Well the one thing that we can definitely say about the Mets spring training games so far is that they have definitely not been boring. If anything the Mets offense has been on fire scoring over thirty runs in their last three days alone, spearheaded with homers by David Wright, Fernando Martinez, Mike Jacobs and that concussion grenade that was the Ike Davis grand slam ! The problem lies thus far with the pitching. While Jonathan Neise looked impressive in his first start this past Tuesday, yesterday Mike Pelfrey took his first start of the grapefruit league season , and he looked downright rusty. He let up four runs ( three earned) in three innings and his control was spotty at best. Both Sean Green and Eddie Kunz looked better yesterday than they did in their previous efforts, but we need them to be consistent. I know it is only spring training and the games don’t mean anything i, but I have no worries about the Mets offense this year - I think the Mets numbers will be among the tops in the Majors. It is the pitching that I am more worried about, because if this team morphs into the late ’80’s early ’90’s Yankees we will be a better team than last year, but we will be mediocre at best. We need Maine, Perez, Pelfrey (and whoever the fifth starter will be) to give quality starts and better than average performances. They need to keep the pressure of both the offence and the bullpen as well as Johan, because the last thing we need is a repeat of ‘07 and ‘08 where the starting pitching was barely making it to the sixth inning for most of the season - tiring out the bullpen which totally went nuclear down the stretch , which put added pressure on the offence to score more runs to protect the lead. But I still have faith in this rotation, I do believe they will be above average, and who knows they might even surprise us. But they need to throw strikes and throw strikes consistently .

 

                                                                                 

                                      ” Hopefully Mike can serve up a better season than he did last year !”

And with tht said … HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to the original Mets back up first baseman,Ed Bouchee (1933) .

One of the better Mets pitchers from their first four seasons, Galen Cisco is 74 (1936) . In his four year stint with the Mets he went 18-43 with a e.r.a. of 4.04 .

Middle reliever from the the ‘93 - ‘94 seasons, Mauro Gozzo is 44 (1966) .
Future Hall Of Fame second baseman ( and all around malcontent with the Mets) Jeff Kent is 42 (1968) .

Los Angeles Dodgers signed one time “can’t miss”  first base prospect,Craig Brazell of the New York Mets as a free agent on March 7, 2006.
And while you are watching today’s game versus the Washington Nationals on SNY, just remember that there are just 29 Dave Magadan days until the Mets open the 2010 season against the Florida Marlins at Citi Field.

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So at his daily press briefing Mets skipper Jerry Manuel broke the bad - yet not surprisingly bad news that possible set up man, Kelvim Escobar will more than likely start the season on the disabled list. Okay now before you blame the Mets medical staff, Omar Minaya or the new team trainers motto of prevention & recovery we have to put things into perspective here. First off this was a low risk / high reward signing. Escobar has not pitched more than five innings in the last three years, the Mets took a gamble here - not monetarily but they avoided some good relievers this off season because from what they scouts saw in winter ball this past season, he looked strong. Secondly he can still possibly be healthy and useful by mid-season which could give the bull pen a rest if they have been overused. Third he only signed for slightly more than a million dollars so that salary is not a drain on the budget.
But the one question that remains is if not Kelvim then who? Ryota Irigashi? Bobby Parnell? Jenry Mejia? Oreither Joe Beimel orRon Mahay ? Personally I have stated that I would love to see Parnell earn the job because he has such a dominating fastball . But if he is not ready, I think it is about time that the Mets give Kiko Calero’s agent a phone call and try to sign him to be Francisco Rodriguez’s setup man.

Here are Calero’s stats , first from last season and then his career splits.

SPLITS	G	GS	CG	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	W	L	SV	HLD	BLSV	WHIP	ERA
Season	67	0	0	60.0	36	13	13	1	30	69	2	2	0	12	5	1.10	1.95
Career	313	1	0	302.2	236	110	109	24	126	324	14	12	7	0	0	1.20	3.24

I think his stats speak for themselves. He doesn’t give up the long ball all that often, he strikes out hitters more than he walks them, and his E.R.A. was  a highly respectable 1.95  for a Marlins team that overachieved. I think Omar would do himself an injustice if he didn’t at least inquire about him. And OH YEAH HE’S A TYPE B FREE AGENT THAT WAS NOT OFFERED ARBITRATION !!!

                                                                                                     

                                                             ” Will Kiko be out eighth inning man?”

