Yeah, admit it I got you. You thought this was going to be another classic is it time to trade Reyes bit. It’s not. However, it is something just as debated. At the beginning of the year Manuel mentioned moving Reyes down in the order, of course moving a healthy Reyes at the beginning of the year was just something fun to debate about on the ole Metsblog. There was no chance of moving Reyes to a lower spot once the season started. However, much has changed. Now Reyes still sits on the shelf and most of us have no clue why or what the long term ramifications are. What we do know is based on published reports that Reyes has scar tissue and it appears has fears in his mind that will not allow him to push himself. This idea has according to other reports has not sit well with the Mets organization or some of it’s players. We all know that a healthy confident Reyes is murder on the base paths, however what we often forget is that he has potential to be a  very good hitter as well.  What I am proposing is a trial year that would allow Reyes the flexibility to steal based but not be something that is expected of him. Thus easing his fears of pushing his legs too early and allowing him to return to his confident ways on his own time.Â
Another factor in this discussion is two names that will be available that can play LF, lead-off and fit the Citifield mold. Those two players are Carl Crawford and Chone Figgins. It is not outlandish to think the Mets could sign or trade for one of these two players to add to the core of the team.
With this I have two options, bat Reyes 3rd or 5th:
A) Crawford/Figgins, Castillo, Reyes, Beltran, Wright, Frenchy, 1B, Santos/C
B) Crawford/Figgins, Castillo, Beltran, Wright, Reyes, Frenchy, 1B, Santos/C
Now obviously if we also upgrade 1B or C with better bats those guys could move up in the order.
What is the case for each?:
A) Batting Reyes 3rd allows for the Mets to focus on speed placing 3 table setters high in the order as well as having a catcher’s nightmare of 1-5 being excellent base stealers. Batting Reyes 3rd would also relieve any pressure of being forced to steal however Reyes presence on the bases would still force the pitcher to concentrate on Reyes and Beltran. Also it would allow Reyes to develop into a hitter instead of a get on guy, which I think he has potential to do. You can also factor in Reyes’ extra base hitting with two high OBP good base running guys in front of him.
B) In the National League the 5th spot leads off more than any other hitter besides the lead-off guy. So in essence he is the 2nd lead-off hitter. This would allow Reyes to still have the opportunity to steal bases but would also allow him the opportunity to drive in runs, which is something he has excelled at even in the lead-off position. As with batting Reyes 3rd, Reyes’ extra-base potential would also come into play here as would his development into a true hitter.
I know what you are thinking. When healthy Reyes is the best or one of the best lead off hitters in the game, why move him? However, Reyes is not healthy. Also, many think that Reyes has the potential to develop into a great all around hitter. What better year would there be to try this?
74 comments
metsfan4decades
8/28/2009-10:35am at 10:35 am (UTC -4)
According to Rubin:
ose Reyes may be the next Met in line for surgery, joining Johan Santana and Oliver Perez on operating tables in the coming days.
Reyes, who has not appeared in a major-league game since pulling himself from a May 20 game at Dodger Stadium, has a completely torn hamstring tendon behind his right knee, a source confirmed to the Daily News.
While hardly ideal, surgery is not necessarily as ominous as it might sound. That tendon is expendable, and is sometimes partly removed and inserted into the elbow when a pitcher undergoes Tommy John surgery.
The Mets aren’t resigned to Reyes undergoing surgery just yet, although the decision is looming. Reyes, who is presumed to be out for the year, continues to get treatment, with physical therapists trying to break up scar tissue that is irritating the severed tendon and causing significant pain.
*************
Maybe it’s just me but I just don’t understand. If this was diagnosed all along, why wasn’t this taken care of in June??? Why leave a severed tendon in there at all?
trs86
8/28/2009-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
Good question, maybe because it is useless or maybe because it could heal? I have no idea. But if this is true, my idea seems even more true.
metsfan4decades
8/28/2009-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, I’ll just be happy if he’s in the lineup come April…
I’m not opposed to moving him down to 3rd. Interesting idea. Depends on who will be leading off then….
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
Great piece TRS….
Bat Jose 3rd, get Crawford, and if not Crawford, the revived Slappy and his .400 OBP can lead off and get on base 40% of the time.
I love it.
