As the remaining free agents continue to be snapped up by teams not our own, a realization did hit Kingman’s Korner: Perhaps the front office actually believes in this group of players.
While drowning in the unbelievable negativity seeming to infect a large percentage of the already anxious fan base, more optimistic folks might consider that what the team is doing is in fact shining every last spotlight on this group, and fortifying it for one last chance to succeed as currently structured.
Omar, Jerry, the big three of Pelfrey, Maine, and Ollie, Murph at first and Slappy at second are somewhat surprisingly all apparently returning for another go round in Queens. The other moves made seem to very much be an overall attempt to fill in this group’s holes, rather than to change the core.
Is this wise? Could a more potentially inflammatory question be asked of Met fans?
—————————————————————–
Regardless of what the currently high-flying Nattering Nabobs of Negativity would have us believe, this is not a team in disarray. It is not an organization without a plan, it is not led by a clueless GM, and it is not hamstrung by cheap ownership.
Omar Minaya took over a team in true disarray after the 2004 season, and instantly returned it to contention and relevance with the Beltran and Pedro signings. In 2006, one pitch each from Heilman and Wainwright may very well have been all that prevented the franchise’s third championship. 2007 and 2008 were largely enjoyable seasons with horrifying endings. But the endings had us miss the postseason by one game and one day each year. The second half of 2009 was a historic anomaly unlikely to be experienced again by any team anytime soon.
So, the five years of Omar have seen just one postseason appearance, but the team was in the race until the end in 2005, and in or close to first place almost every day from opening day 2006-July 2009. This is far from what Met fans want, and is not the record of the Yankees or Red Sox, but calling it the record of a team in disarray is simply not a serious comment.
Perhaps there is a chance that ownership and management actually believe in this group.
—————————————————————–
No matter how vehement the opposition is to Pelf, Ollie, and Maine returning, all three have serious stuff, and have had success at the major league level. Pelf took a major step back last year, Maine’s injury concerns increased, and Ollie was a disaster. The front office has invested years of development time and tens of millions of dollars in these three pitchers who they obviously want to be the backbone of the Met rotation for years to come.
Kingman’s Korner was at the forefront of the calls for Halladay when that fantasy was being indulged, and even a back of the rotation guy like Garland would have been welcomed. Sheets’ health makes avoiding him reasonable, but he would have been warmly greeted by this and many other fans. Still, as every day passes, it appears that those of us who thought that Pelf/Ollie/Maine as 2-3-4 was a thing of the past may indeed have been wrong. If Pelf reprises 2008 and Ollie and Maine put up numbers like 2007, and if Johan is healthy, this team will again be in or near first place the entire year.
Is this likely? Maybe not. Impossible? Definitely not.
—————————————————————–
Signing Jason Bay was a wise move and a necessary one, if only to calm some of the fan base and to try to keep season ticket buyers happy. Left field was a giant black hole, and adding one of MLB’s most productive outfielders in his prime was also possibly done to help offset the power which will not be supplied by Murph at first. Still, the team obviously believes Murph can develop into a 40-45 2B, 15-20 HR player with a .300+ BA and a hopefully increased OBP.
There were three major free agents this year, and the Mets signed one of them. The reasonable fan has to be satisfied with that. And even the one free agent signing seems largely geared towards helping to fill out the overall capabilities of the existing group of players. Who have been very competitive for the last half decade, with the exception of the second half of 2009.
Omar brought in a promising Japanese setup man, whose velocity and movement may prove vexing to MLB hitters, especially during his first year, and also signed the intriguing Kelvim Escobar. If Escobar can recover maybe 70-80% of his past form, he might be a very valuable setup man.
So yes, Omar has achieved more than one thing, and has seemingly worked hard to bolster the offense, the team’s power, and the bullpen behind KRod and Feliciano.
—————————————————————–
The Mets do have a plan. The plan is to give one more year to this group and to see if they have the ability to succeed, having improved the offense, and maybe the bullpen as well, hence hopefully giving the rotation more runs to work with and more reliable help from the 7th inning on. Management believes in this group, and instead of using all of its resources on a very weak free agent class, the team has apparently decided to expect another competitive first half from this group, and then be ready to outspend the rest of the division mid-season to make improvements, when far better options may be available.
