Very interesting read from Johnathan Mayo of MLB.com (yes they actually do publish some articles there):
Mets’ 2010 organization preview: Davis, Mejia highlights of upgraded farm system
“Hitter of the Year — Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF
It’d be hard to expect too much more out of the 2008 third-rounder, considering he made it to Double-A at the end of his first full season and finished the year with 17 homers and 17 steals. He’ll start the year in Double-A and look for him to go 20-20 and be among the system’s leaders in a host of offensive categories.
Pitcher of the Year — Jenrry Mejia, RHP
The one thing that could keep him from this honor would be too much time in the big leagues, where it’s conceivable the Mets would consider him in a bullpen role. Here’s thinking he’ll spend most of the year in the Minors, where he’ll start to harness his command and compete for the organizational pitching triple crown.”
77 comments
ceetar
3/29/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
That’s fair, except the way Ike Davis looked this spring..
Unless they’re assuming Davis will play in the majors by June, but I doubt it.
stickguy
3/29/2010-1:25pm at 1:25 pm (UTC -4)
Actually, with a good start, Kirk could be a piece that gets traded for a quality guy coming back.
He has skills, and should attract interest. Combine that with no immediate need in the OF, with F Mart already in front of him, and he certainly could be expendable.
Him and Tejada are 2 guys that should have trade value, but you could see the Mets being willing to trade.
I am terrible at figuring out approriate trade values (at least when you are dealing prospects for ML guys), but I wonder what a package of Kirk, Tejada and Familia would bring back (not saying you want to trade any/all of them, just speculating)?
Also, hwo did the Mets end up with all of their top (at least highest level) hitting prospects being left handed? Kirk, Davis, Thole, havens and F Mart.
Good think Wright and Bay are RH and will be around for a while.
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-1:31pm at 1:31 pm (UTC -4)
I know I’m the same guy who talks about how unusual/unlikely it is that so many minor leaguers will come up and be starters on the Mets in such a relatively short span of time (say now through Oct. 2012) but I for one am kind of looking forward to this OF in 2012: LF Bay, CF Nieuwenhuis, RF Martinez. So I’m not looking to trade him, personally.
Also, the great thing about so many of these guys being LH is that the Mets are “too” RH now.
stickguy
3/29/2010-1:37pm at 1:37 pm (UTC -4)
I actually think Kirk is the sleeper to be the best of the bunch. I don’t want to trade him either, but I was just trying to figure out who might be the most likely ones to go (from a FO perspective).
That also might be swinging too far to lefty heavy. I always thought that lefties tend to have bigger splits than RH batters (that is, LHP is more dominant against lefties than RH vs. righties.
They probably have a good balance now. 4 RH, 3 SH and 1 lefty, so against RHP 4 lefties. I guess 1 more won’t hurt.
Actually, just get the best damn hitters out there, and screw handedness!
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
Now there’s a team motto:
Screw Handedness!
Glad to hear your “trade Kirk” was more a look at what they might do as opposed to your desire.
ceetar
3/29/2010-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
nah, I hope they renew Beltran (and obviously that his leg issues are behind him). Discuss the idea that he’ll eventually move to RF or something based on his age. Retire and go to the Hall a Met.
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
I appreciate your perspective on that. I like Beltran a lot (said in my Francesa “I like Inge a lot” voice).
But for me what separates him is his speed on the basepaths and defensively, and given the uncertainty of his knees plus his advancing age, I’m OK with him leaving after this contract, because I don’t think it likely those attributes will continue and I’d rather they cut ties a year too soon than a year too late. He’s going to turn 35 in the first month of his next contract.
ceetar
3/29/2010-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
Well, a lot of it depends on how he plays up until that point of new contract. And also the players around him. If he’s willing to step down to RF, and we have studs like Davis and Martinez and Wright doing the heavy hitter stuff, and he can just be a smart, clutch, above average player I’d love to keep him around, and go to the Hall of Fame as a Met. we’re outnumbered up tehre you know!
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t argue with that.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
It will be interesting to see what Carlos does when his current contract is up.
