This is the final installment of the Mets Need series. If you haven’t done so already take a look at the first two articles, Mets Need: Defense! and Mets Need: Pitching! In those posts I explained why the Mets must improve their defense and what kind of pitchers the Mets need to improve their pitching. Today, I’ll discuss what kind of hitters the Mets need to improve their hitting.
Mets Hitting Coach Howard Johnson
Before I dive into that, let me just say that although I would’ve liked the Mets to have signed hitting coach extraordinaire, Rudy Jaramillo, I’m glad to have Howard Johnson as the Mets hitting coach. I know some Mets fans partially blame Johnson for the Mets poor situational hitting or David Wright’s increased strikeouts and drop in homeruns in 2009. However, HoJo has been a winner all his career, especially as a coach in the Mets system and if the best and most important player on the team is taking time off this winter to work on his hitting with HoJo, then I need no other vote of confidence.
Now let’s talk about ways to improve the Mets hitting. Specifically, I want to discuss On Base Plus Slugging (OPS), Line Drive Percentage (LD%) and Batting Average of Balls in Play (BABIP). Essentially, by targetting players with a high LD% and building a team around high OPS, the Mets should increase their BABIP and score more runs.
First, let’s discuss these terms a bit and why they are important. OPS is the sum of On Base Percentage (OBP) and Slugging Percentage (SLG). A player or team that can consistently get on base and hit for power to an OPS of above 0.900 indicates excellent hitting, while an OPS of 0.700 or above is average.
LD% is the percent of batted balls that are line drives. This is important because, “a line drive is harder for the defense to turn into an out than a ground ball, a pop fly, or even a fly ball.”
In other words, if you hit a lot of line drives, you’ll have a higher BABIP. And unlike BABIP for pitchers, line drive percentage is fairly consistent. If you hit a lot of line drives this year, odds are you’ll do the same next year, within reason, anyway.Â
The league average LD% is 18% and a high LD% can increase a player’s BABIP. The league average BABIP lies between .290 and .300. BABIP is a touchy subject for some because the basic argument is that a high BABIP is a result of good luck and vice versa. You can do the research on your own and decide for yourselves. However, guys way smarter than me have been figuring this stuff out for years so I have no problem taking their word.
Here is how the Mets Core did in these areas over the past three years:
| NAME | OBP | SLG | OPS | LD% | BABIP | eBABIP |
| Carlos Beltran | .375 | .510 | .885 | 20.5% | .309 | .325 |
| Jose Reyes | .356 | .443 | .799 | 20.8% | .311 | .328 |
| David Wright | .399 | .512 | .911 | 24.8% | .361 | .368 |
Â
David Wright
So, if we agree that the average BABIP is .300 and the league average LD% is 18%, then we can say that LD% is 12% lower than Expected BABIP. By adding .120 (12%) to a players LD%, we are able to calculate the Expected BABIP. As you can see, there is a reason why the Core has done so well and it is amazing to think their numbers should increase in the future. As much as we would like to see Wright hit more home runs, this chart makes a strong case for Wright to focus on hitting line drives.
Now let’s look at how the rest of the team compares:
| PLAYER | OBP | SLG | OPS | LD% | BABIP | eBABIP |
| Daniel Murphy | .331 | .437 | .768 | 21.5% | .307 | .335 |
| Luis Castillo | .369 | .342 | .712 | 17.9% | .320 | .299 |
| Jeff Francouer | .314 | .409 | .724 | 20.2% | .310 | .322 |
| Omir Santos | .290 | .381 | .671 | 21.1% | .282 | .331 |
| Angel Pagan | .339 | .457 | .796 | 20.3% | .341 | .323 |
A few things pop out here. First, Castillo may be in for a regression in his BABIP if he does not start hitting more line drives. However, he does a good job of getting on base. Pagan does a good job of getting on base and slugging, but his BABIP is unsustainable unless he starts hitting even more line drives. Next, although Francouer is known to be a free swinging slugger, he certainly has not been slugging the ball like he should be to compensate for an awful OBP. Daneil Murphy looks like he should have a better BABIP next year and if he can slightly increase his OPS, he might make a case for being a Citi Field mainstay for some time. Omir Santos’ numbers are the most intriguing, though they are based on a limited sample. Santos may be due for a .050 jump in his BABIP which should improve his OPS.
