Literally the Deadline

Quick Rant:

The next few games should in my opinion dictate the direction Omar decides to steer the sinking ship come Saturday's trade deadline. Say the Mets drop the 1st two games to St. Louis, and are roughly 9.5 games our of first place....We should NOT be buyers. One piece won't help this team. One new manager won't help this team.

This could be a prime opportunity for the Mets to rebuild and put a decent ballclub out on the field in the seasons to come(With Bobby V back lets pray)

The Mets need new arms. No more Ollie, Maine, Japanese, or tired Relievers.

So, Im proposing we sell high on the new fan favorite Angel Pagan. Yes, he's maybe our most consistant player but the injury prone 29 year old could potentially bring back a decent return, hopefully the kind of pitchers who can compete for a rotation spot next year.

Pretty much anyone other than Reyes, Wright, Ike, Niese and Pelfrey i wouldn't mind parting with if it allows us to rebuild because the Post-Collapse Mets are more disgusting to watch than the 07-08 editions.

At this point I'm all for selling, this team has no life and much like 2004, we need to sink the whole ship if we ever want to see it sail (respectfully) again.

Francouer Goes Deep, Ollie Shows Something, As Mets Down Braves 7-6

Today the Mets defeated the Braves 7-6 (box score) at Tradition Field.

Ollie Perez got himself into some trouble in the first and then seemed to recover, finishing 4 and 1/3 innings with 3 runs allowed on 5 hits and 4 walks.  Although the walks and hits were high today, Perez didn't implode like we've seen him do in the past.  This was by no means a good performance from Perez, but, if this is him at his worst this season, that would be a great improvement over last season.  It'd be nice to know that everytime something bad goes wrong for him Ollie won't go directly into the toilet.  That is an improvement...

As for the rest of the staff today, Mejia and Igarashi were solid, while Green and Parnell struggled again.  It's becoming more and more clear to me that this bullpen should include Takahashi and Figueroa, and the Mets should deal Green, and put Parnell in the minors to start the season.  Neither Green nor Parnell are throwing well, and combined with Figgy and Takahashi throwing lights out this spring...I think the answer is obvious.  Also, that would allow Mejia to go to Binghamton and learn to be the top-of-the-rotation guy the Mets needs more than an eighth inning guy...

At the plate, Francouer went 1-2 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Wright and Castillo stole bases (one for Wright, two for Castillo - even though he got a favorable call on one).  Murphy threw up another goose egg, while Jacobs had a two-RBI hit...Interesting...

Overall it was more a bad day in the field for the Braves than a good day at the plate for the Mets who scored two runs on an errand pick off at third, which scored Castillo and Wright (on an excellent hustle play).  And an RBI hit by Bay, which should have been fielded by Yunel Escobar.

Regardless, wins build confidence, and by all accounts this was a win...

Mets Win 5-2, Johan Starts Against Former Team at 1 pm

Due to the NCAA tournament, I was slightly pre-occupied last night.  Sorry...

Anyway, Last night the Mets beat the Marlins 5-2 (box score) on the strength of homers from Jeff Francouer and Jason Bay.  Both players hit two-run jobs, as Bay's gave the Mets the lead in the seventh inning after Francouer's tied it in the fifth.

On the hill,  Perez worked himself out of a bunch of trouble, and finished up working 4 innings giving up 6 hits, 2 runs and struck out two.  Not a great performance, but it's encouraging that he didn't unravel like he usually does.  Maybe he got a little headstrong this offseason.

Also, Igarashi, Felciano, K-Rod and Takahashi combined to keep the Marlins off the board for the rest of the game, although some more quietly than others.

As for today...

Johan Santana is starting against his former team at 1 pm on SNY...

Line-up to come...

Things I Learned From Live Chat With Brian Costa

Earlier today, Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger had a really good live chat with Mets fans, here.

Here are the things I took out of the chat that I felt were most interesting:

- In response to my question regarding whether or not Carter was garnering consideration over Jacobs for the last bench spot, Costa said, "Sure, if he keeps hitting this way, he'll definitely earn strong consideration."  Since it was my question, I obviously think Carter should be getting consideration.  He's a lefty, he has power, he's mashing right now, he plays first base and outfield...At this point in time, I just don't see what Jacobs has over him. 

