We are only just a few games into the 2013 exhibition season, but things are looking up for some of the new Mets outfielders, especially right-handed hitting Collin Cowgill. Through nine spring games, Cowgill is tied with Jordany Valdespin for the team lead in hits, with eight. So far (keep in mind we are still a month away from Opening Day) he looks like he will, at minimum, be a part of one of the platoons in the outfield. But is he something more? Is he the solution to the problems at the leadoff spot?
It has been a while since the Mets have had a true leadoff hitter. Well, it seems like a while. Since the departure of Jose Reyes in December of 2011, the Mets haven’t been able to find someone to fill in the void. Last year, Ruben Tejada got a shot at it. While he batted .293 in that slot, his .334 on-base percentage left a lot to be desired. Last year’s version of Tejada doesn’t look like a typical leadoff hitter. He was hitting a lot more line drives last year but unless he can put that together with his above-average walk rate from 2011, he isn’t going to help the Mets from that part of the lineup.
The other name that has been tossed around is Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Nieuwenhuis has hit in the leadoff spot a few times this spring. Throughout his minor league career, he typically posted an above-average walk rate but his strikeout rate has become a huge problem and at one point last year, he looked on the verge of collapse. He hasn’t hit enough to really earn the leadoff spot. So far this spring, with seven strikeouts in 18 at-bats, Nieuwenhuis has done nothing to prove otherwise. And depending on the severity of the knee injury he suffered yesterday, he may not be playing at all on Opening Day anyway.
Right now, the competition for the top spot in the lineup is wide open, and it looks like Cowgill is now a frontrunner. He has already won over the hearts of Mets fans with his hard-nosed, aggressive style of play early on in camp. And unlike Nieuwenhuis or Tejada, he has the speed to steal some bases as well.
Cowgill hit .269 in 38 games with the Oakland A’s last season, while posting a .336 on-base percentage. That’s better than both Tejada and Nieuwenhuis, even as a bench player shuttling between the majors and minors. And while Cowgill struggled in Triple-A last year with a .250 batting average (and .307 OBP) in 63 games, he has historically put up much better numbers than that. Plus, those 293 plate appearances in which he struggled are only a blip compared to the rest of his career.
In 2011 playing for the Triple-A affiliate for the D-Backs, Cowgill hit .354 with a .430 on-base percentage and 11.2% walk rate, while also knocking 13 home runs, eight triples, and swiping 30 bases. Even if you factor in the hitter-friendly parks of the Pacific Coast League, his numbers are still outstanding.
Despite Cowgill’s struggles in his 216 major league plate appearances, his resume in the minors is too much to overlook. He has been a machine his entire career when it comes to getting on base. To top it off, he can add a much-needed stolen base threat to the top of the order, something that the Mets lacked last season.
Obviously Cowgill isn’t Michael Bourn, or any of the other big-name outfielders that signed with other teams this winter, but the Mets very well could catch lightening in a bottle with him.
132 comments
TX
3/4/2013-8:59am at 8:59 am (UTC -4)
It’s like choosing which way you want to die. Whatever your choice, you still end up dead.
Obviously we’ll watch and see you they all progress thru spring training, but Cowgill,Valdy, Byrd combo doesn’t seem too shabby for CF and RF.
srt
3/4/2013-9:37am at 9:37 am (UTC -4)
After watching the past several ST games, I’ve come to the conclusion that outside of some pitching, we really don’t have a very good team. – I know, not news to most realistic Met fans. Everything would have to break right just to have a shot at the 2nd wildcard.
Even so, I’m looking forward to the season. There’s plenty to be excited about and look forward to on an individual basis – not the least of which will be TdA and Wheeler’s debut, Harvey’s first full year, Ike’s first full healthy year (hopefully) and Niese’s solid pitching.
Right now – knee injury aside – I don’t see anyway Kirk makes this team, nor MDD for that matter. I don’t believe either one of them have more than 1 hit and both look over matched at the plate.
According to Duquette on WFAN yesterday during the game, Spin’s teammates are not enamored with him and I have a feeling neither is Terry. Still, I see him getting a spot over Kirk and MDD.
Cowgill is a lock and probably will bat leadoff a good amount of time.
Injury concerns and 40 man roster spots aside, if the season started tomorrow, this is how I think the 25 man roster will shake out:
SP – Santana/Niese/Harvey/Marcum/Gee
IF – Ike/Murphy/Tejada/Wright/Buck with Recker/Turner/Q as backups
OF – Duda/Cowgill/Byrd/Baxter/Spin
BP – Parnell/Lyon/Edgin/Burke/Feliciano/Familia
– last spot up for grabs since FF will start on the DL – Honestly haven’t seen anyone else yet that really impresses. Maybe a long man type such as McHugh?
TX
3/4/2013-9:46am at 9:46 am (UTC -4)
Even if Valdy is an major DB, you still have to either A. play him because he has skill and can contribute or you B. Trade him away. Wasting him on the bench or in AAA is stupid.
