As our friend Matt Cerrone notes this morning, Jose Reyes appeared on SNY with Kevin Burkhardt last night, and looked as though he wished the season would start tomorrow.
Jose was very optimistic, and reminded the fans of how much he loved the game. He feels as though he can hit 20 triples in Citi.
As Mr. Cerrone wisely notes, next year is huge for Jose, as the Mets hold an option on him for 2011.
Despite the season he had last year, which Jose said was unlike anything he had ever seen for a team injury-wise, he is very eager to show the fans how much he cares and how hard he will try to get the Mets right back into contention.
When one takes a look at Jose’s seasons from 2006—2008, he was unquestionably one of the game’s most valuable and productive players. He hits pretty well average-wise, has good power for a player his size, his OBP improved greatly from his early years, and his fielding, speed, aggressiveness and overall ability to make things happen were sorely missed in 2009.
A return to form from a possibly maturing Jose is one of the many reasons Met fans have to be optimistic as 2010 looms. This space feels great that Jose remains a Met and was not traded for Halladay or anyone else. For many of us, it seems as though we have been following Jose forever—incredibly, he will not turn 27 until next June. This is a very, very good player who most certainly still retains the potential to become even better than he was in 2006—2008. Jose’s OBP improved tremendously from 2004—2006, and this might indeed show that other facets of his game can improve as well, and go from really good to HOF levels. We should all be grateful that Jose is a Met, and looking forward to another excellent season from him should warm the heart of even the most cynical Met fan.
86 comments
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-10:12am at 10:12 am (UTC -4)
I wonder if Matt will notice you spelled his name wrong!
trs86
12/16/2009-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
LOL
Kingman 26
12/16/2009-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
OMG!!!!!! I am fixing it now…I did get it right once. I double and triple check for errors, and how absolutely amazing that that error stayed in!
trs86
12/16/2009-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
There is one thing here I disagree with slightly. I don’t see anyway the Mets don’t pickup Reyes option. If he is disastrous then at best I would think we trade him during the season. The Mets could not put themselves in the position to get nothing.
darknova306
12/16/2009-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
I like the sound of this. Reyes knows he’s got something to prove, and sounds genuinely anxious to get back out there and prove it. I hope this means we get to see him play with a chip on his shoulder this year.
dirtysanchez
12/16/2009-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
agreed. With those lanes at citi, that could make for one hell of a show
fongy2
12/16/2009-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
Agreed TRS! Folks can argue all they want about Beltran & Wright,and thats
fine BUT to me, a pretty damn sharp
baseball for for 37+yrs now, Reyes
is the most important player we have.
I posted time and again for 2+yrs on mattsblog as “Sky King” & “FongulAlou”(after my first banning), THAT “As Jose Reyes goes, so go the Mets”. Some agreed and some disagreed. So be it, but what
this guy brings, when healthy, with
his bat,legs,glove&arm, we’ve never
had in one player in the 37+seasons
I go back. Further, I don’t recall
too many players in baseball bringing
that combo with them stepping onto
the field. He flat out changes games
and drives not just Pitchers but entire opposition teams crazy.
A healthy,more mature,more serious
Reyes could be the best SS in The NL
and a very serious MVP candidate.
Lets hope thats what happens in 2010!
Kingman 26
12/16/2009-11:16am at 11:16 am (UTC -4)
I think this is my all-time favorite comment of yours! And I have liked a LOT of them!!
fongy2
12/16/2009-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
Thank You Sir!
I consider it High-Praise, coming from
you!
It’s pretty simple,I think.When projecting what we should/could
get from a player,you
look at Reyes and like
you mentioned,he’s 26y/o.Likely hasn’t reached his prime yet.
Taking a look at what he’s already done,how
could anyone argue a
season of .300/120runs
200hits,40dbs,20tps,80
sbs,20hrs,80rbis and a
Gold Glove isn’t very,
very possible with this guy?
And I don’t want anyone to get me wrong,I love Wright and Beltran BUT when
Reyes is going well,
he makes THEIR jobs
sooo much easier.
darknova306
12/16/2009-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
1000000% Agreed!
When we were dominating the NL in ’06, how did most games go? Mets take a 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 lead before the first frame is over. Why? Because of one of the best table-setters in the game immediately putting pressure on the defense and keeping pitchers on their toes while they’re still getting settled on the mound.
