It was a fiasco almost on par with the original press conference. It was like a bad Rickey Henderson imitation. "That's not Omar Minaya." "You guys know Omar Minaya."
This guy's personal credibility is completely blown up. Once the trading deadline passes, would it be that much of a surprise to see him canned in August or Sept.?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
WTF?
If this rumor is true, and we passed on opportunity for Kazmir as well as possibly Crawford, then I just don't get how Wilpons' keep Omar.
The Rays have shopped Kazmir around a bit, even calling the Mets, who expressed initial interest but nothing more. Tampa is trying to see if they could trade Kazmir, Carlos Pena and in the right blockbuster even Carl Crawford to free up dollars to make a bigger trade. The Rays are most focused on seeing if they can add Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez in one trade, though they continue to call on Halladay, as well.
The Rays have shopped Kazmir around a bit, even calling the Mets, who expressed initial interest but nothing more. Tampa is trying to see if they could trade Kazmir, Carlos Pena and in the right blockbuster even Carl Crawford to free up dollars to make a bigger trade. The Rays are most focused on seeing if they can add Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez in one trade, though they continue to call on Halladay, as well.
That's about right
This headline says it all.
Minaya Calls Out Daily News Reporter; Mets' Season Descends Further Into Farce
It's time for the Minaya era to come to an end. The guy is unable to assemble and maintain a winning management team. His handling of the Randolph firing was atrocious; his behavior at the Bernazard firing press conference was bizarre at best; and his lack of explanation as to the poor medical/strength conditioning staff is unacceptable.
The Mets continue to be nothing more than the punchline to a bad joke. It is time for a new direction.
Minaya Calls Out Daily News Reporter; Mets' Season Descends Further Into Farce
It's time for the Minaya era to come to an end. The guy is unable to assemble and maintain a winning management team. His handling of the Randolph firing was atrocious; his behavior at the Bernazard firing press conference was bizarre at best; and his lack of explanation as to the poor medical/strength conditioning staff is unacceptable.
The Mets continue to be nothing more than the punchline to a bad joke. It is time for a new direction.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Hey Fredo,
Looks like some fans agree with you that change in ownership is not impossible. A protest on Wilpon's lawn is apparently scheduled this week according to Post.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Stay classy, tony b
Beetz beat me to the post..
What a d-bag tony B is. So much for player development. Why doesn't tony b challenge himself to actually doing something useful for a change?
What a d-bag tony B is. So much for player development. Why doesn't tony b challenge himself to actually doing something useful for a change?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
OK, I think I'm onto something big here
We all know the Mets farm system is pretty dry. Binghamton and Buffalo seem to get blitzed by the opposition every day. Blue chip prospects are few and far between.
And our major leaguers aren't exactly tearing it up either. If we want to be "sellers" at the trade deadline, there's not much talent to be moved, at least not talent that is likely to spend more time on the diamond than in the trainer's room.
But the Mets do have one asset that should be marketable:
Former players.
Why not trade the rights to our former greats' careers for the current players we're so dearly lacking?
Now I know what you're thinking: "why would the Rockies want to trade good young talent for Tom Seaver? The guy's a senior citizen and probably couldn't have maintained an ERA under 3.00 at Coors Field, even in his playing days. After all, there's no GRAVITY in that park."
But that's not the point.
Rockies fans have no history. They've been a franchise since the '90s. That's embarrasing. They should just be embarrased. People born around the same time as their franchise think that Miley Ray Cyrus is a vocal phenomenon. Most people born in the '90s are still tring to pretend they're drinking age (or else just realize no one would buy it). That's no baseball franchise. Maybe it could pass for respectable in the Arena Football League.
These people need to buy some baseball cred. They keep their baseballs in a humidor, for Pete's sake.
That's where we come in. Now, I don't suppose they'll send us Helton in this deal, but why not Jeff Francis? I mean, Colorado's in the hunt for the Wild Card, and Francis hasn't pitched all season. They don't NEED him.
But look behind curtain #2, Colorado. 311 wins. 3,640 Ks. 3 NL Cy Youngs. Yeah, like you'll EVER have a pitcher come close to any of those numbers in your lunar colisseum.
This is a win-win for everybody. The Mets get a good young pitcher to help us next year, when we might have a chance. All we have to do is peel that ole #41 jersey off the wall, box it and ship it. The Rox get a legitimate pitching star. Decades of baseball history. A piece of a World Series championship. And some really intimidating stats for their franchise records.
And maybe if the Rox front office is feeling generous, they'll let us keep his name in the back of the yearbook somewhere.
Think about it, Rockies, just think about it.
And our major leaguers aren't exactly tearing it up either. If we want to be "sellers" at the trade deadline, there's not much talent to be moved, at least not talent that is likely to spend more time on the diamond than in the trainer's room.
