word comes down that Jacob's representatives have placed an opening day deadline on contract negotiations.  Brodie Van Wagenen says this is a mutual agreement, as neither party wants contract issues becoming a distraction during the regular season.  And there you have it, folks: two versions to the story.  Somewhere in the middle likely lies the truth.

If I were GM ... I'd offer to tear up Jacob's present settlement in return for four years at premium dollar, with a club option for a fifth year.  As a fan, this is a conflicting circumstance; he's an all-time Mets great, and deserves better.  But business is business, and I prefer the Mets remain non-committal beyond his 34th birthday.  That said, it's logical to assume that Camp deGrom is seeking longer term security.

I'd caution the Mets not to budge.

N.Y. Mets: Hello Pitchers and Catchers

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Truck is Unloaded;

LET SPRING TRAINING BEGIN!

PITCHERS and CATCHERS

New York Mets: Talk About an Off-Season of Upheaval ... Brodie Van Wagenen Sends Tremors Throughout Flushing.

Since being named general manager just three months ago Brodie Van Wagenen has been busy shaking, rattling, and rolling, all the while stressing winning, winning now, winning for years to come, and winning deep into the future.

That's great!  His positive energy is undeniable.  But I still have my reservations.  Because what BVW does not discuss is the other side of the proverbial coin: Mets ownership is still in debt.  As such, their finances will continue playing a prohibitive role in club operations for another two years.  Only then, by 2021, will they will be free of all debt stemming from the Madoff implosion, the aftermath, and recovery, and finally regain the financial flexibility fans are clamoring for.  I've cited in previous posts easily searched media articles/reports and links supporting this claim.  I merely bring this up for sake of injecting needed context into the conversation, nothing more.

Otherwise, as a fan who preaches success starts at the top I'm quite pleased with the sweeping changes enacted throughout the front office, scouting and development departments, and coaching staff.  I'd also be a hypocrite if I say I do not agree with BVW's plan to fortify the entire 40-man roster.  There's a very noticeable redundancy at play, with an aim to hedge against injury - something the Mets know much about.  There's also no denying that whichever potential mix of players wind up comprising this year's opening day 25-man roster, it will be an improved version over last year.

Some of BVW's transactions have been popular, others not so much.  Some acquisitions have come at the expense of several well touted, albeit low level minor league prospects.  I had a particular liking for Justin Dunn and Ross Adolf.  However, how all of this works out remains to been seen.  The Mets have won off-season's in the past.  But no team gets parades down the Canyon of Heroes for dominating the winter tabloids.

Catchers: The Position is Improved With An Agreeable Short-Term Solution.

I'm still a little dismayed over the non- acquisition of J.T. Realmuto, more so now that he's a member of the Phillies, and considering the price Philadelphia paid to acquire him.  It looks as if the Miami Marlins overplayed their hand.  However, the problem is wholly mine, for if there were one player I really wanted BVW to get in a Mets uniform this off-season, it was him.

Perchance to dream ...

Instead, the Mets enter the season with free agent catcher Wilson "the Buffalo" Ramos.  He is signed to a favorable two-year deal, which leaves only his day to day availability in question.  Wilson is averaging 108 games played over his last four season, but only 92 games over his last eight full seasons.  Health concerns aside he wields a very capable bat, able to hit for both average and power, and should provide solid protection for the middle of the line-up.  He's equally adept behind the plate, having already demonstrated himself to be a good receiver behind the plate, while sporting a .993 fielding average, and an above league average in caught stealing.

However, the re-signing of Devin Mesoraco (to a minor league contract) may prove most valuable of all.  Because although retained and signed, the future of Travis d'Arnaud in a Mets uniform remains very much in doubt.  To a far greater extent than Ramos, there is little debating that d'Arnaud's worse ability has been his unavailability.  He'll need to stay healthy for a complete season, be it in Flushing or Syracuse, before shaking the growing general perception of him.  In the meantime, Mesoraco enters camp as a non-roster invitee.  However, he has already proven to Mets fans that he is a very capable receiver behind the plate.  I'd be more than agreeable with Devin backing up Wilson Ramos on a full time basis.  Travis d'Arnaud ... not so much.


Next up: Pitchers.

N.Y. Mets: Spring Training Pot Pourri

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

Rising Apple Report #142: 

Spring Training and WBC

Stuff;

Mets starting pitching, 

infield depth, Terry Collins,
strength and conditioning,

My major World Baseball Classic rant,

Jackie Robinson, Mets who've worn #42,

Dave Kingman, Bamby's Bandits,

and much more.

Rising Apple Spring Training Previews

These are Rising Apple collaborative articles presenting our respective views.  I invite you to read them all.  You'll find mine a few pages in.

• Who will win the fifth starter spot?
• Mets Player Most Likely to Surprise 
• Will the Mets Stay Healthy? Who Will Be the First Met Placed on the Disabled List? 
• What can We Expect from David Wright?

Five more installments still to come.

Tryin to Dig up Dirt on the Farm

I am the one who accused the Mets farm system of being dry, spent, and being a system that has come to an abrupt halt for the first time since the mid-60's since Joe McDonald was over-see'er of operations.  I've said that more than once I suppose.  The last two impact players this system has developed were Jose Reyes and David Wright (and Scott Kazmir).  Those players were inherited by Omar Minaya when he assumed GM duties towards the tail end of the 2004 season.  There has not been a farm development of impact since.  That is the gist of what I've felt for some time now.

But even I can't ignore what is transpiring in Met Camp this spring.  The Mets' minor leaguers are holding their own in camp and some are even impressing.  The player/prospects in camp this year, last year and to a very lesser degree 3 years ago are not just prospects to speak of, they are here in a bunch.  And interestingly this is all after the Johan Santana trade.

