tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52873503333394836572024-03-13T22:26:16.702-04:00The Baseball AnalystA forum to discuss my humble opinions about the New York Mets and current state of America's Greatest Pastime. I also feature guest contributer Anthony C Wayne. I encourage readers to voice their opinions in the comment section of this blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-11006958525626714842020-04-13T16:33:00.000-04:002020-04-13T16:33:32.888-04:00I'm Back!!!!! Hello? Anyone there?(I think I hear crickets in the background!)Well a lot has happened since my last post.....The 2014 New York Mets went <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/2014.shtml" target="_blank">79-83</a> but featured two pitchers that would play an important role in the Mets <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/2015.shtml" target="_blank">2015 National League Championship</a> season, Jacob deGrom and Jeurys Familia. deGrom became the first Mets player to win the <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/roy_rol.shtml" target="_blank">Rookie of the Year award</a> since the team won them back to back with Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden in 1983 & 1984.<br />
The 2014 Postseason saw The San Francisco Giants win their third World Series Championship in six years by beating the Kansas City Royals.<br />
<br />
The 2015 season saw the New York Mets get off to a hot start winning 11 straight games in April and building a 4.5 game lead, fueled in part by Matt Harvey's hot April (4-0) and Bartolo Colon's 9-4 start. After May 1st, the team went into a stretch of uninspired play, struggling mightily to score runs during the month of July. On July 29, a purported trade for Carlos Gomez was announced during a live telecast and leaked to the players on the field,.culminating in the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/31/sports/baseball/aborted-wilmer-flores-carlos-gomez-trade-shows-emotion-behind-the-stoicism.html" target="_blank">Wilmer Flores non-trade</a>. Wilmer shed some tears but was eventually given a reprieve from leaving the team to beat the 1st place Washington Nationals with a walk off hr in the bottom of the 12th, to pull the Mets to within two games of the division leaders. This was the start of a seven game winning streak, one that would vault the team into first place-a spot they would hold on to for the rest of the season. The Mets would go on to defeat The Dodgers in a 5 game NLDS. The team would then sweep The Cubs, riding the scorching bat of second baseman Daniel Murphy, who <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2581549-daniel-murphy-sets-mlb-postseason-record-with-home-runs-in-6-straight-games" target="_blank">homered in an MLB record six straight games</a>. The Mets would eventually face and lose to the Kansas City Royals in the 2015 World Series.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-12605749558244229782013-11-22T22:43:00.003-05:002013-12-13T13:48:24.946-05:00Mets sign OF Chris Young and Curtis Granderson....Hopefully the first of a few moves aimed at building a better lineup<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v22WdX8vBlA/Uo_JnGkKZDI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/lH7VllzLH4w/s1600/Chris+Young+Catch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v22WdX8vBlA/Uo_JnGkKZDI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/lH7VllzLH4w/s1600/Chris+Young+Catch.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As we head into the 2014 baseball season, the main question facing NY<br />
Met's GM Sandy Alderson is how are they going to upgrade the offense?<br />
Their first "major" move was the signing of former All Star Outfielder <br />
<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/mets-land-bargain-in-chris-young/">Chris Young</a> to a one year <br />
$7.25 Million dollar contract. The 30 year old Young is coming off a <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/youngch04.shtml#batting_standard::none" target="_blank">sub par year</a> with the Oakland A's. Although he seems<br />
to have plateaued as a player, Young does bring power, speed,and a good <br />
glove to the outfield. He is good for 20-25 HR's, 20 SB's and 30 plus<br />
doubles if playing full time. I think that the fact that it is only a one year deal makes it worth the risk. Along with Juan Lagares and Curtis Granderson, the Mets would have an excellent defensive outfield. With the price <br />
for established starting position players exceeding 10 mil a year, Young may prove to be a bargain. Let us hold judgment to see <br />
<br />
what else the Mets do to improve their lineup. As you can see by the numbers below The Mets need some more sticks. Based on career numbers, one can assume that <br />
Young will help improve the outfield power production while contributing on the base-paths and defense. However, I don't think this was the type of signing <br />
that most Met's fans were hoping for. With outfielders like <b>Curtis Granderson,</b> Nelson Cruz, and Jacoby Ellsbury still available, Met fans were hoping<br />
to land a proven performer and not one of the usual suspects that we have become accustomed to the last 4 years.<br />
What makes things especially frustrating is when the crosstown Yankees go out and sign a Brian McCann, or The Cardinal address their weakness at SS by signing Jhonny Peralta for four years. <br />
While I don't want the team to spend money frivolously on free agents, the teams hierarchy has to realized the market for these players, and that there is no such thing as a risk free signing.<br />
We must take chances on players that have a proven track record preferably under the age of 32. When you look at the 2013 tables below, you see a real deficiency at a number of positions and places in the lineup. Lets look at each position/place and figure out what <br />
we need to do.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/79865/5-reasons-to-sign-curtis-granderson" target="_blank">Update Alert: Mets Sign Curtis Granderson to 4 year 60 Million dollar deal....</a></h4>
Well this helps to add more power to the middle of the lineup. While Curtis strikes out a ton, he also can get on via the walk and he brings a well rounded athletic package to spacious CitiField. He should be able to take advantage of the power alleys to hit some doubles and triples while still hitting 25+ Hr's. <b>A much needed addition.</b><br />
<h4>
Catcher </h4>
I think a realistic forecast would have Met's catchers improving in both Avg., OBP., with slugging a big question mark. With the loss of John Buck via trade, the team can only hope that Travis d'Arnaud hit .260-.275 with some extra base power. <br />
Anthony Recker can expect a slight increase of plate appearances, and may be able to crack double digit HR's after hitting 6 in only 135 AB's. The Mets need to add a veteran starter to compete with Recker in Spring Training. <br />
The .219/.288/.366 slash line just wasn't good enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
First Base</h4>
<br />
<br />
OBP was the lone bright spot for the team last year. Ike Davis regressed to the point of now being thought as needing a change of scenery. A sub .400 Slugging percentage from a corner infield spot is not acceptable at the Major League level. What do The Mets do? This is probably Sandy's toughest challenge. Do they give Ike one more year? Remember Mike Jacobs? What about Lucas Duda? He has a very similar skill set as Davis. Power, walks, and a low BA. If money were no object, could the Mets sign a guy like Nelson Cruz to play First Base?<b> I am willing to give Ike Davis one more year.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Second Base </h4>