But the Mets do have one asset that should be marketable:
Former players.
Why not trade the rights to our former greats' careers for the current players we're so dearly lacking?
Now I know what you're thinking: "why would the Rockies want to trade good young talent for Tom Seaver? The guy's a senior citizen and probably couldn't have maintained an ERA under 3.00 at Coors Field, even in his playing days. After all, there's no GRAVITY in that park."
But that's not the point.
Rockies fans have no history. They've been a franchise since the '90s. That's embarrasing. They should just be embarrased. People born around the same time as their franchise think that Miley Ray Cyrus is a vocal phenomenon. Most people born in the '90s are still tring to pretend they're drinking age (or else just realize no one would buy it). That's no baseball franchise. Maybe it could pass for respectable in the Arena Football League.
These people need to buy some baseball cred. They keep their baseballs in a humidor, for Pete's sake.
That's where we come in. Now, I don't suppose they'll send us Helton in this deal, but why not Jeff Francis? I mean, Colorado's in the hunt for the Wild Card, and Francis hasn't pitched all season. They don't NEED him.
But look behind curtain #2, Colorado. 311 wins. 3,640 Ks. 3 NL Cy Youngs. Yeah, like you'll EVER have a pitcher come close to any of those numbers in your lunar colisseum.
This is a win-win for everybody. The Mets get a good young pitcher to help us next year, when we might have a chance. All we have to do is peel that ole #41 jersey off the wall, box it and ship it. The Rox get a legitimate pitching star. Decades of baseball history. A piece of a World Series championship. And some really intimidating stats for their franchise records.
And maybe if the Rox front office is feeling generous, they'll let us keep his name in the back of the yearbook somewhere.
Think about it, Rockies, just think about it.
What an Ass-Clown!
Just when you think you've heard it all...
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9834420/Houshmandzadeh:-'I'm-not-playing-Madden-no-more'?GT1=39002
Hard to believe he actually makes Ocho Cinco look like a mature adult.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9834420/Houshmandzadeh:-'I'm-not-playing-Madden-no-more'?GT1=39002
Hard to believe he actually makes Ocho Cinco look like a mature adult.
LIARS!!!
Apparently the rumored Halladay trade was a hoax.
And it is believed that Omar would have pulled the trigger if the deal was offered.
Jays' officials are saying that the Ments are not serious contenders for Halladay.
So, Plan B, then?
Shed payroll. Sign Bedard as FA. Trade for Crawford.
???
And it is believed that Omar would have pulled the trigger if the deal was offered.
Jays' officials are saying that the Ments are not serious contenders for Halladay.
So, Plan B, then?
Shed payroll. Sign Bedard as FA. Trade for Crawford.
???
Monday, July 20, 2009
Would'ja?
http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/2747001347
Personally, I'm kinda torn...
But leaning toward no. The slim pickings in this year's FA class is really making me ponder the possibility though.
Personally, I'm kinda torn...
But leaning toward no. The slim pickings in this year's FA class is really making me ponder the possibility though.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A reply to SHK
So, the fork now comes out clean. But what do we do next? The postseason is totally out of the question for this year. But I personally think that the Mets have a small window of opportunity to turn this franchise around quickly, meaning we could get back in the hunt in 1-3 years. It requires several things to happen in short order:
1. Clean house in upper mgt. Yes, it's clearly come to this. Take advantage of the current situation to get rid of not only of Omar, but his deputies as well. Here's looking at you, Tony B.
2. Fire Jerry. Pretty much speaks for itself. I was amazed listening to FAN today. Almost every caller was like, "why is this guy such a clown?" "How can you start your press conference laughing and chuckling when you lose 11-0?" "What's with all the exaggerated pauses when he talks? Can he not think, or does he think it makes him look pensive?"
Couldn't have seen that one coming.
Anyway, getting rid of the manager who throws his players, particularly the vulnerable ones, into the line of fire to preserve his own rep, will be essential if we want to succeed at the next point:
3. Rebuild our key marketable players. Getting Beltran and Delgado on track would actually help our W/L ratio. Alas, that ship has sailed. Ain't gonna happen. So let's focus on the next most importnat thing: building up the value of the players who are most important to our future (and, as a corollary, have the most trade value b/c they are under organization control, relatively cheap, and potentially have several good years in front of them). So what does this mean?
-Get Pelfrey on track. Great stuff. Flashes of excellence. Clearly still gets rattled. Pelf is a guy who needs a manager that he knows is in his corner. A LaRussa/Duncan type of coaching combination would be so great for Pelf.
