According to Adam Rubin: “Angel Pagan has settled on a $1.45 million contract for 2010. That leaves the Mets with no more arbitration-eligible players. Pagan had filed arbitration for $1.8 million, with the Mets countering at $1.275 million.”
Seems like a bargain for a guy who is our current starting CF. I hope this is the year that Pagan puts together a full year of good baseball.
According to
Jerry Crasnick’s Twitter Page: “
The Mets are close to agreement on a minor league deal with (former Met) Mike Jacobs. He’ll go to camp on a non-roster invite.”This move is a little confusing. Jacobs has the LH power the Mets are missing and could fill a bench role. However, it seems as though the Mets would be more likely to have a backup 1B be RH instead of LH. If you Jacobs fans remember, he came in as a catcher and played the position in the minors as recently as 2005. Is it possible that he is coming in as a guy who can also be the 3rd catcher?
Related posts:
147 comments
CaseStreet
2/10/2010-8:11am at 8:11 am (UTC -4)
Yeah I wonder if Jacobs could be murphys main competition for the starting job, letting murph go to the bench and dumping gmj or new cf
Meta do need power off the bench and hitting from the left side
prismo
2/10/2010-8:14am at 8:14 am (UTC -4)
Doubt it. Honestly, imo Murphy has more upside than Jacobs.
I think Murphy is already as good of a first baseman as Jacobs…if not better, and he’ll continue to improve.
Jacobs has more power, but most of his hitting stats are average at best. Murphy may not have the power, but he has a shot at having an OBP much much higher than Jacobs can even dream of.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-8:26am at 8:26 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, gotta agree with Prismo. I think Jacobs is power off the bench at best, and a backup for Ike Davis at worst.
trs86
2/10/2010-9:28am at 9:28 am (UTC -4)
Thing is I don’t think he would want to go to the minors and would have been able to stick somewhere. Thus I think he must have been told he has a legit shot at getting a spot on the 25 man. Honestly the corner spots are clogged in the MLB level as well as AAA. There has to be a move somewhere? Perhaps Ike starts at AA?
Evans, Bowman, Ike, Jacobs, Cat, Tatis, Murphy, Hessman, Val, Carter, Cervenak, Green are all guys competing for spots either at AAA or the MLB level.
Mr North Jersey
2/10/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
Is it possible the Mets just release some of these guys?
trs86
2/10/2010-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
Nope.
LOL
Of course it is NJ.
trs86
2/10/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
“There has to be a move somewhere?”
Would a move not include releasing someone?
Mr North Jersey
2/10/2010-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
OH ok.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Or a trade in place?
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
Bingo! (and I mean you may be onto something, not that some of these guys might be going to Binghamton).
trs86
2/10/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
Really I think Bowman and Ike may start there.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Reasonable fair point but even if true AAA still very crowded.
Mr North Jersey
2/10/2010-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
Anyone saw this morning that it looks like Wang will sign with the Nationals?
metsfan4decades
2/10/2010-10:03am at 10:03 am (UTC -4)
Mets designated RHP Jack Egbert for assignment. Egbert was cleared to make room for outfielder Jason Pridie on the 40-man roster.
Sounds like their more concerned with OFs than BP arms right now….
metsfan4decades
2/10/2010-10:06am at 10:06 am (UTC -4)
Uh, that should be ‘they’re’……
trs86
2/10/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
His numbers were quite ordinary in AAA. Does not look like they will be missing much.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
who is Jack Egbert??
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
they picked him up off waives a month or so back (A’s maybe). Pretty much a poor stats filler arm, the type that are a dime a dozen. So no great loss.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
my point is while Mr. Egbert pitched for my alma mater, if we are relying on him to be in our rotation then boy are we in trouble…
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
or bullpen as well
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
Hey guys.. Fantasy Baseballs have started registration. Anyone interested in having a TRDMB league? I’ll set it up if I have enough people interested.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
Depending on the type of league the majority of people are interested in I’ll give it a shot.
If it’s free to join and is not one of those “head-to-head” matchup leagues consider me interested.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
I haven’t decided on what type of league and points, etc, but I’m thinking of the rotisserie league with either draft or auction.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Cool, please keep me updated. I have more experience with draft, less with auction. I think there may be time concerns with an auction but not sure due to having not taken part in one in about 15 years. I am open minded to either though.
