Zack Wheeler made his first spring appearance with the Mets on Saturday and looked very impressive.
He started out a bit tight, seeming to maybe be overthrowing, which was totally understandable considering the massive microscope he has been living under in Florida this spring. He soon settled down, struck out a couple of Nats and enticed a couple of weak grounders as well. All things considered, he did a very nice job. The fastball was as advertised, and when this kid harnesses his ability, which he does seem to be well into the process of doing, he clearly will have the potential to be a front-of-the-rotation starter.
Lucas Duda appears to have picked up where he left off last year rather impressively, with six Ks in his seven spring ABs. Is The Dude simply abiding his time? Or is he in a funk that not even Walter Sobchak could profanely talk him out of?
This writer has been on the fence regarding The Dude; he did show some serious ability in 2011, but last year was largely a washout. His offense decreased significantly, while he was atrocious wherever he attempted to play defense. Having been basically given an OF spot already, shouldn’t he be free and easy this spring? Infinitesimal sample size to be sure, but considering how so many observers credit The Dude’s psyche with being the source of his troubles, getting off to a bad spring start simply cannot be good.
Veteran Marlon Byrd has been playing and leads one to think that this outfield competition is indeed going to be the true battle of camp. Cowgill has showed hustle, Collins clearly likes Kirk, and Baxter’s OBP and 2B production are very tempting, so there really should be quite the contest for the two open outfield spots, which could indeed become three should The Dude continue his struggles.
What do YOU think?
Should Wheeler join Kingman 26 in Las Vegas this spring or stay with the big club?
How much rope should The Dude be given?
Is Marlon Byrd really a serious competitor for a starting OF position?
Let us know!
84 comments
srt
2/25/2013-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
Let’s see…
1. Don’t think Wheeler has a shot to go north for opening day, no matter how good he looks this spring. The only way I could really see it is if the Mets have more than just one of the starting 5 injured. – And looks like Johan might not be ready opening day so that would be one, so far.
2. Duda: Read where they’re tinkering with his stance and TC said ‘he’s not comfortable with it yet.’ My inclination right now is leave the kid alone. Let him go back to what got him here to begin with.
I really am rooting for this kid but it’s not looking good.
3. Byrd: TC really likes his veterans. I’m willing to bet Byrd makes the team out of camp – gives about 2 months of a really good showing – then falls off a cliff.
Stick
2/25/2013-10:16am at 10:16 am (UTC -4)
You could be right about leaving Duda to what fells comfortable. tell him to just do what feels right, assuming it is what he did in 2011!
Byrd? for sure, he could be one of those shot guys that has a good spring (when no one else is trying that hard, mostly opposing pitchers!) and once real games start, pulls a GMjr.
Byrd will be 35. in 2011, he had an OPS/OPS+ of .719/96. Not good at all. Unless you compare it to 2012, when it was .488/33. That is not just bad, it is where Bay laughs at you. And probably Pelfrey too.
so pardon me if I am skeptical that marlon will do enough to deserve a regualar job.
and frankly, this year, better to take a look at a guy like Brown who could have a role in the future.
HobokenMetsFan
2/25/2013-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
Re: Duda, I think you have to give him the entire spring and leave him alone to do his thing especially since the majority of his struggles seem to be mental. (At least they are portrayed that way)
The new stance coupled with the wrist surgery (which, duda himself says is not fully healed) is certainly playing into his batting line from the past two games.
Honestly, there’s nothing to lose in letting him get comfortable, and there’s really no reason to worry since its not like he’s blocking anyone better.
Stick
2/25/2013-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
sounds fair. Or maybe he just needs to get laid?
if nothing else, getting his bat going can make him a viable trade candidate to an AL team that is hurting for a lefty power bat, that does not have to play the OF.
srt
2/25/2013-11:15am at 11:15 am (UTC -4)
LOL…
I have no problem giving Duda ST and then some. It’s not like he’s got much competition right not for LF.
HobokenMetsFan
2/25/2013-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
Haha definitely needs to get laid.
