Well it seems that the only news trickling out of the fall out shelter in Citi Field is of the Mets possible interest in starting pitchers Jarrod Washburn and Joel Pinero, and also the fact that Carlos Delgado is displaying the same amount of range at first base as the cutout of the New York Lottery spokesman. Honestly if I had my druthers I would choose neither Washburn nor Pinero but I would take a chance on Ben Sheets. Sheets has proven ( when healthy) to be a dominant number two pitcher that we crave, while Pinero’s recent success is probably linked to uber pitching coach Dave Duncan and Washburn is just straight up mediocre. In the case of Carlos Delgado, his new found lack of range doesn’t surprise me, He was never exactly what you would call ” nimble ” when patrolling first base. But if we sign him and he does his best impression of being a drug store cigar Indian well lets just say that I’d rather take a chance on signing Adam LaRoche on a one year deal.

                                                          “  Who has better range at first base?”

And with that said - HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!

Happy Birthday to the Cy Young award winning pitcher for the San Diego Padres who totally sh&t the bed as soon as he donned a Mets jersey,Randy Jones (1950).
First baseman Mike Marshall is 50(1960) . Mike has the dubious distinction of replacing the beloved Keith Hernandez at first base in 1990.
Back up infielder, Jorge Velandia is 35 (1975).
Journeyman reliever,and nephew of former Met Benny Ayala, Luis Ayala is 32(1978) .

New York Mets selected catcher Ron Hodges in free agent draft on January 12, 1972. Hodges was the mainstay back up catchers, making his debut in ‘73, and he played on all those all those putrid Mets teams from ‘76 to his his release in ‘84.

New York Mets selected pitcher Randy Tate in fifth round of free agent draft on January 12, 1972. Tate pitched in only one season for the Mets ( ‘75), going a horrendous 5-13 with a E.R.A of 4.45. He was never seen again after that season.

Los Angeles Dodgers signed shortstop Kevin Elster of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 12, 1993. Elster proved to be a all glove, no bat infielder for the Mets until he signed elsewhere and turned into a power hitting home run threat. Was he on steroids you might ask? Your guess is as good as mine.

New York Yankees signed back up first baseman Tony Clark of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 12, 2004.

San Diego Padres signed utility fielder Eric Valent of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 12, 2006.

New York Mets signed free agent pitcher Tim Redding of the Washington Nationals on January 12, 2009. This was a head scratching moment for Mets fans who asked why are we committing two million dollars to a scrub starting pitcher? And after the season ended , Mets fans asked why did we commit two million dollars for a fat, lazy scrub pitcher who pitched mediocre at best last season ?

And remember while you are counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report - there are just 83 days until the Mets open the 2010 season against the Florida Marlins at Citi Field.

ITS A TIE!!!

David Wright and Daniel Murphy both have amassed 16 MUA’s a piece. After days of deliberation and bribes(i kid…kind of..), I have decided that real men hit home runs and stay on the field. Since Murph finished with 12 home runs(Wright finished with 10 home runs) and never hit the DL list, your 2009 Man Up Champ is…

Dan "The Iron Man" Murphy

Daniel Murphy finished with 12 HR’s/.266 avg/63 RBI’s/.417 SLG. Since his first at bat in the 2nd half of 2008, Murph has always been talked about as having an outstanding work ethic. That work ethic showed up every time he stepped into the batters box and earned him a starting spot in 2009. Murphy didn’t waste any time from the close of 2008 with a home run in the season opener of the 2009 season that accounted for the only offense in the game. Unfortunately that high did not last as his defensive short comings began to take center stage. As if on cue, the classic cliche “Things happen for a reason” reared its head in the form of what would turn out to be a season ending injury to Mets 1b man Carlos Delgado. The Mets eased Murphy into the infield where he spent most of his time in AAA. Murph took the bull by its horns and improved at 1b almost on a game basis. Murphy would be only one of two players to play the whole season without hitting the DL, as most of the Mets lineup did. Murph(unexpectedly) would finish the 2009 season as the Mets home run leader. Daniel manned up more than anyone on the Mets this year and is a deserving winner of the 2009 Man Up Championship.

