According to the usually very reliable Brian Costa at the Star Ledger, yesterday’s performance apparently has put Jonathon Niese in the lead for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Our fearless leader was quoted by Brian as saying “Jonathon Niese has been pretty impressive.” He “might fit better for us as we speak here today. That means that could change, but as we look here today, I would say it’s still open, but he would have somewhat of the inside track.â€
It says here that this should be welcome news. The pen will now probably be KRod, Nieve, Parnell, Feliciano, Igarashi, Calero, and Takahashi.
This pen, while far from guaranteed to be a big success, is loaded with potential and versatility. Righties and lefties, lots of hard-throwers, and two guys who can go long stints or step in if Niese falters. And the very best ramification of this is that it probably means that Figueroa and Misch–and possibly Green–are now all slated for Buffalo, Tokyo, or maybe even somewhere further from a pitching mound surrounded by real major league Mets.
The good news continues. As Willy Wonka once said, “I hope it lasts.”
56 comments
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
Somehow “fearless leader” used to describe Manuel scare me.
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
I did mean it sarcastically…..he may be without fear, but I am afraid he is also without clues and wisdom….
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
lol, gotcha
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
No Misch?
stickguy
3/25/2010-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
Well, my bigger fear (although that might be too strong a word, how about concern?) is that Only green will make it, and him I don’t even want!
Figgy I really think opts for FA, and someone will claim Misch. Just my gut feeling.
So, your plan B (SP #6-7) then becomes Taka2 and Neive. With no one behind them that I can think of.
I would almost rather see Misch in the pen and taka down to keep them both. I think.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
OH NO!!! Now we have to have the whole gun to your head choice again with TRS. Why? Stick, Why???
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
Or send Parnell down to AAA and keep Taka2 and Misch in the BP.
KRod, Iggy, Calero, Taka2, Misch, Nieve, Feliciano…..
No place for Mejia
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
??
I respectfully suggest that everyone look at Misch’s stats for his career.
They are not good.
His splits are amazingly even; he is equally terrible pitching to lefties and righties. Last year, he was much worse against lefties. This is a bad pitcher.
Taka MIGHT be good, and I really think he should make the team over the awful Misch the Mediocre who is, dare I say it, even worse than Figgy the Fantastic.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
Uh oh… I can hear the thumping foot steps for TRS…
Thump…
Thump…
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:23pm at 12:23 pm (UTC -4)
It’s Gozi-TRS-lla
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-12:23pm at 12:23 pm (UTC -4)
I would disagree on “Misch being worse than Figgy” for two reasons: Misch is 7 or 8 years younger, and is left handed. Those two things in my opinion work his his favor. When choosing between two uninspiring pitchers, take the left handed younger one, that’s my motto!
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
I have to agree if it comes down to having to choose one of those 2 Misch has the edge.
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
The age factor is indeed the one and only thing Misch has going for him.
Have you looked at Misch’s career and 2009 splits?
I ask most respectfully, if he is worse pitching to lefties, what is the relevance of his throwing lefty?
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
I know he’s awful, but my thought process is:
Figgy & Misch, both awful;
Figgy, at 35 has about a .001% chance of having any upside;
Misch, at 28, is given by me a better than .001% chance of improvement under the “late developing left handed pitcher” umbrella (eh eh eh), an umbrella the Mets clearly believe in having given Oliver Perez a 3 year contract.
So to me it’s not so much that he’s shown any ability to get anyone out, it’s that as a 28 year old left hander he still has some, however small, chance of finding that ability, whereas Figgy at 35 while I still give him some chance I just can’t give him as large a chance considering he’s on the wrong side of 30 and has such a long resume of “meh” and cannot under any circumstances be referred to as a “late developing left hander.”
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
I do completely agree with all of this when the debate is strictly Figgy vs Misch.
In Ollie’s defense though, his 2004, 2007, and even 2008 are light years ahead of anything Misch has come remotely close to achieving.
