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Monthly Archives: July 2004
This anonymous poll has been put to the attention of journalists covering the Marlins, Mets, Orioles and Rangers…
Based on hunch, with whom do you currently feel 1B Carlos Delgado will eventually sign a contract with?
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The Game…
Mike
Cameron hit two home runs, in his first two at-bats, while Al Leiter
gave up one run in six innings and regained the Major League ERA lead
at 2.18, giving the Mets a 10-1 win over the Expos, and a split of the
four game series.
Eric Valent hit for the cycle. He is the eighth Met to do so, and the first since since John Olerud in 1997.
Mike
Cameron bet a notoriously loud fan in the stands named George that he
would hit a home run during the game. The fan is known around baseball
for heckling players relentlessly from centerfield in Montreal. The
bet: Cameron hits a home run, George moves far away in the upper deck
so nobody could hear him – if Cameron strikes out twice, George gets
Cameron’s hat. “My man (“George”) got me going out there today, talking
a whole lot of trash,” Cameron told reporters. “I felt like I had to
concentrate more because I made the bet with him. It was a nice,
relaxed, controlled atmosphere for myself. Sometimes you get so revved
up and caught up in things, you forget you’re supposed to have fun. He
wouldn’t even look me in the eye my third time up. He was calling
Piazza a coward and all kinds of stuff this week. We’ll see him
again.”
Tonight…
Steve Trachsel
will pitch for the Mets in the opener of a three-game series in Atlanta
tonight. Trachsel is 2-4 in seven road starts with a 6.69 ERA. he is
1-2 this season against the Braves. Mike Hampton starts for the Braves.
Booooo. Hampton allowed three runs over six innings when he beat the
Mets last week at Shea Stadium. Mike Piazza and Todd Zeile are a
combined .324 (25-for-77) against their former teammate.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB |
| Braves | 55 | 46 | - |
| Phillies | 52 | 50 | 3.5 |
| Marlins | 52 | 50 | 3.5 |
| Mets | 49 | 52 | 6 |
The Quote…
“What
a good day for the Mets. So we can continue now and go into ‘Hotlanta’
and see if we can scratch out a few. We’ll see if we can stop some of
the streaking they have going on.” – Mike Cameron
The News…
Though
Jose Reyes was unable to job on his injured ankle yesterday, it is
believed he will return to the starting lineup this weekend.
Kaz
Matsui made two errors during the four game series in Montreal. Sources
say he is still adjusting to playing on turf. And grass.
According
to the Daily News, the Mets have decided to start Matt Ginter tomorrow
in Atlanta if they can’t obtain a pitcher.
The Notes…
Al Leiter is 6-1 with a 1.97 ERA since returning from the diabled list on June 1.
Though
60 percent of fans responding to an MSG poll prefer the Mets build for
the future as opposed to making a deal that could help them win now,
Mets GM Jim Duquette is apparently focused on taking advantage of a
stumbling division by adding not subtracting. According to Newsday,
Duquette has expressed optimism that he can pull off a trade before
Saturday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline. However, many in baseball believe the
deadline will be quiet, and that most deals will go down afterwards in
the waiver period.
The Benson Notes…
According
to the Journal News, ESPN and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the Twins
have pulled out of the Kris Benson sweepstakes, because they are
unwilling to part with top OF propspect Jason Kubel.
According
to the NY Post, Newsday and Jayson Stark at ESPN, the Pirates appear
“set” on trading Kris Benson to the Mets. The proposed deal would send
Benson to the Mets in exchange for RHP Matt Peterson, 3B-1B-2B-OF Ty
Wigginton and a yet to be named OF prospect, most likely Lastings
Milledge.
There is also a reported three-way deal between
the Mets, Pirates and White Sox, with regards to Benson. Peter Gammons
spoke last night on ESPN claiming the White Sox will cover the outfield
prospect so that the Twins are iced out of the deal.
Stark
adds the Mets have full intentions of signing Benson to a long-term
deal before the season ends. Newsday reports a deal could get done as
early as today.
All reports suggest the Mets main
motivator is the Braves. Many believe that if the Braves trade for
Benson, and they appear to be the Mets most significant competition,
they will resign him past this year. The Mets, apparently, do not want
this to happen.
Other Mets Trade Notes...
Mark
Hale of the New York Post believes the Mets are “strongly considering”
trading LHP prospect Scott Kazmir to Tampa Bay for RHP Victor Zambrano.