Stick
2/25/2013-10:10am at 10:10 am (UTC -4)
well, first of all, making any judgements about players after 2 days of ST can get you into a whole heap of trouble.
but, to address the points:
Wheeler: he looks like the real deal for sure. But I don’t see any way he is not hanging with Knog in Vegas in April. The year of option control + avoiding super 2 is not being given up by the Mets. Also, keep in mind he is on some level of innings limit this year (170 or so?) meaning if they carry him for the rotation, he is likely getting shut down early anyway. Starting in AAA, they can manage the innings better.
Byrd? he was really, really bad for the last 2 years + is 35. IOW, he is Bay without the pedigree. I still don’t buy that marlon is going to be worthy of regular PT this year, and would just as soon see Brown getting an extended look.
COwgirl though is not on the bubble. he is a lock.
Duda? So hard to figure out what the hell is going on, but easy to buy the mental case angle here. So, he needs to get over it, and focus baby. Maybe need to tin cup him? But anyway, he did have an injury over the winter, and if he is working on a new swing in game action, that can take a while to get down. Plus he thinks too much.
so, give him another 3 weeks, and see where we are on 3/15. Same for Byrd.
I don’t expect much out of Dudas glove (byrd either at this point), but I still believe that 2 monster years in AAA (1.000+ OPS) and 2011 (for the last 3 months when he was a regular, he was absolutely the best hitter on the team, and put up a .950ish OPS). So the ability IMO is in there.
maybe 2012 really was a sophmore slump/bad year/taking his glove to bat? Only way to tell is to let him play a while and see what happens. This team is power deficient though, and could use him.
TX
2/25/2013-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
The Dude… sucks. I just hope someone is interested in a reclamation project… If he ain’t hitting, he serves no purpose on this team. He can’t play D, runs like molasses and he can’t move furniture.
We could see such a hodgepodge of an OF it shall induce laughter upon sight, yet it may be strangely serviceable.
Stick
2/25/2013-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
I actually buy the serviceable part. No, not pretty on paper, and no “big names”. But the game is not played on paper, and plenty of big name stars actually suck (yes, Jason bay counts!)
but used correctly (and platooning is right in Terry’s wheelhouse) though could get decent production (something passing for average) out of the unit as a whole.
TX
2/25/2013-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
I still don’t understand how any team can roll with a 6 man OF rotation in the day and age of a 5 man bench. They need an every day OF. At least 1. Preferably 2.
Stick
2/25/2013-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
It is really a 5 man rotation, which fits since normally you have 2 OF reserves. if you want 6, the corner IF guy (turner, oh my gawd) has to also play OF.
so basically, in the Mets “plan”, Duda is the nominal every day guy to start, with the other 2 spots platoons, but the every day (really meaning, 1 lefty has to start vs. a LHSP) guy can change depending on who is hot or cold.
TX
2/25/2013-11:16am at 11:16 am (UTC -4)
I am not a fan of Turner. And my angst for him increases with every pie incident.
gategem
2/25/2013-4:35pm at 4:35 pm (UTC -4)
“the game is not played on paper”
That is one of the clichés that should be banned. That statement not only dismisses opinion and predictions based mostly on opinion but also statistical analysis (the basis of sabermetrics) and all projections derived therein.
gategem
2/25/2013-4:20pm at 4:20 pm (UTC -4)
Well at least the Dude didn’t cut his finger off trying to trim the hedges.
Stick
2/25/2013-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
My WAGs for the OF
1) I still think by the end of ST, they pick up another player, probably someone that gets caught in a roster squeeze. of course, not going to be a superstar…
2) of the current guys, I think Duda will rebound a bit in camp, and they will give him some time in the regular season. At least a month. So keep him pencilled into LF.
CF, I am sticking with Kirk/Cowgill platoon, but I can see Cowgill actually winning it outright if Kirk craters.
RF< I am going to predict that Valdespin tears up camp, and forces the issue. And that Brown still makes it as the RH extra guy (with Hoffman and Byrd lingering in the background).
