The little engine that could !!!
Last night the Mets won a white knuckler of a game against the Brewers by the score of 2-1, which now positions them just two games under .500. Do you know who the catalyst of the game was ? Who else but Jose Reyes !
After his 2-5, two rbi performance last night, Jose is batting .339 with one homer, 23 rbis and a on base percentage of .899 ! So far he has done everything that management has asked him to do. Jose seems to be a tad bit more patient at the plate this season. Yes he has had his occasional brain farts when on base or playing defense – but there is no mistaking that he is the Hemi powered engine that propels this team.
In my opinion to either trade Jose or to let him walk via free agency is suicide. Yes you have talent such as Ruben Tejada waiting in the wings to step into Jose’s spot, but they lack his dynamic “ready for New York” persons.
Look – I am not saying that trading Jose would result in a backlash of “Midnight Massacre” like proportions, No Met thus far can be compared to Seaver in that kind of capacity, but Jose does come close.
There are some members of the media along side some fans that will say he is only playing this well because it’s a contract year – and he wants to be paid handsomely. I can understand this cynicism – but when healthy Jose 95 % of the time gave his all.
I truly feel Jose wants to be here, he is a cornerstone franchise type of player. He is the kind of player that you call a difference maker, opposing pitchers fear him – not for his power – but for his speed. I feel he is having a M.V.P caliber season.
Citi Field is the perfect park for him to spread his wings and fly. The kid is only 28 years old – still in the prime of his career. We all know no team will offer him Carl Crawford money, but I think if the Mets make him a offer of 5 years at 20 million per year – he would jump at it.
I know the Wilpon’s are in the middle of a financial meltdown, but not to sign Jose would be penny wise and dollar foolish.
Yes you save money in the beginning – but you will lose more in the end when the fans at Citi Field start to recede more than it has now.
And with that said…. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today includes:
Middle reliever from the ’67 season, Joe Grzenda is 74 (1937).
One time “Mets Catcher of the Future“, John Gibbons is 49 (1962) Gibbons when he was touted as a great all around catcher when he made the Mets in ’84. But ten games into the season , he suffered a broken cheekbone when he was involved in a home plate collision against the Expos. He was out for the entire season. That next season the Mets acquired Gary Carter – which made John expendable to the Mets. He was most recently the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Starting pitcher from ’95-’98, Dave Mlicki is 43 (1968). Who could forget his gutsy performance against the Yankees in the Mets first ever “Subway Series” win !!!
The New York Mets selected second baseman,Ken Boswell in the fourth round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1965.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Jim McAndrew in the 11th round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1965. Jim was one of the best Mets pitchers that you probably never heard of. He played with the Mets from ’68-’73 – and was often in the shadows of Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. In his six seasons with the Mets, he compiled a record of 36-49 with a E.R.A of 3.54. It is plain to see that if he had received a bit more run support , his record would have reflected better on his career.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Don Shaw in the 35th round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1965.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Nolan Ryan in the 10th round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1965. All I can say is I HATE JIM FREGOSI !!!!!
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Les Rohr in the first round (second pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 8, 1965. He pitched parts of three seasons (’67-’69) for the Mets before disappearing from the Mets radar.
The New York Mets selected infielder, Joe Moock in the third round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1965. He only played in 13 games for the Mets in ’67 – but he had a classic baseball name !
The New York Mets sold pitcher, Cal Koonce to the Boston Red Sox on June 8, 1970.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Rick Baldwin in the ninth round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1971. Rick would pitch for the Mets from ’75-’77.
The New York Mets selected second baseman, Rich Puig in the first round (14th pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 8, 1971.Rich was yet one of the many Mets first round draftee’s that had a cup of coffee with the team – then faded away into obscurity.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Neil Allen in the 11th round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1976. Neil was a good – not great reliever during his time with the Mets. His biggest contribution was that by trading him to the Cardinals, we were able to get Keith Hernandez.