Adam Rubin of the Daily News reports that Mets super-scout, Bill
Livesey, was at the Tampa Bay-Kansas City game last night. The
Star-Ledger reports that Rick Peterson “loves” Zambrano’s stuff. In an
interesting gem of reporting by Hale, he notes a Tampa Bay media guide
rested upon Art Howe’s desk after last night’s game.
Other N.L. East Trade Notes...
Jayson Stark of ESPN lists a few potential trades that have been discussed. Among those relating to the NL East are:
A
three-way between the Dodgers, Marlins and D’Backs, in essence sending
1B-OF Jeff Conine and SP Brad Penny for 1B-OF-C Paul Lo Duca, SP Kaz
Ishii and C Bret Mayne.
The Braves acquiring OF Larry Walker from the Rockies.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
Remember what Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com says, “There is no such thing as a pitching prospect.”
He’s right.
Too
much can go wrong between the ages of 20 and 28. What’s worse is
that it probably will. And if it doesn’t, you’ve more than likely
beaten the odds.
It appears the Mets have the chance to
acquire two proven pitchers in their late twenties, but would have to
part with youngsters Matt Peterson and Scott Kazmir. Nobody more
than I loves the idea of the Mets succeeding with home grown
talent. It’s more fun, and we are all more proud of
it.
However, Peterson and
Kazmir have nothing under their belt but potential. Kazmir is
20-years-old, Peterson is 22, which means they will not be helping at
the Major League level until 2006, 2007, maybe. New York can’t
wait that long.
Could they pitch before that? Sure. However, they’d have to
hold a part of the rotation before the ages of 26.
Of the 256 pitchers to make starts in the Major Leagues this season, only six are under 26-years-old, have ERA’s currently under 4.25 and are on pace for consecutive 10+ win seasons.
Carlos Zambrabo (Cubs)
Johan Santana (Twins)
Mark Mulder (Oak)
Ben Sheets (Mil)
Roy Oswalt (Hou)
Dontrelle Willis (Fla)
Victor Zambrano and Kris
Benson could anchor down the top-to-middle of the Mets staff for the
next three years, giving the club the two fastball pitchers they are in
desperate need of.
This is not Jason Bay for Steve
Reed. This isn’t prospects for Roberto Alomar. It’s a move
abiding the philosophy of: one in the hand, two in the bush.
Players
entering their prime, on the cusp of understanding the art of pitching,
coming to you at an affordable rate, with fastballs in the mid-90′s and
burgeoning command, do not come around everyday. And waiting for
them to develop from your farm system may never come.
It’s not the popular move, but, if I were GM of the Mets I would pounce on both of these deals.
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Poll…
After reading today’s
post, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most confident, how
confident are you that the Mets will play meaningful games in September?
For more Mets coverage, check out
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Johnny, We Knew Ye Already
By MetsBlog reader Irv Goldfarb
Pardon me for being sacrilegious, I guess, but having been a fan of the Mets for over 40 years, I feel I have the right to ask this very impertinent question: Can John Franco go away now?
Here’s another question: name the last big game that John Franco saved as a member of the New York Mets. And I don’t mean leading-the-Expos-5-3-in-the-ninth-on-April-20 big either. I mean important!
Late September 1998 at Shea is the one I recall the best. The Mets were locked in a three-way battle with the Cubs and Giants for the NL Wild Card; and had a juicy three-game series lined up against the stripped-down-to-nothing Florida Marlins. Franco trotted in from the bullpen…and ten minutes later, trotted right off again.
The barely-AAA Marlins, led by “Masher” Mike Redmond, ripped Franco for four, putting the Mets another game back in the Wild Card race. In fact, the SportsCenter highlights that night showed a close-up of Franco walking off the mound with the know famous “Can-you-believe-how-that-ump-was-squeezing-me?” smirk, plastered across his mug.
The next day, Bobby Valentine called Franco into almost the exact same situation, and he did the exact same thing.
The Mets, however, pulled the game out of the fire when Edgardo Alfonzo made a classic Fonzie defensive play saving a run. No matter, the weekend ended with the Cubs and Giants headed for a dead heat and an eventual one-game playoff, while the Mets headed for the links.
Additionally, is there anyone out there who’s given it a moment’s thought, who doesn’t believe that John Franco was at least partly responsible for Jeff Kent wanting out of New York? In major league sports parlance, he’s politely known as “clubhouse lawyer”.
In my circles, we call it a “Big Mouth”!
It always seems that every time there’s a difference of opinion concerning the Mets’ fortunes, or an edict coming out of the locker room about how the press is mis-treating the team, John Franco, clubhouse lawyer, Big Mouth, is smack in the middle of things.