<br />
<br />
To trade or not to trade? That is the question. Daniel Murphy had a very solid 2013. He is solid in the clubhouse and is a "gamer" who cares about the game. He is a <b>very streaky </b>hitter who winds up with adequate numbers offensively. He has above average power (40 doubles and 10-15 hr's), has improved tremendously in the field while working hard at turning the double play but he lacks instinct. His aggressiveness on the basepaths will occasionally have him run into outs. He has actually become very adept at stealing bases where he had a surprising total of 23. Eric Young could be an option if they decide to trade Murphy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Short Stop</h4>
<br />
This is an area that must be addressed. If The Mets don't go out and trade for a SS, then Ruben Tejada must have a bounce back year. The numbers .215/.285/.276 are ugly. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Third Base</h4>
<br />
David Wright had a solid season but needs help in the lineup and has to stay healthy. He is now 31 and has missed at least 50 games in two of the last three years. Injuries may start to be a concern.Top hitting prospect Wilmer Flores played thru injuries during his call up while Wright was on the DL and The Mets must find a way to get him some at bats<br />
<h4>
Outfield</h4>
<br />
Curtis Granderson signing for 4/60M, essentially replaces the production that Marlon Byrd gave the Mets in 2013. He has a solid glove, runs well and offers a decent walk rate. High K's are a concern so I think The teams next big bat acquisition should be an under 125 strikeout a year guy . Eric Young (NL SB leader) was a pleasant surprise with the glove in left field. His speed gave the Mets an added dimension. Granderson, Young, Lagares and Chris Young would give the Mets a very good defensive outfield. My choice would be to call the Dodgers and see what they would want for a guy like <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kempma01.shtml" target="_blank"><b>Matt Kemp.</b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Starting Staff</h4>
<br />
Jonathan Niese, Dillon Gee, and Zach Wheeler are a solid threesome. The farm may offer help with either top pitching prospects Rafael Montero (Who has pitched with success at AAA) or Noah Syndergaard (Considered the better prospect but with only 11 AA starts). Last years back end of the rotation signing of Shaun Marcum was a bust and they need to find someone to log 200 innings. Let's hope they go after an established (think Bronson Arroyo or Bartolo Colon) healthy starter and not the crap shoot of a pitcher coming off injury.<br />
<h4>
Update....Mets sign Bartolo Colon to a two year/20 Million dollar deal!</h4>
Well the Mets just changed the perception of the team with this move. Adding a pitcher that finished 6th in the Cy Young voting makes the team relevant again. While they still have two huge holes to fill (Shortstop and the bullpen) at least they didn't stop with the Granderson signing. They have a acquired a pitcher that pounds the plate with his fastball and can give you a chance to win every time out. Switching leagues and not having to face the DH should help <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml" target="_blank">Colon</a> continue to have success. Now of course he doesn't come without risks. A 2012 PED suspension and the fact that he is overweight and 41 years old will scare some fans. All we need is for him to stay healthy. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Bullpen</h4>
<br />
Before his season ended with neck surgery, Bobby Parnell showed some maturity as a closer and the hopes are that he return in 2014 as a legitimate end of game option. The loss of veteran LaTroy Hawkins must be filled. Vic Black, acquired in the Marlon Byrd trade may be a late inning option. Former prospects Jeurys Familia, and <a href="http://risingapple.com/2013/12/05/keith-law-jenrry-mejia/">Jenry Mejia </a>are recovering from surgeries and may be ready to help in either the bullpen or as a <a href="http://risingapple.com/2013/12/05/keith-law-jenrry-mejia/">fifth starter</a>. The Mets would do well to find another established veteran closer to join forces with Parnell. How about opening the wallets for a guy like Grant Balfour or Fernando Rodney?<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Bench</h4>
<br />
With the non tender of Justin Turner and Omar Quintanilla, you could expect Josh Satin and Wilmer Flores to step into utility roles. Zach Lutz is also a candidate to make the team as a back up infielder. Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Matt Den Dekker are very good defensive outfielders who may stick depending on if the Mets deal a Lagares. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
<h3>
<b> </b></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
<h2>
<b>2013 New York Mets Hitting Stats by Position </b></h2>
<pre>Split G GS PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
as C 162 658 593 60 130 21 0 22 84 1 2 51 160 .219 .288 .366 .654
as 1B 162 694 582 77 136 33 0 15 59 8 3 102 171 .234 .353 .368 .721
as 2B 162 729 689 91 195 40 5 15 81 18 3 33 100 .283 .316 .421 .736
as 3B 162 716 634 81 184 35 6 20 80 17 4 71 130 .290 .365 .459 .824
as SS 162 653 586 49 126 23 2 3 40 5 1 55 105 .215 .285 .276 .561
as LF 162 730 639 83 155 32 5 14 51 37 8 75 137 .243 .327 .374 .701
as CF 162 680 632 58 140 29 6 13 66 12 6 35 165 .222 .267 .348 .615
as RF 162 705 640 78 160 31 7 23 92 9 6 49 182 .250 .308 .428 .736
as DH 10 43 41 4 11 2 0 1 5 1 0 2 13 .268 .302 .390 .693
as P 152 337 296 11 34 6 1 0 15 3 0 12 140 .115 .155 .142 .297
as PH 137 263 228 27 47 11 0 4 20 1 1 27 82 .206 .300 .307 .607 </pre>
<pre></pre>
<pre></pre>
<h2>
2013 New York Mets Hitting Stats by Place in Batting Order</h2>
<pre> Split G GS PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
Batting 1st 186 18 754 686 81 160 34 5 4 46 43 8 54 132 .233 .293 .315 .608
Batting 2nd 204 18 735 681 86 190 43 6 13 76 15 4 44 114 .279 .324 .417 .741
Batting 3rd 182 18 719 650 83 183 35 6 24 77 22 3 62 130 .282 .348 .465 .812
Batting 4th 191 18 705 621 83 156 32 3 22 80 8 4 69 180 .251 .332 .419 .751
Batting 5th 219 18 692 600 79 139 27 4 19 80 7 5 80 163 .232 .327 .385 .712
Batting 6th 234 18 681 605 64 124 19 1 22 72 5 6 61 177 .205 .286 .349 .634
Batting 7th 210 18 660 590 55 168 35 3 18 84 6 5 54 146 .285 .347 .446 .792
Batting 8th 214 18 644 577 51 109 20 2 4 45 4 0 55 127 .189 .262 .251 .513
Batting 9th 705 18 617 549 37 89 18 2 4 33 4 0 33 215 .162 .216 .224 .440 </pre>
<pre>Bat1-2non-P 352 36 1489 1367 167 350 77 11 17 122 58 12 98 246 .256 .308 .366 .674
Bat3-6non-P 714 72 2793 2473 309 602 113 14 87 309 42 18 272 649 .243 .324 .406 .730
Bat7-9non-P 608 37 1588 1423 130 332 67 6 26 147 14 5 130 349 .233 .301 .344 .645 </pre>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-35519720219611697402012-11-15T14:10:00.000-05:002012-11-15T17:58:59.424-05:00Met's Search for Power...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The Mets need more power. I have been asking ever since Carlos Delgado left…<b>Where is
the beef? </b>From 2005 thru 2009, The NYMets averaged 790
runs and 89.25 wins while finishing 6<sup>th</sup>, 4<sup>th</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup>
& 7<sup>th</sup> in Home runs. Then from 2009 thru 2012 the Mets averaged
674 runs and 75 wins while finishing 16<sup>th</sup>, 13<sup>th</sup>, 13<sup>th</sup>
& 11<sup>th</sup> in<b> </b>homeruns.<b> </b>You need about 90 Hr’s from your