And with that said … HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
Happy Birthday wishes go out to Mets coach from the ‘91 team Tom Spencer. He is 59 today. (1951)
Pitcher from the’06 team,  Brian Bannister is 29.(1981)  I remember Brian as being a long shot to make the rotation in ‘06 but he pitched so well in spring training that the Mets had to include him on the roster. He was at times wild but when he was on he was close to unhittable.  He went down in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury and wasn’t able to rehab in time for the post season. He was traded to the Kansas City Royals for the waste of life Abiorix Burgos , where he has proven to be a decent number five starter.

Sadly on this date last year , pitcher Tom Sturdivant of the ‘64 team passed away.
New York Mets purchased Dave Kingman from the San Francisco Giants on February 28, 1975. Remarkably enough  on the same date in 1981 the Mets reacquired Kingman in a trade with the Chicago Cubs for one time rising star outfielder, Steve Henderson . Unfortunately Kingman’s limited range at first base had become even more limited and his batting average ( which had never been great)  declined, making him a feast or famine home run hitter.

New York Mets signed free agent reliever Pedro Feliciano on February 28, 2006. Pedro set a Mets single season appearance record last season .

 

And while you watch the Men’s U.S.A Hockey team play  Team Canada , just remember 36 days until the Mets open the 2010 season against the Florida Marlins at Citi Field.

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You decide.  The way the current system of free agent rankings and compensation works the amateur draft and free agent signings are linked whether we like it or not.

Omar Minaya’s first amateur draft as GM of the New York Mets was the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.  Below is a brief look at how many picks each National League team has made, what picks have been impacted by free agent signings, how many of those picks have made it to the Major Leagues, who they are and what overall # pick those players that have made it were from their 2005-2008 drafts inclusive.  The 2009 draft is not included because no player taken that year has made their major league debut.  The American League is not included because they are not the main competition from day-to-day and because they have the DH which upsets me greatly (but truthfully because I just don’t have the time).

For those who don’t know, basically a team will have more overall picks as compensation for losing major league players via free agency (Type A or B free agents), and fewer if it signs players via free agency (Type A free agents).  These picks gained or lost are early round picks which is generally when the prime talent is considered to be available.

The teams are listed in descending order based on their total number of picks made in these 4 drafts.  A team which neither signed nor lost any free agents, or maintained a balance of both, would have 50 picks annually or 200 total during the period of time being examined here should they choose to exercise all their picks, but not all teams use their full allotment of picks as you’ll see if you actually read all this.  Whether the draft picks were signed or not is not a factor.  If more than one team made the same number of total picks those teams are listed alphabetically.

So please take a look at the information below, note how many picks some teams had and how few others had due to the way they utilize Type A & B free agents and/or the way they simply decide to stop drafting, and note what these teams have thus far produced with those picks and let us know your conclusions in the comments section.  Who is balancing free agency and the draft well?  Who is not?  Is Omar Minaya?

Braves: 209 total picks, 6 have reached the majors, 3%.

In 2005 the Braves received the 41st overall pick (supplemental) and the 77th overall pick from the Yankees signing of FA P Jaret Wright.  In 2006 they received the 38th overall pick (supplemental) and the 72nd overall pick from the Yankees signing of FA P Kyle Farnsworth, and the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) and the 51st overall pick from the Dodgers signing of FA SS Rafael Furcal.  In 2007 they received the 33rd overall pick (supplemental) and the 69th overall pick from the Orioles signing of FA P Danys Baez.  In 2008 they received the 40th overall pick (supplemental) from the Royals signing of FA P Ron Mahay.  Thus the 9 extra picks.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• Year drafted 2005 overall pick # 27, Joey Devine
• 2005 # 75, Yunel Escobar
• 2005 # 107, Jordan Shafer
• 2005 # 677, Tommy Hanson
• 2005 # 1077, Tyler Flowers
• 2006 # 310, Kris Medlen

Cardinals: 207 total picks, 13 have reached the majors, 6%.

In 2005 the Cardinals received the 28th overall pick and the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Red Sox signing of FA SS Edgar Renteria, and the 46th overall pick (supplemental) and the 70th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA C Mike Matheny.  In 2006 they received the 42nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 54th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA P Matt Morris, and the 76th overall pick from the Phillies signing of FA 3B Abraham Nunez.  In 2007 they received the 36th overall pick (supplemental) and the 71st overall pick from the Brewers signing of FA P Jeff Suppan.  In 2008 they received the 39th overall pick (supplemental) from the Rays signing of FA P Troy Percival.  The Cardinals chose not to exercise their final 3 picks of the 2005 amateur draft.  Thus the net of 7 extra picks.  3 of their compensation picks have reached the majors (Colby Rasmus, Chris Perez & Clayton Mortensen).