As a whole the current team has five players with an average or better OBP (Wright, Beltran, Castillo, Reyes and Pagan). An average OBP is .340. Typically, these players should be in the top of the lineup so that the sluggers in the bottom of the lineup can drive them in. The league average SLG is approximately .420. The Mets have five players with an above average SLG (Wright, Beltran, Pagan, Reyes and Murphy).
Angel Pagan
Ideally, with the current team, Reyes, Wright and Beltran would be your 3-4-5 hitters, though some would argue that as the best hitter on the team, Wright, should bat third. With Castillo’s high OBP he should be batting near the top of the order and with Murphy’s above average SLG he should be batting near the bottom of the order. Pagan would seem to fit in either the top or bottom of the order. Missing from this equation are Francouer and Santos who both need to improve their slugging if they want to hold on to their starting positions.
Although the market is somewhat lacking, I’ve compiled a list of 2010 OF, 1B, 2B and Catcher Free Agents who have near above average LD%, OBP and SLG over the past 3 years.
OF
- Xavier Nady (23.3%, .344, .493)
- Fernando Tatis (22%, .352, .458)
- Ryan Church (22%, .345, .432)
- Jack Cust (21.1%, .378, .462)
- Brian Giles (20%, .363, .408)
- Randy Winn (19.9%, .346, .410)
- Marlon Byrd (19.8%, .352, .468)
- Jermaine Dye (19.6%, .334, .496)
- Matt Holliday (19.3%, .403, .555)
- Johnny Damon (19%, .364, .449)
For the sake of comparison, Jason Bay is 16.9%, .362, .493). I left him off because with his poor Line Drive % he is not the type of hitter to benefit from Citi Field’s dimension.
1B
- Carlos Delgado (21.2%, .347, .488)
- Adam LaRoche (20.9%, .347, .481)
- Ryan Garko (18.7%, .350, .437)
- Russell Branyan (18.2%, .340, .510)
2B
- Kelly Johnson (20.9%, .349, .438)
- Felipe Lopez (20.6%, .345, .389)
- Mark DeRosa (20.4%, .355, .445)
- Orlando Hudson (20.4%, .366, .435)
- Ronnie Belliard (19.7%, .342, .445)
C
- Yorvit Torrealba (18.7%, .322, .382)
- Bengie Molina (17.9%, .302, .440)
Fernando Tatis
I like Holliday or Damon to start in LF, Tatis or Church to back up in the outfield. Then I’ll take LaRoche who has very similar numbers to Delgado and Garko for the bench. For 2B, Johnson and Belliard but probably wouldn’t be an upgrade over Castillo. Finally, at Catcher, Molina is the obvious choice because of his SLG.Â
Will it be a Happy Matt Holliday for the Mets?
Tim Dierkes at MLBTradeRumors predicted the Mets would sign Holliday at “a six or seven-year deal for more than $100MM”, given that the best offer he’s received is 5/$82.5M from the Red Sox. Or, if the Yankees move on from Damon, who has been asking for 2/$20M and turned down 2/$14M, could the Mets meet somewhere in between? LaRoche has been seeking a 3/$31.5M but may have to accept much less because no one seems to be knocking on his door. Nobody is seemingly interested in besting the Mets 2/$10M offer to Molina. Holliday and Molina could cost $22M, leaving room to add a starter or elsewhere. Damon, LaRoche and Molina may cost around $25M. Throw in a couple of million for Garko and either Tatis or Church, and the team will be built towards hitting lots of line drives and a high OPS.
It’s funny how this analysis has led to many of the names that are mentioned here. What to do you think, would you feel comfortable with the offseason after adding these players?
117 comments
dirtysanchez
12/23/2009-3:14pm at 3:14 pm (UTC -4)
Wow…hellova article case!
Now let me re-read the whole thing so I can make an opinion lol
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-3:25pm at 3:25 pm (UTC -4)
thanks Dirty, I’m no match to Grave’s wit or Kingman’s ability to tell a story, I’ll bore the hell out of you with numbers.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
and what do I bring to the table ( insert compliment here !!!)
