Mets! Mets! Mets!

Wright is Wright Man For Third!

2005-12-03T21:32:00.000-05:00

After being robbed of a Gold Glove this year, Wright finally got some recognition at third:

"2) David Wright, New York Mets

A couple years ago David Wright was one of the most underrated prospects in baseball; now he's one of the most underrated players in baseball. A stud defensively at third base, Wright hit well in a 69-game stint with the Mets as a rookie in 2004 (.293-14-40-41) and then broke out in a big way this year. He batted .306 with 27 homers, 102 RBIs, 99 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases, and was robbed out of his first Gold Glove.

The fact that he was able to put up those kinds of numbers (along with 47 doubles and 73 walks) at the tender age of 22, while playing in a pitcher's ballpark, is amazing. In fact, given the gap in ages, I was very tempted to put Wright ahead of Rodriguez in these rankings. If ever there was a player on a Hall of Fame career path before their 23rd birthday, it is Wright."

I'll choose Wright over A-Rod any day of the week, and twice on Sunday!

NSFN!

Hansen is the Answer!

2005-11-02T17:59:00.000-05:00

OK, OK, OK! It has been a while but I'm back. First, I'd like to thank everyone who has stopped by. Your comments (Anti-Mets comments not included) were interesting and helpful. Keep them coming!

Second, while I do like to rant and rave on this blog, it's harmless and therapeutic. If you're easily offended, move on! This is my blog and I won't change my comments!

Although we did not make the playoffs, I am very excited with the future of the Mets. We improved by 12 wins this year, without the assistance of Carlos Beltran, and our kids, Wright and Reyes, are future All-Stars in the making. With Milledge, Pelfrey, Humber, Gaby, and Petit in the farm, our future looks very bright. Now, if only we would have kept Kazmir....

Addressing a nasty rumor now, I have heard alot of Manny for Beltran trade request on the Fan, and I cannot believe the insanity and impatience of the Mets fans. Beltran had a bad, injury-riddled, first year but in no way will he repeat it. This was a top five ballplayer a year ago and I can bet the farm, he will regain his status and prominence. However, I do believe there is a trade to be made with Boston, which leads me to possible offseason acquisitions.

I have heard all the Manny rumors (Manny for Cameron and the Farm; Manny-Beltran; etc.) and I understand our need for a power bat. However, there are several needs on this team (1B, 2B, Closer, Pen, Bat) that needs to be addressed and here are my suggestions.

1) Closer: Hansen. While Wagner tops Omar's list, why not Craig Hansen. The former SJU All-Star pitched a 1,2,3 9th inning against the Yankees in a nationally televised, 2nd game of a pivotal, end of the season weekend series between the Yankees and Red Sox. I highly doubt Braden Blooper would have performed as well in that pressure cooker! Assuming Damon won't be back, we can trade Cameron for Hansen and another prospect or two. Diaz and Milledge makes Cameron expendable and Hansen is projected as a better closer than the Nats Cordero or the A's Huston Street.

2) Catcher: Molina. Excellent defense, youth, and a clutch performance in the playoffs, is there any reason to look anywhere else?

3) 2B: Nomar. I know. I know. Everyone wants Furcal here but I don't see it. He would rather play short elsewhere (Chicago Cubs?) than 2nd here and I see him and his agent using the Mets to drive up his price. Furthermore, history has taught us two things: a) The Braves are always in our way. We need to get past the Braves to enter the promise land. b) The Braves know how to explore former player weaknesses (see Glavine). While Furcal may play well against other teams, he will bomb in a pivotal three game series against the Braves at the end of the season. Nomar makes sense! He is a former All-Star, batting champ with something to prove. The first rule in buying stock is buy low; sell high. Nomar will come cheap (one or two year deal with an option), which will leave us with more free agent money. He will fit nicely between Reyes and Beltran. If he doesn't work out, Graffanino (free agent pick up) can come off the bench with Keppinger or Hernandez waiting in the wings.

4) 1B: Texeira. Ok, so this may be a bit of a pipe dream but Texas is pitching starved. Trachsel, Jacobs, Zambrano, and Petit/Heilman may do it. Forget Soriano. He's a defensive liability and free agent eligible within one year. Texeira gives us the bat we need. Konerko is available but his numbers will not translate at Shea and Florida will not trade Delgado to the Mets (after last year, do you really want him?). We can then trade Petit/Heilman, Diaz, and Humber/Gaby for Zito. No way Beane says no and a rotation of Pedro, Zito, Glavine, Benson and Seo is very formidable.