Not signing the Garlands, Marquises, Wolfs, etc. seems to very clearly show that the team will not overpay for mediocrity, which should be applauded. It also seems to demonstrate that management likes the starters they have. They have gone after a power-hitting LF, a veteran catcher in Molina, and bullpen help. They did not feel that any of the available starters (with the possible exception of Lackey) would significantly improve a healthy version of what they already possess. Even the recent talk of bringing in Smoltz as a tutor to the staff seems to fit this scenario.
Time will tell if this was wise, but the bottom line is, the Mets appear ready to go to war one last time with Pelf, Maine, and Ollie. Omar added power, and fortified the pen. He did not sign mediocre starters or overpay for lower-tier, aging free agents. He now has lots of money and all of the team’s prospects for possible mid-season moves. Should the team be in serious contention, we will be thrilled we are not saddled with the likes of Pineiro or Marquis, and the team will have the money they did not spend on them to go after good players, for the rotation or whatever area(s) of the team need(s) help.
—————————————————————–
It seems very likely that missing the postseason again will mean the end of Jerry and Omar, and should they have disappointing years, very possibly the end of Maine and/or Ollie and maybe even Pelf as Mets.
If we miss the playoffs, dramatic changes will be at hand, and the only players we will be sure to see in a Met uniform in 2011 would be Wright, Reyes, and Santana. KRod might go, and as Bay is in his prime and does not have an outrageous deal like, say, Vernon Wells, he could go too.
Is all of this a sunshiner copout? Not in the slightest. In 2007 it looked as though Ollie and Maine were set as at least 3-4 for a long time. In 2008 Pelf appeared to be settling firmly into at least a serious number 3. Reports say that Ollie is healthy and spent the winter working on various aspects of his life in order to grow up and regain his ability to succeed, and if Verducci was right, we may see a serious comeback from Big Pelf. Stranger things have happened.
—————————————————————–
Let’s see how the spring begins developing in a month. Let’s see how things look well into March, which was the time each of the last two years when we saw myriad players out with injuries before the season even started. Let’s remember that a good chunk of this group (Wright, Reyes, Beltran, Maine, Ollie, Pelfrey, Feliciano) has been together almost five years now, and that everyone in the organization may indeed realize that 2010 is now or never time for the current makeup of the club.
The feeling here is that while the offseason has been less than ideal, Omar has once again brought in valuable new parts to add to an already solid core. The difference in 2010 is that another disappointing finish will surely result in massive change. The Met fan will finally see what this group is made of, for better or worse. With Delgado, Wagner, and Sheffield gone, this team now is clearly led by Santana and Wright.
At this juncture, 2010’s hopes largely reside on the arms and psyches of Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, and Oliver Perez. Can two of them develop into a poor man’s Koosman/Matlack or Darling/El Sid duo to follow Johan? That may indeed be the single most relevant question for the 2010 New York Mets.
All of this may not add up to the average fan’s optimum solution to the problems of the last few years, but it most definitely does constitute a plan.
Time will tell if it is a wise one.
85 comments
metsfan4decades
1/28/2010-8:54pm at 8:54 pm (UTC -4)
Well thought out post, Kingman. One thing that struck me was your statement concerning the several players who have been together for almost 5 years now. Normally in any work place that’s usually a good thing. Except when part of that long standing team is a problem child, slacker, incompetent, doesn’t work well with other, etc. etc. I guess with a ML ball club you could equate that to talent – to a degree. Sometimes the hard working, always reliable, good attitude type team member brings more to the table than the genius who’s only out for himself. Preferably, you want a good mix of both talent the can do spirit.
Not sure I would classify myself as a negative or optimistic fan right now. More like realistic or pragmatic. It is what it is and we’re going to war with what we got. On paper it looks good and the talent is there. And I’ll be watching all 162 games (and if we’re lucky more) hoping that talent translates to a winning ball club. In the end, I still think it’s going to come down to pitching, which IMO is the most questionable aspect right now.
Here’s to 2010 – Let’s Go Mets!
Hazmet
1/28/2010-8:59pm at 8:59 pm (UTC -4)
Invoking the names of Koosman and Matlack in any reference with Pelf, Maine & Ollie is something I can’t even wrap my head around. I ask myself how many games would the Mets of today win with that front end of Seaver, Koosman, Matlack. 110 to start. That was a vicious front 3.
stickguy
1/28/2010-9:10pm at 9:10 pm (UTC -4)
excellent piece. I love the positiviality of it. I also agree that you nailed the what seems like the most plausible plan.
basically, the mets did not see it necessary to make change just for the sake of change.