Stick
3/4/2013-9:58am at 9:58 am (UTC -4)
I still think Cowgill is more likely to be in a platoon, but if he gets a chance vs. RHP and does OK, that could change.
and in terms of not having a good team, If you are conceding some pitching, I will give them the IF, so basically, it still all comes down to the OF not showing much. But I think we all expected that!
oleosmirf
3/5/2013-4:44pm at 4:44 pm (UTC -4)
agreed although if Byrd is going to play RF everyday, its going to limit the amount of AB Baxter and Valdespin will get since the Mets clearly do not trust either in CF
HobokenMetsFan
3/4/2013-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
That’s an interesting tidbit from Duquette in regards to Valdy. Did he go into any further detai?
srt
3/4/2013-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
No, he did not. And it was more like an off handed comment made when Valdy was coming to the plate to lead off the game. I think the quote was ‘not well liked by his teammates’ and he said it almost like it was common knowledge.
News to me…I haven’t heard much on this one way or the other – other than one unamed source saying he didn’t want his locker next to Spin’s in the clubhouse.
greggofboken
3/4/2013-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think they snip the clothes up of guys they’re fond of.
“Old before his years” — In other words, a rookie with a sense of entitlement that he’s done nothing to earn.
Wanna make DW a captain? Have him straighten Valdespin’s head out — then give it to him. (Why couldn’t Wally? I believe that’s supposed to be his — only? — strength.)
HobokenMetsFan
3/4/2013-10:59am at 10:59 am (UTC -4)
Oh good call, Gregg. I forgot about the shirt snipping thing. Good points all around.
gategem
3/4/2013-11:40pm at 11:40 pm (UTC -4)
The Mets clubhouse sounds more interesting that an episode of “basketball wives.” Last season the first half was marked by a tough-minded, hardnosed, giant love-in with the players singing “Kumbaya.” I would not have been surprised had the Reverend Sun Myung Moon (he didn’t pass away until September of 2012) been called in to conduct a mass marriage. The clubhouse harmonics were considered the cause for the excellent first half of the season. Of course club house tranquility didn’t exactly produce a second half of the season to be proud of. Screw the clubhouse confidential and let’s get as much talent on the team as possible.
HobokenMetsFan
3/4/2013-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
Gotcha, seems like an unnecessary comment made by him. I also have not heard much about this issue, although it wouldn’t surprise me to find out that he bugs a few people here and there and but the media ran with it and made it bigger then it needs to be.
Who knows, it could also be a case of him just being young and inexperienced (as far as life goes). – He’s played baseball all his life and probably is “the man” from where ever he is from and carried that attitude stateside.
He’ll (hopefully) learn a little humility as he ages, should these speculations be accurate.
srt
3/4/2013-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
I got the impression it’s more or less as you and gregg stated.
There’s a fine line between Harvey’s confidence as a rookie and Valdespin’s attitude. Harvey seems to have a bit of cockiness but much self confidence at this point. He’s also dead serious about absorbing everything he can up here and being the team’s next ace.
Valdespin, on the other hand, strikes me as someone with a bit of cockiness but too laid back to take this opportunity as serious as he should be.
TX
3/4/2013-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
And generally tweeting pics of yourself in a divisional rival’s hat (let alone the tank top and jeans. I mean, come on now. Tank top and jeans? Are your knees cold but your elbows not?) speaks of immaturity.
greggofboken
3/4/2013-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Well….you just ruined my approach to casual Fridays here. Now I’ll just be too self-conscious. Guess it’s back to the parachute pants and peasant tunic again.
Stick
3/4/2013-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
The classic looks never go out of style.
TX
3/4/2013-1:42pm at 1:42 pm (UTC -4)
My company told everyone they have casual Saturday and Sunday. Management 101 at it’s finest.
TX
3/4/2013-10:33am at 10:33 am (UTC -4)
Also, who knows where Santana or Marcum end up as well. Could have Niese/Harvey/Gee/Hefner and….
Boomer
3/4/2013-9:44am at 9:44 am (UTC -4)
The thing I like most about Cowgill is his attitude. He carries himself as if he thinks he belongs and he brings some grit. He may not be the most talented but I have a soft spot for guys who play hard and aren’t afraid.
MDD clearly has a major league ready glove and when (I do believe its when not if) his bat comes around he could be a very solid maybe even special player in center but he doesn’t appear to be ready yet for an everyday slot in center.
I wouldn’t be opposed at all to a Cowgill/MDD platoon in center. Even as a late inning defensive replacement MDD would be a contributor.
Stick
3/4/2013-10:03am at 10:03 am (UTC -4)
for the sake of this discussion, assume the roster ends up being Duda in LF, Cowgill in CF, Byrd in RF (nominal starters) with Baxter as the 4th OF. But, still a huge question as to who the 5th OF is, and I bet they do platoon.
hard to see MDD, but he is a real CF. Valdy? Maybe. So, what the hell, go with Valdy.
then figure baxter/byrd platoon (though it could be Byrd) and cowpie/valdy platoon.
IF, you know who that is.
Out of this mess, someone has to bat leadoff.
I don’t want Tejada there, certainly not vs. RHP.
so, vs. LHP I go with cowpie. He does seem like a scrappy get on base type, and can swipe a bag. Vs. RHP, if he is not playing, I will actually go with Baxter if he is in the lineup.
The dark horse vs. RHP is Spin. That could be fun to see. If he is not on the team, I would never put MDD up there.
TX
3/4/2013-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, there is no leadoff hitter on this team. And if somehow Valdy can take a pitch or 3, you can see him slotting in there nice, but I’m not sure he’s that type of hitter.
Byrd can play CF if needed, no? If not, I’d rather have Valdy running around like a chicken with no head out there than having MDD. At least Valdy can pinch hit.