5) Bullpen: Ryan, Gordon/Looper/Dotel. B.J. Ryan K/IP ratio is stellar. He is a must have! Looper or Dotel can be a nice, 7th inning pitcher (Heilman 8th) and they will come cheap. If either goes elsewhere, we can look to Gordon as a backup (although I don't see the Yankees giving up on him).

If Omar can implement these changes, we can have a solid (and young) contender for years, with $$$ to spare!

Any better ideas?!?!

NSFN!

Willie Ran-Dope?!

2005-05-11T16:40:00.000-04:00

In a road trip that the Mets should have finished 5-1 or at least 4-2, they finish 3-3 due to some serious mismanagement and a loss to the cubbies.

Bad:Can anyone please tell me what Willie is doing??? He tries to have Victor Diaz steal 2nd with 2 outs and Reyes batting in the seventh. After Reyes lead off the eighth with a base hit, he tries to have that worthless bastard Matsui bunt him over (he pops it up-familiar?) instead of letting him swing the bat and having Reyes steal 2nd. In fact he didn't give Reyes (possibly the fastest man in the majors) the steal sign at all. After a Carlos Beltran single with 1 out in the tenth, he did not try to steal with Beltran (38 SBs lst yr). Yet he continues to bring in Koo to face lefties. Why? Is he trying to make sure Koo is totally useless before he sends him down??

Of course Willie isn't totally to blame. That bastard Matsui should have caught that pop up in the 2nd inning but instead let it fall in front of Beltran. Victim Zambrano had the 2 walks, hit batsmen, wild pitch, and balk to help the bastard cubbies to the 3-2 lead. Question-Hey, Zambrano, how could you walk Prior with a run in and a bastard cubbie at third?

Good:Valent gets a critical game tying base hit in the 9th with 2 outs (he just earned playing time). Wright looks good after the injury, making a nice defensive play in the game.

NSFN!

Vic-tim Zambrano!

2005-04-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

I have been so happy lately. My Metsies had won three in a row, ten of thirteen and I was ready for the sweep with a broom in hand and Seaver on TV. But then came "the thoughts" as the Mets lost to the Nats 11-4. What thoughts you ask? These:

"...Where's Kazmir?..."
"...damn front office idiots!..."
"...we could have traded Kazmir for Hudson...instead we got this..."
"...damn front office idiots!..."
Every time I see Zambrano, I can't help but think of that stupid trade, especially when he pitches like that and Kazmir holds the Red Sox to one run and four hits in seven innings with five K's in a no-decision last Saturday night. We could of used that pitching performance yesterday.
In addition, it's great to see Matsui not following orders! Hey Willie, can I see alittle more Cairo and alot less Matsui?!?!
And to think that with the sweep we could have been tied for first...Oh Well, here come the Braves! Lets Go Mets!
NFSN!

Squeezed!

2005-04-07T23:44:00.000-04:00

I can't remember when was the last time I've seen anyone get squeezed as much as Glavine and the Mets did by Meriwether. I don't mind if you're going to call the outside corner a ball as long as you're consistent and apply it to both teams. Chuck did neither. The Mets got robbed yesterday as they lost their second game of the season to the Reds. Glavine got burned twice by Meriwether in situations that could have gotten him out of an inning. And then there was the Randolph double switch:

"But this one was lost long before the bullpen became involved. With an unwanted assist from home-plate umpire Chuck Meriwether and what appeared to be an inconsistent strike zone, Glavine was unable to complete the fourth inning. Randa's slam and the Mets' two-run response to it changed only the arithmetic, not the outcome.

And along the way, it looked ugly, particularly when Meriwether and his colleagues ruled Willie Randolph had made a double-switch improperly and denied it. Now Randolph has lost two games and one argument.

What couldn't be disputed was the role Meriwether had played. He seemingly missed Glavine's 0-2 pitch to Randa in the first. Randa didn't miss the one that followed and drove in two runs with a two-out single to left. Three innings later, after the Mets had tied the score on home runs by Doug Mientkiewicz and David Wright, Glavine seemingly had Ken Griffey Jr. struck out with the bases loaded and two outs.

Another 0-2 pitch was called ball one by Meriwether. And again the subsequent pitch was turned into two runs after Griffey pulled a single to right.

"When you makes pitches, you hope you get the call," said Glavine, as pointed as the southpaw became as he discussed his performance and the umpires. "But I didn't follow up with good pitches."

Other players lamented the calls, too. But nothing changed. They saw the Reds circling the bases all night, it seemed. And when Randa put a charge into DeJean's pitch in the ninth, raising his two-game RBI total to seven -- it was almost dizzying."

