Name: Bradley Emaus
Position: 2B
2010: (AAA) .298/BA .395/OBP .498/SLG .890/OPS
Name: Pedro Beato
Position: RHP
2010: (AA) 4/W 0/L 2.11/ERA 59.2/IP 19/BB 50/SO
Name: Ronny Morla
Position: RHP
2010: (A) 4/W 3/L 4.00/ERA 78.2/IP 20/BB 86/SO
Name: Richard Brooks
Position: RHP
2010: (AA) 1/W 3/L 4.54/ERA 41.2/IP 10/BB 38/SO
Name: Quintin Berry
Position: OF
2010: (AA) .210/BA .306/OBP .284/SLG .590/OPS
*** Mets lost to Washington Elvin Ramirez, RHP, Buffalo
90 comments
Prismo
12/9/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Beato and Emaus could both make the major league roster if they perform well in ST. I bet Emaus contends for the starting 2B job and Beato for middle relief – although he doesn’t have a ton of minor league experience.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
There should be more convo in this thread! The Mets just picked up two potential pieces to their 2011 championship squad!
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
you scoff my Okie friend, but the Mets are about to be the first team to make the playoffs while carrying 2 rule 5 guys.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t scoff, I exaggerate.
I’m very happy with both rule V players, and honestly think they could both contribute to the major league team. Emaus was a borderline top 10 (Jays) prospect BEFORE he busted out last season. I’m just shocked they would let him go, even if he doesn’t work out with the Mets.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:38pm at 12:38 pm (UTC -4)
I’m more shocked that the Jays could have that many better players on the 40 man that they coldn’t figure out a play to hide this guy.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-1:03pm at 1:03 pm (UTC -4)
Remember when a certain team let a certain catcher named flores get snagged in the rule 5…
Ceetar
12/9/2010-1:39pm at 1:39 pm (UTC -4)
Sacrificial lamb of last year’s GM change? Figured no one’s paying that close attention (of course, they should’ve seen that the guy who drafted him would be looking..)
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
From the Blue Jays Web site which indicates some merit to this and to my earlier point of tools v. performance preferences (also keep in mind they now have Brett Lawrie and Adeiny Hechevarria on their 40 man):
Blue Jays lose Emaus to Mets in Rule 5 Draft
By Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com | 12/09/10 12:42 PM EST
* Comments (3)
*
*
* print
* e-mail
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Although they didn’t make a selection during the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday morning, the Blue Jays lost infielder Brad Emaus to the Mets.
Emaus became eligible for the Rule 5 Draft when he was left off the 40-man roster last month. The 24-year-old hit .290 with 15 home runs and 75 RBIs last season with Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Las Vegas.
“We knew that there was a high probability that we would lose him,” Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. “At the same time, you have to go with your scouts and your player development staff. I know it’s a compliment to the organization when you start running out of 40-man spots.”
Brad Emaus, who has shown the ability to hit for power in the Minors, launched 15 homers last season. (Dave Nelson/MiLB.com)
Emaus was originally drafted in the 11th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft by former GM J.P. Ricciardi, who is now an assistant GM with the Mets.
Emaus has shown the ability to hit for power at the Minor League level, but there are questions about whether that would translate well to the big leagues. He appears more likely to make the Majors as a utility player.
Toronto receives $50,000 from New York in exchange for Emaus. The Mets must keep him on their 25-man roster all season or offer him back the Blue Jays for $25,000.
Anthopoulos said the main reason his club did not make a selection in the Major League category was because it wants to hang onto the three open spots that are available on the 40-man roster. With the likelihood of adding free agents in the coming weeks, the three open spots became a premium.
“The guy we wanted got taken,” Anthopoulos said while not naming anyone specific. “Then we didn’t see anybody else … that we felt was worth it, considering the fact that we feel like we’re already going to have to start taking guys off the [40-man roster].”
Anthopoulos did opt to make a couple of selections during the Minor League portion of the Rule 5 Draft. He selected middle infielders Ivan Contreras (Triple-A Arkansas) and Roan Salas (Venezuela Summer League) for a cost of $12,000 each.
The 23-year-old Contreras, who was taken in the Triple-A phase, hit .257 with nine RBIs in 167 at-bats at three different Minor League levels last season in the Angels’ organization. The Dominican Republic native was originally signed as a free agent in 2005.
Salas hit .345 with five home runs, 42 RBIs and 16 doubles in 60 games at Venezuela. He was the property of Tampa Bay.
