But here you are in the ninth two men out and three men on – nowhere to look but inside
where we all respond to pressure !
” Pressure“ By Billy Joel
If you had to single out one player this spring training that is carrying a heavy burden it would have to be Daniel Murphy. So far Daniel until yesterday has not looked exceptionally sharp at the plate batting a measly buck and change. So the question that you have to ask yourself is with the specter of Ike Davis looming in the background is the pressure getting to Daniel Murphy ? I honestly believe for the most part the answer is no. If there was anything you could ever say about Murphy is that he performs well under pressure. He has spent over a year and a half on the Mets major league roster- learning two positions on the fly(failing at one , doing a adequate job at the other) while still showing the ability to get a clutch hit and he is showing that he can hit for power. I know many people, Mike Francesa included, will point to his horrendous batting average and ask why should he win the first base job over Chris Carter, Mike Jacobs or the aforementioned Ike Davis. and these people have to be reminded that it is only spring training – David Wright is only batting around .250 . Jeff Francouer is batting around the Mendoza line – you just have to throw those stats out the window and go by what you don’t see in the box scores , such as how many screaming line drives that he hit were robbed of basehits . or maybe he was working on hitting the other way. These games mean nothing but getting into shape for the season – nothing more … nothing less. Yes it is most likely that Daniel Murphy is just a caretaker at first base until Ike Davis is called up sometime this season – most definitely next season, so that brings us to what happens to Murph then? I think if and when that time games he will be made into a Joe McEwing super utility-man kind of player. He might spell Davis on some days, David on others and possibly the outfield on some odd occasion when he is needed, or he might be traded ( life is funny that way). But I don’t think Murphy’s career as Mike Francesa likes to opine will be over next year. Murph will do just fine in whatever role he is given. I know when he first came up and raked many of us saw him as a Wade Boggs or a Don Mattingly type, but i’ll just be happy if he turns into Ed Kranpool.
                                                                                
                                                   ” NEVER QUIT. NEVER SURRENDER !!”
And with that said …. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
A special Happy Birthday shout out goes forth to one of the most beloved players in Mets history , former Mets First baseman/ outfielder and heartthrob – Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn’s own Lee Mazzilli (1955)
Happy Birthday wishes go out to possibly the most hated pitcher ( other than Mike Hampton) to have donned a Mets uniform Tom ” I’m not devastated” Glavine. He is 44 (1966) . I know I should cut him some slack, he pitched decently in his four years with the Mets , winning some big games in ’06 and ’07 . But when it counted ( the last game of the ’07 season against the Florida Marlins) he let us down.
New York Mets signed free agent Orel Hershiser on March 25, 1999. I hated him as much as I hated Tom Glavine when he first signed with the Mets, but when I saw how he mentored that ’99 pitching staff ,and helped lead the charge into the NLCS that year my respect for him grew.
And lest we forget – There are only 11 Lenny Randle days until the Mets open the 2010 season against the Florida Marlins at Citi Field.
139 comments
stickguy
3/25/2010-7:06am at 7:06 am (UTC -4)
nice analysis.
And with as few prospects making an impact in the majors, even if he ends up as a “super utility” PH type, that is still quite valuable, especially at a cheap and controllable price.
But, baseball is a funny sport. Lots of things that seem preordained (“everybody knows it will happen”) never do actually happen.
So, will Murphy have an OK but not spectacular year, playing interesting D with good range, and OPSing about .800 with 15 HRs? Quite possibly. Will Ike tear up AAA? Possibly.
But, it could also happen that Murphy will burst out and have a much bigger year than expected (and since you used the Mattingly analogy above, no one really expected him to be a 40(?) HR guy!, although that was likely aided by more than the short porch).
So maybe Murphy hits 20-25 long balls, and an OPS of .850+, while Ike goes 0-45 against LHP. And next ST there is another flavor of the month! I don’t really see this part happening, but I would not be surprised to see Murphy do much better than many (MF and that sylow dude over at MB, who really, really gets on my nerves (I know, don’t subject myself)) are thinking he can.
So, he might be Joe Mcewing in the end, or he may settle in at least at the Laroche/Olerud level Only time will tell.
rustyjr
3/25/2010-7:38am at 7:38 am (UTC -4)
I’ll take either if he contributes – he is no matter what anyone else says – a valuable asset to tge team
trs86
3/25/2010-8:05am at 8:05 am (UTC -4)
.800 OPS would be a HUGE improvement. I really don’t know where it comes from. You are right he could surprise me but for now I don’t see a 60 point jump in OPS from a guy who had 54 extra base hits.
rustyjr
3/25/2010-8:13am at 8:13 am (UTC -4)
Look if he can be consistent at the plate I’ll be happy with .275 18 85 rbis
because IMO that’s all we need from him
stickguy
3/25/2010-8:17am at 8:17 am (UTC -4)
I know that “every” other team in MLB has a 1B that puts up 50/150 every year, but those are pretty good numbers for someone that is probably going to be a 6 hole hitter (maybe 7) when Beltran comes back.
trs86
3/25/2010-8:28am at 8:28 am (UTC -4)
LOL, it’s not about the every other thing. Stop putting words in my mouth here. I am not a Murphy basher. I think he has to start because that’s the best we got.
