Sending Down Mejia To Be A Starter: Genius Idea, Wish We'd Thought of It Before...

In a post on Metsblog, citing information from Adam Rubin on ESPNNewYork, it looks like Mejia will be sent down to the minors to get stretched out in order to become part of the Mets rotation later this year.  According to Rubin, Mejia will be sent down when R.A. Dickey is called up Wednesday to start for Oliver Perez.

This is the stuff I don't get about the Mets.  I get that they were concerned about the bullpen to start the year, but it still made MORE sense to send him down to triple-A as a starter to begin the season, because at this point he might be ready to be called up to replace Perez instead of Dickey.  I'm happy they've made the decision that this should be done, I just wish it was done in Spring Training.  At least the Mets are recognizing some of their mistakes and are making moves to fix them.  I guess the theory here is "better late than never", and even at that it's not that late.

While Mejia has been good in the 'pen for the Mets, he's just too good to not at least TRY in the rotation.  Worst-case-scenario he struggles as a starter and he can be brought back as a reliever, because it takes little-to-no time to transition from starter to reliever especially when you've done it before.

Either way, this is a good move, a little late...but good.  Maybe Ricco is gaining some leverage in the front office because I see these types of moves (Mejia to minors, Davis and Carter called up, etc.) as things the Mets would not have done last year until it was too late.  I'm not sure who it is that's pushing for these moves but it's a good change in philosophy for the team and organization.  But like I've said before, I think some more moves can be made...

Bad Weekend Got Me Thinking...

After a disastrous weekend I got to thinking...

-The Mets as currently constructed will probably hover around .500 all year.

-The feeling I get from watching the moves the organization has made is that they really are committed to making this year a "cheaper" year.  There are moves that can be made that will make the team better, but these moves aren't being made because they cost money and admission of mistakes.  I'm not saying drop Perez, because even I'll admit that may be too much money to eat (and part of me thinks he still has value), but GMJ and the second baseman should be shown the door.  There is something to be said for addition by subtraction.  This isn't the NBA and bad contracts can't just be swapped for cap relief.  So really the only thing keeping the Mets from making themselves better is...well...themselves.

-What I'd do is bite the bullet on the secondbaseman, give dealing him one last try, and be willing to pay whatever you need to in order to get that done.  If that doesn't work, be prepared to drop him.  He looks old and slow, which is a dangerous thing for a player who made his career based on his speed and defense.  Tejada can come up and play secondbase, and if they don't feel he's ready for that then let Cora play and find someone for depth until Murphy can man the position.

-Also, get rid of GMJ and bring up Pridie (trade him or release him-I don't care).  He can play centerfield if Pagan gets hurt or needs a day off.  GMJ is no threat off the bench, and isn't really doing much in the field either.  It's just not worth leaving lesser players on this team just because...

-Lastly, please get rid of Manuel.  He's not the manager of the future here, so why are we even trying to make it work with him.  It makes little-to-no sense.  And while we're at it lose Dan Warthen.  He hasn't done anything for this team's pitching.  To be honest, any success the staff has had I attribute more to the catchers than to Warthen.

-Send Mejia down to become a starter.  Something LONG overdue.  The Mets had managed to convince the fans at one point that they were an eighth inning man away from competing.  That's not the case.  Even if it were the case, I still think Feliciano and Igarashi can hold that post down, because to me, they need to be in the lead for the eighth inning pitching to even matter and that isn't the case right now.  As was the case prior to opening day, Mejia is still more valuable to the team as a starter...

Overall, the team will have its ups and downs, but they'll probably hover around the middle.  So commit to something that's good for the franchise, fans and team.  Make moves that show you want to win, and want to move forward.  Don't just sit around and hope things will right themselves, because they might, but not enough to contend.  This team and it's fans deserve to contend.

Don't wait until it's too late.  The Mets should make changes while they're still close enough to contend...

Line Up Change For Tonight: Did Jerry Make the Right Move?