This was disgusting! If that bastard can't be fair, he should be fired, not calling MLB games! The Mets didn't lose (like when Braden Blooper through batting practice on Monday). They were robbed and justice should be served! Nuff said for now!

Great Scott!

2005-04-06T11:01:00.000-04:00

In the movie Carlito's Way, Carlito (Pacino) turns to Laling after discovering a bug and asks,"How does it feel to f*#k the ones who care about you?" Someone should ask Wilpon and Co. this same question.
Our once great pitching ace of the future and next Ron Guidry, Scott Kazmir tossed 5 outstanding innings yesterday giving up one earned run and striking out two. He should have had 5 shutout innings but a misread by Perez on an easy fly gave the first batter of the game a triple and the Jays their only run off Kazmir a groundout later. Kazmir cruised after that:

Hitting speeds in the mid 90s throughout his five innings of work, the left-hander allowed just two more hits before being lifted.

"We had him on a pitch count of 95, and by the fifth inning he was at 89," said Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella. "We said we would be careful with him and we are. We are going to build him up. He competes really well. The only thing is he throws a lot of pitches. We are going to build up his arm gradually. You can't be discouraged. He should have had five shutout innings."

Gibbons was impressed with Kazmir's performance.

Note to Mets brass: Don't trade top prospects for crap! Atlanta doesn't! (see Meyer for Hudson trade!)

Nuff Said for Now!

Looper Blooper!

2005-04-04T22:43:00.000-04:00

Today was supposed to be a great day. A Mets team that had gone 27-8 in opening day games since 1970 was a pretty sure thing. Mets fans have hope in the New Mets. Besides a mistake to Dunn in the first inning, Pedro was solid-6.0 IP 12 Ks. Beltran was phenomenal-3 for 5, 3 RBIs, a game tying 2-run shot and a triple shy of the cycle. The speedy Reyes was 3 for 5, turning a single into a double. Floyd was 3 for 5 with a 2-run insurance homer. Wright and Piazza both doubled. Matsui homered. Mentkiewicz had 2 base hits. Koo pitched well, making Griffey look foolish. 16 Ks in total for Mets pitchers through 8 innings. So how could a 6-4, 2-run lead going into the bottom of the ninth with our closer, Looper coming into the game be so bad? How could the one guy who’s suppose to be unquestionably solid in a questionable bullpen become the new Reds MVP in a Benitez-like performance? More Questions? How about these: Hey Looper, can you please close the game? Can you please not walk Kearns?? Can you please not throw the ball down the pipe to Dunn (46 HRs last year, 3-run bomb in the present game)??? Can you please not give anything good to Randa (of all people) so that he can't smack it over the fence???? Can you please get a F$#K^N out?!?!?!?!? How do you surrender a single and 2 homers without getting an out??????

This is horrible! More of the old Mets with the new Mets! I know this is only the first game but besides the way they lost to start the season, this game will be pivotal down the stretch if we miss the playoffs by a game. Thanks Loop! If you only knew how badly I would like to show my appreciation towards you!!!!

Now on a lighter note, I know Randolph is a rookie manager but how the hell do you bat Wright 8^th(7^th in this game)? Wright is an awesome talent who belongs in the 6^th hole, where he’ll get pitches to drive. We don’t want to induce the sophomore slump! This is simply ridiculous. Mentkiewicz got 2 base hits because of Wright’s protection. The only positive that can come out of this is Wright may learn to be alittle more patient but the potential for self doubt is enormous. Hey Willie do everyone a favor and put Wright where he belongs, in the 6^th hole!

Finally! Humber is a Met!

2005-01-11T01:26:00.000-05:00

Although this will take a backseat to the Beltran signing, another significant signing has been made by the Metsies. Finally, the Mets signed their first round pick (third overall) Phil Humber on Tuesday. He will be here today for his physical and possibly introduced today or tomorrow. This will give us three top prospects - Petit, Milledge, and Humber.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Humber, a Carthage, Texas, native, went 13-4 for Rice in 2004, posting a 2.27 ERA in 20 games (15 starts). Most impressive, however, were his 154 strikeouts in 115 innings. He finished his college career with a 35-8 record.

Besides the fact that this strengthens our once strong minor league system (see Kazmir trade disaster), it may give us much needed bullpen help. Although Humber is projected as a future #1 starter, he may not need much minor league seasoning since he is a former collegiate pitcher for national champion Rice. With the rotation already set for 2005, he may better serve the Mets in the bullpen while getting some major league exposure. Depending on what happens with Traxs (trade/free agency) and Glavine by the end of this season, he may be ready to start in 2006. Stay tuned...

