Exactly 6 hours ago at the stroke of midnight ESPN NEW YORK came online. How long they last, well only time will tell but I can say that after perusing the site for a few hours they have made a decent 1st impression. A news site is only as good as it’s reporters and speaking as a Mets fan having Adam Rubin is a good start. I am looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table in the coming months and wish them good luck.
Now speaking of Adam Rubin he definitely hit the ground running with his or rather ESPN’s Mets Blog. In it he is reporting that the odds of Mejia making the team is 60/40 according to a team insider.
He gives his predictions on the 2010 Mets even though I don’t agree with him.
He even gives you a weekly Farm Report that will be appearing every Wednesday starting April 14th.
There is even more but I’ll let you go see for yourself.
109 comments
prismo
4/2/2010-6:29am at 6:29 am (UTC -4)
Eh…Rubin. Used to think he was okay, then he turned into one of the overly negative Mets beat writers and never looked back. More Mets coverage is never a bad thing, but ESPN’s sensationalism really irks me.
On the other hand, I’m impressed with Andy Martino’s work so far with the Daily News (taking over Rubin’s role). He made a post yesterday about NOT worrying about Reyes. Good to see a bit of positivity from a beat writer, which is rare these days.
rustyjr
4/2/2010-7:34am at 7:34 am (UTC -4)
Especially after tge way Omar tried to demonize him
prismo
4/2/2010-7:41am at 7:41 am (UTC -4)
Right-on rusty. That was really the turning point. I think before that he was more-or-less unbiased, but after the incident Rubin had a vendetta against Omar. I don’t think it has anything to do with wanting his job, but everything to do with wanting Omar to get fired from a personal grudge. So he tries (maybe even subconsciously) to make the Mets look bad at every turn.
trs86
4/2/2010-7:44am at 7:44 am (UTC -4)
Like I said below, I think there was a lot more to that story that we may never know. I don’t think Omar would have just sit up there and flat out lied. Omar was mad and he let it go.
prismo
4/2/2010-7:48am at 7:48 am (UTC -4)
You may very well be right about that. In any case, I think it made *both* of them look pretty bad.
trs86
4/2/2010-7:58am at 7:58 am (UTC -4)
No doubt but Omar much worse. Very poor timing.
udontmesswthejohan
4/2/2010-8:58am at 8:58 am (UTC -4)
I agree. Omar certainly could have and should have handled the situation better, but Rubin lost all objective credibility in my eyes after that incident.
gipperpdx
4/2/2010-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
Before I heard that lengthy and excellent interview that was posted here the other day with Rubin on some LI-based sports radio show, I would have agreed. On the show, he seemed very balanced, exceedingly reasonable, and ridiculously well-informed.
Kingman 26
4/2/2010-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
Omar was right; perhaps he could have expressed himself better, but he was right on the money. Rubin is just another member of the pathologically slimy modern media, who was looking out for himself, and I am sure WAS looking for a better job with the Mets; after all, he left his job for a better one, didn’t he?
More people should do what Omar did and what Esiason did with Rosenthal regarding his ridiculous lies about the Met finances.
And what LaRussa and members of the Phillie front office said about Olney’s ridiculous lie about Howard for Pujols.
The major media, in every discipline, is out of control, and they lie ceaselessly to get attention and make more money.
Bravo for Omar and bravo for Esiason and bravo for the guys who called out the always lying Olney.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-7:33am at 7:33 am (UTC -4)
After reading the comments on some of these stories, it’s a sure bet I won’t be signing up to contribute.
There is nothing worse than trying to have a debate about all things Mets with non Met fans who only know what they ‘read in the paper’ and just spit it back out on these blogs…
78-84? Come on, Rubin. As currently constructed, you think the Mets are only going to win a handful more games than last year? The year 7/8′s of the team went down with injuries and we went to central casting just to put bodies on the field?
I may have my concerns about the pitching for this team but this is a little over the top – or should I say ‘under’ the top.
Then again, Rubin was the same guy interviewed last week who said Figgy has next to no shot to make the team opening day and Mejia would be sent back down.
Take it all with a grain of salt.
trs86
4/2/2010-7:43am at 7:43 am (UTC -4)
I used to really like Rubin but I will say this while Omar is not good on the public stage he is not stupid. While poorly timed I am willing to bet there was a lot more to that story than was ever let out.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-8:00am at 8:00 am (UTC -4)
I agree. There had to have been a shred of truth in Omar’s accusation of Rubin lobbying for a job. That just didn’t come out of nowhere.