I’ve been doing 12 team mixed league, draft, 20 category (10 pitching/10 hitting) total stat accumulation over the season on Yahoo for a while now with some old work buddies and some strangers. I used to play 8 team AL, auction, 8 category (4/4). That’s the extent of my experience. I tried a head-to-head and by mid-May I was woefully behind because I was just unable to tend to the roster regularly enough and just stopped.
trs86
2/10/2010-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)
I always register for one, pick the team and then keep up with it for about 3 weeks. I say this tongue in cheek but I just don’t have time.
saltygary
2/10/2010-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
If you have time to be here all day you can spare a little time on this. You can do cool things with the site by posting the users teams and records and others can comment on how our teams are crap.
trs86
2/10/2010-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
That was the tongue in cheek part. I am sure I have time but it would take away time from my killing time on the blog.
saltygary
2/10/2010-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
Pretty big fantasy player and would be psyched to join. I have been losing interest in head to head leagues and getting back into 5×5 roto. Head to head adds too much luck into the scenario and I see way to many times where the best team doesn’t even make the playoffs. I usually do CBS but am open to other sites. CBS does offer free leagues. Pay leagues are also reasonable (and I think more competitive) the lowest tier is $30 with a payout of $150. I think leagues are either 10 or 12 players, but I think ten.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
I was thinking of Yahoo or ESPN, but I’m up for some $$ league if everyone else is interested. I only have you, grave, and myself for now =(
darknova306
2/10/2010-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
I’m game for some Fantasy. I’m in a league with some friends from college every year and always sign up for another random one, so count me in. I find both formats, head-to-head and roto, to be fun in their own ways.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
that makes 4… i have couple buddies that might be interested, so that would make 6-7 so far.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
would you guys be interested in auction style draft?
mrose
2/10/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
i’ll play.. and if you want, we can make a post about it to get users once the league is made
saltygary
2/10/2010-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
Can you make an official post so we can get some numbers and hash out the website and style?
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
That would be great!
darknova306
2/10/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Never done one. Could be interesting.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
Yes I have never done it either and should be interesting.
saltygary
2/10/2010-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve always done live draft but an auction might make sense to insure that everyone picks who they want.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
I would do it but just throwing out potential time concerns. Past auctions I’ve participated in have gone 6-10 hours, including meal break. And of course to work everyone has to be able to “be there” (even if virtually). Every draft I’ve ever done was under 3 hours and if for some reason you can’t be there the computer drafts “best available” which leads to some interesting rosters but they can be fixed with the waiver wire.
Not saying “no” or “don’t do it” just throwing the thought into the mix.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
That’s good to know. 6-10 hours is crazy. If it takes that long, I’d rather stick with the traditional Live draft. I’m sure most of us don’t have wives that would let you do this thing for 6-10 hours… lol
Can you coordinate with MRose to get an idea of what everyone wants?
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-2:39pm at 2:39 pm (UTC -4)
I just sent an email to MRose and all the blog’s authors to get the ball rolling on that.
I should add that the all day thing involved both lunch and dinner, and a keg. It was fun but it’s a lot to ask from a potentially diverse group of people.
Auction is not impossible, just whoever/whenever planning factor in the number of teams/people participating and the number of roster spots on each team.
When someone says “Albert Pujols, one dollar” prepare to be there for a while. The way I did it was we went around the room in a circle, and you either bid or passed but you were never “out” until everyone stopped so you could pass 35 or 50 times if you wanted then jump in at the end and say “$51.” We had a time limit between bids of 1 minute and actually had a timer, but when you get high up we gave a bit of freedom time wise due to the magnitude of the situation. “$2.” “3.” “$5.” Someone then takes the bull by the horns “$10.” But by the time you wean out the weak hearted and disintereted and get up to $48 and realize your total budget is what, $216 for 23 spots I think, things slow down while everybody scours the list or remaining players and figures out their team finances.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-2:56pm at 2:56 pm (UTC -4)
I think most sites now have Auction system in place, so it maybe faster. I don’t know since I’ve never done it. But I have done auction mock draft (ok so I’m a loser) and there’s some sort of time constraint there. so it may not be that bad.
saltygary
2/10/2010-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
On average for CBS Sportline a live draft takes 2 hours if most people take their full 1.5 minute to pick. You can set up your draft order if you can’t attend.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
I agree draft is pretty quick. I’ve always done mine on a Sunday night starting at 6:30 or 7:00 and I’ve never missed Family Guy yet!
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:55pm at 12:55 pm (UTC -4)
I will join, but I really do not want to do a head to hea. Roto is just fine.
And a draft is much easier when you can’t be there in person.
njstuckintx
2/10/2010-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
What website do you use for this? I hate to be snobbish, but I can’t do anything but sportsline. Free live scoring!
saltygary
2/10/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
Yea I’m a CBS Sports \ Sportsline guy too. Can stand yahoo and I can deal with ESPN.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-2:24pm at 2:24 pm (UTC -4)
I’m all for whatever website you guys suggest. I have only used yahoo and ESPN, but willing to do whatever.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
I think this is a terrific move as besides Murphy there really isnt a 1B on the roster (that belongs in the MLB that is).