My point is that we may be reaching expecting him to be “solid” at the plate.
Also the NL Average, including every crappy team in the league, had this line in the #6 spot:
.259 .333 .423 .756.
That’s still better than Murphy last year. I think Murphy will exceed that this year but that’s still nothing to jump for joy about.
Phillies: .271 .343 .474 .818
Dodgers: .290 .362 .441 .803
St. Louis: BAD, but damn LaRussa screws with his lineups.
Marlins: .262 .355 .458 .813
Braves: .302 .375 .436 .810
Rockies: .262 .342 .491 .833
Again I am not saying Murphy can’t provide these numbers. Just saying he will have to have really improved.
ceetar
3/25/2010-8:39am at 8:39 am (UTC -4)
What’s the average numbers for 1B? Not that that means anything. What’s the average numbers for the 6th best better on the team? Bet Murphy destroys them.
I think a 60 point jump in OPS is very attainable. Mainly because I think, with experience and a full lineup, he hits 20 more points of average, and takes at least 20 points more in walks. Couple that with a couple more home runs and doubles and voila!
trs86
3/25/2010-8:50am at 8:50 am (UTC -4)
Hmmm Ceetar, that would be hard to quantify 6th best hitter on every team. Most teams by the time they get to #6 in their order you are looking at about their 6th best hitter. Not many teams stacking the 6 spot.
Like I said I would like to share your optimism but I just don’t see a 60 point increase in OPS that’s rare for a 2nd year player.
trs86
3/25/2010-8:52am at 8:52 am (UTC -4)
1B: .282 .373 .485 .859 Obviously that’s not going to happen. 1B is a tough position. I am not really looking at that though because the lineup does not care what position you play.
njstuckintx
3/25/2010-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)
I have to lean more toward TRS’s way of looking at this, as I’m not one to say one position needs to hit a certain stat line in order to be deemed worthy. I understand that it is easier to find stat mongering 1B, 3B and corner OF spots, but it the line trends in a bell curve of OPS, we should be looking ok, assuming that the bell is a big arcing one and not a _-/\-____, if that makes any sense.
How does Murph compare to the 7th spot? We’ll most likely see Murph and Francouer flipping between those spots, so maybe looking at it that way would be beneficial as far as averages. Frenchy & Daniel or Daniel & Frenchy as a 6/7 swap.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
I think the current plan is in between Bay and Frenchy for Murphy. That would be 5/6. For sure not a good 5.
Pagan, Castillo, Wright, Bay, Murphy, Frenchy, Barajas, Cora does not look great at all.
Even if they swap Murphy and Frenchy neither are good enough for #5 hitters. Hurry back Beltran!
stickguy
3/25/2010-9:51am at 9:51 am (UTC -4)
good thing reyes is back and cora won’t be playing. Much.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:12am at 10:12 am (UTC -4)
True about Reyes Stick. So hopefully that slides him back to 6th but he would still be a below average #6 currently. Hopefully he will improve.
stickguy
3/25/2010-8:15am at 8:15 am (UTC -4)
Just a nice round #. it is also about 10% above last year, and roughly what he did in the 2nd half (or last 2 months, some longish period toward the end of the year!)
Sometimes guys do get better year to year. I know plenty of stats heads don’t believe it though.
trs86
3/25/2010-8:18am at 8:18 am (UTC -4)
Oh I think he can get better. But asking a guy to improve 60 points is not just normal improvement.
Also as I said what concerns me is that even in the 2nd half his OBP actually was even worse than the 1st half. His power numbers did increase though but all of that was due to a very good September. He approached that OPS you are talking about only one month the entire 2nd half, his good half.
stickguy
3/25/2010-8:27am at 8:27 am (UTC -4)
baseball is full of surprises every year. Some unespected guy has a breakout year (even if it is a 1 year outlier.) And big producers have bad years. usually after I draft them for my fantasy team…
And maybe, settled into the 6 or 7 hole, Murphy can be one of those guys (like Francouer seems to be) that is actually more “productive” (that is, produces runs) than his peripheral stats seem to indicate.
I like your idea of trying to quantify runs produced per opportunity. i suspect there are guys that look good on paper but don’t get the job done as well (maybe this is opening the whole clutch arguement, but I do believe in guys that choke in it!)
trs86
3/25/2010-8:30am at 8:30 am (UTC -4)
I think you are still labeling me as a guy that does not like Murphy. He’s a hard worker and deserves a chance at this point. However, I think our expectations for him may still be too high. While he did fine for a unheralded rookie he is still far from solid. Of course he can surprise me and I will be rooting for it.