Now, if that’s the reason he reported the Bernazard story, I highly doubt it, but Omar was just that angry that he had to fire a friend, he let that anger get the best of him at that press conference.
trs86
4/2/2010-8:05am at 8:05 am (UTC -4)
I am not so sure. Here is my question on the Tony story. How is it that Rubin was the ONLY one to pick up on this? Don’t you think other reporters would have heard about a guy loosing it and ripping his shirt off and challenging players to a fight?
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-8:18am at 8:18 am (UTC -4)
From everything I read, those problems were well known among many for awhile. Now, as to why no one ever made it public, why Rubin did and why he picked that time to, I have no idea.
If there wasn’t any truth to any problems with Bernazard, the Mets would have ignored it more or less, and the story would have died.
ceetar
4/2/2010-8:34am at 8:34 am (UTC -4)
Yeah. Exactly. Certainly makes it seem like Rubin decided to take a shot at he Mets there didn’t he? Typical of many reporters, he looked for the ‘different’ story, and the bumbling VP challenging players fit with the negative theme going on with the Mets. That’s why I didn’t have a huge problem with Omar’s “full disclosure” type reply where he put everything out in the open about Rubin as well.
joed1
4/2/2010-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
What some people forget is that Rubin also wrote for baseball America and covered the Mets for them since 2006. He had closer ties to all the Mets minor leagues than any of the other beat writers. You may also remember that during the season, Adam Rubin did a full and concise Minor League report every Friday on Surfing the Mets.
I know Adam, and he did 7 interviews for our site going back to ’06 and I can tell you he has no ax to grind against the Mets. The day before the Omar press conference from hell, Adam and me were doing another interview and I asked him about the Mets front office. I dug up the interview here: http://metsmerizedonline.com/2009/07/qa-with-adam-rubin-beltran-halladay-mets-prospects-more.html, but here is the question.
3. It seems like there is so much controlled chaos surrounding the team this year. It’s been a season full of mixed messages, crossed signals, miscommunication, misdiagnosis, etc. Whenever someone in management speaks, they only tell us parts of the truth and we don’t get all of the facts until days or weeks later. Are the Mets in as big a mess off the field as they are on the field?
Yes.
Afterward I asked him why he didn’t elaborate and he told me that he had too many relationships with the people in the front office and that he’d rather not say anything negative about anyone specifically, but that they just needed to improve communication as a whole.
The next day Omar called him out. Of course I immediately contacted him after the press conference and he told me he was shocked and at the same time hurt and disappointed in what happened and that he would do anything to just pretend it didn’t happen and put it behind him. He told me Omar apologized to him right after the presser was over.
I believe that Rubin has gotten a bad rap since that day, and all he ever did was perform his job. It would have been irresponsible of him to say nothing after he learned of the Bernazard incident.
I also know that Rubin has as many sources if not more than Heyman in the Mets organization, but he has never used them to propagate false trade rumors or Mets moves. When Rubin says a Mets source told him something regarding the team’s intentions, he has the best track record of anyone else out there including Sherman and without a doubt Rosenthal, Gammons or Heyman.
I just wanted to throw in my two cents guys!
Happy Holiday weekend to all of you here at TRDMB, and here’s to a great season beginning on Monday.
Lets Go Mets!!!
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
Thank you Joe.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
Thanks, like I said I don’t think we will ever find out the entire story. Good break to you as well.
ceetar
4/2/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
I don’t have any problem with Rubin or him writing that, but I just don’t really have a problem with what Omar said either. There probably was some truth to it, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that someone working for a newspaper would be inquiring about other jobs. (oh look, and he left that job didn’t he?)
trs86
4/2/2010-7:58am at 7:58 am (UTC -4)
Crap, this makes no sense.
Beltran will most likely now not be back until after Memorial Day.
prismo
4/2/2010-8:01am at 8:01 am (UTC -4)
Where do you see that? Doesn’t make sense, I’m skeptical.
trs86
4/2/2010-8:04am at 8:04 am (UTC -4)
Well based on Omar yesterday, Beltran will not start running until Mid-April then it will be 4-6 weeks before he returns. Lets say April 15th. That would put him back around May 27th.
prismo
4/2/2010-8:06am at 8:06 am (UTC -4)
So how do you feel about the overly-cautious Mets now?