I realize that guys like Al Leiter, clubhouse lawyer number two, who at least has the numbers to back it up, had a lot to do with Valentine’s expulsion two seasons ago. But Franco had his share of snide remarks about Valentine as well, especially after losing his closer’s role – and we know by now, that whatever Franco says, usually goes for everyone else on the team…whether they agree with him deep down or not!
I’m aware that there’s more than a dollop of sentimentality involved here, as well. Franco was born in Brooklyn, his dad was a sanitation engineer, and he holds bowling tournaments for needy kids…blah blah blah. Well, I was born in the Bronx and my father is a chiropractor, but somehow I don’t get to use those factoids in my favor when it comes time for my annual raise review every year!
And so, here we are again, in 2004; Mets miraculously in the hunt for another playoff spot. Mike Stanton has somehow wriggled out of a bases-loaded jam against the Phillies, a tie for the NL East lead hanging in the balance. And, while I surely don’t want to push the envelope and see Stanton stay in for yet another inning, I am petrified as John Franco trots out of the bullpen once again.
Two pitches later, the Mets are two games out of first.
Johnny, we knew ye all to well.
Now go away.
Irv Goldfarb worked for ESPN for almost ten years and is now a Unit Manager at the ABC Television Network. He’s been a Met fan long enough to have seen his first Met game at the Polo Grounds – this makes him officially older than John Franco. Goldfarb still thinks Jerry Koosman is God.
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The Game…
Tony Batista homered and drove in two runs, and Nick Johnson hit a go-ahead RBI double in the fifth in leading the Montreal Expos to a 7-4 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday (AP).
Jose Reyes left the game in the third inning due to an ankle injury. The injury will be re-evaluated later today. Reyes first injured his ankle in the second inning when he slid into second base. Left in the game, he hobbled to first base the following at-bat with an RBI single. Howe then removed him from the game. Though Reyes was seen limping after the game, he was certain to tell reporters the injury pales in comparison to the one from last season. Reyes is currently listed as day-to-day.
The Mets are 7-13 since sweeping the Yankees over the fourth of July weekend.
Tonight…
Al Lieter starts for the Mets, as they look to even thier series with Montreal at two games apiece. Leiter, whose ERA is 2.22, due to his high pitch counts, and early departures, however, does not qualify for the league lead because of a lack of innings pitched. A pitcher must average 1.2 innings pitched for every game his team has played in order to qualify for the ERA leader.
Converted closer Rocky Biddle will start for the Expos. Biddle has 11 saves in 35 relief appearances for Montreal. He will be making his fourth start of the season.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB |
| Braves | 54 | 46 | - |
| Phillies | 52 | 49 | 2.5 |
| Marlins | 51 | 50 | 3.5 |
| Mets | 48 | 52 | 6 |
The Quote…
“Time’s up.” – Umpire Tony Randazzo to pitching coach Rick Peterson, moments before tossing Peterson from the game.
Was he referring to Peterson’s lengthy discussion on the mound, or the Mets season?
The News…
The Mets designated SP Scott Erickson for assignment prior to last night’s game. Aaron Heilman, 5-8 with a 4.60 ERA in 20 starts, but 4-0 in his last six, and Matt Ginter are currently most likely to fill Erickson’s roll in the rotation. In the meantime, the Mets recalled left-hander Pedro Feliciano from Triple-A Norfolk to help the left-handed disaster in thier bullpen. The Mets have 10 days to trade, release or send Erickson outright to the minors. GM Jim Duquette told MLB.com that some teams have expressed mild interest in Erickson.
The Mets suspended OF Shane Spencer without pay due to his arrest early Tuesday morning in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Spencer was charged with driving under the influence. Under major-league rules, Spencer can be suspended for a maximum of 30 days before the Mets would have to either reinstate him or release him. He cannot be released, however, until he comes off the disabled list on August 7, an inury suffered from stepping on broken glass in a bar. What happened here?
The NY Post reports that the Mets and Cuban RHP Alay Soler will officially agree to a deal as early as today, at which point Soler will likely report to Single-A St. Lucie.
The Notes…
21-year-old Jose Reyes has suffered six leg injuries in the last two years - including three hamstrings, two ankles and a quad.
ESPN’s Alan Schwartz points out the following: Since 1969, there have been 112 teams between 4-6½ games back on July 31, and just nine of them came back to win. That’s 8 percent, or about a one in 12 shot. (Those clubs were far more likely to finish the season at least 10 games out than truly remain in the race.) Of the teams that did win, only the 1984 Royals jumped over three teams, which is what’s facing the Mets.