Stick
3/4/2013-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think you are turning Valdy into a prototypical LO hitter. Just let him go up there to do his thing, and see what happens.
and Byrd in CF now is hard to see. Anyone of course can go out there. Bay and Hairston did (or were supposed to).
I think it would have to be Spin or Baxter.
MDD I would love to see for the D, but he has to hit at least a little to do it.
Boomer
3/4/2013-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
I’d rather see Spin manning a corner spot than CF. I’m a big believer in strength up the middle and I don’t think Spin has shown the ability yet to cover the big expanse of CH at Citi.
And with all the young arms we have on this team solid defense is going to go a long way in helping build their confidence to go after hitters instead of nibbling.
Mr North Jersey
3/4/2013-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
Can Cowgill be the 2013 version of the 2012 Angel Pagan?
The watch continues.
kingman 26
3/4/2013-10:36am at 10:36 am (UTC -4)
Well, unfortunately, this is most likely a severe case of spring hallucination.
Cowgill will soon be 27, and in 216 MLB PA he has a total of 7 XBH and a rather pathetic line of .255/.319/.311 to go with 7 SB and 6 CS and a terrible BB/K line as well.
Yes, he put up amazing numbers in 2011–not just in the hitter-friendly PCL, but also playing in Reno, with the same elevation as Denver. In sea level Sacramento in 2012 in that same PCL he sucked.
This is a non-starter, a Chris Carter, a zero who will do less than nothing in the bigs as a starter, which we will probably see by later in March when minor leaguers have left camps and starters are rounding into shape.
I want the team to succeed as much as anyone does, but all of this fuss about this guy is simply utterly ridiculous.
Valdy is a MUCH better choice than Cowgill. Comparing Cowgill to Pagan or Tejada is really, really nutty.
gategem
3/5/2013-12:12am at 12:12 am (UTC -4)
“Well, unfortunately, this is most likely a severe case of spring hallucination.”
Kong, another great phrase that I must add to my stolen collection.
I’ve said that Cowflop reminds me of Don Bosch. Bosch came to the Mets with relatively high expectations. He soon proved why he belonged on the Mets.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-7:51am at 7:51 am (UTC -4)
I take that as a huge compliment sir and feel free to verbally plagiarize me at your leisure and to your heart’s content!
Stick
3/5/2013-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
that sounds vaguely dirty for some reason…
kingman 26
3/5/2013-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
You need to get out more my friend!
Boomer
3/5/2013-12:47am at 12:47 am (UTC -4)
>>Cowgill will soon be 27, and in 216 MLB PA …
This is why I give a big le sigh (did you hear it?) to stats some times.
By the end of spring training some of these guys will have 40 -50 ABs. This spring. In total. And it means exactly doodlie.
Anyone who has played the game knows that you can have a bad month or two (cough Ike) and it you are in danger of having your career dumped. 216 PA broken up over years and teams does’t really mean that much one way or the other. Hitting is about rhythm, confidence and repetition. We really don’t know if Cowgill is having one of the best springs of any Met on the roster (he is) because he is a good player or its just a fluke and comparing his few at bats this spring to a few at bats over a couple years is pretty meaningless.
What matters is his current approach, whether he can repeat that approach consistently, his ability to do the little things like hit behind the guy on first and make meaningful outs and if his makeup that will allow him to be a ML player. He’s had a very solid spring so far and done all above with the exception of repeating it over time. Let’s give it some time, we have almost a whole month.
It wouldn’t be the first time a guy came on at 27.
gategem
3/5/2013-4:12am at 4:12 am (UTC -4)
“It wouldn’t be the first time a guy came on at 27”
It occurred more frequently back in the days when I was young. Most teams had an extensive minor league network with a large pool of talented players. Players were buried in the minors and not always because of a lack of ability. The reserve clause contributed somewhat to the problem but with the lack of a readily available data base that we now take for granted other teams that could have used said player didn’t know the player existed. Many times openings on the big club came late in a player’s career or a player would be spotted by a scout and recommend his team trade for that player. Today most team executives can research other players from other organization in some detail so there are fewer surprises. However, the odd late development does occur so you can’t dismiss that entirely. However, many times the hand/eye coordination and bat speed is just not there or the player is incapable of making necessary adjustments in his mechanics or approach and taking a chance on him will prove fruitless.
Boomer
3/5/2013-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
Well the guy who immediately sprung to my mind was one Angel Pagan. He kicked around for the Cubs for a couple years and didn’t really light the candle.
And then at 27 and in his second year for the Mets he had the first of a couple really solid seasons. If Cowgill had a year like Pagan did in 2009 or 2010 I think many of us would be very happy.
gategem
3/5/2013-11:01pm at 11:01 pm (UTC -4)
While you make excellent points there are a couple of issues to consider. Pagan was a athletically gifted individual with excellent baseball tools. Where he was lacking was in his baseball intellect and instincts and in his approach to the game. Pagan lacked intensity, focus and attitude. Cowflop’s problems are not in this area but rather he appears to possess marginal talent when compared to the better major league players. While he may improve because of his diligence, hard work in the face of marginal talent can take you so far. If you consider the number of players that develop late in their baseball career versus those that remain AAA and AAAA players the odds are against Cowflop’s success. But at this point an AAAA player could be the star of the Mets outfield.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-7:53am at 7:53 am (UTC -4)
He has 18 PA this spring and it is March 5…7 XBH in 216 MLB PA is a pretty scary number…7/13 in SB after the great MIL SB ratio is a tiny sample but an eye-opener…
Sometimes I wish I wasn’t right all the time…
greggofboken
3/4/2013-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
I have no idea what Cowgill truly is or isn’t based on limited exposure to him.