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-7:39am at 7:39 am (UTC -4)
I was not enamored with Murph when they first brought him up in 2008. I just didn’t see the talent. Was surprised he did well in that late summer. Since then though, I’ve warmed up to him. I’m pulling for him, hoping he has a good defensive season with a decent bat. He probably is a place holder for Ike Davis but the better he does, the more of chance he has of making it as a solid utility player – if not with the Mets, than another club.
Oh, Orel Hershiser? I can honestly say he remains my most least favorite ‘Met’ of all time. Probably b/c I just could never see him as a Met. Had a hard time rooting for him when he was on the mound…
rustyjr
3/25/2010-7:43am at 7:43 am (UTC -4)
Trust me I hate him for ’88 but he did help in ’99
trs86
3/25/2010-8:15am at 8:15 am (UTC -4)
I know everyone points to his late summer swoon but what still concerns me is even when things were going much better his OBP actually went DOWN. His only month in the 2nd half with an OPS over .800 was September. Sure there’s hope for the kid but he is going to have to really improve.
stickguy
3/25/2010-8:23am at 8:23 am (UTC -4)
I still think the constant harping about needing more HRs (from a 1B, as a team, whatever), plus sticking him in at cleanup (where it is implied that you will jack more), messed with his approach, since OBP is a largely mental stat (having patience, and being willing to take a walk).
Like the old saying “you can’t walk off the island”, maybe he had it in his head “Hit some long balls or be banished to the cornfield” (do they have corn fields in Buffalo?)
He did have better OBP umbers in the minors, and in 2008 it was one of his big atttributes.
Not saying it will happen, but if he gets left alone in a spot in the order and encouraged to get on base and not worry about HRs, I would not be surprised to see him take his OBP back up to the .340 range. Similar extra base hits with a modest increase in HRs (say 15-18) could push the slg.% up around .460, so that gives you your .800 OPS
trs86
3/25/2010-8:34am at 8:34 am (UTC -4)
But remember that it takes more than just HR to push up SLG. Asking Murphy to exceed 54 ex base hits might be asking too much. Also he did not slug like that but for one month. 17 of his EXBH came in September including 5 of his HR. We know what kind of pitching and atmosphere September brings for a team not in competition.
So while I share your optimism it’s very guarded.
njstuckintx
3/25/2010-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
Stick, I agree that Murph can get to .800 OPS. It’s not a sure shot in any means, but just having the healthy bodies back in the lineup should alleviate some pressure & he’ll see some better pitches. After pitching around Wright, Beltran, & Bay, they’ll have to attack the lower order batters to avoid having a 100 pitch count in the beginning of the 5th.
And you can walk off an island in the winter time!
ceetar
3/25/2010-9:33am at 9:33 am (UTC -4)
Not if you’re a candidate and Jacob doesn’t want you to.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
The opposite side of that is most likely Frenchy and Barajas are behind him so no real reason to pitch to him either.
rustyjr
3/25/2010-8:24am at 8:24 am (UTC -4)
Do u agree with my opinion about him becoming a super reserve in thecoming years when. (& if) Ike takes over ?
stickguy
3/25/2010-8:30am at 8:30 am (UTC -4)
even if you stuck him in that role right now, at least offensively, he would probably instantly be one of the best in the business. he did seem to do well as a PH last year.
Too bad he didn’t get stuck at 2B last year with similar surprisingly good D instead of 1B. People would be a lot less perturbed about his offense!
trs86
3/25/2010-8:35am at 8:35 am (UTC -4)
Yeah most likely you are right. Pending on how good he was defensively.
trs86
3/25/2010-8:48am at 8:48 am (UTC -4)
Most likely useless info but here are the pitchers Murphy hit HR off of in September.
Beimel (9th inning score winning 6-3), Wells (4th inning 0-0), E’Oflaherty (8th inning losing 2-7), Lowe (4th inning losing 1-7), Brocail (4-1 8th inning)
ceetar
3/25/2010-8:51am at 8:51 am (UTC -4)
One of Sylow’s arguments is that all the pitchers sucked or had crappy September numbers.
The retort is that they had crappy September numbers because Murphy got to them.
Also, there are a ton of pitchers like this in the league. And even good pitchers occasionally throw bad pitches, so if Murphy has the ability to hit bad pitches out? yeah, that’s a good thing. It doesn’t matter who throws the pitch, it still counts the same when it clears the fences.