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:17pm at 4:17 pm (UTC -4)
hopefully a six pack of Heineken
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:18pm at 4:18 pm (UTC -4)
BASTARD !!! I bring Wild Turkey !!!!
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:23pm at 4:23 pm (UTC -4)
Wild Turkey with a splash of Hot Sauce microwaved for 15 seconds…Michael’s Tavern Birthday Shot.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:24pm at 4:24 pm (UTC -4)
nice !! anyone ever have a red devil?
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:35pm at 4:35 pm (UTC -4)
I did and missed Game 1 of the 2000 WS while I was passed out in the bathroom at Oneill’s in Maspeth.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:39pm at 4:39 pm (UTC -4)
i love red devils !!!
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-4:47pm at 4:47 pm (UTC -4)
Like the Flushing High School Red Devils?
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:51pm at 4:51 pm (UTC -4)
uh that a bloody Mary lol – red devil = a alabama slammer mixed with a kamakazze
njstuckintx
12/23/2009-3:35pm at 3:35 pm (UTC -4)
Your numbers are good for this. Based on what is out there, your choices listed at the end do provide the best solution, for this year.
I guess my question would be, does the best solutions for this year equate to long term success? IE, is going through with Holliday, etc. the best plan vs. sitting back, letting the kids play and saving money for next years crop of FAs (Webb, Lee, etc.)
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:01pm at 4:01 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think any do stop us from making moves next year. Even Holliday’s contract at $17M is not too much, though it’ll likely be backloaded like Beltran, Santana and K-Rod’s.
Plus, you gotta figure any guy worth getting next year won’t be much better than Holliday, except for Mauer if he’s a hitter.
Pitchers are Beckett, Lee, Vazquez and Webb. At most they get a Lackey/Burnett deal.
The Mets have a $7M increase to the core. So it depends on whether deals will be backloaded and if the budget increases.
njstuckintx
12/23/2009-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
True True and well put.
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-4:49pm at 4:49 pm (UTC -4)
And you also can not assume those players will all be available by the time the 2010 Hot Stove warms up (let alone that they would be interested in coming to NY).
Guys like Holliday or Bay (or Lackey) make the Mets a better team for the foreseeable future.
mrose
12/23/2009-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
absolutely great article…
and I have to say, your suggestions are similar to what a lot of us have been saying, and i’d be fine w/ that…
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:18pm at 4:18 pm (UTC -4)
thanks mrose
I’m not ready to throw in the towel
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-3:49pm at 3:49 pm (UTC -4)
Excellent work Case.
Maybe I should be able to glean it from your article but I didn’t so I’ll ask. How does Jason Bay figure in all this, he’s conspicuously missing from the list?
njstuckintx
12/23/2009-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
I think it is because his numbers are not similar over a period of 3 years. Not knowing his actual numbers, that’s the assumption I would bet someone’s life on (just not mine.
)
“Although the market is somewhat lacking, I’ve compiled a list of 2010 OF, 1B, 2B and Catcher Free Agents who have near above average LD%, OBP and SLG over the past 3 years.”
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
If he was left off because he doesn’t even measure up to the likes of Church, Tatis, Nady and Giles then the Mets should rescind their offer immediately.
njstuckintx
12/23/2009-3:58pm at 3:58 pm (UTC -4)
I wondered myself why Bay wasn’t on there. Especially for having been offered 4 years and 65 Mil.
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:10pm at 4:10 pm (UTC -4)
thanks grave, I’ve updated the post with Bay’s stats. Thanks for the suggestion.
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:26pm at 4:26 pm (UTC -4)
It wasn’t so much a suggestion as it was me wondering whether you left him off as an error of omission or because he didn’t measure up.
That it is the latter speaks volumes.
I do believe that even these types of numbers are open to some sort of interpretation, but I nonetheless find it an indictment of the Mets’ off season plan that they made a conscious decision to eschew Holliday and persue Bay based on “Bay pulls the ball more.”
With each passing day I find myself wishing, almost praying, more so than the day before that Bay signs elsewhere.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
except if bay signs elsewhere there will be such a backlash on this organization – unless they trade for a carlos lee
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:37pm at 4:37 pm (UTC -4)
People inclined to lash out will lash out no doubt.