-Rebuild Murphy's value. This kid is clearly capable of so much more than he's doing. Part of it, of course, is the player's doing. He's got to adjust to the pitchers who have adjusted to him by busting him inside off the plate. But part of it is clearly the way the organization has misued him. Forced him out of position. Started sitting him when he was hitting nearly .300. When he gets hot and his a 3 hit day, bank on Jerry sitting him the next game. Expect the manager to talk the press, and not the player, about what his expectations are for the player. Well, at this point, Murphy needs to be playing every day until he makes his adjustments. He eventually will. This kid will put together a .330 month at some point this season, or at worst, the first half of next year, and his trade value as a cheap, young stick, who's finally found a position, will be largely restored. And hopefully we keep him, because I love the kid. But I'd rather be faced with the dilemma of keeping a rising young star or trading a valuable chip than where we are with Murph right now.
-Get Reyes healthy and productive. This is an obvious no-brainer. If Reyes comes back in early to mid August and hits over .300 the rest of the way, stealing bases, you'll have a guy that can bring back a good price in the offseason. If he doesn't get back till mid Sept., or is scuffling and running gingerly, we'll be going into 2010 with Reyes at SS and our collective breaths held.
-Get a good look at that AA catching prospect in Sept.
-Get Maine healthy and pitching.
-As a total bonus, I would hope we can get Beltran going. I personally think he's going to be a chronic injury problem for the rest of his career, whether that's one year or five. But if he were to come back and get healthy, maybe we could unload him in the offseason for something of value. It hurts me to say it, b/c Beltran is truly a unique player in MLB. Not saying he's a top 5 player like he's paid, but he's a unique combination of abilities that will be difficult to replicate
4. Clear the deck of dead payroll
-Unload Perez at the deadline to some sucker who will eat his $12M thinking it will get them across the finish line this year. After all, as Omar can remind other GMs, Perez defied his previous performance with a solid posteason in '06. He rises to the occasion, right?
-Unload Castillo is anyone will take him. Two more years of this? No thank you. But he is hitting decently this year, so maybe someone in the hunt with an injury 'll take a flyer on him.
-Let Delgado walk at the end of the year.
If we can get all these things done, we might be in a position to sign some FAs in the offseason, and make some trades to change the character of the team, as well as address some needs.
1. Clean house in upper mgt. Yes, it's clearly come to this. Take advantage of the current situation to get rid of not only of Omar, but his deputies as well. Here's looking at you, Tony B.
2. Fire Jerry. Pretty much speaks for itself. I was amazed listening to FAN today. Almost every caller was like, "why is this guy such a clown?" "How can you start your press conference laughing and chuckling when you lose 11-0?" "What's with all the exaggerated pauses when he talks? Can he not think, or does he think it makes him look pensive?"
Couldn't have seen that one coming.
Anyway, getting rid of the manager who throws his players, particularly the vulnerable ones, into the line of fire to preserve his own rep, will be essential if we want to succeed at the next point:
3. Rebuild our key marketable players. Getting Beltran and Delgado on track would actually help our W/L ratio. Alas, that ship has sailed. Ain't gonna happen. So let's focus on the next most importnat thing: building up the value of the players who are most important to our future (and, as a corollary, have the most trade value b/c they are under organization control, relatively cheap, and potentially have several good years in front of them). So what does this mean?
-Get Pelfrey on track. Great stuff. Flashes of excellence. Clearly still gets rattled. Pelf is a guy who needs a manager that he knows is in his corner. A LaRussa/Duncan type of coaching combination would be so great for Pelf.
-Rebuild Murphy's value. This kid is clearly capable of so much more than he's doing. Part of it, of course, is the player's doing. He's got to adjust to the pitchers who have adjusted to him by busting him inside off the plate. But part of it is clearly the way the organization has misued him. Forced him out of position. Started sitting him when he was hitting nearly .300. When he gets hot and his a 3 hit day, bank on Jerry sitting him the next game. Expect the manager to talk the press, and not the player, about what his expectations are for the player. Well, at this point, Murphy needs to be playing every day until he makes his adjustments. He eventually will. This kid will put together a .330 month at some point this season, or at worst, the first half of next year, and his trade value as a cheap, young stick, who's finally found a position, will be largely restored. And hopefully we keep him, because I love the kid. But I'd rather be faced with the dilemma of keeping a rising young star or trading a valuable chip than where we are with Murph right now.
-Get Reyes healthy and productive. This is an obvious no-brainer. If Reyes comes back in early to mid August and hits over .300 the rest of the way, stealing bases, you'll have a guy that can bring back a good price in the offseason. If he doesn't get back till mid Sept., or is scuffling and running gingerly, we'll be going into 2010 with Reyes at SS and our collective breaths held.
-Get a good look at that AA catching prospect in Sept.
-Get Maine healthy and pitching.