At least if they are right, I look like a genius for going out on a limb and guaranteeing the rotation would be a mojor plus for the team!
What I do have a problem with (and this seems consistant with criticism of omar from past years) is not making the last few moves needed to put themm over the top, by beefing up the supporting cast and/ordepth.
so, adding a guy like barajas, if it makes them better for cheap, and doesnt go against the plan. do it.
the bigger issues I have are twofold. 1), they really do need to add 1 more SP to support the core, and improve the depth. Even a solid 5th starter will help.
2) is, Castillo should not be part of the core or crew that gets 1 last shot. There are a oouple of 2B available that could be getting anxious, and making a move here will help the teambe better (and as a side benefit, appease the fans!)
Now, I will wait for the usual suspects to say If, If, If, etc.
metsgirl31
1/28/2010-9:20pm at 9:20 pm (UTC -4)
“Regardless of what the currently high-flying Nattering Nabobs of Negativity would have us believe, this is not a team in disarray. It is not an organization without a plan, it is not led by a clueless GM, and it is not hamstrung by cheap ownership.” – Very reasonable statement….I agree completely. Things are not as bad as some believe after last year.
Last year was ridiculously difficult but we have to put it where it belongs…in the past. Just like the players have to do as well. Anything can happen over a long season as we know all too well.
Is it spring training yet?? Let’s Go Mets!!
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:27pm at 9:27 pm (UTC -4)
hey kong – i respect and admireyour opinion here and i feel you make some valid points . but what i saw from omar today was a man who was trying hard to convince us and himself on the company line – how many times did he have to correct himself from saying we to me? and i just couldn’t bring myself to believe most of his points , i also feel that burkhardt all though he asked the valid questions – they cam across as softball imo. I hope I am wrong and i hope there is a plan in order but i still can’t help to feel that we were sold a bill of goods when the season ended and that there is some undercurrent in this organization that feels that one major aquisition trumps making many smaller yet strong ones. Like i said in my post i want to see my guys succeed – but having tatis , cora etc is not the way to go and i am sorry but i found his explanation on gmj to be laughable at best. Kong you are my brother in arms here and i hope at the end of the season i can apologize and admit you are right – just right now im not feeling it. Maybe when the grapefruit season begins my mnd will change – like it always does but right now i am just at a loss. Please don’t lump me in with the nabobs here i am on your side and i am trying to be positive
i feel like i am the loose cannon here that everyone thinks is crazy- maybe i am , maybe i got spoiled by ’06 and i by feeling that we had the making of a quasi dynasty. I just feel that there is a problem with this oraganization and i have a feeling that jeffy is slowly morphing into m donald grant before our eyes. just know i am on your side and will never root against the team that i was reared on since 72
rustyjr
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-9:36pm at 9:36 pm (UTC -4)
Hey buddy—I am most definitely always on the same Met side as you! I do NOT ever throw you in with the Nabobs. I do have to say, however, that I am a bit proud of myself for introducing that old Nixonian Nabob term into the Met dialogue!
I am not even 100% sure of what I wrote above; it is more what I am hoping.
I think maybe the team really hopes that Pelf/Maine/Ollie can succeed again, and maybe the 15–20 mil they did not spend on garbage like Pineiro will be spent at mid-season in picking up an AGonz or a Lee if the Padres or Mariners tank. If they do not do this, then yes, we were sold a bill of goods.
At this point, in my psycho-optimist period, I guess I am trying hard to convince myself that ownership did not cut payroll, and that they just chose not to overspend on 2nd or 3rd rate free agents.
I truly did not want Garland, Wolf, Pineiro, Marquis, etc. I also think Lackey’s contract after 2 years in a row with arm injuries is very questionable.
So, I have tried to carve out a plausible scenario of what ownership and management might be thinking. I hope I am right.
No matter what Rusty, I thought we had a little dynasty brewing after 2006 too, and one thing I am sure of is that if we miss the playoffs again, half of this team will be gone by spring of 2011. I really don’t want to see that. I truly want to see Pelf, Ollie, and Maine all win 15.
And I truly cannot wait for the damn season to begin!