Maine is looking to build off another good outing, which the Mets could really use after Perez didn't help last night.  He'll face the Marlins and Nate Robertson tonight at 7:10 on PIX11.  Here's tonight's line up courtesy of Adam Rubin on twitter:

Reyes-SS
Everyday-2B
Pagan-CF
Bay-LF
Wright-3B
Davis-1B
Francoeur-RF
Barajas-C
Maine-RHP

Jerry made a good move putting Jose Reyes in the leadoff spot, BUT PAGAN AT 3?

I'm not so sure about that one.  Why can't Bay, Davis or Wright hit three?  Just put one of them there and protect them in the order the same way.  Plus, I'm not seeing the benefit of hitting Pagan third.  Doesn't your best hitter bat third?  Since when is Angel Pagan the team's best hitter?  He may be hitting right now, but he's not the most dangerous hitter on the team and doesn't really provide any protection for the top of the line up.  Although Pagan CAN hit a homer, he's not a threat to do it every time up.  An opposing pitcher has the potential to work through the top three in the Mets order without throwing too many breaking pitched, and therefore not tiring out as quickly.  Because in all likelihood a pitcher will throw different to Pagan than they would to Bay, Wright or even Davis...

While I like that Jerry has put Jose back at leadoff, I would still rather see Bay, Wright or even Davis hit three over Pagan...Also, Reyes and the second baseman seem to be struggling right now, and stacking three "lighter hitting" guys like that in the top of the order doesn't make the team more dangerous.  Also, the bottom of the line up still is a strike out waiting to happen, and Jerry did nothing to address that...

Maine Good, Offense Bad in Clutch as Mets Fall to Nats 3-2

Tonight Maine was good again, but the offense didn't show up when it mattered and the Mets fell to the Nats in the first game of the series 3-2 (box score).

The Mets were 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position, and didn't give Maine much run support as the rookie Luis Atilano and five other National pitchers kept the Mets off balance when it matters most.  Tonight the Mets offense had 12 hits, but was only able to muster two runs.  One was on a two out single from the Mets second baseman, and the other was a ninth inning bomb off the bat of Angel Pagan.

Also of note, Reyes was tossed for arguing balls and strikes, as was Jerry.  I think the Mets should take the ump's lead and toss Jerry out of his office...Oh, and they should get a real bench too while they're at it.  GMJ and Catalanotto stink.  I'm sorry, they're terrible.  Also, I know Bay has done it before in Boston, but he has been anti-clutch so far this season and it's starting to get really tough to watch him hit in clutch situations with EVERYONE waiting for his defining Mets moment.

On a more positive note, John Maine had his third consecutive good start.  Tonight he allowed 7 hits over 6 innings, but only 2 runs (both solo homers) and managed to strike out five.  Takahashi threw a scoreless inning in the seventh in relief of Maine.  Unfortunately, Feliciano had a rough outing allowing a run in a third of an inning allowing the Nats to stretch out their lead to 3-1.  But Mejia then came in to relieve Feliciano and shut the door for the remaining inning and 2/3.

Well, it's just one game, so the Mets need to regroup and win the next two games to take the series.  Tomorrow it will be Niese on the hill for the Mets and Olsen for the Nats.  Game is at 7:10 on SNY.

Blanco's Turn to Walk Off, 2B Hurt, End Of An Ollie?

I haven't been around to comment since yesterday's game ended, but I am really starting to believe in this team.  Yesterday's walk off homer from Hank White (as McCarver would say) is really indicative of what a GOOD ballclub gets, help from all over.  While Blanco might not have been the likely hero the night after Barajas did the same, it's when guys like this win ballgames that you start to really gain confidence in a team.  And the Mets took the first two of the series against the Giants knowing they would face one of the best pitchers in the league in Tim Lincecum in the third game, who they are just starting to hit a bit as I write this.  Either way they've been playing well and, I think, have established that they are significantly better than they were last year.  I'll even give credit to Omar for the Barajas signing.  Even though he seems to ONLY hit homers, they are in huge spots, and he and Blanco seem to have been instrumental in the way this team has pitched so far.

As for 2B...