“That’s strictly based off our scouts,” Anthopoulos said of the selections. “If we have a scout that believes strongly in someone, we don’t have anything to lose. I’m a big believer that if you have a scout pounding the table for someone that’s a Rule 5 Draft — or a waiver claim or something like that — you just got to go ahead and do it. … If you can’t do that for your scout, there’s something wrong.”
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
I am guessing that the dude with the .590 OPS in AA isn’t likely to stick.
I guess the key will be sneaking most of them back through waivers into the minors without having to be returned to sender.
if they can save a few, instant added MiL depth.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-1:46pm at 1:46 pm (UTC -4)
the minor league phase guys don’t have to stick with the MLB team.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
Someone commented on the last thread – can’t remember who – but surprised not LHP for the BP wasn’t picked up.
Beato….wonder what that says about you when you don’t even have a picture available? The man behind the shadows….
All in all, it was a good haul, IMO. Then again, I’m not really sure who all was available for draft but I read a few Met blogs that had a couple of these guys targeted so Sandy did good.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
Here’s one to rial up the troops.
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/columns/story?columnist=rubin_adam&id=5902528
Rubin says the Mets will “jockey” with the Nats for 4th place in 2011.
(while I don’t see the Mets finishing in 1st, I almost equally don’t see them finishing last)
kistics
12/9/2010-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
I like Rubin. He seems like a bright guy and is on top of things. I usually find his reports very reliable.
But he also seems to have some bitterness towards the Mets since the incident with Omar.
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-12:50pm at 12:50 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t see why any1 should get riled up over this?
It’s not like this is out of left field. There is a plausible reason to say that the Mets may be jockeying for 4th when all is said and done.
By no means is that saying it will just that it’s just as plausible as saying the mets will make the wildcard.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:52pm at 12:52 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, just because even mentioning the name “Rubin” lately seems to get people riled up, regardless of the context. haha
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-12:53pm at 12:53 pm (UTC -4)
true.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:54pm at 12:54 pm (UTC -4)
And the Mets will not finish last, mark my words. The Nationals are NOT that improved over last year so far. Everyone makes a big deal out of Werth, but he basically replaces Dunn offensively (pretty even), and is a defensive upgrade, but it’s at a different position.
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
with all due respect your mark my words is worth about as much as Bush’s read my lips no new taxes.
I appreciate the optimism though.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
Is that really optimism? Saying the team won’t be LAST? I wouldn’t call that optimism. :p
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-12:58pm at 12:58 pm (UTC -4)
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-12:59pm at 12:59 pm (UTC -4)
Jeeze….can we at least see what the teams look like on Opening day – who is still standing – before predictions come rolling in?
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-1:00pm at 1:00 pm (UTC -4)
LoL you can ask but i think it will be a cold day in hell before it ever happens.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
On paper right now, I know we’re not looking like any first place team.
There’s some months between now and Opening Day and the season itself is a long one. Anything can happen. Anything usually does.
For me, I like being the team that’s not expected to win and does, rather than being the team that should win – and fails.
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-1:16pm at 1:16 pm (UTC -4)
I too am a underdog type of fan. Hence why i like the Nats
kingman 26
12/9/2010-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
I too am an underdog kind of fan.
Hence why I like the Mets.
Seemed that way when I was a kid in the 70s, that’s for sure.
Ceetar
12/9/2010-1:37pm at 1:37 pm (UTC -4)
Jon Heyman has already been setting up the Yankees pitching rotation with Lee.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
as he should
kingman 26
12/9/2010-1:20pm at 1:20 pm (UTC -4)
Adam Rubin on the Mets.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I would rather read the label on a box of dog biscuits.
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-2:16pm at 2:16 pm (UTC -4)
Any particular brand?
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
On another note, over on AA, Sam Page has put up the last in a 4 part series on an interview he did personally with RA Dickey in his home.
Some really good stuff from RA. Part 1 talks about the clubhouse atmosphere some.
RA Dickey has become the symbol for this team – which is why I think most Met fans are drawn to him. Not only is he obviously smart and when he talks, everyone listens…..he’s overcome failure after failure to put up the season he did in 2010. ‘There’s always hope’…..
And reading the interview, just makes me think of Grave who said he could listen to RA talk all night….
saltygary
12/9/2010-1:33pm at 1:33 pm (UTC -4)
If it me or does Morla look like he’s in his forties?