The New York Mets selected pitcher, Mike Scott in the second round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1976. What can be said that hasn’t already been said about Mike Scott ? Did he go from being a highly touted rookie pitcher that struggled mightily to one of the best pitchers from the ’80′s just because he discovered the magic of the split fingered fastball ? Or was it some thing a bit shadier – such as the allegations that he doctored the ball ? Only Mike and his teammates know for sure. And to think all we got for him in that trade with the Astros was Danny Heep !!
The New York Mets selected outfielder, Terry Blocker in the first round (fourth pick overall) of the free agent draft on June 8, 1981. Terry was a highly touted outfielder that was often injured in the minors. He was essentially blocked ( no pun intended) because the Mets were overstocked with excellent outfield prospects. He would be traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1987 for pitcher Kevin Brown ( no not that Kevin Brown !).
New York Mets selected outfielder, John Christensen in the second round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1981. He would later be part of the deal that brought Bobby Ojeda to the Boston Red Sox to the Mets.
The New York Mets selected outfielder, Lou Thornton in the 19th round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1981.
The New York Mets selected reserve outfielder, Mark Carreon in the eighth round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1981.From ’87-’91 it always seems like Carreon was on the Tidewater to New York shuttle. I feel that it is safe to say that Nick Evans is Mark Carreon reincarnated
The New York Mets selected Lenny Dykstra in the 12th round of the free agent draft on June 8, 1981. It is hard to stomach seeing Lenny at such a low part of his life. I don’t know if this image of him that is being projected by the media is true, but if it is all I can say is that he has become a true sociopath – and I pity him.
The New York Mets released outfielder, Rodney McCray on June 8, 1992.
The New York Mets traded first baseman, David Segui to the Montreal Expos for starting pitcher, Reid Cornelius on June 8, 1995. Segui was a decent first baseman with some pop in his two seasons with the Mets. After he arrived in Montreal he became a major home run threat. He later admitted to using PEDs after his was named on the Mitchell report.
The New York Mets released reserve outfielder, Jon Nunnally on June 8, 2000.
The New York Mets signed free agent utility infielder, José Offerman on June 8, 2005.
Mo Vaughn always enjoys his visits to Milwaukee. He loves to recreate the beginning montage of the Laverne and Shirley credits with Doug Sisk !!!
100 comments
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-7:39am at 7:39 am (UTC -4)
Couldn’t agree more with everything you’ve stated, Rusty.
I’ve been saying it for awhile now: there is just no way the FO can put a positive spin on losing Jose. If that really is their plan, they had better be prepared for the fan fallout.
I don’t believe we can get back what he’s worth in a trade, especially b/c he’s a half year rental. Unless it’s a team on his short list, why would he sign an extension? Play the 1/2 year out on whatever team he’s traded to, then he’s got his pick of teams come FA.
And for those thinking given his season so far, they’ll up the ante..unless it’s top prospects, getting back an established star will probably cost just as much as what they’d be trying to save by letting him go.
Sure, could wait until seasons end and compete with the rest of the teams with an eye on him. If the offer isn’t respectable and he goes elsewhere, I believe the fallout will be far greater in that scenario b/c the draft picks won’t appease many fans.
Either way it’s going to be ugly, IMO.
TRS86
6/8/2011-7:49am at 7:49 am (UTC -4)
I still disagree about the level of talent we could get back. Think Lee last year.
“Zduriencik was deep into talks with the New York Yankees on Friday that would have brought Seattle top catching prospect Jesus Montero and other minor-leaguers in exchange for starting pitcher Cliff Lee. But Zduriencik had long coveted the Texas Rangers’ young first-base prospect Justin Smoak, a switch-hitter previously deemed untouchable until his team put a call into the Mariners on Friday morning as the talks with the Yankees blazed.