C Mike Piazza has six hits in his last 52 at-bats. A .115 batting average for those without a caluclator, or an abacus.
Mets Trade Notes…
According to an ESPN poll, when asked whether or not the Mets should fold, raise, check or go all in, 41 percent of Mets fan said the team should fold, 24 percent said raise, 22 percent prefer to check, including Metsblog, while only 12 percent said to go all in. I guess most fans are sellers.
GM Jim Duquette told the New York Times that he does not expect to trade any of the team’s key veterans, including OF Cliff Floyd, whose comments regarding retirement and playing in the American League reportedly concerned the Mets upper brass.
The New York Times also reports that Duquette would prefer to acquire a starting pitcher that is under contract next season, and not a pitcher, such as Kris Benson, that is a free agent after this year.
Sources tell the NY Post that SP Kris Benson would “probably” re-sign with either the Mets or the Braves but not the Twins, however. Though many have indicated the Mets to be out of the running for Benson, Mark hale of the NY Post reports that the Pirates have been scouting St. Lucie OF Lastings Milledge as recently as last night. Hale claims, however, the leading scenario has the Twins trading 1B Doug Mientkiewicz and a prospect, either OF Mike Restovich or Mike Cuddyer, to the Pirates for Benson. Pittsburgh would than trade Mientkiewicz to the Red Sox for 3B Kevin Youkilis, giving the Pirates the young 3B and OF they had targeted all along.
ESPN reports that the Mets are getting many offers for both Tom Glavine and Al Leiter.
According to Dave Waldstein of the Star-Ledger, the Mets continue to pursue Tampa SP Victor Zambrano. The latest deal is rumored to involve three teams, as well as SP Scott Kazmir. Waldstein also reports that the Red Sox have very mild interest in Richard Hidalgo. The Miami Herald sites at least six teams have inquired about Zambrano, with the Rangers and Mets having shown the most interest.
Other N.L. East Trade Notes…
The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel suggests that the Marlins have been enlisted by the Yankees in their pursuit of SP Randy Johnson. The theory being, in a three-way deal, the Marlins could swap several prospects and end up with SP Jose Contreras at a huge discount. The Marlins could then turn and trade Brad Penny to the Dodgers for C Paul Lo Duca.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
on spending…
James Baldwin, Scott Erickson, Karim Garcia and Shane Spencer cost the Mets a total of $2.5 million. The Mets, a team playing in the largest media market in the world, with an $80 million payroll, is now left with a gap in its rotation and Eric Valent, Joe McEwing and Ty Wigginton as its backup outfielders.
The difference between fielding a consistent contender and always watching from the bottom of the standings is not how much money you spend, it’s how wisely you spend it.
on Jose Reyes’ chronic injuries…
Beware of your Jose Reyes bobblehead dolls, the springs could go at anytime with no timetable for its repair (Metsblog’s Dad’s joke).
Poll…
After reading today’s post, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most confident, how confident are you that the Mets will play meaningful games in September?
For more Mets coverage, check out
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Andrew, a reader from Queens, NY…
My fear is that if the Mets fire Art Howe, they will also lose his buddy Rick Peterson in the wake. How close are these two really, and if Howe goes, will Peterson follow suit?
Matthew Cerrone, lead writer and creator of Metsblog…
In separate discussions with Ken Rosenthal of the Sporting News, David Waldstein of the Star-Ledger, and Bryan Hoch, editor of Mets Inside Pitch, regarding this topic, the impression I get is that Howe and Peterson are not as joined at the hip as many feel.
All three believe Peterson’s main reason for coming to Shea was simply to be closer to his family, and not necessarily to sit next to Art Howe. Hoch also notes that Howe was significantly closer to former Mets pitching coach Vern Rhule and ex-batting coach Denny Walling.
In fact, Waldstein went as far as to say, “If Howe gets fired and Peterson quits in protest, I will run the bases naked during on opening day next year.”
Also remember, Peterson had no problems working under Howe’s successor in Oakland last season, Ken Macha.
It would stand to reason, then, according to those who follow the team from a locker-room perspective, that Peterson would likely fulfill his contract with the Mets, which contains two more years, with or without Art Howe to his left.