WC here is Murphy. I assume he will be back and ready to go, but if not, Spin could win 2B. though of course, I still ant Flores! Though he can just come up with TDA in May.
OF Bubble guys are Hoffman, Brown and Byrd. Only seeing 1 spot for the RH guy for them to fight over.
Real dark horses (meaning they need to blow up camp): MDD and Lagares and Lutz.
Actually, I would keep Lutz over Turner if it came down to that.
TX
2/25/2013-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
Our hope here, which is such a long shot that there’s literally no shot of it happening, but Flores tears it up, someone loses a 2B/3B to injury and the Mets flip Murph + someone for a decent OF.
Stick
2/25/2013-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
Familia and valdespin? That idea just came to me out of the blue.
but hell yeah, if Flores can force his way into the 2B job, and they can actually trade Murphy for something useful, that would be great. Or even keep Murphy as a utility guy. he can play OF a little. Actaully, he can play the spots turner is supposed to, but hit better and field better at 3B and 1B.
TX
2/25/2013-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
Murph, Familia and Valdy for Reddick? What a fantabulous idea.
Stick
2/25/2013-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
put Flores at 2B and Reddick (whoever the hell he is) in the OF, and I think the team is better overall.
OK, go make it happen.
TX
2/25/2013-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
Josh Reddick. 26 years old. .242 / .305 / .463. 32 HRs.
kingman 26
2/25/2013-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
Please put Flores at 2B.
Please.
Stick
2/25/2013-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
for those 3, I will take him, as long as he plays a good defensive OF. I have had enough of watching poor defensive players wandering around.
Though outside of those 32 HRs, the #s are not pretty. I hope he at least hit in a pitchers park!
And Knog, Flores winning 2B is my current dream. The team needs this. he will become the reincarnation of Alfonso, without the flashy glove (and keep in mind, once his back started going, so did a lot of his range).
as a fallback, i will take Kent without the porn stache and obnoxious personality.
TX
2/25/2013-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Played for Oakland. Not sure if that is a pitchers park or not and I’m too lazy to research it. This is where I need some minions to do my research.
darknova306
2/25/2013-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
I’m pretty sure the Coliseum in Oakland is a strong pitcher’s park. At least that’s always been my understanding.
TRS86
2/25/2013-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
I wonder if Brown has options left? If so I fully expect Byrd to make the team and Brown to head down to AAA and play a little RF and 1B.
SaltyGary
2/25/2013-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/out-of-options-2013.html
TRS86
2/25/2013-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
So the answer is no. Thus I expect the Mets to send him to AAA so they don’t lose Byrd.
srt
2/25/2013-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
Looks like Brown has options left.
And you know some of these decisions on who goes north is going to have a lot to do with who has options left. If they can stash some replacements in AAA and start out with those out of options or almost out of options, they’ll probably do that. Not unless a couple of these candidates really look strong in ST.
TRS86
2/25/2013-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
True but I guess also that means that Byrd would need a 40 man spot as well.
Looks like they can delay the one needed for Feliciano if necessary.
Stick
2/25/2013-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
agreed on both counts. Options will certainly come into play in terms of keeping as many bodies as possible. Especially guys not on the 40 man that can be sent down. They ar escrewed!
still, if it is close, i would rather see the young guy getting a real look, instead of wasting all the ML development ABs on an old stiff that certainly is not part of the future.
Free Brown! and Hoffman! though that does sound like a protest slogan from the 1960s.
srt
2/25/2013-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
Valdespin just scares me.
Hits well in the minors, in winter league, in ST but when he gets to the MLs – other than a few key PH HRs, he starts hacking.
If he’s actually learned a little patience, he could be productive at the top of the order.
I get the impression though that TC doesn’t think too highly about him. He never brings him up in interviews…the only time he’s mentioned him so far is when the media asks him a question about Spin.