Joe R
8/28/2009-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
So after the failure of the last 3 years we are going to go into 2010 with the Reyes batting 3rd experiment? No thank you I am not a willing participant lol. I truly think this will be an awful mistake. Our team goal IMO should be getting Reyes back to being a great lead off hitter. His power hasn’t evolved into a 3 hitter. We can’t force it especially with a guy like him. Yes we all thought 4 years ago he would grow into a 20-25 hr guy but it hasn’t happened yet. Maybe this year would have been the year but it obviously wasn’t. We can’t force Murphy into a LF and we can’t force Reyes into a power Rbi guy IMO.
JoeR
8/28/2009-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
I disagree. Reyes is not on this team for his bat. His numbers offensively can be easily replaced somehow. He is a player that builds off his speed, his adrenaline, and play making ability. Everything feeds off that including his confidence. He causes havoc on the basepaths and disrupts the other team. He is a lead off guy who hasnt even perfected that role yet. If it comes down to Reyes not leading off I would trade him while his value is high. We all know or think he isnt a mental giant. We dont need him swinging for the fences and this is why i was so pissed at Jerry for even bringing up the thought of moving him down in the lineup during ST.
Hopefully this all goes away and he returns to what he almost was…the best leadoff guy in the game! I think he will be fine. It seems like a lifetime away we were all talking about him being one of the best all around players in the game!
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, but as exciting and good and valuable as he is, he is not an idea leadoff guy, he really isn’t…even as much as his plate discipline has improved, he has never even had a .360 OBP.
He has some HR power, hits loads of doubles and triples, and batting 3rd would drive in a ton of runs.
Joe R
8/28/2009-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
I hear ya but this isn’t the year to do it. Let him come back in a role he is familar with and get back to basics.
stickguy
8/28/2009-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
because the same old same old worked so well the last few years?
being out most of this year and having a knee issue might be the perfect reason to try something different. Heck, you can always move him back.
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
Joe, I hear ya too, and I respect your opinion a lot, but Jose, while being so good and valuable, just is not a real leadoff hitter with the career-best .358 OBP….
JoeR
8/28/2009-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
Agreed…but something about Jose’s mental makeup combined with indirectly sending him the signal to hit with power is a bad formula imo. I see many pop ups!
trs86
8/28/2009-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
But again, after hitting a HR the following 10 games Reyes stats go on a tremendous upswing. I did not believe it either but go take a look.
And the same could be said for him hitting lead off that he may think that we just want him to focus on being a get on guy instead of driving the ball. If he is that immature he would not be successful anywhere.
stickguy
8/28/2009-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
what is this, the appendix of tnedons?
and if it really is expendable, it makes perfect sense that they didn’t do surgery earlier. That is, he really did need to rest and then play through it.
But, if is causing issues, a “minor” procedure to clean everything up, and hopefully get Jose feeling good again, makes sense.
steveo
8/28/2009-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
Another met who should have had surgery earlier on. But ownership wouldn’t bit in order to sell more tickets ,will this nightmare ever end wilpons just sell the team please and try to buy the dodgers already.
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
I agree with you here Steve.
It seems obvious that the team clearly raised and kept raising absolutely false and completely dishonest hopes for Reyes, Beltran, and Delgado to return, in order to keep the optimists interested and thinking “well, if we can just stay in it….”
The Wilpons get a weak D this year. Signing KRod and taking on JJ’s salary are all that keeps them from an F.
wannybackstra
8/28/2009-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
No problem with Reyes batting third where he could be more of his free swinging self and maybe preserve his legs for his most important skill: defense.
I’d be surprised if Crawford is dealt. TB can clear out money in other ways if need be. And he’s a good value at 10 mil.
stickguy
8/28/2009-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
they can trade Pena to the Mets for a bag of cracker jack, fixing the mets hle at 1B and helping with the lack of power.
stickguy
8/28/2009-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
TRS, we discussed this back in the winter (spring?) when the idea was first floated. I liked the idea then too.
Other than his base stealing, jamming Reyes into the leadoff spot (or mentality more likely) always seemed a little bit forced. Unlike Slappy, his approach as a htter really doesnt fit that mold. So, you either get a player trying to be something he isn’t, or the fans have to accept a hacker in the leadoff hole!
