"I'm not just trying to hit home runs. I'm just trying to get the guys in," said Sheffield, whose renown-batting eye also got him two walks.
If only the rest of the Mets had the same attitude.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Laziness begets laziness
Well, if your team has a leadership style and clubhouse personality that does not emphasize focus, discipline and running out every play, it will rub off.
Top prospect Fernando Martinez, playing his second big league game, failed to run out an infield popup that was dropped. The 20-year-old was booed his next time up.
I'm sorry, but if you're a 20-year-old with a chance to showcase your stuff in the bigs, how are you not playing your ass off? Unless you're already so cocky that you're a sure thing to make the roster someday. If I'm Manuel, you better believe I'm in F-Mart's face about this, and benching him. But I'm sure they'll take the opposite approach and coddle him, since they basically let the players run the team there.
Top prospect Fernando Martinez, playing his second big league game, failed to run out an infield popup that was dropped. The 20-year-old was booed his next time up.
I'm sorry, but if you're a 20-year-old with a chance to showcase your stuff in the bigs, how are you not playing your ass off? Unless you're already so cocky that you're a sure thing to make the roster someday. If I'm Manuel, you better believe I'm in F-Mart's face about this, and benching him. But I'm sure they'll take the opposite approach and coddle him, since they basically let the players run the team there.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Mets call up F Mart; Church and Reyes DL'd; trade for scrub SS
F Mart is 20 years old. His career so far:
2006: Rookie league/low A/hi A
2007: AA
2008: AA
2009: 41 games @ AAA
Called up, ~ 20 yrs, 7 months.
Not all that disimilar to:
1980: Rookie league
1981: High A
1982: AA
1983: 16 games @ AAA
Called up, ~ 21 yrs, 3 months.
Of course, the major difference being that, in their final full years of minor league ball at the AA level, F Mart had an OPS of .772 (.287/8/43), compared to a 1.021 (.283/34/97) for Darryl.
Also, F Mart hit a wall his first year at AA. Darryl was (substantially) better each year in the minors, even though the competition was getting tougher.
BTW, here's the scrub we got from the Tribe for cash.
2006: Rookie league/low A/hi A
2007: AA
2008: AA
2009: 41 games @ AAA
Called up, ~ 20 yrs, 7 months.
Not all that disimilar to:
1980: Rookie league
1981: High A
1982: AA
1983: 16 games @ AAA
Called up, ~ 21 yrs, 3 months.
Of course, the major difference being that, in their final full years of minor league ball at the AA level, F Mart had an OPS of .772 (.287/8/43), compared to a 1.021 (.283/34/97) for Darryl.
Also, F Mart hit a wall his first year at AA. Darryl was (substantially) better each year in the minors, even though the competition was getting tougher.
BTW, here's the scrub we got from the Tribe for cash.
From the NYPost Mets Blog
Link
1. Omar Minaya needs to go find a shortstop, and that has as much to do with Alex Cora as Jose ReyesJose Reyes . Cora is going to be disabled until about the All-Star break. That means even if Reyes came back healthy from his now recurring calf problems than Ramon Martinez would be the backup shortstop. That is not adequate, especially when you consider that Reyes' injury has been, well, recurring. And especially now that the chances of Reyes winding up on the DL have increased. Martinez has not started more than 27 games at short since 2004. The chances he will hold up physically or defensively - at age 36 - if he is asked to play regularly in Reyes' absence are not good.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Suddenly, signing two closers
doesn't seem so retarded:
Of course, I sure do hope Putz figures himself out, b/c right now he looks shakier than a 2006 investment in subprime loans.
According to his Twitter feed, Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reports, Francisco Rodriguez collapsed outside the visitors clubhouse at Fenway Park due to back spasms and EMTs have been called to assist.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Jerry Manuel said Rodriguez was unavailable for tonight’s game after experiencing back spasms during batting practice.
Of course, I sure do hope Putz figures himself out, b/c right now he looks shakier than a 2006 investment in subprime loans.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The NY Post nails Jerry on all talk, no action
"That has been the theme of Jerry Manuel's mantra from day one of spring training: We are not gonna leave anything to chance. We are gonna pay attention to every detail." -- MetsNew York Mets play-by-play man Gary Cohen
Well, somebody's not paying attention.
The Mets -- who can't stop talking about how every, single game is important; haven't you seen the past two years? -- arguably have given away eight possible victories already this season because they don't pay attention to details.
"I think we have lacked some things in the area of focus and the intangibles in baserunning and defense," Manuel admitted to Mike Francesa on WFAN this week.
THEN WHY ISN'T ANYTHING BEING DONE ABOUT IT?!?!
Not much I can add. Read the whole column here.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Bottom Line
Barring a major trade, to pick up: (1) a solid #2 pitcher, and (2) a contact hitter who actually understands how to drive runs in instead of meekly continuing to strand them, this team will not make the playoffs this year. Period.
