A couple of days ago MLBTR.com ran this story: Daniel Murphy: What Position?
The article by Howard Megdal opens with the following line: “No one really disputes the fact that the Mets will be looking to trade Daniel Murphy. It is a team with weaknesses, while the one position where Murphy has excelled so far, first base, now appears to be the province of Ike Davis.”
So it appears the Mets have 3 options with Murphy.
- Allow him to further develop in the minors learning to play 2B as a possible replacement for Castillo.
- Send him to the minors to learn to be a utility bench player. I like this option but I wonder if Murphy is potentially worth more than this and if he is actually capable of playing passable defense at multiple positions.
- Trade him.
All three options have their merit and other variables will likely determine the Mets course of action.
Assuming that Megdal is correct and the Mets are looking to trade Murphy, what kind of value can we expect in return? What teams would be looking for a guy with Murphy’s “skill sets” (yes I just went there)?
I really don’t have any concrete evidence of any likely landing spots so I will save my guesses for the comment section. Feel free to throw your own ideas in as well.
146 comments
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
I don’t see him going anywhere. Right now, while I am sure the Mets would move him for a sueful piece (prospect?), I just don’t think he has that much trade value. But, maybe I am wrong.
So assuming they troll him and don’t get any bites (and really, no need to give him away just to get rid of him), what is the best option?
I vote for AAA playing 2B every day, to see how it works. Even if he doesn’t show enough to become a viable every day guy, it is the position he needs to learn to really become a valuable utility guy (at least for the mets).
Flame me, but he already showed plenty of skill at 1B. ANd he did play a lot of 3B in the minors. apparently not well enough to start there, but in a pinch, he certainly knows how to do it.
I also think he is fine in the OF. He looked pretty good (well, not “pretty” in the asthetic sense) in 2008. Citi seemed to confuse him a bit, but he can get by out there.
SO, IMO, if he can handle 2B well enough to to be an emergency defensive replacememtn (and maybe start witha FB pitcher on the mound!), his bat will play nicely in a super utility role. PH a lot, and spot start here and there. Has to be better than Cat in the role!
trs86
5/6/2010-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
I can agree that he would be better than Cat now but is that getting the most out of him?
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
Careful there TRS, sounds similar to my argument there regarding Carter.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
Big difference. Carter is older and has even less trade value. Carter is what he is and obviously has no future on the team. Murphy is still young enough to be considered a prospect.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
You could of fooled me.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
I usually do…
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-10:49am at 10:49 am (UTC -4)
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
carter has always been a better hitter thamn Murphy. I have to think, they way he is raking now, some team would have an interest in him if theMets refuse to ever proomte him.
You don’t think he could help a team like the pirates? Plus he is cheap and under control, the small market team dream.
Hell, I could see him going to the Phils to replace Ibanez, and hitting a bunch of balls into the short RF porch.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
I still think Murphy has more value than Carter. Murphy has at least been comfortable in one defensive position and has produced at the MLB level while be much younger. He also has options remaining and is under team control where as Carter I think is running out. One would have to think he is approaching MILB FA.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
TRS doesn’t agree with you.
I been there and back with him on this.
No point in trying but needless to say I agree with you stick.
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I shall put a red star on my claendar to mark this momentus occasion.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
getting the most out of him? Like they are with Mejia?
If they think that Murphy is just going to be a utility guy (like Mejia is a RP), then it probably is getting the most out of him.
If they want to trade him, then I guess he needs to play and do well a AAA, and if they think he can be moved as a starting 1B, then lose Jacobs and let him go.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
So back to the question. Will he be traded and if not what do they do with him?
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
I vote for play 2B in AAA for a coupole of weeks to see what he can do, and go froom there.
he needs to be playing someplace while he gets his legs and bat back in shape.
after that, make the decision. And of course, they cold be in trade talks already.
ceetar
5/6/2010-10:42am at 10:42 am (UTC -4)
I agree with the OF statement. He made some boneheaded plays, but also some good ones. He seems to make a lot of pressing type mistakes, and I certainly think he’s a fine utility guy out there. Problem is I don’t think Manuel sees him that way, which has to be factored in. If Manuel won’t put him in the OF, does he really have any value?
trs86
5/6/2010-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
Depends on his ability to play 2B and 3B.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I haven’t seen a LF throwing 2B or 3B all that much, have you?
trs86
5/6/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
That would produce a lot of errors. LOL. I am assuming you mean LH.