He had a beautiful stolen base percentage in Reno (91%) and chased it with 78% last year between the minors and the A’s.
Give him every opportunity to do it, and if he fails put Tejada in that spot.
If Nieuwenhuis plays himself off the team give his spot to Valdespin.
kingman 26
3/4/2013-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
If Cowgill can figure out a way to steal 1B, damn, we may have something!
Reno is PCL AND a mile above sea level. Those are probably about the least meaningful #s one could imagine.
greggofboken
3/4/2013-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
I don’t believe the thinness of the air has any effect on his stolen base numbers.
kingman 26
3/4/2013-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
Probably not, but he is 7/13 in SBs in the majors, and has never come close to duplicating anything he did in the true offensive paradise of PCL Reno.
wanny
3/4/2013-7:09pm at 7:09 pm (UTC -4)
Kong -
Cowgill deserves a shot — and perhaps as an every day player. He’s career minor league line is .291 .371 .470. Playing in Mobile in AAA he hit 285 .360 .464 so it’s not as if he’s PCL numbers are complete aberrations.
In 2011 and 2012 he demonstrated no splits in MiLB, though he has in MLB. Admittedly, those splits might be tainted by the artificial PCL boost — but importantly he was artificially good from both sides. I would like to see what he could do, especially compared to our other truly awful options.
I also think Marlon Byrd will probably be a regular non-platoon player. He’s got a 736 OPS v. RHP and 780 v LHP for his career. If he’s got anything left, he’s our best choice. And it helps that he’s not a platoon guy too.
I’m not in favoring of playing guys who can’t hit (Kirk or DD, for example) just because of the side of the plate they stand watching strikes go by.
Surely, these two guys can be rested in favor of lefty hitters when appropriate. But right now, we don’t really have a major league capable LH hitting outfielder. And yes, I know we have Mike Baxter, whose role should be as a pinch hitter and little more.
wanny
3/4/2013-7:10pm at 7:10 pm (UTC -4)
mobile would be AA…. where, by the way, he probably faced better pitcher than he did in AAA.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-8:00am at 8:00 am (UTC -4)
Well, truthfully Wanny if you support him that gives me a bit of pause in my anti-Cowgill protestations…but why was he so weak in AAA at sea level and why have his MLB numbers been the definition of anemic?
I am not supporting den DeKKKKKKKer here and Kirk may indeed be another Jeff Duncan who had a couple of good months, but I am not sure Cowgill is more than Chris Carter.
Sure hope I am wrong though.
wanny
3/5/2013-10:06am at 10:06 am (UTC -4)
Cowgill has 49 starts but over the course of two seasons. He hasn’t had a steady run of at bats yet.
Will he be good if given the chance? Who knows? But compared to what else we’ve got he has at least earned the shot.
Valdespin’s time in MLB has not been more productive. There is nothing productive about a .286 OBP. They have similar OPS in their time as starters 661 for Valdy and 670 for Cowgill. Valdy’s came on a more consistent run but in fewer games.
Valdy’s “production” is largely boosted by a flukey 5 PH homers. He won”t do that again. And if the discussion concerns a starting CF then it won’t even come into play.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
Disagree about Valdespin VS Cowgill–small sample, but 18 XBH VS 7 in fewer PA? More fielding flexibility and probably as much speed…neither has really proven much at the MLB level, but if given a choice right now I would have to go with Tejada leading off and Valdy starting in CF rather than Cowgill doing either.
wanny
3/5/2013-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
the problem with picking valdy over cowgill in CF is that valdy is not a CFer and Cowgill could probably be at least league average there defensively.
also, cowgill is more likely to improve with a 1/2 BB/K than Valdy with his 1/3,
wanny
3/5/2013-10:07am at 10:07 am (UTC -4)
By the way, you know I am rooting for Cowgill because in the days before the Mets traded for him I had identified him as a good low cost trade target.
He is my ticket to a GM job if he succeeds!
kingman 26
3/5/2013-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
Hey, you would love being GM in Las Vegas!
Trs86
3/4/2013-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
Agree and honestly his Minors and majors numbers are very similar to Vspin who is the talk of the town.
wanny
3/4/2013-7:25pm at 7:25 pm (UTC -4)
They are not even close. Valdespin has a minor league line of .283 .330 .427. That’s a nearly 70 point OPS difference. And, of course, Cowgill actually plays the outfield.
Also minor league BB/K of 1/3 for Valdy and 1/2 for Cowgill.
If I had to guess, I would put Cowgill at .270, .340 and .420 as an every day major leaguer. Unfortunately, that is good enough to be our leadoff hitter right now.
that said, I think Tejada is the most capable of the candidates to put up a .300/.350 line. I would go with Cowgill in CF but Tejada at leadoff.
Trs86
3/4/2013-8:23pm at 8:23 pm (UTC -4)
Guess I was looking more at their MLB stats. Or perhaps it was Kirk and Cowgill. Lol. I can’t even remember now.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-7:58am at 7:58 am (UTC -4)
Valdy is also a year and a half younger, and while he was not exactly Mike Trout last year, his 200+ MLB PA are infinitely more productive than Cowgill’s.