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:43pm at 9:43 pm (UTC -4)
thanks kong i was starting to feel a bit like a pariah here lol look i didnt want pinero or molina but whn u see what the phils did and on top of that getting contraes today it kinda makes us look like the kid who could buy a tom seaver rookie card but opts to buy the steve henderson card – while the other kid who u are jealous of buys both – hell even the nats improved themselves i know the team will be better – but will third place be satisfying for us?
trs86
1/28/2010-9:44pm at 9:44 pm (UTC -4)
Besides Halladay for Lee, what did the Phillies do?
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:47pm at 9:47 pm (UTC -4)
contras polonco resigned prictorino and other members they are still the most formidable force in the nl east my friend they will still be on the same level that they were last season – barring catasrtopic injury
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:54pm at 9:54 pm (UTC -4)
resigned ruiz blanton baez
trs86
1/28/2010-9:55pm at 9:55 pm (UTC -4)
UH… of course they are still on top. I just got the picture that you were saying they had a great off-season. I am not so sure. Most likely does not matter because they are still on top, of course that is what we said after 2006.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:58pm at 9:58 pm (UTC -4)
very true but they have the betetr rottion and lineup so far
trs86
1/28/2010-10:04pm at 10:04 pm (UTC -4)
If I was a Phillies fan, first I would drown myself, but second I would be upset that they failed so far to get a dominant bullpen guy to protect against another Lidge meltdown. Nor did they significantly improve one of the worst benches. Again, this does not pertain to the Mets because the Phillies are still top class. However, still kind of reminds me of us after 2006. Only difference is the Phillies already won a WS.
Hazmet
1/28/2010-9:58pm at 9:58 pm (UTC -4)
They depleted their farm system some which is good news.
trs86
1/28/2010-10:06pm at 10:06 pm (UTC -4)
Well they did not really deplete it as much as they just turned it over for lesser players.
stickguy
1/28/2010-9:37pm at 9:37 pm (UTC -4)
well, we will know soon enough. If the team falters, omar wont be around long enough to do many more interviews.
Hazmet
1/28/2010-9:55pm at 9:55 pm (UTC -4)
I’m hearing you rj. You and kong may recall during my time in the blogosphere that I’ve alway’s fallen on the positive side of the fence but I’m just having a hard time believing we’re primed for a stellar season. I was feeling good about where we were even with the rotation questions and then Beltran-gate broke loose. What a debacle. Now the visions I have is Reyes is one bad step away from sending us into a season starting with neither Beltran or Reyes and then what for 2 months. Adding no new starter and trying to believe a journeyman like Nieve is going to fill out the rotation based on 7 starts last year before the league could get enough video on him to figure him out. I’m just down. And I just don’t believe Jerry’s got the goods as a Manager. I’ll look forward to seeing kids like Flores, Davis, Mejia in Spring Training maybe that will pick me up.
stickguy
1/28/2010-9:31pm at 9:31 pm (UTC -4)
situations can change fast, and teams can go from the dumbs to the heights in a year. If they have a playoff run this year, 2009 will be a distant memory.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:33pm at 9:33 pm (UTC -4)
i sure hope so – and i know throwing money around ( at least in the mets case ) doesnt win championships – it just seemed that this offseason was wayyy to painfulto watch
johan4cy
1/28/2010-9:39pm at 9:39 pm (UTC -4)
You should have tried to make this post a lot shorter.
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-9:41pm at 9:41 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks! You should have tried to make this comment a lot shorter.
trs86
1/28/2010-9:43pm at 9:43 pm (UTC -4)
Let Me help.
GO METS!
There.
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-9:45pm at 9:45 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks TRS.
I guess that really was all I was trying to say.
Oh, and SHUT UP NABOBS and wait for the season to begin.
Sorry Grave, couldn’t help myself….
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-9:54pm at 9:54 pm (UTC -4)
Uh oh.
Don’t make me angry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:57pm at 9:57 pm (UTC -4)
gravedigger is channeling his inner john stearns and paul loduca
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-9:58pm at 9:58 pm (UTC -4)
LoL funny you say that I just finished watching Marvel’s animated film “Planet Hulk” Hulk talks more in that film than all his other movies combined.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:59pm at 9:59 pm (UTC -4)
lou ferrigno can talk?
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:08pm at 10:08 pm (UTC -4)
nod exactwy but cwose
I will burn in hell for that
trs86
1/28/2010-10:10pm at 10:10 pm (UTC -4)
It’s OK I did not HEAR a thing.