• 2005 # 28, Colby Rasmus
• 2005 # 30, Tyler Greene
• 2005 # 170, Mitchell Boggs
• 2005 # 230, Nick Stavinoha
• 2005 # 380, Daniel McCutchen
• 2005 # 650, Ryan Rohlinger
• 2005 # 680, Jaime Garcia
• 2006 # 42, Chris Perez
• 2006 # 166, Shane Robinson
• 2006 # 346, P.J. Walters
• 2006 # 856, Luke Gregerson
• 2007 # 36, Clayton Mortensen
• 2007 # 82, Jess Todd

Diamondbacks, 207 total picks, 10 have reached the majors, 5%.

In 2005 the Diamondbacks received the 31st overall pick (supplemental) and the 83rd overall pick from the Mariners signing of FA 1B Richie Sexson.  In 2006 they received the 34th overall pick (supplemental) and the 86th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA P Tim Worrell.  In 2007 they received the 50th overall pick (supplemental) from the Brewers signing of FA SS Craig Counsell and the 61st overall pick (supplemental) from the Mariners signing of FA P Miguel Batista.  In 2008 they received the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Twins signing of FA P Livan Hernandez.  Thus the 7 extra picks.  1 of their compensation picks has reached the majors (Micah Owings).

• 2005 # 1, Justin Upton
• 2005 # 83, Micah Owings
• 2005 # 171, Greg Smith
• 2005 # 411, Rusty Ryal
• 2006 # 11, Max Scherzer
• 2006 # 55, Brett Anderson
• 2006 # 387 John Hester
• 2006 # 897, Clay Zavada
• 2007 # 223, Bryan Augenstein
• 2008 # 26, Daniel Schlereth

Marlins, 207 total picks, 9 have reached the majors, 4%.

In 2005 the Marlins received the 22nd overall pick and the 34th overall pick (supplemental) from the Giants signing FA P Armando Benitez, the 29th overall pick and 44th overall pick (supplemental) from the Yankees signing FA P Carl Pavano,  and the 79th overall pick (supplemental) from the Twins signing of C Mike Redmond.  In 2006 they received the 36th overall pick (supplemental) and the 90th overall pick from the Blue Jays signing of FA P A.J. Burnett.  Thus the 7 extra picks.  4 of their compensation picks have reached the majors (Ryan Tucker, Sean West, Brett Hayes & Chris Coghlan).

• 2005 # 16, Chris Volstad
• 2005 # 34, Ryan Tucker
• 2005 # 44, Sean West
• 2005 # 79, Brett Hayes
• 2005 # 126, Gaby Sanchez
• 2005 # 216, Christopher Leroux
• 2005 # 246, Aaron Bates
• 2006 # 36, Chris Coghlan
• 2006 # 305, Graham Taylor

Phillies, 205 total picks, 5 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Phillies lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Jon Leiber.  In 2006 they received the 18th overall pick and the 37th overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing of FA P Billy Wagner, and lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Tom Gordon.  In 2007 they received the 37th overall pick (supplemental) and the 107th overall pick from the Indians signing of FA OF David Dellucci.  In 2008 they received the 34th overall pick (supplemental) and the 51st overall pick from the Giants signing of FA OF Aaron Rowand, and the 110th overall pick (supplemental) for failure to sign a previous draft pick.  Thus the net of 5 extra picks.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• 2005 # 97, Matt Maloney
• 2005 # 307, Josh Outman
• 2005 # 367, Mike Zagurski
• 2005 # 577, David Huff
• 2006 # 65, Andrew Carpenter

Nationals, 203 total picks, 7 have reached the majors, 3%.

In 2005 the Nationals lost their 2nd round draft pick for signing FA 3B Vinny Castilla and their 3rd round draft pick for signing FA SS Christian Guzman.  In 2006 they received the 22nd overall pick from the A’s signing of FA P Esteban Loaiza and the 70th overall pick from the Angels signing of FA P Hector Carrasco.  In 2007 they received the 31st overall pick (supplemental) and the 67th overall pick from the Cubs signing of FA OF Alfonso Soriano, and the 49th overall pick (supplemental) for the Mariners signing of FA OF Jose Guillen.  Thus the net of 3 extra picks.  1 of their compensation picks has reached the majors (Jordan Zimmermann).

• 2005 # 4, Ryan Zimmerman
• 2005 # 114, Justin Maxwell
• 2005 # 174, Marco Estrada
• 2005 # 324, John Lannan
• 2005 # 354, Craig Stammen
• 2007 # 6, Ross Detwiler
• 2007 # 67, Jordan Zimmermann

Reds, 202 total picks, 8 have reached the majors, 4%.