I was hoping Chris Carter would get an opportunity as his numbers in AAA are very good but Jacobs on a minor league deal is a very solid move…
now how about some pitching!!!!
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
As far as why Jacobs is here my opinions are these: it’s not likely he’s here related to catcher, he’s never caught a game in the big leagues;
it’s not likely he’s here to be a major league back up because he only plays 1 position and does so poorly;
I think Kistics hit on one of the two likely reasons above, which is he’s here to provide fodder for an already under consideration or yet to be considered trade either as someone being moved in it or taking the place of the person moved;
or he’s here with a legitimate shot should A). Murphy fall flat in ST and B). Jacobs be on fire in ST to win the 1B job outright because despite his poor defense the team might be enamored with the possibility (however remote) of 60 XBH leaning heavily toward HR from their 1B.
trs86
2/10/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
Chone predicts that he will be an average 1B next season defensively. His numbers according to UZR (you guys know I hate it for 1B anyway) are slightly below average for every year but 2008. 2008 he a very bad year according to UZR.
Thing is the Mets are missing LH power, even on the bench. Could he not be as useful as Julio Franco or Matt Stairs even as primarily just a PH? Offering protection for Murphy if he tanks not only in ST but 2 months in?
I just think evidently the guy feels he has a legit chance of making the team and having a role or he would have never signed here. There had to be a low budget team that would have given him at least a bench spot for the deal he signed with the Mets.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
Could be I can’t eliminate the possibility entirely but in my opinion it’s not a good use of the major league roster spot given the expected composition of the bench overall and I agree with you further up about the “legit shot at the 25 man” and his not coming here to sit around in Buffalo and hope Murphy fails.
Blanco, Cora, Tatis, GMJ, Jacobs is undoubtedly more powerful but makes less sense to me overall than Blanco, Cora, Tatis, GMJ, Catalanotto who can play many more positions than Jacobs.
I see the desire for and merit in the power bat off the bench but I am a fan of the latter bench’s greater overall flexibility, at least in the hands of a competent manager.
Also I just don’t see the point in having Murphy’s back up be LH while acknowledging and understanding that “handedness” may be overrated. Since there is no “platoon” aspect Jacobs then becomes strictly a pinch-hitter. It’s not unprecedented in ML history of course to carry just a pinch-hitter but I consider it not the best use of a spot on a team that is less than excellent.
So for these and the reasons above I feel that he’s here with a legit shot to win the starting 1B job which if he doesn’t he won’t be Met property after Opening Day.
trs86
2/10/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
You are right that it’s not the best use of a roster spot. However, I do think that Tatis and even Cora’s versatility allows you to carry one of those. Tatis can cover every IF spot as well as LF and RF. Cora can also cover every IF spot. I also like Cat but he’s not really known for his defense either so there would not be that many times most likely that he would even play the field.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
it is possible that they carry 6 bench players to start the year…
plus given our lack of depth, it would be great if we didnt have to rely on Nick the Stick when injury arises…
trs86
2/10/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
If we do carry 6 it won’t be for long.
I think about it this way with Jacobs on the team (in no order of 1st replacement)
1B: Murphy, Tatis, Cora, Jacobs
2B: Castillo, Cora, Tatis
3B: Wright, Tatis, Cora
SS: Reyes, Cora, Tatis
LF: Bay, GMJR, Tatis
CF: Pagan, GMJR
RF: Frenchy, GMJR, Tatis
C: Santos, Blanco, desperation Jacobs
To me that looks well covered
You have
Tatis RH
Cora LH
GMJR SH
Blanco RH
Jacobs LH
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t really argue with you except to say my preference is for the positional versatility of Cat over Jacobs. Cat and Tatis allow for LH or RH replacement at almost any position depending on opposing pitcher while still retaining flexibility with remaining bench players.
trs86
2/10/2010-1:11pm at 1:11 pm (UTC -4)
True but then Cat offers us no protection if Murphy tanks. Jacobs, although bad, could slide in and give similar production at 1B.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-1:17pm at 1:17 pm (UTC -4)
A reasonable possibility and one I can’t ignore, but given that Omar and Jerry are still at least theoretically in charge I think they’ve demonstrated if Murphy doesn’t thrill them Tatis will step in and in that case Catalanotto becomes even more important. Without Tat or Cat on the bench all versatility is lost.