Anonymous, poster from Metsblog.com message board…
What is up with Matt Peterson? Seems he has missed 1 or 2 starts at AA…
Adam Rubin, Mets reporter for the Daily News…
Matt Peterson has a strained oblique muscle. The DL in the minor leagues are only seven days, so you place him on there even if he’s just missing one start. Last I read in the Binghamton paper, he wasn’t supposed to miss much more time than that. He may pitch Thursday.
Lenny V, a reader from Birmingham, AL…
What starting pitchers will be free agents at the end of this season? And of the bunch, who do you think the Mets should go after.
Matthew Cerrone, lead writer and creator of Metsblog…
The following pitchers are all scheduled to be free agents, as of now, at the conclusion of this season:
Pitcher | Arm | Age | Current Salary | W | L | WHIP | ERA | SO/9 | %QS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RHP | 31 | $4.5 Million | 9 | 9 | 1.71 | 5.56 | 4.66 | 35% | |
RHP | 32 | $17.5 Million | 10 | 4 | 1.17 | 4.01 | 8.77 | 70% | |
RHP | 28 | $3.8 Million | 10 | 4 | 1.16 | 3.11 | 5.63 | 74% | |
Russ Ortiz | RHP | 30 | $6.2 Million | 11 | 6 | 1.39 | 3.36 | 6.85 | 67% |
RHP | 29 | $11 Million | 8 | 5 | 1.44 | 4.71 | 7.58 | 60% | |
Matt Morris | RHP | 29 | $12.5 Million | 11 | 6 | 1.26 | 4.33 | 5.48 | 52% |
Tony Armas Jr. | RHP | 26 | $2.1 Million | 2 | 3 | 1.48 | 4.20 | 6.95 | 33% |
RHP | 29 | $6.15 Million | 8 | 7 | 1.35 | 4.13 | 5.63 | 58% | |
Odalis Perez | LHP | 27 | $5 Million | 4 | 3 | 1.11 | 2.81 | 6.24 | 72% |
Brad Radke | RHP | 31 | $10.75 Million | 6 | 6 | 1.20 | 3.82 | 6.10 | 71% |
- Stats as of July 26, 2004
Of course its only August, so to speculate this early as to what the Mets will do heading into next season is probably a bit premature; but, if I had to make a personal wish list, based on the credo of pitching and defense, and the idea of getting younger, I’d target the following, in this order:
- Odalis Perez
- Carl Pavano
- Russ Ortiz
- Kris Benson
- Derek Lowe
Beth, a reader, “from the basement of Shea Stadium”…
Will the Mets trade either Tom Glavine or Al Leiter if they continue to lose in advance of the trade deadline?
Tom Verducci, of Sports Illustrated, appearing on WFAN’s Mike and the Maddog…
I really don’t think so. They guys pitched well for them, and he’s got a lot of baseball left in him. I still think where the Mets are at, Tommy Glavine makes a lot of sense for them. If he were an over the hill kind of guy, that would be one thing. But, it’s not a terrible contract based on what Tommy does, and he’s a good guy to have on your staff. I just don’t see any need for them to move him.
| Tom Glavine | |
| Year | Salary |
| 2003 | $11 Million |
| 2004 | $10.5 Million |
| 2005 | $10.5 Million |
| 2006 | $6.5 Million* |
* 2006 has a $3M buyout, however, salary is guaranteed at $10.5M if he has 600IP 2003-5 or 200 IP in 2005
As far as Leiter, if he were to accept a trade to anywhere, it would be the Yankees, but that’s not going to happen. He has the no trade, so I don’t know where he’d go anyways.
However, anyone else, you have to at least think about it.
Tony, a reader from Norfolk, VA…
I’ll ask it again, hoping to get a new spin: are the Mets buyers or sellers?
Ken Rosenthal, of the Sporting News, appearing on MLB Radio…
They probably are buyers, and they probably should be sellers. That’s a little harsh perhaps, because their division is weak. But, you look at them and you wonder: a) why would you think you’re going to make the playoffs, and b) and if the get there, what would they even do, could they make a move in the playoffs?
They have some interest in Victor Zambrano. And that to me is a positive kind of move for the Mets, because they’d control him for three-years; it’s a buyer’s move, but not a short-term buyer’s move.
| Victor Zambrano | |||||
| Year | W | L | SO/9 | BB/9 | WHIP |
| 2002 | 8 | 8 | 5.76 | 1.07 | 1.64 |
| 2003 | 12 | 10 | 6.31 | 1.25 | 1.44 |
| 2004 | 9 | 7 | 7.66 | 1.14 | 1.59 |
You look at the Mets right now, and they just haven’t shown championship mettle. I know they have to try because they’re in New York, but sometimes that can lead you into poor decisions. And we’ve seen that more than one time with this organization. I empathize with their predicament, as they’re a distant number two in New York, but at the same time, if you’re doing this smart than you build for the long term, and not for this one-year hit.