Right now, slappy (playing at his current level) is really the most prototypical leadoff hitter, but figgins would be a perfectly fine substitute.
one thing I do hate is a 2 hole guy that gives himself up all the time. waste of outs, so putting luis in the 1 hole (and figgins or crawford 2nd, since luis has a much better OBP than Crawford)fixes that problem! The 2 hole guy needs to have some extra base ability.
my other pet peeve? Who says a 3 hole guy can’t also steal some bases, and create havoc on the basepaths, distracting the pitcher? DW stole pelnty of bases in the 3 hole, and besides, wouldn’t that be a good thing with the heart of the order up?
I also don’t think Jose would start swinging for the fences in the 3 hole (no more than he already does). His job will be to drive the ball, get on and drive in runs. generally hack away! Just like he seems to like.
anyway, stealing less might also keep him fresher in Setember.
Castillo/figgins/reyes? havoc on the bases.
beltran/wright/francour? Guys with enough power to bring them in. lots of 2 run doubles!
1B/C – hopefully a couple of guys that can clean up the scraps, and keep the party going.
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
I really, really agree.
trs86
8/28/2009-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
I agree, but in my mind I can’t get the picture of Reyes batting infront of Beltran and getting on base. No Reyes hitting 3rd normallly would not steal a base. But if you are the pitcher, are you sure? Does it enter your mind? Are you completely focused on Beltran or the dancing Reyes at 1st?
JoeR
8/28/2009-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
I know what you mean about him not taking pitches, swinging or hacking freely but I dont think the two go hand in hand on why he should be moved. If he does the same thing in the 3 hole he wont be very sucessful. He needs to learn to take pitches, not swing freely. This doesnt make for a good hitter in any spot of the lineup. Just look at Frenchy which may be an extreme example but I just feel Jose hasnt evolved into thast 3 hitter we all saw in his future. Maybe this yeasr he would have but well u know….Beltran is my ideal 3 hole guy.
stickguy
8/28/2009-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
well, the other option I liked that was floated in the off season was Jerrys idea to flip luis and jose.
Castillo and his .400 obp/refuse to swing the bat approach leading off, and Jose at 2, still a table setter, but much more power to bring in runners (and many more to bring in than hitting leadoff).
and you know Jose won’t be giving himself up to move Luis over!
JoeR
8/28/2009-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
That may work great but im so excited thinking of adding Crawford or Figgins thus having so many great ways to get on base game after game. We add one big bat and the offense is set and slump proof lol. I really hope Omar goes this route!!
trs86
8/28/2009-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think you can compare Reyes and Frenchy. Reyes does not strike out that much and his OBP while not great for a leadoff hitter is still way above league average. Actually I think Wright may have to move back to the 3rd spot unless a power hitter is brought in. I trust Beltran in the 4th spot more than Wright AND Wright’s one positive this year is his OBP. Wright at this point fits the Keith Hernandez role perfectly.
But why not bat Reyes 5th then? Again based on stats it’s the second leadoff hitter. Reyes’s ablity to get on and produce runs with weaker hitters behind him and his RBI ability would be perfect for the #5 spot.
JoeR
8/28/2009-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
If Castillo stays healthy and produces like this year combined with Reyes and either Crawford or Figgins combined with only needing to get one power bat instead of 2…I will be pumped!! THe addition of Crawford imo allows Omar to only need to get one big bat with Wright, Beltran, and Frenchy. What a great mix that would be!!!!! Oh and a number 2 starter lol
JoeR
8/28/2009-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
great debate though.
wannybackstra
8/28/2009-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Mlbtraderumors speculates that Connor Jackson might be non-tendered this offseason. He’s young and is the type of line drive hitter that would do well at Citi.
He’d be a good guy to throw into the inexpensive mix at 1B and LF (and he can once again block Chris Carter!)
trs86
8/28/2009-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Or actually have a competition of young healthy versitle hitters.
wannybackstra
8/28/2009-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
How can be Mattsblog be the voice of the fans on SNY when he doesn’t even read comments from the fans (or allow them to post any).
