" Our setup man for '11 ?"
Every year during Spring training there seems to be the same kind of story line. Who will be healthy, can player A reproduce the same amazing year that he had the season prior, Will there be a roster spot for the rookie that has just been turning the head of the coaching staff ? And then there is this – What player – whether it is a rookie or a veteran who received a Spring training invitation would you like to see make the team this season?
Well for me the choice is obvious, it has to be Jason Isringhausen. First of all , I am a sucker for a feel good story – and Izzy so far has done nearly everything right. In four appearances he has only given up one run, his fastball is touching 90 MPH of the radar gun, his newly learned overhand curve is baffling hitters, and it is said that he has been a positive role model on the younger pitchers that are in camp.
I think it also helps that Izzy has a World Series ring, as at one time was a premier closer, just in case Frankie Rodriguez goes down with a injury at least we have a proven commodity in the bullpen. Lastly he is a former Met. Izzy was the member of the “Generation K” era that actually was productive in his time with the Mets. In some cases he was like Mike Pelfrey or Aaron Heilmann- except without the psychological issues. I am a sucker for original Mets coming back into the fold whether it was Seaver, Jorgenson or even Hubie Brooks. and as of the time of this publishing, it looks like Izzy is a lock for the pen ( fingers crossed).
So once again I pose the question on you – Who would you like to see make the Mets out of Spring training ?
And with that said… HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today include:
Original Mets relief pitcher, Ken MacKenzie is 77 (1934).
Mets middle reliever from the ’79 team, Wayne Twitchell is 63 (1948) .
Mets bullpen coach from ’85-’91 and pitching coach from ’94-’96, Greg Pavlick is 61 (1950) .
Mets middle reliever from parts of the ’92 and ’95 season, Mike Birkbeck is 50 (1961) .
Mets reserve outfielder from the ’94 team – Brooklyn’s own, John Cangelosi is 48 (1963).
The New York Mets released relief pitcher, Duaner Sanchez on March 10, 2009. This is a case of what could of and what should have been. If only Duaner would have stayed in his hotel and ordered room service instead of going on that late night excursion to find some Dominican food. Then it is almost safe to say that the Mets might not have lost to the Cardinals in seven games and quite possibly could have won the World Series.
And while you still seethe at the fact that as of this moment Oliver Perez is still taking up space on the Mets roster, just keep in mind that there are just 22 ,Mike Jorgenson days until the Mets open the 2011 season against the Florida Marlins in Miami, and 29 days until the Mets 2011 home opener against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
Mo Vaughn tfeels like he can rip the ears off a gundar !!
104 comments
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-8:34am at 8:34 am (UTC -4)
There’s many new faces in camp this spring, especially pitching – and it’s early yet so hard for me to gauge who should get those last spots in the BP.
However, if I’m picking one guy to get behind and root for this spring it’s Murphy. If dedication, determination and yes I’m going to say it – ‘grit’ – could be measured, Murph would be at the top of the scale. He’s not without talent either as his bat is right at the top of all positions players so far this spring, behind the leader Duda. What he’s apparently without is a position, but not for lack of trying.
He played mostly third in the minors but wasn’t breaking in on the Mets in that position. He willingly took on LF in ’09. He endured the laughing and ridicule when it became obvious that was never going to pan out there. Jogged right over to 1st base when Delgado went down. A rookie, never having played first, didn’t bat an eye when they asked him to take over during the season with no preparation. That couldn’t have been easy knowing there was a shot he wouldn’t look any better there then he did in LF.
Murph gave it everything he had though and played a decent 1st base that year. After getting hurt in ST last year, by the time he was ready to rehab he knew 1st base was Ike’s to keep so didn’t bat an eye when they put him at second. Don’t know if it was inexperience, bad luck or combo of both but one borderline dirty slide there ended his season last year. Didn’t stop him from picking up right where he left off in winter ball.
Read an article on Duda this morning where Murph kind of took him under his wing last year when he came up and struggled at the plate. He wasn’t even here but that didn’t stop him from reaching out to Duda. After yesterday’s ball game he offered Duda support and words of advice after he flew out in the 6th:
“Keep getting into positive counts,” Murphy called out.
Duda looked over. “That was like a B.P. fastball,” he said.
Murphy nodded. “That’s what they’re going to do,” he said.
