Grave let the TRDMB author community know on Tuesday night that while his life is good, he just has too many other concerns right now to devote the kind of time required to maintain the magisterial presence he had on TRDMB.
I first encountered GravediggerHebner on the other site where so many of TRDMB’s authors and commenters did their minor league work before being called up to The Show. My first thought those years ago was “what a great name!” I remembered Richie Hebner as a Met; and I sure remembered his offseason grave digging—this Grave guy must be cool!
What I discovered was someone of a very similar age, with similar tastes in sports, music, movies, culture, and even some politics. Many a late-night during and after a Met game saw Matt Cerrone’s comment page turn into a running debate between me, Grave, Rusty, Fong, and Haz about great bassists, top movies, and yeah, a little about the Mets too.
Grave joined those of us who helped found this haven for the serious fan who loves the Orange and Blue. As one of the most admired commenters at the old place, he certainly came into his own as one of this site’s—and indeed of all of the Met blogging world’s—very best writers and observers. His postgame wraps were often cited elsewhere, and definitely made me smile after many of the terrible, lackluster losses the team rewarded us with the last two years.
Stories of his such as the multi-part report on trading stars for prospects graced our pages; they were fit for SI or The Sporting News.
Grave was always a true gentleman—always respectful, yet firm and authoritative; he would defend his position with wisdom and grace when debating but never resorted to the lesser types of responses that so many of us often fall victim to utilizing.
As he leaves us for other things, we can only feel that our loss most clearly is other things’ gain.
I was privileged to know Grave for years in the Met blogosphere, and had some very nice email exchanges with him. He referred to me as a “kindred spirit” and this is a compliment I treasure.
Like many of you, I really will miss him. He was one of the folks who truly made this a better place, both as an author and as a commenter. I can sincerely say, without the false or exaggerated praise that often mars pieces such as this, that when Grave weighed in on a topic in the comment area, it really was like one of those EF Hutton moments—people really did stop and listen; you never knew what you might miss in terms of wisdom imparted, myths busted with facts and research, or a gloriously funny turn of phrase.
Grave, if you are reading this, please accept my very best wishes for your future, and please come by and say hello when you feel the time is right. I think I can safely speak for probably everyone in our close-knit online Met community in saying that you will be missed; on a deep and regular basis. When I write pieces, I really do think “WWGD” and try to create something you would enjoy; your comments praising an opinion piece of mine were words that definitely made me happy.
May life present you with all of the wonderful things you deserve.
And another damn Met playoff appearance would be cool too.
106 comments
rustyjr
12/9/2010-8:05am at 8:05 am (UTC -4)
Comment…Jeff / Grave – if you are reading this I’m missing you already . Don’t be a stranger my friend
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-8:08am at 8:08 am (UTC -4)
Kingman:
If you correspond with Grave again please send my best wishes.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-8:56am at 8:56 am (UTC -4)
I most certainly will Wanny.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-8:09am at 8:09 am (UTC -4)
Wow…I’m just incredibly sad to be reading this.
Along with many others I’m sure, I looked forward to Grave’s post and would often hang around after games just to read his post game wrap up as soon as it was posted.
Even if you’ve never met them, I think you can often gauge a person’s character traits to some extent if you read enough of their work, as a type of style often emerges. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with your thoughts on Grave, Kingman as I certainly agree.
For Grave: I hope life finds you right now in a good place and things you are dealing with are of the ‘nice to have’ variety. I think I speak for all when I say you will sorely be missed around here.
-MetsFan4Decades
fongy2
12/9/2010-8:13am at 8:13 am (UTC -4)
2nd!… And I sincerely hope there are no health related issues.
Prismo
12/9/2010-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
Rest assured, there are no health related issues.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-9:09am at 9:09 am (UTC -4)
Thanks Prismo; beat me to it…
kingman 26
12/9/2010-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
Thanks MF4D–and I agree totally; I also would sometimes wait for the postgame, even after another rancid loss, to see what hilarious graphics he thought up to use.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-9:08am at 9:08 am (UTC -4)
No sense in penning my own opus, when MF4D summed it up so eloquently.
Hopefully a playoff appearance will suck you back in.
God Speed, sir.