All he’s got are his ridiculous and generalized poll results.
trs86
8/28/2009-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
Another point to consider is that assuming the Mets bring in Figgins or Crawford, if not the entire debate is pointless to me, it allows us to maximize Castillo higher in the order instead of wasting him in the 8 spot where he does not seem comfortable. To me Reyes has value in ANY spot 1-5, Castillo to me only has value 1-2.
gipperpdx
8/28/2009-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not sold on moving him down. Certainly not to 3. Maybe 5, but that likely means DW at 3 and Beltran at 4, and that means we did NOTHING to address our power outage. If his legs need a rest, then maybe the 2 hole with a good OBP guy at leadoff? 3 or 5 may put too much pressure on him for power, leading to his pop-up-itis. Reyes, if healthy should own a park like Citi, driving the gaps and running forever.
trs86
8/28/2009-12:23pm at 12:23 pm (UTC -4)
It does not HAVE to mean that. As I said it could be that we get that 1B.
Crawford/Figgins, Castillo, Wright,Beltran, Reyes, Pena, Frenchy, Santos would be incredible.
JoeR
8/28/2009-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed like I said adding Crawford or Figgins is the onlyt\ way we dont need 2 big bats…I love it with so many guys having the ability to get on!! But we still need that one big bat! Go get it Omar..so get big bat, Figgins/Crawford, and a number 2 starter…and I will be amped for 2010!!
trs86
8/28/2009-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
But he can hit it in the gaps and run forever batting 3rd and 5th. Especially with a 1-5 like that. No slow players in that group. And the myth about him trying to hit HR and screwing up his swing is overrated. As pointed out on other unnamed blogs, Reyes’s numbers actually increase the following 10 games after hitting a HR.
trs86
8/28/2009-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
I also think it’s possible that we are overvaluing a true power hitter.
Take a look at this lineup and tell me we can’t match those power numbers next year.
http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=ana
27, 20, 18, 17, 12, 11, 8, 7 that’s their top 8 HR hitters.
JoeR
8/28/2009-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
Yup…Reyes, Figgins/Crawford, Castillo, Beltran, Wright….all with speed in Citi…Love it!
DNDJohan aka kistics
8/28/2009-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
I think we can match HR numbers, but the Angels have 4 guys with .500 SLG% or higher. Mets have 1 excluding Delgado. Wright doesn’t even come close to .500 this year and Frechy is at .500 as a Met, but he’s only had 1 season over .500 SLG%.
Plus your HR numbers are this year’s YTD numbers. That’ll translate more like 35, 27, 25, 23, 19… I don’t think with your suggested lineup Mets can hit that many HRs.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:26pm at 5:26 pm (UTC -4)
I missed this to get a chance to respond.
I think you may be inflating the numbers a lot. We only have about a month left so you could figure maybe 32, 24, 21, 19, 14, 13, 9, 8. Not to mention that if they clinch then they could rest their starters.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:27pm at 5:27 pm (UTC -4)
Seriously though you don’t expect soome one with 12 HR so far to hit 7 in September?
jaydh
8/28/2009-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
I like this idea of Reyes batting 5th. And if Castillo becomes our leadoff guy, I would like to see us experiment with Beltran batting 2nd. (for now) Castillo/Beltran/Wright/Francouer/Reyes/X/X/Santos. Of course this lineup could be completely different if we find a power 1B or LF.
JoeR
8/28/2009-1:23pm at 1:23 pm (UTC -4)
no thank you. frenchy 4th….um no 6th at best
jaydh
8/28/2009-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
In case you didnt notice, I did say the lineup was dependent on who our 1B and LFer will be. I was just filling the lineup with players that I know will be on the team next season.
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-1:25pm at 1:25 pm (UTC -4)
Francouer 4th and Reyes 5th?
Uh, never in a million years…….
Reyes will never bat lower than 3rd….
jaydh
8/28/2009-1:34pm at 1:34 pm (UTC -4)
again, i used francouer 4th because we dont know who our 1b or LFer will be. i would expect him to bat 6th or 7th, but that also depends on what omar does this offseason.
JoeR
8/28/2009-1:46pm at 1:46 pm (UTC -4)
we are assuming omar does his job somewhat…
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
Gotcha Jay.
Omar will clearly have to do something, but even if Nick Evans is batting cleanup, which after 2009 we must all surely consider a serious possibility, Jose will never, ever hit lower than 3rd.
trs86
8/28/2009-2:28pm at 2:28 pm (UTC -4)
I think you should reconsider what Reyes would bring batting 5th but I respect your opinion. It is outside the box. Remember that the 5th spot leads off more than any other position outside leadoff.
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-5:56pm at 5:56 pm (UTC -4)
Good point, and even better when one considers that batting 5th, Jose’s walks might pick up dramatically if he is hitting ahead of Frenchy (or Dunn??)