TRS86
2/25/2013-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
Well the good thing about V-Spin this year and if he stinks is that we would only be taking AB’s away from Baxter in RF. I don’t want him anywhere near CF though.
kingman 26
2/25/2013-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
I think Valdy might be a supersub kind of guy…some power, some speed, can play decently all over the field…seems like he could be valuable in that role.
Or play 2B until Flores is ready…
Stick
2/25/2013-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
I would actually rather see him getting his work in CF. he has speed, and might be safer out there!
and the super sub idea really makes sense. he has shown a PHers approach, and he can (nominally) play pretty much anywhere but catcher. And he has speed.
big question though, would he ever deem to accept the role, as opposed to being a disruption since damned it, he is a starter and a star!
darknova306
2/25/2013-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
Valdespin’s a tough one. His power and speed can be tantalizing. His approach to the game just seems to ignore that talent. It may be a combo of youthful arrogance and lack of respect for the team nature of the game, as he always seems to focus on the numbers that make him look better (homers) than on hitting to the current situation (hence the low average and on base numbers). I’d wager he could become a decent everyday major league player if he could get his head screwed on straight.
srt
2/25/2013-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
Best guess analysis of what might be going on in Spin’s mind that I’ve seen yet.
Stick
2/25/2013-1:34pm at 1:34 pm (UTC -4)
chicks dig the long ball?
sometimes with these guys, the key to having them finally turn into useful ML players is getting through to them that they can swallow the ego and play in the show, or be a hot dog in AAA.
not a tough decision to me!
and think if you had a mind meld machine, and could put Murphy’s brain in Spins body or some such.
gategem
2/25/2013-4:46pm at 4:46 pm (UTC -4)
Dr. Phil thank you for your probing insight into Spin’s psyche.
Mr North Jersey
2/25/2013-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
Duda’s psyche as you put it is what concerns me based on some of the stories written about how he dealt being sent down last year. Historically Duda has for the most part has been a decent hitter with extra base power There is enough evidence to believe that he can continue to do that but if he is not mentally tough to fight through his struggles and instead sulks as some articles seemed to suggest he did last year when he was sent down then I don’t know if he will ever make it. I think though because he has options he may have a short leash especially if the competition plays better than him taking away playing time.
I think barring injury even if Wheeler pitches lights out all of camp he will go to AAA at least for 5 to 10 starts.
kingman 26
2/25/2013-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Agreed all around, and Duda being 27 definitely suggests that he is approaching the time when he better get it together mentally.
TRS86
2/25/2013-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Duda, the LH Nick the Stick. Sorry but my hopes for Duda are sinking fast.
kingman 26
2/25/2013-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)
Damn, if Duda fails, that’s another strike against Omar’s draft brilliance!!
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TRS86
2/25/2013-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
LOL, true enough. Brilliant it was.
darknova306
2/25/2013-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
Duda is crap, and we all know it. Still, at this point the team really doesn’t lose anything by letting try to figure it out. Not like they have anyone decent trying to take his spot, and they need power desperately. (And in fairness to Duda, 2 ST games really is one of the weakest sample sizes to use for anything)
I don’t see much left in the tank for Byrd, though if he could have a good spring that forces his way onto the Opening Day roster and give the team a decent month before oblivion, then that’s fantastic.
If Wheeler is on the roster on Opening Day, then the front office is a true failure, or there’s a ridiculous slew of pitching injuries on the team. I know it’s fun to romanticize about having Wheeler and Harvey play together in the bigs all year, have crazy good seasons, and lead the team on a miracle run to the World Series, but even I don’t drink enough to want to try it. Leave him in AAA until his arb clock clears.
TX
2/25/2013-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
I think you are right in that’s about all we can hope for from Byrd. I’m not against the signing, but I really didn’t see this as anything more than a “why the hell not?” type signing with no regrets if he’s kicked to the curb.
Widmer has an IIPA with full Nelson hops. It’s has been perplexing me for about a month now. Such an oddball hop.
darknova306
2/25/2013-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
Mmm, Nelson. The brewpub outside Cooperstown makes a great all-Nelson IPA. I like how that hop takes a decent citrus character and adds some wine notes underneath. At least that’s what I get from it. Very interesting hop, indeed.