But making Bay the off season priority was/is a stupid plan, and why there would be a backlash if through divine intervention the team didn’t get to execute a stupid plan is beyond me.
If one thinks it’s a smart plan then at least I can accept their being upset by the team not signing him, but I’ve been against it from the start, based mostly on his defense. Now that I see some evidence to suggest that maybe his offense, the one thing he brings, might not be conducive to the home park, the idea of signing him just upsets me more.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:41pm at 4:41 pm (UTC -4)
i dont know what to think anymore to be honest – im just so burnt now – i know a transaction for transaction sake is stupid but this organization are either Helen Kellers love child or wiley as a fox
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:40pm at 4:40 pm (UTC -4)
yeah, Bay hits the ball hard which is apparent by his career 17% HR/FB ratio, but that’s partially inflated because of his 19.7% at Fenway.
mrose
12/23/2009-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
so it appears MC’s comment system is f’in up again… people are complaining about being sent to moderation in his latest post
saltygary
12/23/2009-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
It’s not F’d up he’s just getting raked over the coals and doing some moderation. He has been defensive about his remarks all day.
mrose
12/23/2009-4:04pm at 4:04 pm (UTC -4)
but the odd thing is, a decent amount of comments raking him are getting through… so maybe something is up
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
matts the sensative sort – hence the real dierty mets blog !
asod75
12/23/2009-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, I made a disparaging remark or two and I vanished, never to return. His posts are laughable, and his latest was pretty defeatist, offering up names like Jarrod Washburn and Randy Winn. Got a good chuckle from that one. I’d rather let F-Mart play left than sign moldy old Randy Winn…..
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:47pm at 4:47 pm (UTC -4)
speaking of our much maligned prospect – he finished winter ball batteing .191 with 1 extra base hit and 18 strikeouts
asod75
12/23/2009-4:49pm at 4:49 pm (UTC -4)
Nice. Wonder if this dude will ever blossom into anything other than a guy with a nice swing and not much else.
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:50pm at 4:50 pm (UTC -4)
I think he also finished it injured, but maybe I’m thinking of someone else.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:52pm at 4:52 pm (UTC -4)
no he was sidelined with blisters i at the beginning of the season
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-5:05pm at 5:05 pm (UTC -4)
not to worry, he’s been “urinating” on them per Alou’s suggestions.
asod75
12/23/2009-5:24pm at 5:24 pm (UTC -4)
F-Mart seems to be taking other suggestions from good old Pee Hands, like “here’s how you stay on the DL for months at a time every year”
rustyjr
12/23/2009-5:27pm at 5:27 pm (UTC -4)
thats one way to get rich quick without working lol
prismo
12/23/2009-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
Salty’s probably correct. If there’s one way to get a response out of Matt, it’s to directly insult his work.
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:03pm at 4:03 pm (UTC -4)
What, the post where he says the Mets should build around John Maine by singing Randy Winn? Case great stuff, I think that looking at these numbers, we might benefit from a low cost Nady/Cust OF/1B/Bench move.
saltygary
12/23/2009-4:18pm at 4:18 pm (UTC -4)
Good opportunity to score some more disgruntled Metsblog reader over here.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
we are not allowed to recruit from there lol
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:07pm at 4:07 pm (UTC -4)
Case you wouldn’t happen to have these numbers as lefty/righty splits, would you? I would kill to see how Garko hits lefties, as well as Jack Cust, although he is a left-handed hitter.
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:15pm at 4:15 pm (UTC -4)
Garko Career:
LHP .392, .495
RHP .335, .420
Cust Career:
LHP .353, .382
RHP .382, .483
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
(Placing flipped over shot glass in front of your bar stool, indicating your next beverage is on me)
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:30pm at 4:30 pm (UTC -4)
what are the intangables? cust cuz he played in a pitchers park?
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:34pm at 4:34 pm (UTC -4)
Cust can provide low-cost power that isn’t influenced by ballpark.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
i understand – also jacobs – his average sucked but he might thrive in a 1b platoon
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:42pm at 4:42 pm (UTC -4)
I’m thinking more of an OF/1B/PH guy than a 1B platoon if they’re a left-handed hitter.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:47pm at 4:47 pm (UTC -4)
oops i forgot
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-4:51pm at 4:51 pm (UTC -4)
Cust is a brutal fielder with a UZR over (or is it under?) -20 every season.