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-12:55pm at 12:55 pm (UTC -4)
Absolutely.
asod75
3/25/2010-2:47pm at 2:47 pm (UTC -4)
I actually prefer Figgy over Misch. At least Figs can reach 90 mph every now and again. Misch, even though he is lefty, is an extremely hittable lefty with poor stuff. To be honest, it really doesn’t matter if they lose both Misch and Figgy. In the grand scheme of things, they both suck. I just prefer Figs, but I won’t shed a tear if he’s gone.
trs86
3/25/2010-2:49pm at 2:49 pm (UTC -4)
Regardless of what Figgy can reach his results have been no better and he is older. What’s the point?
asod75
3/25/2010-2:52pm at 2:52 pm (UTC -4)
Plus, Ollie has actual major-league stuff. Just can’t harness it most of the time.
trs86
3/25/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
And neither of these guys have major league starter material other than spot starter.
asod75
3/25/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
Trs,
The point is why are we even caring about whether we lose Misch or Figs? They both suck, is all I’m saying. If either one is spending significant time on the team, it’s another season down the toilet.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
I still would like to get a deeper look in real games but if the stories are correct of them carrying 5 starters it looks as if someone will be put on waivers.
oleosmirf
3/25/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
if we lose Misch and Figueroa, who becomes the 6th, 7th and 8th options?
I’m assuming it would be Nieve, Takahashi then R.A. Dickey?
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
OLEO you too?
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
Good question.
This is why I wanted to see Taka get the 5th spot come April, Niese in triple AAA and Misch in the BP.
We all know it would only be a matter of time until there is an injury to the pitching staff. At that time, bring Niese up, Taka to the BP.
I’m not as concerned if we lose Figgy – although I’d like to see him in the minors for depth as well.
oleosmirf
3/25/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
I honestly dont believe Niese has pitched all that well this spring. As erratic as Ollie is, and given Maine’s struggles I would like to see someone with more command than Niese as the 5th SP.
That is why I thought Takahashi should be the 5th SP as he doesn’t walk many guys and has the potential to jump MOP in the rotation all together…
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
Personally, to me, Dickey is a bad joke, and maybe the worst player Omar has ever signed.
I think that since we have two potentially very good options for starter 6 and 7, we need to worry about the bullpen’s composition far more than the 8th starter option.
asod75
3/25/2010-2:57pm at 2:57 pm (UTC -4)
Could be a young guy. Stoner, Gee (if he’s still alive down there)
trs86
3/25/2010-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
Problem I could see is that Nieve and Taka are the most logical but neither will be stretched out.
asod75
3/25/2010-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
Very true. Maybe that’s why they’re rumored to be looking at Gaudin. He’s not great, but better than either Misch or Figgy. Younger than both (27) and decent strikeout rate in the majors. Control not always there, but he’d be worth looking into.
trs86
3/25/2010-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
I would not mind him at all but most likely will find a MLB deal. Thus we would still not have the AAA guy.
asod75
3/25/2010-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
Well sign him to a MLB deal and send both Parnell and Green down to the minors. Maybe he becomes the long reliever at first, while Taka could be used as more of a second lefty in the pen. Just brainstorming here, but he might be worth a look….
trs86
3/25/2010-3:11pm at 3:11 pm (UTC -4)
Oh I agree. Just saying that if not stretched out it does not solve any of the #6/7/8 SP issues.
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
I agree in that I like the potential/versatility of that bullpen a lot. Factor in the (remote) possibility that Escobar shows up at some point and I like it even more.
As far as the 7 man bullpen, I have been noticing some opinions (mostly at NYBD, but elsewhere too) that the Mets are “hamstrung” by a 7 man pen and that the best bench for the team would be a 6 man bench, and thus a 6 man bullpen.
I disagree with that because the starting staff is too questionable and IMO a 7 man bullpen with this staff is mandatory or 6 guys would soon be burnt out due to overwork. I also disagree because I just don’t see tons of guys being pinch-hit for. Pitchers obviously, but in the “regular” lineup who is going to get hit for on any kind of regular basis? Maybe when Blanco starts at C he will. Maybe Murph against a tough LH reliever (but I hope not).
Ultimately I just don’t see the 6 man bench as being more useful/necessary than the 7 man bullpen.
oleosmirf
3/25/2010-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
if Sean Green doesn’t make the team, I could very well see them trading him for another cast off reliever…
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not sure if anyone would take Green…. but then if you can trade Heilman…
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. Not with this starting pitching staff to start.
ceetar
3/25/2010-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
Gotta be a 7-man. Besides, no one on the team, with the exception of Barajas, should be pinch hit for besides the pitcher.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
As camp winds down I am looking forward to see how everything plays out as the Mets finalize their 25 man roster.
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-12:22pm at 12:22 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman: you left out Mejia. And you know he’s going to make that BP come opening day.
So in your selection above, who then is the odd man out?
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
Excellent call, I hadn’t even noticed that. Silly me.