- In response to a question asked what the chances were of Castillo or Perez being traded this season, Costa said, "About the same as the chances of tomorrow's game in Fort Myers being postponed due to a blizzard."  I guess I'm not going to hold out hope that Castillo will get deal then...


- Costa feels that Wright's power will come back this year. He said, "Honestly, I don't see Wright's power as a huge question mark this year. I think last year was an aberration and he's too good to have another year like that."  I agree with Costa here, I'm not concerned about Wright.

 - In response to a question about Jerry using Mejia in an effort to save his job, Costa said, "Well, Jerry said he'd have to be a little crazy and a little desperate to do it, and what do you know, he's a little of both. Still, I have to say, Mejia has looked excellent so far."  I don't disagree here.  The kid has looked good enough that he probably can contribute on the major league level this season, but is it worth potentially stalling his development into a starter...That's the more important question.


- In response to a question regarding how much of a leash Murphy will have at first this year, Costa thinks, "Yes, Murphy doesn't have a ton of margin for error, but the Mets want to give him every chance to succeed. Plus, if the Mets are losing, I don't think Murphy is going to be the scapegoat."  That's nice to see that the Mets want him to succeed.  It's be nice to see that.  And I agree that if they're losing there will be bigger issues than Murphy that will attribute to that...


- Also note, Costa called Jeff Francouer's clubhouse demeanor, "Francoeur is definitely a good clubhouse guy. I don't think "the right attitude" is more important than good seasons from Maine, Pelfrey and Perez, and the return of Reyes and Beltran, but it helps."  I can't agree more.  Ever heard of the term loveable loser?  I really like Frenchy and what he brings to this team, but at the end of the day they need to win above all else.  And they need everyone healthy and contributing for that to happen. 


- Finally, and in my opinion, the most important thing I learned was regarding the Mets front office and how in-tune they are with their fans.  Costa made this comment, "Someone from the Mets will read this. Trust me, the Mets are keenly aware of everything that is being said and written about them -- in newspapers, on the radio, on TV and on blogs. They don't need me to tell them what fans are saying. You may feel like there's a disconnect because of what the Mets do or don't do, but they definitely hear everything that is being said about them."  Wow, to me this is huge for a couple reasons, both positive and negative.  On one hand, it's nice to know that the team cares enough about it's fanbase to pay attention to what's being said about them.  On the otherhand, Can they care too much about what people are saying?  I know this isn't exactly a fair point considering, the Mets almost seem damned if they do, and damned if they don't.  However, I do think it's good to pay attention to your fans and hear what they've saying because at the end of the day, this is a business and the fans are your customers.  You need them to be satisfied with the product or else your sales will go down.  BUT, they should only be listened to up to a point, because in all honesty, as much as fans love the game and think they know about it, the management are the professionals.  As a fan, I like to know that management knows more than me, and can run the team better than anyone else, because, hey, isn't that their jobs? Aren't they professionals for a reason?  I know the obvious/sarcastic response to this question, but seriously, as much as I like to think I know what I'm talking about, there's a reason I'm writing a blog for fun, and they manage a baseball franchise...

Mets Fall 8-4 Behind Santana

Sorry this post is so late.  It's been a busy day at work, and this isn't my job...

Anywho...

The Mets fell to the Astros 8-4 earlier today, despite Johan Santana starting for the Mets (box score). 

Granted this was Santana's first appearance since off-season surgery, and despite being more concerned with feeling good than looking good,  he didn't look good.  Santana gave up 6 hits, 4 runs and a homer in an inning and 2/3, which was not a great performance, especially considering Kaz Matsui hit the homer, ugh.  However, the most important thing, as noted by Marty Noble, in this article, was what Santana said afterwards, "I didn't feel anything with the arm. I was able to throw all my pitches..."

Outside of Johan it wasn't a bad day.  Here are some positives:

- David Wright went deep today, and drove in two runs.

- Ike Davis also went deep today, but also struck out three times. 

- Josh Thole had two hits, both doubles, and drove in a run.

- Jeff Francouer gunned out another baserunner. 

- Sean Green didn't suck.  He went an inning without giving up a hit or run, while striking out one.

- Matthews Jr. had two doubles and finished 3-4, and is starting to look partially valuable.