Hmmm, have to think on that one.
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
no you don’t, but Murphy bats left and throws right.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Ah that is correct. I think Davis is the lefty lefty.
stickguy
5/6/2010-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
yes, davis is the guy with the 1B glove on the correct hand.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
That’s what it says on BR, but I really thought that he throws left handed playing 1B. Now I’m confused….
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
He does throw right handed. Nevermind.
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
simple answer, fire Jerry and get someone with a clue to manage the team.
plus we are talking about what, the 5th OF? How often do you see Cat out there anyway?
trs86
5/6/2010-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
I see that the Marlins have signed Super Doug Mechawhatever to a minor league contract. That could be a landing spot.
The M’s are getting noting out of 1B. Their offense is struggling and they are in danger of falling out of the race early. Lee returned last night giving them 6 SP.
Doug Fister 26 2 1 1.29
Jason Vargas* 27 2 2 3.69
Ryan Rowland-Smith* 27 0 1 5.28
Ian Snell 28 0 2 4.66
These guys are all mid 20′s players with various values. Could the Mets package Murphy to obtain one of these guys? Obviously it would be unusual to get Vargas back.
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
depends on what you have to package with him, and how good of a Sp you get pack. I am thinking a prospect you don’t want to move, for a SP that isn’t very good.
plus, since the Mets are still “set” in the rotation (4 spots are locked up, and Maine is actaully looking good right now), what do you do with another 3/4 type guy? Who gets bumped?
Just my speculation, but if I had to guess, they just get some sort of prospect for him. Now, if it was a C or 2B, that would be good.
It would be cool though to keep trading 1B to the Mariners, and getting our old Sps back.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
I don’t know. Should we be comfortable with Maine? If you could get a guy like Snell or Smith?
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
can never have too much pitching in theory, but you also have to have a place for all of them. Since none would be going to the minors, pick who you want to go to the pen.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
I guess that would depend on Maine’s development as well as current pen construction.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
But why do we need these guys when we already have Maine/Ollie/Niese?
If you are going to trade for a pitcher, I would say that you need to trade for someone with proven record of success/consistency. And can Murphy alone get us a vet SP?
trs86
5/6/2010-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
You can’t always get what you want. You are not getting that upper level SP without giving up a lot more than Murphy. As I ask before are you that comfortable in Maine?
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-10:35am at 10:35 am (UTC -4)
Trading him now would set new standards for “selling low”.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
OK so how do you develop trade value for him? Can he develop that in AAA? Is that getting the most out of him?
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
Since he really has no position and no value and can’t be considered a DH for any real reason at the moment, yes, you have to develop him in AAA for some position(s). That’s about the best you can do for him at the moment. Unless you are willing to have him be the pinch hitting extrodinaire on our bench to sub at 1B and occassionally hack around in the OF. My vote, AAA.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
I agree. A guy without a position and coming back from an injury sounds like selling low.
A guy without a position meant that he hasn’t played 1 full season at one position proving that he can play the position well. We all saw what he can do at 1B and I don’t think he’s not that bad defensively, but will other teams think the same way? Perhaps…
trs86
5/6/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
As I ask will him playing 2B in the minors increase his trade value?
stickguy
5/6/2010-10:59am at 10:59 am (UTC -4)
if he does it well enough, yes.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
how could it not?
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
I think so.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
And if he bombs?
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
Maybe he could be sold as a 1B guy. But who needs that currently? of all the really crappy teams out there, they all have 1B. KC, Pitt, Cincy, Houston… They’re all set. At best I can see sticking him in as an add on in a bigger trade or just flipping minor leaguer for minor leaguer type deal.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
Well, I take that back. Houston might be willing to take a shot on him as they may be (read: should be) sellers, Berkman has 1 option left at 15 mil with like a 2 or 3 mill buy out, and if added as a package would give them what they need, fairly cheap, younger talent.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
Houston’s not a bad idea. I still don’t see them dumping their stars even though it’s actually past time to do so.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
They have nothing in the minors. I mean their minors are worse than the Mets system ever was. They are just looking for bodies right now. Their owner has been looking to sell. They are strapped for cash. If they could move Berkman or just not pick up his option would save them buckets of cash. I bet they move Oswalt and possibly Pence. I don’t see the fit as I’m pretty sure Oswalt wouldn’t come to NY, but if he’d agree to it, I don’t think they would need to get a ton back in return, just major league to almost major league players, especially infield. Murphy could easily be a part of that. (again, it won’t happen due to Roy, but in a vacuum, it makes sense for the teams).