SaltyGary
2/25/2013-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
I am currently drinking a local beer to you that my brother in law got from me while he is attending Utica College. “Horsehead IPA”. Nothing spectacular, just a good beer. IT’s actually a very nice lunchtime beer, since it doesn’t have too much going on.
TX
2/25/2013-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
Rouge has a clearance sale for their Issaquah brewery. Got a 2 cases of bombers (Dead Guy Ale and Juniper Ale) for $25 each.
darknova306
2/25/2013-2:13pm at 2:13 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, Horseheads Brewing is about 45 minutes southwest of me. The IPA is unimpressive, but their pumpkin ale is amazing.
darknova306
2/25/2013-2:16pm at 2:16 pm (UTC -4)
Good deal, TX. Still haven’t tried the Juniper, but Dead Guy is an old favorite.
kingman 26
2/25/2013-2:19pm at 2:19 pm (UTC -4)
Just curious–do you guys ever drink bourbon/scotch/tequila/vodka/gin?
TX
2/25/2013-2:26pm at 2:26 pm (UTC -4)
Used to drink Scotch and Gin. Turns out I’m a lot nicer when I don’t.
TRS86
2/25/2013-2:30pm at 2:30 pm (UTC -4)
Yes, once at a party. I believe we called it a dingleberry… Oh wait, you don’t mean at the same time.
SaltyGary
2/25/2013-3:43pm at 3:43 pm (UTC -4)
Kong for the winter I normally don’t drink Jan-Feb because the winters are so hard that I don’t need anything else depressing me. I also drink so dammed much that it’s good to dry out a little. This year I changed it up. My primary goal was to lose a little weight before my Disney trip in late April. A short guy with a beer belly doesn’t look too well.
So I changed up my routine for Jan up until this weekend (would of lasted longer but it’s hard when someone drops off 6 new beers you’ve never had) and didn’t drink during week and took up whiskey on the weekends.
It’s been a blast but because I haven’t really drank any liquor since I graduated college in ’00 I have greatly unappreciated the strength of alcohol and what I thought was a amazing tolerance was turned upside down (my wife has been a great sport). But anyhoo I’ve been trying a lot of stuff and my neighbor who has a stacked cabinet (has some nice old scotches and even the infamous blue label) has helped as well. Right now my favorite Scotch is Lafroig. So smokey and awesome but it does taste like you’ve smoked a cigar even though you haven’t. As for bourbon style’s Makers Mark is probably my favorite so far. It’s hard to describe the flavor it’s kind of nutty but there is something else.
I’ve really enjoyed trying different stuff, just like trying new beers. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
kingman 26
2/25/2013-5:35pm at 5:35 pm (UTC -4)
Good answers guys!
Gary, Maker’s is good–and you should definitely try Maker’s 46 if you like Maker’s–but I would HIGHLY recommend many others:
–Booker’s–Probably the best of all of the many bourbons made by Jim Beam (I have proudly visited their distillery twice.) 128 proof, strong as hell, but just deliciously complex. And a lot of bang for your buck–despite its high cost.
–Pappy Van Winkle–Comes in 15-, 20-, and 23-year-old versions which get progressively more expensive, but all are outstanding.
–Elijah Craig 18-Year–The 12-Year is good too, but I think the 18-year is one of my very top favorites.
–Four Roses–Small Batch and Single Barrel are hard to find, but regular Four Roses is not as complex as others, but might be THE smoothest of the great bourbons. Also an outstanding value.
–Woodford–Smooth and all-around excellent, and not outrageously priced, this is one of the very best bourbons which is not very hard to find.
–Rowan’s Creek–Just tried this recently and it is outstanding. Strong, complex, and smooth. Highly recommended.
–Hudson Baby Bourbon–Too expensive but excellent.