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-1:49pm at 1:49 pm (UTC -4)
I thought that was a current picture of Willie McGee.
saltygary
12/9/2010-1:53pm at 1:53 pm (UTC -4)
LOL he aint that kind of ugly. Ever see McGee’s 85 baseball card. One of the scariest things I laid my eyes on as a kid.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.joesportsfan.com/jsfpics/cards/willieMcgee.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.joesportsfan.com/cards.php%3Ftag%3Dmustache&usg=__gpivx7i0gaB2YeumYLUFVZ3YkCo=&h=210&w=150&sz=12&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=OyxvHLeGB07l-M:&tbnh=141&tbnw=108&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwillie%2Bmcgee%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1229%26bih%3D711%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=286&vpy=107&dur=526&hovh=168&hovw=120&tx=88&ty=74&ei=TCUBTbC5FsO88gb4v5WDBw&oei=FSUBTc-_G5GasAOz89SrCw&esq=10&page=1&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-2:45pm at 2:45 pm (UTC -4)
I always thought McGee fell into a class of ugly with guys like Merton Hanks and Harvey Williams, all of whom had necks that were too long for their frames. But McGee, of course, has that face on top of it.
stickguy
12/9/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
no one was uglier though than George foster. That BB card should have been sold with a plain brown wrapper over it.
stickguy
12/9/2010-1:37pm at 1:37 pm (UTC -4)
I agree it is just a tad early to be making season predictions.
but in general, as they sit right now, Rubin could be right. Or I could be right. And either scenerio (5th place of WC) are probably just as likely. Bottom line, the Mets probably have one of the biggest possible variences (standard deviation?) of any of the teams.
and that is pretty much driven by the magic IF word. If things go well, the mets have the (on paper) talent to win the division. If things go wrong (mostly injuries, and Bay proving he is totally shot) then then could be on the outside looking in.
other teams IMO don’t have this wide a swing potential.
So pick your own numbers, but lets say the nats are a 75 win team +/- 5 (so expect 70-80). The Mets however might be an 80 win team +/- 12 (meaning 92 would be a surprise but is possible, but so is 68).
I just made those numbers up of course to illustrate the concept.
and yes, I really do need to find more important things to fill up my time with.
Ceetar
12/9/2010-1:49pm at 1:49 pm (UTC -4)
I think the variance is bigger than taht, for all teams. I probably could write an argument that gets the Mets to 97, or 67.
stickguy
12/9/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
I was going higher, but didn’t want to get a few of the dissenters too riled up!
certainly, make the spread as big as you want, but I was thinking of realistic possibilities, not super long shot odds.
Ceetar
12/9/2010-2:15pm at 2:15 pm (UTC -4)
Well, Jason Werth had a 5.2 WAR last saeson. the Phillies lost him, so let’s assign those wins to the rest of the division. 1.3 each. Now the Mets are almost at 81.
stickguy
12/9/2010-2:33pm at 2:33 pm (UTC -4)
was just reading the philly paper at lunch. As of now, the replacement for werth is a platoon of Francisco and Gload. So you may get a little bit added to that 5.2!
next best thing to your team getting better is the opponents getting worse.
I am also very curious to see how utley looks this year. I have him on the Reberto Alomar age in dog years plan.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-2:37pm at 2:37 pm (UTC -4)
you would think top prospect Domonic Brown would play RF no?
stickguy
12/9/2010-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
he will have to dominate in ST to win the job. He really wasn’t ready this year (needs work in a lot of areas) and had a truly dismal winter season. He actually was so bad in winter ball (VZ I think) and “tired” that they sent him home early. went something like 2-32.
TRS86
12/9/2010-9:59pm at 9:59 pm (UTC -4)
So you are saying he is no Lucas Duda?
stickguy
12/9/2010-10:06pm at 10:06 pm (UTC -4)
more athletic (and looks more like a ballplayer) but right now, he is not as developed or well rounded a player.
there is a difference between wowing in practice, and being successful playing the game.
even the phils admit that Brown is still raw in many ways, and could use more development.
and Duda’s #s last year were actually better overall.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-10:21pm at 10:21 pm (UTC -4)
brown, the #15 BA prospect, at two levels: .327 .391 .589 and can play defense.
duda, not on BA’s top 100 and probably not considered at all, across two levels: .304 .398 .569 and can’t play defense.
dont really see how duda’s numbers are better overall or how brown did not perform on the field.
stickguy
12/9/2010-10:27pm at 10:27 pm (UTC -4)
OK, #s were equivalent.