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-10:17pm at 10:17 pm (UTC -4)
Actually, I am pretty sure I would find the angry Grave pretty entertaining.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:45pm at 9:45 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah – lets go mets !!! – but can we fire oamr and jerry anyway? my birthday is in april – it would make a nice gift lol
trs86
1/28/2010-9:49pm at 9:49 pm (UTC -4)
If we fire them in April then we just started 0-15.
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-9:52pm at 9:52 pm (UTC -4)
If Manuel goes I am guessing Minaya must go with him right?
No way Minaya hires the team’s 3rd manager right?
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:55pm at 9:55 pm (UTC -4)
agrees – if omar goes so does warthern and shines – jim tracy or chip hale takes over as interim manager imo
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-9:59pm at 9:59 pm (UTC -4)
Should I be concerned that I have no clue who chip or Jim is?
rustyjr
1/28/2010-10:00pm at 10:00 pm (UTC -4)
hale – new third base coach – jim tracy former dbacks manager
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-10:04pm at 10:04 pm (UTC -4)
ahhh Thanks
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:04pm at 10:04 pm (UTC -4)
You will absolutely know who Chip Hale is come spring training, because apparently his job # 1 is to make Daniel Murphy a better defensive 1B. I can’t imagine that story NOT getting covered to death.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:44pm at 9:44 pm (UTC -4)
lol btw kong – did u see yer daddy on yearbook ’76 tonite? i forgot about the old throwback hats from that season
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-9:45pm at 9:45 pm (UTC -4)
No! But I did see the 1984 Yearbook while I was working out, and it almost brought tears to my eyes….what a great year.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:48pm at 9:48 pm (UTC -4)
catch ’76 seeing a rookie ma z working with the say hey kid made me wish i was 4 again lol
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:01pm at 10:01 pm (UTC -4)
I love those throw back Caps and have been
searching for one for years now.
No luck, even with the internet.
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-9:52pm at 9:52 pm (UTC -4)
I’m a fan of words, and I’m searching for the right one, but not quite finding it. I was settling on plausible but looked it up to be sure and found the definition “seeming reasonable or probable” which to me are two different things.
I find what I believe this post is getting at to be reasonable. I wish I personally felt that it seemed more probable. Perhaps if two fantastic sets of pitchers past in Koosman/Matlack & Darling/Fernandez had not been invoked I wouldn’t feel the bar had been set so high as to make me doubt probable. Some combination of my affinity for those duos and my lack of trust and faith in our current crop is what leads me to settle on “reasonable.”
Here’s to hoping that lack of faith and trust on my part in this pitching staff proves to be misguided and that your forecast turns from reasonable to probable.
fongy2
1/28/2010-9:55pm at 9:55 pm (UTC -4)
You know how much respect I have for you Brock….However,
Its a little worn hearing about what “disarry” this team was
in when he took over. Granted the team was BAD, no question
BUT two cornerstones in Reyes and Wright had just arrived,
washed up, overpaid vets like Leiter,Franco and Piazza were
all at the end of their deals and a great FA class was about
to become available to the highest bidder.
Omar was given full run of the store, w/o a budget, able to bring
in whoever he wanted in the FO, on the field, in the minors,etc.
He was in a position to say good-bye to great Mets like those mentioned above w/o taking heat from anyone since he was turning
the page “en todo”.
No doubt, he made some great early moves, even if overpaying
in both yrs and $$$. That turn around was almost immediate b/c
he COULD spend whatever he wanted and wasn’t encumbered by
having contracted vets i/f/o anyone he wanted…like we have
now w/Slappy&Ollie.
We’re almost six yrs in now and he has spent three quarters of
a billion dollars in player salary,has run five drafts and
really, right now, how much is there to show??
Is there great depth ANYWHERE in this org???
Can we count on any help? From anyone in the high minors this
season?…We have five potential Allstar players all in or close
to their prime BUT the secondary players leave alot to be
desired…to say the least.
He’s already had to fire one Mgr, turn over the Coaching staff
three times, fire his cheif assistant GM, fire his Latin MiLB
director, had an ugly spat with one of the three main daily
newspapers, moved around or fired Mgrs and Coaches of every
MiLB team in the org, stood pat when after ’06 maybe one or two
more moves may have help avoid the single greatest reg season
collapse in MLB history…THEN thought It would be great to
bring that same group back so they could do it again AND….