Seems like they went from one end of the spectrum to the other.
trs86
4/2/2010-8:09am at 8:09 am (UTC -4)
LOL, yeah always seems that way.
I am hoping that he is back about 4-6 weeks from now but it certainly does not look like it.
You know this will be a telling year for Beltran. If he does not come back until June and the Mets go no where the trade Beltran chants will begin again.
Problem we now have is that the Mets no longer see Fmart as a CF and are not even going to let him play it in AAA.
ceetar
4/2/2010-8:38am at 8:38 am (UTC -4)
The cautiousness is pissing me off more than the stuff last year. Can we at least get a reason it’ll take 4-6 weeks? no way a player in Beltran’s shape needs a full spring training. Will he only be able to do light running come April 10th? He’s taking at least light BP right now with no pain. I understand the idea of slowly building up the knee muscle, but let us know what’s going on. Once Beltran is completely unhibbited, minors games (7-10 according to him to be ready, and i _will_ be in Brooklyn for one of thsoe rehab games), he should be back..
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-8:56am at 8:56 am (UTC -4)
I’m with you. Even DL-ing Reyes… I mean, what are 5 extra days going to do. Opening day, day off, play on wednesday, give him off thursday, let him play friday. Then you can go buck wild and let him play a 2nd game in a row on saturday. Is having an extra person on the roster by DL-ing Reyes really needed?
As for Beltran, if he isn’t back in 4 weeks (ie, takes longer) and then doesn’t rip it up immediately, people will be calling for his head. I don’t agree with it, but I can see it going in that direction.
ceetar
4/2/2010-9:05am at 9:05 am (UTC -4)
Depends if the Mets are winning at the time.
Here’s the thing with Reyes..you could ease him into things if you want, in the majors. Or get him back a day early by not DLing him and gettnig teh 25th man by not bringing Niese until Sunday as the 5th starter (can’t with Perez cause of the contract I don’t think..)
udontmesswthejohan
4/2/2010-9:13am at 9:13 am (UTC -4)
Ceetar,
Don’t you understand that if they allow him to go out there and play before he is 100% healthy, then they open themselves up for all kinds of criticism?
And as far as your right to know about someone else’s peresonal medical history, well, to put it bluntly, there is no right.
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-9:20am at 9:20 am (UTC -4)
Honestly, we’re going to criticize them either way.
ceetar
4/2/2010-9:27am at 9:27 am (UTC -4)
It’s been reported by Ed Coleman, by Reyes, by Manuel, by Omar, that Reyes is 100% healthy and this is a baseball issue.
I’m not asking about Beltran’s medical history, I’m asking about the team’s plans for his _baseball_ rehab. When will he be completely 100% getting ready to play, running full out, etc?
prismo
4/2/2010-8:05am at 8:05 am (UTC -4)
Davidoff’s NL East Prediction:
Mets finish in 4th.
“I think they could linger around .500, so I guess you could say they’ll finish a “strong fourth.”
I can already tell I’ll be fully embracing the underdog role this season.
trs86
4/2/2010-8:08am at 8:08 am (UTC -4)
Here is the even more interesting question. If they are finishing 4th with a record of .500 then how bad will the Phillies record be? Perhaps everyone is with-in 5 games of each other?
Those 12 Mets wins gotta come from somewhere.
prismo
4/2/2010-8:10am at 8:10 am (UTC -4)
Don’t forget that the Nationals should be better this season too, even if it’s just by a few games. If the Mets finish in 4th at .500 you have to figure the Phillies win the division with less than 90 wins.
ceetar
4/2/2010-8:39am at 8:39 am (UTC -4)
I’m done with taking any predictions seriously. They’re all a crap shoot.