I really hope he’s 100% by ST.
manicmcreynolds
12/16/2009-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
Mets had a rep for scoring 1st inning runs from 06-08 I believe. With Reyes on base, the fastball % goes up for the hitters behind him.
I agree with all appraisals of Reyes’ sky-high ceiling. He might have already hit his career high in SBs, however, because playing SS is more of a grind than OF, but he should supplant Rollins as the NL’s GG winner, and if he ever achieves a .375+ OBP, that will have a profound impact right down the lineup.
darknova306
12/16/2009-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
True, 06-08. Didn’t mean to single out just ’06.
metsfan4decades
12/16/2009-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. Jose is just an exciting player to watch. I’ll never forget the time playing the Giants, standing on 3rd, he enticed Benitiz to balk him home. Now THAT’s what I’m talking about.
I’m looking forward to watching a healthy Reyes on this team again.
darknova306
12/16/2009-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
I remember seeing that game. Was a beautiful thing.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
The Blue Jays signed Lance Broadway.
Now we’re screwed.
prismo
12/16/2009-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
OMAR CAN’T GET ANYONE
manicmcreynolds
12/16/2009-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
He hated the Mets so much he left the country.
trs86
12/16/2009-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
LOL If I have not said so already, welcome to TRDM Manicmcreynolds.
Kingman 26
12/16/2009-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
I welcome you too, and good name!
manicmcreynolds
12/16/2009-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks. Good info & insight on this site. My compulsion to read comments posted below the Mets news on MLBTR was going to result in an aneurysm. I would have to wear an Olerud helmet to work.
Kingman 26
12/16/2009-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
Hey, if his name was Lance Gonzalez Hernandez and he was 38 and injured, Omar would have given him a 12-year extension!!
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Si!
stickguy
12/16/2009-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
Well, some people seem to think that trading cliff lee for Roy halladay is the biggest deal of the off season.
I disagree.
Trading Wilson Valdez for Jose Reyes and not adding a dime of salary? That my firends, is the biggest deal of the off season!
fongy2
12/16/2009-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
Yeah BUT, we’ll miss Valdez’
grit and guts!
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
I appreciate Reyes’ attitude here and genuinely believe him.
But to be a bit of a Debbie Downer, doesn’t EVERY player say these kinds of things during the off season? Isn’t every player in ‘the best shape of their career’ prior to spring training?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to Jose living up to every word and having a solid season that helps the Mets return to competitiveness, I just think we can’t put too much stock in an interview like this one. I’ve read, seen and heard 100s just like it before.
metsfan4decades
12/16/2009-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
But, but….it’s better than him saying something like:
‘I’ve got a ways to go but I think I should be ready by ST or soon after’. That would translate to me no confidence at all that injury will be healed and he would be ready to go come ST.
With Beltran, his interview on SNY’s Hot Stove had him saying he’s already started his regimine, he’ll be more than ready to go, and only question will be reinjury. Of course, that’s always a possibility with any player but at least he was realistically honest…
Kingman 26
12/16/2009-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Yes, but I must be a Peter Positive and most respectfully suggest that Jose has more talent and youth than the overwhelming majority of players who say the exact same thing…
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
True, I’m sure John Kruk or Rick Reuschel uttered similar things between bites of Italian subs.
Kingman 26
12/16/2009-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
HA!!
At least Jose was sharply dressed and snappily dancing a merengue when he said it….
metsfan4decades
12/16/2009-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
Interesting post on MLBTR on next year’s crop of FAs…
One poster commented:
‘Next year’s SP is light years ahead of this year’s. Based solely on supply/demand, teams will probably get a better product for about the same price pitchers got this year.’
Now that Lackey is out of the question, maybe Omar will conserve some $$/years, get a couple of pieces for the mound this year and go all in next year…..
trs86
12/16/2009-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, trade for a guy like Duke this year then replace a guy next year.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-1:17pm at 1:17 pm (UTC -4)
Where do you see Duke fitting into the rotation?
He’s a 4-5 guy, a 3 if lightning strikes, the type of which you can sign among the various Garland, Marquis types without having to give up prospects.
The guy gives up more than 9 hits per 9 (and has given up as many as 13 hits/9 in other seasons), doesn’t strike anyone out (less than 5/9) and that’s a pretty deadly combo for a guy who is not really a groundball pitcher either.