DNDJohan aka kistics
8/28/2009-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
I gotta disagree. Reyes is only valuable to the Mets at the lead-off position. Yes, he probably can hit 15 HRs and drive 80 RBIs if he’s at 3rd or 5th position, but that’s not his best asset. His speed and creating runs are his best asset. That’s what the leadoff guy does.
I say bring in a decent power guy with some speed. Someone that can hit 20 HRs and steal 15 as the LF guy. I think Holliday is the perfect fit there. But then Mets probably don’t have money to sign him. How about bring in guys like Nady? Mets can probably sign him to a 1 year deal.
trs86
8/28/2009-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
So why can you not create runs in the 5th spot? When it is much more difficult to create? You will still get the 2nd most amount of lead off chances and will often be coming up with the bases empty or a runner on 2nd or 3rd.
DNDJohan aka kistics
8/28/2009-2:43pm at 2:43 pm (UTC -4)
then why don’t the 5th spot get the 2nd most Runs scored?
Your argument is IF we get Crawford or Figgins AND IF Reyes does not stay healthy enough to leadoff. I think your argument may work couple years down the road, but Reyes is still young and SHOULD bounce back from his injury (fingers crossed). So, I don’t really see this team doing that. If we get Crawford, there’s more chance of Reyes/Crawford/…./Castillo/Pitcher or Crawford batting 5th than Reyes batting 5th.
trs86
8/28/2009-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
Less people to drive them in I guess. Also they are normally big lumbering 1B, don’t know. But are you saying Reyes could not maunfature runs with average players behind him only the best?
It’s all fantasy anyway but we have no idea if Reyes will be healthy. He SHOULD have already been back. And with the reports saying he is afraid to push himself how much of the basestealling Reyes will we see anyway?
Last thing: Do you get more out of Castillo’s .400 OBP in the top 1-2 spots or in the 8 spot? I want a guy that gets on 40% of the time to have someone besides the pitcher following him. Unless his only job is to clear the pitcher and most likely end the inning. Having Castillo 1 or 2 is to me the only place he is effective. Reyes can bat anywhere 1-5.
DNDJohan aka kistics
8/28/2009-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
I still think Reyes has a lot more value with guys like Beltran and Wright driving them in. I agree with you on Castillo. I like him at #5 spot. But if we were to get Crawford, I just think Jerry will push Castillo back to #8 spot.
trs86
8/28/2009-2:35pm at 2:35 pm (UTC -4)
Something else to consider take a look at this lineup with Figgins and the OBP numbers
.400, .400, .400+, .380, .360, .330, .340, .300
That’s
Figgins, Castillo, Wright, Beltran, Reyes, Frenchy, Murphy, Santos. That’s also assuming Beltran does not continue a .400 OBP next year.
DNDJohan aka kistics
8/28/2009-2:57pm at 2:57 pm (UTC -4)
That maybe based on this year’s numbers, but if you look at the career number it’s more like this
.360, .370, .390, .360, .330, .310, .330.
trs86
8/28/2009-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
I think we can pretty safely say that Figgins, Castillo, Wright and Beltran will all be higher than their career averages based on averaging the last 2-3 years and I sure the hell hope Reyes does not go back down to .330. Otherwise he should be batting friggin 9th. LOL.
trs86
8/28/2009-3:26pm at 3:26 pm (UTC -4)
I may not have time to make a post abou this this weekend but something we may not be noticing, Muprhy is quitly having a decent 2nd half and is red hot currently.
Last 14 games: .352, .357, .556, .913
Last 28 games: .304, .314, .461, .775. Not good but acceptable?
2nd half: .284, .321, .445, .766, Not good but tremendous improvement.
stickguy
8/28/2009-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
gee, a rookie (minus 1 AB) that missed AAA, actually getting better as he gets more PT? Who ever would have expected that!
Nice sign though that he has been showing more power (doubles yes, but still driving the ball).
stickguy
8/28/2009-4:03pm at 4:03 pm (UTC -4)
just saw on the MOB site that the Angels are about to get Kazmir. Probably best to keep that temptation away from the Mets (too much baggage!)