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
THe phillies carried a LH power hitting PH only guy the last 2 years (Matt stairs) so it can be done.
As long as all of your regulars start 160 or so games.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
Precisely. If you don’t really ever use your bench because your starters are talented and healthy enough to play all the time then your team is really good and a LH HR pinch-hitter is a fine use of a roster spot. I just don’t think the Mets have the team that lends well to that type of use of a roster spot.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
you make it seem as if every spot on the team is etched in stone before spring training.
hes in here to try to make the team…once the ST games begin then you can worry about what role he’ll play…
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-1:26pm at 1:26 pm (UTC -4)
I choose to worry about it now, and in thinking it through there are some roles he fills adequately (starting 1B) and others he doesn’t (bench, pinch-hitter). It seems fairly straightforward to me. I don’t know what’s so obtuse or premature about that thought process.
I never stated any spots are etched in stone. I stated on a team like the Mets are currently comprised a guy on the roster for the sole purpose of being a pinch-hit HR threat is a waste of space, which you can chose to agree or disagree with and I respect that. But please don’t tell me I’m not allowed to contemplate the possibilities.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
but id rather have a pure power threat that can only play 1 position than some utility guy that cant hit at all…
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-3:20pm at 3:20 pm (UTC -4)
OK while I disagree with your position I can see the merits of it and respect your preference.
I apologize I thought you both weren’t considering it that far along and were telling me I shouldn’t be either.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
hmmm a trade involving Murphy would make sense however I think it would have to be for a big name guy b/c it would be a PR nightmare if they did trade him.
Although if they truly believe Davis will be the 1B in 2011, it makes perfect sense to package him for that #2 SP
trs86
2/10/2010-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
You would have to package a LOT with Murphy to get a #2.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
well Maine/Perez, Murphy and some prospects should get it done, no?
trs86
2/10/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
Obviously no team is taking Perez. I don’t think Maine is much of a trading chip for a decent player until he actually pitches for about 10+ starts.
In my opinion Murphy is a throw in not a building piece.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
well Omar thinks that Perez can be a 15 game winner again. He cant be the only one who thinks so.
If the Mets were to eat the majority of the contract, then something like Niese, Maine, Murphy and Marte could be an appealing package…
trs86
2/10/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
No way are the Mets going to eat the majority of the contract though Oleo. Right now his only value is to the Mets. Maybe he comes back and proves he is worth at least 7-8M then you can trade him.
Also, that package you mentioned would hurt more than it would help. We would replace our #3 starter with a #2 and be down a #5.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
well personally im not too high on Niese and dont expect him to make the team and Ollie I dont need to explain.
so in reality we would be replacing a huge liability in the rotation (Perez) with a legit #2 SP.
of course its not gonna happen but it would be nice…
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
I like Neise. I think he really developed nicely last year, when he added that extra pitch (cutter maybe?) and really seemed to grasp the whole concept of pitching. I think he has a nice future. Might not turn into the next Santana, but he certainly could be the next JA Happ, which is a good thing to have for minimum wage.
gregfrombrooklyn
2/10/2010-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
I like Jacobs….he has attitude and these soft Mets need people with attitude.
Murphy sucks by the way.
trs86
2/10/2010-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
Welcome Greg.
I think you may be right with part one of your post but I am confused by part 2.
If Murphy indeed does suck then does Jacobs blow?
2008 was Jacobs best season and he produced this line: .247 .299 .514 .812
His career averages are: .254 .313 .476 .789
Murphy’s only full year: .266 .313 .427 .741
It appears as though Jacobs career averages are right in line with what Murphy produced in his first full year. Granted Murphy could flop and never exceed those numbers but after one season I think he has a better shot of exceeding those numbers than Jacobs has of doing better than his career averages.
One thing that could be in the works, is it possible that the Mets would indeed use Murphy as a super sub? Allowing him to play 1B, 2B, 3B and LF (4D turn away)?
saltygary
2/10/2010-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
Reminded me of a great line from “Spaceballs” – She’s gone from suck to blow
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Love that movie while being very disappointed in Daphne Zuniga’s career arc since then.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
It has been all downhill since Sure Thing with John Cusack.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Two of the worst decisions of my life were taking first dates to the movies “Sure Thing” and “The Last of the Mohicans.” Seriously, how was I supposed to compare with those leads?
By the end of Mohicans all I had was “you know, that’s not really upstate NY they filmed this in North Carolina” but she was glazed over with shirtless Daniel Day Lewis eyes.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:38pm at 12:38 pm (UTC -4)
HAHA!
Grave, I am sure you have seen There Will Be Blood with Daniel D-L? Best movie of the last decade.