This team is exactly the same as those of the last 3 seasons, and past performance is a perfect indicator of future results.
This team has the absolute wrong mentality and wrong skills, and it starts at the top with the Wilpons and Omar, down through Manuel and into the players.
Winning streaks like those last week don't excite me, because I know the harsh truth that this team will simply revert to mediocrity the following week, without fail.
And so far Putz has looked exactly like that. I will never understand going after two closers when the team had so many other gaping holes to fill, although I guess in Omar's mind those gaps do not exist.
This team is exactly the same as those of the last 3 seasons, and past performance is a perfect indicator of future results.
This team has the absolute wrong mentality and wrong skills, and it starts at the top with the Wilpons and Omar, down through Manuel and into the players.
Winning streaks like those last week don't excite me, because I know the harsh truth that this team will simply revert to mediocrity the following week, without fail.
And so far Putz has looked exactly like that. I will never understand going after two closers when the team had so many other gaping holes to fill, although I guess in Omar's mind those gaps do not exist.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Leave it to the Gangsta
To take a sensible move that should've been made a week ago--namely, end the Murphy experiment in LF and move him to 1B--and muck it up by making it all about Jerry. He could have tried to manage expectations, and insulated Murph from some of the pressure: e.g., "we're not asking Daniel to take over a new position and be an All Star. We need his stick in the lineup, and now we need someone to fill in part-time at first for a few weeks, and he came up as an infielder. It'll be a challenge for him but I know he'll give us the best he can in a pinch."
Instead, what do we get from the Gangsta? "I don't know about this kid. If he can't get the job done at first, I'll cut him. I'm a gangsta, ya know. Go ask Willie."
From Marty Noble's blog:
Indecisive Jerry struck again Wednesday in Los Angeles, when the Mets manager revealed that he is planning on starting Murphy for at least four straight games at first base -- beginning tonight. That comes after Manuel planned on using Murphy at first base in San Francisco, ultimately opting against it, then saying that it might be some time before Murphy plays there. But at least now we know.
Instead, what do we get from the Gangsta? "I don't know about this kid. If he can't get the job done at first, I'll cut him. I'm a gangsta, ya know. Go ask Willie."
From Marty Noble's blog:
Indecisive Jerry struck again Wednesday in Los Angeles, when the Mets manager revealed that he is planning on starting Murphy for at least four straight games at first base -- beginning tonight. That comes after Manuel planned on using Murphy at first base in San Francisco, ultimately opting against it, then saying that it might be some time before Murphy plays there. But at least now we know.
Here's Your Answer, Fredo
Apparently Murphy gets pulled because Manuel has no confidence in him. Or many of the other players, for that matter. Call me crazy, but this doesn't seem like the type of public undermining that the players will respond to. Way to build up the confidence of your team, Jerry.
"I need to find (out) if he [Murphy] can be a first baseman," Manuel told host Mike Francesa. "I really don't know, I'll be honest with you."...
Manuel admitted the Mets may have to make a trade for a first baseman.
"I do know (Tatis) is an older player (34), he is not at the stage of his career where you can project (his performance)," Manuel said. "He's kind of in the evening of his career. Can people in the evening of their career play everyday? Some can, some can't."
"I need to find (out) if he [Murphy] can be a first baseman," Manuel told host Mike Francesa. "I really don't know, I'll be honest with you."...
Manuel admitted the Mets may have to make a trade for a first baseman.
"I do know (Tatis) is an older player (34), he is not at the stage of his career where you can project (his performance)," Manuel said. "He's kind of in the evening of his career. Can people in the evening of their career play everyday? Some can, some can't."
Errors, errors and more errors
This team's lack of discipline and focus is mind-numbing. We're #2 in errors and 2nd to last in field pct. If they had a stat to track baserunning stupidity I'm sure it would look even worse.
In almost every way the '09 season is shaping up to be the same as '06, '07 and '08. Other than K-rod I don't see any difference, and unfortunately K-rod can only help if we even make it to the 9th inning.
In almost every way the '09 season is shaping up to be the same as '06, '07 and '08. Other than K-rod I don't see any difference, and unfortunately K-rod can only help if we even make it to the 9th inning.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Da Gangsta' Might be a D-Bag, but...
...apparently he's the best.
The Mets are 76-55 since Manuel became manager, the best 131-game start by any of the 15 managers who lasted that long with the 48-year-old franchise.
On another note, I think I've finally pinpointed what I find most exasperating about the Mets. The stupid, lack-of-focus errors. They consistently make more mental errors than any team with as many supposed all-stars and high payroll. Between the stupid baserunning decisions and the dropped fly balls due to poor outfield communication they shoot themselves in the foot more than any other top team.