I don’t watch him play, just relaying what has been said about him in the papers in philly, including by the team.
TRS86
12/9/2010-10:27pm at 10:27 pm (UTC -4)
Wow!, I am telling you what you “stick” to your guns and love you some Duda. Wow. If he is more ready than Brown then really we should trade Duda right now.
stickguy
12/9/2010-10:47pm at 10:47 pm (UTC -4)
you can decide how ready you think Duda is. I was simply responding to Oleo’s question as to why brown was not considered the front runner. And that is because the team said he was not ready, and was still to rough in some areas. Some involving playing the field. Not sure about maturity.
they also wouldn’t use him while he was up in the majors as a fill in.
I can’t compare how well each plays D, although I am sure Brown is faster and more athletic in the field. But, that doesn’t always mean you are better, just that you can chase after misplayed balls faster!
but offensively, taking into acount BB rate, K rate, etc. Duda had every bit as good of a year batting.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-2:29pm at 2:29 pm (UTC -4)
Adam Rubin is salaciously reporting that Teufel will replace Obie at AAA (what in the world he’s done to an earn a promotion is beyond my understanding) and speculates that Wally may jump all the way to AA.
He also viciously and maliciously reports that Edgar Alfonzo and Mike DeFelice will not be back with the organization.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-2:39pm at 2:39 pm (UTC -4)
I think Wally should go to AA. I would send F-Mart to AA to start as well b/c since Wally is the greatest manager ever he will get him and Havens straightened out and injury free.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
LOL…Wanny stirring the pot….
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-2:50pm at 2:50 pm (UTC -4)
hahahaha i am glad u picked up on that.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-2:36pm at 2:36 pm (UTC -4)
I love the first 3 pics the Mets made in the draft. I think you can infer that the Mets are really getting ready to move on from Castillo. Given the need for pitching, pitching and pitching the fact that they turned down pitching for a 2B speaks volumes as to their distrust in Castillo as well as their impressions on Emaus.
Beato had excellent numbers in AA last season after becoming a reliever while Morla has put up around 10K/9 the last 3 seasons while seeing his BB/9, ERA and WHIP drop each year.
Bryan
12/9/2010-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
Really like the two guys taken, both have a shot to make the opening day roster. Beato could definitely be a middle reliever, great year as a closer last year in AA. The strikeout rate is there and the WHIP is within range, so he has good control and I think he’ll be able to hold his own in the big leagues if he doesn’t get over exposed. They’re obviously gonna have to rely heavily on Parnell and Carasso.
With Emaus, it doesn’t hurt to take a guy to add to the mix at second base, even if he is only a utility player. He did well in the pitcher-friendly FSL in 2008, had a set back at AA in 2009, but figured out that level in 2010 and then continued that success in AAA . So I think he’ll have a chance to make the team. Plus J.P. knows him as well as anybody so they have a good idea what they’re getting.
kistics
12/9/2010-3:37pm at 3:37 pm (UTC -4)
That’s a good point on J.P knowing Emaus. J.P probably drafted him. It would have been ideal if he played 2B and SS rather than 3B. But we shall see how it turns out
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-6:24pm at 6:24 pm (UTC -4)
from what i can gather, this is a good pick
Mr North Jersey
12/9/2010-3:02pm at 3:02 pm (UTC -4)
Francesa: the Mets were on the verge of winning but had a team that didnt have any Guts
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
In the end, Adam Wainwright’s curve ball had just a tad more in its belly than Carlos Beltran’s bat.
Anyway, I believe Orlando Hudson led the league in guts that season.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-3:11pm at 3:11 pm (UTC -4)
Or was it Brandon Inge?
And I guess money can’t always buy guts. The Yankees, with all their talent, clearly lacked in that department this season.
kistics
12/9/2010-3:34pm at 3:34 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe that’s why Charlie Manuel won the WS… because of guts…
stickguy
12/9/2010-3:37pm at 3:37 pm (UTC -4)
then he became the spokesman for a weight loss place, and they haven’t won since.