Please forgive my childish response to Greg…I really cannot help myself sometimes…I need help….
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
Funny you mention that last thing. I almost typed “The Monster is out of the Cage” as a reply but ultimately I decided it was too early in the day to dampen your spirit. Plenty of time for that yet
I haven’t caught the full “Blood” yet, I always seem to come in while it’s underway, watch a few minutes then stop so as not to spoil the whole thing. I almost never “go” to the movies anymore, usually catch them on TV these days. Last thing I saw in a theater was “Dark Knight” and before that probably “Lord of the Rings.” Except for a couple years ago I was in Orlando and Universal Studios has “meal and a movie” deals so I saw a bunch of tripe like “Semi-Pro” and “Snakes on a Plane.”
But even in just those few minutes DDL is a tour de force. I will see it eventually. Everyone I know who has seen it had universal praise.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:54pm at 12:54 pm (UTC -4)
Daniel Day was beyond incredible…I have been a huge fan of PT Anderson since Hard Eight and Boogie Nights…definitely make time to see it…even on the small screen it is a massive epic, and rewards a repeat viewing.
Anderson was 27 when he directed Boogie Nights–is that unreal or what?
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
I think Fongy could tell you how poorly he’s demonstrated he plays some of those positions from his firsthand observations at minor league games.
I don’t question Murphy’s desire or willingness to work hard and I know he’s young but I think if the team is looking to fill a 2010 roster spot with a LH hitter super sub they already have him and he is called “Cat.” If the Mets long term goal is to mold Murphy for that role it would be wiser to do so in Buffalo and maybe that’s your implication which if so I’m fine with because the result is Jacobs is starting, not sitting on the bench where I feel he’s less useful.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
I totally agree about Catalanotto, who will probably make the team unless he is awful in the spring.
I really believe that the team thinks Murph can be a poor man’s Keith–hit .300, upper .300s OBP, with a smattering of HR and lots of doubles.
I think Jacobs is AAA depth unless Murph is traded midseason.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
“I like Jacobs….he has attitude and these soft Mets need people with attitude.
Murphy sucks by the way.”
Yeah, that .297 OBP really screams attitude. And yeah, Murph’s minor league career and the way he finished last year scream SUCKS even louder.
Hey, how is the comments area over at Mets.com, Metsblog, and the rest of the places where these ridiculous attitudes are spewed by kids?
Is it recess yet at your school??
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
you dont live in NY area do you Kingman…
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:02pm at 12:02 pm (UTC -4)
I lived in Seattle from 1989–2001, other than that I grew up in N NJ 15 miles from NYC and now live about 30 miles from Albany, 180 miles N of NYC. Most of my life has been in the NY area.
May I ask why you ask that?
Oh, and both of my parents went to Rutgers…your avatar is the Rutgers R, right?
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
im just asking b/c there is a blizzard outside so that would explain why the kids are not in school…
and yes that would be the Rutgers avatar
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
LOL! Oh! GREAT answer!!
Yeah, it is snowing up here too.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
And Oleo–do YOU think that Mike Jacobs will be a tutor for the “soft” Mets or is that a kooky thing to say?
Do you think it is fair to say that Murphy “sucks”??
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
i think Murphy is a tad overrated by Mets fans but he certainly doesnt suck.
.280 15 HR 70 RBI is what I would expect…statistically compared to Lyle Overbay…
darknova306
2/10/2010-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
Add in his 35-40 doubles and you’ve got a player that is a good complimentary piece around our core.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
agreed. if everyone stays healthy and plays to their abilities our lineup is more than adequate.
Our pitching staff especially our rotation is the huge concern
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
Even Keith Hernandez made your first point yesterday. Murphy is fine offensively with the Bays/Wrights/Reyes/Beltrans of the world healthy and playing to expectations.
Which to be fair is an “if” now, but the point remains.
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
I think you know my take on the rotation.
A concern yes, from the standpoint of will they rebound from off years (and of course stay healthy, now that they all had work done).
But, at least there is a lot of raw talent, they are young, and have past successful stretches to point at.
Much better than a rotation of guys that all suck, and/or have never done well and/or are way over the hill.
I am more worried about depth (not having at least yet gotten that 1 more experienced guy they need) than anything else, since that really puts a premium on staying healthy.
darknova306
2/10/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
With respect, I think many people have given up on Murphy too quickly. He never finished a full season at AA, skipped AAA, and *shockingly* struggled in his rookie season during which everyone was hurt and he was learning new defensive positions. At worst, I’d say Murphy will be an adequate fill-in while we await Ike Davis, but I really think Murphy will develop into at least a decent everyday player. He’ll show all the haters this year.
trs86
2/10/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think that many people have given up on Murphy, they are just concerned that he is our starting 1B. Same as people are concerned that Maine, Ollie and Pelfrey make up 2-4 in our rotation.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
They all suck.