trs86
5/6/2010-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
Problem is we have been having this discussion about Houston for years and they still continue to hold on to these guys.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
I know, but the team is so bad, they are barely drawin 20K a game. They are practically giving away tickets. It’s probably 2 years too late, but if they don’t start rebuilding this year, Bud Selig may have to take over the team, and I’m not really kidding about that statement. I’d rather own the pirates than the Stros at this point.
trs86
5/6/2010-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, but at least those contracts are closer to being over now than before.
trs86
5/6/2010-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
Guys we are kind of straying here a little (as normal and I usually cause it) but lets get back to the point.
The MLBTR article says “No one really disputes the fact that the Mets will be looking to trade Daniel Murphy.”
So if that is true, what who would be a good fit and what type of value does he have?
ceetar
5/6/2010-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
The article is basically redundant. duh, he’s blocked now that Davis looks like he’ll probably stick. Doesn’t mean they’re actively shipping him, just tells us what everyone already knows.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
That line to me assumes that it is known all over that they will be looking to trade him.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
A reclaimation project for the BP, a AA prospect, a 4A position player or as part of a larger package is about his worth right now.
Having him learn 2B increases his value both to the Mets and to others, for sure.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
Honestly Murphy feels like this big weight on the organization. Because of how they boasted his talents it seems all they are doing now is trying to save face rather than just cutting the cord so they could move on and admit that Murphy was just never that good.
The best thing that ever happened was Murphy hurting himself that triggered the chain of events that has put Davis in NY. I hate to say that it took an injury for it to happen cause no one wishes an injury on anyone but if not we would be burdened with another year of Murphy all the while wondering when will Ike be called up.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
I kind of agree with this. I still don’t think the Mets over-hyped him as much as the fans did though.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
Minaya boasted and gushed about him all over Francesa’s show.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
I remember that show and I did not take it that way. LOL go figure.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
selective memory
trs86
5/6/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
I would think we are both very guilty of that one.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
Not on this topic.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
Again, I remember the interview and the points made could be taken either way. He also showed all off-season that he did not have that much confidence in Murphy.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
I don’t know what interview you think I am talking about but whatever it is it clearly is not the one I am thinking about so whatever it is your referencing you may be right.
I know based on how you describe it we are def not talking about same interview.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
Well who needs a no power hitting still learning to play 1st baseman?
Exactly.
Seriously It’s anyone’s guess. Needless to say there are too many variables at this time for me to be even bother.
stickguy
5/6/2010-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
I don’t really pay that close attention to the rosters on other teams. So I don’t know specifically which ones might be able to use him.
But conceptually (to answer your question), It would be as a 1B, since at this pint, that is heis “real” position. And most likely it would be a lousy team that didn’t have any great in house prospect options, that is interested in young and cheap and controllable.
Teams like the Pirates maybe. KC, although don’t they still have about 10 1Bs on the roster? The Mariners you think.
I just don’t think he has any trade value right now as a utility guy, until he shows the ability to play 2B well enough to get by.
So most likely, the Mets aren’t (as the article seemed to imply was a given), actively trying to shop him. Really no reason they have to, since he can just stay in AAA, or could replace Cat as soon as he is ready.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Here are something very interesting on Left Throwing infielders
http://www.immaculateinning.com/2007/07/left-handed-second-basemen.html
http://www.immaculateinning.com/2008/07/left-handed-third-basemen.html
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
Nevermind… Murphy throws right handed. Davis throw left handed.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
Maybe Baltimore, they have little production from 1B and older/ injured guys in others.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
Maybe for a guy like Guthrie (in a package) or even Wiggington.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
Another strange thought, what about Atlanta? The Braves have gotten very little production out of 1B and would use a guy that could also maybe spell Chipper.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
If we can get Hanson in return… LOL
trs86
5/6/2010-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
OK so how about Kawakacomoniki?