TRS86
3/5/2013-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
Sorry but I just can’t agree. Their stats at the major league level are very similar. Obviously V-Spin has him in extra base hits but again many of those came in PH opportunities. He was much worse as a starter. Also in the minors Cowgill was much better other than the one year in AAA.
Cowgill was at one point a very hopeful prospect and I have no idea what happened in that one year. It wasn’t just that he wasn’t playing above sea level either. Perhaps injury, perhaps the fact that he wanted to be in the bigs and was disappointed? I have no idea.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
Playing in the PCL AND at Denver’s altitude in Reno is going to dramatically inflate the stats of almost anyone—and make a good minor league player possibly look like a superstar.
Valdy and Cowgill’s games look similar in their 200+ MLB PA, but the XBH difference–again, small sample to be sure–is dramatic.
wanny
3/5/2013-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
So is the OBP difference.
And Cowgill perforned bette rthan Valdy ever has while Cowgill was at AA Mobile.
Hazmet
3/4/2013-9:05pm at 9:05 pm (UTC -4)
As I was reading this post I came upon the following idea:
With the All Star Game at Citifield I say Mets fans need to Rick Rush MLB and vote early, often and in overwhelming numbers for all Mets starters this season. Especially the outfield.
How fitting would a payback and dig at Bud be to vote in as starters for the NL All Star Game a starting outfield of: Cowgill, Duda, and Byrd. This would be all to fitting to screw MLB for the continual backing of this ownership. As in “here ya go Bud, you have confidence in this ownership and believe in the product we’re having to watch? Try this on for size for one of your league show pieces.”
Alright TRDMB pick up the torch and carry it forward: All Mets at all positions for this ASG at Citifield – let’s make it happen so we can hear the wretching nationwide.
darknova306
3/4/2013-10:55pm at 10:55 pm (UTC -4)
Complete brilliance! I’m on board 100%. F%$k Bud. He’s spent his entire tenure trying to ruin the sport I love. Time to rub his nose in it like a bad dog.
Stick
3/4/2013-11:30pm at 11:30 pm (UTC -4)
wait until you get his going away present (assuming he ever actually goes away. probably will require a toe tag).
DH for everyone!
srt
3/5/2013-7:25am at 7:25 am (UTC -4)
Ha!
I’ll be curious to see what Met OFs they even include on the ASB.
After that ‘ballet stuffing’ the Giants did with Sandoval last year, I’ll be happy to return the favor.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
I know it is early, but not sure exactly when they submit the names. And does each team get 3?
For the Mets, if they did it somewhere between now and OD, I would say Duda (for sure), Byrd and ?? Cowgill? baxter? Don’t the 3rd spot to a real OF?
srt
3/5/2013-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
I’ll confess to having no idea how/who decides what names go on the ASB.
gategem
3/5/2013-6:20am at 6:20 am (UTC -4)
SRT, it appears another intense storm is heading your way and possibly into my area. This one also appears to be headed Stick’s way as well.
srt
3/5/2013-7:22am at 7:22 am (UTC -4)
Watched a documentary last week that said get used to these unusual weather patterns. We’re likely to see drier weather but when a storm does hit, it’s going to be more severe than we’re used to. Fun, fun
TX
3/5/2013-9:57am at 9:57 am (UTC -4)
I don’t know what has happened, but my optimism for the year dropped significantly. It may have to do with Kirk looking lost, Wheeler being banged up, Santana and Marcum apparently being made of porcelain and me realizing I’ve been delusional about this lineup. Is it too early for a beer? Uff da.
srt
3/5/2013-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
After yesterday’s game, I’m thinking by pre season prediction of 77 wins is optimistic as well.
It wasn’t just yesterday’s game either. It’s several things, not the least of which is I don’t think we’re going to score many runs, our pitchers will have to pitch above average to have a shot at winning the games and the defense in the OF might be less than even average.
Really hit home yesterday when I looked at our ‘starting’ OF compared to the Braves OF.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
check back in 3 weeks. ST is just so overly long. There are still 4 weeks (minus 1 day) to ST, and that is pretty much enough time for most of these guys. ST is overly padded, and IIRC used to be a lot shorter.
TX
3/5/2013-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
I think that is exactly what I am feeling. The realization that the pitching is going to have to be lights out and here we sit with Santana and Marcum both not instilling any confidence that they’ll be ready come opening day.
I do like Cowgill. He is a guy worth rooting for. Byrd is OK, but it’s tough to root for him when you know he’s just here for the year and then gone. Really wanted to see Kirk progress, not regress. I’ve never had faith MDD would be much of anything, so I’m not surprised one way or the other there.
I really wish they signed Bourn or traded for Upton. Or even a lesser everyday player. Willingham or Crisp or someone. Clear out the dregs and package up the low ceiling children. Turn them into an everyday player. Alakazam!
Stick
3/5/2013-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
that to me is a reason for optimism. because if 1 guy like that was going to make a difference, it means they are actually close. Would have been nice to get another key building block this off season, but I am not losing sleep over a stiff like Crisp or Hairston.
srt
3/5/2013-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
True point about how much longer ST is going to be but…no matter who shakes out for the OF and bench, we don’t have much power on this team. Don’t have a lot of speed either so how, exactly are we going to score runs?
That’s why I’m thinking the pitching really has to limit the opposition runs.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think it is too early (for the beer part), but then again, I am 6 time zones ahead of you! At 7:00 you either have to go with the liquid corn flakes defense, or a Mimosa.
have faith. still 4 weeks until we will be on here, disecting the mets OD win, and planning the WS parade.