Summary:

Interestingly enough, this is the first time I'm heard anything really about Thole, which really makes me think the Mets bringing in Barajas was a good decision.  This spring might have become about Thole struggling if he was fighting for the starting job, instead it's about Ike Davis and Jenrry Mejia.

Also, Ike Davis continues to hit, and Francouer continues to field.  Although, Francouer and Bay are both struggling at the plate this spring, it isn't anything to concern ourselves with, especially since Bay considers himself a "slow starter".

Despite the loss, today was not all negative for the Mets...

Mets Win One, Lose One: Niese Looked Good, Mejia Awesome

Today the Mets split their games in split squad action, beating the Cardinals 7-3 (box score) and losing to the Marlins (box) 4-2 in 10 innings.

In the game against the Cardinals, Fernando Nieve started and went 3 innings, giving up one run.  Bobby Livingston, who pitched as well against the Braves, didn't fare so well today going 2 innings and giving up 2 runs on 5 hits.  Nelson Figueroa finished the game throwing 4 innings of one-hit, shut out ball, while striking out 5. 

At the plate, F-Mart went 2-4 with a rbi and a run scored.  Also driving in runs were Francouer, Tatis, Riggans Pridie and Cattalanotto, who drove in two runs on a pinch-hit triple.  3 of the mets 7 runs were off of Brad Penny in the first two innings, and another 3 were off Mitchell Boggs later in the game.  Not a bad outting for the split squad.

At Tradition Field, the rest of the Mets fell to the Marlins as Bobby Parnell gave up a two-run homer to stud prospect Mike Stanton in the 10th.  Niese had another nice outing for the Mets tossing 2 and 2/3 innings, striking out 5 and giving up a run on 3 hits.  Niese was then replaced by Mejia, who looked AWESOME.  He pitched 2 and 1/3 innings striking out 4, and giving up no hits, no runs and no walks. Oh, and Feliciano pitched an inning and only gave up one hit, while striking a better out.  Once again, I want him to be the set-up guy...

At the plate, Bay went 1-3 with an RBI, while the other Mets run came off an error.  Although there wasn't all that much to cheer about at the plate for the Mets, Angel Pagan did show some nice hustle scoring on a two-out error on an infield grounder.  With Matthews doing it yesterday and Pagan today, it's nice to see the Mets putting a little effort out there.

Summary:

The pitching was clearly the high point today, with Nieve, Figueroa, Niese, Feliciano and Mejia all throwing well.

This was my first look at Mejia, and from what I saw, everything they say about him is true.  His fastball has tons of life, and was making Marlin hitters chase the ball out of the zone consistently.  He also threw a few dirty sliders that the Marlins had absolutely no chance on.

Mejia came on after Niese, who is starting to look like a major league pitcher to me.  He was in control, and did a fantastic job throwing mostly cutters today.  Niese said during an in-game interview with the booth, that the cutter was apparently was just something he messed around with until Rickey Bones (former Brewers pitcher, amongst other teams, and current Binghamton Mets pitching coach) told him to try it out.  Well, that was a great decision because that pitch looks great, and it makes Niese all the more difficult to face.

Overall, it was a nice day on the hill for the Mets on both fronts.  Now after yesterdays hitting display, it'd be nice to see them start putting them both together on the same day.  But, hey, it's still early yet... 

Reyes' Bloodwork and Bullpen Talk

In an article for the New York Post this morning, Mike Puma details exactly why Jose Reyes was out of the line-up yesterday.  According to Puma, Reyes had some bloodwork done which was associated with the team's spring physical and apparently he wouldn't be cleared to play in a game until this bloodwork was done.  According to Puma, "The medical tests, Reyes said, had nothing to do with his legs."  That's a nice thing to hear, because anytime you're doing a blood test for a leg problem, that sounds like trouble.  Regardless, Reyes should be in today's line-up against the Marlins at 1pm on SNY.

Also in this article Puma recaps the Calero signing, talks about Takahashi finally getting his work visa and former Giants punter Sean Landeta visiting the team.  Apparently Landeta had Francouer pretty mesmerized by his Super Bowl rings. 

Also in his article Puma maintains the Mets interest in Joe Beimel on a major league deal for "an amount significantly lower than the $2 million he earned last season."  Puma also throws out Ron Mahay as a lefty the Mets may be interested in for the bullpen.