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The Game…
Mike Cameron connected for a home run, while Tom Glavine allowed just two runs and seven hits in six innings for his first win in over six weeks, as the Mets defeated the Expos by a score of 4-2 last night in Montreal.
The win is just the fifth for the Mets in their last 16 games.
Mike Piazza sat for the sixth straight game due to an injured wrist. He pinch hit in the ninth, however, and is expected to return to the starting lineup tonight.
Tonight…
Jae Seo will start for the Mets tonight. Seo has not won since June 29. However, during that time, his ERA is 3.65. Seo has thrown eight innings against Montreal this season, allowing four runs on 11 hits while striking out only one. Tony Armas Jr. takes the hill for the Expos.
The Quote…
“Biggest game of the year today. Biggest game of the year.” – Tom Glavine to Joe McEwing before every game since Glavine joined the team, according to the New York Times.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB |
| Braves | 53 | 46 | - |
| Phillies | 52 | 48 | 1.5 |
| Marlins | 50 | 51 | 3.5 |
| Mets | 48 | 51 | 5 |
The News…
According to the AP, OF Shane Spencer was charged with driving under the influence early Tuesday morning after he was pulled over by the Florida Highway Patrol. Spencer cut his right foot on a piece of glass in a New York bar Thursday night and was placed on the 15-day disabled list a day later.
The Notes…
According to the New York Post, in addition to his comments regarding retirement, Cliff Floyd added yesterday that if he comes into spring training next year still hurting, he would consider approaching GM Jim Duquette about being traded to an AL team so he could be a designated hitter. Adam Rubin of the Daily News reports that, according to an NL scout, the Mets are already shopping Floyd to A.L. teams.
The Bergen Record runs a fantastic piece on Kaz Matsui‘s adjustment to American culture, and the affects of the language barrier between he and his teammates.
Kaz Matsui has scored only three times in the last 16 games. He is batting .338 during that span.
Jose Reyes has hit safely in 20 of his last 23 games, and has stolen eight bases in his last nine games.
The Trade Nuggets…
Peter Gammons of ESPN writes that the the Mets are now out of the buyers’ market and are focused on next season.
The Daily News suggests the Mets have interest in A’s reliever Chad Bradford, known for his extremely low-to-the-ground, sidearm delivery, offering Jason Phillips in the trade.
The Daily News, however, feels that the Mets remain buyers, but that they plan to only acquire a reliever. Adam Rubin writes that the deal for Tampa Bay SP Victor Zambrano as having fallen through, going as far as to include a three-way with the Texas Rangers. Nothing of the sort, however, appears in the Tampa Bay papers.
ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports that the Mariners will not trade left-handed reliever Ron Villone, and that the Expos would need to be “overwhelmed” to trade SP Livan Hernandez and Tony Armas Jr.
The Baltimore Sun suggests the Orioles continue to shop relievers Jorge Julio and Buddy Groom.
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review writes: “The Minnesota Twins continue to have the most attractive pieces to offer in a Benson trade. Two baseball officials said yesterday that first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who has been told by Twins management that he will be traded, is not part of the package. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets no longer appear to be in the running”
The Palm Beach Post reports that the Marlins have stopped their pursuit of OF Steve Finley, who refuses to play for a team on the East Coast. The Marlins are still trying to trade for OF Larry Walker or OF Danny Bautista.
The Miami Herald suggests that Reds 1B Adam Dunn could be available in exchange for an inexpensive starting pitcher under contract for next season.
Poll…
After reading today’s post, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most confident, how confident are you that the Mets will play meaningful games in September?
