Once again it’s time to get your daily dose of TRDM’s Mets in the Papers.
Jon Heyman, “Mets Have Many Options At Second Base But Few Good Ones”
One person somewhat familiar with the Mets’ thinking said it’s about “fifty-fifty” whether the team starts the year with Castillo as the second baseman. If it’s not Castillo it may be some combination of Hernandez and another player entirely. Things are that unsettled.
Andy Martino, “Mets Disagree onWho Will Start at 2B: Luis Castillo, Brad Emaus, Justin Turner or Luis Hernandez”
“They all bring something different to the table,” Collins said. “Louie, obviously, one of the things he brings is experience.” Later, in perhaps a more revealing moment, Collins said, “I don’t know what’s going to make the difference, I really don’t.”
Mike Puma, “Mets Manager Awaiting OK to Start Hernandez”
Collins wouldn’t name Hernandez as the winner of the job, but also took a pass when offered the opportunity to squash a Post report saying he wants Hernandez starting at second base.
The hobbled right fielder is expected to receive clearance today to resume baseball activities, nine days after incurring tendinitis in his left knee. Beltran has appeared in just one Grapefruit League game this spring as he attempts to strengthen both knees.
Kevin Kernan, “Reyes’ Days With Mets Numbered”
The Mets are way ahead of last year in one respect, their shortstop looks phenomenal. Jose Reyes is the one player the Mets should keep, but they have shown absolutely no inclination of signing him to a deal.
Here’s one nightmare scenario for Team Nightmare: Reyes jumps to the Phillies after the season. Jimmy Rollins is also a free agent after the season. Or maybe the Yankees sign him and make Derek Jeter the DH. It’s all up in the air right now, but he’s likely to be a summer rental.
Enjoy Reyes while you can, Mets’ fans. That blur you see leaving town will be Jose Reyes.
65 comments
CaseStreet
3/16/2011-12:54pm at 12:54 pm (UTC -4)
Let’s Go Mets!
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
Kernan indeed deserves the award today.
I read that post earlier. Some of these beat writers really are going to look foolish when their ‘can’t miss predictions’ do exactly that.
stickguy
3/16/2011-1:39pm at 1:39 pm (UTC -4)
I am so proud of my newest invention. I need to start copyrighting this stuff!
CaseStreet
3/16/2011-2:11pm at 2:11 pm (UTC -4)
Could be it’s own post.
stickguy
3/16/2011-2:19pm at 2:19 pm (UTC -4)
seems to fit here, if this is to be a regular occurrence.
stickguy
3/16/2011-1:08pm at 1:08 pm (UTC -4)
No inclination? Not sure that is the right phrase, when they are on record (though many, of course, think it is just BS) saying they want to see him perform first after the last couple of limited years.
stickguy
3/16/2011-1:15pm at 1:15 pm (UTC -4)
OK, Castillo K’d again. Time for him to fade into mediocrity.
And does anyone else notice that Pelf looks a lot like the Brad dude that just finished being the bachelor?
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-1:23pm at 1:23 pm (UTC -4)
Agree about Castillo.
Can’t help you with Pelf. Never saw the show bachelor.
oleosmirf
3/16/2011-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
I still dont understand the rationale behind letting Reyes walk. I don’t understand how the Mets are a better team now or 5 years from now if they trade him or let him walk.
Its all set up perfectly for not only Reyes returning but using that contract to “reassure” Mets fans that the Mets are unaffected by Madoff.
kistics
3/16/2011-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
I’m almost starting to believe that his NY media WANT to see the Mets fail. They need someone to stomp on whenever they need. They need someone to make fun of.
oleosmirf
3/16/2011-1:28pm at 1:28 pm (UTC -4)
not to mention that the Mets can resign Reyes and still cut payroll significantly by simply replacing Castillo with Havens, Perez with Mejia and Beltran with Duda/Martinez/Kirk.
The idea that the Mets can’t afford Reyes, i believe, has been conjured up by the media in order to force the Wilpons out.
kistics
3/16/2011-1:33pm at 1:33 pm (UTC -4)
Also the Mets have about 8 months before whether or not they can (or cannot) resign him. In 8 months, anything can happen. The team could be bought, or a minority shareholder can boost some capital into the club, Wilpons could get favorable results from the lawsuit, Wilpons can win a lottery, etc etc…
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, +10000
CaseStreet
3/16/2011-1:29pm at 1:29 pm (UTC -4)
Why report the facts when you can just make shit up. It’s Revenge of the Nerds.
kistics
3/16/2011-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
Does anyone remember Hernandez playing 2B this spring? MLB.com has this ST stats, but he only played SS and no 2B.
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t say that I do, at least not in the home televised games I’ve watched.
kistics
3/16/2011-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
That’s because he never played at 2B this spring.
kingman 26
3/16/2011-1:28pm at 1:28 pm (UTC -4)
HAHA!