What record do the Mets need to have before they’re taken seriously? ahead of the Phillies after they play them May 1 with Beltran looming? (I was really hoping Beltran could come back for that series)
trs86
4/2/2010-8:49am at 8:49 am (UTC -4)
A post season.
ceetar
4/2/2010-9:06am at 9:06 am (UTC -4)
Does it have to be a deciding walk-off win with Beltran driving in a run off a curve ball too? Does the opposing team have to be wearing Red?
ceetar
4/2/2010-9:07am at 9:07 am (UTC -4)
Realistically, they need to be playing baseball longer than the Yankees.
gipperpdx
4/2/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
Meh. Omar himself said we’re expected to be a4th place team. Of course, he then went on to say how low expectations from the media can be a good thing, blah, blah, blah. personally, I’d be thrilled with a few over .500, third place. Pitching wins baseball games, and folks, we have bad pitching. 2011 looks brighter – I don’t expect a long slump or rebuilding for years on end. We’ll be in the hunt as soon a 2011.
trs86
4/2/2010-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
Gipp though suspect, this pitching staff has talent. Things will have to break right but I am not ready to write off 2010.
gipperpdx
4/2/2010-12:56pm at 12:56 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, I have ordered my Extra Innings package, and will be at my first Citi field game in late May, and am looking at when they are in SD, SF and AZ for games to attend out here. But, I just have no faith in MOP. I hope I am wrong. Overall, with Jenry and Ike and some of the other kids, and the FA class next off-season, I remain optimistic for the future.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2010-9:12am at 9:12 am (UTC -4)
Why is it so danged hard to find quality pitching?
I’m reading all over that just about everyone is still looking for pitching – with the exception of the Braves who actually GAVE quality pitching away.
I have to assume having the talent to pitch in the ML successfully is more fleeting than players staying healthy lately….
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-9:22am at 9:22 am (UTC -4)
Well, when the collective baseball league goes from a 4 man rotation to a 5 man rotation to a 5 man rotation with strict pitch counts, you tend to thin out the pool of talent.
ceetar
4/2/2010-9:28am at 9:28 am (UTC -4)
That’s just one theory. There is also the whole reliever thing, which now contains guys that may have been servicable starters.
Also, the other sports have some of them. 50+ years ago if you were athletic in the US, you played baseball.
trs86
4/2/2010-9:55am at 9:55 am (UTC -4)
Also damn expansion. Too many teams.
gipperpdx
4/2/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Definitely all of the above, but especially expansion! I mean, I am not that old at 34, and I remember growing up with just two divisions per league, and no teams in Tampa, Miami, Phoenix,or Denver. Heck, even Seattle and Toronto weren’t around until I was a toddler.
So, think of those 4-6 teams and all the pitchers they need in all realms (SP, LRP, MRP, SU, Closer) at all levels (MLB, AAA to Rookie League) and how that dilutes the pool of talent from the other teams!
Kingman 26
4/2/2010-10:18am at 10:18 am (UTC -4)
Yes, a combo of what Ceetar and TRS say….way too many teams, combined with 5 man rotations, combined with kids playing a zillion different sports instead of just baseball and football like 50 years ago, combined with pitchers being ridiculously babied, I think all are the reasons.
And also, the smaller parks and places like Yankee Stadium moving in the fences and juiced up hitters I think also play a role.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-9:57am at 9:57 am (UTC -4)
I still don’t understand the logic behind choosing Frank Cat over Carter. Carter having options cannot be the only reason. If that’s the logic, why not send Niese down to AAA and keep Misch, Nieve, or Figgy as the 5th starter?
Frank Cat does not have any versatility over Carter in terms of defensive position. He plays 1B, 2B, and OF. He’s no use at 2B because you have Cora as the MI backup. So his role is 1B and OF which is exactly what Carter’s position is.
I don’t understand.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
Neither do I. Why should we be concerned that Frank Catalawhatever would leave? Seems like a good guy but I am not to happy with keeping Figgy and Cat because they are good guys. We already have Cora.
njstuckintx
4/2/2010-10:06am at 10:06 am (UTC -4)
Better the devil you know, I guess. I’d rather grip it and rip it with some younger unporven guys, like Carter, than running with retreads. Playing it safe, says the management team… sigh.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:12am at 10:12 am (UTC -4)
I agree. Frank Cat has ZERO upside. He is what he is. With Carter, he certainly has a lot of upside and can certainly be a trade commodity if he performs like he’s doing now.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
At least with Figgy, he’s shown something this ST. Frank Cat hasn’t showed jack sh*t this ST. I’m sure he’s a nice guy and a NY native and all. But it doesn’t make sense.
Kingman 26
4/2/2010-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
You have it backwards.
Figgy is a nice guy and a NY native with a decade-long career record of sucking long and hard.
Cat is a very versatile player with a decade-long record of being a pretty good player.
Kingman 26
4/2/2010-10:11am at 10:11 am (UTC -4)
Why do you keep saying this? Cat has HUGE versatility position-wise over Carter.