Not ignoring their bullpen, the Mets signed Dae Sung Koo of the Japanese League. Not much is known of the 35-year-old pitcher except that he was a former all-star starter in the Japanese league.

According to the Mets website, he has deceptive stuff with a good fastball, slider and forkball. He will probably be used as a long reliever type. He should know how to pitch effectively under pressure as a former superstar with no major league exposure but plenty of experience. This should bode well for the Mets coming out of the pen. Pitching and fielding usually remains the same when it is translated from Japan to the States.

Additionally, the Mets don't appear done as they plan to talk to Delgado for their open first base position. He will definitely add a nice bat behind Beltran but his defense does not suite the needs of a young infield. I'll be happy with Delgado but won't be disappointed if they brought in Olerud (good hitter, excellent fielder) for a year and went after Konerko next year. With the Delgado signing, this becomes a pretty potent lineup:

Reyes, SS
Matsui, 2B
Beltran, CF
Delgado, 1B
Piazza, C
Wright, 3B
Floyd, Lf
Cameron, RF
Pitcher

Last but not least, the Mets will officially introduce the franchise, Carlos Met-tran tomorrow.

nuff said for now!

Meet the Mets! Greet the Mets! Come out and Shea hello to Beltran the Met!

2005-01-10T03:11:00.000-05:00

Oh My! What a job by Minaya! What a weekend in NY! In what became a very nervous Saturday turned into a very joyous Sunday as the Mets and the Jets became unexpected winners.

First, the Mets have reached an agreement with Carlos Beltran, the top free agent this off-season, on a contract worth $119 million over 7 years with an 11 million dollars in signing bonus. To make matters even sweeter (when was the last time I said those words talking about the Mets), the franchise Carlos Beltran contacted Carlos Delgado to persuade to sign with the Mets:

Even before he had signed on the dotted line, Beltran went to work for his new team. He called his friend and fellow Puerto Rican Carlos Delgado yesterday. Delgado, too, is a free agent whom the Mets have tried to sign because they need a first baseman.

Besides the tools and instant credibility he brings to the Mets, we have a possible future hall of famer in his prime coming to the Mets to play and recruit! This is easily the biggest free agent signing in Mets history.

Additionally, the J-E-T-S overcame a huge blunder by Barton (probably believing he still was with the Raiders) and pulled an improbable playoff win. Led by superstud QB Chad Pennington, the Jets beat the Chargers in San Diego 20-17. I got Beltran and a Jet playoff win within 24 hours. That is sweet! What a weekend!

nuff said for now!!! Well, maybe not today...:

J-E-T-S!
JETS!
JETS!
JETS!
M-E-T-S!
METS!
METS!
METS!

Carlos Met-ran? and Black Friday Revisited (Ugh!)

2005-01-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

While in pursuit of this year's top free agent, Omar Minaya and Fred Coupon have met with Carlos Beltran and his agent today. According to the Daily News, the Mets may offer an 8-year deal worth $120-$140 million. Since the Yankees got the Big Unit and the Astros have til Saturday to pony up, it appears the Mets are early favorite to land the prized free agent. However, these are the Mets so I have to be cautiously optimistic...

In other news, Minors First came out with their annual top 100 prospects for 2005. Unlike years past, the Mets barren farm system only have two prospects on the list, Lastings Milledge (#25) and Yusmeiro Petit (#35). What is especially delightful is that former Met top prospect Scott Kazmir came in at #6. While I believe he should be #3 or #4 (Fielder and Kotchman are not better and Hernandez is still alittle iffy), it is obvious that the Mets blunder is a statement to the world-We are idiots!!! Now I don't know what makes me love the Kazmir-Zambrano trade more, the fact that we could have gotten newest Brave Tim Hudson, Mulder or Zito for Kazmir (Beane loves him) or the fact that Zambrano would have been a free agent because the money conscious Devil Rays had no intention of offering him arbitration (meaning we could have kept Kazmir and gotten Zambrano anyway). If we would have kept Kazmir, we could have gone after Wade Miller (non-tendered free agent), Matt Clement, or Odalis Perez (he would love to be here). Their isn't a strong enough word to describe the stupidity committed by the morons known as the Mets front office. Hey @ssholes, maybe you could trade Petit and Milledge for Jason Giambi or Sosa!!! It's no wonder the rest of MLB tries to hose the Mets. (eg. Minaya inquired about A's outfielder Eric Byrnes and Beane asked for Reyes and either Petit or Milledge). Those bastards in the front office should jump off a cliff!!! Black friday is a day that will live in Mets infamy! I'll finish my tirade with the report about Kazmir....