How can you argue with that?
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Hmmm, let’s see.
Mets pick up a power hitting LH 1st baseman with less than stellar defense, that started out as a catcher in the minors.
They brought back Delgado on the cheap!
Man, they really must be out of money…
Or, they are finally getting smart, and looking past name value to production per dollar.
Jacobs does seem more interesting as a PT guy and LH power bat to come off the bench.
Not that it will happen, but (just out of curiosity) I wonder how well he would do if you told him in spring that he was going to platoon at Catcher, and he had 6 weeks to get ready? I imagine it wouldn’t be pretty, but it would be interesting to see. And at least it cures the problem of no power out of the catcher spot!
Hell, if Jacobs was smart (given the fact that he is in his peak years, and taking ST invites) he would have spent the off season with a tutor working FT to become functinal at catcher. I guarantee that if he could prove capable of playing the positin, he would get a lot more interest!
trs86
2/10/2010-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t see why he can’t be the Eli Marrero as the emergency 3rd catcher.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
Well, for one thing, Eli Marrero actually caught games regularly in the majors. Jacobs’ last experience as a catcher was 43 AA games in 2005.
How often is an emergency catcher required to justify keeping an otherwise useless player on the bench?
trs86
2/10/2010-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
Not much.
But a lot of teams keep a Matt Stairs on the bench. Just saying that as a bench guy he would be more useful than that.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
Not really, because he’s not nearly as useful as a pinch hitter as Stairs.
trs86
2/10/2010-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
I disagree, maybe.
LOL
Honestly, I could post both of their numbers from last year and the last 3 and we would just find bad baseball.
trs86
2/10/2010-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
Of course you also have to factor in that Stairs is 41 years old.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:50pm at 12:50 pm (UTC -4)
You really can’t demonstrate that Jacobs is as good of a pinch hitter as Stairs unless you ignore the fact that Jacobs’s OBP is about 50 points lower than Stairs’s.
And, of course, I don’t have to factor in that Stairs is 41 years old because it is completely irrelevant.
You want a pinch hitter who makes a lot of outs? So be it. Have fun with that.
trs86
2/10/2010-1:09pm at 1:09 pm (UTC -4)
So you don’t think a PH with power has any role on a team? You don’t think that there could be times when power as a PH is valued over OBP?
If so then maybe we have a spot for Castillo. He can be our LHPH.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-1:27pm at 1:27 pm (UTC -4)
You’re now arguing points I’m not making.
I didn’t say power has no role in pinch hitting. But the ability to get on base has a far greater role.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-1:30pm at 1:30 pm (UTC -4)
Why use a pinch hitter who is just as likely to make an out as another crappy hitter? For the one in 20 chance he might hit a home run?
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
Jacobs is a poor candidate for a pinch hitting role because he doesn’t make contact or get on base. He’s got nothing in common with Matt Stairs, who got on base and at least played a little LF.
From the Mets’ perspective he’s a guy to push Murphy in Spring Training. His motivation to sign with the Mets is the belief that he may be able to beat Murphy or at the very least get enough at bats to audition for another team. He’s got to figure his chances to beat Murphy are better than with teams with more established 1B, which includes most teams.
trs86
2/10/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
Jacobs also plays a little 1B. What is the difference in his LF ability and Jacobs 1B?
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
The Mets don’t need another 1B who can’t play the position. And Stairs had played both 1B and the corner outfield positions in his recent major league career.
Anyway, the real point is that Jacobs is a horrible candidate as a pinch hitter, whereas Stairs was a pretty good one.
trs86
2/10/2010-12:47pm at 12:47 pm (UTC -4)
Stairs played in the field a total of 30 games the last 2 years. He’s 41 years old. There is no doubt in my mind that Jacobs at this point has more value on the bench than Matt Stairs.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
Just forget it. You’re not following my point.
If the primary role for these players is as a pinch hitter then Stairs has far more value than Jacobs because he’s actually got the skills to be capable at the job.
It makes little difference whether Jacobs is more capable of playing 1B every day because he’s not going to be asked to do that — and he’s not very good at it anyway.
If necessary to have some positional versatility, Stairs has at least played more than one position in the majors.
trs86
2/10/2010-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
But the last 2 years he has not played much of anything. That’s like saying it was good to have Julio Franco on the bench at age 45 because he used to play SS. Stairs was just your run of the mill pinch hitter. Last year he was a pinch walker as his batting average was under .200.