Honorable mentions go to Basil Hayden, Eagle Rare, and Knob Creek 120 Proof.
darknova306
2/25/2013-5:48pm at 5:48 pm (UTC -4)
Kong, I very rarely drink liquor. When I do, it’s mostly gin. I love gin. My go to is either Dogfish Head’s Jin (hard to get while not being close to Delaware), Seneca Drums from Finger Lakes Distilling, or Greylock Gin from Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Great Barrington MA.
kingman 26
2/25/2013-6:11pm at 6:11 pm (UTC -4)
LOVE Greylock–have you tried their Ethereal Gin? Incredibly unique.
I really love Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray Rangpur. I used to drink a lot of vodka and gin until I got so into bourbon and tequila.
darknova306
2/25/2013-7:12pm at 7:12 pm (UTC -4)
Never had Ethereal. I’ll have to look for it. As the weather warms up, my gin intake will follow suit.
TRS86
2/25/2013-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
Speaking of Duda, would the Yankees think of him as a quick temporary fix for LF with Granderson out?
srt
2/25/2013-1:23pm at 1:23 pm (UTC -4)
I thought of that yesterday when I heard about that injury.
If I’m not mistaken, Granderson is the back up first baseman as well.
Duda’s stock is at an all time low right now. Not sure it would even be worth it, considering we probably won’t get much back from him. There’s at least a chance he takes off once the season starts and his stock rises.
Stick
2/25/2013-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
agreed. at this point, if they can’t get anything worthwhile back (and I am a terrible judge at that!), no point in just giving him away just to get rid of him. Not like you can’t do that a few months from now, and at least you have a chance that he clicks and you either want to keep him, or trade value goes up.
wanny
2/25/2013-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
Lucas Duda manning death valley?
darknova306
2/25/2013-5:50pm at 5:50 pm (UTC -4)
So, Tejada scratched from tonight’s game with a quad injury? Hopefully ST is the only time this year we’ll need to see the ‘depth’ at 2B and SS. Ugh.
Stick
2/25/2013-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
2 months minimum based on last year.
greggofboken
2/25/2013-6:17pm at 6:17 pm (UTC -4)
Regarding Duda….I attach little meaning to the poor two games. He’s making adjustments to his swing. Just like I would expect and want him to in spring training. The really troubling scenario would be if he was leaving everything alone — b/c we saw what that produced last year — and it wasn’t sufficient.
Hazmet
2/25/2013-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
I heard on the radio broadcast on the way home, and they just repeated it on SNY, that Duda’s just not ready after his broken wrist over the winter. He’ll be sat down for a few days and just work his swing and try to get batting reps. That’s their story and they’re sticking to it. Basically saying he didn’t swing a bat until till camp was upon him. That and adding swing changes he’s a complete mess.
gategem
2/25/2013-11:37pm at 11:37 pm (UTC -4)
It’s possible that Duda’s wrist, even after it heals, will never be the same thus impacting his swing. He may be working on building his wrist strength back up but having suffered a broken wrist and undergoing the exercises needed to regain strength I’m not sure how he can rehab his wrist while simultaneously modifying his swing. The changes required in his swing are to compensate for the holes the league has found in his swing and hitting approach.
srt
2/25/2013-7:49pm at 7:49 pm (UTC -4)
Rubin reporting:
Mets proceeding slowly with Havens
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets are being cautious with 2008 first-round pick Reese Havens in major league camp, easing him into activities without going full throttle like his teammates.
Havens has been tormented by back problems throughout his minor league career. He professed to feel fine Wednesday.
A team official said Havens may have felt something in the area earlier in camp, but “he said he felt good today.”
**********************************
I don’t believe he’ll ever stay healthy enough to play ML baseball.
Stick
2/25/2013-8:38pm at 8:38 pm (UTC -4)
he likely always will have some issues, but it can be managed.
he is in the game right now I see. got subbed in for Flores.
gategem
2/25/2013-11:39pm at 11:39 pm (UTC -4)
Managed similar to the approach used on FM?