6. Scott Kazmir- LHP TB (1/24/84) Of the 3 big lefties from last year's list, Kazmir was the only one to stay healthy in 2004. Not only did he just stay healthy, he shot all the way from Single A to the Majors with his new team, Tampa Bay. I don't think anyone is questioning his size any longer. Power pitching lefties don't grow on trees… even though the Mets' seem to think they do.

Nuff said for now...

See You Leiter, P-Al! Shea Hello to Pedro Met-inez and the Newest Br-A-ve!

2004-12-16T18:15:00.000-05:00

Unless you've been in a coma, you should know by now that there has been a pitching change at Shea. Senator Al is no longer a Met, and Pedro has traded his Sox for a 53-million-dollar Mets cap. To make matters worse, the Braves have just acquired Tim Hudson for crap and a bag of balls. The only positive things to happen to my Metsies is we picked up Henry Owens in the Rule V draft, didn't lose McGinley or Ring in the draft, and the Braves traded Capellan, one of there best prospects for Kolb. Where, Oh, where do I begin!?!? How about with a theme - How fair is this?

When Omar inquired about Timmy, good old Billy, knowing how easy it is to gorge the Mets (e.g., Kazmir Deal, Sosa rumors, Bay deal, Bad contracts, etc.) asked for Reyes, Milledge, and a Mets starters (probably Trachsel). Omar did not bite, giving the Braves the chance to gorge Billy and get them ready for a 14th consecutive title. Now Timmy's a Brave. How fair is this?

Instead of trying to improve the staff for years to come, Omar went for a big splash. He could have had the younger innings-eater (a Mets need) Pavano for 40 mil, but instead chose to blow more money at Pedro. Ramifications? Let's see:

weakens Red Sox Nation (a Yankee plus)
gives Mets a past-his-prime, aging star for a long term at too much money (sounds familiar?)
Yankees inherit a ready for prime time stud, Pavano
financially diminishes Mets chances to land Beltran

I don't mind if Omar makes a splash as long as it is for a young, ready to hit his prime stud, like Beltran. Why his youth and prime such a problem????? This doesn't mean Pedro, the newest ace, won't help the Mets for the next two seasons (maybe three but this is the Mets) However, I would rather go to war with a Pavano and Beltran then a Pedro and Alou/Sosa. Now Pavano and possibly Beltran will go to the Yankees. How fair is this?

Last but not least is the treatment of one Al Leiter. I understand the need to get rid of a 5-inning pitcher, like Al to improve your rotation (not for a 6-inning Pedro though). But I also understand the meaning of respect. For Omar to offer Al a 4-million-dollar contract for next year and then pull it when Al tries to accept is unexcusable. Al may not be the ace he once was but he could still pitch and would have been great as a sixth starter and trade bait. He gave 7 great years to the organization winning 95 games as a Met. He won a high percentage of his games considering the team he had around him. How many 2-1 or 3-2 games did he lose? He helped anchor a weak Mets rotation and team. He gave his heart to the team and his performance in the 1-game playoff shutout v. the Reds in 1999 will go down as one of the best pitched games in Mets history. His love and loyalty to the team made him one of the best Mets pitchers to wear the uniform. He deserved more respect no matter what was left in the tank. How fair is this?

This is the difference between the Mets and Yankees. Yankees would not do to Bernie or Jeter what Omar did to Al. We apologize to you, Al. Thanks for giving us 7 great years! Met fans will miss you!

-'nuff said for now!....

Sign of the Times!

2004-11-22T18:05:00.000-05:00

NY Met pitcher Kris Benson won't be going anywhere since he just signed a three-year contract worth $22.5 million with a club option for a fourth season at $7.5 million. After trading Wiggy, Huber, and Peterson, this had to be done. Now let's just hope this former 'No. 1 overall' selection starts pitching like a No. 1....
Hey Omar, instead of focusing on Leiter, can we get Humber signed up now????
NSFN!

Willie Wonka!

2004-11-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

Free Willie?! The Mets won't since they chose him as the new Mets manager yesterday. This should be fun....

But Minaya isn't done just yet. It appears he may look at Beltran and Guillen just to name a few....

GM Omar Minaya expects the Mets to be able to be players for the major free agents (Carlos Beltran?).

Said Minaya, "At least we're going to try to be players with who I would consider the major free agents. I don't plan on saying no to anybody." Also, don't be surprised if the Mets make a run at Anaheim right fielder and trade bait Jose Guillen.

Maybe now I can see a real centerfielder at Shea since Cameron is willing to move over....

That was fast! Backman is 'back out' as Arizona manager. It appears you have to be honest now for these high profile jobs...nuff said for now!