Hopefully with a full lineup he’ll be a little more relaxed and patient (Something he sorely needs, imo, is a leader to calm him down and guide him..paging Captain Wright..) and draw more walks.
trs86
3/25/2010-8:55am at 8:55 am (UTC -4)
Yeah I am not arguing that at all. However, we all know that September against teams not in the race you end up with less competition and less drive. That’s evident.
trs86
3/25/2010-8:56am at 8:56 am (UTC -4)
I do have to ask you this because I know you will answer this rationally. Is there a team in the majors that would trade their 1B for Murphy?
ceetar
3/25/2010-9:07am at 9:07 am (UTC -4)
Probably, but also probably not from a production standpoint (Some team may take a chance on a younger cheaper guy if they’ve got an expensive crappy 1B), and I’d have to look at who like the Pirates and Royals are running out there, don’t recall.
ceetar
3/25/2010-9:20am at 9:20 am (UTC -4)
Looking at Yahoo stats at guys who were listed as 1B last year (no good way to confirm this was really where they played? especially the AL teams..but..)
Aubrey Huff .241 average, .694 OPS, 15 home runs.
ty Wiggington listed CI for Baltimore. ,273/.714 11 HR
Cantu: .289/.788 16 HR.
LAD James Loney: .281/.756 13 HR
Sure, Murphy is at the bottom of the pack, and I’m not sure Wiggy or Huff were playing 1B, but there are other bad 1B. Loney’s don’t exactly look great.
There also appears to be a precendant for a 60point jump in OPS. Hard to quantify because a lot of guys have half years here and there, but like, Mattingly, Gonzalez, Derrek Lee, all had over 100 points jumps to what became roughly their career average at one point.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
Yeah I did not say worse as much as I am implying trade theirs. You may be right about a salary dump. Wiggy of course does not count as he is a utility guy and I don’t know where Huff is going to play. Most likely 1B but that was a really bad year for him.
No way would the Dodgers or Marlins trade Cantu or Loney for Murphy though right?
ceetar
3/25/2010-9:42am at 9:42 am (UTC -4)
I think I kinda liked Loney the little I saw from him.
Cantu has to be approaching ‘money’ year right?
but say Murphy has a slight increase. hits 18 home runs, .270, maybe a .330 OBP..something modest but an improvement.
Someone may want to take someone that’s not going to be paid that much, especially given that they may decide he can hold down 3B or LF or even 2B.
If he improves I bet there will be teams that would consider him, I dont’ think it’ll be a case of utility guy or release.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:46am at 9:46 am (UTC -4)
IF he converts to a utility guy then he has a LOT more value.
ceetar
3/25/2010-9:47am at 9:47 am (UTC -4)
Maybe Manuel will play him at SS this year too, randomly, when he decides Reyes and Castillo need a day off on the same day.
stickguy
3/25/2010-9:52am at 9:52 am (UTC -4)
I like that. I also loved having Kevin Mitchell play SS back in the day. I thought they should have made it a FT gig.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:59am at 9:59 am (UTC -4)
Hey if Tatis can still play a little SS or Jacobs C then why not Murphy.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:03am at 9:03 am (UTC -4)
I mentioned this yesterday but I would not mind picking up Gaudin from waivers. He is basically a 27 year old better version of Figgy that actually CAN pitch out of the pen and start.
prismo
3/25/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, that’s all swell…but does he whine as much as Figgy? I’d really miss the constant whining.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:43am at 9:43 am (UTC -4)
LOL, most likely not. But that being said most likely someone WOULD pick him up when we released him.
stickguy
3/25/2010-9:53am at 9:53 am (UTC -4)
I guess we will find out, after seeing if anyone picks him up after the yanks released him!
trs86
3/25/2010-9:58am at 9:58 am (UTC -4)
LOL, true. Little different situation in the fact that they know the Yankees won’t keep him and they can have him for 2M cheaper if they wait.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-9:47am at 9:47 am (UTC -4)
shhhhh relax, it’s almost over and then that annoying Figgy will be going bye bye.
Think happy thoughts, Mets Win, Mets Win…..
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
According to a Murphy quote on MC’s blog:
“I played around with some things early on and didn’t play very well,†Murphy said, according to Newsday. “But I’m starting to feel good now and I think it’s at the right time.â€
Goes along with not taking ST stats too seriously for some.
stickguy
3/25/2010-9:43am at 9:43 am (UTC -4)
Kind of like the guy that posted the batters that Mejia faced.
COuld be why you see some unknows have these great springs, then get a cold dose of reality when the RS starts.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
True about ST numbers but of course everyone is basically facing them. There were some for sure major leaguers thrown in there too. Obviously as I said earlier if Mejia makes the team it’s not just because of his ST numbers. It most likely will have just as much to do with what they have seen in practice and many conversations they have had with him and vets.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
I would copyright that if I were you.