I’d love for him to finish his career here.
stickguy
3/29/2010-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
no matter what he does for the next 2 years, be smart and kiss him goodbye. If he is still playing well, consider offering arbitration.
Besides, while it might be nice to have him step down into a corner OF, 7 hitter support role (a slightly better GMjr.?), you know that he won’t think that way. And more importantly, Boras will still expect to be paid like a star.
1 year for 10 mill? OK. 3/50? No thanks.
trs86
3/29/2010-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
Way too far down the road to even think about it. Beltran may come back and be better than ever and pickup where he did at the beginning of last year. He may come back and never be the same making the decision easy. Too much other stuff to worry about right?
stickguy
3/29/2010-3:07pm at 3:07 pm (UTC -4)
of course. But he asked!
asod75
3/29/2010-4:34pm at 4:34 pm (UTC -4)
I said that in the Arroyo post, that Kirk and a guy like Kyle Allen or Familia could bring back a frontline starter. Maybe throw another mid-level prospect in as well.
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-1:53pm at 1:53 pm (UTC -4)
Jon Niese with a 2-run double, Mets up 5-0 in the 2nd.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
lol – you go Jon.
I see Coste claimed by Nats.
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
Hasn’t reached my “live boxscore” yet but Eddie C on the radio says it’s now 5-3 Mets in the top of the 3rd.
The Nats sure love Mets catchers.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
Even more than the Mets seem too.
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
LOL.
I know Flores is injured yet again. I wonder if Coste makes the team as Pudge’s back up over Wil Nieves.
njstuckintx
3/29/2010-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
How’s he pitching?
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-2:06pm at 2:06 pm (UTC -4)
Through the 1st 2 innings, 2 hits, no runs, 1 bb, 2 K, but according to Eddie C’s update he’s given up 3 runs (so far) in the 3rd, but my MLB.com live boxscore is still in the 2nd inning.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-2:19pm at 2:19 pm (UTC -4)
Looks like 4 hits, 2 walks and 4 runs in the 3rd for Niese.
trs86
3/29/2010-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
Send him down and let Taka start the season.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-2:42pm at 2:42 pm (UTC -4)
But it looks like a 1-2-3 4th for Niese.
Mets up now 6-4.
stickguy
3/29/2010-2:52pm at 2:52 pm (UTC -4)
That’s what my plan is. Not that anyone actually pays attention to it!
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
As far as I can tell, Niese pitched 2 outs into the 5th w/o giving up anything and Valdes came in to get the final out. Must be on a pitch count?
stickguy
3/29/2010-2:59pm at 2:59 pm (UTC -4)
that they are. surprised they are so strict that he can’t do one more batter, but as long as he is healthy and stretched out, and got his stuff going, NP.
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:06pm at 3:06 pm (UTC -4)
except for Pelfrey, of course. what’d he throw, 106?
stickguy
3/29/2010-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
they did say at the beginning of ST that they were going to baby neise since he was coming off surgery.
Of course, they they use him normally and seem willing to have him start with the Mets and the manic gangster, proving once again to pay no attention when Met management is speaking.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
Peter Gammons ’6 Teams to Watch’ post has this to say:
‘The NL East is pretty good, with the Phillies, the Braves much improved and Mets players texting “we are a lot better than people think.”
Needless to say, we didn’t make his 6 teams to watch list.
stickguy
3/29/2010-3:17pm at 3:17 pm (UTC -4)
That’s quality journalism right there, I don’t care who you are.
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
Found some player props for the season.
Wright over/under 20.5 HR.
Wrights 25:1 to win the MVP (Pujols 2:1)
Santana 12:1 for the Cy Young (Halladay 5:2, the bastard)
Hamels over/under 13.5 wins.
Santana over/under 14 wins.
Rivera over/under I think it was 39.5 saves.
Howard 45.5 home runs, Werth 30.5
trs86
3/29/2010-3:18pm at 3:18 pm (UTC -4)
Hmmm
Wright: OVER
Hamels under
Santana over
Rivera over
Howard under
Werth over
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:25pm at 3:25 pm (UTC -4)
Werth over? really? I don’t see that one. I also think Rivera under.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
It’s his walk year.