number 3, 4, and 5 hitters. Wright and Davis should get you 50-60. I think Kelly Shoppach offers power in a platoon role behind the plate. I think inexpensive power can be had with the likes of Jonny Gomes and
Scott Hairston. For Center Field I like Chris Young from<b> </b>Oakland for the Mets. He is coming off a down year and has some pop. I don't know what he would cost them. What do you think? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Here are the team hitting stats by position in the lineup. </span></span><br />
<table class="sortable stats_table" id="lineu"><thead>
<tr class=""><th align="left" class="tooltip sort_default_asc">Split</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">G</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">GS</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">PA</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">AB</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">R</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">H</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">2B</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">3B</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">HR</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">RBI</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">SB</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">CS</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">BB</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">SO</th><th align="center" class="tooltip hide_non_quals">BA</th><th align="center" class="tooltip hide_non_quals">OBP</th><th align="center" class="tooltip hide_non_quals">SLG</th><th align="center" class="tooltip hide_non_quals">OPS</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">TB</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">GDP</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">HBP</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">SH</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">SF</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">IBB</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">ROE</th><th align="center" class="tooltip hide_non_quals">BA<i>bip</i></th><th align="center" class="tooltip">tOPS+</th><th align="center" class="tooltip">sOPS+</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr class="" data-row="0"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 1st|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 1st</span></td><td align="right">196</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">748</td><td align="right">678</td><td align="right">94</td><td align="right">175</td><td align="right">34</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">47</td><td align="right">14</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">59</td><td align="right">144</td><td align="right">.258</td><td align="right">.323</td><td align="right">.354</td><td align="right">.677</td><td align="right">240</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">.316</td><td align="right">94</td><td align="right">90</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="1"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 2nd|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 2nd</span></td><td align="right">206</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">724</td><td align="right">670</td><td align="right">86</td><td align="right">194</td><td align="right">41</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">66</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">39</td><td align="right">120</td><td align="right">.290</td><td align="right">.331</td><td align="right">.384</td><td align="right">.715</td><td align="right">257</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">.344</td><td align="right">104</td><td align="right">101</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="2"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 3rd|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 3rd</span></td><td align="right">172</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">710</td><td align="right">626</td><td align="right">87</td><td align="right">179</td><td align="right">39</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">20</td><td align="right">86</td><td align="right">14</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">76</td><td align="right">122</td><td align="right">.286</td><td align="right">.363</td><td align="right">.454</td><td align="right">.817</td><td align="right">284</td><td align="right">20</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">14</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">.325</td><td align="right">132</td><td align="right">102</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="3"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 4th|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 4th</span></td><td align="right">215</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">693</td><td align="right">614</td><td align="right">92</td><td align="right">162</td><td align="right">41</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">38</td><td align="right">109</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">69</td><td align="right">155</td><td align="right">.264</td><td align="right">.338</td><td align="right">.516</td><td align="right">.854</td><td align="right">317</td><td align="right">15</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">.290</td><td align="right">141</td><td align="right">108</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="4"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 5th|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 5th</span></td><td align="right">207</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">681</td><td align="right">616</td><td align="right">74</td><td align="right">152</td><td align="right">29</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">15</td><td align="right">79</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">59</td><td align="right">141</td><td align="right">.247</td><td align="right">.316</td><td align="right">.380</td><td align="right">.696</td><td align="right">234</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">.297</td><td align="right">98</td><td align="right">85</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="5"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 6th|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 6th</span></td><td align="right">235</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">660</td><td align="right">588</td><td align="right">67</td><td align="right">127</td><td align="right">26</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">22</td><td align="right">79</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">62</td><td align="right">153</td><td align="right">.216</td><td align="right">.294</td><td align="right">.379</td><td align="right">.674</td><td align="right">223</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">.252</td><td align="right">91</td><td align="right">82</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="6"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 7th|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 7th</span></td><td align="right">220</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">639</td><td align="right">572</td><td align="right">56</td><td align="right">141</td><td align="right">32</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">17</td><td align="right">70</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">53</td><td align="right">130</td><td align="right">.247</td><td align="right">.315</td><td align="right">.402</td><td align="right">.717</td><td align="right">230</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">.290</td><td align="right">104</td><td align="right">102</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="7"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 8th|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 8th</span></td><td align="right">232</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">629</td><td align="right">563</td><td align="right">47</td><td align="right">127</td><td align="right">23</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">51</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">53</td><td align="right">120</td><td align="right">.226</td><td align="right">.299</td><td align="right">.306</td><td align="right">.605</td><td align="right">172</td><td align="right">19</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">13</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">.276</td><td align="right">74</td><td align="right">80</td></tr>