It would make a great bumper sticker to sell at the Mets Clubhouse.
ceetar
3/25/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
This is why i like Murphy and think he’ll do well. Because he cares. He tries. He works hard. He’s shown the ability to move a bat horizontally to strike a ball hard. once you have the ability, a lot of it is hard work. I do think he needs to relax, grow up a bit, get comfortable. hopefully he can do taht this year under the leadership of a Captain (INCOMING POST!)
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
I agree with you. He works hard and that’s what most people like about him.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:55am at 9:55 am (UTC -4)
Yeah I like Murphy and his demeanor is a big part of that. However, working hard does not a starter make.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
I agree with you and because of his demeanor, I think he’s getting a chance at 1B this year.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-9:54am at 9:54 am (UTC -4)
You think that maybe that is why fans root for him Because he cares, He tries, He works hard rather than he can hit?
I find myself paying him the same compliments but I am concerned I am letting that get in the way of the reality that he just may not be an everyday MLB Player.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:57am at 9:57 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I have noticed that there are a few players you just don’t insult on the Mets without a backlash.
Obviously
Wright, Reyes, Beltran, Johan and Krod
But then there are guys like Murphy and Figgy that people want to root for and defend to the highest degree because of their story.
This is where I think guys like Castillo get a raw deal.
trs86
3/25/2010-9:57am at 9:57 am (UTC -4)
Add Pagan into that Castillo mix as well as Tatis.
ceetar
3/25/2010-9:58am at 9:58 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think Tatis is a hard worker, personally.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
LOL, really? How could you say that at all. This is a guy who was out of baseball who came back to have one of his best seasons ever and the only reason he came back was to fund a local charity. Come on.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
it’s that fund a local charity thing that bugs me. It’s noble and all, but it really is “I came back for the money”. If he said that, he’d be crucified. And he built his church already, so now it has me questioning his motivation.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
LOL, so now he should just quit because he built the church?
I can’t see how anyone would question how hard Tatis plays. We might be able to disagree on his ability level but the guy based on everything we have read or heard hustles every play and is a great clubhouse guy who never complains.
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-10:04am at 10:04 am (UTC -4)
I don’t know about that. Towards the end of last season, GKR were always commenting if there was one guy on the team who continued to play hard, make every effort, do whatever they asked of him – it was Tatis. They were always saying he never treated any game like the season was over, even though it was. He never mailed it in.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
Tatis is a guy that has been moved from position to position, ask to learn almost every position. Been in and out of the lineup, platooned and disappeared. Not contacted by the Mets really until February and all that time never uttered a word.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:06am at 10:06 am (UTC -4)
I think it is always nice to root for anyone to do well of course. I don’t know if your comment is suggesting that maybe I only root for Figueroa because of his story so just in case for the record I only rooted for the best player for the rotation and having watched Figueroa pitch this Spring I feel he has shown way more than what A Sean Green has for example.
I agree also some people give Castillo a hard time unfairly still because if you look at what he did offensively last year you would have to be blind to suggest he played bad for us in 2009. I admittedly not being a fan of him still recognize his contribution to the team in 2009 and have said so on many occasions.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:10am at 10:10 am (UTC -4)
Not implying you NJ. It’s a fact that some of these guys we make more than they are because they are good stories. No reason at all for people to choose Figgy over Nieve or Misch but they do and I feel mostly it’s because of his story.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:16am at 10:16 am (UTC -4)
Of course your entitled to your personal opinions as to why people like one person over the other. I just wanted there to be no assumptions as to why I think Figueroa deserves a spot on the roster on Opening Day. Had he been having a poor Spring He would never have been a thought story or no story.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
Yet Misch is having a similar spring and is much younger and put up similar numbers to Figgy last season. Don’t see a big deal being made over him NJ.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Your welcome to do so. I already made my case for which pitchers I think should be on the Opening day roster the other day and Misch was on it.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:35am at 10:35 am (UTC -4)
I saw it and I am even ok with Figgy making it over Green for sure.
I am just saying that does not appear to be the Mets plans. Thus if it comes down to Misch or Parnell who are you picking and why?
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
Also I don’t recall a loud anti-Misch sentiment in the last weeks. Possibly because of exactly what you said he has been pitching well.
I know what made me comment at times was reading all the anti-Figueroa sentiment a lot by you taking jabs at him in spite of the Spring he was having. Especially when other fighting for a spot were not setting themselves apart with better performances.
In a year where we desperately need to not be careless and eliminate anyone without giving them a proper look over.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
Hey I did not really take jabs at him personally other than the fact of saying he’s not a very good pitcher, nobody wanted him and he whines a lot. LOL.
Oh and he’s old.
But back to the anti-Misch. It’s not about the anti statements. It’s there’s not a large out cry on what seems like every blog for Misch to make the team but there is for Figgy? Why?
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
TRS, you want me to tell you why there’s not a large out cry on what seems like every blog for Misch to make the team but there is for Figgy?
I wish I could tell you that but if you can’t I don’t see how I can answer that one. I believe you said you think it is about his story.