Knowing the Mariners were close to a deal with New York — with details splashed all over the media from coast to coast — the Rangers finally put Smoak’s name on the table. Three other Class AA prospects were later tossed in by the Rangers;”
If the Yanks, Redsox, Giants, etc start competing for Reyes, the return will be huge.
That being said if the Mets feel they can get an extension signed then he’s gotta stay.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-8:48am at 8:48 am (UTC -4)
Well, I guess we’re going to see sooner rather than later.
Been reading up on the Giants and right now, the consensus is getting Reyes wouldn’t be worth giving up their top prospect(s). The kid they brought up for SS (Crawford?) is apparently doing well enough, even though it’s a small sample size right now.
The Yankees you always have to factor in, especially if it’ll block Reyes going to another ALE division team.
I don’t even want to think about the Phillies. I know they’ve got money coming off the books this year but I’m hoping they’ve got too many other holes to fill to spend the $$ on Reyes.
TRS86
6/8/2011-8:54am at 8:54 am (UTC -4)
What Giants fans and Giants owners think are two different things though. Just because the Giants fans do not want to trade Wheeler for Reyes does not mean they will not just as the Mets fans have lofty price tags for Reyes.
Janai
2/15/2012-7:46am at 7:46 am (UTC -4)
I’m impressed you should think of sometinhg like that
wannybackstra
6/8/2011-7:39am at 7:39 am (UTC -4)
899 is a darned good OBP.
TRS86
6/8/2011-7:43am at 7:43 am (UTC -4)
Pretty sure that would be a record or something.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-8:12am at 8:12 am (UTC -4)
Almost as good as MANNYMANNYMANNY’s BA w/RISP of .987 during the Million Man Manny March a few years back…
TRS86
6/8/2011-7:45am at 7:45 am (UTC -4)
It’s interesting but the better he plays the more likely I think he is to stay. I know his trade value will go up but his value to the Mets will increase as well. I fully expect Sandy to approach him between now and the end of July and say “can we get this done, what would it take?”. In fact for all we know he already has. Then it will be up to Jose. If he says I am gonna test FA, then traded he will be. If he says I am willing to sign a contract now or during the team only negotiation window then he will stay.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-8:13am at 8:13 am (UTC -4)
Completely agree.
Jose appears to have matured into what we all hoped he would be offensively.
He is going nowhere.
If he does, hell, I may even boycott. Would be criminal and unacceptable.
They wanted him to hit line drives and get on base more.
What the hell more can he do than a .899 OBP!!
rustyjr
6/8/2011-8:20am at 8:20 am (UTC -4)
Wow you have kind words for Jose lol
I still can’t believe the fall of Lenny Dykstra . I’d like to say it’s tragic but it’s obvious the man is a sociopath
TRS86
6/8/2011-8:26am at 8:26 am (UTC -4)
Even Superman had flaws but where would the world be without him?
rustyjr
6/8/2011-8:28am at 8:28 am (UTC -4)
Kneeling before Zod ?
kingman 26
6/8/2011-9:27am at 9:27 am (UTC -4)
I was very disappointed the last two years, but have followed Jose since his minor league days. I guess I have a serious soft spot and a love/hate thing with him and most homegrown guys. I have trouble rooting against homegrown guys who make it. My favorite Mets are probably Wright, Ike, Jose, Murph, and yeah, slam me, but Pelf. Still think he will be a consistent winner.
Hell, I still hope Humber does well, and I still cannot believe Henry Owens has not become the next Gossage.
And it is not like Jose just returned to his 2006–2008 form—this year he is an entirely different player. Waiting for the right pitch and smacking line drives all over the place. He has never hit like this.
And yeah, while I will always worship the 1986 Mets and I was at game 3 of the NLCS when he hit the HR, Dykstra has really always been a pretty classless, cheating sociopath.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-8:41am at 8:41 am (UTC -4)
The cynic in me can’t help but wonder if the plan all along was not to sign Reyes and the ‘I want to see him play a bit first’ was a ploy to bide the time. If he faltered and/or wound up with injuries, the FO looks like geniuses and no need to worry about fan fallout.