FINALLY in a season when we were supposed to be celebrating
the Grand-Opening of our long awaited new ballpark, sat by
and did nothing while our season was coming to an end around
Memorial Day. THIS while telling everyone our seriously injured
players really weren’t and would be back soon. So there was
no need to panic. Now either he lied and lied and lied some more
or the Medical staff was completely incompetent…Yet both he
AND they return!…Now your point about giving this group one more chance is understood and likely, however with that…..
Again, WHERE’S THE HELP???…Bay’s great..Love him..But really
just replaces Delgado…Maybe.
Where’s the #2 SP?, Who’s the legit 8th inn guy?
Where’s the Bench help???
Where’s the creativity in making deals to get these pieces
which we all know(and he MUST know) are clearly needed to
supplement our returning players??
Not a bad GM…But given the power, payroll and place….
Clearly below average!!!
trs86
1/28/2010-9:59pm at 9:59 pm (UTC -4)
johan4cy says:
Thursday, January 28 2010 at 9:39 pm (Edit)
You should have tried to make this post a lot shorter.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-10:01pm at 10:01 pm (UTC -4)
lmfao good night my friends
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:03pm at 10:03 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, I guess I should have been a zombie
and agreed!
Jesus Christ….No wonder this country is in
the shape it’s in.
trs86
1/28/2010-10:05pm at 10:05 pm (UTC -4)
Fongy it was a joke. LOL.
I was laughing about Johan4Cy’s comment to Kingman.
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-10:14pm at 10:14 pm (UTC -4)
Oh come on Fong, it was a joke and a funny one!
Your points are good ones, and again, the point of this post was not me stating the “truth” but simply an attempt to lay out what management MAY be thinking.
Yeah, all of Pelf/Ollie/Maine might be disasters and we may be in for another nightmare, but they are all still young and have all had very good seasons. It COULD happen again, and if they all do pitch well, we will be thrilled to not have the second rate crappy starters we avoided and we very well might see Omar spend 15 mil at the deadline.
And please, let’s not extrapolate Met debates into societal microcosms here.
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:27pm at 10:27 pm (UTC -4)
Alright!…My Bad!…I skipped
past some of the posts so,didn’t
pick it up. It was funny.
Look, I’m hoping for the best.
Maybe we will get some positive luck given to us and everyone
will be healthy and at their peak.
I’m hoping someone like SD will fall out and blow things up early.
Bringing in a Gonzalez, Young and Bell in a mega-deal in June could
help ALOT!
I’m glad Omar didn’t tie down the next GM with add’l long term deals
and by trading much of the young talent we do have for non-impact
players.
I hope the bad kharma which came along with a guy like Tony B. is
gone…Although he does have the greatest first name in world history…And Omar makes a couple
moves which are one sided in OUR favor.
I’d feel ALOT better right now though if he’d find a way to sign
a Gregg or MacDougal AND some sort
of power guy for the Bench.
Then maybe I’d feel this could
be better than a .500/3rd or 4th place team.
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-10:36pm at 10:36 pm (UTC -4)
OK, now THAT’s the Fong I know; I know you appreciate humor as much as anyone here!
Again, just a possible scenario that I HOPE is running through Omar and li’l Jeffy’s heads.
Is Maine/Ollie/Pelf all having decent years, us being in contention, and the team trading for someone like AGonz at the deadline impossible?
Hell no!
Bring on the season already!
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:43pm at 10:43 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed about Pelf,Maine&Ollie
AND although I know
I’ll be mocked by TRS, I’d like to see them get Smoltz
who I think would
likely help the others on the staff
more than he’d produce himself.
Plus, theres no reason to think
Parnell won’t be similar to what he was the first in the Pen and I’m hoping Ryoto is another Okijima who
was a quiet Japanese
p.u. for Boston but
has been better there than Dice-K.
trs86
1/29/2010-7:31am at 7:31 am (UTC -4)
Out of that entire thing I really only question Parnell.
I would love to bring in Smoltz.
Fongy, man you know I love you. In a Mets kinda way.
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-10:18pm at 10:18 pm (UTC -4)
Lets just all gather round and sing the international song of brotherhood.
And a one…and a two…
I’d like to buy the world a home and furnish it with love,
Grow apple trees and honey bees, and snow white turtle doves.
I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony,
I’d like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company.