I think you blue cloud is either from constant rain, or commenting on a post that has been beaten to death, and you just need a blank canvas to pee on!
TX
3/5/2013-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
Like making pee circles in the street…
Yeah, I was just thinking Irish coffee, sans the whip cream. Wakes you up and puts you in a coma.
greggofboken
3/5/2013-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
Kirk looking lost is a drag, though not a surprise. No one playing Byrd off the roster also disappoints. As does the prospect of opening the year with Hefner in the rotation (Why is Laffey here if not for that? Or Mejia for crying out loud?)
Q seems to be playing Hicks off the team (40-man roster spot or not), and Wheeler looked to have the goods. Buck seems to bring some authority to his catching duties vis a vis dealing with the pitching staff.
And there’s a decent amount of entertainment value in seeing just how easy it is to push Johann’s buttons. (Was he tempted to remind the general manager that he was a man after his bullpen? Because those assertions are always valuable….and there are apparently those who doubt….though I’d have thought this would come up in the physical.)
Stick
3/5/2013-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
I don’t remember seeing anything of Laffey, but yeah, he should be fighting Heffner for the long man/6th starter job. Still time for that.
Kirk, I always thought after missing so much time (like last yer) he would need to start in the minors. That, and he isn’t actually all that good.
Hicks, who cares. Being on the 40 man means nothing, since if he gets outplayed he will just get released to free the spot up. Just keep the best player.
Johan? He does seem to have a macho streak for whatever reason.
srt
3/5/2013-10:10am at 10:10 am (UTC -4)
OT
http://daps.tv/source-robinson-cano-alex-rodriguez-ryan-braun-and-curtis-granderson-to-be-suspended/
This looks like pure speculation at this point but if this turns out to be true….oh boy.
TX
3/5/2013-10:12am at 10:12 am (UTC -4)
Do suspended players get paid?
greggofboken
3/5/2013-10:16am at 10:16 am (UTC -4)
I believe they do not.
TX
3/5/2013-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Interesting. I bet we hear of a hired ninja that is sneaking into Arod’s place and spiking his Fancy $8 a bottle water with a little PED mixture.
Cashman speaking: We are so appalled and shocked to hear the news about Arod being suspended.
Cashman thinking: WOOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stick
3/5/2013-10:35am at 10:35 am (UTC -4)
is his name Howie Spiro?
TX
3/5/2013-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
Is Howie Spiro a ninja?
Stick
3/5/2013-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
no, just a part of the storied history of America’s premier franchise. so would seem like a natural fit to be the FO hit man against one of the players.
You kids just don’t appreciate history.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
no. so if those 3 guys got 50 days, it would amount to probably 1/2 the Mets payroll saved.
Think ofl Fred tried to convince Bud to hand write jason Bay at the bottom of that ledger?
srt
3/5/2013-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think so. Want to say I’m almost positive they don’t but not 100% positive.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
they don’t.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
blocked from here. What is this for, that Miami Clinic thing?
And it would suck if they did not have to get paid, since that would make the Yankees happy about A Roid! Though losing Cano would hurt them.
the other 2 guys IMO should have to wait to come off the DL before the suspension hits. Not fair if a guy is out for 2 months anyway to count that as his suspension also. In that case, it is just a fine.
srt
3/5/2013-10:25am at 10:25 am (UTC -4)
Joe Bisceglie @joebisceglie
Anonymous Source: Cano, Granderson, A-Rod and Braun will all be suspended for failing PED test this season.
There’s a link to an article in there, if you can get to it:
http://daps.tv/more-info-about-the-rumored-suspensions-of-mlb-stars-cano-rodriguez-granderson-and-braun/
As far as I know, they can’t suspend any player for being on the Miami Clinics buy list/use list, whatever.
Only way you can be suspended is for a failed drug test.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
you think they were really, really careful with Brauns test this year?
Good luck arguing chain of custody technicalities this year.
srt
3/5/2013-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
If I’m not mistaken, Braun is at the WBC.
If this is true, this will be ugly.
srt
3/5/2013-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Wait, who besides ARod of those 4 are on the DL?
TX
3/5/2013-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
Granderson.
srt
3/5/2013-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
Thanks. I didn’t know that.
And yes….if they’re going to suspend someone it should be served after a DL stint ends.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Read this sentence fragment:
“…will travel to Jupiter, Fla., to play am 11 a.m. scrimmage against the some Marlins.”
Try and guess where this is from…is it from a remedial 8th grade nerd-only sports writing club?
Yes it is.
Metsblog has become so utterly pathetic, laughable, unprofessional, and comically poorly run now that the totally unfit and incompetent Cerrone and Baron do everything that it is, really, nothing more than a source of humor at this point.
srt
3/5/2013-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
They must have a long term contract with SNY.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
I am surprised they can spell SNY…really though, I finally completely quit commenting there a few weeks ago, and rarely visit, and do not miss it one iota. It’s sad and pathetic and to me kind of astounding that the Mets and Verizon sponsor a site which is so absolutely terrible in pretty much every possible way it can be absolutely terrible.
Last time I visited I saw Cerrone write something like Gee is easy to forget and that’s what I like about him and after an appearance by maybe Gorski, I forget, when he pitched 1+ innings, allowed several hits, walked a few and struck out one, Baron’s “analysis” was that Gorski threw strikes, and looked good.