Sure, he was okay last year and he is still young. But the three seasons before that still occurred and he’s not suddenly going to become a strike out pitcher or a groundball machine.
And the Mets hardly have the defense to support a guy like this. At least not right now.
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-1:26pm at 1:26 pm (UTC -4)
Framed that way, perhaps someone like Doug Davis, who strikes out 6.67/9 and has a GB/FB ratio of 1.29 becomes more palatable?
Or dare I suggest Brett Myers – 7.50/9, 1.47?
Crazy Vicente Padilla – 6.20/9, 1.40?
Jarrod Washburn – 5.33/9, 0.83?
stickguy
12/16/2009-1:41pm at 1:41 pm (UTC -4)
I have lobbied for Myers a few times, and haven’t really got much support for th eidea.
I think I only saw his name once this off season, in a vague reference to the Rangers.
IMO, he is better than marquis probably, and has the added benefit of bieng able (and willing) to pitch out of the back end of the pen.
if he comes cheap? Oh yeah.
put it this way: 1/6 guaranteed to myers, or 2/18 to Marquis?
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
I think an important question is how his hip surgery will affect him this year.
stickguy
12/16/2009-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
didn’t seem to be bothering him last September (although he was obviously rusty), but it should help keep the price down.
but of course, a valid concern, but one that worries me less than whether sheets arm is going to fall off.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
Clubhouse issues with him would be more of a worry than his health in my opinion because I don’t think he will get that much in salary. However, what I do like about him is the fact that he will pitch out of the pen if necessary.
manicmcreynolds
12/16/2009-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
Ugh. I know that few MLBers are as clean as they appear, and why should adult fans care about character so much, and . . . (etc.)
But Bret Myers? Guy smacked his wife in the middle of Boston. Also into the stars & bars. Obviously if Howard & Rollins are cool with it I have no reason to kvetch. But he just seems like such a tool.
Also, look at his eyebrows. Doesn’t he look like a muppet? That’s more of a pro than a con, but still can’t outweigh his egregious toolosity.
Kingman 26
12/16/2009-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
“egregious toolosity”
Awesome!!
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
I’d take any of the first three over Duke (especially considering the prospect cost).
Myers is a guy I forgot about. He’ll only be 29 this season. Can he recover from hip surgery and reach his potential?
I might prefer to take a chance on him as opposed to the Davis, Garland, Marquis and Pineiro crew that have been rumored (despite his personal faults).
trs86
12/16/2009-2:14pm at 2:14 pm (UTC -4)
We will just disagree on this one. I see more upside in Duke than I do Marquis or Davis and I don’t count Garland because at this point I would sign him either way.
manicmcreynolds
12/16/2009-3:28pm at 3:28 pm (UTC -4)
Put me in the pro-Duke camp. Because of youth + leftiness, sure, but also because he usually has several games during the season where he absolutely shuts an opponent down for 8 or 9 innings. It’s not scientific, but it makes me think that if he played in front of a raucous home crowd, for a contending team, with a couple of guys with All-Star and/or playoff experience around him, he’d step up his game. He’s been hanging tough in the bigs since 22 for a team whose ownership doesn’t even try to convince its fans that it’s trying to contend.
Same goes for Maholm, who has better H/9 and K/9 rates for his career.
trs86
12/16/2009-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
As a mid-rotation starter that is still cheap and has tons of potential. Also one that averaged 6 2/3 innings per start last year and has averaged more than 6 innings per start for his career. No he is not a “2″ but he is a guy that I think that you could say pair with Garland this year and get solid league average innings out of and then slide down a slot the following year when you could get that “2″.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-1:52pm at 1:52 pm (UTC -4)
Duke’s 2006-2008 were far from league average.
I don’t think the Mets need to pair him with Garland and have two soft tossers relying on their poor defense (in addition to Pelfrey who also relies on the defense), especially one like Duke who will tempt the gaps for extra base hits with his fly ball propensity.
I think if you get Duke you have to view him as a 4 and can’t get Garland.