A look at how the other Mets fared in 2009:

David Wright-16 Mua’s

Francisco Rodriguez-14 Mua’s

Jeff Francoeur-12 Mua’s

Angel Pagan-11 Mua’s

Omir Santos-8 Mua’s

Sean Green-8 Mua’s

Luis Castillo-7 Mua’s

Pedro Feliciano-7 Mua’s

Johan Santana-6 Mua’s

Gary Sheffield-6 Mua’s

Carlos Beltran-5 Mua’s

Ryan Church-5 Mua’s

Mike Pelfrey-4 Mua’s

Livan Hernandez-4 Mua’s

Brian Stokes-4 Mua’s

Bobby Parnell-4 Mua’s

Anderson Hernandez-4 Mua’s

John Maine-3 Mua’s

Tim Redding-3 Mua’s

Fernando Tatis-3 Mua’s

Fernando Nieve-3 Mua’s

Pat Misch-3 Mua’s

Josh Thole-2 Mua’s

Nelson Figueroa-2 Mua’s

Wilson Valdez-2 Mua’s

Cory Sullivan-2 Mua’s

Nick Evans-2 Mua’s

Jerry Manuel-2 Mua’s

Fernando Martinez-2 Mua’s

Alex Cora-2 Mua’s

Oliver Perez-1 Mua

JJ Putz- 1 Mua

Jeremy Reed-1 Mua

Brian Schneider-1 Mua

Jon Niese-1 Mua

Angel Berroa-1 Mua

Fact- The 2009 season was partially ruined by injuries BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT- The Phillies have won 91 with 5 to go, so they will end up with likely around 93-94 wins, Rockies 89 wins with 5 to go, they will likely win 91-92 games, so how were the Mets making the playoffs even if healthy with the team they trotted out there opening day? Beltran, Reyes, Delgado and Wright (especially the 2009 version) and Santana were going to carry this team to 92+ wins? Murphy, Schneider, Church, Pelfrey all stunk, all were basically unaffected by injury (I know Schneider was injured but cmon). Whether people want to accept it or not this team was NOT a great team on paper. Could they have challenged for the playoffs? Sure. But the math says we needed more than 90 wins to make it and with the roster we had even healthy that looked like a stretch.

Injuries obviously are all people want to talk about. Injuries are why Jerry Manuel has gotten a pass (2 seasons of 85 or more wins out of 7 full seasons as an MLB manager), they are why Omar has received a pass (Who goes into the season with a 140 million dollar payroll with Church, Murphy, Castillo (coming off a HORRIBLE year) and Schneider? PLUS Maine coming off surgery and Livan Hernandez but spends 4.5 on Cora and Redding, 6.5 on a set-up man (yet not enough money for a real RF or LF) and gives Oliver Perez 3 years 36 without ANY other offer on the table?

So I couldn’t get any sleep last night and decided to put on the MLB Network’s presentation of the 1986 baseball season that I DVR’ed. Every time I watch this, there is one segment that always sticks out in my mind. Jeff Pearlman (author of “The Bad Guys Won”), talking about game 6 of the World Series:

“I interviewed Bill Robinson before he passed, he was the 1^st base coach for the Mets and he told me something that I will never forget. Two outs in the ninth, Gary Carter gets to 1^st base and he says “I was not going to make that last F’in out of this World Series”. Kevin Mitchell gets to 1^st base and says “I was not going to make the last F’in out of this World Series”. Ray Knight gets to 1^st base, he says “Well I’m not making the last out, it’s going to be somebody else”…I don’t know if you can factually will yourself to win a baseball game but they came as close as anyone ever has.”

Now I know that there will probably never be a team like 1986 and frankly I don’t want there to be. The team fit the times; they were gritty, dirty and flashy. The story from Jeff is one of hundreds that I’ve heard, each of which further solidifies the legacy of one of the best teams to ever take the field. That thought brings me to the team we currently have. I believe at the core of the Mets issues is a lack of identity. Not a new theory by any means but one that is probably the most difficult and complex to fix. I feel that the Mets as currently configured (2007-2009) are a collection of players and good ideas but hardly a team that can be told apart from any other ballclub. Now, I’m not talking about only physical ability but the intangibles and personality that good teams draw upon in those despite times to win.

The Mets will be going through many changes in this offseason. Some of which will come via trades and some will come via free agency. As many can attest to, I am a very level headed fan when it comes to this team and what I’m about to say is not out of panic or anger but out of frustration with the steady decline of this team. I believe first off, the Mets need to develop a tougher skin. I want to see Jose Reyes next year do his merengue dance all over home plate. Why do you ask…because he F’ing can. I’m tired of this hypocrisy that the Mets are subjected to when it comes to celebrations. I want them to celebrate when they have success and get pissed when they fail. I want people and media to STOP anointing David Wright as the Mets “captain” or “leader”. David has not done ANYTHING yet to merit this type of praise. Also I would like people to give Luis Castillo some props and quit on so much hating. He did what he said he was going to do and did it well. Also can people realize that Daniel Murphy is just a kid and this was his FIRST FULL SEASON as a MLB player. I don’t understand how he got all this hype and why people are so disappointed.