-As a total bonus, I would hope we can get Beltran going. I personally think he's going to be a chronic injury problem for the rest of his career, whether that's one year or five. But if he were to come back and get healthy, maybe we could unload him in the offseason for something of value. It hurts me to say it, b/c Beltran is truly a unique player in MLB. Not saying he's a top 5 player like he's paid, but he's a unique combination of abilities that will be difficult to replicate
4. Clear the deck of dead payroll
-Unload Perez at the deadline to some sucker who will eat his $12M thinking it will get them across the finish line this year. After all, as Omar can remind other GMs, Perez defied his previous performance with a solid posteason in '06. He rises to the occasion, right?
-Unload Castillo is anyone will take him. Two more years of this? No thank you. But he is hitting decently this year, so maybe someone in the hunt with an injury 'll take a flyer on him.
-Let Delgado walk at the end of the year.
If we can get all these things done, we might be in a position to sign some FAs in the offseason, and make some trades to change the character of the team, as well as address some needs.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Put a fork in 'em
Looks like F-mart and b-tran are going to be useless for most of this season if not all of it. F-mart requires surgery and will be out for minimum 6 weeks, and beltran has shown no signs of progress in his knee and might also require surgery.
Omar, this season is over. Unfortunately, our chances to get any useful value for Beltran, Delgado and Reyes are quite possibly also over. I really don't know what moves you make now. By not breaking up the core during the offseason, when their trade value was high (especially red-hot Delgado), you have really painted this team into a corner. Our trade options are now limited at best, unless some team is willing to roll the dice on the upside of Beltran, Reyes or Delgado after they return. This team is now not only in a very bad position for '09, but also 2010 IMO.
Any deals we make are now going to be from a position of weakness, and we will almost certainly give up too much. Our best case is to dump salary and pick up FAs.
Omar, this season is over. Unfortunately, our chances to get any useful value for Beltran, Delgado and Reyes are quite possibly also over. I really don't know what moves you make now. By not breaking up the core during the offseason, when their trade value was high (especially red-hot Delgado), you have really painted this team into a corner. Our trade options are now limited at best, unless some team is willing to roll the dice on the upside of Beltran, Reyes or Delgado after they return. This team is now not only in a very bad position for '09, but also 2010 IMO.
Any deals we make are now going to be from a position of weakness, and we will almost certainly give up too much. Our best case is to dump salary and pick up FAs.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wagner on his Mets return
Here's the article Beetz was referring to (I think), from Mark Hale at the Post.
Many curious quotes in this article. He's basically saying that he's willing to do anything the Mets ask b/c Wilpon's writing his checks, but that he (1) doesn't think the Mets will ask him to do much, b/c he won't be that durable; and (2) he doesn't really want to play for this team other than the fact that he feels he owes it to the owner.
Point 2 is what really interests me. It begs the question. Did he not care for his teammates? His manager? His GM? The fans?
Many curious quotes in this article. He's basically saying that he's willing to do anything the Mets ask b/c Wilpon's writing his checks, but that he (1) doesn't think the Mets will ask him to do much, b/c he won't be that durable; and (2) he doesn't really want to play for this team other than the fact that he feels he owes it to the owner.
Point 2 is what really interests me. It begs the question. Did he not care for his teammates? His manager? His GM? The fans?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Do the Wright Thing
D. Wright continues to show his commitment to the Mets by claiming he'd love to be a Met for life. For F's sake Omar, get the man some on-field help that won't be riding the injured list all the time.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
F-Mart
Apparently F-Mart's trip to the DL is unfortunately anything but rare:
One thing Martinez has to prove, however, is that he can stay healthy. He has been on the disabled list in each of his four pro seasons, hurting his development and the chance to evaluate his skills.
One thing Martinez has to prove, however, is that he can stay healthy. He has been on the disabled list in each of his four pro seasons, hurting his development and the chance to evaluate his skills.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Let the Trading Begin!
Ryan Church for Jeff Francour.
I'd say we got the better end of the deal here but by no means is this a landslide. Frenchie has an amazing arm, excellent glove and is considered to have plus power. The guy never walks though but at this point I would like to see someone swing a bat.
I was a Church fan from the day we got him and I wish him the best in Atlanta (except when they play us). The guy got a raw deal here and was never allowed to get comfortable.
I'd say we got the better end of the deal here but by no means is this a landslide. Frenchie has an amazing arm, excellent glove and is considered to have plus power. The guy never walks though but at this point I would like to see someone swing a bat.
I was a Church fan from the day we got him and I wish him the best in Atlanta (except when they play us). The guy got a raw deal here and was never allowed to get comfortable.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Halladay on the Block?
Possibly, according to Jays' GM.
Which begs the question, what would you consider to be a fair trade for him from the Mets? He's 32, and is enjoying yet another dominant year. Would you give up Beltran for him, straight up? How about Beltran + Parnell?