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:21pm at 4:21 pm (UTC -4)
And maybe get Bay’s and Gomes’ numbers, although Gomes would include his TERRIBLE 2008. Sorry, I am a research analyst, I love numbers, especially when I don’t have to look them up or calculate them myself since I do that 50+ hours a week.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:23pm at 4:23 pm (UTC -4)
i still say we need to get pitching before hitting
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:28pm at 4:28 pm (UTC -4)
Without a doubt. But you see with Garko’s splits, him on the cheap with Murph gives us a pretty darn good platoon 1B in terms of power numbers. This would be the statistical proof behind Omar going hard for pitching and getting the much needed pop in the order on the cheap. And I am a supporter of Cust if we get him cheap as a part-time player in LF, RF to spell Frenchy, and left-handed pinch hitter.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:32pm at 4:32 pm (UTC -4)
dont forget we have abreu and carter on the farm also – which would be less expensive alternative in the front offices eyes
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
I pray to God Abreu isn’t in the Mets major league plans.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
michel abreu
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:38pm at 4:38 pm (UTC -4)
I know. The 30 somethingCuban first baseman who is a minor league lifer. Between him, Hessman, and Carter we could have the best 4-A corner infield situation in baseball.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:42pm at 4:42 pm (UTC -4)
yeah it should go down well in buffalo lol
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:47pm at 4:47 pm (UTC -4)
Bay Career:
RHP .377, .520
LHP .402, .578
Gomes Career:
RHP .320, .539
LHP .369, .545
asod75
12/23/2009-5:00pm at 5:00 pm (UTC -4)
I would love Gomes as a bench bat that could play some outfield and maybe a little bit of first (I believe he’s played a few games at first during his career). I know everybody gets tired of calling players gritty and scrappy, but this guy does seem to bring something to a clubhouse. He may have had a horrible 2008 season, but many Rays players pointed to the fight he started in spring training after the Yanks tried to bully Tampa around as the sparkplug to their great season. Love guys like that. Plus he’s got some pop. Wouldn’t want him starting but a nice bench option.
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-5:07pm at 5:07 pm (UTC -4)
Gomes has never played at 1B. Majors or Minors.
asod75
12/23/2009-5:12pm at 5:12 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry, must have been thinking of someone else. Still like the guy though.
asod75
12/23/2009-5:18pm at 5:18 pm (UTC -4)
I know I wasn’t making this up. He’s never played in the bigs, but he’s mentioned he’d like to, like in this article.
http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061018&content_id=1716524&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb
stickguy
12/23/2009-4:09pm at 4:09 pm (UTC -4)
What a bunch of statistical hooey. Crap, I tell you, nothing but crap!
What the Mets need is more grit. More grinders. Hustle baby. A team full of dirty mcEckstiens.
This wa a joke BTW. although you could probably find something similar but totally serious on MLBTR, or some of the other looney bin sites.
At least you give Murphy man some props (I think). I still feel he will take a nice step up next year. I can see a .340/.460/.800 ish line. Maybe better on the slg? Not Pujols, but not bad for minimum wage!
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:23pm at 4:23 pm (UTC -4)
If Murph can improve his OBP and SLG slightly, while hitting tons of line drives, I think he’s a keeper.
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:32pm at 4:32 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. People seem to freak out that he won’t hit “enough home runs” whatever that is. It was his first full year in the majors and he was learning two defensive positions on the job.
Did people actually watch the games? Some of the home runs that he DID hit were moon shots into the upper deck for God’s sake.
There’s a lot about the 2010 season that I’m unsure about, and even on edge about, but Murphy as the starting 1B is waaaaay down my list of concerns.
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-4:53pm at 4:53 pm (UTC -4)
His 27 doubles and .485 SLG % in his final 73 games is also overlooked.