I understand your point that you would rather have guys that can play multiple spots, but I also contend that it is not unheard of to have a guy like Jacobs on the bench primarily as a PH> You can say he does not have value there, perhaps you are right but I think otherwise. We have no LH power on the bench and are even void of it in the lineup. I see it as just that. A guy to bring in for insurance on Murphy and compete for the final bench spot as a LH power hitting PH.
stickguy
2/10/2010-1:11pm at 1:11 pm (UTC -4)
that is why I liked the idea of Carter winning the job as the last OF and LH PH.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
he can still win the job even with Jacobs here…
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
You really don’t see my point because my point has little to do with positional versatility and just about everything to do with the skills to pinch hit.
Stairs has always been a guy who gets on base and has some power. That’s an ideal pinch hitter.
Jacobs has never been able to get on base. That’s a bad pinch hitter.
The fact that Stairs had a lousy season last year is irrelevant. He was still a strong candidate for the job. Anyway, a pinch walker is better than a pinch out.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
what happens if Murphy tears his ACL in spring training???
if we dont sign Jacobs, who is our 1B???
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
Your point is the same as mine. Jacobs is being brought in as a depth guy, not as a candidate to be a pinch hitter/third catcher or a trade candidate.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-12:58pm at 12:58 pm (UTC -4)
well i think ST will decide what role (if any) he plays…
as of now hes just a body like everyone else…
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
some random thoughts before lunch (and more shoveling)
1) People might be snoozing on Pagan. He has a lot of talent, but just never quite put it together (often due to fluke injuries). He easily could blossom over the next couple of years. Might not be FT with the Mets, but no reason to think he couldn’t end up like Vicky (a late bloomer, 2 time Rule 5 guy). He is far from the worst starting CF in the game right now.
2) Everyone seems to agree the Mets need another SP for depth (if nothing else), and seem confused about Omar not bringing one in (unless you count Fogg). well, he did say early on that trades wre more likely, and not many of them went down.
So, quite possible, he is waiting until ST to see what guys become available, or maybe hoping a big $$ guy gets cut loose 9ala Sheffield) and he can snag one that way (although might have to take on the contract, but it would be only money)?
3) jacobs does give them more depth/options. It is actually nice to see Omar setting up some possible competition in ST (letting guys win a job) instead of handing positions to guys that really haven’t earned them.
That, and if you have the good problem of too many guys “winning” the spot, it sets up up with value to wheel and deal. Otherwise, MiL fodder or you cut loose the invite guys.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
I 100% agree with your last paragraph. Anyone who pans the signing of Jacobs willfully ignores that thought process because if they see no merit in that thought process they just can’t be serious, avid baseball fans.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
As far as Jacobs being the precursor to a trade… exactly who does he make expendable that has any value? And for whom is he a reasonable replacement?
The only person that could fit either of those descriptions is Murphy. And there are no indications that Murphy is on the block.
stickguy
2/10/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think he was brought in to support a future trade. More likely depth for ST, in case of injury or someone rally sucking it up (like Murphy), they really didn’t have another guy that was a viable (experienced at the ML level) 1B kicking around that I can think of.
Jacobs might not be the best 1B in MLB but at least he has done the job. Unless you want your alternatives to Murphy to be Tatis FT, or evans/carter/davis.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed there are no indications, it’s a hypothetical. Many people are traded without our prior acknowledgment that they might be.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
My point is only that it seems everyone is reading far too much into this. Lots of guys are brought in every Spring Training to take at bats, provide some competition and to show off their wares.
There’s no master plan behind bringing in Jacobs. He’s just another guy.
trs86
2/10/2010-12:50pm at 12:50 pm (UTC -4)
You could be right. I would just think in order to get Jacobs to sign here there had to be either a plan that he would have a good shot to make the team OR an agreement that if he does not then he gets released. I just don’t see him heading to the minors.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-12:52pm at 12:52 pm (UTC -4)
I think that’s what I’ve said all along.
You’ve been saying that he fits as a pinch hitter or as trade bait. Please read what I’ve written above.
trs86
2/10/2010-1:00pm at 1:00 pm (UTC -4)
I still think he does fit as a pinch hitter. Not sure he fits as trade bait but perhaps he makes someone else easier to trade. Don’t know who that would be.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-12:52pm at 12:52 pm (UTC -4)
Understood and agreed on the “master plan” aspect. But I would hope that the organization has at least briefly considered a host of potential outcomes. I would hate to believe that they may be surprised by something that may happen.
Also, if we don’t read too much into everything the Mets do or don’t do, or at least if some of us do and others don’t then come to disagree with those who do, why are we here?