Santana
Pelfrey
Duke
Garland
Perez/Maine
is Santana and 4 ifs and has the makings of a very long year. And neither of the soft tossers have the type of potential to justify taking the risk.
trs86
12/16/2009-1:55pm at 1:55 pm (UTC -4)
Wanny we are also talking about a year with few alternatives. Sheets is asking for the moon and if you sign one of the injury risk then you could be forced back into depending on one of those other guys. I do think that at least Garland is a lock to give us about what Maine or Perez would give us even if they are healthy. Duke you are right might not but if the asking price is right to me there is a better chance of him at least repeating last year than there is for Maine or Perez to return to 2007 form.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-2:00pm at 2:00 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not convinced that you need to trade prospects for an ordinary pitcher because there are no other options. There are plenty of guys available who can give you what Duke gave the Pirates last year.
And, of course, I am not convinced by what you say Sheets requires much less that it is something less than the prospect value that Pittsburgh would want to trade one of its few viable starters.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
True I have no idea. I tried to get some info on what Pitt would be looking for and the best I could come up with as a rumor would be the following
This from a Pirates blog owner which basically means nothing but I will throw it out for the sake of discussion.
“I’ve been thinking about this as well, because I think now is as good a time as any to trade Duke. Since he has two more years of arb-control (which means at approximately 60 then 80 percent of his actual worth… aka he’s cheap), and the market for young/cheap/league average starters is bare, it will take a lot more than one would think to get him.
I think he would do well with the Mets and their above average infield defense, along with that canyon you call Citi Field (Duke doesn’t give up many HR, but pitching roughly half his games at Citi would decrease that number even further).
But the way NH has worked so far is that he goes for quantity over quality. I think it would take a package similar to what they got for McClouth last year, maybe a little less. So a MLB ready SP to fill some of the innings void left by Duke, a mid-level positional prospect, and then a low-level arm. I don’t know all that much about the Mets farm system except that it is consistently ranked in the bottom half overall, but as I said, Duke would fit well in Citi.”
trs86
12/16/2009-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
So based on that, which I agree is nothing, it would be
Niese, Tejada and a single A pitcher.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
Duke’s career avgs:
6.1 IP/start
1.450 WHIP
10.7 H/9
2.4 BB/9
4.6 K/9
1.93 k:BB
Last season:
6.2 IP/start
1.315 WHIP*
9.8 H/9*
2.1 BB/9*
4.5 K/9
2.6 K:BB*
* = full season career best
I just don’t see mid rotation starter there unless he takes another step forward this year. The one positive constant with him is that unlike the rest of the Mets staff (save for Santana, of course) he doesn’t walk anyone.
It’ll be interesting to see if he’ll build on 2009. I’m not sure I’d have enough confidence in that to put my eggs in his basket.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
In this market I think I would. I know what his career averages are. Only thing I can say is that he has shown improvement the last 2 seasons so for a young guy I am not sure it’s fair to use career averages. If you want to take his last 2 years then I would be fine with that. That would give you about a low 3 high 4 in my opinion. Again if it came down to having to have 2 out of Marquis, Garland, Duke, Davis and those other guys cost close to 8 million and maybe 2 or more years I am choosing Garland and Duke.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
It’s not difficult to improve upon the 1.733 WHIP he had in 2007. I’m not sure his 1.5 effort in 2008 should earn him improvement credit.
And I don’t think you can leave years out and pick and choose the ones you want to believe in. They are all part of the picture.
Right now, his record indicates that 2009 is as likely to be the outlier as 2007.
Hopefully, for him and the poor Pirates fans, he has a nice 2010.
It’s certainly not impossible for him to have a good year. I just don’t see why I should expect it. And the Mets need someone from whom they can expect a good year.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:15pm at 2:15 pm (UTC -4)
You are right about numbers I don’t think I am cherry picking though. I think I stated my position that it looks to me as though the last 2 years he has improved and I expect him to continue the trend. You are right by your notion that he may not and there is no concrete reason that he will.
manicmcreynolds
12/16/2009-3:38pm at 3:38 pm (UTC -4)
In 2009 Duke made 32 starts and put up a 4.06 ERA.
Garland started 33 with a 4.01.
It’s sort of telling that most Mets fans would jump on these stats for any of the SPs we have now, other than Santana. I see Pelfrey as a sub-4.00 SP in his prime years, but he could guarantee the stats above for 2010, I’d take it. Never mind Maine & OP.
The difference between Garland and Duke for 2010 is not much; it’s that Duke could potentially develop into a solid SP for years to come.