<tr class="" data-row="8"><td><span class="tooltip" id="lineu|Batting 9th|NYM|2012|bat|AB|">Batting 9th</span></td><td align="right">702</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">607</td><td align="right">523</td><td align="right">47</td><td align="right">100</td><td align="right">21</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">38</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">33</td><td align="right">165</td><td align="right">.191</td><td align="right">.243</td><td align="right">.277</td><td align="right">.520</td><td align="right">145</td><td align="right">12</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">47</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">.262</td><td align="right">49</td><td align="right">89</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-78389100106090433362012-07-17T14:48:00.000-04:002012-07-26T16:23:05.593-04:00ENTER TO WIN A MLB JOHAN SANTANA NO HITTER DVD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12609906&cp=1452371.2366583" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_S1B_w91kAo/UAWF1P2cwvI/AAAAAAAAARo/zVuoVacOUpI/s320/pMLB2-12233859dt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>The Baseball Analyst is holding a contest for a chance at winning one of five available MLB Johan Santana No Hitter DVD's. Entries must be received no later than July 30, 2012 11pm EST. The five winning entries will be judged by myself and my co-writers, Anthony C Wayne and Steve Chilcott. Winners will be announced by Thursday August 2nd, 2012 by 11pm est. The format is simple. Tell me your greatest Mets memory. The five winning entries will be published one per day starting on Tuesday July 24, 2012 on TheBaseballAnalyst.Com website. Entries must be emailed to riccardino@aol.com . Also, I ask that if you haven't liked my facebook page, now is as good a time as any! Haha....Lets Go Mets!!!!</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">O<span id="goog_1409624177"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1409624178"></span>n
June 1, 2012 at Flushing’s Citi Field, ace Johan Santana threw the first
no-hitter in franchise history when he blanked the St. Louis Cardinals and
shocked Mets fans on a magical, unforgettable night. Featuring close calls,
gutty pitches and terrific defense, this Friday night thriller takes a
prominent place as one of the greatest moments in Mets history. And, on
July 10, Major League Baseball Productions and A+E Networks Home Entertainment
will anoint it as such when they release BASEBALL’S GREATEST GAMES: NEW YORK
METS FIRST NO-HITTER. A must-have for Mets fans everywhere, it will be
available at <a href="http://mets.com/">Mets.com</a>, and will be in stores,
including the Mets Team Store, beginning July 10 for $12.95 Msrp.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Coming
off a season lost to shoulder injury, Santana would throw the most breathless
of games in the 8,020th regular season game in the history of the Mets.
Ironically, the franchise known for its all-time roster of pitching greats had
never recorded a no-hitter. One-hitters filled the Club’s history books,
and the 35 oh-so-close gems spun by familiar legends were wrapped up in one
historic start from Santana. Back in 1962 at the Polo Grounds, Al Jackson
tossed the Mets first one-hitter. In 1970 over a span of 28 days, Tom Seaver,
Nolan Ryan and Gary Gentry each held the opposition to one hit. The list
of one-hit wonders would go on: Dwight Gooden and David Cone, Terry Leach’s
10-inning one-hitter and Steve Trachsel’s two one-hitters in the same year.
Fifty years of tantalizingly close performances – making Santana’s achievement
all the more gratifying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Re-live
all the excitement of Santana’s 8-strikeout tour de force with this classic
game on DVD. Direct from the Major League Baseball archives, this extraordinary
television broadcast includes the historic and masterful pitching performance
of Santana, an unforgettable baseball game 50 years in the making. A special
audio feature allows fans to watch the television broadcast and listen to the
Mets Radio Network announcers in English or Spanish!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-24558048793281612992012-05-23T16:43:00.003-04:002012-05-23T21:47:31.120-04:00Niese, Mets Edge Bucs 3-1, take Series to go Four Games Over .500<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2avVs4v1os/T71L3KN9ZQI/AAAAAAAAARI/eitYGBaEz74/s1600/niese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2avVs4v1os/T71L3KN9ZQI/AAAAAAAAARI/eitYGBaEz74/s320/niese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The New York Mets continue to <a href="http://thebaseballanalyst.blogspot.com/2012/04/yes-i-have-been-drinking-koolaidmy-2012.html">surprise</a> most preseason pundits by winning another road series and climbing back to four games over the .500 mark. Every time this team seems headed towards an extended losing skid, one of the starting pitchers comes up big and tosses a gem. With Johan bouncing back, R.A. pitching like a front of the rotation starter, and Jon Niese, in the role of the up and coming lefty, The Mets have been able to keep the skids at bay. The theme this year has been quality starts, and Jon Niese tossed his sixth quality start in his ninth game, winning for the first time since April 14th. The win follows R.A. Dickey's strong start and continues to keep the club within wild card striking distance. The team now boasts the NL batting average leader in Wright (.399) and win leader in Dickey (6). While the team ranks near the bottom in almost every slugging category, (except doubles where they lead the league with 83), they have been able to scratch out enough runs to win games in which their starters pitch well. This is mostly due to their ability to draw walks and hit with men in scoring position. They have been especially effective with RISP and two outs. The question will be how long they can continue to win without the long ball. I think they sorely need Jason Bay's right handed power bat. While nowhere near the slugger he was before signing with the team, Jason's three HR's in 50 ab's would be a pace the team would love for him to continue. Who the odd man out is when he returns remains to be seen. Some have been calling for Ike Davis' return to the minor leagues. I for one think that Ike has been putting much better swings on the ball, and feel it is just a matter of time before he breaks out. However, you simply can't keep a guy with a .150 batting average in your starting lineup. Terry Collins and Sandy Alderson need to have some serious discussions over the roster. When Thole, Tejada, and Bay are all ready to return, The Mets will have some interesting roster moves to make. Both Mike Baxter and Ronnie Cedeno have been excelling in their roles, and you have to wonder whose position on the team may be in jeopardy. In the meantime, Let's Go Mets!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comNew York, NY, USA40.7143528 -74.005973140.5217853 -74.3218301 40.9069203 -73.690116100000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-37059337451781405142012-04-16T21:10:00.002-04:002012-07-17T10:26:44.305-04:00The Good..The Bad...The Ugly.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvMyIsFq2W8/T4oOXr34T8I/AAAAAAAAAP0/nlJrEG2CvrU/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvMyIsFq2W8/T4oOXr34T8I/AAAAAAAAAP0/nlJrEG2CvrU/s200/images.jpeg" width="145" /></a></div>