In 2007 the Reds received the 34th overall pick (supplemental) and the 104th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA 1B Rich Aurilia, and the 53rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing of FA P Scott Schoeneweis.  In 2008 they lost their 2nd round draft pick for signing FA P Francisco Cordero.  Thus the net of 2 extra draft picks.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• 2005 # 12, Jay Bruce
• 2005 # 182, Jeff Stevens
• 2005 # 332, Carlos Fisher
• 2005 # 362, Adam Rosales
• 2005 # 1259, John Axford
• 2006 # 8, Drew Stubbs
• 2006 # 204, Justin Turner
• 2006 # 294, Josh Roenicke

Rockies, 202 total picks, 2 have reached the majors, 1%.

In 2005 the Rockies received the 32nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 52nd overall pick from the Nationals signing of FA 3B Vinny Castilla.  Thus 2 extra draft picks.  None of their compensation picks have made the majors.

• 2005 # 7, Troy Tulowitzki
• 2006 # 2, Greg Reynolds

Pirates, 200 total picks, 3 have reached the majors, 1%.

• 2005 # 11, Andrew McCutchen
• 2005 # 121, Brent Lillibridge
• 2005 # 241, Steven Pearce

Brewers, 199 total picks, 5 have reached the majors, 3%.

In 2005 the Brewers lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA C Damian Miller.  In 2007 they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Jeff Suppan.  In 2008 they received the 32nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 53rd overall pick from the Reds signing of FA P Francisco Cordero, and the 35th overall pick (supplemental) and the 54th overall pick from the White Sox signing of FA P Scott Linebrink.  The Brewers chose not to exercise their final 3 picks in the 2007 draft.  Thus the net loss of 1 pick.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• 2005 # 5, Ryan Braun
• 2005 # 115, Mat Gamel
• 2005 # 205, Michael Brantley
• 2005 # 475, Andrew Bailey
• 2007 # 7, Matt LaPorta

Cubs, 199 total picks, 3 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Cubs received the 108th overall pick from the Red Sox signing of FA P Matt Clement.  In 2006 they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Bobby Howry, their 3rd round pick for signing FA P Scott Eyre and their 4th round pick for signing FA OF Jacque Jones.  In 2007 they received the 48th overall pick (supplemental) from the Dodgers signing of FA OF Juan Pierre, and lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA OF Alfonso Soriano.  In 2008 they received the 41st overall pick (supplemental) from the Brewers signing of FA C Jason Kendall.  Thus the net loss of 1 pick.  None of their compensation picks has made the majors.

• 2005 # 68, Donald Veal
• 2006 # 13, Tyler Colvin
• 2006 # 149, Jeff Samardzija

Giants, 199 total picks, 12 have reached the majors, 6%.

In 2005 the Giants lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Armando Benitez, their 2nd round pick for signing FA C Mike Matheny, and their 3rd round pick for signing FA SS Omar Vizquel.  In 2006 they received the 33rd overall pick (supplemental) and the 89th overall pick from the Cubs signing of FA P Scott Eyre, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Matt Morris and their 3rd round pick for signing FA P Tim Worrell.  In 2007 they received the 22nd overall pick and the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Dodgers signing of FA P Jason Schmidt, the 29th overall pick and the 32nd overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing of FA OF Moises Alou, and the 51st overall pick (supplemental) from the Reds signing of FA P Mike Stanton, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Barry Zito, their 3rd round pick for signing FA 1B Rich Aurilia, and their 4th round pick for signing FA OF Dave Roberts.  In 2008 they received the 37th overall pick (supplemental) from the Phillies signing of 3B Pedro Feliz, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA OF Aaron Rowand.  Thus the net loss of 1 pick.  2 of their compensation picks have made the majors (Emmanuel Burriss & Conor Gillaspie).

• 2005 # 372, Joe Martinez
• 2005 # 462, Alex Hinshaw
• 2005 # 852, Sergio Romo
• 2006 # 10, Tim Lincecum
• 2006 # 33, Emmanuel Burriss
• 2006 # 176, Ryan Rohlinger
• 2006 # 266, Brian Bocock
• 2006 # 1076, Matt Downs
• 2007 # 10, Madison Baumgarner
• 2007 # 284, Dan Runzler
• 2008 # 5, Buster Posey
• 2008 # 37, Conor Gillaspie

Astros, 192 total picks, 3 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Astros received the 38th overall pick (supplemental) and the 89th overall pick from the Mets signing of FA OF Carlos Beltran.  In 2007 they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA OF Carlos Lee, and their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Woody Williams.  In 2008 they received the 38th overall pick (supplemental) from the Rays signing FA P Trever Miller, and the 109th overall pick (supplemental) for failure to sign a previous draft pick.  The Astros chose not to exercise their final 4 picks of the 2005 amateur draft and their final 6 picks of the 2007 amateur draft.  Thus a net loss of 8 picks.  1 of their compensation picks has made the majors (Tommy Manzella).