He's hurt, and I don't care.  Honestly, he made a great play the other day, BUT, he looks old and hurt and I really wish they could move his contract because while he hasn't been hurting the team, I don't think he brings all that much to them.  Adam the Bull on WFAN yesterday seemed to believe the same thing, that while the 2nd baseman isn't killing them, very rarely do you feel this team cannot win without him.  I thought that was well put.  Especially considering his unnecessary plan to bunt yesterday on a 3-1 count in the first when Wellemeyer couldn't find the strike zone...Genius.  Like Howie said on the radio, "that's just his game."  But I think Howie was just as annoyed as I was when he saw that...
 
And finally Ollie...

He was awful again today.  Now, I think I am the only person who still thinks Perez is worth all of this trouble...but he's even wearing my patience thin at this point.  And while I still feel he will be the first Mets pitcher to throw a no-hitter...he's got the stuff to do it when he's on...it won't be anytime soon.  He looked horrible today, walking 7 batters.  The only positive thing that came out of his performance is the way Jerry gave him a quick hook and didn't let the game (although he probably should have done it in the third).  I think Ollie needs to be moved to the 'pen so Takahashi can make his presence known in the rotation.

On an unrelated note...Can we dump Gary Matthews?  He's awful.

What To Do With Murph...

According to Michael Baron of Metsblog, who forwarded a report from Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger, when Daniel Murphy returns from his knee injury, he won't be returning to Queens.

Brian Costa writes, "Unless Ike Davis is injured or struggles mightily over the next few weeks, the Mets plan to send Murphy to Triple-A when he recovers from a right knee sprain, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking."  Talk about getting a raw deal....

I have no problem with Murphy losing his job to Davis.  Guys lose their jobs all the time, but what I don't think he should lose his spot on the big ball club... 

Do the Mets still need Frank Catalanotto on this club?  Look, I know he's "versatile", but I would say he's about as useful in the middle infield as Daniel Muprhy would be in the outfield, so what's the point.  Does the team need a third guy who can "handle" the middle infield?  They already have Cora and Tatis on the bench who can handle the positions, and it's not like Cat is needed in the outfield either.  Oh yeah, and he's not hitting either...

So, my question is why Murphy isn't coming up to the big club?  He could easily serve as a left-handed bat off the bench, and would undoubtedly increase the talent level on the team as a whole.  So why not...

I only have one answer and it's some speculation that seems pretty popular, the Mets are sending Murphy down to learn to play second base.  As much as I want Murphy on this club, if he's going to the minors to learn to play second base I won't be upset.  There's something appealing to me to having Murphy hitting second and playing second behind Reyes when Beltran returns later in the season.  That would give the Mets an extremely formidable line-up.  BUT, I don't think this is going to be the case because of the road block that is the current second baseman's contract.  So once again I ask what's the point?

Daniel Murphy, I feel, is a more useful bench player than Cat if only for his abilities at the plate.  So, if Murphy's not coming back to the team, and is going to Triple-A when he recovers, I really hope that it's because he's learning to play second base...because if not, I just don't see the point.

Lay Off Wright and Bay, NO ONE IS HITTING

It's early in the season, and things aren't exactly sunny at Citi.  The reasons for this is pretty identifiable.  For one, Jerry Manuel stinks, and  that's all I'm saying on that, because it's not worth expanding on today.  Number two is that only 3/5 of the rotation is putting up decent starts on a consistent basis (Santana, Pelfrey, Niese), Maine's been awful and Perez has been inconsistent.  The final problem, is the offense...

Metsblog did an article about how Bay and Wright are struggling from the plate, which you can read here.  But that's not completely fair as it puts too much focus on their struggles, when there is plenty of other struggles in the line-up.  Because the biggest reason the Mets aren't winning games is because EVERYONE on the team is hitting like crap right now...EVERYONE.

Let's take a look at last night's line-up, which most fans would agree is probably their best option, and see how they've produced so far this year.

Reyes SS - Currently hitting .220, with a .273 OBP, and only 3 extra base hits out of 11 total hits on the season.  Oh yeah, and he's stolen two bases out of three attempts, but one wasn't contested at all.