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
Manic yes it’s possible that Duke could develop into a solid SP, he’s 26.
But that does require a lot of either faith or projection, because there’s little evidence to go on. He doesn’t have “stuff” that you can point to, he like so many LHP is going to have to master “learning how to pitch.”
Garland, with his similar lack of “stuff” has demonstrated that he already knows how to pitch.
So from my perspective, it’s a matter of are the Mets contenders in 2010 or not. If they are, I say Garland is the one to go after. If they’re not, Duke is because he is the more likely of the 2 to develop into something, but he’s not there yet and he may not so it’s more of a gamble to me, more of something to do looking beyond 2010.
trs86
12/16/2009-1:53pm at 1:53 pm (UTC -4)
His value was 11.2M last year and 8.8 the year before while getting paid almost nothing.
I also see nothing wrong with a guy that is in the middle but slightly shading a GB pitcher. I do not think that it matters that he has to be one or the other.
And not that I would use this for a reason to bring him in but he has pitched well against us. 3.20 ERA 1.22 WHIP.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
“I do not think that it matters that he has to be one or the other.”
If I had a dollar for everytime you’ve tried to sell me on the virtues of Jon Garland because he’s a groundball pitcher…
Anyway, the values you have referenced indicate that Pittsburgh would be silly to let him go cheaply.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
LOL just because Garland is a groundball pitcher and that is a plus for him does not mean that a guy has to be one extreme or another to be successful. Glavine comes to mind. I am not saying he is Glavine, just that some of his numbers remind me of him. Low K rate, low walk rate, similar GB/FB ratio gives up hits.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-2:14pm at 2:14 pm (UTC -4)
Duke actually has a better walk rate than Glavine has ever had. Glavine has always been prone to the BB (this is what happens when you refuse to throw the ball over the plate).
That said, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for Zach Duke to become Tom Glavine.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:17pm at 2:17 pm (UTC -4)
“I am not saying he is Glavine”
We may not ever even see a guy like Glavine again. Just using him as a comparison of how some pitchers are successful with a medium GB/FB ratio and a lower BB/9.
I for one would not mind seeing a guy that averages 6+ innings a start and does not walk many batters.
But again, this one is just personal opinion from both of us so I can’t get heated either way.
trs86
12/16/2009-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
My biggest concern and you guys know it is that Reyes has not performed at all in September. For the Mets to get over the hump he will have to change that.
metsfan4decades
12/16/2009-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
Well, it’s possible. Took ARod years, but he finally came through this year in the post season.
dirtysanchez
12/16/2009-2:18pm at 2:18 pm (UTC -4)
well…maybe reyes should date kate hudson lol. Heard she is available now since they broke up. Why did they break up you ask….acccording to US magazine, Arod thinks that she needs too much attention (mirrors anyone)
fongy2
12/16/2009-2:36pm at 2:36 pm (UTC -4)
Dude!….
You’re reading
US magazine?:)
dirtysanchez
12/16/2009-3:35pm at 3:35 pm (UTC -4)
lmao…nope but i saw it as a tweet(i think thats the right tense lol). Just thought it was ironic that alex broke up with her because SHE needed too much attention
metsfan4decades
12/16/2009-2:37pm at 2:37 pm (UTC -4)
SHE needs too much attention? – HAHAHAHAHA
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
I’m going to heap some of the blame for that on his managers. His best statistical September (of his years as a full-time starter) was 2006, which also happens to be the year he played the fewest games (153). Otherwise he’s played 161, 160 & 159 games in his full-time years. I believe a few scattered games off could go a long way.
trs86
12/16/2009-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
True but all 3 years were drastically below even his career averages much less his averages of that year. .796 OPS 2006, .612 2007, .715 2008. .685 Career OPS in September. 184 total bases in September for his career and that is 36 lower than any other month and 70.6 below his average for the other months.
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-12:53pm at 12:53 pm (UTC -4)
I think you’ve reinforced my point. Even when he was “bad” in September 2006, he was the best “bad” he’s been in September. His 9/06 OBP of .360 is well above his career average OBP of .337 as well as above his OBP of .354 for that whole season, and he still managed to steal 9 bases that month. It’s his slugging that suffers, which thankfully is not his primary attribute. As a leadoff batter I want him on base and running, and he did that in Sept ’06.
trs86
12/16/2009-1:03pm at 1:03 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed but there is still a problem. His overall numbers even in 2006 were lower than his career averages and in 2006 he had just came off a month where he did this: .336 .372 .631 1.003
But that being said, he either needs to step it up in September and stop letting it get to him OR he needs a better training regiment so he does not fade in September. The excuse of being tired does not cut it with me.