I’m still high on Murphy. And I love that he seems to care.
asod75
12/23/2009-5:05pm at 5:05 pm (UTC -4)
I like Murphy, too. He’s still a young player learning on the job. He’s been required to change positions quite a bit, both at the major-league and minor-league level and he’s done so enthusiastically. If the option is bringing back an obviously still gimpy Delgado and going with Murphy and a platoon partner, I choose the latter. Of course, bringing in a power bat for left field and perhaps catcher (I prefer Barajas, who would be cheaper than Molina), you can get by with Murphy at first. Plus, I think he’ll hit a few more homers this season with another year under his belt.
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:24pm at 4:24 pm (UTC -4)
Plus, he’s got D, just needs to dig the ball out of the dirt.
manicmcreynolds
12/23/2009-6:16pm at 6:16 pm (UTC -4)
Firstly, good article/essay.
Next, I’m glad to see some Murphy support here. And Wanny noticed his 2nd half improvements! I’m afraid that if he gets buried on the bench or at AAA, he’ll blossom with another team in 2011-2012. Look at what happened with Heath Bell–an A.S. closer, and we never even got one good setup season out of him. (I still think that with all the drama at 2B since 2005, we did not get enough out of Jeff Keppinger. That’s right, I said (typed) it!) I’m curious about how Murph’ll do in a 2nd full season. Preferably platoon, but maybe not a strict one.
On the other hand, this article made me think that if LaRoche can’t get 3@30mil, maybe we should snag him for one year (@12mil, e.g.) and see how that works out.
See, that’s what good explication-minded writing does: makes one reconsider one’s own preferences.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:17pm at 4:17 pm (UTC -4)
dont know if anyone saw this on mlbtr but here goes nothing !
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 23, 2009 at 11:13am CST]
ESPN.com’s Buster Olney says the Mets would still like to sign Jason Bay, but are considering alternatives in case the left fielder’s demands don’t match their budget. Instead of signing Bay, the Mets could spread their resources and sign a number of the many available free agents. The Mets could obtain lots with the $15-22MM they have available
should I be appaled that the Mets even with usual salary increases for jahan david jose etc – are only willing to us 20 – 25 mill on free agents or trade aquisitions – that will in my estimation at lease 10 mil under where they were last year
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:41pm at 4:41 pm (UTC -4)
There have been articles I’ve read the last few days that reference the Mets spending 10 mil less.
That idea in and of itself I don’t have a problem with. But that idea coming after the braintrust went on the radio and assured us that “there was no budget” it’s just more evidence of either outright lies or a total lack of a consistent direction (IOW a plan).
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:44pm at 4:44 pm (UTC -4)
going on fatsos show and promising to field a world champion caliber team doesnt help their cause now also cuz the made themselves out to be liars
asod75
12/23/2009-4:48pm at 4:48 pm (UTC -4)
You can’t believe anything Omar and the Wimpons say. They had just completed an embarassing season, and in an effort to sell season tickets told the fans they would do anything to field a championship caliber team. Apparently anything meant hiding in a bunker in the fetal position while placing random calls to Chris Coste and R.A. Dickey……
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:52pm at 4:52 pm (UTC -4)
Well technically by adding long anticipated historical aspects to the stadium they are fielding a championship caliber team – in plaques on the walls.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:54pm at 4:54 pm (UTC -4)
what ever happened to honesty?
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-5:01pm at 5:01 pm (UTC -4)
It’s such a lonely word.
It’s hardly ever heard.
It’s mostly what I need from you.
asod75
12/23/2009-5:10pm at 5:10 pm (UTC -4)
Nice Billy Joel reference. Meanwhile, the Phillies keep making moves, although no one at MLBTR knows who it is. Apparently, they’ve signed a mystery reliever. Hope it’s Scott Schoeneweis but it’s probably somebody who can actually get outs….
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:23pm at 4:23 pm (UTC -4)
just got this from MR. From what I can Gather’s” blog – he had to defend his earlier column about looking to 2011
In regards my post earlier today, in which I said the Mets should ‘Turn Plan B in to Plan A,’ let’s say the Mets sign Bay and he hits 40 home runs. In either case, the Mets are still only going as far as Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Francisco Rodriguez and Johan Santana will take them… these men are the keys to next season. Not Bay. Not Holliday. And, definitely not Benjie Molina. Plus, Bay will be under contract for at least the next three years, if not more, limiting the team’s flexibility to make significant and meaningful changes to the roster.