(Repeat the last two lines, and in the background)
It’s the real thing, Coke is what the world wants today.
trs86
1/28/2010-10:19pm at 10:19 pm (UTC -4)
Keith is a major fan.
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:29pm at 10:29 pm (UTC -4)
That’s cold!
But really Coke is King!
Not that Coke BUT Cola….
Pepsi on the other hand tastes like flat coke.
rustyjr
1/28/2010-9:56pm at 9:56 pm (UTC -4)
night guys please help me get my good vibrations back
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:02pm at 10:02 pm (UTC -4)
I know you’ve mentioned in the past that you’re an Atheist, but you might want to get a little closer to Jah. Good vibrations usually follow
Or if you prefer not to break the law, try turning down the lights and listening to Robbie Robertson’s “Somewhere Down The Crazy River.”
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-10:07pm at 10:07 pm (UTC -4)
Beatles anyone?
He’s a real nowhere man,
Sitting in his Nowhere Land,
Making all his nowhere plans
for nobody.
trs86
1/28/2010-10:08pm at 10:08 pm (UTC -4)
Omar?
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-10:11pm at 10:11 pm (UTC -4)
Wow now that you mention it that might just have to be MIinaya’s theme song for this off season. LOL
Thanks TRS new ammo. bang bang heheheheh
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:21pm at 10:21 pm (UTC -4)
Bang Bang Maxwell’s Silver Hammer?
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-10:24pm at 10:24 pm (UTC -4)
I wish I could say that was the idea behind it but it is mere coincidence my choice of words are in maxwell’s silver hammer song.
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-10:26pm at 10:26 pm (UTC -4)
nice video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF5apksk_ps
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:43pm at 10:43 pm (UTC -4)
Wow, for something so blood filled and violent, that was cute.
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:30pm at 10:30 pm (UTC -4)
More like Beck’s
“Loser”!
Mr North Jersey
1/28/2010-10:35pm at 10:35 pm (UTC -4)
speaking of Beatles did anyone ever see “Across The Universe”?
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-10:11pm at 10:11 pm (UTC -4)
That Robbie Robertson album is SO good and so underrated….especially that great song!
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:16pm at 10:16 pm (UTC -4)
I agree I love that album, or at least my memory of it. I bought it on cassette when it came out, and at some point in moving 7 times between 1987 and 1994 I lost it. All I have now is that song on my computer.
prismo
1/28/2010-10:05pm at 10:05 pm (UTC -4)
Nice positive post Kingman!
Wouldn’t it be funny if Omar was actually a genius, but the team has truly just had a run of bad luck? They could have easily won the division in both ’07 and ’08 and obviously all the injuries last season weren’t his fault.
CaseStreet
1/28/2010-10:11pm at 10:11 pm (UTC -4)
The mets may have a plan (not bringing in mediocre players). I just think it’s not very smart.
On day 1 of the offseason, Omar and Jeff said they built the stadium on pitching, speed and defense and that is why they built citi the way it is. They then said there was 2 or 3 holes they needed to fix and they’d do it via trade or FA. They also agreed that depth was an issue That the many injuries exploited.
My discontent is that we did not improve on speed, pitching or defense and we have not improved our depth and we did not bring in what every met fan on this planet knew we needed (a #2 pitcher).
Everything that you’ve most eleoquently presented may be true and I certainly hope so. But I find the lack of improvement of the teams roster to be evidence of ignorance, incompetence and denial.
Instead of being confident that we brought in some support for the rotation we are again heading in to the season with a glaring defect. Instead of improving our defense we are still maligned with a 2B who has trouble moving around (thank god Delgado is not returning).
I’m not asking for much, but bringing in LaRoche, Garland, Barajas, and Lopez would definitely be an upgrade over Murphy, nieve, Santos and castillo.
I have no faith in Omar trading for mid season help and if he does it may cost our best prospects. I do hope for the best from our curent core support but I’d feel much happier if we had slightly improved.
In the end we should be competing for 1st in the east or at least a wild card, but I’d be much more confident if we had a better supporting cast.
prismo
1/28/2010-10:12pm at 10:12 pm (UTC -4)
I have to admit, signing Tatis for $800k (plus incentives up to $1.5MM) is a great deal. Not sure why Cora deserves more though.
trs86
1/28/2010-10:15pm at 10:15 pm (UTC -4)
He does not. I think there must be something to the coaching/mentor aspect.
I completely and obviously agree with the Tatis signing for .8K? That’s a great move.