However right now it’s certainly not playing out that way.
I just can’t wrap my brain around justifying how a big market team – on in NY no less – can possibly justify letting a very good, home grown, 28 year old SS go.
TRS86
6/8/2011-8:44am at 8:44 am (UTC -4)
I know I disagree with you on this one but seeing how Reyes had either missed an entire season, had another season full of nagging injuries including a freak thyroid problem, and had a terrible offensive season by his standards I think Sandy had to wait.
Also, I think Sandy needed time to take a good look at the farm system, the current team, the budget, etc to get an idea what direction the Mets needed to go.
However, with Reyes playing the way he has I think he has changed those plans dramatically.
Like I said yesterday, honestly it has cost the Mets maybe 15-20M over the course of 5 or more years to make sure the old Jose was back. To me that’s a good insurance plan.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-9:11am at 9:11 am (UTC -4)
I don’t have a problem with his mindset as you described above. One where he really wanted to see a half season or so first before making any kind of a decision. Probably good business sense (although you all know I was all for the resigning last winter).
I just hope that was really the mindset and not what I described – which is they already made up their mind to let him go and were just biding their time.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:17am at 9:17 am (UTC -4)
If that’s true then expect him to be traded in the next few weeks. His value would never be higher.
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-9:37am at 9:37 am (UTC -4)
Sandy could have at least said, “Hey Jose, what were you thinking about for your next contract?”. By stating that they’d rather wait to see if he’ll fail or not would pretty much say to me if I’m going to stay a Met, they are going to pay me like a prince.
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-9:30am at 9:30 am (UTC -4)
Maybe for every triple or SB that Reyes is adding to his stats it does increase his value for the Mets to keep him, but it also has his agent whispering “dollar dollar bill y’all” in his ear. Maybe he does stay a Met, but it will be after he has declared FA and after a bidding war like few we’ve seen in recent years has occurred. Maybe the Mets do keep him, but it is going to cost many millions and many years. He’s going to get Crawford type money from someone. Maybe even Tulo type money.
And looking down the proverbial road, when complaints come about the salary of Reyes as being a hindrance to the ball club in the last 2 years of his 7 year contract, I will point specifically to the fact that extension talks (and not his dreads) were not started prior to his walk year. We can start the whole “oh he was injured and not sure what it is we would get” arguments, but they are all hogwash. Yeah, that’s right, I said hogwash. His talent and ability are as apparent as the sun hanging in the sky, so not feeling out what he would even be looking for in a contract is just plain stupid. Negligent even.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-9:34am at 9:34 am (UTC -4)
+1
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
Not necessarily.
Despite what some think, NOT every agent is a bloodsucking greed monster like Boras. If you remember, Jose’s agent negotiated his last deal–which was VERY fair and below market even–because Jose loved it here and wanted security.
It is entirely possible that Jose might actually be the type of man for whom a 6-year 110 million deal might actually be enough to live on.
Maybe he won’t need a luxury suite, hotel suites on the road, no arbitration clauses, and frigin catered toenail cleaning added into his contract like some of the other carpetbagging greedy monstrosity contracts in the game today.
It certainly is possible.
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
I hear what you are saying, but Possible and Probable are 2 very different things.
This is the Holy Grail we’re talking about here. The once in a lifetime, golden ticket to Wonkaville, Kids/Grandkids set for life type payday Jose is on the precipice of. Yeah, maybe he leaves a couple million on the table to stay in NY, but if Boston offers 7, or heaven help us 8 years, Jose is not going to say he likes NY enough to leave 20+ million on the table.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
You never know.
If he really loves it here, who knows how much it might be worth to him to stay?
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
‘catered toenail cleaning’.