Duda pulled up a chair near Murphy’s locker. Murphy explained how pitchers fear his power, how they want to just miss the barrel of his bat. Don’t be too overeager, Murphy explained. Sometimes you need to accept a walk, rather than turn yourself into an out.
****************************************************
This, coming from a 25 year old still trying himself to cement a starting spot on the roster himself. I mean, how can you not root for this kid?
njstuckintx
3/10/2011-9:10am at 9:10 am (UTC -4)
Go Big Murph. I hope Sylow’s head explodes when they announce opening day starting lineup and they say, Batting 7th and playing second base… Daniel “BIG” Murphy.
stickguy
3/10/2011-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
Murph man has future manager written all over him.
Ceetar
3/10/2011-9:27am at 9:27 am (UTC -4)
I want the guys that play the best to make the team. That are deemed to be able to contribute the most. Whether it’s Murphy, or Emaus, or Izzy , or Perez or Canseco.
I’d like to see Evans and Murphy be that guy though.
kingman 26
3/10/2011-9:28am at 9:28 am (UTC -4)
Well, your idol and perma-man-crush Ollie certainly is among the very best performers in ANY team’s camp this spring, wouldn’t you say?
It’s a rhetorical question; I know what you’d say.
Ceetar
3/10/2011-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
talking about April, not March.
kingman 26
3/10/2011-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
Yes, he will surely be treated MUCH more fairly in April I am sure!
Ceetar
3/10/2011-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
The players that play best in April should be the ones to make the team, that’s who i want on the team.
I’m not even sure what your’e talking about.
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
Don’t you usually make the team by the time April rolls around?
Ceetar
3/10/2011-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
yes. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. But Spring Trainign is practice, and it’s not just about numbers. Collins and Alderson have to pick the guys that are going to have the best Aprils.
kingman 26
3/10/2011-9:27am at 9:27 am (UTC -4)
I would like to see Murphy win the 2B spot.
I would like to see Gee on the team, because I believe Capuano and Young will be basically disasters.
I would like to see Beltran on the DL and FMart make the team as the starting RF.
I would truly love to never see Beltran, Castillo, or Perez again.
It’s Junior Core (c) time!
njstuckintx
3/10/2011-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
I’d like to see Duda or Fmart in RF. I’d like to see either Beltran break completely and be DL’d (thus insurance kicks in), or he get healthy, rip it up and get moved quickly, like by May. I know that won’t happen and you don’t wish disaster on anyone else, but the only way he moves early is if someone gets injured.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-9:46am at 9:46 am (UTC -4)
Do we really know if there is any insurance for Beltran in this last year of his contract? If I had to guess, I’d say no.
njstuckintx
3/10/2011-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
It’s sunny and low 70′s here in Houston. I’m looking on the bright side of life today.
stickguy
3/10/2011-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
we are having a biblical rain storm today, and the yard was still saturated from the one a few days back. my house may be floating away soon.
so feel free to send some of that warm and sunny up north!
rustyjr
3/10/2011-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
So no one is rooting for izzy ?
kingman 26
3/10/2011-9:44am at 9:44 am (UTC -4)
Buddy, I would love to see him do well, and if he is really throwing 90+ consistently, it may happen.
But I have had enough of old, injured, broken down pitchers past their prime the last 5 years to last maybe 20 lifetimes.
I hope I am wrong about Izzy and he does all the things you say above.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-9:44am at 9:44 am (UTC -4)
It’s not that I’m rooting against him…..just haven’t seen him pitch enough to make a determination if he really has anything left in the tank. So far, he’s looked credible, but that’s just my untrained opinion.
I have no problem if Izzy makes the BP out of the gate, as long as we don’t lose someone counted as depth that we might need later in the season.
What has impressed me so far with Izzy is he knows what he’s doing out there, knows how to pitch, apparently knows what a game plan is. Only question is does he have the talent left to go along with that?
njstuckintx
3/10/2011-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
I am, but he’s not top of my list. Since we all are looking to a future where beer flows out of water fountains, the sun shines all the time and Mark Cuban owns the team. I would think it’s a nice story line to have Izzy back, but he’s no more than a 1 year, maybe 2 before he’s done. I’m more rooting for the Youngin’s who can possibly take that step and cement themselves into the lineup. Murphy, Gee, Duda or Fmart…
kingman 26
3/10/2011-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
“Murphy, Gee, Duda or Fmart…”
+ Infinity
Ceetar
3/10/2011-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
I generally don’t root for bullpen guys. Mostly expendable and interchangable, particularly beyond the first 1-2 guys.
stickguy
3/10/2011-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
I hope they pick a good 7 (no ollie of course!) while managing to keep some viable options for AAA. LIke a rotation needs to be say 7 deep, a pen needs to be about 10 so you can rotate guys in from AAA without missing a beat.