So, what I’m suggesting is, instead of being bogged down with yet another long-term, super-expensive contract, I’d rather see the Mets sign three or four role players – such as Orlando Hudson, Rod Barajas, Randy Winn and Jarrod Washburn – for roughly $20 million, as they can fill in holes on a short-term basis, they are all known for doing their jobs well, they’d give the roster depth, and they’d support Wright, Reyes, Beltran, K-Rod and Santana, who are going to be counted on to carry the team anyway… with or without Bay or Holliday.
Sorry Matt but you are a tool
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
“Basically, my plan is to cut and paste Buster Olney’s plan, and back it as my own.”
fongy2
12/23/2009-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
Or to just post a picture of the cherbish Mr.Olney
and post
“Yeah!, What he said”.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:33pm at 4:33 pm (UTC -4)
lol what ever happened to regis ? he was the best guy on mattsflog
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
It appears he dumped anyone that might type anything that would be impressive.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:45pm at 4:45 pm (UTC -4)
what a douche
asod75
12/23/2009-4:45pm at 4:45 pm (UTC -4)
Or written in English…….
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
lol, he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed
“if not more, limiting the team’s flexibility to make significant and meaningful changes to the roster.”
so the players next year are supposed to be cheaper than Bay or Holliday? Plz
Only Mauer and Crawford are interesting to me. There’s a few pitchers who MAY become available, but that’s a lot of hoping and wishing.
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:31pm at 4:31 pm (UTC -4)
I guess MC wants the Mets to save up for LeBron when he becomes a free agent this summer……
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:35pm at 4:35 pm (UTC -4)
lol i think this was forced on matt to report by mets brass – since he is a arm of mets propaganda lol it wouldnt surprise me if they realize that they are going to net a loss profit wise so why not limit the bleeding and keep costs down- just a theory lol
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:37pm at 4:37 pm (UTC -4)
They should send him down to the minors and call up Toby Hyde.
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
Nice. But then I’d miss the info and insight about the minors.
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
lol
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:45pm at 4:45 pm (UTC -4)
lmfao
fongy2
12/23/2009-4:44pm at 4:44 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah BUT I think he’ll settle for
Wade&Bosh!
mikemattone
12/23/2009-4:50pm at 4:50 pm (UTC -4)
He’d surround Lee, Gallo, and Chandler with completmentary pieces since “they are the core”.
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-4:46pm at 4:46 pm (UTC -4)
Case –
Fantastic work again and a great series.
One note on Damon, whom I like as a fallback solution, his slugging percentage was probably aided by Yankee Stadium somewhat.
I think Nady would be a fine acquisition as a backup outfielder (perhaps as a platoon partner in LF if there is no Bay, Holliday or Damon) and backup 1B and as an insurance plan for Francoeur and Murphy.
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-5:01pm at 5:01 pm (UTC -4)
thanks wanny,
It’s very likely that you are correct, though fangraphs’ new wRC+ (which adjusts for the stadium) has Damon at 130 in 08 and 132 in 09.
On the other hand, Damon’s SLG did increase from .461 to .489 and HR/FB from 10.5% to 12.6%.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:50pm at 4:50 pm (UTC -4)
just a question
im just wondering if this team screws the pooch again this year can anyone here forsee another midnight massacre? – I mean can this team really aford to turn the clock back and channel its inner ’77 – ’83?
Kingman 26
12/23/2009-4:52pm at 4:52 pm (UTC -4)
If the pooch is screwed, bye-bye Jerry and hello Bobby V!
Rusty, have a fantastic holiday and new year!!
rustyjr
12/23/2009-4:55pm at 4:55 pm (UTC -4)
ypu too my friend – hey i figured you woulda answered some of the questions i posed in my column this morning
Kingman 26
12/23/2009-4:57pm at 4:57 pm (UTC -4)
Rusty–We are taking the next ten days off, so today has been insane—I have not commented at all…I WILL read your piece and answer the questions when I get home in the next 2 hours, I promise!