Cat plays several positions and has on a major league level.
Cora cannot back up 2nd base while he is starting at SS! Do you think he can?
And Carter is a minor leaguer; Cat has years of success at the MLB level.
Cat is clearly the best choice right now. If Jose comes back soon, which is far from clear, then you reconsider.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
Kingman he does not have any more. Even ask Cat. He was asked yesterday what position he considered himself and he said mostly OF. Said he could play some 1B but does not feel comfortable there and could play 2B in a pinch. Go back and look at his stats. He has not played anything but OF and a little 1B since the early 2000′s. Unless you want to count his 7 innings last year.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
IF (and a big if) Cora is the starting SS or 2B, that means one of the two MI guys are on DL. If that’s the case, do you think Omar would make Cat the backup MI? I highly doubt it. The thing is, I don’t want to see Cat playing 2B. I’d rather have the Mets call up Tejada to backup MI position. Also if Cat can be considered as the backup 2B, you should also consider Tatis for the same role as well. Tatis has played more games at 2B than Cat did past 7 years!!
I don’t see the versatility in Cat over Carter.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. He admits he is an OF that can play a little 1b in an emergency and very little 2B.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:18am at 10:18 am (UTC -4)
Keeping Cat over Carter makes perfect sense to me.
The role is “guy off the bench.” So do you want someone who has roughly 30 MLB at bats and doesn’t particularly field any position in that role, or someone who has ably filled the “guy off the bench” role for years and can at least stand (and possibly more) at more positions than the 30 AB guy.
To me, there’s not even a decision. I like Carter and I could see him as the starting 1B with Murphy out, but to me it makes about as much sense to have Val Pascucci on the Mets bench as it does to have Carter there (or Mike Jacobs for that matter).
trs86
4/2/2010-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
Thing is Grave, Cat has admitted that he’s basically an OF and emergency 1B. Isn’t that what Carter is?
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
No Carter is a DH.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
OK Grave. Obviously we have no stats to say so I can’t really defend that.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
Even if Carter and Cat were exact duplicates defensively, I would prefer to have the guy on the bench that I can call on to pinch hit or spot start who has almost 3800 MLB at bats with a line of .292/.358/.446 as opposed to the guy with 23 at bats and the line of .261/.308/.261, plus we know Cat has had success in a part time/bench role. We don’t know that Carter can or would.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
Thing is Grave, Carter has hit very well in AAA and never been given the chance. His 23 AB’s can’t be used as a crutch against him. We have tons of stats in the minors that show he should be given a chance. Of course here is where it will be pointed out that his numbers have dropped “dramatically” in AAA (not by you). LOL.
I just think with Murphy out that considering his AAA numbers and performance he deserves a chance to play 1B and give guys like Bay and Frenchy a break early.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
I partly agree with what you’re saying here.
If Mike Jacobs was not a Met (and maybe even though he is a Met), I would endorse Carter to play 1B while Murphy was out. I would want Davis to play some AAA ball and there would not really be any other option, Carter would get the job partly by default and partly based on his numbers from the minors.
But the role here is bench player, pinch hitter. Carter has no resume for that. Cat does.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:36am at 10:36 am (UTC -4)
One thing Carter has going for him is the power. Right now, the Mets don’t have that power bench guy. I think Carter can do that. Carter obviously has more power than Cat.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
How does one build a resume Grave?
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
Ideally they build that resume at a time and in a place that doesn’t potentially negatively impact my favorite team. While the Mets are already undermanned with Beltran & Reyes out, and simultaneously the Phillies are down 2 key relievers and a starter, I want as many known quantities as I can get helping my favorite team win as many games as it can.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:59am at 10:59 am (UTC -4)
So in other words Carter is useless unless there is another injury? Because if he goes to AAA and hits .800 he still will have no experience.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
No, as I noted below at 11:02am Carter now goes to Buffalo to gain actual experience in the role of part time, back up, pinch hitter.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
But what’s the upside with Cat? How much of contribution do you think you would get from Cat that are different from what you would get from Tatis?
What’s the point of having 2 guys who does basically the same thing?
Sure Carter does not have much experience. But he can provide more power, he can be the DH for the interleague games.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
Very true in the comparisons of Tatis. As far as filling in for an entire game Tatis has shown to be more versatile lately.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
I understand where you’re coming from, but the thing is you say he “can” provide power and he “can” be the DH for interleague.