TRS86
3/10/2011-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
Of course that means you need to tie up 40 man spots with 10 relievers if you are going to shuttle them back and forth
stickguy
3/10/2011-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
more like the fringe guys get waived if they aren’t doing the job.
Not sure at this point how many guys that could be an option are already on the 40 man. Acosta is for one.
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
Bosner, Byrdak, O’Connor, Issy, Tank, are not on the 40 man.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
O’Connor has looked good in his limited outings so far.
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
He has but right now I still give that edge to Byrdak.
stickguy
3/10/2011-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
perfect example of keeping 2 guys (maximizing roster depth). If Byrdak shows he is not good enough once the season starts, you can always cut him, and promote O’conner to take his place.
but, if you keep the prospects that locks up a 40 man spot, and you lose the veteran guy.
unless, of course, they signed MiL deals and you can stash them in AAA anyway (I think byrdak they can, I know Izzy won’t accept that deal).
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Most of our LHRP options are on minor league deals or have options.
oleosmirf
3/10/2011-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Bay, Davis, Murphy, Thole
Nickeas, Emaus, Hu, Hairston, Evans, Harris
Pelfrey, Dickey, Niese, Young
Capuano, Beato, Carrasco, Buccholz, Parnell, Rodriguez
Once the 5th starter is needed, i expect Evans to be waived and Acosta called up…
stickguy
3/10/2011-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
IIRC, the mets don’t have as many games off as normal early in April, so they are going to need the 5th SP pretty quickly.
TRS86
3/10/2011-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
Yeah word was they would have to go basically right out of camp with a 5th starter.
Ceetar
3/10/2011-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
They usually do. I don’t think the 5th guy will be such a bum that it matters. Besides, with the 5th guy Dickey starts the home opener, so I get to see him first.
4/9 would be the first time they’d have to use a 5th starter. Game 8. Its going to be rough right out of the gun though, got that first monday off, but then it’s 13 games straight. Travels fairly light though, they don’t leave Florida until 4/5 and then only to go up to Philly on their way home to NY. A quick trip to Atlanta mid-month, down to Wash/Phi end of the month, but they don’t fly anywhere real far until 5/9 and Colorado/Houston.
stickguy
3/10/2011-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
always a chance of a rain out in the NE too that early in the year.
oleosmirf
3/10/2011-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
Im not exactly sure how waivers work in baseball but i figured they would do this b/c if Evans needs to be put on a 40 or 25-man roster if he gets claimed, there is a much better chance of him not being claimed once the season starts.
also i forgot to add Tim Byrdak as the LHP
stickguy
3/10/2011-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
yes, if he gets claimed, he needs to be kept on that teams 25 man at this piont, or be waived again.
I just think there are plenty of teams that would be interested in him as a RH bat off the bench. If you look around at bench’s even good teams often carry some real stiffs (including the phils last year).
You are correct though that the trick to sneaking guys through is wait until the last possible second, or after the season starts, when teams already have full rosters and hope that no one wants to cut someone to pick up your guy.
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
I am just not so sure how highly thought of Evans would be. If teams would cut their backup 1B for Evans, a guy out of options. You would think if he had any real interest they would have traded him for someone with options.
stickguy
3/10/2011-2:09pm at 2:09 pm (UTC -4)
would not be the first guy that we all obsessed and panicked over who ended up sailing right on through waivers!
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:13am at 11:13 am (UTC -4)
True, I guess you could do that. Also depends on who you leave down and if they have options to go down. Can you just leave someone in spring training that is on the 40 man without options?
oleosmirf
3/10/2011-11:16am at 11:16 am (UTC -4)
I remember they did this Figueroa 2 years ago. He didnt make the opening day roster but once the 5th SP was needed they cut Marlon Anderson 6 days in or so and called him up.