That Guy 2B - He's been hotter as of late, with an 8 game hitting streak, and is now up to .275, with a .345 OBP.  As much as I hate the guy, those numbers and pretty acceptable.  BUT, his 2 extra base hits out of 13 total hits is not doing much for me.  And he's only one for two stealing bases.

-With the first two guys getting on a combined .309, granted Reyes is bringing it down, and neither are really running (hard to run when you're not on base).  I think some of what's happening with Wright and Bay can be explained by a lack of runners on and the way that's affecting the way pitchers are approaching facing them.  That being said...

Wright 3B - Hitting .240, with an unreal .457 OBP.  But Wright has about half of his hits being extra base hits.  Yes, he's striking out a ton, again...18 in 50 at bats, a 36% clip.  But he's also walking a ton with 19 BB so far.  Regardless the average and strikeouts are troublesome, but Wright is bringing more to this line-up than Reyes and the second baseman are currently, even with his terrible average...

Bay LF - Hitting .241, with a .369 OBP.  Bay is striking out more than Wright, 22 times in 54 at bats.  And has only 3 of his 13 hits going for extra bases, and no homers.  Clearly "scuffling", no debate there...

Francoeur RF - Here's the best hitter so far this season for the team.  Although his average has dipped to .281 after a splintering start, his OBP is .358, is stellar for him.  And Francoeur's only struck out 6 times this season.  In fact, he has more walks (8) than strikeouts.  He's been the best player on the team at the plate and has about half of his hits going from extra bases.  He's clearly the least of the team's issues at the plate, BUT he hasn't gotten a hit in the last 5 games...

Davis 1B - It's not worth talking numbers with Ike yet because his sample size is so miniscule right now.  But from what I've seen he doesn't look comfortable against lefties, and has been taking some pretty ugly hacks agains them.  The Mets face another lefty tonight in Tom Gorzelanny.  Should be interesting...

Barajas C - He's been flat out terrible at the plate. I don't care how many homers this guy is capable of hitting, it seems like those are the only hits he gets.  And somehow because people expect less of him he gets a pass.  He's hitting .204 with a .196 OBP, and hasn't walked yet this season while striking out 7 times.  Where are all those people now who were killing Frenchy for not walking?  Why isn't Barajas getting crapped on here?  Just because the guy can go deep doesn't redeem him for those awful numbers.  I don't know the last time I've seen someone have a lower OBP than average...Unreal.

Pagan CF - Pagan's been OK.  I don't when we get a little overhyped about this guy as fans.  He's fine.  He's hitting .279, with a .354 OBP....however...he only has one extra base hit on the season, and it was the homer the other night.

The point of this exercise was to show that the team as a whole isn't hitting and maybe we should be less worried about Wright and Bay speficially, and more concerned about the team as a whole not hitting well.  Or at the least, Manuel should be finding a way to have more than 2 guys get hits in one game. 

Also, can someone beside me please get annoyed at Barajas.  I'm tired about reading about how he's getting unlucky.  He's been "unlucky" then his entire career.  The guy is a pop up waiting to happen.  And, he's been hitting like this his entire career, reaching his summit at .256 in TEXAS.  Come on...

So, give Bay and Wright a bit of a break here, they'll come around.  Besides we need to spread the offensive blame around, because there is plenty for everyone to have...

Perez Not Great, Bullpen Worse in Mets 9-3 Loss to Cubs

Tonight the Mets fell to the Cubbies 9-3, on what was a terrible night for the Mets bullpen (box score).  Perez wasn't overly effective, but this loss really falls on the bullpen who let this game get out of hand.  Specifically Acosta and Takahashi really let the Cubs put some space between themselves and the Mets.  Perez went 5 innings giving up 8 hits and 3 runs, 2 of which were earned.  Acosta, who I no longer want to see more of, went 1 and 1/3 innings giving up 3 runs, and Takahashi went 2 innings giving up 3 runs of his own.  Not exactly the best outting from the Mets bullpen.

Interesting to note that Carlos Silva had a nice outing tonight, and has had a pretty good season so far.  That's interesting because it was speculated at one point in the offseason that Silva was probably the only guy the Mets could have dealt their current starting second baseman for.  I'm just sayin'...