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
Lowe?
trs86
5/6/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Mr. WAY overpaid. Not really interested because it could keep us from upgrading next year.
stickguy
5/6/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
isn’t their other superstar prospect, almost ready for the bigs, guy a 1B? Freeman maybe?
and chipper is toast.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Pirates? I still think Duke is a great candidate for a change of scenery guy. He has struggled again this year. Perhaps we could bring him in and send him to AAA for a while and see what he has and what Maine has.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
Bring Back Thrilledge!
trs86
5/6/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
LOL. Please no. I think actually Murphy’s value might be higher LOL.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
I think before trading Murphy, we need to think about who we need to trade for.
As the article points out, pretty much all the positions are filled up for next 3-4 years with exception of 2B and maybe CF. So we won’t be trading for a position player.
We’ll need a pitcher (duh). RP or SP? I think we can go both ways.
As for SP, I highly doubt we can get any pitcher that can have immediate impact to the current team. Like TRS has pointed out, we can possibly get end of rotation/mid 20s/some potential guys back for Murphy. But we already have Maine/Ollie/Niese filling up that role. I believe we need to get a veteran SP with proven track record of consistency/some success for a salary dump. I can think of Arroyo/Myers(eek!)/Suppan/Meche/Millwood. If you go up the ladder, I think Harden, De La Rosa, Francis, Lily, Vazquez, etc are FAs after this season (some have options).
Personally I’d go with the former group of vet guys with consistency.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
I think there’s no way in hell you get Arroyo right now. Reds seem to have no desire to trade him. Millwood would be a good option but I don’t see them trading him yet. Suppan is not worth my time and Meche seems to be injured. The rest of those guys are on teams expecting to compete.
Personally I look for a guy like Maine or Perez with him. Yes those spots may be full but are we that confident in the guys filling them? If I could get a Snell, Smith, Guthrie, Duke … from a package including Murphy I am all over it.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
But I really don’t see the difference between Snell & co vs. Maine/Perez. Do we need another unpredictable pitcher with 4.5 ERA?
trs86
5/6/2010-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
There is a difference because he’s another arm to throw in that mix. Do you trust Maine to even give you the 4.5 ERA and pitch 6 innings?
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
Yes I expect Maine to go 4.5-5 ERA with average of 5.2 – 6 IP this season.
His stats for ’08 and ’09 season is 221 IP over 40 games. That translates into 5 1/2 innings per game with 4.27 ERA. I think expecting 5 2/3 – 6 IP with 4.5 ERA is perfectly reasonable.
Plus, I think the Mets already have guys that can go 4.5 ERA/6 IP like Nieve/Taka if needed.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Oooohhh. De La Rosa… Me likey!
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
me too. But some people are calling him another Ollie. So, Omar would be very careful in bringing in him.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
possibly, but ollie never put together the string he has since mid last year. Also, I don’t think he commands anything near what ollie is paid, just based on the sheer number of decent pitchers on the FA market next year.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/04/free-agent-stock-watch-jorge-de-la-rosa.html
He’s definitely looking for Ollie money.
trs86
5/6/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
After Tuesday night’s performance, Dickey has not issued a walk in 118 batters.
Well look at that Dickey.
stickguy
5/6/2010-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
that is amazing for a knuckleballer.
wonder if he wold be 1st call up if one of the rotation went down?
Gee ahs pretty much been suckadelic over his last few starts.
and of course, mejia is a mop up MR now, so he is out!
ceetar
5/6/2010-12:02pm at 12:02 pm (UTC -4)
How’s Mischy doing these days?
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
I was going to make a snarkey remark about not issuing walks but issuing extra base hits, but I won’t. Oh wait…
trs86
5/6/2010-12:02pm at 12:02 pm (UTC -4)
OK guys gotta step out for a few minutes. While I am out, you guys get a sneak peak at our new site. Please pick it all to hell. Tell us what you like, don’t like, want, need….