Now, I do believe the Mets need a shake up. My shake up would have to be, the Mets finding a way to trade Carlos Beltran. Now I know people will bring up the power outage the Mets had this past year and Beltran is far from a problem when it comes to fixing that issue for next year. I agree with this but let’s be honest, the reason for the low HR numbers at Citifield(by the Mets) had to do with the injuries the Mets sustained during the season. Citifield ranks 8th in HR’s allowed in MLB, so obviously teams are not having an issue hitting balls out of the park. What does Beltran have to do with any of this you may ask? Remember I want the Mets to develop an identity that separates them from their past and jump starts a future. That being said, I believe Beltran should be moved in a 3 way deal to bring in a Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez. This will address some of the power issue for next year and give a different dynamic going forward. With some power coming from the LF the Mets pick up and Frenchy, The Mets should have a good core of young players that can do some damage.

I honestly believe that Beltran is the most psychologically messed up player on the Mets and has been ever since his at bat versus Wainwright in the 2006 NLCS which is described in painful detail on Wikipedia

“Wainwright walked Paul Lo Duca to bring up Carlos Beltrán with the bases loaded and two men out. All involved, including the capacity crowd at Shea, were acutely aware of Beltran’s history against the Cardinals, and the tension mounted accordingly. Down 0-2 to the rookie Wainwright, Beltran looked at a called strike three, a curveball on the outside corner at the knees, and the ballgame was over. The Cardinals had won their 17th National League pennant. This was the last playoff game ever played in Shea Stadium.”

To be the guy who strikes out to end the season, especially the one they had in 2006 must be tough. Consider also his first season after being one of two big contracts signed in the 2005 season, being the guy who contested Jimmy Rollins “team to beat” assessment in 2007 (we all know how 2007 ended), being the guy who made his own assessment the very next year in saying the Mets were the “team to beat” (we all know how 2008 ended) and to top it all have the season he had in 2009…I believe you see where I’m going with this. There is no disrespect toward Beltran as he is one of the best center fielders in the game (which can translate into good players in return) but he needs to go, for his sake and ours.

I also want to see an improved bench. I loved Tatis’ hustle but he must be gone next year. I would not mind Jeremy Reed and Alex Cora returning as they can serve as the defensive replacements. I do think the Mets lack an identity behind the plate and a one or at very max two year deal of Bengie Molina should take care of this. I believe this is necessary because we need to be honest with ourselves, Omir Santos is NOT the player we all thought he was going to be…well that I thought he was going to be. Many have said on this blog that Omir was a “lightning in a bottle” and I believe they were right on. Omir’s “hot streak” ousted Ramon Castro but they both finished with similar lines. They both have 7 home runs, Omir did finished with a higher BA by 30 points and more RBI’s but Omir did also play 40 more games than Ramon. With the success of Josh Thole in his short stint in the majors, they need to both battle for a spot at backup catcher for the bench. This leaves one more spot that in my opinion needs to go to Mark Derosa. Mark can play various positions and seems to have that personality that this team needs to build an identity.

The Mets need to have more reliability with their starting rotation and bullpen. They obviously need a pitcher that can carry the momentum Johan Santana gives after an awesome start. Many have thrown out John Lackey as ideal for this role, a choice that I absolutely agree with. The competition for Lackeys services will be fierce but this is a must sign for the GM. The fact that the Mets first round draft pick will most likely be protected is probably the only positive for such an awful season, a positive that the GM must take advantage of. The Mets CANNOT go into next season with Mike Pelfrey as their #2 pitcher. While I do believe Mike was a victim of circumstance, this is one mistake that cannot be repeated. Oliver Perez is one of the worst signings ever made in Met history. Knowing that we cannot unload his contract, he must be relegated to being the #5 pitcher in the rotation where nothing is expected of him until his contract is up. The last spot can be decided internally between Niese and Nieve but if the Mets have money to spend, a Pinero or Marquis are good options to choose from. John Maine should be brought back and kept as pitching depth in AAA. As for the bullpen, it is a “hit or miss”. I believe the Mets should bring back Stokes and lock up Feliciano for a few years. I believe Parnell should stay in the bullpen and the Mets must pick up another lefty reliever. The long man duties should go to the loser of the Niese/Nieve matchup. Pat Misch should return to be pitching depth in AAA and Tim Redding should never be seen again in a Met uniform. Francisco Rodriguez also needs to put up or shut up. K-rod is about to finish the season with his highest ERA since 2003, and here I always thought a trade to the NL usually helps AL pitchers (i.e Cliff Lee, CC Sabathia).