Leit Me Up...PLEASE!

2004-11-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

Dreams of Pavano or Clement in a Mets uniform will be just that.... a dream! It appears Coupon cannot let go of his brain trust and will be Leit-ing up next year. Oh well, another year, another tired pen!

However, two notes to smile about:

Kris Benson is expected to file for free agency today as a formality, but agent Gregg Clifton has said he expects a deal to be reached, seemingly completing the Mets' rotation for next season. The Mets will have rotation insurance with Cuban defector Alay Soler, who impressed Tuesday in his Dominican Winter League debut, allowing one hit and striking out 10 in five innings for Leones del Escogido, including fanning the first six batters he faced.

Although I prepared a post regarding this atrocious thought, it was not published for whatever reason. Though I would have dismissed this type of absurdity, I cannot due to the stupidity that surrounds the Mets brass (note Black Friday-The Kazmir fiasco!). It appears the Mets are considering adding payroll, not by signing Beltran or Ordonez but by trading for Sosa or Ramirez....

The Mets have been internally discussing the viability of acquiring World Series MVP Manny Ramirez as the antidote to their offensive woes. But if they can't work out a deal with the Red Sox - and Ramirez's Series heroics are a serious setback to their chances - the Mets might consider Sammy Sosa instead, people familiar with the Mets' thinking say.

But here's the best part:

In yet another example of outside-the-box thinking, the Mets are for the first time willing to entertain offers for prized young shortstop Jose Reyes. There has been speculation regarding a Reyes-for-Alfonso Soriano deal, but the Mets won't consider that because Soriano will make $8 million in arbitration.

Does anyone in the Mets know what they are doing??? Do they know how to run a baseball team??? Do they know baseball??? You do not add payroll by trading for aging and declining players, like Sosa! This is called not throwing your money out the window. You must invest wisely to reap high dividends!

Minaya: Your sick obsession with Sosa must end. He is done!

Furthermore, like the stock market, you buy low and sell high! Why would you go after Ramirez now when he would have been yours last year...trade free! These are rules that GMs, like Billy Beane, follow! I thought Minaya knew what he was doing and that he has complete autonomy over baseball operations but either one or both statements are wrong!

If you want to add payroll by investing wisely, look no further than Beltran! He has proven that he can dominate both leagues and is extremely clutch! Isn't this what the Mets have been lacking?

As for 'buying low and selling high', Ordonez is a player, who you can 'buy low' due to his injury. He won't command much (maybe 1 or 2 years with an option) and he will be looking to prove he still has superstar potential after an injury-ridden season. What better place to do it but here. We can reap the benefits and if it appears we can't re-sign him before his contract terminates (Boras client) and/or we aren't serious contenders (no teaser run we had this season), we can trade him for some good prospects ('sell high'). This will replenish a once-rich farm system. Either choice would be beneficial to the Mets.

However, trading a 21-year-old, superstar in the making with gold glove potential is not a choice. The stupidity of this idea ranks right up there with the Kazmir trade. You don't get younger and better by trading a player, who will anchor the left side of the infield for the next four years, for another player, who will be older and more expensive. Why give yourself another hole?! Don't the Mets have enough holes on the field?!?!? If you want to add payroll and get younger, start by signing your draft choice, Phillip Humber, not trading Jose Reyes, one of the few reasons to go out to the ballpark!!!

Note to Minaya, Duke, and Coupons: LEAVE OUR YOUNG, HOMEGROWN FUTURE SUPERSTARS ALONE! GO TRADE A USELESS VETERAN, LIKE STANTON OR GLAVINE!

NUFF SAID FOR NOW!

WHY?

2004-10-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

The Mets have been internally discussing the viability of acquiring World Series MVP Manny Ramirez as the antidote to their offensive woes. But if they can't work out a deal with the Red Sox - and Ramirez's Series heroics are a serious setback to their chances - the Mets might consider Sammy Sosa instead, people familiar with the Mets' thinking say.

Although I am not a stockbroker, the one thing I do know about the stock market is that you must buy low and sell high to be successful! For Omar to try and trade for Manny now is a joke! He is poor defensively (imagine him in cavernous Shea Stadium) and could have been attainable last year absolutely trade free. Why not spend Mets money wisely and go for a Beltran or Ordonez, along with an innings eating pitcher like Pavano or Clement?! But it gets better:

Sosa is another story entirely, one the Mets will investigate. After several storybook years, Sosa, who has 574 career homers, appears headed for a bitter breakup with the Cubs, who are motivated to move him and might even initiate talks. The Mets have discussed suggesting Cliff Floyd, a Chicago native, for Sosa.