Dirtysanchez
12/9/2010-8:38am at 8:38 am (UTC -4)
One of the best…no doubt about it
Good luck Grave, you will be missed
Prismo
12/9/2010-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
I think I said my peace in the email I sent out…but once again it’s very sad seeing you leave us. I hope things work out and you’re back in April for baseball season!
Ceetar
12/9/2010-9:04am at 9:04 am (UTC -4)
Someone’s gonna have to take over postgame duties huh?
Heyman’s already filling out the Yankees rotation order with Lee.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-9:10am at 9:10 am (UTC -4)
Well, with AGonz AND Crawford, the Sox will be ready for them.
And we can finally stop with the silliness about them giving us anything worthwhile for Beltran.
Prismo
12/9/2010-9:24am at 9:24 am (UTC -4)
Crawford for Beltran?
They get paid similar $ this season and the Sox can free up money for the 2011 offseason. What do you think?
kingman 26
12/9/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
LOL! YES!
Crawford was the ONE serious FA I would have been thrilled for the Mets to get and somehow figure out an outfield configuration.
He and a healthy Reyes are basically the same player offensively, and Reyes-Crawford 1-2 in the lineup? Oh man, that would be awesome.
fongy2
12/9/2010-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. As I’ve noted before, Crawford has been for a few yrs my favorite non-Met AND his game would have fit Citifield
like a glove. I know it’s hindsight BUT I wonder if we’d have been involved if JBay had signed somewhere else last winter?
kingman 26
12/9/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
Ugh. That is a depressing thought!
Crawford would be SO perfect for us.
Alas, it is not to be.
TRS86
12/9/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
Too much of a possibility of a butterfly effect for me. Who knows who the GM would even be right now if Omar had not signed Bay or who would be roaming LF.
stickguy
12/9/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
the beauty of a Met blog. It starts out as a eulogy, and within 10 posts has turned into impossible trade scenerios!
That was tounge in check. Please don’t yell at me so early in the morning.
ANd Like I told MF< grave will get sucked back in by opening day. ALong with all the fans that tried to quit the Mets (yes, a brokeback reference).
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
From Eulogy to Trade Craziness to Brokeback Mountain. Umm… There’s a switch hitter joke in there somewhere…
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:06am at 10:06 am (UTC -4)
Couldn’t agree more.
signed an obsessed Mets fan….
kistics
12/9/2010-9:59am at 9:59 am (UTC -4)
This is sad. I always loved Grave’s posts and comments. He had his ways with words that just cracked me up all the time. Good luck Grave and don’t be a stranger!!
Btw, is he gone from TRDMB for good?
rustyjr
12/9/2010-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
By the way as per mets milb blogger mike Diaz about 2b rule 5 draftee brad Eaumas
Good pick, has a good chance to stick. Solid power and OB ability. RT @lagranderusty: @mikedeeez your take on Eaumas – the mets 2b pick
kistics
12/9/2010-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
In honor of Grave’s retirement (or not), the Mets have drafted Brad Emaus (2B/3B) from the BJays. He played
His numbers actually are pretty impressive.
Last season in AA (136 ABs) and AAA (309 ABs) his stats look like this
32 2B, 15 HRs, 75 RBI, 13 SB, .290/.397/.476.
Good luck to him!
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:16am at 10:16 am (UTC -4)
Rule V draft pickup?
If yes, doesn’t that mean he has to stay on the 25 man roster and if not, we have to offer him back to the Jays?
kistics
12/9/2010-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
I think he has to stay on 40-man roster and if not, I believe the Mets need to send him back.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
Ah….thanks. I thought it was the 25 man roster.
fongy2
12/9/2010-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Any Rule 5 Draftee MUST stay on the 25 man roster the entire season.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
You know, I thought so….if I remember correctly, the Twins picked up Santana off the Rule V and since he was struggling, they stuck him in the BP until they could work with him in ST? to fix what ailed him.
So I guess Emaus just got added to our bench.
fongy2
12/9/2010-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
Maybe. I kinda like the Pedro Beato pick-up. Local kid,
former 1st round pick, hard thrower who hasn’t learned how to pitch…Yet.
kistics
12/9/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
You are right. It’s the prospects left off the 40-man roster that are eligible for the rule 5 draft.
kistics
12/9/2010-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
and yes rule 5 pickup
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
very very impressive numbers and had a better ranger factor than Justin Turner, Russ Adams, Josh Satin and Jordany Valdespin. This should signal the end of Castillo’s tenure with the Mets as losing a prospect like this in favor of Slappy just cant happen.
kistics
12/9/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
And the Mets also drafted a RHP Pedro Beato from the Orioles. Here’s what mlb.com said about him.