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:19pm at 10:19 pm (UTC -4)
Even I can’t argue with it and I didn’t want him back.
Did you guys see what Howard Megdal said about Tatis at NYBD?
“Fernando Tatis would be a far better option than Luis Castillo at 2B. As previously mentioned, Tatis in 2008-2009 has an OPS+ of 113. Castillo, over that same period, has an OPS+ of 90. So Luis Castillo would need to be a much better defender than Tatis at 2B to make up that massive gap offensively.
Thing is, Castillo would likely be massively worse than Tatis defensively. He was the worst everyday defensive second baseman in baseball last year and is a year older in 2010. While Tatis’ 2B defensive sample is way too small to draw any conclusions from it, his mobility and defensive range lead me to believe he is unlikely to be even as terrible as Castillo in the field, let alone worse enough to make up for the 23 points of OPS+ between them.
But Tatis doesn’t need to supplant Castillo as the 2B starter- something the Mets are unlikely to to anyway- to be valuable as a bench player. He’s a strong addition, and frankly, if the Mets aren’t willing to acknowledge that Luis Castillo is a sunk cost and just go sign Orlando Hudson, he’s a nice insurance policy at 2B, and many other positions as well.”
trs86
1/28/2010-10:22pm at 10:22 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed but there is obviously more to positions than just range. I am sure that a lot of experience is not measured. I don’t like Castillo but I think he would be a better everyday 2B than Tatis. If that were true, why not move Murphy over there?
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:38pm at 10:38 pm (UTC -4)
That would just create a hole at 1B. The one thing Murphy demonstrated at 1B was range so I see what you’re saying, but I imagine Megdal is going for a whole right side of the infield that’s “rangey” with Murphy & Tatis.
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:32pm at 10:32 pm (UTC -4)
I think he was high when he posted that.
fongy2
1/28/2010-10:31pm at 10:31 pm (UTC -4)
Leadership and Grit!
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-10:50pm at 10:50 pm (UTC -4)
At least two bloggers think the Mets have a plan, amid a sea of those who don’t.
http://metsmerizedonline.com/2010/01/like-it-or-not-the-mets-do-have-a-plan.html
I noticed that while also noticing about 7 headlines on sportspyder that say essentially “Smoltz and Mets getting close,” then one headline that says “Smoltz doesn’t want to play for the Mets.”
At least the lack of clarity and certainty is consistent from point to point this off season.
Kingman 26
1/28/2010-10:55pm at 10:55 pm (UTC -4)
Interesting…but damn, do some of these folks need an editor!
I mean, “HEIR of desperation”???
Holy crap.
GravediggerHebner
1/28/2010-11:28pm at 11:28 pm (UTC -4)
They have a transcript of sorts of the Omar interview up at Hotfoot
http://www.hotfootblog.com/2010/01/28/in-depth-interview-with-omar-minaya/#more-12780
A number of things stood out, but what stood out most to me was the whole comparison of Josh Thole at this stage of his career being similar to where Pudge Rodriguez was (in terms of the level of the minors he has reached, not defensively) and how Pudge went from that point to the majors and stuck. It seems they at least have an open mind to Thole making the club out of spring training.
I can’t speak to the defense at all or how that might impact the pitchers, but it would be very different with that high BA/OBP potential in the lineup instead of Santos.
gategem
1/29/2010-4:27am at 4:27 am (UTC -4)
Over at Baseball Prospectus they derived a preliminary depth chart for each team and used it to project 2010 wins and losses. These are based on mathematics and neither reflects the extremism of Nattering Nabobs of Negativity nor of Purveyors of Pointless Positivity.
Here are the links:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/dc/
and
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/280685/20100128_201611.png
prismo
1/29/2010-4:39am at 4:39 am (UTC -4)
Haha! If the Nationals finish in 3rd place this season I’ll renounce my Mets-fandom. And what makes the Marlins 11 wins worse than last season? Don’t they have the same team for the most part?
prismo
1/29/2010-4:43am at 4:43 am (UTC -4)
Thanks for the links though. It would be more interesting if I didn’t think 80% of it was insane.
GravediggerHebner
1/29/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
Wow. I’ll be interested to look back on this in October and hope I remember to do so.
Other than the Nats thing, Cincinnati in 2nd place stood out, as did zero 90+ win teams in the NL but 3 90+ win teams in the AL East.