Alternatively, if we were to trade Beltran (or Reyes or Delgado), would you rather get 2 good players in return instead of 1 great player? Part of me thinks the smarter play might be to pull a Belichick and use our trading chips to round out our team with a lot of good players, instead of continuing to just focus on individual superstars.
I would obviously do Delgado + a weaker player for Halladay (jays wouldn't, of course), and I would do Reyes for Halladay straight up. I don't think I'd do Beltran for Halladay, I'd rather use him to get 2 very good players instead of one great one.
Which begs the question, what would you consider to be a fair trade for him from the Mets? He's 32, and is enjoying yet another dominant year. Would you give up Beltran for him, straight up? How about Beltran + Parnell?
Alternatively, if we were to trade Beltran (or Reyes or Delgado), would you rather get 2 good players in return instead of 1 great player? Part of me thinks the smarter play might be to pull a Belichick and use our trading chips to round out our team with a lot of good players, instead of continuing to just focus on individual superstars.
I would obviously do Delgado + a weaker player for Halladay (jays wouldn't, of course), and I would do Reyes for Halladay straight up. I don't think I'd do Beltran for Halladay, I'd rather use him to get 2 very good players instead of one great one.
Monday, July 06, 2009
C prospect: Josh Thole
This 22 year old kid has been promoted each year after his second, and the numbers have improved at each new level. He's currently ripping up AA pitching, hitting .346 with a scad of doubles but not much HR power. His K's are nice and low, too. Looks like the cupboard's not totally bare.
Go Pack!
Now I don't know if this is a recipe for championships or not, but I just love the structure of the Packers franchise:
The quote, BTW, comes from an ESPN article where four authors argue over which franchise deserves the title, "America's Team". The Steelers, Patriots, and Cowboys are the other three options.
The Packers, however, represent working-class America like no other NFL team. They are a citizen-owned small business and a true civic property, one that requires not only accountability but substantive interaction with fans. Founded as a non-profit corporation by a newspaper publisher, the Packers are now owned by 112,120 shareholders who possess about 4.75 million shares of stock. A seven-member executive committee, elected by the board of directors and comprised mostly of local residents, operates the team.
Every summer, team officials make a full report to shareholders at Lambeau Field. Unlike any other team, the Packers' football executives must explain their approach and answer questions. Shareholders do not have voting rights, so fans can't influence football decisions. But no fan base can claim a more significant connection to its team.
The quote, BTW, comes from an ESPN article where four authors argue over which franchise deserves the title, "America's Team". The Steelers, Patriots, and Cowboys are the other three options.
Hey Omar
Good luck with that plan to simply hold out until our "star" players return. By then we should only be 8 games back, in sole possession of 4th place.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Lucky Us
Ollie's coming back.
"Well, you know Ollie," Manuel said. "Ollie is not a command guy, so to speak. He's a guy that has control, but not necessarily command. I think what I'm hoping for is knowing Ollie -- being somewhat of a performer -- likes the stage, likes the big games, so to speak.
Hmmm, so what you're saying, Jerry, is the Mets are screwed, so to speak.
"Well, you know Ollie," Manuel said. "Ollie is not a command guy, so to speak. He's a guy that has control, but not necessarily command. I think what I'm hoping for is knowing Ollie -- being somewhat of a performer -- likes the stage, likes the big games, so to speak.
Hmmm, so what you're saying, Jerry, is the Mets are screwed, so to speak.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Our Pleasure
From Post: Moyer only had one strikeout and several outs were hit hard. He lowered his ERA to 5.72.
You're welcome Jamie. You always know you and your 46 year old body and 5.5+ ERA can count on the Metties to make you look like a young Greg Maddux.
You're welcome Jamie. You always know you and your 46 year old body and 5.5+ ERA can count on the Metties to make you look like a young Greg Maddux.
Omar on Fan Pressure to Make a Trade
But Minaya said the Mets' expectation that Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado will return by early August is limiting their interest in a big trade.
"It's fair to say that, if we're looking for reinforcements right now, some of our DL guys are probably going to be the reinforcements," Minaya said. "If we can get all our guys back healthy, our healthy guys, its going to be hard to make trades that are going to be better than Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado."
Two comments. First, I highly doubt you are getting Delgado back in early August, and certainly not a useful Delgado.
Second, if Reyes, Beltran and Delgado (i.e., Sep. meltdown in '08, Sep. meltdown in '07 of historic proportions, and Oct. meltdown in '06) are the best we can do, I feel bad for the future of this team.
On the positive side, Minaya said he has been given permission by management to add to the club's NL-high $143 million budget. That said, we've been allowed to have the highest payroll in NL for years now and clearly that money has not been well spent.