Last but not least, it is time to clean house with collapse personnel. This includes Manuel and Howard Johnson. I believe also a change at pitching coach is due. This team needs a stricter; more disciplined and fundamentally based coaching staff. Ill leave the task of potential suitors for others to decide but the fact is they will not accomplish anything with this laid back managerial style. Again my opinions are just for the Mets to develop an identity for themselves. Whether it’s a young baseball team with heart or a team that will give pitchers a hard time on the base paths, they need to be known for something…need to be feared for something. As 2009 draws to an end, the Mets have an opportunity to remake themselves into a team that can accomplish a goal that has eluded them since 1986. They have come close so many times and each time they lacked that one quality which separates the guy who goes home with the prom queen and the guy who doesn’t…identity. After 3 years of coming close and this abysmal year, this team needs to find an identity to go along with this new “era” of Mets baseball. They need to not be that guy who makes the last out…

Allow me to introduce myself in post two

I’m Mattone.  What’s up.  I love the Mets.  They consume my summmers.  Well, that and the Hamptons.  In the fall, I turn to my other love:  Football.  Played from age 4 all the way through college.  Even coached a season of college football.  Saturday for me is gameday.  So every Saturday, join me on The Real Dirty Mets Blog for Coach Mattone’s Quick Hits from the week that was.  Mostly about the Mets, with some baseball and whatever else I want to write about.  But mostly Mets.

-  Frenchy is awesome.  He plays with fire, passion, intensity.

Frenchy. Awesome.

- Tim Redding is not awesome.  He needs to shave.

- I hope Josh Thole becomes a great player.  But I’ve seen blindfolded kids swing at Pinatas with a wiffle ball bat with more power.

- Please someone update me on where Matt Galante is, and if he can come back and coach third base.

-  That 80 swing drill Jerry Manuel implemented in Spring Training?  Might want to scrap that.

- Kirk Nieuwenhuis.  I’m predicting /hoping he becomes a Brad Hawpe type player at the dish.

Kirk. Could be awesome.

- Good luck, Russ at Stitches in Whitestone, when Kirk gets the call to the bigs.

- Speaking of Whitestone, Cherry Valley Deli, TCS.

- Maryse Ouellet, will you marry me?

My future ex-wife.

- Aroldis Chapman?  Save the money, Omar, and go get Lackey.

- Bobby Parnell?  Set-up man.

- Fausto Carmona?  Not a major league pitcher.  The Indians are pretty bad.  They need the guy from the Allstate commercials playing right field and smacking homers.  And talking to Jobu.

- I never met the man, sure he is a great guy, but I’m confident Charlie Manuel has bad breath.

- I’m sorry, but I have to say it again.  Maryse Ouellet.

Had to do it again.

- Only name more fun to say than her’s is Benny Agbayani.

Ah, the good old days.

- My computer is fast, finally!  (Look at camera 3) Finallyfast.com!

- I hate that commercial.

- Back to Francoeur.  Let’s get him on some commercials.  He’d be better than Schneider in that Manhattan Toyota commercial.

- You know what Citi Field really needs?  A Buffalo Wild Wings across the street.  They really got to get rid of those chop shops.

- Can we throw out Sean Green too when we throw out the chop shops?  He might as well wear number 48 and change his name to Heilman.

- Shameless plug Shameless plug Shameless plug What are all of you guys doing this week?  Coming back here to read some great writing about everything Mets.

- I’ll send $5 to anyone who goes to the Astros series and holds up a sign reading “Lance likes Fish Sticks”.  Just beacuse.

Do you like fish sticks in your mouth?

And so the quest to sixty nine continued with a win yesterday ( THANKS SEAN GREEN FOR TRYING TO SCREW IT UP !!!) Redding pitched well - but alas it was against the Washington Nationals so it really doesn’t count for spit at this juncture . So my personal note to Omar and the rest of the Mets hierarchy - DON’T - AND I REPEAT DON’T HAVE DELLUSIONS OF GRANDUER AND EVEN THINK OF RESIGNING HIM FOR NEXT YEAR !!! Anyway here comes the pain (infamy)
Happy Birthday to a pitcher no one remembers from the mid 60’s team most fans want to forget - Dennis ” Bon” Ribant (1941). Ribant was later traded for one of the most overlooked pitchers in Mets history - Don Cardwell.
Also Happy birthday to Trenton New Jersey native and bench player for the early ’90’s teams - Dave Gallagher (1960) . Gallagher now owns his own baseball camp and is a sometime analyst in SNY ( HMMM WONDER IF HE COULD MANAGE ?)
And lastly LETS GO METS !!