Pedro Beato, RHP, Orioles: A supplemental first-rounder in 2006 and Futures Gamer in 2007, Beato made a nice transition to the bullpen in Double-A this season.
His stats last season at AA level.
43 G, 33 GF, 59.2 IP, 2.11 ERA, 49 H, 50Ks, 19 BBs, 1.140 WHIP
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
The BP is taking form. It’s alive… It’s ALIVE!!!!
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
Not bad. There is no such things as too many arms, especially for the BP.
kistics
12/9/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
I was expecting a LHP. There were couple BP types of LHP available for draft.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-10:18am at 10:18 am (UTC -4)
The Crawford signing and all the comments……
If Jose does have a good year, we’re going to be sorry – or we’re going to pay mega $$ to sign him at the end of the year.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
Most assuredly so.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
If Jose has a monster year thats a really good thing and Im sure the Mets would do everything in their power to retain him.
fongy2
12/9/2010-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
THANK YOU! This notion that we’ll get away with a 4yr/50-55mil
contract extenion is ridiculous! If Jose hits the market after a decent
season, he’ll get 100mil from someone. Yeah, it’s crazy BUT who here….Or most anywhere else said Carwford would get 7/142 OR
Werth 7/126???…There will always be some team out there who will
blow up the market and when that happens, almost everyone else’s
price goes WAAAAY-up!
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-10:36am at 10:36 am (UTC -4)
I’ve been thinking about this Werth deal. To me, it looks to be very similar to the Pedro deal with the Mets. Just a lot grander. It’s like a huge flare shot up in the sky saying “Look at me! We are the Nats and we aren’t just doormats anymore!” Pedro lead to Beltran and others. Maybe Werth leads to Pavano and others in the years to come? We shall see.
fongy2
12/9/2010-10:42am at 10:42 am (UTC -4)
Agreed!…New stadium and TV network money helps them ALOT. Plus, while TRS will poo-poo it, Riggleman words about Jason Werth
echoed Brian Sabean’s about his overpaying Aaron Rowand
a few yrs ago. ” He changes the culture in the clubhouse”.
TRS86
12/9/2010-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
You think Sabean would do the Rowand contract again?
fongy2
12/9/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
Not so sure about that….They’ve got a Championship in
the bag…..So…..???
kingman 26
12/9/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
Kind of hard to argue with the Giants’ expenditures right now.
Please don’t TRS….yeah, they have had incredible drafts and have great pitching, but as we know very well from the last 5 years, a high payroll and a load of starpower guarantee little without the right clubhouse culture.
I bet Rowand wasn’t leading card games and arguing with coaches who wanted the team to prepare for games….
fongy2
12/9/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Thank you Wise-Sir!
kingman 26
12/9/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Thank YOU even wiser sir!!
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
Also, that’s where an extension right now, say 3 years, 16-17 million tacked on to this year would be smart. Try it now. If he doesn’t go for it, well, you revisit again mid season and then in the offseason. But, I really don’t want to start that debate again.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
again leadoff hitters do not get paid the same way as middle of the order guys. Id be absolutely shocked if Reyes got 100 mil
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-10:49am at 10:49 am (UTC -4)
Crawford got 140+. He’s never had more than 19 hrs in a year. I think you are going to be absolutely shocked come next offseason.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
Crawford is also a perennial all-star, .300 hitter, GG and he is not a leadoff hitter. He also has zero injury or maturity concerns.
the difference between the two is quite large…
kingman 26
12/9/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
True, and despite the similarities in their games, Crawford has not been a leadoff hitter recently I don’t think.
2008 was Jose’s last season which was in the old Jose/Crawford realm. That’s a long time ago.
If he has a 2006–2008 season, yeah, he will get crazy numbers as I have maintained; without a doubt 5/85 at the very least and maybe a lot more.
Crawford of course has a much, much better reputation and has been injured once.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
Points all taken. That said, Shortstops are worth more than outfielders. so, minus money for attitude and injury. plus money for position.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Very true.