You will have to register to comment if you are not a member of Fan vs Fan already.
http://realdirtymets.com/
ceetar
5/6/2010-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
nice, I click save on the comment and it gives mea blank white page.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
are you registered?
ceetar
5/6/2010-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
yes.
trs86
5/6/2010-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
Any luck?
stickguy
5/6/2010-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
I registered and after that no white screen. Was able to post a comment.
will have to wait for the real thing, but it is going to take some getting used to. Especially if it really seperates the authors as individual blogs!
trs86
5/6/2010-1:14pm at 1:14 pm (UTC -4)
While it does separate them they are all still grouped together on the main page but I see what you are saying. Especially with how you will not know that another TRDM article has been published.
stickguy
5/6/2010-1:20pm at 1:20 pm (UTC -4)
on the bright side, if I can’t find it, my productivity will go way up!
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
so is this site going to be no more and switch to the new one?
stickguy
5/6/2010-12:52pm at 12:52 pm (UTC -4)
Looks like NLEchatter is histroy though. Not that much ever happened at that level.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
Looks cool. Hope it’s got a bigger bandwidth server.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
I do not like that there is not a list of latest comments posted, but other than that, seems ok. Advertisements out the wah-zoo.
prismo
5/6/2010-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
Advertisements?
Folks, the year is 2010. Please use either Firefox or Chrome and install AdBlock+ and one of its ad-filters immediately.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not talking about pop ups. is that what you are referencing?
prismo
5/6/2010-1:02pm at 1:02 pm (UTC -4)
AdBlock also gets rid of ads actually on the webpage.
njstuckintx
5/6/2010-11:02pm at 11:02 pm (UTC -4)
2 thumbs man. works wonders.
metsfan4decades
5/6/2010-2:15pm at 2:15 pm (UTC -4)
Signed up, registered, posted some comments.
Very busy yesterday and today so far but hope to find time to catch up.
gategem
5/6/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
I think all the trading Murphy talk at this point is noting more than filler on an off day. So here is some more.
Over at NY Sports Dog Dave Singer lists “Jerry Manuel’s Top 20 Mistakes of 2010.†See if you agree and perhaps we can submit our own list.
http://nysportsdog.blogspot.com/2010/05/jerry-manuels-top-20-mistakes-of-2010.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NySportsDog+%28NY+Sports+Dog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Also this is an interesting read:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/someone-help-the-mets/
Over at the WSJ Mike Sieliski writes about Bay’s “Hills and Valleys”. A study showed he is one of the 10 most streaky hitters in baseball.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704627704575204540072588042.html
I read the following at Blue and Orange dot Net:
“The Mets are willing to carry an inferior player for the _________ experience brings. Never mind that Catalanotto, since 2007, has steadily traded line drives (LD% 2007-2010: 18.6%, 17.6%, 15.4%, 5.9%) for ground balls and infield flies, forcing his power to plummet to an unacceptable level (ISO 2007-2010: .184, .125, .104, .048).â€
http://www.blueandorange.net/?p=1019
This firmly puts me in league with those that want Cat gone. But Andy Martino wrote at “Surfing the Mets:â€
“Though Gary Matthews Jr., Frank Catalanotto and Fernando Tatis have struggled this season in part-time roles, the Mets have no immediate plans to shake up the roster, according to several people familiar with the team’s thinking.
That said, the team is obviously aware of Chris Carter’s strong performance in triple-A Buffalo, and is not ruling out a promotion at some point. Daniel Murphy, rehabilitating a knee injury in Port St. Lucie, will report to Buffalo to train for a utility role when he is healthy, and could be a bench option later in the season.
Carter, 28, is batting .348, with four home runs in 23 games for Buffalo. The Mets are realistic about his shaky defense, and seem him as capable of playing serviceably in the corner outfield positions and first base.
In the immediate future, though, the team plans to show patience with Matthews, Catalanotto and Tatis. Matthews, 36, acquired in the offseason from the Angels for reliever Brian Stokes, is batting .135 in 18 at-bats this season. The Mets are responsible for $2 million of his $11.4 million salary in 2010, and will allow Matthews more time to improve. Matthews can also play center field, which Carter cannot do.
Catalanotto, 36, is batting .143 in 21 at-bats. But the Mets, like many teams, prefer to use As a veteran pinch-hitters. Pinch-hitting is a specialized job, requiring different preparation than any other role. Younger players are not typically successful coming off the bench, meaning that Carter’s gaudy triple-A numbers would not necessarily translate to a very limited big-league job.