For more Mets coverage, check out
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David Wright appeared on MLB Radio’s Around the Minors with Jonathan Mayo this afternoon. Wright had the following to say regarding…
major league life…
It’s
incredible, the big-league life, and going to these cities and playing
in front of these great crowds, especially in New York. It’s been an unbelievable feeling. You
get chills down your spine every time they announce your name, and the
crowd really gets you motivated, and the adrenaline starts flowing. I’ve
been very fortunate since I’ve gotten here, guys like Joe McEwing, Ty
Wigginton, Todd Zeile, Johnny Franco, those guys have really hung out
with me, and put me under their wing. Actually, right now, I’m walking down the streets of Montreal with Joey Mac doing a little shopping.
his first big league homer…
To be honest you don’t even remember touching the bags, its almost like you are floating around the base paths.
the term “untouchable” that was placed upon him during the fury of trade talks…
I love being a Met. It was my favorite team growing up, and so to be a Met, to me, is very special. To be at that level where they weren’t considering trading me was phenomenal. I want to win as a Met, and like I said, it’s an honor to be labeled as untradable.
the Mets fans…
In my mind, the New York baseball fans are the best fans in the world. They
really do care about the team and they care about baseball, and they
want to see baseball played the right way, and that’s what I try to
bring to the table – to just go out and work hard, play the game the
right way and leave it all on the field.
the Mets farm system and his friendships with Scott Kazmir and Matt Peterson…
The Mets
are an organization that is incredible at not only developing young
players, but also developing young players into winning baseball
players. And I think that’s what the Mets
do that other organizations don’t, is that we teach winning in the
minor leagues, we expect to go on the field and win, we do the little
things to help us win, and I think that will translate over into the
big league level. As far as Kaz and Matt
Peterson, they’re two of my closest friends and I definitely keep in
touch, and both of those guys throw the heck out of the ball and have
amazing stuff. And I’m looking forward to playing with those guys in the near future…we’ll be very successful.
To listen to the full interview, logon to MLB.com Radio, where baseball is always on.
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Today versus Tomorrow
By Matthew Cerrone
Buyers or sellers, contenders or pretenders, simply good or bad, which are the New York Mets? Neither the fans nor the media can tell. For every boo there is a cheer. For every article lambasting the team’s ownership, there’s one begging for a marquee acquisition. As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, odds are, however, that Mets GM Duquette will neither raise nor fold, but simply stick with the cards that he has.
Though fans and media have become drunk with their club’s unexpected contention, the fact of the matter remains that the Mets are a decent baseball team at best, lucky to be in a division with parity. Therefore, most fans agree that Duquette must remain steadfast in building a winner for the long haul, even if it means sacrificing a solid swing at the pennant today, such as acquiring SP Kris Benson from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This year and next should be seen as one collective stepping-stone to the official start of a new era in Mets baseball – one that will not include Mike Piazza, Cliff Floyd, Tom Glavine, Al Leiter, Steve Trachsel and Mike Stanton, all of whom are free agents after next season.
Instead, the new era will be lead by a pair of young, homegrown, All-Star infielders gracing magazine covers, Web Gems and the back’s of jerseys throughout New York, and not by an aging catcher destine for the American League and a starting pitcher with one foot on the mound and the other in public office. It will be driven by a flashy, defensive infield that will rank amongst the best in baseball, and not be a group of role players all out of position. A collection of men sporting key fee agent signings and a mullet wearing guru coach, anchored by realized prospects will stand upon the mound at Shea, and not those seeking auditions for other teams and career ending milestones.
The new era will have nothing to do with the successful synergy of the Bobby V 90’s. It will, instead, grow from the focus of Duquette, an owner’s need to sell a television network, a revitalize fan base and the hard work and momentum of youthful, blue and orange exuberance.
Today, any trade that expedites this process – be it trading for Benson, but signing him to a contract extension, or shipping out an aging veteran that will not be part of the next era, so to clear money and room for a future acquisition, such as a free agent to be like Carl Pavano, Odalis Perez or Russ Ortiz – would be wise. Anything else is can be filed under fool’s gold.
Duquette and his bosses refuse to use the word “rebuilding”. They likely believe it scares fans away from the park. And they are probably right. A better word, then, would be: transition.
The Mets are in a transition, and their fans are caught between it. They must remember, unlike what their hopeless counterparts experience in markets such as Tampa Bay and Kansas City, there will actually be a tomorrow, and it will not be a false promise.
The organization, however, must keep its eyes squarely on building for tomorrow, while making today as palatable as possible.
Matthew Cerrone is the lead writer and creator of Metsblog.com. When he is not writing content for Metsblog, he is looking for a job, studying coursework for a journalism degree, or eating Sour Patch Kids.
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The Game…
I don’t even know where to begin.
The good news is that 3B David Wright hit the first home run of his career, Richard Hidalgo homered twice – his 12th as a Met – and drove in three runs, Mike Cameron also homered, and Tyler Yates threw a scoreless inning.