Well The Mets have won six games and lost only three. I think that most Mets fans have embraced this good start and are slowly getting behind this team.<br />
<b>The Good...</b><br />
The starting pitching has been <i style="font-weight: bold;">fantastic. </i>The staff is 4-2, with not one stinker yet. Johan Santana could easily be 2-0, but his presence provides the emotional boost that only a staff ace could. R.A. Dickey is another leader, and continues to develop into a Phil Niekro type knuckle baller. Jon Niese is doing everything he can to justify his new contract and is now 2-0. He is a lefty with considerable talent and it seems like he is maturing right before our eyes. We have to take a wait and see approach to the back end of the rotation, and keep our fingers crossed that Dillon Gee can continue to develop after an outstanding rookie campaign. He won 13 in 26 starts last year, so why would you expect less than a 15 win season? Just saying! Think this dude knows how to pitch. Mike Pelfrey seems to be getting his stuff together again. He's making people swing and miss which is usually not his m.o. Bullpen has been a plus overall. Francisco has been outstanding and Rauch a great setup man.<br />
<b>The Bad..</b><br />
The middle of the lineup needs to start producing more consistently. Ike Davis, Jason Bay, and Lucas Duda need to provide extra base hits with some consistency. Team Speed wen on the DL with Torres.<br />
<b>The Ugly..</b>..<br />
The Defense at second base, right field, and behind the plate need to make the easy plays. The relief pitching needs to lower their collective WHIP. Walking hitters is a recipe for disaster. Many Acosta, Ramon Ramirez, and Miguel Batista have given up 13 walks in 10 2/3 innings. Not good.<br />
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<b>Overall I think The Mets are still on track to come close to my pre season predictions.</b><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-50735394336023627122012-04-05T18:33:00.000-04:002012-10-20T14:38:10.349-04:00Yes, I have been drinking the Koolaid..My 2012 Met's Performance Predictions...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4OK8CLJSmg/T4L-IT7O-EI/AAAAAAAAAPo/bORcT_NydNU/s1600/kool_aid_man_glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4OK8CLJSmg/T4L-IT7O-EI/AAAAAAAAAPo/bORcT_NydNU/s200/kool_aid_man_glass.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Offense will not be a problem for this team....<br />
Won loss record 85-77 <br />
<b><u>Starting Lineup</u></b><br />
Andre Torress .255 8HR 44RBI good 4th OF..<br />
Daniel Murphy .306 18HR 75RBI<br />
Lucas Duda .280 34HR 98RBI<br />
David Wright .292 25HR 105RBI<br />
Ike Davis .293 33HR 105RBI<br />
Jason Bay .272 25HR 86RBI<br />
Josh Thole .285 8HR 65RBI<br />
Ruben Tejada .275 5HR 55RBI<br />
<b><u>Starting Pitching</u></b><br />
Johan Santana 12 wins 8 losses<br />
R.A. Dickey 18 wins 10 losses<br />
Jon Niese 14 wins 9 losses<br />
Mike Pelfrey 16 wins 12 losses<br />
Dillon Gee 14 wins 10 losses<br />
<b><u>Bullpen</u></b><br />
Francisco 25 saves<br />
J Rauch 12 saves<br />
B. Parnell 10 SavesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-12493713342661850622012-03-20T22:15:00.002-04:002013-03-08T13:00:37.371-05:00One small step for Fred..(and company)...one giant step for The New York Mets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjQP9h1TOMI/T2iLX2qrqUI/AAAAAAAAAPE/nH4ubO2BZdM/s1600/storm+citi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="120" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjQP9h1TOMI/T2iLX2qrqUI/AAAAAAAAAPE/nH4ubO2BZdM/s200/storm+citi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the financial clouds that have hovered over the New York Mets like a plague, have finally lifted and are slowly drifting out to Flushing Bay. News of the team's financial settlement in the Bernie Madoff/Irving Picard Ponzi mess, bodes well for the future of our beloved franchise. Wilpon haters will have to swallow their pride and reluctantly accept that the team will remain in the control of the former lefthander from Brooklyn's Lafayette High School. I ask that fans give this guy a break. If you look at the body of work one thing stands out: the man has been willing to spend money and I think he wants to win. The Mets were at the top of the NL Salary hierarchy for a number of years since Fred Wilpon has gained majority control of the team. I understand that 1986 is ancient history, but the fact remains that he was one of the owners of that team so he does wear a championship ring. I believe in my heart that he wants to win another one and with the storm clouds dissipating, the team can finally look to sunnier days. I feel that the management team of Sandy Alderson, Paul DePodesta, and J.P. Ricciardi, given the future resources that will become available to them, will be able to build a team capable of competing for a World Series Title. I think The Team will continue to focus on developing young talent (especially concentrating on pitching), but now will be able to <b><i>supplement </i></b>that talent with a key free agent acquisition or two. I would expect a return to playoff contention as early as 2013, with 2014 being the target year to become a legitimate World Series contender. It's easy to gang up on current ownership and bash them to no end, but hindsight (in reviewing performance) is always 20-20. I remember how excited Mets' fans were when we signed Johan Santana, thinking that move would surely put the 2008 Mets over the top. Or how about when Sports Illustrated picked the 2009 Mets to win the World Series (after Omar traded for J.J. Putz and signed Krod to a free agent deal), thinking that we shortened games to 7 innings with a potentially lights out bullpen. Sure us fans have all the answers. Lets get behind this team and see if current management can make the moves to put us over the top. I for one, continue to choose to see the glass as half full. 1969.....1973....and 1986......faith when all is lost...it's what being a Met's fan is all about.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-28796312705323729872012-03-05T16:47:00.001-05:002012-03-06T15:08:02.528-05:00Another Pleasant Valley Fever, or Fungo vs. Fungal<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hz1R1cFywA/T1U0TOfHVJI/AAAAAAAAAOM/PBL-YHsyQLY/s1600/valley+feaver+fungus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hz1R1cFywA/T1U0TOfHVJI/AAAAAAAAAOM/PBL-YHsyQLY/s320/valley+feaver+fungus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">By S. Chilcott</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Baseball Gods (great band name, BTW) are REALLY scraping the bottom
of the barrel (I hope) for new and exciting ways to humiliate the Mets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://utsa.edu/sombrilla/fall2009/story/fighting-valley-fever.html">Spring Valley Fever</a>? Really? Ike Davis may be cursed due to his Yankee
genes or his Mets uniform, take your pick.