Oh…yuck. LOL.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:33am at 10:33 am (UTC -4)
That actually is a real clause in Betran’s contract–for him AND his wife.
kistics
6/8/2011-8:42am at 8:42 am (UTC -4)
5/100 gets the job done? Sign me up any day! I really believe if he continues to play like this he WILL get Crawford money. It only takes one team.
I agree with TRS that Sandy will feel out what Reyes camp wants. And if it’s not something that the Mets cannot afford, it would be smart to trade him. However, it also depends on which team is willing to offer what. If Angels are offering Trot for Reyes, I’m all for it but probably not gonna happen.
I really would hate to see him go though. I know he’s playing out of his mind because this is a contract year, but at 85% what he’s doing now, he’s still at all-star level.
I have wonder how Fred’s comments affect Jose’s willingness to give “home town discount”.
TRS86
6/8/2011-8:47am at 8:47 am (UTC -4)
I think that it will take most likely 6 guaranteed or highly likely years with an option. I am ok with that. Cash wise something around what Werth got? Which over 6 years would have been 6/105 with an option bringing him up to Werth money? I still don’t see him getting Crawford money even on the open market.
kistics
6/8/2011-9:01am at 9:01 am (UTC -4)
I would okay with 6 year deal with option for 7th year (health related vesting option).
I wonder if he will accept 6/105 with option to go to 7/119.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
Well obviously the 7th would be much more than 14M. You would be looking at 6/105 7/125 ish.
kistics
6/8/2011-9:06am at 9:06 am (UTC -4)
Right… But I still think he can get Crawford money at this pace. He’ll win the MVP award if the Mets hang around the race.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:09am at 9:09 am (UTC -4)
The problem with Crawford money IMO is the injury history. Crawford really just did not have it. Also, I think that the Red Sox had to go that high, does not mean they will have to with Reyes.
kistics
6/8/2011-9:14am at 9:14 am (UTC -4)
Flip side is that Reyes is younger and very good defense at the SS position. Also the competition will be there for Reyes. The Sox, Giants, Phillies and Mets can all make offers to him.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, he is slightly younger for sure. It’s interesting though, I just think people view Crawford differently. More as a winner, leader….
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-9:41am at 9:41 am (UTC -4)
Crawford is also older than Reyes by a couple years. I don’t want to have to see the Mets go to 7 years, but there no way Reyes is signing for less that 7 guaranteed years. Maybe the 7th year is an option. A player option. But Jose is about to start playing a lottery that he’s guaranteed to win.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-8:48am at 8:48 am (UTC -4)
But who will pay him ? Boston and the Yanks don’t need him , the Giants and most other team can’t afford him
TRS86
6/8/2011-8:53am at 8:53 am (UTC -4)
Boston does not need him? Huh? Also, the Yanks very well could move Jeter to LF or DH. Honestly the best thing for the Yanks moving forward would be for Jeter and Arod to share 3B and DH duties.
kistics
6/8/2011-8:57am at 8:57 am (UTC -4)
Giants can afford him. Phillies can afford him. And if Pujols goes elsewhere, Cards can afford him as well.
And I would never count out the Yanks or BoSox.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
The Sox have Lowrie – I admit the phillies could make a play for him – but ST Louis has to sighn Albert and I think the Yankee/Jeter relationship would be even more strained – bottom line Reyes will be paid handsomely but not Crawford money
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:07am at 9:07 am (UTC -4)
Rusty, the Sox do NOT consider Lowrie a long-term SS replacement, only a utility guy. Have you seen Lowrie’s stats lately?