I figured someone like Acosta, Buccholz or Isringhausen with options can be in “extended ST” for a week
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I know they have done that before. Just saying that I did not know if a guy like Cap could be left down if he did not have options.
oleosmirf
3/10/2011-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
true true well Capuano is on an MLB deal so i had him in the pen with one of the relievers on MILB deals staying behind.
stickguy
3/10/2011-10:49am at 10:49 am (UTC -4)
lets see, if I have to pick one, I will go with… Duda!
I agree with whoever said they want Beltran in or gone. Ideally he gets in shape enough to play 120 in the field, and really help out the lineup. But if not, better he just goes down, so we can avoid the days on the bench unavailable, on/off the DL, will he or won’t he crap. Just shat or get the hell out of the can, someone else is waiting for it!
Duda, I just love his bat, and the power he brings. And his D, so far, has not looked too shabby. Not the fastest guy (but not as slow as you might think), he at least has flashed a really good arm. F Mart might potentially be the better package, but I would like to see him at least master AAA for a while before sticking him out there.
Not that he would necessarily do it this year, but he at least seems to have the raw power and swing to be a legit 25-30 HR guy once he gets settled in, which means the Mets could actually have 4 of them in a row (wright, ike, bay, duda) for a change. Beltran, I just don’t know if he can play enough to approach that again.
TRS86
3/10/2011-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
Roster at this point
Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Bay, Davis, Emaus/Murphy, Thole
Catcher, Emaus/Murphy, Hu, Hairston, Evans/Harris
Pelf, Niese, Dickey, Cap, Young
Krod, Parnell, Carrasco, Misch, Byrdak, Acosta, Beato
Honestly for the pen I have no idea.
stickguy
3/10/2011-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
saw this tidbit over at FWICG. Of course, gotta take the beat guys with a grain of something, but really, why even mess with Castillo at this point? The absolute best case is what, that he is only a little below average and almost but not quite acceptable? Just throw the fans a bone, and let someone that might have a future play 2B.
“Harper says Terry Collins recently had a talk with Castillo in to his office, because Castillo had been “moping around in apparent protest of being forced to compete for the job,” plus, “He didn’t take pregame ground balls one day last week when he was in the lineup as the DH.””
kingman 26
3/10/2011-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Hmmm, if this is true, I wonder if folks still wants to deny Castillo’s attitude problems and sense of entitlement?
Cut him, cut him now.
The difference in defense between he and Murphy is nowhere near as great as the difference in attitude and the increase of SLG Murph will provide.
Castillo sat on his ass in the clubhouse when not playing last year, could not be found at least one time when needed to pinch hit, and is a classic example of the revolting attitude which afflicted this team last year.
Get rid of him now.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
I saw that too. I want Castillo gone – he’s just not part of the future so what’s the point?
Only think I can assume with Collins is he’s got an agenda and he’s treating everyone the same no matter what their options are. Play hard, play right or pack your backs. He’s setting the tone across the entire camp.
Thing is, Castillo should not have had to been told that. I know it sux getting old – believe me – but it’s a young man’s game. He should have known his attitude coming into camp would get noticed. Just ask Murphy…..
stickguy
3/10/2011-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
“Play hard, play right or pack your backs” (I know you meant bags MF!)
And right now, somewhere in Saratoga, Knogman is doing a fist pump and shedding a solitary tear.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
haha – yup, classic non proof reading…
kingman 26
3/10/2011-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
Damn right MF4D!
I nominate MF4D for spring training drill instructor!
saltygary
3/10/2011-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
Current Headline at Mattsblog “Recap: Oliver Perez understand why he’s in bullpen”
Did Ollie himself write this? I just don’t understand why it’s so damn hard for these guys to proof read their shit.
saltygary
3/10/2011-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
Here’s another one from yesterday in their recap:
Oliver Perez is ut of the mix for the starting rotation, and will be be better suited competing for a role as a lefty-specialist in the bullpen.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
You know, I could see the argument of ‘this is a blog, I’m a fan, not a journalist’, if MC wasn’t getting paid to run that blog. He is though.
Prismo
3/10/2011-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
Devil’s Advocate: He’s not paid for his spelling or grammar, he’s paid to make MetsBlog popular and to spill some of that popularity over to SNY. I’m sure his spelling/grammar issues haven’t turned away more than a few fans.
kingman 26
3/10/2011-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
You aren’t wrong too often my friend, but I totally disagree with this.