Fernando Martinez, Josh Thole, Mike Pelfrey, Fernando Nieve, Jon Niese, Eddie Kunz and Bobby Parnell we already know and are familiar with.  This spring it's hard to ignore what Henrry Mejia, Ike Davis and Miguel Tejada are doing.  I'll be nice and toss in Daniel Murphy and even say there is hope yet for Nick Evans.  My point is, even I have to look around and admit that these guys are here in a bunch.  Where did they all come from?  I, many fans, critics and analysts all agreed the Mets farm system was barren of talent.
I guess they had more than we realized.

This forces my to rethink my whole position.  I'll stick to this century.  As I mentioned Reyes and Wright (and Kazmir) were the last impact players the system produced.  They were drafted under the Steve Phillips/Duquette days.

For ten years I've watched the NYM Class A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones stay in contention within their league.  They've won division titles, appeared in a couple of championship series and even won one.  These are low level prospects and signings from the June draft.  But for ten years I've watched most of them fizzle out at AA Binghamton.  I understand the minor leagues is a weeding out process.  But our prospects were getting outright deleted at Binghamton.  Under Steve Phillips, the Mets hired a Howie Freiling as manager of AA for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.  In 2003 John Stearns was given the job followed by Ken Oberkfell in 2004.

When Omar Minaya took over as GM of the Mets, he hired Tony Bernazard to be his Special Asst. to the GM.  In December of 2004 Tony Bernazard was made Vice President of Development.

The Binghamton Mets made the Eastern League playoffs in 2000 and 2004 and got bounced in the first round both times.  The AA Mets have not made the Eastern League playoffs since.

Upon his promotion, Bernazard purged AA operations and hired Jack Lind to manage Binghamton in 2005.  The next year he hired Juan Samuel to manage.  The team came in 3rd place in 2006.  The following year Bernazard hired Mako Oliveras and he lasted three years finishing 6th, 3rd, and 6th again.  As I mentioned and as you can see, no playoffs and quite poor finishes.

Now I'm stuck trying to make sense of all the possibilities swirling around my skull matter.  I need someone to blame for making me arrive at my original conclusions before I'm ready to admit I fell victim to my own propaganda.

We know Bernazard needed to be fired for his behavior and conduct unbecoming a Team Executive.  He ripped off his shirt and challenged team members of AA to fight in the locker-room.  We know all about that.
My question is, was Tony Bernazard addressing a very real concern and malignant attitudes within the AA team and just went about addressing it in an entirely inappropriate way?  I'm still convinced this farm system was suffering an aneurysm at the AA level.  Again, I have been watching the A-level Brooklyn Cyclones play and move on to A-Long Season and AA only to get caught in the prospect Black Hole.

We (Mets) are still looking for that one prospect we can call Omar's.  There is yet that player we can point to and say, "Yea, that's Omar's guy".  And by Omar we have to include Bernazard.  The quantity (and I am in no way discussing the quality of these prospects here, no.  I merely want to push forward the notion that we have a bunch, and they are working their way into the conversation) of farm hands we are discussing today is very different from the discussion being held just 3 years ago.

Tony Bernazard was fired for his actions in December of 2009.  Tim Teufel will be managing AA this season.  Teuful managed the Cyclones several years ago.

There is no doubt that all the prospects listed in this post are attributable to Omar's regime and in part to Bernazards work.  The two have been over-see'ers of the minor league operation since 2004 (with no AA playoff appearances).  Are we now starting to see the fruits of drafting over the last 4 years? 

Some of the better drafting teams around the league are Milwaukee, Oakland, Boston, L.A., Phila, L.A.A,  etc. - but that's a short list with obvious omissions.  Was Tony Bernazard and Omar Minaya doing a better job than anyone realized and keeping it on the down-low?  That remains to be seen.  These are still prospects and nothing is ever certain with them.  What I am certain of however, is there are more of them to talk about than there have been in the last 6 years.

My position has been that during Phillips as GM the farm system was still operating but in dire need of rejuvenation.  Under Omar Minaya, 2004 through 2007 were meager harvests from the farm; an exhausted soil was producing no more I thought/think.  But then again those year's players would have been some of the previous regime's drafts.  But the trickle which started in 2007 seems to have graduated to a stream it appears.  There is a very healthy amount of young players in camp making a case for themselves why they should be breaking camp with the Mother Ship.

Now again I ask you to judge, did I sell myself on self-hyped, self inflicted propaganda?
Did I jump the gun too early on Omar and Bernazard's effectiveness building the system back up, and we are only now beginning to see the benefits of a couple of years of revamping operations?
Am I wrong to think that in Phillips' last days everything was going to pot and the minor league operations with it?

It's hard to ignore all the prospects and options (if you want to stretch things further) currently in camp being supplied by the farm.  This is Omar and Bernazard's work.  As such Bernazard should be given credit if in fact many of these prospects pan out.  But Damn It!!!  He was a social misfit, quite unprofessional to say the least, and completely out of line with his behavior and absolutely needed to be fired.  But if in fact we are starting to realize the fruits of his unorthodox ways, the only thing I can really say is "Only in Met's Ville".

Maybe that aneurysm I thought the farm suffered from at the AA Level was what Bernazard was looking to correct and he just took the wrong course of action.  Maybe the system's screeching halt I accused the Mets' higher ups of causing was merely the adjustment period from one regime to the other.  I accused Omar of not living up to his reputation as being a talent evaluator.  I accused the system of breathing it's last breaths.