Sure bet the Red Sox are MORE than interested. Having Reyes, Crawford, Pedroia, Agonz, Youk, Ortiz, Drew, Catcher, Ellsbury? Seriously? Why would they not be interested?
kistics
6/8/2011-9:11am at 9:11 am (UTC -4)
The Sox have JD Drew, Ortiz, Papelbon, Scutaro, Cameron, Wheeler, Varitek and Wakefield all coming off their books. This equals about $60M coming off their book. If they can have Reyes instead of Lowrie AND have $40M more to spend, I don’t see why they can’t afford him.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:15am at 9:15 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, honestly if you were going to switch to another team anytime soon now would be the time. The Sox are setup for a dynasty and are really only missing a Reyes and a pitcher.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-9:14am at 9:14 am (UTC -4)
I can never discount what the Yankees will do. If they feel Reyes will give them an ‘edge’, I wouldn’t put it past them.
Release Jorge, move Jeter to DH, problem solved.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-9:23am at 9:23 am (UTC -4)
Boston, the Yanks, the Phils, the Angels, and the Mariners will have the bidding war of all-time for Jose.
Jeter would move to the OF and be a hero. This is Rollins’ last year. The Angels could use him. The Mariners’ pitching is excellent and their offense Bad News Bears-ish. Jose and Ichiro would be an amazing top 2.
If Sandy does not get this done in-season, we are screwed.
But I really and truly believe that Jose loves the Mets, loves NY, and is ultra-comfortable as a Met and playing with Wright.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:07am at 9:07 am (UTC -4)
Generated 6/8/2011.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-9:09am at 9:09 am (UTC -4)
Can’t you tell I’m trying to convince myself here that he’s staying ? Lol
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:14am at 9:14 am (UTC -4)
Good luck with that. Reyes stats do a good job of that for me. However, to think the demand for Reyes will not be high during and after the season?
kistics
6/8/2011-9:18am at 9:18 am (UTC -4)
And that’s exactly why he CAN get Crawford money.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
Can and Will are two very different things.
Again, we are splitting hairs here but the reason that Crawford got 7 years/$142M (2011-17) was that 7th year. Take away that 7th year and you have 6/120 ish which is what we outlined above. I just don’t see a team going 7 years guaranteed. Also have to think that OF and SS don’t break down at the same rate. 7 years for a middle IF is a LONG time.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)
Bottom line, we’re not getting Pujols – that’s for sure.
So dang it, at least give us Reyes.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-9:18am at 9:18 am (UTC -4)
What se said !
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:19am at 9:19 am (UTC -4)
LOL, very true. I wonder what the Phillies do with Oswalt? Not that I want him just curious about their cash flow. Honestly I still see them going in house for RF. They will spend some money on LF to replace Ibanez though. Who knows what they do with Rollins. Like him or not, as bad as he is offensively, he is still a leader on that team. Replacing a guy like that in the clubhouse with Reyes most likely would not actually help the Phillies any.
stickguy
6/8/2011-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
I have a feeling one way or another Oswalt won’t be back. And they are really hoping the Brown just establishes himself and becomes the everyday RF.
if oswalt does not stay (16 mill option I believe, or maybe he is just done), Ibanez and Rollins free up another 22ish, and I think Lidge is done. So they have money coming off.
howard and (especially) lee get big raises though next year.
in any case, even without and big signings, they will still be higher than where the mets are now.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
Off topic, but Krod lost 15 lbs due to that oral surgery? Dang, who the heck was his dentist? LOL.
Wonder if that accounted for his 3 poor outings prior to last night.
If so, he gets a pass.
I still want to know what’s up with that velocity though. Losing 15 lbs in that short amount of time could have something to do with his stamina I’m sure but I believe TRS pointed out last night in the Dugout his velocity has been dipping since April.
kistics
6/8/2011-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
I’m really worried that the BoSox can get in Reyes bid. They have approx $60M coming off their books next season!!