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:27pm at 3:27 pm (UTC -4)
New York Mets Season Props
–
.
–
Home Runs – Jason Bay Wager is on 2010 Regular Season. Player must start season on active roster and play 140 Regular Season games for action. If player switches leagues or teams, stats will be combined.
Over
27½ (-115)o
(-115)u
Under
–
RBI’s – Jason Bay Wager is on 2010 Regular Season. Player must start season on active roster and play 140 Regular Season games for action. If player switches leagues or teams, stats will be combined.
Over
99½ (-115)o
(-115)u
Under
–
Home Runs – David Wright Wager is on 2010 Regular Season. Player must start season on active roster and play 140 Regular Season games for action. If player switches leagues or teams, stats will be combined.
Over
20½ (-135)o
(+105)u
Under
–
Batting Average – David Wright Wager is on 2010 Regular Season. Player must start season on active roster and play 140 Regular Season games for action. If player switches leagues or teams, stats will be combined.
Over .305
-115
Under .305
-115
RBI’s – Jeff Francoeur Wager is on 2010 Regular Season. Player must start season on active roster and play 140 Regular Season games for action. If player switches leagues or teams, stats will be combined.
Over
75½ (-115)o
(-115)u
Under
–
Wins – Johan Santana Wager is on 2010 Regular Season. Player must start season on active roster and start 25 games for action. If player switches leagues or teams, stats will be combined.
Over
14 (-120)o
(-110)u
Under
–
Saves – Francisco Rodriguez Wager is on 2010 Regular Season. Player must start season on active roster. If Player spends any time on DL wagers will be no action. If player switches leagues or teams, stats will be combined.
Over
39½ (-115)o
(-115)u
Kingman 26
3/29/2010-3:30pm at 3:30 pm (UTC -4)
LOVE Francoeur over on RBI and Wright over on batting average….
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
75.5? He’ll get that on outs batting behind those guys.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-3:35pm at 3:35 pm (UTC -4)
What are the numbers in ( )?
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:44pm at 3:44 pm (UTC -4)
those are the payoffs. believe something like -135 means gotta bet 135 to win 100? (or vice versa)
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-3:48pm at 3:48 pm (UTC -4)
gotcha
trs86
3/29/2010-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
Anyone got an update on the game?
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-3:26pm at 3:26 pm (UTC -4)
Parnell comes in, in the 6th and gives up a run on 2 hits.
I think Mejia is pitching the 7th.
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:28pm at 3:28 pm (UTC -4)
Mejia gives up a run on an FMart error.
stickguy
3/29/2010-3:30pm at 3:30 pm (UTC -4)
send them both down! Carpool, and save on gas.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
LOL.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-3:36pm at 3:36 pm (UTC -4)
Send Parnell to AA?
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:53pm at 3:53 pm (UTC -4)
Binghamton is only a couple of minutes out of the way of the route to Buffalo actually.
stickguy
3/29/2010-5:29pm at 5:29 pm (UTC -4)
I drive through Bingo quite often now whenever I head from Jersey up to NY to see my son at college. Not a particularly exciting town from what I have seen passing though on 81.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
And Mejia gives up a run.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-3:38pm at 3:38 pm (UTC -4)
MF is VERY concerned about the Mets BP, VERY concerned about Pelfry and the pitching looks VERY, VERY weak…..
Said the Mets need to add a starter and a reliever before they break camp this week.
He’s not worried about Santana – yet.
That on the heels of him proclaiming Vasquez will win 20 games this year – more than either Bernett or Petit. Yanks will win at least 98 games.
And he’s defending ARod right now – saying the Feds can’t prove he did HGH. Only way they can prove it is if ARod admits it and ‘why would he do that’?
Wonder what happened to that tweet late last week that had Pujols unofficially on the 100+ players who tested positive in 2003?
Mr North Jersey
3/29/2010-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
Sounds reasonable on AROD that is why I don’t understand why is ARod stalling?
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:45pm at 3:45 pm (UTC -4)
Who knows. it’s very weird. He’s had all spring, and now it’s likely going to happen during the season right? or he’s gonna get pulled into court?