Cerrone’s brain is a study in mediocrity—and stubborn flaunting of mediocrity.
During the recent Madoff media frenzy, he had TWO consecutive posts headlined with Madoff spelled “Maddoff.” Do you think one other media outlet with as much readership and corporate support did this?
He recently spelled the word “celebration” wrong in discussing upcoming plans for the 1986 Mets.
He is exhibit A of why the mainstream media world and sports teams have serious trouble taking bloggers seriously.
Cerrone is where he is for exactly one reason, first and foremost, simply because he was there first and bought the name “Metsblog.”
His spelling and grammar issues are just a small part of it.
stickguy
3/10/2011-1:20pm at 1:20 pm (UTC -4)
also the danger of trying to run a website from an iPhone!
saltygary
3/10/2011-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
They edited the headline and it’s still wrong:
“Recap: Oliver Perez understand why he’s in bullpen”
“Recap: Oliver Perez understands why he’s in bullpen”
Prismo
3/10/2011-7:33pm at 7:33 pm (UTC -4)
“Devil’s Advocate”!!!
CaseStreet
3/10/2011-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
Still think F-Mart needs a complete year in AAA, so if Beltran is out give me Duda.
Also would like to see Rule 5 guys stay with the team.
And Murphy at 2B.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-1:03pm at 1:03 pm (UTC -4)
Is that because you view FMart as more of a full time player in Mets plan for going forward? Reason I’m asking is Duda has less playing time, doesn’t he?
I’m assuming you’re looking at Duda as just a utility guy rather than a full time player.
FMart’s knee arthritis scares me for someone that young. He might be headed down the Beltran/Utley road. I suppose though it could be like 5 years until something develops enough to start interfering with playing often enough.
CaseStreet
3/10/2011-1:19pm at 1:19 pm (UTC -4)
Actually, F-Mart has almost 300 PA less than Duda and Duda has shown more power than F-Mart.
stickguy
3/10/2011-1:23pm at 1:23 pm (UTC -4)
basically too while F Mart was missing games in the minors as a teenager, Duda was playing HS/legion etc. then at a major college powerhouse program. And that training and experience certainly counts too.
to some extent, while they both had to learn how to be “pros” in the Mets system, F Mart also had to learn how to play the game at a serious level.
wannybackstra
3/10/2011-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
I’m in full agreement with Case on all accounts.
It’s hard not to love Murphy whether he plays well or not. Just thought i should say that.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-1:06pm at 1:06 pm (UTC -4)
ESPN Reporting: ‘Paulino delayed again’
‘The Mets aren’t precisely sure when Ronny Paulino will arrive in camp, but they have now given up on him arriving Friday, which was the latest revised estimate.’
I heard an interview with Nickeas in the dugout the other day. Good thing this kid sounds like he has a head on his shoulders. Said he isn’t paying attention to this type information. He’s only concentrating on making his game as good as it could be.
stickguy
3/10/2011-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
I think Osama bin laden could have gotten into the country (under his own name) with less trouble than Paulino. Can’t MLB grease the skids better than this by now?
at least he was not available right away for the season anyway, but if he doesn’t hurry up, he won’t have much time to get ready with the pitchers.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-1:46pm at 1:46 pm (UTC -4)
LOL.
The longer this goes on, the more chance Nickeas has to show ‘em what he’s got.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
Rusty, I just read this part at the end of this post:
The New York Mets released relief pitcher, Duaner Sanchez on March 10, 2009. This is a case of what could of and what should have been. If only Duaner would have stayed in his hotel and ordered room service instead of going on that late night excursion to find some Dominican food. Then it is almost safe to say that the Mets might not have lost to the Cardinals in seven games and quite possibly could have won the World Series.
********************************************
It just dawned on me that if that accident did not take place, we all wouldn’t be making ourselves crazy on this ‘Ollie watch’ right now. Perez was kind of a thrown in for that trade and I’m sure otherwise would never have made his way over to the Mets.
Ceetar
3/10/2011-1:47pm at 1:47 pm (UTC -4)
it’s also contridictory. We don’t get Ollie and we might be looking at Binghampton to find a starter for that game 7. Or Steve Trachsel.
rustyjr
3/10/2011-2:33pm at 2:33 pm (UTC -4)
That will be my topic for tomorrows post
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
Just another story to make your day, stick:
Scouts raving about Duda
http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/16491/scouts-raving-about-duda
On a side note, this is the third article I’ve read over the past week commenting on Duda’s self confidence issue.
stickguy
3/10/2011-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
interesting. I don’t recall any self confidence issue though last year. anyone that can start that bad but stayed focused and finally bust out, can’t be too down on himself!