It is almost a parody of what it should be as a hugely popular and widely read blog.
srt
3/5/2013-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
There’s just so much better analysis at other sites, IMO.
Stick
3/5/2013-10:36am at 10:36 am (UTC -4)
they get hits. From what I understand of SNY and their programming, that is all that matters.
and did you notice that Matt and the boys had their titles revoked? It is now “main blogger” and “contributors”.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
I did NOT notice that as I am very rarely there…Matt calling himself “Executive Editor” was very funny and really sad at the same time.
Matt could not adequately edit the transcript of an episode of Sesame Street.
Still, while SNY pre- and post-games might not be at the level of The Godfather or Citizen Kane or Shakespeare or James Joyce, their shows are done very well, very professionally, and star people who know the game intimately. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the performance of Chris Carlin.
Matt and Baron are simply lazy, idiot know-nothings with no business being sponsored by an MLB team.
Stick
3/5/2013-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
often in life being in the right place at the right time (or knowing the right person, particularly if he sired you!) is much more important than who sharp you are.
as to SNY, I don’t get it, but was basing the comment on the non-Mets related programming that I have heard about.
TX
3/5/2013-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
I know Niese will be the opening day starter, but I would prefer Harvey. I want him to nail the first guy with a heater and then strike out the next 27 in a row. Is that too much to ask?
kingman 26
3/5/2013-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
Why not brush back the first guy so he can preserve the perfect game??
srt
3/5/2013-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
I like it!
Although I do believe if Johan isn’t ready to go, Niese gets the nod as opening day starter. He really does deserve it more than Harvey at this point.
Give Matt a full year, then we can name him the ace.
TX
3/5/2013-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
Because, like every thing that embodies the Mets, the greatest pitching performance of all time would need to have some sort of black mark on it.
kingman 26
3/5/2013-12:38pm at 12:38 pm (UTC -4)
Ah, in the spirit of Johan’s (not really a) no-hitter…gotcha…
srt
3/5/2013-1:10pm at 1:10 pm (UTC -4)
So let’s see….In the B game today, which I believe is in the 8th,
- Mets managed just 2 hits so far. (MDD triple and Brown double.)
- Hawkins made his debut and pitched two perfect innings.
- Pedro makes his debut in the 8th and promptly gives up a HR to the first batter he faces.
Mostly B Mets and first appearances by some Mets (Pedro and Hawkins) and not sure what the Marlin line-up looks like but Mets down 3-0 in the 8th,
darknova306
3/5/2013-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
Great to see Pedro back on the mound in a Mets uniform. If he gives the team anything this season, it’ll be a great little humiliation to the Yanks… and that makes life worth living
wanny
3/5/2013-2:47pm at 2:47 pm (UTC -4)
i think hawkins gave up a run in his first inning. not that it matters. he should make the team as long as he is healthy and his arm doesn’t fall off.
Stick
3/5/2013-2:50pm at 2:50 pm (UTC -4)
not sure I see that. Who is he replacing?
figure even with FFF out temporarily, you have:
parnell
Edgin
Lyon
Atchison
Heffner (or Laffey) as long man
another lefty (Perpetual pedro?)
that leaves 1 last spot, and I bet they have Burke pencilled in.
just not seeing where Hawkins fits in, unless they run with 1 lefty again!
greggofboken
3/5/2013-2:58pm at 2:58 pm (UTC -4)
I believe Burke is a long-shot, though they like the idea of a submariner — and the second lefty (advisable) seems to be a “maybe so, maybe no”. I’d bet on Hawkins.
HobokenMetsFan
3/5/2013-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think he’s a longshot, especially since he was added pretty quickly to the 40 man as soon as he was signed.
wanny
3/5/2013-3:02pm at 3:02 pm (UTC -4)
i don’t think atchison is a lock either.
burke is probably a roogy and i can’t see him taking the spot of a guy like hawkins who has been reasonably effective for the last 100 years.
hefner definitely does not make the team ahead of hawkins.
and i am willing to bet that pedro does not make the team out if camp. he is likely for extended spring training and/or DL.
Stick
3/5/2013-3:17pm at 3:17 pm (UTC -4)
Hawkins is a fossil. not sure why you are so hot for him, but to each his own!
Burke as noted is on the 40 man, and Atchinson probably had they best year last year of anyone they brought into camp.
but mostly, I don’t see them not having an actual long man in the pen, given the nature of the starting staff. that guy might log 200 innings this year!
srt
3/5/2013-2:56pm at 2:56 pm (UTC -4)
I was just reading Rubin’s tweets on the game. Saw two perfect innings for Hawkins. Could be I missed the first inning and assumed those perfect ones were the first and second.
srt
3/5/2013-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/61883/marcum-hawkins-log-2-ip-apiece-in-b-game
Wanny is correct. Hawkins only had 1 perfect inning and gave up a run.
Marcum’s FB at 84/85.
Feliciano’s at 82. Yikes.
wanny
3/5/2013-3:05pm at 3:05 pm (UTC -4)
if you enjoy watching the gun at citifield, i suggest you go on days which harvey is pitching.
the mets really have hte makings of a soft tossing staff with marcum, gee and santana not likely to break 90 very often. gee might average around 90.
srt
3/5/2013-5:34pm at 5:34 pm (UTC -4)
This rotation is certainly going to miss Dickey’s knuckleball.