He’ll probably be fine, but Monday’s headlines-<b><i>Wright’s on the bench and
Ike’s on a virtual gurney</i></b>-do not bode well; who’s going to fill their cleats?
One scroll through the Daily New’s 2012 Mets’ Spring Training Portraits show
that there’s no one already there to do so!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Aside from the
“portraits” which show our heroes looking like MLB’s window lickers, there’s
not much content to make one content.
What, you think Lucas Duda is going to pull a Jeremy Lin at Citi Field
this year? Kingman, please. Quicksand goes in one direction, people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">On 2nd-</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Let’s
go to trial! Or… The Devil You Know-</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Jed+Rakoff"><span style="color: #0046ab; text-decoration: none;">U.S. District
Court Judge Jed Rakoff</span></a></span><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-size: 14pt;"> refused to dismiss the suit, ruling that the trustee, <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Irving+Picard"><span style="color: #0046ab; text-decoration: none;">Irving Picard</span></a>, can proceed
to trial on three counts against Fred and <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Jeff+Wilpon"><span style="color: #0046ab; text-decoration: none;">Jeff Wilpon</span></a> and <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Saul+Katz"><span style="color: #0046ab; text-decoration: none;">Saul Katz</span></a> and their
partners in Sterling Equities and can claim as much as $83.3 million in
“fictitious profits” without a trial.” New York Daily News-03/05/12 </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">So-maybe
the Sterling (Equities) silver lining here is that the Coupons will have to
sell the team after all; their promise last month that they will own the team a
very long time could prove that they are as inept at making guarantees as they
are at running a team. Either way, for
the rooting interested, it’s just more “what next?” instead of just plain
baseball.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-20411721253592507622012-02-29T11:37:00.000-05:002012-02-29T11:39:24.228-05:00The Snappy Recap.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The following is a post from Guest Analyst S. Chilcott</span></u></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43HeXYfO7-E/T05T3lqwsRI/AAAAAAAAAN8/sTgxc1JbCSo/s1600/underdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43HeXYfO7-E/T05T3lqwsRI/AAAAAAAAAN8/sTgxc1JbCSo/s200/underdog.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Underdog and the Turnstiles of Your
Memory….</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpTr4v170ks/T05T-CkdPwI/AAAAAAAAAOE/dnasl-AP52M/s1600/mets-underdog-shirt-530x542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpTr4v170ks/T05T-CkdPwI/AAAAAAAAAOE/dnasl-AP52M/s200/mets-underdog-shirt-530x542.jpg" width="195" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;">OK, so the humiliations did not take a week; Jeffy Wilpon thought it’d
be a good (cute?) idea to have t-shirts made with a blue & orange “U” (for
Underdog, dummy) on them, cementing our 2012 Mets image as the “little team
that couldn’t” less than a full week into camp.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The face of the team-who usually has his tongue sticking out of it-
David Wright, displayed the only set of testicles in camp by not pretending to
be happy about it or to think it was a good idea. Wright should get Jeffy and
Fredo shirts that say "Math Club" on it, and see how they like it.
He's absolutely right that it's a stupid tactic. If you need to be tricked in
spring training, then you're cooked already, go pack up the baseballs for 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It’s lame, and it’s sad that someone who has so much personal input on a
public trust like our Metsies can be so clueless as to what it would look like
to the fans, other fans or other players.
It’s a joke-but at least they brought the fences in 3 years later, and
painted the walls Mets blue. Baby steps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">On second-Donnie
Baseball says Dodgers are Yankees of LA.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Donnie drags us
into the conversation re: the Dodgers and the Angels by saying this: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“It’s kind of like the Mets and the Yankees,”
Mattingly said. “No matter what the Mets did, they’re going to have their years
that they play well but the Yankees are the team. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Donnie
must have been focused on hitting during his no-ring getting time in NYC, as he
should have been; the Mets outdrew the Yanks in attendance every year from
1984-1992. The Yanks never even drew 3
million people in a year until 1999, or 12 years after the Mets first did it or
11 years after the Mets had then done it twice.