"It's fair to say that, if we're looking for reinforcements right now, some of our DL guys are probably going to be the reinforcements," Minaya said. "If we can get all our guys back healthy, our healthy guys, its going to be hard to make trades that are going to be better than Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado."
Two comments. First, I highly doubt you are getting Delgado back in early August, and certainly not a useful Delgado.
Second, if Reyes, Beltran and Delgado (i.e., Sep. meltdown in '08, Sep. meltdown in '07 of historic proportions, and Oct. meltdown in '06) are the best we can do, I feel bad for the future of this team.
On the positive side, Minaya said he has been given permission by management to add to the club's NL-high $143 million budget. That said, we've been allowed to have the highest payroll in NL for years now and clearly that money has not been well spent.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Re: Should the Mets be Sellers?
Presuming the Mets don't look completely shut off and get swept by Philthies, I'm going to answer the question with a "no." If Beltran and Reyes were healthy and the team was playing as poorly as it has, I'd think differently. But with the two of them presumably coming back in July (I'll believe it when I see it), the Mets very much in the NL East due to the mediocrity of the division, and most importantly, the fact that neither is going to be very tradeable until they show GMs around the league that they are healthy, I don't think you're really getting anywhere by adding prospects.
Unfortunately, since the cupboard is almost completely bare (with F Mart, Evans, Murphy, and Parnell all on the parent club, Niese is the only near-major-league-ready talent I can think of with any trade value in the whole Mets farm system), I can't see Omar having the chips to improve the team much, either. And by the way, in my mind, Omar takes a bigger hit for what's going on in the minors this year than anything he's done with the big league club. Go straight down the line, and all you see are once highly regarded prospects that have been rushed through the system. Guys like Ruben Tejada and Brad Holt have been rushed from level to level. Tejada was promoted after an abysmal run at A+, and yet has been OK at AA so far. Holt looked like the best Mets pitching prospect at the system at A ball and high A, and yet was up at AA after just over one season in the system. Through his first two starts there he's getting rocked. When you realize these promotions are being made out of necessity more than a plan, Omar's failure to care for the system comes more fully into view. Often times, when you're comparing two similar major leaguers, it's crap shoot which will perform better (which is why I don't get too crazy about things like the Milledge for Church/Schneider trade--I'd have preferred keeping Lastings depsite his d-baggery, but it's a 50/50 question which side is getting the better deal). But when you're dealing with prospects, it's usually pretty well known which your blue chippers are, and the failure to staff the minors appropriately so that these guys don't have to be rushed, it is simply a failure of planning.
Speaking of chips, anyone have an update on how Humber, Mulvey, Gomez, Carp, and Milledge are doing these days?
Unfortunately, since the cupboard is almost completely bare (with F Mart, Evans, Murphy, and Parnell all on the parent club, Niese is the only near-major-league-ready talent I can think of with any trade value in the whole Mets farm system), I can't see Omar having the chips to improve the team much, either. And by the way, in my mind, Omar takes a bigger hit for what's going on in the minors this year than anything he's done with the big league club. Go straight down the line, and all you see are once highly regarded prospects that have been rushed through the system. Guys like Ruben Tejada and Brad Holt have been rushed from level to level. Tejada was promoted after an abysmal run at A+, and yet has been OK at AA so far. Holt looked like the best Mets pitching prospect at the system at A ball and high A, and yet was up at AA after just over one season in the system. Through his first two starts there he's getting rocked. When you realize these promotions are being made out of necessity more than a plan, Omar's failure to care for the system comes more fully into view. Often times, when you're comparing two similar major leaguers, it's crap shoot which will perform better (which is why I don't get too crazy about things like the Milledge for Church/Schneider trade--I'd have preferred keeping Lastings depsite his d-baggery, but it's a 50/50 question which side is getting the better deal). But when you're dealing with prospects, it's usually pretty well known which your blue chippers are, and the failure to staff the minors appropriately so that these guys don't have to be rushed, it is simply a failure of planning.
Speaking of chips, anyone have an update on how Humber, Mulvey, Gomez, Carp, and Milledge are doing these days?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A Glorious Mets Moment
Watching the 4th inning of tonight's game was like watching countless Mets games this year: just inexplicable. What leads to such little league type performances? Is it a lack of discipline? A lack of concentration? A lack of effort? Plain bad luck?
I'm not sure of the answer, but here's what happened. You had Santana inexplicably walk the opposing pitcher (who had never had a ML hit) on 4 pitches. You had F Mart spaz out, chunk a piece of turf out of the ground, and literally face plant as a harmless fly ball landed next to him for 2nd and 3rd. And then, after the pitching coach, goofy Dan Warthen got tossed (!) and jawed angrily with the plate umpire, you had (1) a double that cleared the bases, (2) Santos failing to catch Wright's replay to the plate (which was there in plenty of time to nail the 3rd runner), (3) Braun overrunning 3rd base leaving him a dead duck when Santana backed up Wright's throw to the plate, but Santana air-mailing the throw to third, and (4) Cora failing to stop the overthrow despite seemingly being well positioned to back up in short left, allowing the hitter (and 4th run) to come all the way around to score on the same play. If it wasn't tragic, it would have been hysterical. Or maybe it's the other way around.