I think you are on to something.
kistics
12/9/2010-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
Sandy should’ve picked Wally…
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
USA Today endorsed the selection of Emaus:
Brad Emaus, IF, Mets, from Blue Jays: He’ll be 25 by Opening Day, is a solid high-walk, low-strikeout contact hitter who can play second and third base. He doesn’t pack the power of Dan Uggla, taken five years ago by Florida in this draft, but Emaus is polished enough to force himself into the Mets’ unsettled second base situation.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-5:12pm at 5:12 pm (UTC -4)
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/12/9/1866704/rule-5-draft-analysis
Sickels likes Emaus’s bat as an asset on the bench. Thinks Beato has a chance to stick in the pen.
gategem
12/9/2010-8:00pm at 8:00 pm (UTC -4)
The name Pedro Beato looked familiar. The Mets actually drafted him in the 17th round of the 2005 draft but could not come to an agreement so he ended being drafted and signed the following year by the Orioles in the first round. If I remember correctly he has excellent “stuff” and throws hard.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:13pm at 10:13 pm (UTC -4)
If this is the same kid I read about somewhere earlier today, I think the reason they didn’t sign him had something to do with the fact that he was coming off TJ surgery and I’m guessing the signing would have been lower than it would be one or more years removed from that surgery.
Or maybe that was someone else all together I read that on. Read so much today that I could be confusing him with someone else.
stickguy
12/9/2010-10:22pm at 10:22 pm (UTC -4)
he wanted more money than the Mets were willing to commit.
I kind of recall that he was the poster boy for the cheap ass wilpon movement for a while, when they wouldn’t go overslot and give him whatever he wanted.
stickguy
12/9/2010-10:09pm at 10:09 pm (UTC -4)
I am sure this will just get lost here, but needed to post before I forget.
Looks like you can no longer call Citi “tax payer field”. Citi bank has repaid the last of the bailout money, and is no longer owned inpart by the government. We the people actually turned a profit on the deal!
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:18pm at 10:18 pm (UTC -4)
Nice.
That won’t stop some though from still putting down the Wilpons and the Mets for ‘getting into bed’ with Citi bank……
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:22pm at 10:22 pm (UTC -4)
Johan Santana may be Ahead of Schedule
A second official with knowledge of [Johan Santana's] rehab plan said the left-hander originally intended to pick up a baseball for the first time following shoulder surgery in late January. But a quicker recovery so far has led to a decision to begin tossing early next month instead.
Rubin says Santana could begin playing in rehab games in May, with a possible return to the big leagues in June.
****************************
I won’t hold my breath but if he stays on this schedule maybe he’ll be pitching up to par in August.
~ Adam Rubin, ESPN New York
stickguy
12/9/2010-10:25pm at 10:25 pm (UTC -4)
the big danger is that the mets start banking on it, and convince themselves they can just fake it with spare parts since it is such a short time until he gets back.
still need a couple of extra SPs, and need to assume Santana will not come back at all this year.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:59pm at 10:59 pm (UTC -4)
‘still need a couple of extra SPs, and need to assume Santana will not come back at all this year.’
Absolutely, positively, must do, imperative, no brainer…
–and every other strong positive I can think of to agree with this statement.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-10:47pm at 10:47 pm (UTC -4)
With the amount of messing that the Cards are doing with Rasmus (per the reports), I almost think it would be worth kicking aroung the idea of trying to acquire that kid.
stickguy
12/9/2010-11:03pm at 11:03 pm (UTC -4)
I would be up for that. Talk about adding to the core.
Not sure where it was, but a few days ago (maybe last week) someone (probably at FWICG) floated the idea of building a trade around rasmus and reyes. I think this was the one that Mr. NJ kept harassing me for a link, as if it was a real rumor, when I specifically said it was a “what if” from the other site.
anyway, I am guessing that if they put him on the market he would get a lot of interest, and who knows if sandy would be willing to move the talent right now.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-11:12pm at 11:12 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, I was a part of wth conversation, as well. Who knows if it would require Reyes or not, but with Sandy’s proclamations of reducing payroll and looking to build for the long haul, he’d be one that I’d look to jump on. debates on what he’s worth (Reyes, minor league guys, etc.) can ensue, but if he’s truly availble, that’s a guy who is in bad favor, is talented, young, and under control… well, that seems like someone you go after.
stickguy
12/9/2010-11:20pm at 11:20 pm (UTC -4)
he is also a good example of not writing off a prospect off of a slow start (as so many met fans love to do!). He played mostly FT his first year, and pretty much didn’t do much at all (.714 OPS). Big jump in year 2.