Stick
2/25/2013-8:34pm at 8:34 pm (UTC -4)
so excited. Just discovered the game is on MLBtv right now. Turned it on just in time to see TDA look terrrible swinging at a ball in the dirt. Man he looks like crap.
and I heard that FLores is looking smooth at 2B. I want him installed over there. and soon.
Mr North Jersey
2/25/2013-8:39pm at 8:39 pm (UTC -4)
So you want to plant Flowers at 2nd base in Citi Field?
Stick
2/25/2013-8:48pm at 8:48 pm (UTC -4)
if that makes you happy NJ, sure. I was thinking more about trading Murphy and going with our 2B of the future, but flowers are nice too.
Mr North Jersey
2/25/2013-8:57pm at 8:57 pm (UTC -4)
LoL, just in case Flores is Spanish for flowers.
Stick
2/25/2013-9:03pm at 9:03 pm (UTC -4)
well that makes sense then. But I am in the same boat as MF> don’t speak Spanish.
Hazmet
2/25/2013-10:05pm at 10:05 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll be the cold water: He didn’t look all that smooth. He looked OK, he looks huge for a 2B – the kid is big. He got a call on a turn and made a nice play on a bad hop that he had no chance to throw a burner out but showed a strong arm. At the plate he still looked overmatched to me but let’s get him some more AB’s to see what he’s got. He’s not close to ready yet. Just short of 500 AB’s in milb is not enough. Let him get a year in AAA and he could be a beast. Needs to work on lateral movement. If you want the Howe Rose review from radio, “he looks like Murphy at the beginning of last year, very robotic, but he got smoother as they year went on and looked good the second half of the year. That’s what the Met’s are hoping for Flores”. That’s what I heard before getting home and then I saw him in the field and that was a fair assessment. aka – don’t count on him yet.
Stick
2/25/2013-11:13pm at 11:13 pm (UTC -4)
not sure where you got just short of 500 ABs? He had that last year alone, and ~2,500 all together.
still, a reasonable recap. I wish I had turned the game on sooner to see him live.
and I am fine of course with going to Vegas to work on improving at 2B (imagine that, learning a new position in the minors, not the majors!) and coming up later in the year, or even next year (after the position gets freed up in the off season). I just wish they were going to play him mostly FT over there, since 3B ain’t freeing up soon!
but overall, it certainly sounds like a viable option to work toward.
srt
2/25/2013-11:19pm at 11:19 pm (UTC -4)
I saw the game.
They’ve got Flores playing deep, just like Murph last year.
Haz’s analysis is pretty much spot on.
And how about that DenDekker catch……if only he could hit a little.
Mr North Jersey
2/25/2013-9:08pm at 9:08 pm (UTC -4)
Let the Spanish lesson begin.
Mr North Jersey
2/25/2013-9:26pm at 9:26 pm (UTC -4)
Pollito = Chicken
Gallina = Hen
Lapiz = Pencil
Pluma = Pen
Ventana = Window
Puerta = Door
Maestra = Teacher
Piso = Floor
Hazmet
2/25/2013-10:11pm at 10:11 pm (UTC -4)
Es Elena en su casa? No es en la concina.
That’s the extent of what I remember from 7th grade spanish. Yet, when I’d go to my best friends house whose family fled Cuba when Castro came to power I could understand just about everything they said but I couldn’t speak any spanish. It was sad. The only way it served me well was when I was in Brasil, I know it’s Portugese, the customer started speaking in Portugese and I finished the conversation by injecting myself and speaking the conclusion in English. They were like “you speak portugese????” And I said no and I have no idea how I knew what you were saying. It was very bizarre. I chalked it up to the environment of my youth.
srt
2/25/2013-11:22pm at 11:22 pm (UTC -4)
LOL….this is gonna be hard, with my 4 years of high school french some 30+ years ago.
gategem
2/25/2013-11:46pm at 11:46 pm (UTC -4)
How would say “kiss my arse” in Spanish?
Mr North Jersey
2/25/2013-11:00pm at 11:00 pm (UTC -4)
In case anyone missed it.