I say “we think he can” or “he might.” We know what Cat can do (Katmandu?) and for the role of guy who will likely 3 times a week step up to the plate in the 7th inning to pinch hit for a pitcher, we know what Cat can do and he does it well. We just don’t know what Carter can do, and putting him in a role he’s never had doesn’t strike me as a recipe for success.
As I said above, at the MiL level he’s been a starter, and therefore I’d be more comfortable plugging him into a starter’s role in MLB than I would a bench role.
He could immediately be great at it. He’s a great story and I would love for his big break to come in 2010 with the Mets. I still think it can, even though it won’t be Opening Day. IMO he’s callup # 1 if a(nother) 1B or a COF go down.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:49am at 10:49 am (UTC -4)
Thing is Grave when does he get the chance to build that resume? He has proven all he can in AAA. It’s not like sitting him on the bench will stunt his growth. I just think that he needs to be given a chance. We could actually play with 24 and leave Cat behind and most likely no one would know the difference. Could be the same for Carter or could be that he proves that his AAA numbers are real.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I can’t believe after last season you would seriously suggest that the Mets just “play with 24.” They hamstrung themselves far too often last year by keeping injured players active.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
Grave I did not suggest they should. I said that he most likely will not make any difference at all. Carter might not either, then again he could prove that his AAA numbers are real and take off.
Seriously do you honestly think that Cat is worth even a 1/2 of a win over Carter right now worst case?
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
I see what you are saying Grave and I think that exactly why Omar/Jerry are going with Cat over Carter. Cat is a proven commodity and knows how to contribute coming off the bench. But I just think Carter has a lot more upside and who knows that he’ll end up as the Mets everyday 1B at the end of the season.
And even if Carter goes down to AAA, isn’t Ike Davis going to be the everyday 1B?
My point is that the Mets have a potentially good trade chip in their hand and they just don’t seem to be utilizing it.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
I think you just hit on it Kistics.
Davis is going to be the fulltime 1B at AAA. So what is it that Carter is likely going to do at AAA? Here’s my guess:
He’s going to begin the transition from failure to make the bigs as a starter to role player/bench player at the MiL level which will give him valuable experience toward filling that role at the MLB level.
This spring/summer in Buffalo, Carter will play occasional 1B, LF, RF, DH, and he will come off the bench to pinch hit, thus gaining experience at performing in a part time/bench role. It’s win-win.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
Perhaps the most important factor in any Cat v. Carter debate is that Carter has options. They can start with Cat and if he’s sucking eggs after 6 weeks, they can dump him and call up Carter. The opposite doesn’t work.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
That COULD Be true. We have no idea if anyone would claim Cat either.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
Precisely. We KNOW no one will claim Carter because he has options.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
True, but I think there is a better chance of Carter helping the team than Cat. Thus I am not concerned about losing Cat. Hell if we wanted an old guy to play OF and a little 1B couldn’t we sign Dye?
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
That’s true. But I’m sure the Mets can find another Frank “versatility” Catalanotto elsewhere.
Honestly, I don’t really see the difference between Cat and Tatis.
Kingman 26
4/2/2010-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
OK, Grave is nicer than me, but equally correct on this very obvious point.
As no one wants Figgy or Misch, there’s a reason no one wants Carter or Val Pascucci (or Mike Jacobs) either.
Carter is a minor leaguer. Cat has years of success as a major leaguer.
Apples and oranges my friends.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
Yup, you are right. LOL. What was I thinking?
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
Here’s a look at Tatis’ stats and Cat’s stats past 2 seasons.
Cat – 392AB, 29 2B, 3 HRs, 30 RBI, .276 .343 .736
Tatis – 613AB, 37 2B, 19 HRs, 95 RBI, .285 .352 .811
What’s the point of having Cat where the Mets already have Tatis who can be a solid contributor off the bench. Meanwhile Cat has no power, plays the same positions as Carter….??
trs86
4/2/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
Experienced LH pinch hitter is all I got.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
Ding ding ding! We have our winner!
Opposing team has a LH reliever on the mound, Tatis is announced as pinch hitter. Conniving opposing manager, anticipating this, has RH reliever warming up who he brings in. Manuel, being the genius manager we all know he is, then summons Cat off the bench to hit for Tatis!