If this is the beginning of a flow of prospects we'll get to see in years to come, then Omar and even Bernazard deserve more credit than I ever gave them regarding this.  Perhaps that aneurysm I thought existed was really the Phillips regimes last gasp of  breath and we're finally seeing the sytem's resuscitation.

Getting a good read on players in spring training is not an exact science.  Minor league player development is.  There's no doubt Tony Bernazard acted like a punk many times, not only during the incident that got him fired.  But if in fact he is the one who fixed the pot hole at AA, all I can say is - What a Shame.  If in fact Omar is equally responsible for a re-invigorated farm, then let's trust him to find another Seargent-at-Arms.
That's if he (and Jerry Manuel) last the season.  These kids just might save both of their jobs.  Only time will tell at this point.

Now if I've over-reacted over the last few years I'll admit being too hard on management.  If I'm wrong, I'll be wrong.  It wouldn't be the first and it won't be the last time.  I just want to wait a little longer and see what happens.  I still feel I'm right about some things, I'm willing to bend on the others.  But we shall see.

The early feel of the 2010 season is tasting eerily similar to last years BeatLoaf so far.  Yep!  These kids could save some jobs, make a lot of fans happy and prove a lot of baseball pundits wrong.  Yep.

This is a work in progress.  There will be no conclusion for this post tonight.  I'm trying to be open when it's easier to just abuse them.  I also had to think about Tony Bernazard in a way no one has really taken the time to consider.  Him being, and acting out like a street punk and the fans not seeing anything coming up the pipe may have eclipsed what good he may have actually affected.  Time will definitely tell.

But today, I post as a pleasantly surprised Met fan, who over the last 2 to 4 days took notice of  the collective group of prospects and said to myself, this looks healthy.  When you deal in quantity you can pick out the quality.  The thing is the numbers.  There's strength in numbers.  Old adage; Same truth.

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/

NYM should sign JOBU to a Long Term Deal

The on-going crime scene investigation better known as Met's Spring Training continues to baffle...(obligatory cheap shot of the day).

METrospection has been in therapy working on his avoidance, displacement and denial issues regarding his Flushing Frustrations.  Going on and on about how miserably bad the Mets organization and operations are being run is an exercise in insanity.  That is why it appears, for a Mets blog, I seem to post infrequently about the Metropolitans.  There is no new dynamic to work with.  I just can not waist my time on a daily basis, nor will I waist your time with incessant Met rants.  Sometimes it's fun.  Sometimes it's not.  Whenever I do entertain my Met thoughts, be sure about this folks, I'm usually right.  I don't take myself too seriously in this blog, but as it regards the Mets I laugh and joke, but I don't play.

Back in December 2009, this young Blog posted a warning to the Mets and Met fans regarding Fernando Martinez.  He became a forgotten prospect and I warned Met fans not to forget about him.
http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/2009/12/f-mart-you-forgot-him-didnt-you-were-gonna-need-him.html

Since that posting, Fernando Martinez went on to have a very good Winter League season and crowned it with a Caribbean Series MVP award.  This spring he is batting over .500 and is still only 21 years old.  Of course I know not to read too much into that stat.  But if the kid is winning the day, give the kid a shot.  Of course I know because of his Winter League he's ahead of pitchers this spring.  I get all that.  While it may be true he appeared overwhelmed at times last year, I warned Met fans none-the-less not to forget him.  If you read the linked post, you see I pretty much expected to loose Beltran to injury and my concerns about what type of outfielder is needed to roam the spacious CitiField outfield.  Yea, I'm tooting my own horn but trust me, it's not an enviable postion to be in.  He's no Jim Edmonds in the outfield but the upside is there.

As it relates to today, - Gary Matthews Jr.?  Stop it or save it.  I'm not listening to that.  Pagan or Martinez; let them battle for the job in Beltran's absence.  I believe in prospects and am usually patient with them.  Playing time = improvement.  Make sure Fernando Martinez in the mix come Opening Day and he'll be OK and make the Mets look smart.  Lord knows they need it right now.

Beltran? (See referenced therapy)  He and the Mets are staring at an ugly divorce when he gets healthy and it will be instigated by Carlos himself; the same player who asked the Yankees to sign him for less money than the Mets offered him.

I like Beltran, so don't get the wrong impression.  I just think it is what it is.  I'd entertain a trade involving Beltran for the right package this season.  I'm not lobbying for it though.  He is one of the few free agent signings, as they go, who had his better seasons and career year after signing his pact.  That's just to let you know where I stand.

And now Oliver Perez.

 

Pictures tell a thousand words (or however that saying goes).  The NY Daily News had some pics that show exactly what Ollie is doing wrong.  I know it's a little audacious of me to question why Rick Peterson, Dan Warthen or even Sandy Koufax, who spent time in Met Camp did/do not correct this very simple and obvious flaw with Perez' delivery.  I'm not trying to over simplify this considering

Sandy Koufax offered some advice.

If you know anything about pitching you know your landing foot has to be perpendicular to your catcher.  Oliver Perez' landing foot is like lightning in that it doesn't strike the same ground twice.  But you can be sure his foot will land in a closed angle and not opened up to the catcher and home plate.  When you land that way be prepared to have a miserable outing Ollie.  Why can't anyone see this?  It's not overstating the problem.  It's bad mechanics, no one will correct it and I have no clue why?  That's not in depth analysis on my part.  That's Pitching 101.

Forget the headline, look at his landing foot.

This is the genesis of a bad pitch.