I don’t know what it is it may be because no one expects him to be cut. That sounds like a good post idea for you. You should write and ask the blogosphere that and see what replies you get.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
Nah, we are beating this story to death already. I am interested in the commenters in here telling me why they would rather have Figgy over Misch if forced to choose. In my opinion it’s one or the other as to me they both would have the exact same role.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Agreed you are riding this either Misch or Figueroa choice to death but I am glad you said it 1st.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
In reply to your question of if it comes down to Misch or Parnell who am I picking and why? Again I wrote this in my post I think Parnell having options should go down to AAA and give Figueroa one last look in MLB games and see if he can do what he has been doing all Spring and then decide accordingly.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
Huh? I may have misspoke. I ask if it comes down to Misch or Figgy who do you pick and why?
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
TRS you love making these it has to be one or the other scenario questions.
Again I don’t think either should be cut. They should be given a look in MLB Games and then decide accordingly.
I don’t agree that either should be cut yet. If you had to cut a player today gun to the head I would go with Misch. Why? Younger player
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
Neither.
They are both absolutely terrible, have been for years.
Neither is a pitcher a winning team has on their roster.
Misch is younger, but sucks.
His splits are equal; he cannot even get lefties out.
Calero gets lefties out far better than Misch.
It is all irrelevant, as there is pretty much zero chance either of these rotten jokers is making the team. Thank heavens.
trs86
3/25/2010-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
That’s all I wanted to know NJ. Yeah we all make up scenarios. It’s kinda what we all do on here if you take a step back.
In my opinion you look at roles in the pen too where in my opinion Figgy and Misch provide you basically the same thing.
trs86
3/25/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
Calero I think makes it either way. There will need to be a long man Kingman so in my thoughts with Nieve being considered for the setup position that means it will either be Taka if he does not make the rotation or Figgy/Misch.
If Taka does not make it then yeah they both get cut.
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
Yes sir TRS….Costa reported in the Ledger yesterday and Jerry was quoted as saying Niese is now the leader for the 5th spot….so then you have Taka AND Nieve in the pen, which means that, blissfully, we can wave byebye to Figgy AND Misch.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
Agreed TRS, Mish and Figueroa would have same roles that is why I continue to say neither should be cut till you see what they do in MLB Games but gun to the head is what you like instead.
I hope the Mets don’t use your logic and explore more deeply their choices and don’t make decisions as if they had a gun to their heads.
trs86
3/25/2010-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
Sometimes that roster decision is in fact gun to your head. I can’t see the competition for long man/ mop up guy spilling into the season at the cost of not having a more effective guy.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
That would explain a lot about the Mets failings.
trs86
3/25/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
LOL OK whatever.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-9:58am at 9:58 am (UTC -4)
I heard Joe & Evan this morning in place of Boomer & Carton talking to Bob Klapisch. And Klapisch liked the idea of having Mejia in the Mets BP not as a 8th or 7th inning guy, but as someone who comes in at no pressure situation and face the real major league hitters and the fans etc in April.
If that’s the case, why have Mejia at all? I understand that you don’t want to put him in a pressure situation at first, but the whole point of having him in the majors was to make him the 8th inning guy, because no one is really stepping up, no?
So what’s the point of having Mejia in the BP? Just to experiment and see where he is in the majors? If it works out, he’ll be the 8th inning guy, and if it doesn’t send him back to the minors and start? It just doesn’t make sense.
stickguy
3/25/2010-10:00am at 10:00 am (UTC -4)
I agree. It is a total waste of time to have him as a mop up man like that.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I can see the first 10 appearances not being in the 8th inning but after that it would defeat the purpose for sure.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:03am at 10:03 am (UTC -4)
I just assumed Manuel would bring him in with the bases loaded and no outs with the Mets down by one in the 9th.
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
LOL….
Yeah, I don’t get it. Either he starts in the BP as the 8th inning guy – or what is the point this year?
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
Yup. First 10 appearances are okay with mop up duties, but I would hate to see Mejia experiment to turn out like Parnell last year.
stickguy
3/25/2010-9:59am at 9:59 am (UTC -4)
there is a bigger picture here. And TRS should be mentioning it more, since it is part of his credo.
Let’s just admit that murphy is somewhere between complete suckitude/worst player in MLB (the Sylow position), and just one of the worst statistical 1Bs (the TRS position).
Well, so what? Whatta you gonna do about it sucka?
After all, only the Yankees have an all-star at every position, and another to back him up, right?
So Murphy happens to be holding down the cheap young guy position at the moment.
And if he is not good enough for you, be specific about who you want instead. And what the Mets will have to give up to get said player (so no Figgy for Fielder proposals!)
I would love to see a 50% jump in output from 1B, but I don’t think Gonzolez is showing p this week. Hell, I cna’t even get rid of Castillo to upgrade 2B!