Again, I have argued that Jose will receive a lot more than what others have suggested; I have always said about 5/75 for starters.
But Crawford definitely has a WAY higher profile and rep than Jose.
fongy2
12/9/2010-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
And….What some of our younger fans haven’t yet
realized is that the days of Steve Finley’s and Brandy Anderson’s hitting 40/50 HRs are over with. The
game (Thankfully) has returned (mostly) to what it
was and should be. Guys like Crawford & Reyes become much more imortant. They could easily hit
.300,40doubles,20trips,15-18HRs,and lead the league in Steals…While playing very good D.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
Totally agree once again!
kistics
12/9/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
I would guess he would leadoff for BoSox.
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-10:18am at 10:18 am (UTC -4)
Can’t Grave’s Grave Post get a picture of some sort? Maybe a Loneytoons picture of uh, oh, I don’t know, a grave or something?
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
That picture works too. Thanks, I’m assuming Kong or MNJ.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-10:59am at 10:59 am (UTC -4)
Ask and ye shall receive my son.
That’s how we dooze it around here.
TRS86
12/9/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
Never heard of Emaus but he sure had one hell of a season this season. He had a tough 2008 — his first in AA but his single A season before suggests that this season might be more of what to expect. The guy has a walk/k ration of about 1:1. Sounds like a player!
I’m also excited about Pedro Peato, a former supplemental round pick who put it together last season as a reliever.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
If nothing else, the Mets are picking up guys with the most funky names….
Boof,
Emaus
Pedro Peato
I like this pickup too. So far, so good Sandy. I realize all might not pan out but at least looking at stats, they’ve got half a chance.
fongy2
12/9/2010-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
Now if we can just get Mookie back in uniform (1B coach?)
we’re good to go!
njstuckintx
12/9/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
is cookie rojas still around?
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
I ws going to name my dog mookie, but some friends up the street used it first. Odd, since they aren’t even Met fans.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
with Sandy around its gonna be really hard to believe they let this kid go back to Toronto just to give Castillo a spot on the team.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
Well, it may cost Turner or Murphy their spots too.
Hopefully Luis and at least one other plays well enough in ST for Luis to be traded and the other to take over. At least we have reasonable options. Turner’s minor league career line of .309 .373 .442 is worth a shot too.
kistics
12/9/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. I’m hoping that Murphy/Turner/Emaus would kick Luis out of the lineup.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
I dont see any way a healthy Dan Murphy doesnt make the team at least as a LHB off the bench.
I guess theoretically the Mets can take Murphy, Castillo and Emaus to start but once the 5th SP is needed they are going to have to make a decision but Castillo really is the easy choice.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
well, all other things being equal, Emaus gets the nod due to 25 man roster issue. Turner and Murphy can stay in the minors.
actually, if murphy makes the team as part of the 2B platoon, the new guy could be screwed unless he can handle SS, since the other half of the platoon probably needs to be Joses back up too.
Ceetar
12/9/2010-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
I don’t really care which guy ends up playing 2B. Hopefully what ever he shows in spring continues into the season. I’d like to see some of the 4th and 5th starter candidates look good though.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
This guy they just picked up looks like a potentially outstanding addition….
Ceetar
12/9/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
The minors are full of potentially outstanding additions. That’s kinda the idea. Blue Jays did give up on him already.
Then again, Riccardi probably had a hand in drafting him in the first place.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
aaron hill might have something to do with it. 40 man roster space too.
and some GMs are more into tools than minors performance.
Ceetar
12/9/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
You find room for good prospects. But it might just have been a difference of opinion with Riccardi and the new guys. Or he might not really be that good. I saw a couple of tweets suggesting the Mets aren’t even expecting him to really compete for the job, but maybe be a good backup utility guy.
wannybackstra
12/9/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
nothing wrong with plucking a guy for $50k to be a good utility guy.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:32pm at 12:32 pm (UTC -4)
nope, but they seem to have a few too many at the moment. At least to carry.
if this guy could play a respectable SS or OF in limited duty, he would be way more valuable. And that’s why I think he either needs to win a starting job or he will get squeezed out.
that 6 man pen is starting to look like a better idea. They pretty much used one all last season anyway (with Mejia and Ollie). If the SPs start running off deep starts like they did for a while last year, even less need for 7 guys.
kingman 26
12/9/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
No, the minors are most definitely not “full” of guys with Emaus’ numbers last year at AA/AAA–his OBP BB/K, some pop, etc.