Even outside that unlikely scenario, having both LH and RH skilled hitters who are versatile (if not good) positionally on the bench strikes me as a very good thing.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think Manuel goes to the well twice anyway. Besides Tatis basically has even splits.
Also again Grave Cat is no longer more versatile. He even admits it himself.
GravediggerHebner
4/2/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
You want the young guy who is new and exciting and might be very good, I want the old guy who is old and boring and is just plain good at the precise role we’re asking this person to fill.
To me that’s what it comes down to and I respect your right to want someone different with different skills to fill the 24th or 25th man on the bench than I do.
I can’t really continue to just rehash what I think is important for that role since it’s obvious you’re not going to be swayed to think differently about it, and neither am I.
Shall we move on to “The Phillies suck?”
trs86
4/2/2010-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
Sounds good.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
Yes. Phillies really do suck. I wish they re-sign Pedro at $8M
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
You have GMJ or Pagan as well.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
Can I chime in?
I think I was the 1st or at least one of the 1st way back before ST ever started that said having never seen Carter play he was my dark horse coming into camp for making the team.
As camp got under way Carter did nothing to disappoint me he displayed what his numbers said. The kid can hit.
The problem for Carter is he is a lefty so he is competing vs Cat and Jacobs for a bench spot. Jacobs is a one trick pony imo all he does is hit hr’s and Cat doesn’t really hit the long ball but is a better overall hitter than Jacobs. Carter I think can do both hit the long ball and hit for average but can he hit off the bench? I think he can but I think like Grave said because he has options the Mets can save him as insurance and see if Cat or Jacobs can do it 1st and adjust accordingly.
I being a Carter fan would rather they go with him over say Jacobs but I understand why he would be sent down. I made the same argument for the pitching I didn’t see why the Mets having pitchers with options would risk losing one through options and felt Misch Nieve and Figueroa should of made the team and given a look see in real games before deciding to place any on waivers.
trs86
4/2/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
I understand the logic of not losing guys. But chances are guys like Figgy, Misch and Cat are not getting claimed anyway. At some point don’t we have to go with the BEST 25 players?
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-10:59am at 10:59 am (UTC -4)
Like you said “chances are” why would they chance it if they don’t have to?
trs86
4/2/2010-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
To keep the best 25 players on the MLB team?
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
That is what they are trying to do. they are trying to keep the best 25 on the team with an eye at insurance in case they are wrong.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
Right but I guess the question is are these guys the best 25?
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
For the Mets yes
trs86
4/2/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
I guess that’s where I disagree. To me keeping Figgy and Cat so guys who in my opinion are better can be insurance in AAA is not fielding the best 25.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
I never said I agreed with the Mets.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
I said I understand why.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
I understand your point that Carter still has options. But even if Cat goes elsewhere and Carter stinks, I feel that there are other guys out there that is perfectly capable of doing that Cat can do.
I just don’t see the value in keeping Cat when you have
Tatis – who has proven himself to be a solid bench guy and some versatility
Pagan/GMJ – they both can contribute defensively and offensively off the bench
Cora – MI backup and plays the “good club house guy” role
Blanco – a catcher
I think Carter can offer that big power bat off the bench with potential upside.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
Very true. One thing we are forgetting is that Cat may be on the chopping block anyway when Beltran returns. If his value is really only as an OF then why keep him over GMJR or Pagan?
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. But if Carter performs like he’s performing now, I’d rather keep him on the bench and trade GMJR or Pagan.
Or trade Carter and GMJR to get a decent SP back.
trs86
4/2/2010-11:16am at 11:16 am (UTC -4)
Not gonna get much for that DND. Not unless it’s a salary dump. They could be hitting .600 and would still not net much.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
True.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
I think so too but seems like maybe the Mets don’t. To me the real auditioning starts Monday these names we keep mentioning Carter, Jacobs, Cat, Tatis, Nieve, and Figueroa any of those that find themselves on the 25 man roster come Monday will have to perform or else by late April they will be shipped out. The Mets if they are smart know they have no time to carry someone so they can wait for them to come around. They need to play winning baseball asap.
If they intend on nuturing these guys in hopes they develop they might as well do it with a Ike Davis at 1st and a Thole at Catcher and a Tejada at 2nd and change the slogan to “We believe in our prospects”.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/2/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
I wish they believe in Mejia as the prospect and not as the 8th inning guy.
Mr North Jersey
4/2/2010-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)