In other Met Matters:

Ike Davis, 1B, son of Ron Davis, Yankee pitcher from back in the day, continues to have an impressive spring.  Righty Henrry Mejia is sparkling and catching everyone's eye.  And that concludes the good news.

 John Maine said "he just wasn't into it" when he described his last outing.

Really?  That's a pretty non-chalant attitude for someone who has a lot to prove.

Kelvim Escobar can't lift his arm to pick his nose.

Reyes' thyroid?  See Therapy Sessions.

I'm placing the over/under on K-Rod's Dead Arm at August 15th.  I just think The Classic, followed by the 2009 season, then Winter League and no discernable break between them will come back to haunt him and the Mets.

I've been on record saying you could have saved me Barajas at catcher. 

I would have given the job to Thole outright.

What ever happened to Nick Evans?

My starting pitching still looks like:

Santana

Pray for Rain instead of Maine

Uh-Oh!

Oh-No!

and Who? (not the first baseman)

If the Mets are stumblin and bumblin their way into June, Omar Minaya & Jerry Manuel are toast.

Basically, not a lot has changed in Metropolis that screams for my attention.

There is a lot of Bad Karma over at CitiField; Business as usual.

Can you see my dilemma? 

To talk about the Mets is a strainingly garulous conversation even for the sublime.

If only Buster Olney could invent an absurd rumor for my team.

Every Met could use a JOBU in their locker this year.

Anyone have Pedro Cerrano's cellie?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EpLQ5u5Ugo
to see the clip on you tube

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

SchoolYard HotStove Party Part 2 A.L. Teams

If ya wanna know why we are all gathered here in the school yard in the middle of February roasting hot dogs over a fire in an old oil drum talking about other fan's teams and drinkin a little Brandy to keep the toes warm....you missed my last post.  Shame on you!!  Grab a stick, poke a hot dog on the end of it and hold it over the fire.  While you do that you have to pick a team or teams that you yourself are not a fan of, and say three good things about them.  Before everything gets crazy when the season starts and we start to get narrowly focused on our clubs, I wanted everyone to come together and celebrate our great game of baseball together before those lines in the sand are drawn at the Umps behest of "PLAY BALL".  Follow my lead and don't forget to bring something to the party.  I got the fire going and winter dogs for everyone.  CRZ BLUE Emma brought some red pepper hummus and fresh oven pita bread AND some cider to go with or without the Brandy.  Get the idea?  A.L. or N.L.  It's all good.  I call it my first annual:

" Freezing February School Yard Hot Dogs, Brandy and Baseball Oil Drum BonFire for the Fans "

NEW YORK YANKEES

The Highlanders and Baltimore Orioles before that.

Greatest moment of my baseball life,

1976 ALCS Chris Chambliss HR game.  SICK!!

Thurman Munson & Billy Martin

The Core Four and Bernie

Good Bye ol Stadium, this Met fan will miss you.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Dave Stieb, George Bell and Exhibition Stadium

I know all the words to the Canadian National Anthem

Joe Carter's all-time WS moment.

Repeat!!

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

I have to go at least two times a year, I love going to games there

 and hanging out in the harbor.  Rusty Scupper rocks!!

I always pitstop in Aberdeen to catch a New York Penn League game too.

EDDIE MURRAY!!! and that guy who used to cheerlead on top of the dugout at old Memorial Stadium.

BOSTON RED SOX

My 2nd favorite team.  I love the city of Boston! Another 2x a year thing.

YAZ!!!  Luis Tiant, Fred Lynn, Fisk, Dewey

Words can not express how much I love Fenway Park

That guy hawking steak sandwiches over by Gate D is going to be left in my Will...those sandwiches are friggin unbelievable!!

TAMPA BAY RAYS

Their owner is from Brooklyn

They come to the Bronx and give the Yankees fits all the time.

I really hope they get their stadium deal worked out because it looks like a really nice lookin design.

Chalk one up for the small market teams!

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

I met Kenny Williams in front or Oriole Park one game.  What a class guy!!  Without getting into the story..he just chilled with my family and me for a solid 10 minutes.  He seemed in no rush to go inside.

You may not like Ozzie Guillen but he's good for baseball!

I have no reason at all to think Big Hurt isn't one of the "good guys" on the 500 list!

CLEVELAND INDIANS

...is on this year's wish list for a road trip.

Bob Feller is one of my most favorite pitchers of All-Time!!

I would have honestly liked to have seen one of those mid-90s teams win a WS.

Do you remember Steve Olin?  I do.  He closes out games for Team Eternity these days.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Some of my fondest memories of baseball were of the K.C. vs N.Y.Y rivalry in the late 70s.

AstroTurf days or not...that park was always nice with the fountains.

Dan Quisenberry, Amos Otis, Frank White

I was watching the Yankee game on TV when George Brett freaked out over the HR/OUT.

MINNESOTA TWINS

No one gives them enough speak to the fact they are the Washington Senators continued.  I see them as one of the old school franchises with the rich long history; a century plus years old franchise and

not another 60s run-away rebel.

  So in that case ..take this  BIG TRAIN !!!

As a young NY Mets prospect back in '82-'84, I couldn't stand Ron Gardenhire!!  Hated him almost.

He's one of the best managers in baseball today..Period!!  I hope that makes up for it Ron?

!! > Tony Oliva < !!

DETROIT TIGERS

Trammel and Whitaker.  Jack Morris should be in HOF.

I miss Tiger Stadium!

Willie Horton on the streets of Detroit in his uniform trying to get people to stand down from their angers.

One of the most classic uniforms in all of baseball

TEXAS RANGERS

Buddy Bell.  Went to old Arlington Stadium in 1987.