We wouldn’t have just had this fine discussion and I’d have to be shoveling.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-1:02pm at 1:02 pm (UTC -4)
I’m sure they’ve considered all of the possibilities that Jacobs could bring. But I’m also sure they’re realistic about what they’d prefer. For example, they probably consider him as a primary fallback to 1B if Murphy gets hurt or fails. But they probably consider him Plan F for the last spot on the bench behind guys more valuable in that role like Cat, Carter, Evans, et al. who offer a little more positional versatility and likely better pinch hitting skills.
trs86
2/10/2010-1:03pm at 1:03 pm (UTC -4)
If Murphy gets hurt or fails when? In ST? Because I don’t see Jacobs going to the minors.
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-1:12pm at 1:12 pm (UTC -4)
well what if he has no choice, due to injury or poor ST performance…
trs86
2/10/2010-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
Who has no choice? Jacobs?
I don’t think he would sign a minor league contract if he thought he would have to go to AAA.
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
Agree completely Wanny. As I noted well above, it’s my opinion that Jacobs is here either to win the starting 1B job outright or be gone by Opening Day.
They can’t plan for every contingency so if Murphy shows well enough in ST to win the job, then by May 15th has been so bad they want to replace him, they can’t keep Jacobs around on the bench for 6 weeks just in case that happens and so they’ll have to go another route. I for one think they’ve demonstrated (right or wrong) their comfort with Tatis at 1B should Murphy not cut it.
wannybackstra
2/10/2010-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
Yep. Tatis is the primary reason Jacobs has little shot of sticking on this team as long as Murphy breaks camp with the team too.
trs86
2/10/2010-2:31pm at 2:31 pm (UTC -4)
I know we disagree. I just think that on a bench with Tatis and Cora that Jacobs has a shot to land a LHPH spot. We can debate as to if it’s a good move but I think there is a good chance. Now he may have a clause in his contract that terminates the contract by a certain day if certain things don’t take place. However, I honestly think the Mets see him as an answer to their lack of LH power as a bench guy.
trs86
2/10/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
Value? None of much. I guess from a depth stand point?
trs86
2/10/2010-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
“Today on Baseball Digest Live, Mark Healey wondered if the Mets were signing Jacobs to be a catcher, not just a left-handed power bat for the bench or first baseman.”
OK so should I feel more or less comfortable about my position that he is being considered as a bench bat and emergency catcher? Seriously?
On one hand I think well at least others are discussing it. On the other hand it’s Mark Healey.
DNDJohan aka kistics
2/10/2010-2:45pm at 2:45 pm (UTC -4)
Hey guys, sorry to have to put off topic stuff,
But it seems that there’s enough interest in having TRDMB fantasy baseball league. I have so far
interested:
DND
Grave
Saltygary
Mrose
Darknova
Stickguy
Njstuckintx
too cool to play this time consuming nerdy game:
trs
that’s 7 of us and I’m sure we can find more who are interested.
I’m getting the sense that CBS sportsline site is used by some and Yahoo is used by some. For me, I don’t mind either way. Also I threw out the idea of Auction, but Grave has said that it took him 6-10 hours last time he participated. So, I’m not sure if anyone if up for it. If not, we can always stick with the traditional draft.
Can MRose or Grave post something so we can get more ideas and responses? Thanks!
oleosmirf
2/10/2010-3:06pm at 3:06 pm (UTC -4)
ill do it.
yahoo is usually the fantasy sports of choice…
GravediggerHebner
2/10/2010-3:24pm at 3:24 pm (UTC -4)
I emailed the group of authors and so far have heard from just 2 of them but they were both interested and one of them said that he’s setting up a league on Yahoo. Will report more as it becomes available. Kirk out…
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-4:12pm at 4:12 pm (UTC -4)
I am with TRS I am afraid, but I know QnsNative is into this, so you might try him too….
saltygary
2/10/2010-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
CMON it’s imperative that you’re apart of this league. What’s the worst that can happen, you lose to me? With all the stats that you and others throw out, this will be a piece of cake.
Kingman 26
2/10/2010-5:08pm at 5:08 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
I appreciate that Gary!
I am indeed here a lot, but usually during the day while doing 8 zillion other things while managing my largely online business…I am sure it would be a blast, and I did do fantasy baseball in high school in the 80s before it took off in popularity, but I just do not have the time, and am away once a month, etc.
But I do appreciate the comment sir!
trs86
2/10/2010-9:39pm at 9:39 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman, I can’t take the pressure. I will give it a try. I just hope my team does not suffer due to my lack of invested time or the contrary NJ post the Where in the World is TRS on the blog.