DNDJohan aka kistics
8/28/2009-4:10pm at 4:10 pm (UTC -4)
I wonder where Victor Zambrano is now…. probably sleeping with Rick Peterson…
wannybackstra
8/28/2009-5:04pm at 5:04 pm (UTC -4)
I guess you can all forget carl crawford now.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:22pm at 5:22 pm (UTC -4)
We shall see, he will still have his top TRADE value this offseason. I think they try and extend him this offseason and if talks fall through they trade him.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:23pm at 5:23 pm (UTC -4)
Here’s a better question. What is he worth and for how long? But yeah there is a much better chance of the Mets getting Figgins and Pena. I still think they would dump him in a second.
stickguy
8/28/2009-5:27pm at 5:27 pm (UTC -4)
If all they do in the off season is add figgins and Pena, along with at lest 1 solid SP, I will be happy.
oh, and of course the usual tinkering with middle relievers, and backup infielders. And this year a 2nd catcher.
But those 2 as the big acquisitions for the offense? ENough to get the job done!
That, and schnieder, tatis, sheffield, delgado all have to go. and probably a few more stiffs to be nmaed later.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:29pm at 5:29 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, they are gone. I love the Pena idea. Fits perfectly on our team, should cost almost no prospects and is only on a 1 year deal. Not old either. Figgins and Pena should cost you 18M tops and should leave enough for a guy like Millwood.
stickguy
8/28/2009-5:34pm at 5:34 pm (UTC -4)
also gives them a better lineup, rotation and bench (not to mention SPs 6-8) then they went into this year with.
and, a stronger farm, with the better prospects at higher levels (AA and AAA).
What’s not to love? Just have to get Omar to buy into the program. Your a big shot blogger now, do you have a direct line into the FO?
trs86
8/28/2009-5:45pm at 5:45 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, Matt Cerrone right? I will email him.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:48pm at 5:48 pm (UTC -4)
I think Figgins is also a must. He provides so much flexiblity. Mets get a good deal for Castillo or he gets injured, Figgins to 2nd. Fmart pushes for a spot, Figgins moves. Wright goes down, Figgins to 3rd.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:33pm at 5:33 pm (UTC -4)
Deal fell through.
stickguy
8/28/2009-5:35pm at 5:35 pm (UTC -4)
given how bad his 2009 has been, probably a better guy to trade in the off season.
trs86
8/28/2009-5:45pm at 5:45 pm (UTC -4)
Now it’s back on. This is commical.
Mr North Jersey
8/28/2009-6:31pm at 6:31 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think we need to reinvent the wheel by juggling the lineup here guys.
Safe to say Let’s just put players where they play best.
Jose Reyes has been his best when leading off no need to move him from there.
Luis Castillo (I can’t believe I am saying this) has been at his best when batting 2nd
Carlos Beltran has been at his best when batting 3rd no need to move him.
We have our 1-2-3 punch if these guys do what is expected from them in 2010. It’s 4 – 5 – 6 when all the question marks will ensue.
You expect David Wright to slide in the 5th slot if they can get a HR Hitter for the 4 slot. Maybe a Left Handed hitting Power Hitter Like Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez or Carlos Pena.
So in theory if I told you you could have a lineup of
1. Reyes
2. Castillo
3. Beltran
4. Pena/Fielder/Gonzalez
5. Wright
6. Francoeur
7. ???
8. ???
Assuming everyone is healthy how do you feel about that?
Kingman 26
8/28/2009-7:02pm at 7:02 pm (UTC -4)
I like it, and after looking over a lot of leadoff hitters’ OBP, Jose’s is much closer to many other top leadoff guys than I thought; I was way off on that.
The guys with the .400+ OBPs are the Pujolses and Wrights, not the Reyeses and Rollinses and Crawfords, for the most part.
So yes, I do like the above lineup, with the one exception of wondering if Wright and Beltran should not be flipped. Wright just gets on base so much more.
Throw FMart 7th and Santos 8th, and hopefully we have enough left for the serious number 2 or co-number 1 starter which is far and away our biggest need.
trs86
8/29/2009-8:25am at 8:25 am (UTC -4)
See that’s where things break down. I would love to have Figgins or Crawford for LF and they are very attainable, especially Figgins. So if Figgins comes in and Reyes stays lead off then Castillo goes back to worthless Castillo with a .400 OBP in the 8 spot. Now I could live with Crawford hitting 3rd or 5th as well but Figgins like Castillo can only hit 1-2.