...and waking up one morning to see the front and back page of all the papers about

Nolan Ryan's 7th career no-hitter!!

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

all those "Swingin' A's" of the 70's!!! 

 All that talent was sprinkled around the league in the late 70s and most of the teams they wound up on became winners themselves.  Those A's could have won two more.  You can look it up!

BILLYBALL featuring Rickey Henderson.

I think Reggie Jackson's #9 Oakland jersey is in my top 3 all-time!

LOS ANGELES ANGELS of ANAHEIM

My personal favorite trio was the Edmonds-J.T. Snow-Salmon edition.

Gene Autry, late great owner!

Just in case anyone is wondering, they are going to turn 50 years old next year!  Yep.

SEATTLE MARINERS

The 1995 playoff vs the NY Yankees was one of the best playoff series Ever!

Edgar Martinez has a lifetime pass on the Trolley.

When baseball expanded in 1977 with this team and Toronto, I accepted this team quicker.  I thought Mariners was a cool name and "Neptune's" M was a cool logo. 

Alvin Davis and Ken Griffey Jr.

See the last post for the National League.  Grab a team or teams and triple up on the warmth we all have for baseball.  Before we all start to go out our friggin minds that is.  Don't forget to bring goodies to share.

Enjoy the fire everybody.

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/

Party for my Friends in the SchoolYard

Before positional players show up to camp; before exhibition games start; before our clubs break camp; before Opening Day and our seasons start in earnest; before we all  become singularly focused on our favorite teams and players; before our rivalries set in; before we all draw that line in the sand when the Ump yells "PLAY BALL"!!....; Before all that takes place I want to invite everyone to my first annual:

" Freezing February School Yard
Hot Dogs, Brandy & Baseball
Oil Drum BonFire for the Fans "

Mike!?   What do we do at such a gathering? 

Answer: Say three things about a team other than your own and try to keep it nicey-nice.

Bring something too..I got the fire started up and have a nice long stick for everyone to roast up a good winter dog with.  I have the hot dogs and brandy so all you need to do is show up and we'll all have a nice party for our 30 teams we call MLB.  C'mon Let's be baseball pagans for a night.

It's my blog so I'll do the National League today.  Follow my lead.

NY METS

Jerry Koosman!  Hall of Famer Mr. Met. 

Retire Kieth Hernandez' #17

FLORIDA MARLINS

Jeff Conine = the First.  I like their logo!  Sister lives there so I go to several Marlin games a year.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Good job with the Connie Mack Tribute outside the park.  Pat's cheese steaks are better than Geno's!

Tug McGraw getting the last strike to end 1980 WS.

ATLANTA BRAVES

"..here's the pitch by Downing..." Hammerin Hank is still the HR King.

Original Boston Beaneaters, Chipper Jones can ride the Trolley anytime.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS/Montreal Expos

The running Presidents are some of the best mascots in baseball...I love those guys!!

Cool new park, went in 2009. 

1994 Expos, Andre Dawson, Ellis Valentine

CHICAGO CUBS

went in 1991, an almost perfect baseball experience (does perfection exist?)

Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance

Ron Santo...Hey Hey!!

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

One of the best uniforms in all of baseball.  Ted Simmons!! 

Went in 1987...Ate myself silly at the Spaghetti Factory, is that still there?

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Go all the way back to the Alleghenies BBC!  DAVE PARKER!!

Went in 2006.  The city, park, views and walking over the Roberto Clemente Bridge to go to the game and seeing all the statues including the Negro Leagues...Awesome!

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Part of my 1991 road trip.  Old County Stadium was a great blast from the past ballpark.

Harvey's WallBangers!!  Cecil Cooper!

HOUSTON ASTROS

Went to Astrodome in 1987. 

 Those multi-color striped uniforms grew on me to the point I liked them.

Jose Cruz.

CINCINNATI REDS

first openly professional baseball team 1869.

MLB should return the proper opening of the baseball season to Cincinnati's Opening Day.

Joe Morgan.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

any park that let's you bring your dog is OK with me!  Not hanging your heads after games 4 and 5 in the 2001 WS and winning it all was pretty damn impressive.  Does Big Unit go in as a D-Back? Doubtful but he had great years there and a ring to show for it.  Should he?

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Juan Marichal!! 

The Giants Win the Pennant!!, The Giants Win the Pennant!!, The Giants Win the Pennant!!

All that great NYC history  (eh hem...I said we'd be nicey nice)

SAN DIEGO PADRES

I believe the swingin' Padre logo is one of the classics in baseball.

Ozzie Smith's autograph at Shea Stadium in 1980.

It's just a great name and throwback to the Pacific Coast League team.

BRO LOS ANGELES DODGERS

(deep breath..)

Dodger Dogs and a beautiful park aging gracefully, becoming one of the games newer/older Gran' Dames.

FernandoMania

..and that Oh So Rich Brooklyn History...(eh Hem!!)

COLORADO ROCKIES

Went to the first Rockies game ever vs Mets at Shea 1993.

Bichette, Castilla, Walker and Galaraga...ouch!

Congrats 2007 NL Champs

**********

That's the way it's done folks.  Bundle up and grab a stick.  Before we all get carried away with ourselves this season, let's just chill as one big MLB family.  Don't forget to bring something.

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/

FRED SPEAKS!! (and I liked it)

The owner of the New York Metropolitans and often target of this blog was in Met Camp and spoke.

We have not heard directly from our majority owner in quite sometime; maybe a year give or take.

I, an admitted Fred Wilpon antagonist, heard what he had to say (and what he didn't say)..

...and it pleased me. Imagine that!