So, who is your repalcement? Would 3 years for Laroche been your ideal? Do you want to see Tatis daily? Are you ready to stick Davis out to sink or swim? Or god forbid, Jacobs?
anyway, with Reyes and Beltran back, even with Murphy in the lineup, the offense is pretty damned good, and they should score plenty of runs.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
I think Murphy is acceptable, decent, solid, whatever.
I don’t like LaRoche, I dont’ think he was better than Murphy, neither did I think that about any of the other players touted..Branyan? Ha..
njstuckintx
3/25/2010-10:11am at 10:11 am (UTC -4)
I concur. I’m fine with Murph, until he plays himself out of the line-up or Ike plays himself into the line-up. Or Gonzi gets himself inserted into our lineup! LOS METS!!! Kidding…
trs86
3/25/2010-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
Stick I think this again falls under the, can’t say something negative about Murphy without being labeled a Murphy basher.
Again I like Murphy, I am just not as optimistic about his stats as some of you are. I think him moving up to a .800 OPS is a stretch. However, I have said many times that right now that’s the best the Mets can do. Also, I have not focused on his ability at 1B, I just answered a question on that one. My concern is much more about his spot in the lineup. Right now I don’t see him being a good 5/6 hitter but I will cheer him on as hard as I can. This is not a Figgy situation. I genuinely don’t like Figgy. I like Murphy.
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
I think the arguments – as Klapisch pointed out this moring, is most don’t understand the ‘marriage’ of Murphy (his words, not mine). Said he believes, as does most, that Davis should be the starting first baseman. That being said, he expects to see him up by July the latest.
Or maybe….IMO, they’re just stalling the clock to get the extra year of control and hoping Murphy can hold down the fort at 1st for a couple of months.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
It seems beat writers/reporters fall in love with prospects.
Also, they are much more suceptiable to the ‘small sample’ size, having seen it front and center it seems to mean more.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
Could be. Or perhaps trying to improve Murphy’s trade value. Who knows?
Again, I like Murphy but lets not raise our expectations too high AGAIN.
I see: .275, .330, .435, .765 15 HR, 35 Doubles, no clue on RBI.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
He was on pace for 15 last year had he been a regular, full time player. (projected based on average PA) I think he steps it up slightly. 18-20 HR, over 40Doubles. I don’t think expecting a slight improvement in power from a guy in his second year is raising expectations too much.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
You could be right. I am just not sure. As I showed early 5 of those HR came in September. Was that the real Murphy or did he just get hot in a month that was in non-competitive situations? I have no idea. I hope it’s the 3-5 HR a month Murhpy.
njstuckintx
3/25/2010-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
If it is either or a combination of both (increase trade value, stall a little on service time) or even just thinking Ike is close, but not quite ready, I would have to say they are going about this in the correct manner. Smart play fiscally and smart play developmentally.
I hope Murphy rips it up and we have a problem figuring out what to do with him. If his increased value helps to make a play for Arroyo or Gonzi or (insert player name the Mets could use), I can’t see how the plan currently in action isn’t the correct one.
metsfan4decades
3/25/2010-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
Agreed.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
No doubt that it is the correct one for now.
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
Anyone look at what Murph did in August and September, in his first year, after being rushed and having no time in AAA and being moved from unfamiliar position to unfamiliar position and being jerked around by Jerry the Joking Jerk?
Can we just give him a chance? And give Ike a chance to play at AAA which Murph was denied?
And I will say again, his OPS was 40+ pts higher than Jacobs last year, and those who think Carter is anything, well, I respectfully disagree. He should have been winning the AAA triple crown by last year, not declining across the board. He is Figgy–a minor league/AAA star.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
No one on here Kingman is saying to not give him a chance. EVERY poster on here has said he is our best options and deserves a chance to lose the job.
What the argument mostly has been is how solid of a season we should expect from him.
Also, while I don’t want Jacobs starting you can’t use his one bad year as a complete judge anymore than you can use Murphy’s bad 1st half or decent 2nd half as a judge.
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
Jacobs’ ONE bad year??
Did you mean his one bad CAREER??
His OBP has been UNDER .300 the last two years.
He has topped 20 HR one time, and this is his one alleged strength.
In 520 or less PA his four full years:
His BB totals have been 45, 31, 36, 41.
His K totals have been 105, 101, 119, 132.
Jacobs is a very slow runner and a terrible fielder.
No one else wanted him.
?????????????
trs86
3/25/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
Can’t say no one else wanted him. It’s documented that a lot of teams wanted him for a bench position but he chose the Mets because he thought he had a chance of starting there and was familiar with them.