Don't get me wrong- this is a long era of Yankeedom we live in
nowadays-17 years of Yankee domination, no question. But Donnie can't rewrite-or is a better
Yankee term misremembered?-history. We had the 80’s, Donnie, your owner was
going to move you to Jersey, remember?</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-29165513818014599562012-02-18T11:33:00.001-05:002012-02-18T11:33:05.347-05:00John Franco Newest Member Of Mets Hall of Fame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYr9IZO8vxg/TyFvu71cvgI/AAAAAAAAANg/nNX_2NRP_v4/s1600/franco+2mages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYr9IZO8vxg/TyFvu71cvgI/AAAAAAAAANg/nNX_2NRP_v4/s1600/franco+2mages.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYa6iirTHKI/TyFvuhpNiDI/AAAAAAAAANY/ABE0qIE4lB0/s1600/francoimages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYa6iirTHKI/TyFvuhpNiDI/AAAAAAAAANY/ABE0qIE4lB0/s320/francoimages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Congratulations to John Franco, newest member of the New York Mets Hall of Fame. The reliever, still holds the record for most saves all time by a lefthander.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opokC1Xj46Y/TyFvvZ8AlmI/AAAAAAAAANo/waGE4WUa7KA/s1600/franco+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opokC1Xj46Y/TyFvvZ8AlmI/AAAAAAAAANo/waGE4WUa7KA/s320/franco+3.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-35014944598668789342011-06-15T09:09:00.002-04:002011-06-15T09:09:58.685-04:00OnTheBlack.Com and The7Line.com help fight Cancer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-135267276964097252011-05-14T10:55:00.000-04:002011-05-14T10:55:40.974-04:00Power!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC8QWusfirI/Tc6VVzCT7fI/AAAAAAAAAKE/0n7nVPyaHtw/s1600/amd_jason-bay-runs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC8QWusfirI/Tc6VVzCT7fI/AAAAAAAAAKE/0n7nVPyaHtw/s200/amd_jason-bay-runs.jpg" width="127" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPWhXScmh4s/Tc6VccPZ2gI/AAAAAAAAAKI/huGTIME5in0/s1600/alg_david-wright-runs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPWhXScmh4s/Tc6VccPZ2gI/AAAAAAAAAKI/huGTIME5in0/s200/alg_david-wright-runs.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One day after Carlos Beltran's three home run barrage, The New York Mets flexed their collective biceps with a late game come from behind display of power. This has really been the biggest difference in the successful playoff caliber teams of 2006-2008, and the dismal impotent version of the past two years. For the first time in over a year, The Mets were able to overcome a four run deficit, when trailing after the 7th inning. The Mets suddenly have some middle of the order beef with a resurgent Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Ike Davis and if Jason Bay could ever break out, I say watch out NL East!.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-6007641998030845242011-05-12T13:02:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:24:16.124-04:00The Forgotten Met....F-Mart's Time is Now..Still only 22, Fernando Martinez has seen his stock slide to the point that fans seemed indifferent at the news that their once "hot prospect" had been called up to the big club. With the injury to Ike Davis, the Mets could have called up first baseman Nick Evans, but instead have chosen to call up of Fernando Martinez, who could be primed to steal AB's from back up outfielders Willy Harris and Scott Hairston. Fmart, as he is known, was ranked the 30th best prospect in all of baseball as recently as 2009. With good health <b>I expect him to shine</b> and possibly work his way into the outfield rotation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-64610678727244353682011-04-28T20:38:00.000-04:002011-04-28T20:38:49.161-04:00R.Ace in the hole...Dickey a leader of men with words and actions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtw4bcfiNFs/Tbn9v8IedBI/AAAAAAAAAKA/8Z6XTNKQMro/s1600/alg_jose_reyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtw4bcfiNFs/Tbn9v8IedBI/AAAAAAAAAKA/8Z6XTNKQMro/s200/alg_jose_reyes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The once beleagered New York Mets found a way to win their sixth straight game behind the bat of Daniel Murphy and the right arm of R.A Dickey., In winning their second road series of the year, (both in games pitched by R.A), the streaking Mets found a way to come back from two late inning defecits and a critical bad call by the third base umpire on a Jose Reyes triple attempt. While replays confirmed that Jose was safe at third, these "New Mets" used the bad call as motivation for the late inning comeback. The Mets received key contributions from back up infielders Chin-lung Hu and Justin Turner. However the biggest blow was the pinch hit homerun by Murphy, struck immediately after the blown call, to tie the score in the eighth and his two run double that gave The Mets their final margin of victory. It's no coincidence that The Mets have been a different team since Dickey aired out himself and his teammates, asking that each player take responsibility for their poor play.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-68511952753707991122010-12-07T10:51:00.000-05:002010-12-07T10:51:06.535-05:00Was it Werth it? Jayson Contract shakes up the winter meetings!Seven years and one hundred and tweny six million dollars. Let that sink in. While I realize a team with the stature of The Washington Nationals have to over pay to attract top free agent talent to DC, I just have to wonder who the second highest bidder was? And for how much? Considering that he will be 32 at the start of this deal, and that most estimates had Werth signing for around four years and sixty million dollars, I am ready to vote Scott Boras into the Baseball Hall of Fame. If Marvin Miller gets in for revolutionizing baseball salaries, and George Steinbrenner gets in for being a maverick owner, then Boras should get in for being the most successful agent in the history of Major League Baseball.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-7593432479678150942010-11-16T13:55:00.002-05:002010-11-23T10:50:55.761-05:00THE STATE OF THE METS ACCORDING TO GOVERNOR PATERSON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h1ZxcLZljQw/TOLT6ZO3TDI/AAAAAAAAAII/WE544TjQA-Y/s1600/16cityroom-articleInline%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h1ZxcLZljQw/TOLT6ZO3TDI/AAAAAAAAAII/WE544TjQA-Y/s200/16cityroom-articleInline%255B1%255D.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>Say what you will about Governor Paterson, the man knows baseball. His New York Mets are a passion, and he is up to speed on what ails the team.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-90144449311900707802010-10-06T20:18:00.002-04:002010-10-06T21:26:51.357-04:00Hall-of-a-day! Halladay Pitches NO-NO to blank Redlegs, 4-0!I hope the new Mets GM was watching. Roy Halladay pitched a no hitter in his first postseason start, shutting down the Cincinnati Reds 4-0 in game one of the NLDS. This is why ever MLB team with <b><i>serious post season aspirations, must have not one but three front of the rotation starting pitchers. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I hope The New York Mets incorporate this strategy into their new five year plan.</span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-42854062776821124002010-10-03T10:26:00.002-04:002010-10-04T21:26:13.816-04:00Who to keep?..that is the question!<b>Bold-Italics denote question mark for 2011</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>C</b> <b><i>Josh Thole</i></b>..Good number two hitting prospect....Contact hitter can be a plus hitter for position if he can prove to hit .290-300 with low Ks, and .350 OBP.<br />
1B Issac Davis Shows Plus Power potential, a true defensive first baseman who should continue to improve in the field. May hit for average.<br />
2B <b><i>Luis Castillo</i></b> Never got a fair shake from Mets Fans. This career .292 hitter played well for them down the stretch in 2007 and was signed to a 4 year 25 million dollar contract. Injured in 2008, arguably the team MVP in 2009 and a bench player in 2010. The Mets fan base would be glad for the team to cut bait. A perfect example of why it is so difficult to play in NY and placate the fans.<br />