I interpreted it actually as him not realizing (trusting?) how much he could hit for power. I also remember reading that back in college, he had a wrist injury that took a few years to recover from, and while it was weak he developed into a spray/opposite field hitter.
as long as he keeps using the whole field like he has been, including turning to drive the inside stuff, he will be fine.
remember Delgado? The shift, and pitching him outside, daring him to slap hits to LF, but he insisted on pulling everything and grounding into the shift? well, using the whole field takes that away from teams. And Duda sure as hell has the power to hit one out to LF!
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-2:14pm at 2:14 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t remember where I read it now but it talked about Duda end of last season, especially during that slump, walking around with his shoulders slumped, head down, beating himself up. Said something about his Dad who kept calling with words of encouragement and Murph texting him with advise.
Nickeas was quoted as saying he was his roommate in rookie ball and even though Duda is quite, apparently he has quite the sense of dry humor. Nickeas said he told him he was the father of two children even though not married and let Nickeas believe it for 2 years until he finally told him the truth. And actually, the humor was lost on me – must have lost something in the telling of that story.
stickguy
3/10/2011-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
changing topics, but has anyone else noticed exactly how good Thole has looked so far? He really seems like a veteran starting catcher at this point.
I think all the worry about RF and 2B is obscuring this.
Ceetar
3/10/2011-2:14pm at 2:14 pm (UTC -4)
I wasn’t worried about Thole, so not surprised. Glad Thole will be clearly the starter all Spring and get to know his pitchers too. Even more so that Paulino is lost in customs.
But then, I’m not worried about 2B. one of those guys will have at least a decent year.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
I love Thole’s attitude and personality. He’s so upbeat. Or maybe he’s just so happy to be up here, instead of riding buses in the minors.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-3:04pm at 3:04 pm (UTC -4)
Thole comes through with 2 more RBIs on another double.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
DWright finally gets his first hit in ST.
metsfan4decades
3/10/2011-5:01pm at 5:01 pm (UTC -4)
Duda is making sure he’s not relinquishing that Mets ST batting title so far this month as he hits a 3R HR.
stickguy
3/10/2011-5:19pm at 5:19 pm (UTC -4)
Du-da! Du-da! Duuuuuuuuu Daaaaaaaaa!
and he hit it off a real pitcher, too
stickguy
3/10/2011-5:21pm at 5:21 pm (UTC -4)
and saw in the box score that Murphy finally was involved in a DP too. Looks like he started it though. wonder how he looked doing it? Too bad no TV today.
metsfan4decades
3/11/2011-8:31am at 8:31 am (UTC -4)
First round of cuts, per Rubin. All going to minor league camps.
Ruben Tejada headlines the group of players informed they are being relocated to minor league camp.
The unofficial list also includes right-handers Josh Stinson, Tobi Stoner, Manny Alvarez , John Lujan and Armando Rodriguez, infielders Zach Lutz and Jordany Valdespin, outfielders Fernando Martinez and Kirk Nieuwenhuis and catcher Kai Gronauer.
njstuckintx
3/11/2011-9:17am at 9:17 am (UTC -4)
Like prismo said, would be good for Fmart to do a full year in the minors.
TRS86
3/11/2011-9:34am at 9:34 am (UTC -4)
Good news for Duda that Fmart went down.
stickguy
3/11/2011-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
I would have been very surprised to see F Mart make the club out of ST. Now, if he goes to AAA and rakes for 6-8 weeks, and RF is a problem area, then he could be back.
oleosmirf
3/11/2011-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
the one promising thing I’ve seen from Martinez is he drew 5 BB in the 10 games he played during the spring. Martinez’s biggest weakness (besides his health) has been his inability to draw walks (17 in 287 PA).
If he is able to work on that in AAA maybe he can be a productive MLB player one day.
stickguy
3/11/2011-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
I Like ike!
getting very upset though that slappy has a couple hits. He can’t be on this team. Or I refuse to follow them or watch. Gotta draw a line in the sand someplace!
maybe we get lucky, and he has done enough to get some team to bite and take him? Hey, the phils need a 2B!
metsfan4decades
3/11/2011-2:14pm at 2:14 pm (UTC -4)
I like your thinking. The Phils can have him.