• 2005 # 89, Tommy Manzella
• 2006 # 129, Chris Johnson
• 2006 # 189, Bud Norris

Mets, 191 total picks, 9 have reached the majors, 5%.

In 2005 the Mets lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Pedro Martinez and their 3rd round pick for signing FA OF Carlos Beltran.  In 2006 they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Billy Wagner.  In 2007 they received the 42nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 77th overall pick from the Indians signing of FA P Roberto Hernandez, and they received the 47th overall pick (supplemental) and 99th overall pick from the Orioles signing of FA P Chad Bradford, and they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA OF Moises Alou.  In 2008 the Mets received the 18th overall pick and the 33rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Braves signing FA P Tom Glavine.  The Mets chose not to exercise their final 10 picks in the 2007 draft.  Thus a net loss of 9 picks.  1 of their compensation picks has reached the majors (Eddie Kunz).

• 2005 # 9, Mike Pelfrey
• 2005 # 209, Jonathon Niese
• 2005 # 269, Bobby Parnell
• 2005 # 389, Josh Thole
• 2006 # 62, Kevin Mulvey
• 2006 # 94, Joe Smith
• 2006 # 394, Daniel Murphy
• 2006 # 484, Tobi Stoner
• 2007 # 42, Eddie Kunz

Padres, 187 total picks, 10 have reached the majors, 5%.

In 2005 the Padres received the 35th overall pick (supplemental) and the 76th overall pick from the Red Sox signing FA P David Wells.  In 2006 they received the 35th overall pick (supplemental) and the 53rd overall pick from the Orioles signing FA P Roberto Hernandez.  In 2007 they received the 40th overall pick (supplemental) and the 81st overall pick from the Astros signing FA P Woody Williams, they received the 46th overall pick (supplemental) and the 134th overall pick from the Giants signing FA OF Dave Roberts, they received the 57th overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing FA P Chan Ho Park, they received the 63rd overall pick (supplemental) from the A’s signing FA P Alan Embree, and they received the 64th overall pick (supplemental) from the Giants signing FA 1B Ryan Klesko. In 2008 they received the 42nd overall pick (supplemental) from the Brewers signing FA OF Mike Cameron, they received the 46th overall pick (supplemental) for the Astros signing FA P Doug Brocail, and they received the 111th overall pick (supplemental) for failure to sign a previous draft pick.  The Padres chose not to exercise their final 5 picks in the 2006 draft, their final 15 picks in the 2007 draft and their final 7 picks in the 2008 draft.  Thus a net loss of 13 picks.  2 of their compensation picks have made it to the majors (Cesar Ramos & Nick Hundley).

• 2005 # 18, Cesar Carrillo
• 2005 # 35, Cesar Ramos
• 2005 # 66, Chase Headley
• 2005 # 76, Nick Hundley
• 2005 # 98, Josh Geer
• 2005 # 218, Will Venable
• 2006 # 17, Matt Antonelli
• 2006 # 61, Wade LeBlanc
• 2006 # 73, David Freese
• 2006 # 333, Mat Latos

Dodgers, 186 total picks, 4 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Dodgers received the 40th overall pick (supplemental) and the 51st overall pick from the Mariners signing of FA 3B Adrian Beltre, and they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Derek Lowe.  In 2006 they received the 26th overall pick and the 31st overall pick (supplemental) from the Angels signing FA P Jeff Weaver, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA SS Rafael Furcal and their 3rd round pick for signing FA 3B Bill Mueller.  In 2007 they received the 20th overall pick and the 39th overall pick (supplemental) from the Red Sox signing FA SS Julio Lugo, and they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Jason Schmidt.  In 2007 the Dodgers chose not to exercise their final 11 picks of the draft and in 2008 they chose not to exercise their final 5 picks.  Thus a net loss of 14 picks.  1 of their compensation picks has made it to the majors (Luke Hochevar).

• 2005 # 40, Luke Hochevar
• 2005 # 166, Jonathan Meloan
• 2005 # 196, Brent Leach
• 2006 # 7, Clayton Kershaw

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• tkfj says:
  Saturday, January 23 2010 at 12:52 pm (Edit)

  Consensus is the move made no sense, no surprise. Lets move on to the next botched move Omar.

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I spent all day yesterday responding to things like this, so before I agree with you TKFJ and move on to the next botched move, I’m going to one last time lay it out the way I see it.  I am not asking you or anyone else to agree with my perspective, I do it simply to dispute the notion that “consensus is the move made no sense” because I consider that to be a false statement.