Boy… the Mets are in no position to compete with the Phillies, BoSox and Giants for Reyes.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-9:23am at 9:23 am (UTC -4)
And Yanks, Angels, and Mariners who without a shred of doubt would be in it too.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:24am at 9:24 am (UTC -4)
I am not so sure on your M’s.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-9:29am at 9:29 am (UTC -4)
Hard to say, and also hard to say if Jose would go there, but after last year and the huge improvement this year, and the young pitching staff and having King Felix sewn up and Ichiro wanting to stay, if they finish with 80+ wins this year, Jose would be the absolutely ideal guy for them to add. They have a great revenue stream up there, and have spent big in the past.
stickguy
6/8/2011-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
does it rain every day in the DR too (just wondering if he will feel at home that far away!)
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, that’s the problem.
Summers are absolutely beautiful there, but from November until March or April, it rains and rains.
In fairness to ARod, when he went to Texas, he said that in all of his years in Seattle he spent a handful of days there in all of the offseasons as he could not stand the weather.
It took a few years to get used to, but once I got used to the rain, I loved it there. June-Sept it is 70–80 degrees, very low humidity, and beautiful almost every day.
Winters are gray and tough, but it rarely snows and is almost always above 40 degrees.
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
Kong,
When did you live there again? I’m working to get myself transferred there. I’ll take rain any day of the week (or all the days of the week) to get away from Dante’s Inferno down here.
Plus the plethora of Microbrews they have there is enticing.
saltygary
6/8/2011-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
Was at the Boston Craft Brewery Festival on Saturday. You would of been very happy.
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Going to the houston Beer Fest on Saturday!
http://www.houstonbeerfestival.com
Some nice brews. Will report findings if memory doesn’t fail me.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
I lived there from Oct 1989 until June 2001.
I would recommend it VERY highly in ALL respects.
The summers are not very hot and VERY un-humid. Coming from where you are, most days in the summer there will seem like you are being air conditioned outside. The winters are 40 degrees, cloudy and rainy with short days. And almost no snow.
Loads of microbrews; incredibly beautiful landscape with mountains and water everywhere; MLB and NFL; loads of music/arts/culture; very diverse political climate—plenty of military and conservative folks and major business/industry, but also loads of college kids and a huge progressive/recycling/environmental faction too, so everyone gets along and tolerance is high for anything reasonable; great restaurants; great safe neighborhoods everywhere….
It has grown a lot in the decade since I left, more traffic and higher cost of living, but still, it is just a truly wonderful place to live.
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, was up there a few months ago. Loved it. I may hit you up for more info if my plan for world domination progresses.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
Anytime my friend!
And you can email me anytime at:
scdoug@sprint.blackberry.net
If you liked visiting, you’d love living there. Truly a great place.
TRS86
6/8/2011-9:24am at 9:24 am (UTC -4)
Sure they are. The Mets have plenty of money to spend on Reyes if they want. Just not much else. You really are only talking a difference in a few million a year here or there. Lets say the Mets offer 17M and the Sox 20. Is 4M more that big of a deal? Even to the Mets not really. The issue will come down to does Reyes want to be in NY.
stickguy
6/8/2011-10:49am at 10:49 am (UTC -4)
good thing you aren’t a math teacher.
20-17=4?
but no, it should not be a big issue if they really want him (and he wants to stay). they will get creative to make it work.
TRS86
6/8/2011-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
Did it that way on purpose to say that beating the 20M with 1M more.
metsfan4decades
6/8/2011-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
Also, I know the whole fans voting for the ASG is crap but for the love of god, why isn’t Reyes leading the SS pack? Rollins? Really?
Do fans who are voting pay attention at all?
Prismo
6/8/2011-9:47am at 9:47 am (UTC -4)
Well, CBP sells out every game and I’m sure they pass around thousands of those little ballot cards. 95% of the Phillies fans at the games probably vote for Rollins.
kistics
6/8/2011-9:55am at 9:55 am (UTC -4)
Have you looked at AL voting? Infield is ALL Yankees and Granderson is at the Center. The only non-Yankees are Hamilton and Bautista.
It’s a joke that Jeter and Martin are even on the ballet.
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
If we were in first place, Jose would be ahead by 100,000 votes.
kistics
6/8/2011-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
Brad Emaus is still on the ballet! WTF??