Mets brass has not been impressed by the Matthews, in particular, but they regard April and a few days of May as too small a sample to cut him or the other bench players. “
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2010/05/matthews-catalanotto-tatis-saf.html
ceetar
5/6/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
Far be it from me to go up against the super great Andy Martino, but I disagree. I think something happens tomorrow on the roster.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
Gategm If I had a cigar i’d give it to you cause you nailed it. This is nothing more than filler on a slow day.
GravediggerHebner
5/6/2010-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed. I admit up front that assessing trade value in general is not one of my skills, but having said that I find it hard to see that Murphy currently has any at all.
GravediggerHebner
5/6/2010-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t have the link handy (I linked to it here yesterday in some thread) but NYBD’s Mike Silva wrote what I thought was a thoughtful article about why the Mets were going to be patient with their bench situation specifically as it may relate to the uncertain return of Carlos Beltran.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=24288
gategem
5/6/2010-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
Thank you Heb. It’s an excellent article and there is a thoughtful addition by Howard Megdal presenting the case for not including Tatis with the likes of GMJr and Cat.
http://nybaseballdigest.com/
gategem
5/6/2010-12:59pm at 12:59 pm (UTC -4)
http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=24293
GravediggerHebner
5/6/2010-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
I hadn’t seen that one, thank you.
What I found most interesting in Megdal’s follow up was the idea of using Francoeur as the back up CF. That had never occurred to me. Very interesting.
stickguy
5/6/2010-2:00pm at 2:00 pm (UTC -4)
maybe we are making too much of GM’s theoretical ability to play CF? With Pagan playing every day, who cares?
Frenchy and Bay are both perfectly capable of filling in for a few innings or a whole game, especially I would guess Frnechy. Both have played CF before I am sure.
so getting Carter up in place of GM, that would be sweet!
trs86
5/6/2010-2:06pm at 2:06 pm (UTC -4)
Looks like Carter would still replace Cat more smoothly.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-12:50pm at 12:50 pm (UTC -4)
Since the Mets were lost the series by 2 walk-off HRs..
Did you know that the last time the Mets won a game with a walk-off HR is on 6/11/08? by Beltran? That’s a pretty long time.
trs86
5/6/2010-1:18pm at 1:18 pm (UTC -4)
Guys I am going to continue to aggravate you with this. Please go to http://www.realdirtymets.com and tell us what you think. Register and make a post. I want to know if it’s user friendly, appealing, improvements that can be made.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-1:28pm at 1:28 pm (UTC -4)
Can you control the layout of things?
Because It would be nice to know that you can move them around.
I don’t know how everyone feels but I kind of like seeing the most recent comments at the top of the page for one and the spyder and mlbtr widget would be nice if they didn’t have to be buried at the bottom.
trs86
5/6/2010-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
NJ I personally can not change it but I would think they are easy fixes. I had already sent them some request dealing with just those issues you requested.
Grave as far as the width, I think that one may be a much larger issue.
GravediggerHebner
5/6/2010-1:33pm at 1:33 pm (UTC -4)
It seems awfully narrow. Not sure how relevant that is or if anything can be done to change it. Just generally I would say I prefer this width for the “main thing.”
prismo
5/6/2010-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
I’m fine with the width, personally. Maybe could be an inch or two wider, but I don’t even think that’s necessary
I just think the font/spacing between sentences need to both be smaller.
stickguy
5/6/2010-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
I wonder if that it to support mobile devices? I recall when FWICG changed the layout for that.
I just got a smart phone yesterday (Droid), and tried out the browser. No problem getting to the site, but I found that just the middle came up. The left side stuff (and maybe the right, not sure about that) didn’t display. So for these hand helds, I am guessing that long and skinny works a lot better.
stickguy
5/6/2010-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
I left a comment over there, If you want it, you have to go get it.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
What is the difference between “play by play” and “other people’s comments”?
stickguy
5/6/2010-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
actually, I just want the basics. RDMB posts and the comments, and the spyder and blog links. That’s basically it. I don’t need liks to debates, other sports, other blogs or fans.