Case, great to have you back.
This will quickly be joining Rusty’s posts as the things I look most forward to!
Like Kernan would have ANY FRIGIN CLUE if the team did or did not have any inclination.
LOL!
CaseStreet
3/16/2011-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks. I’ll do my best to keep up with my esteemed colleague, Son of Rusty.
It’s going to be a fun year.
stickguy
3/16/2011-1:38pm at 1:38 pm (UTC -4)
Well, I am starting to think that all the 2B discussion is just a waste of time. 2nd day in a row of slappy starting, hitting in the 2 hole? Really starting to think that this decision has been made, and that even worse (if that is possible) Collins will put him back in the 2 hole for real.
Well, if they do that, I won’t be watching, or paying any attention! A man has to draw the line in the sand somewhere, and that is mine.
CaseStreet
3/16/2011-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
I always thought you liked Castillo.
kingman 26
3/16/2011-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
No, it’s Jerry he likes.
stickguy
3/16/2011-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
easy to confuse the 2, I know.
Damn slappy got a hit. My worst nightmare, coming true via gameday.
kistics
3/16/2011-1:55pm at 1:55 pm (UTC -4)
I double checked. Seriously. Hernandez actually played ZERO innings at 2B this ST. WTF?
oleosmirf
3/16/2011-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
he doesnt really need to play 2B this spring. the guy’s been a 2B his whole career and did so in Sept for us so watching him play the position isn’t a real priority.
kistics
3/16/2011-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah but if he’s a serious candidate at 2B, shouldn’t he play the position at least once before making any kind of decision?
TRS86
3/16/2011-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
Been a 2B his entire career? Not so fast my friend. He’s played only 82 games there total counting minor leagues and many of those were few inning stints, (averaged out to be 47 games).
kistics
3/16/2011-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
Can we say Puma the Liar?
kistics
3/16/2011-2:36pm at 2:36 pm (UTC -4)
He has played 25 games at 2B in the majors.
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-2:06pm at 2:06 pm (UTC -4)
Hairston has done some hitting this ST.
Although, I don’t know how you single on a ‘pop up to the 2nd baseman’ and get a hit and RBI. LOL.
stickguy
3/16/2011-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
bloop into short RF?
oleosmirf
3/16/2011-2:09pm at 2:09 pm (UTC -4)
most likely a bloop single to shallow RF. When they say “to 2B”, it only refers to which player went and picked up the ball first.
Prismo
3/16/2011-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
So have Duda and FMart.
kistics
3/16/2011-2:15pm at 2:15 pm (UTC -4)
Great play by Castillo
stickguy
3/16/2011-2:18pm at 2:18 pm (UTC -4)
that being sarcastic? Hard to tell from Gameday! just said he deflected a ball. At least he tried to get to it I guess.
kistics
3/16/2011-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah the Twins radio guys describe it as something like this. “It’s a routine play, but just got under Castillo’s glove.”
kistics
3/16/2011-2:28pm at 2:28 pm (UTC -4)
And they continued “that’s why you get infront of the ball and not back hand it in case the ball hops up on you.”
stickguy
3/16/2011-2:42pm at 2:42 pm (UTC -4)
well, that is a problem with Cstillo. He can’t seem to get in front of balls anymore. Sucks when you 1st (and 2nd!) step go, along with your range.
hazmet
3/16/2011-7:05pm at 7:05 pm (UTC -4)
My eyes blurred while reading this and I read “Suctillo”. I like it.
kistics
3/16/2011-8:59pm at 8:59 pm (UTC -4)
+1
stickguy
3/16/2011-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
Pelf really does give up a lot of hits most of the time. Would make a very good BP pitcher…
Prismo
3/16/2011-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
“Demerit for Castillo: Looked bad trying to backhand grounder, skipped off glove. Turner/Hernandez makes play, but not Murphy/Emaus. #mets”
-lennon
stickguy
3/16/2011-2:40pm at 2:40 pm (UTC -4)
If castillo gets the job, we need to start a pool for when he gets his first extra base hit. I predict sometime in June.
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-3:38pm at 3:38 pm (UTC -4)
If he ever does. He only had a handful of extra base hits last year, if I remember correctly.
stickguy
3/16/2011-3:39pm at 3:39 pm (UTC -4)
7 doubles. terrible.
stickguy
3/16/2011-2:40pm at 2:40 pm (UTC -4)
Good sign. Reyes with 2 walks.
Sign the man now Sandy!
stickguy
3/16/2011-3:07pm at 3:07 pm (UTC -4)
Buccholz has looked like a keeper so far. If he is back to what he was a couple years back, that should be your set up guy.
kistics
3/16/2011-3:19pm at 3:19 pm (UTC -4)
Emaus double!!
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-3:49pm at 3:49 pm (UTC -4)
Iggy is only good for one inning.