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
I believe the ballots are issued simply based on who opening day starters were expected to be?
kistics
6/8/2011-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
ASG ballot has become a joke.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
Btw guys. – just proofread it should be ops not obs
Prismo
6/8/2011-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
You know you can edit your posts.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-9:47am at 9:47 am (UTC -4)
Not from my iPhone lol
kingman 26
6/8/2011-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
Well, I think Sandy’s head exploded when he read that Jose’s OBP was .899!!!
Forget Crawford money, that would be Bill Gates money with that OBP!
rustyjr
6/8/2011-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
Lol btw how much can u get me the new Corea, Clarke& White cd for ?
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
Forever on Concord?
My cost is just $12.00!
If you want it, email me at the address you have with your address and I will send it next week….you can pay me when I see you at Citi.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
I’ll emailou later
kingman 26
6/8/2011-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
Cool! And we got something else cooking on interoffice email here which I think you will like VERY much!!
rustyjr
6/8/2011-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
Btw love the new banner !
TRS86
6/8/2011-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
New banner?
rustyjr
6/8/2011-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
Yeah. The mobile site
saltygary
6/8/2011-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
Just took a look and the top banner is nice but with the added left pane I can’t read anything even with my glasses on.
TRS86
6/8/2011-1:26pm at 1:26 pm (UTC -4)
Not sure there is much we can do about that. Do you not have a zoom feature?
stickguy
6/8/2011-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
lot’s of ways to get creative with the money here. besides, the huge deals are really based on years. 5/85 does not seem to bother anyone, but 7/119 does, even though both are 17/year.
Just be like the American consumer Fred. But now, and worry about the payments later! Frankly, either the team will rebound and the money will be fine of they will sell out 100% long before the end of the Jose deal.
also, with reyes, it is not like signing a FA for 17mill. More like spending 6 or so, since he already makes ~11. And, they won’t have to start paying on the deal until next April!
There also are not going to be many FAs in the near future that make so much sense for the team. so unless they are going pure rebuild from inside, Jose is the one to go after.
so do something creative to get Jose his money. backload to cover 2012 issues. A couple option years with easy vesting, maybe even a player opt out after 4/5? Whatever they need to do, there has to be ways around it.
and they should even be able to drop payroll to the low 100s, with Reyes, and maybe even add some other good parts (all dependant on who they trade or don’t option this season).
anyway, start the talks now if they haven’t already, since there is still incentive for Jose (he could get hurt, or hit a slump, so security is a good thing). Would also buy a ton of good will for the team (sign Jose and nimmo on the same day!)
kingman 26
6/8/2011-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
Is everyone aware that Bay’s OPS is now .593?
Castillo’s lowest as a Met was .604 last year.
He does not have an XBH in his last 62 PA.
He really is putting up some amazing numbers!
njstuckintx
6/8/2011-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
I was a big supporter of that signing, but holy rusted metal batman, that makes putrid look good!
stickguy
6/8/2011-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
I did not want him signed originally (I am on record at the time with that!) but no way did I think he could be this bad, this soon.
kistics
6/8/2011-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
I have never seen anyone struggle so badly.
Prismo
6/8/2011-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
Narrowly beating out Adam Dunn and his .623 OPS.
TRS86
6/8/2011-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
Yet smashing Dan Uggla’s
.170 .237 .308 .545
WOW now THAT’s bad.
saltygary
6/8/2011-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
Yea the roids have worn off for Uggla and Dunn. At least Dunn’s SO rate is still consistent.For Bay that number doesn’t surprise me at all at this point. He is unable to see the ball and swinging defensively.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Yeah to think there were Mets fans howling that we didnt get him
TRS86
6/8/2011-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
Hey Rusty, check your google email.
rustyjr
6/8/2011-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
Sounds good to me when I get home I’ll email – at work so it’s a little tough