Omar Minaya & Fred Wilpon

(picture - New York Post)

Fred Wilpon was in camp which is not uncommon. Fred spoke with the media and through them, to us the fans, which I have never accused him of ignoring us. Quite the contrary, "he" "they" the "Mets" monitor what we say on the talk shows all the time. In Fred Wilpon's case I believe it's a little (a lot) paranoid. However, it is good business policy to do so and I do not begrudge him/them for doing so. They may have done so regardless, but we fans hold a belief that the Wilpons are a little paranoid about criticism anyway. An example of that is 2 seasons ago Fred/LiL Jeff banned newspapers from the clubhouse because he/they didn't want the players being brought down by negative columns and reporting.. Don't take my word for it. You can look it up.

Before I continue about what he said, which is the whole gist of this post, because I like what I heard...Yes I did - imagine that....Just wanna let you know Sandy Koufax was in Met camp too. Ordinarily I'd be taking cheap shots at Wilpon for something like this because of his transformation of the Mets into the B'klyn Dodgers.

Fred Wilpon went to Lafayette High School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn; my neighborhood. Fred Wilpon was a pitcher for the high school team. The first baseman for that team was Sandy Koufax. Fred and Sandy are childhood friends. Sandy Koufax always comes to Met camp and having Sandy in camp can never be a bad thing. I just wish I could use this as ammo against Fred. But I can't...can I? Then I would just prove to everyone that I was just brainless (if you don't think that already). So that's why Sandy Koufax is always at Mets' spring camp for a few days. But I want you to keep that in mind as just a small fraction into the how, why, and to Met fan's frustration (a large segment of us), Fred's continuing efforts to delete Met history (exaggeration....put your fingers together..almost touching....take that much away from this little rant about Met history).... Moving on..

I'm summarizing the portions important to me regarding what Fred had to say yesterday. I paraphrase:

*

The off-season was torture...Very difficult to endure.

(Thank You Mr. Wilpon. Welcome to my world.)

*

...Expect no financial constraints on this team. There are no Madoff effects. "we will have the third highest payroll in baseball" (me - the truth is we will be about 5th behind NYY, BOS, CHiC, and I think PHILA. The Mets payroll will be in the neighborhood of $130Mill +/- in 2010).

*

He spoke about the Met's plans for inductions into the Mets Hall of Fame this August. I already stated my displeasure with our HOF situation in a previous post. I won't do it again here.

He said he wants the Met's fans to be comfortable in their own park and the team is making efforts towards addressing the lack of a Mets-centric atmosphere.

*

Fred Wilpon said he knows people want to love this team but things haven't gone to plan lately. He is very optimistic about the upcoming season. He believes the Mets have "some great players" but that it didn't translate to a great team. He wants that changed this year. He senses"a difference in the team's attitude than that of the media's", which is to say Fred believes the team is ready and he's "hopeful".

*

On the Medical Staff's current perception as being incompetent: ...."there's a process and procedures that should be looked at" but he maintains and firmly believes the Met's staff is one of the best. That is a claim that before the last two years was without denial. That's why at current, the recent gaffes by the Medical team and their string of misdiagnosis' is befuddling to us. That insight is all Fred offered when questioned about the Carlos Beltran series of events.

This is when Fred Wilpon started to get cryptic because the questioning was becoming more focused toward the weightier issues; Omar and Jerry Manual.

I am not saying he dodged any questions. He was getting the hometown treatment because the Q&A was the Met's own channel SNY-TV. The issues just weren't pressed upon him moving forward.

He would not address the status of Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel. To me THAT quiet spoke the loudest. Fred is not a dope. Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya are joined at the hip. If the Mets get off to a sloppy start, look for the Wilpons to make a move. That's the part that scares me. I've eluded to all those anxieties before. But the Wilpons it is my guess will make a move none-the-less. I believe the Mets record going into mid-May will go a long way towards determining both of their futures.

Fred Wilpon spoke and I am satisfied with what I heard. I have no want to criticize him today after speaking. I only desired he speak to us sooner than he has. Folks this is not to say that Junior...LiL Jeff isn't on the scene. He's a horse of another stable right now. I'm happy Papa Fred was on hand and in a speaking mood. I really am. And to show you I have a soft spot and I'm not all pitch-fork and torches with Fred, - as I listened, I heard it for the first discernible time, he's getting older. Yes, it's evident when you see him. He's aging well, but because like I said, we haven't heard from him in a little bit, his voice now matches the image.

Fred Wilpon is a Brooklynite from my own neighborhood. I like the idea my favorite hometown team is in the hands of a Brooklynite. No, I think it's rather special actually. Fred Wilpon came in as a partner with Nelson Doubleday to purchase the New York Metropolitans in 1980; 30 years ago. I was 13 years old. We're in this symbiotic relationship for a long time. Yea I have my issues with Fred. There's no hiding that right?

Mr. Wilpon is not cheap. He cares very much - He listens.

You have to love someone first in order to hate them.

Mr. Wilpon, I don't hate you. You're looking good.

Be well my friend.

*******

In other Met developments:

Carlos Delgado, while no longer a Met, although I wished otherwise, is going for a second operation on his hip. The first one, not performed by the doctor who performed ARod's surgery, apparently didn't go well. Carlos was noticeably struggling in winter ball. That news kinda bummed me out.

Then this news hit me today like a piano falling out of the sky....

Jerry Manuel said,

"In the evolution of Jose Reyes as a hitter, batting third is the next logical step forward for him."

I have no particular want for Manuel to be fired. It's never really crossed my mind (YET). But I am not an active supporter of his. Does that make sense? I don't mind him - wouldn't be sorry to see him go.