I don’t always comment, but I ALWAYS read whatever you post, and I was VERY glad that you reminded me of Kingman’s birthday the other day!
rustyjr
12/23/2009-5:19pm at 5:19 pm (UTC -4)
no ptob – less hip hop – more metal and mets lol
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-4:57pm at 4:57 pm (UTC -4)
If you’re talking about trading off high end players, I doubt it.
If you’re talking about changing managers or general managers, then I think absolutely, but I hope it doesn’t happen mid-season because historically mid-season manager changes lead to nothing good long term. The majority of the mid-season replacements are themselves replaced within the next 18 months.
I hate to say it, hell I even hate to think it, but I think the team will be better served in the long run if Jerry is either fired before spring training or not until after the season.
I don’t have any data on mid-season general manager changes. I guess my hope would be to replace Minaya with enough time prior to the June draft and the July trade deadline to give his replacement a chance to do something with those opportunities.
Kingman 26
12/23/2009-4:56pm at 4:56 pm (UTC -4)
Case–Phenomenal work as usual!
Thank you SO much for the compliment up above–that is so very appreciated, and I meant what I said in my feel-good opinion piece the other day—you do incredible work with things like this!
And I asked my bro, and he said for a beginner, a Fender Strat would be best, as it is easier to play and more adaptable to many kinds of music….especially rock, blues, and pop, but just about everything. I hope this is helpful.
Case, I hope you and Mrs. Case and Little Case have the most amazing holiday and here’s hoping we can have a TRDMB get-together for those of us in the NY area in 2010!!
CaseStreet
12/23/2009-5:14pm at 5:14 pm (UTC -4)
Sweet, thanks Kingman. Safe travels and Happy Hollidays
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-5:00pm at 5:00 pm (UTC -4)
I tend to agree with the reasoning of Case and Grave and the conclusion that Holliday is a better fit for Citi than is Bay.
The Mets’ reasoning that Bay is a pull hitter is code for Bay is cheaper.
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-5:02pm at 5:02 pm (UTC -4)
He “pulls” less dinero from our wallet.
Kingman 26
12/23/2009-5:08pm at 5:08 pm (UTC -4)
Grave, happiest of holiday seasons to you too sir!
Your post yesterday was magnificent, as all of your posts are.
Your knowledge, humor, and grace truly make this here place better for us all.
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-5:11pm at 5:11 pm (UTC -4)
Since one of my flaws is I don’t take compliments well, I’ll joke and say “sounds like someone’s been dipping into the holiday spirits, err I mean is in the holiday spirit.”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!
(or Chappy Chanukah, Kwanzaa or Festivus).
Kingman 26
12/23/2009-5:13pm at 5:13 pm (UTC -4)
Grave, I am still at work and sober as I get!
You are clearly wise enough to know how great your contributions here are.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-5:21pm at 5:21 pm (UTC -4)
as an atheist i wish you a merry xmas lol
Kingman 26
12/23/2009-5:04pm at 5:04 pm (UTC -4)
Wanny–I am not going to be around much the next week or so, so please have a wonderful holiday and New Year with Mrs. Wanny and Wanny-on-the-way, and I am really glad you made it over here.
You truly are in the Hall of Fame of TRDMB commenters, and we are all really glad you are here.
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-5:14pm at 5:14 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks, Kong. You have a great one too.
And you know I appreciate your posts, as well as the comments of everyone here whether we are in agreement or not.
GravediggerHebner
12/23/2009-5:21pm at 5:21 pm (UTC -4)
ALERT: A caller to the FAN just made a good point. He spoke about how he’s been labeled by his friends and coworkers as a Met apologist because when these people accuse the Mets of being cheap, he defends them. He went on to say, they’re not cheap, they just don’t know what they’re doing.
Then the host said that people who seek to mock or denigrate the Mets for being cheap are doubly stupid. They’re stupid because the Mets are not in fact cheap, and they’re stupid again for overlooking the more obvious criticism that while they spend a lot, they spend it poorly.
I felt proud and ashamed simultaneously. I think I need some of Kong’s bourbon.
rustyjr
12/23/2009-5:23pm at 5:23 pm (UTC -4)
thats my bourbon !!! ahhh you gotta love Evan Roberts lol
wannybackstra
12/23/2009-5:31pm at 5:31 pm (UTC -4)
Now we know what TRS has been up to today.