Yes if you focus on OBP he is bad, but your original comment was on OPS. “his OPS was 40+ pts higher than Jacobs last year”
The previous year it was .812 and his career average is .789. That’s much higher than Murphy last year. YES Murphy has a chance to improve but Jacobs also has a very good chance to return to his career average OPS. Now if we want to debate his other characteristics such as defense and speed we could but wouldn’t that be pointless considering no one here is advocating Jacobs over Murphy?
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I agree; pretty pointless.
I just think Jacobs is really, really awful.
And his lack of speed, his poor defense, his inability to play anywhere but first, and his even batting lefty like Murph really seem to make him utterly useless to this team.
And in Citi, would his slugging really get better?
trs86
3/25/2010-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
I have no idea about the slugging in Citi Kingman. He did have his best years in a pretty big park.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
Hey Ceetar my question still stands, do you think that maybe that is why fans root for Murphy Because he cares, He tries, He works hard rather than he can hit?
trs86
3/25/2010-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
I know you ask Ceetar but you know my opinion. Yes.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
I agree too.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
I think it helps. Not that fans can really be a judge of that. someone people think Reyes doesn’t work hard for instance.
Personally I believe there is a lot to the mental/hard work aspect to teh game, and it’s why I believev he can succeed and improve.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
Fair enough, thanks for replying.
Kingman 26
3/25/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
Another excellent point.
The guy never stops working and hustling.
And based on his minor league stats, and August and Sept last year, the jury is most definitely still out on how horrible he will eventually be.
njstuckintx
3/25/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
Would this explain the love for Super Joe McEwing?
trs86
3/25/2010-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
And David Eckencrappy. To be honest white scrappy players get a lot of love.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
O-Dog?
trs86
3/25/2010-10:33am at 10:33 am (UTC -4)
Not saying that no other players get that distinction. Odog is a great example. However guys like McEwing, Eckencrappy, Friel, etc in my opinion get held in much to high of a regard because of that.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
We need more diversity among beat writers/reporters. (via the post/news/etc, ESPN deportes doesn’t really count as diverse, it’s just a different group)
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
I think we need a fan representative. If you guys start a fund for me, I will sacrifice myself to be the fan representative and follow the Mets around on every game.
njstuckintx
3/25/2010-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
Just don’t pull a cerrone on us.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/25/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
So does that mean you’ll start a fund for me to be with the Mets all season long?
njstuckintx
3/25/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
I’ll put my 2 cents in. It’s the least I can do.
trs86
3/25/2010-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. It’s like the beat reporters are looking for a Cinderella man story all the time for these scrappy guys.
ceetar
3/25/2010-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
I think it was the clutch thing with Joe, who always seemed to kill Randy Johnson and many other big pitchers.
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
For what this is worth, in my “Rotowire fantasy baseball draft kit” Daniel Murphy is the 14th ranked 1B in the NL (16 teams), and 27th in MLB (30 teams).
trs86
3/25/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
Just out of curiosity who was ranked below him?
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
The NL only rankings go like this:
10 – Helton
11 – Huff
12 – Allen (AZ back up to LaRoche who is ranked 9th)
13 – Jacobs (uh, back up to Murphy?)
14 – Murphy
15 – Giambi (COL back up to Helton, 10th)
16 – Alonso
The MLB rankings go like this:
25 – Jacobs
26 – Overbay
27 – Murphy
28 – Aubrey (? BAL)
29 – Garko
30 – Kotchman (Garko & Kotchman are platoon partners in SEA)
trs86
3/25/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
So hmmm Giambi does not count as he is a backup.
Who is Alonso?
Garko and Kotchman I can agree with.
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
Yonder Alonso was the 7th overall pick in 2008 by Cincinnati but is blocked by Joey Votto. Someone’s going to have to move positions or be traded unless Alonso turns out to be a bust.
Yonder Alonso
trs86
3/25/2010-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
I found there is an Alonso for the Brewers too with nice minor league stats.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
So I see today’s lineup vs Cardinals looks tough.
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
trs86
3/25/2010-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
Not bad, looks like mostly their starting lineup. I will have to say if so their 6-8 is not very imposing either.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
That will be something that deserves monitoring during the season for sure.
GravediggerHebner
3/25/2010-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
Yadier Molina will be catcher (strained oblique yesterday) and bat either 6th or 7th I imagine. I assume Ludwick will be protection for Holliday but maybe I’m underestimating Rasmus.
I was watching some of the Cards game yesterday and the announcers were saying Ludwick 5th behind Holliday, and before he was removed from the game Molina was batting 6th.
On that note, I have Fox Sports Midwest as part of my DirecTV package so I should be able to provide some (illegal) play-by-play of today’s game.
Mr North Jersey
3/25/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
Nice….
gipperpdx
3/25/2010-3:42pm at 3:42 pm (UTC -4)
Lenny Randle? The only number 11 I think of when I think Mets is Tim Teufel. There are eleven Teufel Shuffle days left….