If Jerry Manuel wants to bat Reyes third until Beltran comes back...that's fair. You can talk to me about that. If he feels Reyes is evolving into the logical 3rd spot hitter and this is his natural progression as a hitter, and 3rd is where he belongs....

I want him fired now!

It's too easy for me to really load-up and rain insults here. I'm just not entertaining that kinda talk. I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. We heard it last year too. This isn't new. Manuel has talked like this before, last year he threw it out there. I'm not listening. I'm hoping Jerry gets fired before he ever gets to implement that plan. I'm not politicking to get him fired. That kinda talk and plan would constitute a fireable offense if you ask this Met fan.

Here's the question of the day.

Most people/Met/baseball fans won't admit this, and when I'm not suffering from moments of clarity

I wouldn't admit it either.....

Name me the best lead-off and two batter combos in baseball going into 2010.

I will say when healthy Reyes and Castillo are one of the best. What say you?

Reyes third?! Really? I'm open minded. I've digested it. I don't want anything to do with it. - Not if he's healthy and Reyes can run like Reyes.

...And Finally, in the never ending saga which is METropolis, Kelvim Escobar, whom Omar signed to a minor league contract, and was being eyed to be the 8th inning guy, has a sore arm. Can you imagine that?! At first the rumor was he couldn't even grip a ball.

The Mets only offered

"His spring training will progress very slowly".

...this just in over the radio.. -  The Mets just signed ROD BARAJAS, catcher.

I'm running to get my left over bottle rockets I have from the RYOTA IGARASHI signing

and light them in the yard.

WooooHoooo!!!

Thanx OMAR!

Say Good Night Gracie!

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/

Spring Training: Met's Positional Players, My Anxiety

In no particular order, here is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

Mets Spring Training:  Positional Players

****

CATCHER - ....has been a problem for the Mets since MIKE PIAZZA's last game and has gone unresolved to the present.  Omar has never really found a stable solution for this position.  Omar brought in PAUL LoDUCA to replace Piazza and was servicable for a year and 1/2.  It's been a revolving door ever since.

I would give the job outright to JOSH THOLE.  It's easy to get caught up in the sparkle of a promising September call-up like he experienced in '09.  Having said that, I don't think I'm getting caught up by a sparkling Sept. call-up.

The other options are OMIR SANTOS and HENRY BLANCO.  Bengie MOLINA chose against signing with the Mets for less money to stay in S.F.  Omar tried.  I cede him that.  But by no means was Molina a solution for the catching position.  At best he would have been the latest through the revolving door.

Back to Santos and Blanco, they are considered the defensive specialists.  Problem is they are both offensively challenged.  Let's be honest.  If you're going to tell me one of them is the starter while we continue to look for someone else and we're sending Thole to the farm for more seasoning.....That's fair.  If I'm being forced to be pragmatic about this....that's fair.  But my official stance is I would give the job to Thole.  My official opinion is Omar hasn't been able to give this position stability entering the 5th year since Piazza last played here.  And my sarcasm asks...Santos and Blanco?  Really?  Make the arguement why one of those two should start over Thole and get back to me.

I'm going to admit, all I want from my catchers is superlative defense.  I'm a Jerry Grote guy if that gives you an idea what I'm talking about.  Having said that....gimmie Thole.

****

FIRSTBASE - I made it quite clear...I wanted Carlos Delgado back under a one-year deal...Like Jane wanted Damon back!  He is so close to 500 HR and 1600 RBI and I wanted him to do it as a Met.  If you know me by now and how I followed the Winter Leagues, even I have to admit he was not moving well and struggled in Puerto Rican League play.  I saw it for myself.  Ask me and I will tell you, in better days, it was Delgado and not J.Reyes that made the Mets' line-up dangerous. 

A quick digression which leads me into our other options.... When Carlos Delgado was a free agent he chose to go to Florida over us.  There were rumors and speculation it was because Tony Bernazard was playing the Latino Card and it turned Delgado off.  Omar traded to get Carlos Delgado anyway.  He traded a kid of ours at the time, Mike Jacobs.  Now we just re-signed Jacobs.

DANIEL MURPHY - This is tough for me.  We need more slugging from 1B.  It's just too hard to "hide" him in our line-up.  I like the kid and I want to be patient with him.  In 508 at-bat he only struck out 69 times and had 38 doubles, while batting .266 in his first full year.  It's something to work with.  He makes contact and maybe he can build upon and translate those doubles into something else.  Oh yea...He's still learning how to play the position.  He's still raw out there, but I won't say his glove is for self-defensive purposes only.  But this is such a tough call.  After you look at our options, we don't have much choice.

FERNANDO TATIS - ...again?  Really?  C'Mon!!  I'm all for a strict platoon at firstbase.  But are we doing this Tatis thing again?  Not happy.

MIKE JACOBS - ...is very interesting.  I was sorry to see him go in the Delgado deal.  He never lived up to the promise he showed here once he left.  He topped 30 HR in his career but has struggled away from "Shea".  I have mixed emotions about him.  I'm glad to see him back.  Maybe he can pick-up where he left off here and recapture some of that swing we saw and actually win the 1B job.  But Jacobs completes a cycle of sorts as he is here and Delgado is not.  Omar is literally back to where the 1B situation was when he arrived here for the 2005 season.