Yesterday Mr. North Jersey, who has made his disdain for Omar in general and this move in specific well known, published a series of links to Met-specific blogs and their reactions to the trade.  There was hardly a consensus to be found in those.  So even someone with strong negative feelings about the trade was able to find, accept the existence of and publish links to people with opinions that did not jive with his own.

There is a cottage industry in the blogosphere built around The Contest. What The Contest involves is a essentially a running commentary by those who know better about New York Mets General Manager Omar Minaya and Kansas City Royals GM Dayton Moore, and how long either can abstain from making a bad move, and how long after one does the other will be unable to resist topping him.  You can read more about The Contest here.  It is certainly a ripoff of the plot of an episode of Seinfeld, ironically a Met fan, and a man who has a greater sense of humor in one drop of his perspiration than a roomful of sabermetricians.  It is my opinion that in an effort to extrude fun from this contest, the reaction to an otherwise run-of-the-mill, unspectacular, uninteresting player move has gone berserk.  But I digress.

I personally feel that prior to this trade the Mets had depth issues with the center field position.  You can believe or not that the Mets had bullpen depth.  I believe they did but I respect your right to disagree.  I think that trying to assemble a Major League bullpen of 7 guys from a pool of Frankie Rodriguez, Sean Green, Pedro Feliciano, Ryota Igarashi, Nelson Figueroa, Pat Misch, Eddie Kunz, Tobi Stoner, Jack Egbert, Bobby Parnell, Kelvim Escobar, Clint Everts, Arturo Lopez, Jay Marshall, R. A. Dickey and Fernando Nieve is a task that can be accomplished with or without throwing Brian Stokes into the mix.  If anyone feels that Stokes separated himself from this group in any real, positive way, well let’s just say I respectfully disagree.  In that context I consider Stokes expendable.

Now back to the issue of center field depth.  One may in my view rightly complain that the Mets non-tendered Cory Sullivan and Jeremy Reed.  They are both useful reserve outfielders capable of playing center field.  I do not dispute that.  But the fact remains that when they were non-tendered, Carlos Beltran was the healthy starting center fielder for the New York Mets, Angel Pagan was his back up, and Fernando Martinez was the third option.  Currently there is no fourth option that I am aware of unless one is particularly enamored with Jesus Feliciano.

You may disagree with this notion as well but I believe the Mets are best served by having Martinez play every day in AAA, proving that he can stay healthy and perform against that level of competition.  It would be hard for anyone to deny that he was over-matched in 2009 against Major League competition.  So it would seem best for all parties if Martinez is not once again summoned to the Majors prematurely due to injuries.

After the likes of Reed and Sullivan were given their walking papers, lo and behold, a Met player had a health setback.  Right around the same time Beltran’s knee surgery and the bizarre circumstances surrounding it were unfolding, those same two players were signing contracts with other organizations.   Thus a sudden unforeseen opening for depth on the roster and the last two guys who filled it were otherwise employed.

So what is Omar Minaya, the laughingstock GM of the laughingstock New York Mets supposed to do?  Perhaps sign an available free agent, you say.  Why of course, why didn’t Omar The Fool think of that?  Perhaps he did.  Perhaps he also noticed that he’s had a little difficulty attracting free agents recently.  Bengie Molina took less money and no option for a second year and stayed away.  Joel Pineiro took slightly more money and didn’t bother to consider that the Mets might have simply made an opening offer and been willing to increase it.  Since the Beltran fiasco, merely the latest fiasco in a string of fiascos, the Mets have an image problem.  Proponents of The Contest should be well aware of that.  Try attracting a person capable of providing marginal performance in center field on what appears to be a rather temporary basis (assuming Beltran’s healthy return, whoever fills the role will be immediately demoted to 5th OF at best).

So having a job opening for a 4th OF job that, should things go well for a change, will quickly turn into that of 5th OF, I can imagine Omar glanced at the list of available free agents.  Surely at least an office intern did this for him.  Even his greatest detractors must admit that he is probably at least peripherally aware that Reed Johnson is without employment.  Maybe Reed would agree to come to the Mets, team turmoil, for the fair market value of a 5th OF?  Maybe Randy Winn might?  Rocco Baldelli?  Ryan Freel?  If other recent free agents recently spurned fair market value offers from the Mets for jobs that actually involved playing time, why would any of these fellows come here to sit on their asses for 5th OF prices?  They might just risk the mortal injury that often seems to come with playing for the Mets, but surely they’d require a premium for doing so.  That would be wasteful spending, something we often criticize Minaya for.  Suddenly we are begging him to do it for a 5th OF?  Are the same people who wailed and moaned about $2 million for Alex Cora seriously now requesting that Omar shell out that kind of money again for another reserve player?