I see the Marlins defense is in mid season form. Whoa…they’ve been awful this game so far.
kistics
3/11/2011-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
Yet some people are saying that the Fishes are heads and shoulders above the Mets…..
metsfan4decades
3/11/2011-2:24pm at 2:24 pm (UTC -4)
Really? In what area? Defense? LOL….they’ve got 5 errors in this game already and it’s only the top of the 5th.
stickguy
3/11/2011-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
on paper, SP would be about it, and other than JJ, it is not all that sure about that either.
metsfan4decades
3/11/2011-2:25pm at 2:25 pm (UTC -4)
Thole goes deep again. And he told us end of last year not to get used to the long ball from him, that won’t be happening.
Wind blowing out?
TRS86
3/11/2011-2:26pm at 2:26 pm (UTC -4)
The Mets be dominating.
metsfan4decades
3/11/2011-2:31pm at 2:31 pm (UTC -4)
Niese done for the day after 2 outs in the 5th. Good day for him.
He had to sit long periods in the dugout in the last couple of innings while the Mets were at bat.
stickguy
3/11/2011-2:33pm at 2:33 pm (UTC -4)
he has a lot of potential. I think many people are undervaluing him.
kistics
3/11/2011-3:02pm at 3:02 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. If he hadn’t hit a wall last season, he probably would get more recognition than now.
His numbers till Aug 21
23GS, 8-5, 3.33 ERA, 138.0 IP, 110Ks,
stickguy
3/11/2011-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
don’t forget, he was coming off of post season (maybe in september?) Hammy surgery, so most likely he did not have enough off season training. So quite likely he just got tired from the grind.
kistics
3/11/2011-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
Turner not having a good day..
stickguy
3/11/2011-3:31pm at 3:31 pm (UTC -4)
starting to think the competition is really down to Murphy and Castillo.
I am dreading the thought of slappy starting the season as the 2B. If he does, I am seriously lowering my opinion of Alderson, and hopes for the new regime.
and if Collins puts him in the 2 hole, I will be happy to sign the “fire Terry ” petition!
TRS86
3/11/2011-3:36pm at 3:36 pm (UTC -4)
According to many reports Emaus is still very much in the mix.
kistics
3/11/2011-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
At this point, I don’t think what Castillo does really matters to fans. I think the only way to make good of Castillo doing well, is that he gets traded and the Mets get something back.
metsfan4decades
3/11/2011-4:19pm at 4:19 pm (UTC -4)
I’m starting to worry that Castillo will open the season at 2nd base, Murph on the bench and they’ll offer Emaus back to the Jays hoping they won’t have room on their 40 man and then we can stash him in the minors.
I mean, Castillo is what he is. He’s not going to suddenly get back some range or a little pop in his bat. But I’ve got a bad feeling he’s going to be given the job to start the season.
oleosmirf
3/11/2011-6:20pm at 6:20 pm (UTC -4)
Im with you, I just dont understand the merits of putting Castillo at 2B. So he’s marginally better at 2B, Murphy is going to drive in twice as many runs and isn’t that more important?
It should be Murphy and Emaus in a LH/RH split platoon and if they make errors so be it. Plus we have Hu to come in late in games in a double switch.
stickguy
3/11/2011-9:03pm at 9:03 pm (UTC -4)
I agree that there seems to be no upside to Castillo starting. Just the amount of booing when he shows up will be depressing.
trying to figure out some logic (anything to make me feel better!), the best I can come up with is they don’t feel that Emaus or Murphy is good enough (overall) right now to be the starter, and that Havens will move quickly, so whoever starts initially is only expected to be a placeholder. and bouncing castillo at any point is not a big deal.
TRS86
3/11/2011-3:46pm at 3:46 pm (UTC -4)
So one Mets pitcher today even confused Gameday.
“Left-hander Les Walrond was borrowed from minor league camp and is on the trip, so it turns out the Mets have signed Les Walrond. Walrond, 34, made 23 major league appearances between 2003 and ’08 with the Royals, Cubs and Phillies. He and Casey Fossum could be left-handers at Triple-A Buffalo. “