Nothing better than a rotation with a couple of lefties, a couple of power pitchers and a knuckleball pitcher. Can really keep the opposition off balance in a 3 or 4 game series.
Stick
3/5/2013-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
is this the game marcum started or pitched in? Hopefully he is doing OK and his arm getting in shape.
srt
3/5/2013-2:57pm at 2:57 pm (UTC -4)
He did pitch in this one.
All I saw on it was some controversy about the speed of his fbs. Two different people tweeting different speeds on it.
greggofboken
3/5/2013-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
Two innings and two hits, no runs. Fastball at 84-85 and topping out at 86. He averaged nearly 87 last year.
Stick
3/5/2013-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
so basiclaly, for a guy at the beginning of his ST that claims to need little work to be ready, he is right where you expect him to be.
plenty of guys (especially ones not fighting for jobs!) are down a couple MPH at this point of ST. As long as he feels good, not worried about him.
srt
3/5/2013-1:23pm at 1:23 pm (UTC -4)
AdamRubinESPN: Something apparently up with Jenrry Mejia. Sandy Alderson to address.
AdamRubinESPN: Jenrry Mejia headed to NY for tests “related to his physical.”
wanny
3/5/2013-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
Jenrry, or Fausto Carmona – whatever his name may be, — can’t catch a break this spring.
Stick
3/5/2013-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
I really wonder if other teams have this volume of guys getting flagged for (often serious) medical conditions not related to baseball, or is this just the Mets?
greggofboken
3/5/2013-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
“Prevention & Recovery”. Jeff came up with a slogan and by gum, we’re gonna get full mileage out of it.
And we better be seeing those Underdog t-shirts in the clubhouse.
srt
3/5/2013-3:08pm at 3:08 pm (UTC -4)
Good question. I swear it feels like it’s predominately the Mets.
Just read this on the Phillies:
‘For the most part, the Phillies have been on auto-pilot through the first few weeks of spring training. With no major battles for jobs and the team relatively injury free, the players have been able to settle into camp with a focus on April 1.’
srt
3/5/2013-3:08pm at 3:08 pm (UTC -4)
Wonder what that’s like?
Sigh…..
Stick
3/5/2013-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
I dispise the Phillies. But I think you now that.
and yeah, they are all just fine, outside of the one MiL guy trying for a spot in the OF (Ruf) that has a sore arm. And delmon is still out, but they knew he would be.
the important guys are just cruising along.
gategem
3/6/2013-3:26am at 3:26 am (UTC -4)
I had read that Jenrry Mejia’s fastball was down a few mph but the Mets were most alarmed that the incredible movement he had on that hellacious fastball was gone.
Boomer
3/5/2013-2:18pm at 2:18 pm (UTC -4)
Just to prove that not every bad thing that happens in baseball happens to the Mets, Cole Hamels line against the Dominican WBC team.
2.2 IP, 12 hits, 8 runs, 8 earned runs 3 Ks and 1 HR.
Great googley moogely
Stick
3/5/2013-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
just getting in shape, right? Though his last game he was quite sharp. Entirely possible though this lineup he faced was a whole lot stronger!
Unless I see on the local news tonight they sent him back to Philly for tests, I won’t put much stock in it.
but hell yeah, it is fantastic to see at any time!
the Phils (and their fans) have been getting very, very cocky this spring. And honestly, i don’t blame them, because right now I firmly believe they are right in the mix for the division/WC. And unless they start racking up some major injuries (which they have none of right now) I stick to that.
srt
3/5/2013-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
Think Hamels had a little ‘help’ from that Philly OF:
Outing by Cole.
11 hits, 8 ER in 2.2 innings.
Of course, if Ruf knew how to catch a fly ball, two of those hits and 3 of those runs wouldn’t have happened.
Stick
3/5/2013-3:20pm at 3:20 pm (UTC -4)
I am crying in my Duda for them.
and they had best get used to it, because there is a very real possibility that Ruf will be out there every day, at least until Delmon comes back.
I personally want to see Ruf and Young together in the corners. Revere might quit in protest.
SaltyGary
3/5/2013-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
Stick, I think I am floating in your neck of the woods. I am doing jobs in Perkasie and Bristol PA. Just had a roast pork and broc-rob sandwich at Tommy Dinic’s in Phili. Damn good sandwich.
Stick
3/5/2013-4:42pm at 4:42 pm (UTC -4)
Not too far. Other side of the river and a bit south is where I am. I used to live directly across from Bristol in Burlington NJ though, so I passed though a number of times. Kind of a dump actually.
Not familiar with that restaurant, but there are a lot of good neighborhood Italian joints and sandwich shops over there.
SaltyGary
3/5/2013-5:59pm at 5:59 pm (UTC -4)
It’s in the “Reading Terminal Market” across from the convention center. Travel channel thinks it’s one of America’s best sandwich’s.
Stick
3/5/2013-6:13pm at 6:13 pm (UTC -4)
I love the terminal market. There is a great pretzel place in the middle, with Amish girls making the pretzels by hand, and you get them fresh out of the oven.
also a beer garden in the middle, but not sure if that is still there.
Boomer
3/5/2013-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
The game is now in the 7th inning and the Domincan team is up 13-1 and have 24 hits! If this was a little league game it would have been called on the mercy rule.
I agree its still early but the Dominicans are putting a serious hurting on the Phillies staff. Cano hit a dinger that looked like it was shot from a canon.