Maybe Alfredo Amezaga or Endy Chavez would dare to take on such a task.  Personally I think Chavez would.  He might actually be the only professional baseball player on earth who has some positive feelings about playing in a reserve OF role with the Mets.  Alas, he is injured and will not be ready when needed.  Neither is Amezaga expected to be ready, so he’s out.

So Minaya, faced with the need for a 5th OF capable of minimal performance in CF for what is hopefully a temporary period between a potential injury to Pagan and the return of Beltran made a couple of wise (gasp!) decisions.  He decided to make efforts to keep Martinez in the minor leagues where he belongs, and he decided not to pay more than should otherwise be necessary for the services of a 5th OF.  He pulled out his bullpen depth chart and determined that he could spare one of sixteen guys, one who didn’t particularly distinguish himself from the others, certainly not enough to merit the number of exclamations of horror that have permeated the blogosphere in the last 24 hours.

Another fear widely noted has been that which suggests that Matthews Jr. is a clubhouse cancer and that surely he will make demands to start and in doing so disrupt the fragile child-like psyche of the Met roster.  I cannot dispute that Matthews Jr. may cause some turmoil.  He may very well make some demands.  He has stated for the record that he wanted out of Los Angeles because he wanted the opportunity to start.  Little Sarge needs to wake up and smell the coffee.  He’s in no position to make any demands.  And thankfully the Angels wanted to rid themselves of him so much they sent along $21.5 million dollars, meaning the Mets only owe him the fair market salary of a 5th OF.  If he proves to be a disruptive influence with demands to start, much like so many feared that another Gary, Gary Sheffield, would do last year, he is easily cut with little financial loss.  This is win-win for the Mets.  They take a chance that a veteran major leaguer, if lots of other things go wrong, can play a little bit for them, and acquire him by finding one of sixteen guys in a pool of bullpen candidates to send away for him.  Classic change of scenery deal we’ve all witnessed countless times before, with an easy out should it not work.

Instead of being praised for (finally) making a wise decision, Omar Minaya is drawn and quartered by those who know better. All for the sake of a few laughs at another chapter in The Contest.

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If I said it once I’ve said it a hundred times - MIKE FRANCESA IS THE BIGGEST A$$HOLE ON WFAN !! ( it feels great every time I say that ) You may ask why am I am in a tizzy over the fat man this time? Well seeing that he promised some Mets news yesterday alluding to the fact that he had some possible news that he was going to break. So what do I do? Like the ass that I am I listen to his show - which is a monument to his own over inflated ego , Just to find out at around 6 P.M. that his announcement is that Omar Minaya will be his in studio guest today ! Well that’s all well and good , but you know as well as I do that Omar will not divulge us in any news of worth. Omar will not tell us about any impending trades or negotiations with free agents - he can’t and won’t tip his hand. So I cry foul on Mike , because if he keeps playing this bait and switch game , he is going to lose many listeners.
After reading the rumors about the possible trade regarding Luis Castillio to the Boston Red Sox for Mike Lowell, I was left wondering if this part of a bigger picture - lets just say a three way trade perhaps? Follow my logic here, Lets say if these rumors are true , the Mets might try to bring the Chicago Cubs into these negotiations by offering Mike Lowell ( if the Mets did obtain him for Luis Castillo) and possibly a Bobby Parnell or a Eddie Kunz for Carlos Zambrano. The Cubs would be getting a good hitting infielder ( whose starting to show decline in his game) plus two pitchers with a boatload of potential for the head case that is Zambrano - Think about it and tell me if I am crazy .
Also - WELCOME ABOARD JASON BAY !!!

 

                                                                                    

                                                                      ” Bay Watch is patrolling Left field !!”

And now … HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to the Mets pitching coach for the ‘01 - ‘02 season -Charlie Hough (1948) . Charlie was one of the better pitchers fof the ’70’s. Too bad that he couldn’t channel that into being a good pitching coach for the Mets.
On this date in 1963, One of the Mets original coaches , and a baseball legend, Rogers Hornsby passed away.

Sadly on this date , one of the true icons in Mets history,Tug McGraw lost his battle with brain cancer (2004). I was way to young to remember seeing Tug pitch for the Mets but when you watch films and interviews with him you wish that he was your friend. I cried when I learned of his passing - And I don’t do that often .

New York Mets traded a washed up Vince Coleman to the Kansas City Royals for a past his prime Kevin McReynolds on January 5, 1994.

New York Yankees re-signed utility infielsder Miguel Cairo of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 5, 2006.