The Mets are 76-55 since Manuel became manager, the best 131-game start by any of the 15 managers who lasted that long with the 48-year-old franchise.
On another note, I think I've finally pinpointed what I find most exasperating about the Mets. The stupid, lack-of-focus errors. They consistently make more mental errors than any team with as many supposed all-stars and high payroll. Between the stupid baserunning decisions and the dropped fly balls due to poor outfield communication they shoot themselves in the foot more than any other top team.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Food for thought
Since it's looking like Delgado may miss significant time (if not the season) and we still have a need for a stud pitcher, I would like to suggest a trade:
Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez (who could be the permanent replacement instead of getting another fill-in type)
What would you be willing to give up?
I'd surrender Reyes, F-Mart, Parnell, Niese, and Maine. It looks like the Pods are weakest at 3B so it might take Wright to get it done (as opposed to Reyes).
Peavy is 28 and Gonzo is 27. They'd both be around a long time so I have no problem gutting the farm to lock up two premium positions with All-Stars.
On the other side, we could go after Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez (both turn 31 this year). Martinez can still catch but plays a lot of 1B (he could even be listed primarily as a 1B).
I think Lee and Martinez would come at a lesser cost but by how much?
Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez (who could be the permanent replacement instead of getting another fill-in type)
What would you be willing to give up?
I'd surrender Reyes, F-Mart, Parnell, Niese, and Maine. It looks like the Pods are weakest at 3B so it might take Wright to get it done (as opposed to Reyes).
Peavy is 28 and Gonzo is 27. They'd both be around a long time so I have no problem gutting the farm to lock up two premium positions with All-Stars.
On the other side, we could go after Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez (both turn 31 this year). Martinez can still catch but plays a lot of 1B (he could even be listed primarily as a 1B).
I think Lee and Martinez would come at a lesser cost but by how much?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Gangsta is a big D Bag
Are you s-ing me? WTF?
Down two, with the bases loaded and one out in the 8th inning, and you pinch hit for Murphy with Angel Pagan?
Angel effing Pagan?
6-4-3.
Down two, with the bases loaded and one out in the 8th inning, and you pinch hit for Murphy with Angel Pagan?
Angel effing Pagan?
6-4-3.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Worser news from the bigs
Delgado could be gone for season, and Putz is apparently damaged goods. So says the Post.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Bad News from the Farm
According to the NY Post, Evans has taken a serious step back in his development.
Well played
Go ahead Mets, give yourselves a pat on the back. Good job all around. Way to stink it up for the best pitcher in baseball yet again.
A very special shout out to Jose. Your offense is atrocious, so the least you could do is not boot a slow roller up the middle that results in a 4 run inning instead of ending the inning.
Good thing we re-signed Ollie in the offseason instead of gambling on Lowe. Really dodged that bullet!
A very special shout out to Jose. Your offense is atrocious, so the least you could do is not boot a slow roller up the middle that results in a 4 run inning instead of ending the inning.
Good thing we re-signed Ollie in the offseason instead of gambling on Lowe. Really dodged that bullet!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Murphy playing 1B
According to David Lennon at Newsday, who saw him fielding ground balls at the position the other day, "Murph looks much more comfortable at first base than leftfield."
Niese put in the rotation
According to Newsday, Ollie's on the DL, after an MRI revealed a more significant injury than previously thought.
Niese getting the start so that the 40-year old Japanesevirgin rookie can stay in the pen and give us a second left-handed arm there.
Niese has been bad so far this year (ERA>6) at Buffalo, but is coming off one good start.
Can anyone say, TRADE VALUE? Showcasing Niese, excusing Perez.
Niese, Perez, and Reyes for Perralta and Lee?
I'm still waiting.
Niese getting the start so that the 40-year old Japanese
Niese has been bad so far this year (ERA>6) at Buffalo, but is coming off one good start.
Can anyone say, TRADE VALUE? Showcasing Niese, excusing Perez.
Niese, Perez, and Reyes for Perralta and Lee?
I'm still waiting.
Enjoy it while you can
"That's what I do for a living," Santana said. "I enjoy pitching, regardless of who we're facing or when you're pitching. I think that's what I love. I'm always trying to do my best every time out there. Tonight was a great game, a great atmosphere."
Watching a master work. You don't get the chance too often. And the master has passion for his art. You can see it.
From Newsday:
Santana surrendered only two hits and trimmed his ERA from 1.10 to 0.91, the third lowest in Mets history through the first six starts of the season. David Cone had a 0.76 ERA in 1988 and Nolan Ryan a 0.77 in 1971.
Monday, May 04, 2009
I'm going to make a prediction
If we find someplace to stick Murph in the field, and therefore don't trade him, he's gonna win a batting title. Has a Met ever done so? If not, he's gonna be the first.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
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