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
All fair points, but I stand by my point that a few extra games off should be helpful as well as the things you suggest.
trs86
12/16/2009-1:42pm at 1:42 pm (UTC -4)
I guess my last counter point is that even in 2004 (although limited sample) he had an OPS of .555 and games were not the issue.
I hope you are right. Although I would feel more comfortable then if we had a real SS to back him up.
stickguy
12/16/2009-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
If you mean for late in the year, who knows. Maybe Tejada will be ready for a taste of the show, and can come up to give him a ‘blow” now and then.
With Reyes coming back from an injury, I really can’t see going into the season with only COra as a MI off the bench.
Lopez plays SS too, doesn’t he?
trs86
12/16/2009-1:58pm at 1:58 pm (UTC -4)
I would love to have Lopez as that is well documented.
However, I don’t think we will be in the position to rest Reyes in September. That will have to come earlier in the year.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-2:19pm at 2:19 pm (UTC -4)
Stick:
I don’t know if Lopez can play SS; but he has played SS. The problem is he’s pretty bad at it, likely worse than Cora.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:31pm at 2:31 pm (UTC -4)
My hope is that Cora’s defense was made much worse by the injuries. In a limited sample he was very good at SS in 2008 but he was also very bad last year.
Lopez numbers are indeed godawful at SS.
stickguy
12/16/2009-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
some of that may hae to do with the wear and tear of stealing a ton of bases (something that has been statstically shown to be overrated I think, when you factor in the negative aspect of CS).
so, maybe he becomes more selective with the SBs this eyar?
another reason, depending on who else is in the lineup, that moving him down (I still like 2nd, especially if we are stuck with Luis) to take better use of his slugging abilities might be a good thing.
trs86
12/16/2009-12:47pm at 12:47 pm (UTC -4)
That was the idea in 2008 and it did not work at all.
trs86
12/16/2009-2:28pm at 2:28 pm (UTC -4)
Guys I am really intrigued by the fact that one of the prospects in the Halladay deal has flunked. It is not a M’s prospect so that leaves basically Wallace D’Arnaud, Taylor, Drabek. If it is Taylor or Drabek that could really impact the Phillies both in the future or even this season say if they are forced to part with Happ to complete the deal.
fongy2
12/16/2009-2:38pm at 2:38 pm (UTC -4)
Phuck them!………….
I’m just sayin’…….
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-2:39pm at 2:39 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t know that it’s a “fact” considering there are reports that it is a “totally false rumor.”
I just can’t get worked up about the rumored possibility that one of many minor leaguers in a 3 team trade may have failed a physical. The deal is still unofficial. Since there are no Mets involved, I’ll worry about the minutiae of it when it’s either official, or officially canceled.
Sorry, I know that doesn’t generate web hits or discussion, but it’s my honest feeling about this trade.
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-2:41pm at 2:41 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry, 4 team trade. I forgot about the A’s.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-2:44pm at 2:44 pm (UTC -4)
Well, now you must be interested.
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-2:50pm at 2:50 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, the presence of the 4th team completely changed my thought process.
My God, what if one of these minor leaguers failed their physical?
The Phillies could be decimated for the balance of the 21st century if they have to swap in a different prospect.
The whole deal could be canceled and they’d be stuck with that lout Cliff Lee.
This is big news I tells ya, big news! Get me Peter Parker! I need a photographer down at the trade negotiations to see if Spiderman appears!
GravediggerHebner
12/16/2009-2:55pm at 2:55 pm (UTC -4)
In other news, apparently Jose Reyes visited the same doctor who treated Tiger Woods and was caught at the US/Canada border with HGH.
Jose says he did blood treatments only, no HGH, with this doctor, and they didn’t work resulting in his surgery.
wannybackstra
12/16/2009-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
You type fast.
dirtysanchez
12/16/2009-3:35pm at 3:35 pm (UTC -4)
wonder if jose got the same black book that tiger got lol