I am sure if Ike had a .307 OBP and .407 slg% in 500+ PAs last year the fans (well many of them) would have been in an uproar to dump him as trash.
stickguy
12/9/2010-10:59pm at 10:59 pm (UTC -4)
OK, time for a quick rant. I just read the “bitter bill” piece that popped up on spyder. It was actually a mostly reasonable piece related to the need to suffer a little to get better, and compared the mets to the Knicks.
Well, that part was a stretch, being as the mets were barely that bad in 1964.
and ignores the fact that they are still an expensive team, already loaded with big name players.
anyhow, this is the line that bugged me: “Do we really want the Mets to bury themselves with some more bad contracts so they win 75 games instead of 68 games next year?”
Honestly, please tell me, how the fork are they suddenly 11 games worse than last year, and required a couple of big signings to even get back to 4 games worse?
It makes no sense. To me, it is logically inconsistent to complain it is the same team, and at the same time say they are going to be significantly worse.
Actually, given how many guys were out or missed major time, odds are they should be better. factor in no jerry/omar, Beltran not out 1/2 year, no reyes thyroid, no slappy, no ollie, etc. and it is really hard to understand why they should be predicted to lose 10%+ more games.
even Johan started slow coming off surgery, and left the season early, so hell, they really only had him for about 1/2 a year anyway!
anyway, glad to get that off my chest.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-11:02pm at 11:02 pm (UTC -4)
It’s got to be predicated on the pitching, right?
No Santana, only 3/5s of a starting rotation, no Loogy, the closer coming off surgery, RA was a one year wonder, etc. etc.
Not saying I agree, just saying that’s what I’ve been hearing/reading this past week. No Santana, we didn’t sign Cliff Lee – we’re doomed.
stickguy
12/9/2010-11:09pm at 11:09 pm (UTC -4)
I think you are giving many of the mouth breathers too much credit for rational thought!
but like i said, Santana was only santana for about 1/2 the year. We likely wont have to suffer though 6(?) Ollie starts. Neise has a full year under his belt, pelf more experienced. I guess Dickey could regress, but why should he?
If they add 1 legit SP (young? gotta be someone) the overall rotation doesn’t really look worse (and we won’t have ollie and maine in the rotation).
changing loogies can’t be that much of a change, and K rod is already pitching.
I guess having beltran to start the year doesn’t add anything either!
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-11:04pm at 11:04 pm (UTC -4)
‘In addition, the day Terry Collins was hired, I wrote Mookie Wilson would be considered for first bench coach, but I have not heard much about that since, nor has there been any indication he’s even interested.’
Three guesses whose quote that is…
I expect to see first/third base benches next year at Citi field for our two coaches, complete with the Mets logo and the blue and orange colors. Maybe blue with an orange umbrella……
stickguy
12/9/2010-11:10pm at 11:10 pm (UTC -4)
If I got paid to write this stuff, I would bother to proof read it!
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-11:24pm at 11:24 pm (UTC -4)
ESPN NY: Is 2011 Reyes’ Last Season with Mets?
By Michael Baron on Dec 09, 2010, 3:07 pm
It’s certainly fair to wonder that, considering he is unsigned beyond 2011 and Mets GM Sandy Alderson has said he wants to see how he performs in 2011 before committing long term to Jose Reyes.
But given the large contracts handed out to both Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford this week, whether they’ve been overpaid or not, Reyes could conceivably price himself out of the Mets desired price range from both a dollar and a length standpoint, should he have a big year in 2011.
Hmmmm… Stick. Where have we heard mention of this before?
stickguy
12/9/2010-11:28pm at 11:28 pm (UTC -4)
I gotta figure out how to copyright my better ideas!
and after the silly length deals just given out, the odds are even better he leaves. 2 reason. 1) less likely the mets will match the length and/or $s he gets offered elsewhere, and 2) the odds just tanked that he agrees to a reasonable extension, even if the mets approach him about one.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-11:32pm at 11:32 pm (UTC -4)
They still need to approach him about one, for good faith’s sake. 3 year 17-18 mil extension in the spring. see how he does and approach him again prior to trade deadline. if nothing’s happened by then. prepare for 1-2 draft picks or something via trade.
taking a hard line (aka, we’ll wait to see how he does) for a guy in reyes’ position isn’t much of a power position. the power rests all in reyes’ hand.
gategem
12/10/2010-12:33am at 12:33 am (UTC -4)
Here’s another interesting article by David Lennon of Newsday. You have to subscribe to the website to read it so I reproduced it for those that do not have a subscription to the website.