Although Sosa's value is decreasing, so is his production. He will not be a plus defensively and is not a clutch player offensively. In addition, adding his increasing salary would be a joke! Omar must let go off his loyalties to old players like Sosa and move on. I would rather trade Floyd for something better or keep him (he is younger!).

In yet another example of outside-the-box thinking, the Mets are for the first time willing to entertain offers for prized young shortstop Jose Reyes. There has been speculation regarding a Reyes-for-Alfonso Soriano deal, but the Mets won't consider that because Soriano will make $8 million in arbitration.

Besides being a homegrown Met with superstar and gold glove potential, Reyes is a young and energetic sparkplug at a very cheap price. Along with Wright, the left side of the infield is set both offensively and defensively for years to come. Why trade him a la Kazmir and add salary when money could be wisely spent on a good free agent!? The Mets need knowledgeable doctors who can erase the injury bug! Very simple Omar: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

And should we now call him Don Franco?

Backman Backs Out!

2004-10-29T01:11:00.000-04:00

From Bad to Worse! It appears the one guy I truly was advocating for may be heading elsewhere! Backman dropped out of the running and Wally's world will now be viewed in Arizona. Ugh!
My second choice is also Ley-ving to Phil-Leyland! O'Boy!
Now that the Mets are being sued over their cable deal, the only free agents they're pursuing are the attorneys to defend the suit. Sheesh!
Here's something:
Meanwhile, rumblings are that the Mets may be parting ways with team physician Andrew Rokito. The Mets have already let go of trainer Scott Lawrenson, and it appears they may be on the way toward revamping their medical staff.
Does this mean I won't have to wait three months for a player to come back from a scratch????

'Nuff said for Now!

Shut Up and Play!

2004-10-15T11:14:00.000-04:00

Now that A-Rod is adding another voice to the already crowded Mets management, the Mets will interview Rudy Jaramillo later today. Thanks A-Rod! This is exactly what we needed, especially from a Yankee!
In another managing twist, it appears Jim Leyland may get strong consideration for next Mets manager. With plenty of experience and knowledge of the game, he would be a great fit for this team! Can you say Jack McKeon, the Mets version???
'Nuff said for now!

Whatta B-Humber!

2004-10-14T17:02:00.000-04:00

While the managerial search continues, the Mets cleaned house yesterday. Now that the Mets let head trainer Scott Lawrenson go, can we get some real doctors, like Altchek instead of Rokito?

It appears our first round draft pick, Philip Humber, will not be signing anytime soon. It's a real shame. An impressive fall league season will propel him to the bigs sooner than later....

While many Mets fans (and Mets Management) are interested in Valentine, Part Deux, I am one of the small contingent who don't want to see this sequel. Does anyone remember those stupid squeeze plays he always ran with less than 2 outs? How about the fact that many players don't want to play for him, possibly deterring potential free agents? When did being predictable and out-managed become factors?!?!? I believed that Bobby V should not have been fired but made Director of Scouting. I think Bobby V would make an excellent scout but bringing him back as manager would be a huge mistake fueled by anxious Mets fans wanting to see a repeat of 2000. Lets do this right this time and go after a quality manager, like Piniella, or give Backman or Randolph a shot!

Last, I don't want to see Gibson here. Does anyone remember the '88 playoffs, Dodgers v. Mets, and his Dodger heroics??? 'nuff said for now!

One Sad Day

2004-10-11T03:40:00.000-04:00

As av avid Superman and Smallville fan, it pains me to report that Superman/Dr. Swann Actor, Christopher Reeve is dead at 52.
To make matters worse, former MLB Superstar Ken Caminitti also died at the age of 41. He won the MVP in 1996 in a close race with Mike Piazza. He later admitted using steroids that year and it appears cocaine may have been a factor to his heart attack.
R.I.P. Superpeople.

Just Another Day!

2004-10-07T11:51:00.000-04:00

Not much to report today on the Metsies except Willie "opens up" and Tosca "gets ready!" Nuff said for now!

Stay Wright Here!

2004-10-06T14:06:00.000-04:00

We won't have to worry our Metsies going to NJ anymore. Coupon finally did something right and officially rejected the idea. We are the NY Mets!
Team MVP David Wright was just named the Top Prospect by Baseball America in the Eastern League. If only Duke would have called him up earlier,we would be calling him NL Rookie of the Year. There is a live chat with Alan Matthews at 2pm.
'nuff said for now!