Our system is definitely in NEED of guys with outstanding potential.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
add 10 HRs and 100 pts to his slugging, and he had very similar #s to duda (BB/K rates, OBP, etc.).
just pointing out something I found interesting.
I also have started looking at those #s more on the young guys. Tends to weed out the Mike Jacobs type hackers that put up flashy BB card #s (HRs mostly), but make way too many outs and have lousy plate discipline. If you can’t walk in the minors, it is going to be really tough to hit in the majors.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
well if the Mets truly believe this kid can be the 2B of the future then that is certainly more important than bringing Castillo back.
losing a prospect like that for the very marginal addition (if that) of Castillo, is just bad baseball management and something the Mets new front office is certainly smart enough to figure out.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
getting a fresh coat of wax on my wifes car before the first snowfall is more important than bringing castillo back.
I think slappy is gone, unless every other possible 2B candidate either gets hurt or absolutley bombs in ST. And that assumes Sandy can’t pawn him off on someone else before ST
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
On the Rule V draft, the Mets just lost a pitcher:
Elvin Ramirez, the lone lost Met, drew a lot of Rule 5 attention after recently mowing down hitters with a 99 mph fastball in the Dominican Winter League. As Toby Hyde explains here, Ramirez’s “breakout” blindsided the Mets and conveniently came after they had to submit 40-man rosters.
Toby’s link:
http://www.metsminorleagueblog.com/2010/12/09/a-late-rule-5-preview-with-notes-on-the-elvin-ramirez-buzz/
‘“Ramirez has pushed his fastball up to 98-99 mph according to several scouts who have seen him in the Dominican. … He throws a changeup, curve and slider as well but has impressed most with his improved fastball velocity and control in the Dominican, where he was averaging 11.32 strikeouts per nine innings and just 1.74 walks per nine.”
However, he was hurt a good portion of ’08 and ’09 and just wasn’t that good.
‘I suppose that one story you could tell is that it’s all about health for Ramirez. Healthy this year, he was able to work to improve his command, and now stronger after a full-season of work, he body is really showing for the first time what he’s capable of doing. If the improvement is real and not a fluke, the timing was terrible for the Mets.’
Well, dang……
Ceetar
12/9/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
Supposedly he has no control, and that the rumors of MPH are way off and it’s closer to 94. I mean, the Mets could’ve protected him and left him in Buffalo if they thought he was worth something.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
Sounds reasonable. Here’s hoping we’re not reading about him in years to come as the one the FO let get away.
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
he pitched 3 games in AA last season after a largely unimpressive season in St. Lucie.
I dont see how he sticks with the Nats all season and will probably be back with the B Mets by the time their season starts.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
it’s the nats. who thought they would keep Flores for an entire year.
perfect team for him though, as a BP guy, since the back end of their pen is going to suck anyway. So in this case, i don’t expect him back.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
Not a big deal. In fact, I think there’s a greater than 50% shot he returns to the Mets sometime this season.
Guy only has single A experience and is seriously weak on control. He has to stay on the O’s major league roster in order to remain in their organization, and I think given his lack of experience and control issues, they’re doubtful to do that.
kistics
12/9/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Here’s a question. It seems like Tejada will be in the minors. Who’s the backup for Reyes? Turner looks like the only option there, but does this mean he automatically gets a spot?
If so, that leaves Murphy, Luis and Emaus competing for 1 spot?
oleosmirf
12/9/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
should be more options coming in but for the backup SS it should be Luis Hernandez or Justin Turner.
The Mets must really think this Emaus kid is gonna be a player b/c given our need for pitching, you would have thought if they were gonna take a flier it would be on a pitcher not a position player
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
Jose will just have to play every game.
Seriously, I have no idea. I would have thought the MI BU would have to be able to play SS. If Turner is the only one of the 4 you mentioned that does, then they almost have no choice – at least the way things stand now.
Emaus only plays 2nd, 3rd, right?
I can’t see Murphy at SS at all.
Prismo
12/9/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
Emaus will not play 3rd. His defense at 3B last year was…atrocious.
kistics
12/9/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
Emaus only plays 2B or 3B. Last season, he played at 3B more than 2B.