SS Jose Reyes Will 2011 be the year this dynamic, but frustrating player, put it all together and stay healthy from spring training to Halloween?<br />
3B David Wright Incredibly streaky hitter, who has proven to not be able to carry the team alone. Needs to cut Ks by 25 percent.<br />
<b><i>LF Jason Bay</i></b> Can he rebound to career norms?<br />
<b><i>CF Carlos Beltran</i></b> Will his knee hold up? Will the Mets eat half of his 2011 salary and trade him for a prospect or two?<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">RF</span><i> </i></b>Angel Pagan Who will the Mets go with in 2011? Can Pagan improve on his career best year and stay healthy in back to back seasons? Or should the Mets deal him as his value is peaking right now.<br />
<b><i>SP Johan Santana</i></b>-Injury Question Mark<br />
SP Mike Pelfrey-Consistency the key here. Solid number <b><i>three</i></b> starter who could improve to a number two.<br />
<b><i>SP R.A. Dickey</i></b>-Still a little unproven. Showed a lot of guts and poise. Sophomore Jinx for a 37 year old?<br />
<b><i>SP Jonathan Niese</i></b>-Was his season ending slump the result of fatigue?<br />
<b><i>SP Jenry Mejia </i></b>-Does he have the goods to be a back of the rotation starter?<br />
LM Pat Misch-<br />
<b>6TH <i>Ryota Igarasha-Will good health allow this flamethrower to regain his command?</i></b><br />
7TH Bobby Parnell-Hard throwing righty<br />
8TH Hisanori Takahashi-Performed well in closer role after Krod's arrest<br />
Lefty Specialist Pedro Feliciano- Will all those games finally catch up to the durable Lefty?<br />
<b><i>Closer Krod-Injury, Criminal Charges...what else could go wrong?</i></b><br />
Bench<br />
1 Dillon Gee SP<br />
2 Daniel Murphy 2B/1B<br />
3 Chris Carter OF<br />
4 Ruben Tejada SS/2B<br />
5 Lucas Duda OF<br />
6 Fernando Martinez OF<br />
7 Nick Evans 1B/OF<br />
8 Henry Blanco C<br />
9 <b><i>Oliver Perez LM/SP </i></b><br />
The big decision will be if The Mets should trade either David Wright or Jose Reyes. What would they bring back in a trade? I think The Mets biggest need is a number one starter type. Good Luck with that! The meat of the Mets order is also a concern. Where will they find the 90-100 HR's that the middle of the batting order should bring?<br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
The Mets have a glut of 4th OF types and will no doubt trade one or two players. If Fernando Martinez has a strong winter ball season, does he vault back into the picture for the OF? Can Lucas Duda continue to progress enough to win a starting job? Will the Mets move Pagan, whose value has never been higher? Can Carlos Beltran, who is in his walk year play a full season on his surgically repaired knees?<br />
<br />
The Mets need to add starting pitching for the front of their rotation. Carlos Zambrano (who has finished 2010 strongly) and Zach Greinke are who I would shoot for. Joakim Soria is another Royal arm that could help The Mets. Obviously, Zambrano poses a significant character risk. The Mets need to also think about catching help. Thole needs a backup. Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo, and to a lesser extent Carlos Beltran, are The Mets biggest offseason headaches. Eating salary, and finding trading partners will require a creative GM who will probably have to accept someone else's headache. If Beltran is healthy and can play CF then he can be an asset, and a strong one at that. His switch hitting and power are sorely needed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-46216663956682094272010-09-15T22:21:00.001-04:002010-09-15T22:22:53.519-04:00Mets Back to square one yet again.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=gorospla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00111H8WK&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=gorospla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000F5KBYA&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>They say that in sports your won-loss record is the best indicator of whether you are good or bad team. The Mets, after squeaking out another win over the lowly Bucs, are once again not a bad team. Nor are they a good team. So I guess that makes the Mets average. At 73-73, the Mets who are still not officially eliminated from playoff contention, can continue to try and separate themselves from severe mediocrity. Maybe they can finish 5-10 games above .500? We shall see.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-62699822428912829492010-09-15T12:22:00.003-04:002010-09-15T17:17:47.769-04:00Mets Look To Get Even<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=gorospla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0016J7OW6&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=gorospla-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;o=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;l=bpl&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;asins=B00111H8WK&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;IS2=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt1=_blank&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;m=amazon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;f=ifr" style="padding-top: 5px; width: 131px; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" align="left" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=gorospla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1600784240&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=gorospla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003C0EEVQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
The New York Mets are looking to get to .500 tonight and hope to see improvement from the performance of rookie Starting Pitcher Jenry Mejia. The Mets are fighting for respectability, and if they finish the season on a strong note, they may be able to erase some of the bad taste left by their midsummer offensive struggles.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-30624525428032139922010-09-12T19:53:00.000-04:002010-09-12T19:53:22.273-04:00Rox Win 10th In A Row on Jason Giambi's Walk Off Blast!The Rockies have now won their tenth straight game and I have no doubt they will sneak up on the rest of the West to make the playoffs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-62303515706838291292010-08-25T17:18:00.000-04:002010-08-25T17:18:38.459-04:00Rod Barajas Hits Two Doubles and a HR in Dodger Debut!<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=11346415&c_id=mlb">You just can't make this stuff up. Rod Barajas, who had one HR and four RBI's in his last month and a half with the Mets made a smashing debut with the Dodgers.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-26793508848133493082010-08-22T18:31:00.000-04:002010-08-22T18:31:57.291-04:00Impotent Mets Just Can't Get It Done.Frustrating. Another wasted start and another putrid effort from the offense. A chance to go three games over .500 wasted. I am officially done thinking we have a chance this year. The Mets should now have an organizational meeting and map out a plan for 2011 and beyond. I will discuss my thoughts in the near future about which parts I would keep, and whom I would dump or move in a trade.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5287350333339483657.post-73830665049728699492010-08-18T07:34:00.000-04:002010-08-18T07:34:31.463-04:00Mets Squeak Past Astros 3-1. Beltran Hrs And Hiasnori Closes The Door.The Mets got their road trip off to a good start with a 3-1 victory over the Astros at Minute Maid Park. The team continues to get strong starting pitching with Jonathon Niese getting the no decision while pitching seven innings of one run ball. Niese has pitched well enough to win in 15 of 20 starts (not including the Detroit rain delay game). Carlos Beltran got the Mets on the board with a home run to left in the fourth. Jeff Francoeur added an RBI triple as insurance in the ninth to seal the victory for the Mets. Hisanori Takahashi, closing for the injured and banished Frankie Rodriguez, closed the game for the Mets, earning the first save of his MLB career.Offense continues to be the Met's achilles heal. The Mets and their anemic offense are averaging 2.8 runs per game since the all star break.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com