If I were to guess I’d say Parnell as he has the options.
oleosmirf
3/25/2010-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
I think the FO will wisely overrule Manuel
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Damn, this is becoming scary; my thoughts PRECISELY!!
If you and I agree on everything, this can only mean meaningful October games and VERY sweet champagne….
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
What’s more scary is when the FO won’t overrule Manuel.
stickguy
3/25/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
I think Omar is fully on board the “save my sorry a$$” train.
As toby noted (in the link I posted below) rushing prospects like this is the hallmark of a Gm in save his job mode.
darknova306
3/25/2010-1:09pm at 1:09 pm (UTC -4)
I sincerely hope you’re right. There’s no way Jerry should be allowed to make these decisions.
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Well, I still hold out hope that reason will somehow prevail and that Mejia is Buffalo’s number one starter.
But, to me, the only option if Mejia comes north would be sending Parnell down to work on another pitch (or to try again to become a starter?)
I personally truly, viscerally hate the idea of an arm with Mejia’s complete lack of experience sitting in a bullpen as the 3rd or 4th guy, when that pen is managed by Jerry and Warthen. I still pray that Omar or Jeff or Fred steps in and overrules Jerry on this one.
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
I’m in agreement – he should be sent down to work on secondary pitches towards being a starter.
But everything I’m reading and hearing – all seem to think it’s a foregone conclusion that Mejia will start in the BP come opening day. With Omar back peddling on his original stance on sending him down, I have to think it’s almost a lock….
rustyjr
3/25/2010-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
Guys from Dave Lennon via twitter
lenno212 #Mets are discussing Gaudin, says team official.
2 minutes ago
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
Holy crap! I just realized he’s only 26. I feel like he’s been around forever. I’m much more intrigued by him than I was 30 seconds ago.
Gotta sign him just because his b-r page is owned by “Mets rule, Yankees stink”
stickguy
3/25/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
On the Mejia kick (thanks for the intro!), great piece by Toby over at Metsminors:
http://www.metsminorleagueblog.com/2010/03/25/an-absurdly-detailed-look-at-the-batters-mejia-has-faced-this-spring/
Some nice quotes from national “experts” weighing in on the situation (in case you didn’t think Omar was o board with this plan):
And around the web, the national guys started nailing the Mets on Wednesday.
At ESPN.com Keith Law is blunt in his discussion about the Mets plan to move Mejia to the ‘pen:
“I hate it. He’s a raw, high-upside arm with the weapons to be a starter in the long term, if he’s given time to improve his command and consistency on his change and curve. Instead they’re cutting off that upside for a quick fix in the pen. By the way, promoting prospects who aren’t ready is a hallmark of GMs in fear for their jobs.“
Baseball America’s Jim Callis made the same point in his ESPN Chat:
Peter (NY)
Jim, What is your opinion on how the Mets are handling Meija’s development? If he has a chance to be a legitimate top of the rotation pitcher, arent they hurting his development by rushing him to the majors and developing him as a late inning 1 or 2 pitch reliever?
Jim Callis
(2:10 PM)
The Mets’ front office is in win-now/save-our-jobs mode. I would have sent him to Double-A as a starter to begin the season.
prismo
3/25/2010-12:54pm at 12:54 pm (UTC -4)
oy
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
Mets lineup today
1. Jordanny Valdespin, 2b
2. Ruben Tejada, ss
3. Gary Matthews Jr., cf
4. Mike Jacobs, 1b
5. Fernando Tatis, 3b
6. Frank Catalanotto, lf
7. Henry Blanco, c
8. Fernando Martinez, rf
9. John Maine, sp
Cardinals Lineup Today
1. Skip Schumaker – 2B
2. Felipe Lopez – 3B
3. Albert Pujols – 1B
4. Matt Holliday – LF
5. Colby Rasmus – CF
6. Ryan Ludwick – RF
7. Brendan Ryan – SS
8. Jason LaRue – C
9. Chris Carpenter – P
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
Who is Jordanny Valdespin? LOL….obviously some out there peripheral guy I’ve not paid much attention to.
trs86
3/25/2010-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
I like the idea of looking at Gaudin. Better than Misch and Figgy making the discussion moot.
As for the pen that is exactly why I wanted Taka to start. He has to make the team. Now we will lose #7 and #8 for the SR. Their contributions from the pen as long-man are rather meaningless anyway however I still would have liked to have options as we know the Mets end up needing 10 SP every season.