New York Mets signed free agent David Newhan of the Baltimore Orioles on January 5, 2007. I never l liked Newhan , and I was all to happy to see him go.

New York Mets traded minor league prospects Corey Coles and Ryan Meyers to the Chicago Cubs for Angel Pagan on January 5, 2008. Angel has turned into the best fourth outfielder in the game , and if he can hone his instincts he could be a everyday outfielder.

And while you are sitting on your couch watching the Jason Bay press conference don’t forget - There are just 90 days until the Mets open the 2010 season against the Florida Marlins at Citi Field.

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Merry Christmas to all at TRDMB, and please be safe this holiday season.  I know we all like to celebrate, but every Christmas and New Year’s what I enjoy most is being with friends and family, and I truly feel terrible when I see someone losing a friend or family member due to an accident of some sort around the holidays. 

 

 

 

With that said, ‘tis the season to tell everyone what you want for Christmas! (Thanks to Hallmark, the birth of a baby boy seen as the Son of God by people of faith has turned into a time of big dinners, drinking excessively, and great deals on Sony Kindles)  So, as I make my way over to midnight mass, here is Coach Mattone’s Christmas List for 2009.  (Note:  None of this is for 2009.  Mostly the 2010 Mets.  But I threw in some gifts I would like in case anyone gets a little generous and wants to send me something.  Or needs a last minute gift idea to give to a loved one.)

 

All I Want For Christmas Is……….

 

…YOU!!!   YOU, OOOO, BABY!  Sorry, Mariah Carey on the brain.  Moving right along then…

 

 

 

…people (myself included) to stop the negativity towards the Mets off-season thus far.  Some teams cough-Royals-cough got 2 years of Jason Kendall at $6 million for Christmas.  We don’t want that now do we…

 

…Fernando Martinez to stay healthy this year and get a shot to make an impact on the big league squad…

 

…Ike Davis to continue to shoot lightning bolts from his baseball bat in the form of 400 foot home runs…

 

…Mike Pelfrey to start his climb up the mountain as the next young frontline starter in the National League…

 

…Oliver Perez to enjoy his Christmas with family in Mexico so much, he stays there forever…

 

…Seriously, though, I hope Perez comes in this spring with a newfound work ethic, in great shape, and ready to prove Ollie doubters like me wrong with a strong 2010…

 

…The Hangover, on Blu-Ray or DVD…

 

…Bengie Molina to find a home that isn’t named Citi Field…stay away, fat man…

 

 

 

…Wally Backman to lead the Brooklyn Cyclones to an A-Ball Championship…

 

…then lead the Mets to the 2011 World Series Championship…

 

…then agree to do a Holiday Christmas special with Lenny Dykstra…I can see it now, “Wally and Lenny’s Wild Boys Christmas Spectacular…tell me you wouldn’t tune in…

…A Powermat Wireless Charger…

 

…Johan Santana to throw the first no-hitter in Met history…

 

…David Wright to hit 30 homers, knock in 120 runs, and be linked romantically to 10 Hollywood starlets…

 

…Jose Reyes to hit 20 triples, steal 50 bases, and continue to have fun on the field, regardless of what the media or Jimmy Rollins says…

 

 

 

…Carlos Beltran to continue to put up great numbers and play Gold Glove defense…

 

…and cement his place in Met history with an MVP…

 

…True Blood or Mad Men DVD box sets…

 

…Jared, the Galleria of jewelry, to go out of business so I don’t have to see another “HE WENT TO JAREDDD!!!  Commercial…

 

…Jared, the Subway guy, to put all of his weight back on eating the NEW! Subway Chicken Parmigana Sandwich, the NEW! Subway Pastrami melt, and the NEW! Subway Snickerdoodle cookies…

 

 

 

…Gil Meche to be traded to the Mets and resurrect his career as a top flight #2 or #3 starter…

 

…Daniel Murphy to continue developing into a quality big league hitter…

 

…Frenchy to hit more and more balls on the screws, and re-discover his potential…

 

…K-Rod to dance, yell, point to the sky, and close out 40-45 games for the Mets…

 

…and Bobby Parnell to set-up 25 of those saves with 97mph fireballs…

 

…NFL Network to get picked up by Cablevision…

 

…What The Dog Saw, by Malcolm Gladwell…

 

…and finally, for my friends, family, the cast of the MTV hit show Jersey Shore, and all Met fans to enjoy their holiday season with the ones they love, as they embark on what should be a fun and exciting 2010 for all…

 

…oh, and a WORLD SERIES BANNER!…

 

…and her…

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, enjoy your 7 Fishes for Christmas Dinner!!!! 

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