As far as the 'pen is concerned, outside of Feliciano, K-Rod and Parnell I'm a little worried.  Although we only saw Sean Green once, he was awful.  Igarashi looked fine, but nothing to write home about, and everyone else is competing.  Which is probably why the Mets signed Calero and are still interested in another lefty.

At this point it seems pretty obvious to me that the Mets best set-up options are Feliciano or Parnell.  Personally, I think Feliciano is a much better option and signing a Mahay or Beimel to be the lefty-specialist would allow for Feliciano to step up.

That's what I would do.  But I also wouldn't be hitting Reyes third, I guess that's the difference between me and Manuel/Omar...

Things To Watch Today, Jose Reyes Not On The List

So, according to Metsblog.com it looks like fans will see most of the starters in today's exhibition game, just not Jose Reyes.

According to Matt Cerrone, Reyes was scratched from today's start because of what sounds like a physical clearance situation.  Cerrone says the line-up will now look like this, "Gary Matthews Jr. will instead bat leadoff today, followed in order by Luis Castillo, David Wright, Jason Bay, Daniel Murphy, Jeff Francoeur, Fernando Tatis, Henry Blanco and Tejada."

Well, the good news here is that we can see Bay,Wright, Francouer and Blanco today.  Oh yeah, and did I mention that Jenrry Mejia is scheduled to throw...I think I'm most excited about seeing what this kid is all about.  After Darryl's glowing report, I'm expecting to have my mind blown.

The game is on SNY at 1 pm.

Chipper Jones Says Positive Things About The Mets, THAT WAS NOT A TYPO

In his latest article for the New York Post, Mike Puma catches a rarity.  Chipper Jones saying nice things about the Mets.  In this article Jones addresses the Mets ability to contend, Jose Reyes, Jeff Francouer and how CitiField will affect David Wright.

As far as the Mets contending Jones thinks, "It's time for those other guys behind Johan [Santana] to step it up a notch...If they do, I see them contending."  By those other guys I think it's fair to assume that Chipper is referring to Maine/Pelfrey/Perez.  Not to crap on Chipper here, especially since he's being decent to us, for once, but seriously...NO KIDDING.  You mean if the Mets have four quality starters this year we can contend, thanks for the newflash, Larry.

Ok, now that I got that anger out, back to being nice to Chipper.

In the article Jones calls Reyes, the "most dynamic" shortstop in the majors.  Jones says, "[Reyes] is a guy that year-in and year-out is their most valuable player...As he goes, they go. You keep him off base and you've got a chance to beat the Mets. If he's on base three or four times, you're not going to beat them."  There is no denying Jose's talent and ability to change a game.  My only issue with this statement is that now, if Reyes is on four time from the third spot in the order it might not mean as much as it would if he were hitting in the lead-off spot.  Either way, it's nice that others around the league realize the importance of Reyes to this team, because he is the most valuable player.  He makes everyone else on the field, and in the line-up better, look better.  It's decent of Chipper to acknowledge that...

Jones also comments on working out in the offseason with Francouer, and how Jeff's opinion on Howard Johnson.  Jones points to HoJo as a major influence on Francouer, saying in regards to working with him, Francouer "thinks that's going to do him a lot of good and kind of turn things around."

And finally, Chipper talks about David Wright and CitiField.  First off Chipper doesn't like the park in general because of all the "nooks and crannies".  I can't say I blame Chipper, being a visitor playing in that park cannot be easy.  Unless, of course, you were playing last year's team of the walking wounded, which was easy, hence why everyone beat the Mets.  But I digress...

As far as Wright goes, Chipper thinks the field will make him a better overall hitter (no arguement here), but acknowledges exactly where it is harder to hit balls out at Citi.  Jones says, "Where he is going to suffer is in the power department, because there are no cheapies in that ballpark. I just remember him at Shea being able to shoot it to right-center and it was very attainable. But you've got to be a behemoth to hit the ball out to the opposite field in that new ballpark."

A behemoth Wright is not...but a damn good hitter who's going to be driving the gaps all year, that's something I can deal with.

In general it's nice to hear a positive opposing players view of Reyes, Wright and the Mets in general.  Even if it is from Larry...