2005 Mets and Beyond

2004-10-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

Where have you gone Doubleday? Why did you have to sell your shares to Fred Coupon? Would you have gone after A-Rod and Guerrero? Would you have traded 2004 ROY Jason Bay for Steve Reed with the Mets going nowhere in 2001??? Would you have waited one more week to sign up Baker as manager? Would you have brought back Johnny "Tomatoes" Franco or signed all-time and current Met killer Glavine? Would you have gone after Benson for hot prospects Matt Peterson, Justin Huber, and Wiggy???? Would you have idiotically traded lefty phenom Kazmir for Zambrano?!!!!

Due to the stupid meddling of the Coupons, I will never see this:





or

Lineup:

2B Jose Reyes

3B David Wright

SS A Rod (sgnd)

RF Vlad Guerrero (sgnd)

CF Beltran (sgnd)

1B Delgado (sgnd)

C Mike Piazza

LF Jason Bay



Bench: Wiggy, Brazell, Diaz, Valent



or:

Rotation:

Pavano (sgnd)

Martinez (sgnd)

Benson or Russ Ortiz (sgnd)

Trachsel

Kazmir



Unfortunately, Coupon owns the team, Kazmir unexplicably is gone, and we have to deal with what we have. Of course the first issue to be taken care of is Humber. I cannot believe our first round draft pick (fourth overall) remains unsigned. Why they are waiting beats me but we already had one prospect go back to school. Do we need Humber to go back too?



Next on the list is getting a good manager. Piniella is my choice but I can live with Fregosi for now. The Mets have produced some pretty good managers but I know Coupon won't give this guy a shot although he would be ideal.



We have Zambrano, Glavine, and Trax, who never gets enough credit. Let's re-sign Benson. We gave up alot to get him and he is a pretty good #3, possible #2, who can learn alot from Glavine. This leaves one spot, which must go to an innings eater like Pavano. His numbers are great and why not take something else besides a series sweep from the Yanks! We can trade Traxs next season and bring up Humber, who should be ready by that time. If he's not, we can have Heilman or Seo take the spot and go after this stud after 2005. Come 2006 (that's right, Coupon, think ahead!) Humber should be ready, Glavine will be traded (prospects, bag of balls, whatever) and if he bombs, we sign our Ace.



Is Piazza a catcher or a 1B? What about Floyd? The only certainty is Wright and Reyes, and even this is not known. Per Gammons:

The Mets won't have fun, fun, fun until Daddy takes the Lear Jet away. Omar Minaya is a very good evaluator, but Junior Wilpon made trades and blamed Jim Duquette. Between Junior and their New York PR guy, the Mets provide us all with a ton of laughs. Right now I'd bet on Jose Reyes going to Texas for Alfonso Soriano, to play right, with Omar-favorite Orlando Cabrera signing with them for $32 million and four years.
This better be a joke!

I was watching Pride of the Yankees (Gehrig story) last week and I figured out why the Yanks are the Yanks- Respect. They have shown respect to all their greats, which has subsequently built them a rich tradition. Piazza unquestionably is a Met great. In his prime, he could have gone back to LA or play close to home with Philly but he stayed. He has gone through many bad Mets teams and has done what has been asked of him without complaint. Now we want to get rid of him. I believe he is a catcher, a Hall of Fame catcher who should stay with the Mets until he decides to hang em up. He still has alot left in him and he is a Met great who deserves our respect. Wilson or Phillips can back him up until Jesus Flores or Aaron hathaway is ready. 'nuff said!

There are only two viable options for 1B- Sexson or Delgado. If they decide to keep Matsui and can't trade Floyd for Konerko, Delgado would be my choice with Sexson a close second.

2B is Matsui with Keppinger as a back up but if we can trade him for Soriano in Right and sign Cabrera for 2B......

The outfield right now is Cameron. Mets should pay Hidalgo his option and let him go with a pack of bubble gum! We need two outfielders and there are three viable options with Victor Diaz on the Bench- Carlos Beltran, Magglio Ordonez, JD Drew. Ordonez is great but an injury risk. Drew is an oft-injured player who played great this year. Beltran should be a must sign in Left and If we can't trade Matsui for Sori, then sign Drew or Ordonez in Right. With the Mets luck, they will get injured but Diaz will be a more than adequate backup.

Last comes the bullpen. I don't want to see Stanton here anymore (give him back to the Yanks) and Franco can toss his tomatoes in a pizzeria. We need to sign Percival and have Looper set him up. A powerful set up and closer can lead to championships (ask the Yanks). We can also sign Williamson and give guys like Royce Ring a shot.

If the Mets can get this done with Milledge and Concepcion in the minors, not trade baits, we should be a contender by 2006.