Yes, I am becoming a cranky old man.
trs86
5/6/2010-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
I think the debate one will have to stay. That’s kind of their thing. As for other blogs do you mean the blogroll?
stickguy
5/6/2010-2:35pm at 2:35 pm (UTC -4)
yes.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-2:06pm at 2:06 pm (UTC -4)
well debates is core to fvf so i dont think that will come down. But I agree the main thing for me has been,
1. Posts (of course)
2. Nested comments
3. Recent Comments
4. Sports Spyder Feed
5. MLBTR Feed
trs86
5/6/2010-2:09pm at 2:09 pm (UTC -4)
You are easy man. All of those should be taken care of this week or already have been.
trs86
5/6/2010-2:02pm at 2:02 pm (UTC -4)
Play by play appears to be post or comments made by the post’s author. I have ask for that to be removed.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t put any links in the comment like this
http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f147/Sherjo311/?action=view¤t=legendsoffail.jpg
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
it works you just need to use the a href tag
ex: legendsoffail.jpg
Remove the underscore from <_a href and <_/a>
ex: <_a href="http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f147/Sherjo311/?action=view¤t=legendsoffail.jpg">legendsoffail.jpg<_ /a>
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
you are luis figueroa?
you are like a mix of Luis Castillo and Nelson Figueroa…
trs86
5/6/2010-3:02pm at 3:02 pm (UTC -4)
Them are almost fighting words. If you had left off Figgy you would be in trouble.
Mr North Jersey
5/6/2010-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
LoL Tada!
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
sorry… just pulling your chains…:)
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
Did anyone see this ESPN’s anonymous poll that they conducted on MLB players? Sounds interesting, but don’t have the insider account.
DNDJohan aka kistics
5/6/2010-2:30pm at 2:30 pm (UTC -4)
Boy I love the internet…
http://www.bannedinhollywood.com/easily-the-dumbest-person-ive-ever-seen/
stickguy
5/6/2010-2:34pm at 2:34 pm (UTC -4)
my latest random thought on the bench situation.
none of the 4 guys on the bench are actaully productive. But, at least Tatis (RH “power” bat off the bench, emergency catcher, in theory can play MI (theory only!). ANd of course, Omar loves him. And cora is the only MI sub.
so, those 2 stay, unless Tatis gets so unbearably bad you have to make a move).
But GM and Cat are worse than bad. Surely they are sub-replacement level.
And I no longer care that GM can play CF. With Pagan starting, it is not something that needs to happen very often.
So, the simple solution is, Frenchy and bay serve as the BU CFs. Both are competent OFs, and both have played CF in the past. Not advocating it as a regualr or LT thing, but for a couple of innings or an occasional game, certainly workable.
thus, you could carry a legit bat like Carter as the 4th OF and PH.
not worrying about CF means you can call up Carter and Evans or Murphy (or anyone else that strikes your fancy) to replace Cat and GM, instantly adding 2 actual bats to the bench, and giving 2 RH and 2 LH batters (if using evans).
so go carter and evans now, and at some point, if Murphy masters 2B, bring him up too and replace whichever one of tatis, carter or evans isn’t carrying their weight (or of course, Castillo!)
ceetar
5/6/2010-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
It’s too creative, sorry.
Otherwise I like it.
trs86
5/6/2010-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
Or you could call up Pridie and Carter and not have to worry about Carter ever playing the field unless the occasional day off.
stickguy
5/6/2010-3:24pm at 3:24 pm (UTC -4)
thing is, based on histroy, quite likely that Pridie sucks as a ML too. But other than that, all good!
stickguy
5/6/2010-4:22pm at 4:22 pm (UTC -4)
I think I figured out why the Met FO is dragging their feet on dumping the dead wood from the bench. Maybe the are looking at the big picture, AKA the future?
Not just how many games this team wins in the next couple of weeks (our focus), but also that they have to attract guys in the future on 1 year deals and ST invites. maybe they don’t want a reputation as a place that promises you a shot, but pulls the rip corad after a bad week?
They already pretty much did this with Jacobs, so maybe that is enough pruning for right now?
I hope ceetar is rgith, and they make some moves before tomorows game. even just Cat for someone that can play.
And of course, Jerry could take my advice from last night on the best way to set up the line up!
prismo
5/6/2010-4:59pm at 4:59 pm (UTC -4)
It’s not a bad week though, it’s a bad *month* from multiple players.