…as he gives up back to back doubles and the walk off run.
stickguy
3/16/2011-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
one inning is good enough, if it is good!
stickguy
3/16/2011-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
Interesting. And that goodness it is the yankees (of course, being the yankees, no one will mention it and if they did would not blame the owners!)
http://www.loge13.com/2011/03/no_parking_at_35_for_yankees_f.php
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-5:06pm at 5:06 pm (UTC -4)
Ha! we must navigate to the same sites. I read that earlier. Guess the Yankee fans will have to take mass transit – hahahahaha.
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-5:09pm at 5:09 pm (UTC -4)
I literally spit out my water when I read this Alderson quote after the game on metsblog:
‘There has been so much written and discussed about Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo, he has wondered out loud if someone could write about something else.’
metsfan4decades
3/16/2011-5:12pm at 5:12 pm (UTC -4)
In regards to stories about Johan Santana possibly missing the entire season, ”Has mythology continued to grow, or are we back to reality mode?”
hahahaha – gotta love Sandy.
stickguy
3/16/2011-5:36pm at 5:36 pm (UTC -4)
certainly different so far than Omar.
Now, if he wants to get ollie and slappy off the topic list, cut them. Will get 1-2 day splash, then will hear of them no more!
kistics
3/16/2011-9:01pm at 9:01 pm (UTC -4)
That’s great… he said exactly what we all wanted to say.
kingman 26
3/16/2011-10:51pm at 10:51 pm (UTC -4)
Interesting…
I wonder if Mr North wants to slam Sandy, and I wonder if Wanny thinks Sandy is a jealous blogger?
Why is it so hard for some to accept that a lot of these guys are just mediocre clowns publishing anything they feel like regardless of how untrue and ridiculous it might be?
stickguy
3/16/2011-11:18pm at 11:18 pm (UTC -4)
just for you Knog.
http://www.tedquarters.net/2011/03/16/even-more-noise-and-other-disturbances/#disqus_thread
kingman 26
3/16/2011-11:25pm at 11:25 pm (UTC -4)
Well, thanks for that; I actually went there and read it just for you.
And I could not agree more.
I don’t mean to be obnoxious, but I just cannot imagine how some folks here bathe themselves in the complete nothingness which is most of the reporting of Rubin/Heyman/Olney and the rest.
It is like a bunch of whiny children seeing who can yell the loudest to get attention.
I don’t even like being exposed to it here!
The Hernandez story is the best of all. Have you looked at his career stats? This guy is a minor league bench player.
It’s a joke; almost all of it.
I truly cannot wait for the season; the pregame, the game, and the postgame are all a sane person needs.
stickguy
3/16/2011-11:50pm at 11:50 pm (UTC -4)
some of this is just the nature of the digital beast IMO.
back in our day, you had the 11:00 news, the morning papers, and not much else (I honestly don’t remember when ESPN started!). Oh, and if you were a rich kid, you could call sportsphone (King Wally baby! I remember making a few of those when they were in the process of trading Seaver).
SI and TWIB were weekly.
Hell, sometimes you needed to wait until the NEXT DAY!!!! to find out the details of a game (remember, this is before the invented gravediggerhebner).
so reporters reported, and columnists columned, and they also had enough time to do it right. Not that they didn’t necessarily have axes to grind, but at least they seemed to make an attempt to really talk about the team (game action, the real stuff) since it is what people were waiting for.
Mr North Jersey
3/17/2011-12:02am at 12:02 am (UTC -4)
Again I fail to understand how me saying I like Rubin’s reporting means that I One accept all beat-writers the same and Two that me somehow liking what Rubin writes means everything he has ever written or has yet to write is above reproach?
It is not so hard to be open minded enough to allow oneself to appreciate what someone may write without it meaning you have to now like everything everyone else may write as well.
I would no more want to “slam Sandy” as I would expect someone to slam me for enjoying Rubin’s writing.
Is it really so hard to comprehend or am i like disrupting the time & space continuum because I enjoy Rubin’s reporting?
Jeez.
stickguy
3/17/2011-12:14am at 12:14 am (UTC -4)
I read whatever I come across that looks interesting. I also take much of it with a grain of salt, and in some cases, flat out amusement!
As long as you accept that writers now often go for shock value (to get attention and stand out from the crowd), enjoy!
Mr North Jersey
3/17/2011-12:30am at 12:30 am (UTC -4)
I accept that I like to read many of the things that Adam Rubin writes.
I accept that it is not my place to make anyone else like what he writes.
I accept that Rubin may write something at times that may cause me to question his motive or intent.
That is what I accept.
If anyone doesn’t accept what I accept I accept them not accepting it.
Now I hope everyone can accept that I am going to bed.
stickguy
3/17/2011-12:35am at 12:35 am (UTC -4)
I accept?
metsfan4decades
3/17/2011-8:09am at 8:09 am (UTC -4)
This.