“Huge deals leave Mets’ Alderson uneasy
By DAVID LENNON david.lennon@newsday.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Losing out on Jayson Werth, Carl Crawford and Cliff Lee was no big disappointment for the Mets, who never planned to bid on those free agents anyway.
But as general manager Sandy Alderson departed the winter meetings Thursday, he did so with the uneasy feeling of where the market is headed next year and beyond, when the Mets presumably will have money to spend.
Alderson opened the week by ripping Werth’s seven-year, $126-million deal with the Nationals, but he bit his tongue the morning after Crawford’s seven-year, $142-million pact with the Red Sox surfaced.
“Certainly I think everybody’s going to have to step back and figure out what this means for the overall marketplace going forward,” Alderson said. “You’d like to think, gee, these are somewhat out of the ordinary. But it’s easy for some things to suddenly become ordinary, and it looks like it’s heading in that direction.”
Alderson wasn’t even talking about Lee, who is mulling a seven-year offer likely in the $160-million range from the Yankees. As a self-described “interested onlooker” at these meetings, Alderson avoided the bidding wars this time around, but the Crawford contract surely made Jose Reyes a very happy man Thursday morning.
The Mets exercised their $11-million option on Reyes for 2011, and neither side has expressed much interest in talking about an extension before the start of the season. Alderson wants to see the oft-injured Reyes on the field; Reyes, like every player in his walk year, is interested in what kind of dollars he can attract as a free agent – especially now, after the Crawford deal.
The two are similar offensive players, but Reyes, 27, has the added benefit of being two years younger than Crawford and a shortstop, a higher-value position than a corner outfielder. Crawford has a .781 OPS over nine seasons, compared with Reyes’ .769 over eight, and his career .296 batting average is 10 points higher. But they are even more comparable (on average) when it comes to doubles, triples, home runs and stolen bases.
The major caveat with Reyes is his health. A series of leg issues early in his career was a factor in the four-year, $23.25-million contract that many believed was a bargain for the Mets at the time it was signed during the 2006 season. Reyes has been limited by injuries the past two seasons – he played only 36 games in 2009 – and that makes this year critical for him from a financial standpoint.
The Mets are expected to have roughly $60 million coming off the payroll after this season, but Alderson already has said he does not plan on reinvesting that entire amount in more long-term deals again. Instead, he wants to spend while maintaining roster flexibility, which is something that could be difficult when the Yankees or Angels are trying to sign your All-Star shortstop. But after a quiet stay this week at the Dolphin Resort, Alderson realizes that it will be important to get in the game in subsequent Decembers.
“I want the Mets to make headlines,” Alderson said. “And I’m a realist about certain things, so believe me, flying under the radar is not something that I expect the Mets to do on a long-term basis.”"
stickguy
12/10/2010-12:43am at 12:43 am (UTC -4)
if he really won’t do a longer deal, that will ice Reyes leaving.
and they won’t have to worry about spending too much of the $50 mill, since the handful of big $ FAs will probably find that team willing to pony up the bucks.
oleosmirf
12/10/2010-1:45am at 1:45 am (UTC -4)
except the Yankees + Sox wont be going after Reyes and those are the only 2 teams that can outbid us so I dont see where the worrying comes from.
njstuckintx
12/10/2010-6:58am at 6:58 am (UTC -4)
It’s not like the Astros (with new ownership), the Angels, the Dodgers, the Orioles, the Giants & the Nats wouldn’t be interested.
metsfan4decades
12/10/2010-7:52am at 7:52 am (UTC -4)
One way or another, the Mets are going to ‘pay’ for waiting to see if Jose can remain healthy – either by a big FA contract end of ’11 or losing him all together in FA.
IMO, he should have been approached with some type of extension. I understand Alderson’s mindset overall, but this is one point I feel he should have taken the chance….
Ceetar
12/10/2010-8:37am at 8:37 am (UTC -4)
Too much talk that means nothing, and random projections and guesses to take this with anything but a grain of salt. Is Lennon ones of the guys that dislikes Reyes? Hard to keep these guys straight. Shame I won’t get to schmooze with them Tuesday.
Actually, Newsday is supposedly free this month. And I think you could get the site free on mobile devices. Not like stupid ESPN insider or whatever. pay news sites are stupid in the days of blogs.