Also, I'm getting really tired of watching Rod Barajas pop out and strike out.  I realized he hit a homer today, but seriously, he's hitting .200 with a .191 OBP, I don't think I've ever seen that before.  Having a lower OBP than batting average takes serious skills.  Can I now say that although I liked Barajas over Santos, Molina would have been better? 

Oh, fire Jerry Manuel...

Meanwhile in a not so angry place, the Mets go for their first series win of the season when Johan Santana takes the hill tomorrow night at 7 against Tom Gorzelanny.

Alright Ike's Coming, So Let's Be Real...

According to Matt Cerrone of Metsblog, which relayed the info from SNY's Brad Cuomo account on twitter, Ike Davis will be called up today.

It has been brought to my attention that I have been accused of "wavering" on my stance with the Ike call-up situation, but please allow me to clarify... 

I wanted (still want) to see Chris Carter get a chance before Ike, because in my opinion, Ike could probably use some more seasoning before bringing him up to the bigs and Carter deserves a shot.  Also, I am slightly concerned about what the Mets will do when Daniel Murphy is ready to return from the DL.  If the Mets are bringing up Ike as a stopgap until Murphy is healthy, then this move is flat-out moronic.  However, if they're willing to commit to Ike, unless he struggles big time, then I'm fine with it.

To me, giving Carter a chance would have made the most sense because of the flexibility, until Murphy could return, and how if Carter were to perform well it would afford the team the option to keep both Carter and Murphy, especially considering Carter's ability to play other positions along with first base.  Couple those arguments with the fact that this kid has almost never been given a shot to succeed, there's no doubt in my mind that Carter would be hungry and would perform well.

Since that isn't the case and Ike is on his way up...I'm on board with this too.  Mainly because I think Ike is the team's best option at first base, given the realities of the situation (with Carter etc.).

So...

Mets fans here we go.  This move should be the start of something.  It should be the beginning of the organizations realization that maybe, just maybe, it's time for a youth movement.  This applies to both players and management.  Let Ike play, bring up Carter too, maybe F-Mart, Gee and Tejada at some point.  The team's future should be given a shot.  They can't be much worse than the team that's been out there for the first two weeks...

And while we're at it, lose Jerry and Omar.  Hand over jobs to Backman and Ricco.  Change the direction of the team and organization and bring HOPE to the fans.  Trying to float with this team that is clearly not as talented as other teams in the NL is a recipe for breeding more contempt within an already agitated fan base.

Ike will hold fans off for a bit.  But it's not enough.  I think Evan Roberts summed it up best, as Cerrone quotes him on Metsblog, "Mets fans would rather lose with Ike Davis, Ruben Tejada and Fernando Martinez, than lose with Fernando Tatis, Luis Castillo and Gary Matthews Jr." (Note the only reason I used the second baseman's name was for the quotes sake)  Also, my feeling is the first three Roberts mentioned are actually better than the second three.  So why not do it?

My one request is that fans temper expectations.  Ike Davis will eventually be good, it just may not happen right away.  Regardless it'll be exciting tonight should he crack the line-up, and I think it'll be fun at CitiField.  Man am I happy I have tickets...

Pelf Comes Up Big For Mets and Saves Team From Sweep

Pelfrey was fantastic today for the Mets, who managed to avoid getting swept in Colorado today by defeating the Rockies 5-0 (box score). 

Pelfrey looked great today going 7 innings giving up only 5 hits, no runs and struck out 6.  Feliciano and K-Rod finished the game and without giving up another hit, and both looked good doing so.  This is the stuff that gives me hope.  Pelfrey was great today all-around, including at the plate where he had an RBI single to go along with his great day on the hill.

Other Mets who had a good game included: Reyes, Francoeur and the second baseman with two hits each.  Overall it was a nice game for the Mets who really needed this win badly. 

Even though the Mets won today, Can I still say I want Manuel fired?  Because I do...

The Mets and Oliver Perez now head to St. Louis tomorrow night to open a very tough series against the Cardinals and Chris Carpenter...yikes...