I can’t see Murphy playing 2B either. It should be very interesting what happens.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
don’t discount murphy. Based on the options floating around (and collins being pretty clear they intend to have Tejada in AAA), 2B is not going to be filled by a GG player no matter who they pick. So, whichever player(s) bring the most offense to the table will win the job.
this also screams out for a platoon. Turner in particular mashes lefties (to the tune of a 1.00+ OPS last year vs. LHP).
the real problem seems to be too many guys fighting for bench spots that play the IF. They are going to need more OF help. Turner played 8 games in the OF in 2006. SO not sure you want hi or Murphy being the 5th OF!
actually, the solution is a 6 man pen. a 5 man bench is really too limiting.
Ceetar
12/9/2010-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
Reyes easily could end up playing 160 games again, but I don’t think he should. I don’t raelly know how much giving a guy 3 hours off 5 more times a year really helps, but if it helps keep Reyes fresh for September, do it. So I’d like a backup that’s more than a ‘stand there’ guy. But there are a lot of crappy SS out there, so I’m assuming one could find his way here.
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:22pm at 12:22 pm (UTC -4)
certainly they can find a 1 dimensional Ss glove to sit on the bench and be worthless for 155 games/year. but it probably isn’t worth being short that extra bat in those 155 to have a better BU for Jose. A guy like Turner can get the job done. Just make sure to rest Jose when the mets have a RH fly ball pitcher going!
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
I guess Hernandez does too, but since he otherwise sucks, I don’t want him on the team.
No idea if Emaus can play SS in a pinch. I would guess that he has in the past, but he did not play any as a pro. And in 2010, he actually played a lot more games at 3B than at 2B.
He does have very good K/BB rates, and over 80% steal % in the minors, so he seems to know what he is doing with the bat.
saltygary
12/9/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
This is a huge bummer and wish him all the best. Will drink one tonight for you buddy… Sorry “Maru the Cat” I will drink one for you tomorrow instead.
Also as a FYI when the fire Sandy movement begins in a few years Grave was going to back me up around here that I was the one who started it. So please take note.
I am the starter and leader of the fire Sandy movement. I am lurking in the shadows and ready to pounce in 5 years. Don’t listen to the fools who are incensed at the Mets lack of moves. Those folks are ignorant and don’t have the intestinal fortitude to stick around when the pressure really needs to mount. When Sandy messes up I will rise!
stickguy
12/9/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
you might want to start it a little sooner. I would be shocked if he is still around in 5 years, no matter how good the team is doing. I always saw this as a 2-3 year gig (tops) to come in and fix the mess, then he would step back into a Sr. Advosor role with someone else taking over as GM.
same deal as Gillick in Philly.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
So you have no faith in Alderson?
I agree with Stick. I’d be surprised if he’s still the GM in 5 years, no matter what happens with the team.
saltygary
12/9/2010-1:25pm at 1:25 pm (UTC -4)
I have great faith in Sandy and I have very content with the hot stove so far. He has a plan and is implementing it.
A month ago I made a sarcastic rant about how the circus continues on Sandy’s watch with the Charlie Samuels revelation and that the Mets hired the wrong guy. So with that I placed my stamp on being the first to trash Sandy and to start the fire Sandy movement.
stickguy
12/9/2010-1:39pm at 1:39 pm (UTC -4)
well, if you are going to take a radical position, at least have the balls to defend it!
like my playoffs in 2011 prediction. I made it, and am sticking to it.
saltygary
12/9/2010-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
LOL You are absolutely right. Just need a little more evidence before I get myself flamed of this site.
metsfan4decades
12/9/2010-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
Ah….LOL.
hazmet
12/9/2010-9:24pm at 9:24 pm (UTC -4)
Late to the party, but Godspeed GDH. Never goodbye, but, until we meet again.
As I’ve posted here before GDH was the first blogger to respond to one of my posts over at that other site. After reading some of the other responses on other posts from other bloggers years ago at that site I was hesitant to post as I expected some infantile dribble lash out sighting the stupidity of my many ideas. The result was I was truly privileged to have GDH comment to me as I received a well written reply endorsing the position of my argument and pointing out some other considerations I’d not thought of as counterpoints. Alway’s the gentleman GDH will be missed for now, but as I said until we meet again and best wishes.
Regards,
Hazmet