Mr North Jersey
3/29/2010-3:46pm at 3:46 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t know.
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:49pm at 3:49 pm (UTC -4)
and neither do the Yankees. Lucky for them they won so they don’t get a ton of “wow, look how the players and management don’t communicate” articles.
Mr North Jersey
3/29/2010-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
Yep you get a lot of leeway when you win. Oh the perks of winning.
ceetar
3/29/2010-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
I figure with the Collapses it won’t be until at least November that they’ll get some respect.
Even if Santana pitches a no-hitter on Opening Day, the over/under is 5minutes before someone says “We knew Santana was awesome, it’s still about the other guys, don’t get to excited”
Mr North Jersey
3/29/2010-3:54pm at 3:54 pm (UTC -4)
I agree
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
LOL
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll take the under.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-4:08pm at 4:08 pm (UTC -4)
Boo.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
There was a tweet like that? That would suck… but then I am no longer surprised… even if Jeter tests positive.
Mr North Jersey
3/29/2010-3:49pm at 3:49 pm (UTC -4)
yea some site said it but nothing has been said since by anyone in the mainstream media.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
Well, some positives from today’s game:
Franceour went 3 for 3.
Murphy had a couple of hits.
Feliciano and Nieve pitched scoreless innings.
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-4:08pm at 4:08 pm (UTC -4)
In need of a good omen I am finding one in the fact that Niese pitched like crap and much of the roster played like crap, yet they won the game.
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-4:15pm at 4:15 pm (UTC -4)
Well, at least we’re scoring runs. Now if we can only keep the opposition from scoring runs….
The pitching is starting to worry me. I’ll reserve judgment until they all get started for real but here’s hoping the season doesn’t pick up where ST left off for our pitchers.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-4:16pm at 4:16 pm (UTC -4)
me too
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-4:24pm at 4:24 pm (UTC -4)
The pitching has worried me since the off season began. But just like you, I will not hold spring training against them once the regular season bell rings.
Typically every season I wait until roughly Memorial Day before I pass any serious judgment on individual players or teams as a whole. Who is on the roster and how they’re doing will be much more important to me then than on Tax Day.
stickguy
3/29/2010-5:34pm at 5:34 pm (UTC -4)
well, at the end of last ST, ollie was a mess from the WBC and his knee was already causing problems, Maine was not actually recovered from the shoulder surgery, Johan had chips floating around in his elbow and couldn’t full extend his arm, and Livan was winning the 5th starters job.
And they managed to be in or near first place in Mid-late May.
So hell yeah this year is looking better than last year pitching wise!
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
I think Murphy is still below the Mendoza line…. WHERE’S IKE DAVIS!!!!… just kidding
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-4:16pm at 4:16 pm (UTC -4)
So…MF is going to have Steve Phillips once a week on his show.
I happen to catch that show several weeks ago where he had him on for almost 3 hours, talking about his addiction, mistakes and took several calls on it. It was, for me, a bizarre format for a afternoon sports show.
ceetar
3/29/2010-4:19pm at 4:19 pm (UTC -4)
I can’t think o anything positive to say about this. so I just won’t.
GravediggerHebner
3/29/2010-4:28pm at 4:28 pm (UTC -4)
The Mike’d Up show just got a little sexier?
More people with axes to grind against the Mets are now on in afternoon drive?
The combination of their egos in that studio will surely lead to a fatal explosion?
metsfan4decades
3/29/2010-4:39pm at 4:39 pm (UTC -4)
LOL – here’s hoping he won’t once again go off on a rant about Beltran.
stickguy
3/29/2010-5:35pm at 5:35 pm (UTC -4)
His addiction to diet coke? How could Philips help with that?
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/29/2010-4:18pm at 4:18 pm (UTC -4)
Chris Coste claimed by the Nats. But he’s still a Philly!
stickguy
3/29/2010-5:37pm at 5:37 pm (UTC -4)
He will enjoy opening day. A guy I work with (phils fan of course) is going down to see the Phils, since it is easier to get tickets in Wash. than in Philly. And I imagine there will be plenty of others joining him.
Pretty much like CBP being full of met fans up until 2008.