****

SECOND BASE - ...Luis Castillo had a nice bounce back season.  He really got a bad rap around here for the foolish contract Omar signed him to, then offering up a stinker of a season in 2008.  But the truth is he's always been a .300 hitter with very solid defense.  Omar was killed routinely about Luis Castillo and still is.  All the talk here in NYC is Luis Castillo is the reason why we don't have Orlando Hudson playing 2B for us.  The Mets won't eat Castillo's contract.  I'm not drinking that HUDSON Kool-Aid.  I think Castillo can give us another season like he offered last year.  He was one of the few things that went right around here last year.  But he still gets a bad rap.  I myself don't like the contract Omar gave him, but I could be more critical of this situation than I am.  Side note...There is no one worth mentioning coming up from the farm.  It's Luis Castillo or bust Met fans.

****

SHORTSTOP - this is easy.  If Jose Reyes is fully healthy, he's one of the most dynamic players in all of baseball.  If Jose Reyes, who has now lost two complete seasons to leg injuries that sandwich his career, is not healthy, meaning if his legs aren't the same, he is not Jose Reyes and is no longer one of the most dynamic players in baseball.  It's that simple.  His legs are what make him special.  If his legs are compromised, his unique skill is over.  Simple.

****

THIRD BASE - David Wright.  He waited till his 5th full year in the league to have his Sophomore Jinx.  What happened to him last year?  Ya can't blame his lack of HRs on CitiField.  He was equally futile on the road.  His strike outs went through the roof.  Now it could have been because everyone dropped like flies around him in the line-up and it was just easier not to give David Wright a good pitch to hit.  Why would anyone have done that last year?  Maybe getting beaned in the head shook his batter's-box confidence a little.  That's just speculation on my part.  I expect David to bounce back and get back to what he's done between '05-'08.  But he needs a healthy Carlos Beltran in the line-up also.

****

INFIELDERS - ALEX CORA, can play 1B, 2B, 3B and SS.  Another one of the few bright spots for the Mets last year with his ability to step in for injured players and actually improve the defense in the absense of the starter.  His attitude and leadership were heralded throughout the clubhouse.  He is rehabbed from thumb surgeries and ready for the season.

****

LEFT FIELD - JASON BAY.  I can't knock this signing.  As a matter of fact it's about time.  LF has been another of Omar's revolving door postions.  One of Omar's fetishes is trying to capture lightning in a bottle from older players at the end of their careers and injury comebacks.  Omar, not once but twice, mistakenly signed Moises Alou for this position.  First time shame on me....second time shame on OMAR!  At least now with Jason Bay the position is settled for a few years.  There are some health concerns that scared the Red Sox away and a few other teams felt likewise.  The fact that I wouldn't trust the Met's Med Staff to put on a band-aid at current,  has to leave a small fraction of uncertainty in Met Minds.

****

CENTER FIELD - CARLOS BELTRAN....out till June.  Surgery-Gate.  Who knew...Who didn't...who gave the OK?.....NON-SENSE!!  Front office buffoonery.  We just have to bide our time and wait, and that hopefully he comes back healthy and ready to contribute.  Carlos Beltran is a player who asked the Yankees to sign him for less money the Mets offered him.  He wound up here.  His first year here was a rough start especially with the fans.  The fans really got on his case his first year here.  I'd admit it, but I was not one of them.  Met fans can not get the image of him watching a curveball fall in for strike three to end the 2006 NLCS out of their minds.  And now because of this surgery snafu, I fear the Mets and Beltran are headed towards an ugly divorce.  That's just me.  I am a Beltran fan.  He is one of the few players, as they go, who signed for the big money then performed and delivered above his career averages after signing.  Usually teams fall into the trap of paying for past performance.  Beltran had his career years here.  Yet he gets critisized at every opportunity.  The rumor is he told Bengie Molina not to sign here.

****

Until he gets back there's ANGEL PAGAN and FERNANDO MARTINEZ

ANGEL PAGAN is someone I've liked since he played with the Brooklyn Cyclones (A) in 2001.  In spring training of 2008 he was winning the day and himself a LF job.  Injury ended that.  Last year was another season waisted to injury also.  He's not a kid anymore however much Met fans thinks he still is.  But when he was on the field he always seamed in the mix, part of a rally and doing good things.  Beltran's injury is probably Pagan's last chance to show his worth here but he has to stay healthy.  If he can manage that he can be a good player for us.  I am pulling for him.
FERNANDO MARTINEZ, a product from the farm I claim doesn't exist anymore.  He was MVP of the Caribbean Series for his Dominican Republic team this winter.  He is still only 21 and seems to be our only "blue chipper".  That remains to be seen.  But I like this kid and want to see him get substantial time in CF in Beltran's absence.

****

RIGHT FIELD - ...anyone the Braves don't want anymore I am skeptical of.  JEFF FRANCOEUR gives me the willies.  Another postion Omar has never straightened out is RF.  Remember Shawn Greene?  Remember all the other shleps we threw out there?  I bet you don't.  That's my point.  If the Braves gave up on him and accepted Ryan Church in return, whom they themselves did not retain, what does Omar see in Francoeur that John Schuerholz didn't?  If Schuerholz doesn't want him, I want everyone who reads this to ask themselves, why would I want him? I know he did well in the short time he was here last year.  Maybe a change of scenery will do him good.  Maybe we'll get the Francoeur of 2006-07.  Bottom Line > Jeff Francoeur is a roll of the dice.  I'm hoping we don't roll craps.

****

That about covers the impotant stuff about the Mets positional players. The Mets offense will be living a precarious existence this season if ANYTHING goes wrong. There is just no room for error on this team and I don't see this team washing out the taste from our mouths in reference to the way the last 3 seasons have gone. I'm trying folks....I'm trying to be optimistic.

Let's Go Mets !!

(sigh)

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/