Anywho, the next inning, that queer guy who is the on-field reporter for SNY starts giving some line about "the Mets are scraping to battle back here in Milwaukee." All of a sudden, I was transported to another time and place. It was 1982 again. Or maybe 1993. Anyway, it was like so many Met broadcasts I have heard before. Where a seemingly genuine announcer, apparently disconnected from the players smoking in the dugout or playing cards in the clubhouse, intones about the Mets "battling back" from a deficit.
All the while, every viewer knows a few things: (1) no, they're not; (2) they couldn't even if they were trying; (3) they've lost so many games in a row that it really wouldn't matter if they managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat and come back.
There's a profound sense of peace and comfort when you've come to that point. It's like--what's the right word--acceptance? Kind of like taking a few hits on the oxygen mask with Tyler Durden on the way down from 30,000 feet.
I'm not sure of the answer, but here's what happened. You had Santana inexplicably walk the opposing pitcher (who had never had a ML hit) on 4 pitches. You had F Mart spaz out, chunk a piece of turf out of the ground, and literally face plant as a harmless fly ball landed next to him for 2nd and 3rd. And then, after the pitching coach, goofy Dan Warthen got tossed (!) and jawed angrily with the plate umpire, you had (1) a double that cleared the bases, (2) Santos failing to catch Wright's replay to the plate (which was there in plenty of time to nail the 3rd runner), (3) Braun overrunning 3rd base leaving him a dead duck when Santana backed up Wright's throw to the plate, but Santana air-mailing the throw to third, and (4) Cora failing to stop the overthrow despite seemingly being well positioned to back up in short left, allowing the hitter (and 4th run) to come all the way around to score on the same play. If it wasn't tragic, it would have been hysterical. Or maybe it's the other way around.
Anywho, the next inning, that queer guy who is the on-field reporter for SNY starts giving some line about "the Mets are scraping to battle back here in Milwaukee." All of a sudden, I was transported to another time and place. It was 1982 again. Or maybe 1993. Anyway, it was like so many Met broadcasts I have heard before. Where a seemingly genuine announcer, apparently disconnected from the players smoking in the dugout or playing cards in the clubhouse, intones about the Mets "battling back" from a deficit.
All the while, every viewer knows a few things: (1) no, they're not; (2) they couldn't even if they were trying; (3) they've lost so many games in a row that it really wouldn't matter if they managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat and come back.
There's a profound sense of peace and comfort when you've come to that point. It's like--what's the right word--acceptance? Kind of like taking a few hits on the oxygen mask with Tyler Durden on the way down from 30,000 feet.
Beltran done?
Post article speculates Beltran's season and/or career may be over based on the procedure that the 2nd doctor he visited typically performs.
Regardless, until Omar is no longer with this team I will curse not picking up a free agent Torii Hunter as one of the worst moves of all time. I will also curse not trading our core players at the end of last season like I wanted, when they had high trade value. Now, you will probably get shafted in return for Beltran, Delgado and Reyes. Good luck rebuilding this team when all your valuable trading chips just got severely downgraded.
As the song goes, you've got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them. And unfortunately Omar held them too long, IMHO.
Regardless, until Omar is no longer with this team I will curse not picking up a free agent Torii Hunter as one of the worst moves of all time. I will also curse not trading our core players at the end of last season like I wanted, when they had high trade value. Now, you will probably get shafted in return for Beltran, Delgado and Reyes. Good luck rebuilding this team when all your valuable trading chips just got severely downgraded.
As the song goes, you've got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them. And unfortunately Omar held them too long, IMHO.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Jerry: Blame Omar
The Mets need a bat, says Jerry. Translation: we're losing b/c Omar's given me an undermanned team. Say what you will about the job that Omar's done, but it's just not the manager's place to be announcing that to the press.
Is there anyone the gangsta won't throw under the bus to prop up his job security? His former boss, his current boss, his players?
Turns out Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports noticed just the same thing:
Rosenthal gives several examples of it:
Is there anyone the gangsta won't throw under the bus to prop up his job security? His former boss, his current boss, his players?
Turns out Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports noticed just the same thing:
Manuel, in baseball parlance, "throws guys under the bus." His candor appeals to fans who are tired of hearing excuses for overpaid, underperforming players. But such an approach rarely works long-term.
Rosenthal gives several examples of it:
Mid-February. Manuel informs the media of his plan to bat leadoff man Jose Reyes third without first informing Reyes. The experiment, predictably, never gains traction.
Late March. Manuel announces that Daniel Murphy will be his everyday left fielder, saying he is a better hitter than Ryan Church, a more established player.
"I don't want him to get strictly into a platoon situation," Manuel says of Murphy. "I think he's a little better player than that."
Murphy, whom some in the organization view as the Mets' answer to Paul O'Neill, is now platooning with Fernando Tatis at first base.
April 29. Manuel removes backup catcher Ramon Castro by summoning Omir Santos from the bullpen to pinch-hit with the bases loaded, two outs in the ninth inning and the Mets trailing the Marlins, 4-3.
Castro already has two hits in the game, but Manuel says afterward that he preferred Santos' shorter swing against Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom, disregarding that Castro also hits fastballs well.
Santos pops up for the final out. A month later, the Mets trade Castro to the White Sox.
May 18. Church again. Manuel refuses to address him by name after the outfielder misses third base and the Dodgers successfully appeal in the 11th inning of a game the Mets lose, 3-2.
"A guy missed third base," Manuel says. "That's unbelievable. I can't explain, why, how or anything."
The next day, Manuel denies a rift with Church.
May 29. Manuel uses the "A" word — anxiety — to explain why he is resting one of the Mets' best players, third baseman David Wright, for a home game.
"I think anxiety has something to do with it, wanting to do so well in front of the home crowd, those type of things," Manuel says, citing Wright's better road statistics. "I believe he'll eventually turn that around, get comfortable here in these surroundings."
Wright disagrees, saying, "I just think it's two months of a game that is already tough to be consistent at. I don't feel any different playing here than I do on the road."
June 4. Manuel criticizes right-hander Mike Pelfrey for getting rocked by the Pirates while pitching on an extra day's rest.
"I was a little discouraged at Mike being where he was today after getting a day off, and kind of knowing what we needed and just not having it," Manuel says. "That was kind of disheartening, because we really needed this game today."
And there's more.
Manuel has upset some veterans by declining to give them advance notice of days off. He even sounded as if he was sending a subtle message to Mets general manager Omar Minaya when, referring to his injury-depleted roster, he said, "I have to deal with what I have."
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Gotta love watching a game on ESPN's Gameday
Flip over to Mets-Yanks, bottom of 8th, tying run on third base. Omir Santos up against Mariano. Omir sees 6 pitches, fouling off 4 of them. Then the 7th pitch comes:
The red dot I circled was the final pitch for a called strike three. When they clearly show it off the inside part of the plate, my B.P. goes up higher than it already is. What the heck?
The red dot I circled was the final pitch for a called strike three. When they clearly show it off the inside part of the plate, my B.P. goes up higher than it already is. What the heck?
Should the Mets be Sellers?
It's hard to admit it when you're 1.5 gb in the division, but it's looking more and more like this team simply doesn't have the pieces to compete for a championship. If Reyes, Delgado, and Beltran were all back at 100%, you might have a case. But what is the likelihood all three guys will be: (1) healthy; (2) at the same time; and (3) when it counts, meaning September and October? If the answer is, "not that likely," than this team is clearly a middling squad at best in terms of offense and slightly above average in terms of pitching (now that Ollie has completely broken down; Maine appears nowhere near healthy; and Putz' elbow is blown out).
Now, Omar was quoted as saying that this is a seller's market. With all the parity around the league right now, there are a lot of buyers willing to move meaningful pieces for anything that will help. Perhaps the Mets should be thinking about adding prospects instead of adding players like Nick Johnson or Aubrey Huff? If Adam Dunn is going to bring back top tier prospects, what might we get for Beltran, if his knee problems are not structural? What could we get for Reyes? Church is certainly young enough that someone might want to take a flyer on him, despite the fact it's hard to imagine him getting better than the average player he is. And if you could move Castillo's contract for a bag of balls it would be addition by subtraction.
I haven't been focused on the sellers side of the market: the young prospects that might be available if the Mets were willing to move their Major League talent, but I'm going to start.
Now, Omar was quoted as saying that this is a seller's market. With all the parity around the league right now, there are a lot of buyers willing to move meaningful pieces for anything that will help. Perhaps the Mets should be thinking about adding prospects instead of adding players like Nick Johnson or Aubrey Huff? If Adam Dunn is going to bring back top tier prospects, what might we get for Beltran, if his knee problems are not structural? What could we get for Reyes? Church is certainly young enough that someone might want to take a flyer on him, despite the fact it's hard to imagine him getting better than the average player he is. And if you could move Castillo's contract for a bag of balls it would be addition by subtraction.
I haven't been focused on the sellers side of the market: the young prospects that might be available if the Mets were willing to move their Major League talent, but I'm going to start.
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