The bad news is that John Franco was ejected from the game for hitting Nick Johnson with retaliation pitch thrown following another Tony Batista-off-of-Franco homer that put the game at 14-8; in addition to his homer off Franco, Batista had four hits and a career high six RBIs; Montreal tied a season high with 18 hits; the Mets used five pitchers, including Todd Zeile, who allowed five runs, yes, Todd Zeile; Scott Erickson, who many believed could be a shot in the arm for the Mets rotation, allowed seven hits and seven runs — six earned — in two-plus innings; all on route to one of the ugliest baseball games I’ve ever seen, and a 19-10 Mets loss to the suddenly hot Montreal Expos.
I don’t know what else to say.
Tonight…
Zach Day starts for the Expos, who look to win their six in a row. In two seasons against the Mets, Day is 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA.
The Mets counter with Tom Glavine, who has not won in nearly a month and a half. In three starts against Montreal this season, Glavine has a 0.86 ERA.
Day allowed one run on six hits over six innings against Glavine and the Mets last Thursday at Shea Stadium.
The Standings…
| NL East | W | L | GB |
| Braves | 53 | 45 | - |
| Phillies | 52 | 47 | 1.5 |
| Marlins | 49 | 50 | 4.5 |
| Mets | 47 | 51 | 6 |
The Quote…
“We have to start winning a few games again.” – Art Howe, commenting on the Mets strategy for getting back into the playoff race.
Pure unadulterated genius.
The News and Notes…
The Chicago Sun-Times and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette both expect the Twins to announce shortly a deal that will bring Pittsburgh Pirates SP Kris Benson for 1B Doug Mientkiewicz.
Al Leiter has a thrown a first pitch ball to 59 percent of the batters he has faced this season.
In a rare bit of good news today, Aaron Heilman continued to impress, getting his fifth win in six starts for the Tides. While working seven innings he gave up three earned runs, all in the sixth. Heilman lowered his ERA to 4.60, and tossed six innings or more for his seventh straight start.
Mike Piazza took batting practice Monday and reported very little pain. He is hoping to return to the starting lineup tonight. For those unaware, Vance Wilson is batting .283 through 99 at-bats this season, and is 10-for-21 since taking the over the dish a week ago.
Mark Hale of the New York Post furthers rumors of the Mets interest in Tampa Bay SP Victor Zambrano. Tampa Bay is 9 1/2 games out of the wild card and Zambrano is arbitration eligible next season for the first time in his career, meaning his under contract for potentially three more seasons. Zambrano has great stuff. His fastball clocks in around the mid-to-low 90s, which sets up a fantastic change-up and a rarely used, devastating slider. He runs into trouble, however, by often missing off the plate, falling behind in counts and forcing him to throw meaty strikes to a division loaded with power hitters. The Newark Star-Ledger suggests the Mets have entertained dealing Scott Kazmir to get the Devil Rays pitcher.
| Pitcher | W | L | WHIP | SO/9 | BB/9 | ERA | %QS |
| Zambrano | 9 | 7 | 1.59 | 7.66 | 6.75 | 4.43 | 50% |
Cliff Floyd told the New York Times that he plans to retire in two years, after the 2006 season, when his four-year, $26 million contract will expire. “My body is beat up. I want to go out there. I want to play because I really love the game. But I only know what I feel. At this point, two years can’t come fast enough,” Floyd told the Times.
Miami Herald speculates that if the Marlins drop their upcoming series to the Phillies, the team may begin “fielding” offers for both Brad Penny and Carl Pavano.
John Franco has a 12.71 ERA in July.
The New York Post reports that the Mets have not had any discussions with Tom Glavine about waiving his no-trade clause. “Nobody’s come to me,” Glavine told the Post’s Mark Hale. “I’d be really surprised if they did.” According to Bob Klapisch, however, Mets officials have begun gauging market interest in Glavine and Al Leiter.
A few Questions…
With right handed hitters batting .333 against Franco, why did Art Howe, again, have him pitch to Tony Batista with runners on base? Is he intentionally trying to get fired?
If the Mets told Tom Glavine he could be traded to the Boston Red Sox tomorrow, exactly how fast do you think he would run up I-95?
What kind of mental affect does it have on a starting pitcher to know he is standing in front of a completely inept defense?
Following a night when both teams combined for 19 runs on 35 hits, what are the chances the Mets lose today 2-1, again giving Tom Glavine nothing to work with?
Poll…
After reading today’s post, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most confident, how confident are you that the Mets will play meaningful games in September?
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Now Is The Time To Sell
By John Yembrick
It may be a little premature to say the Mets are out of playoff contention, but…wait; actually, they are out of playoff contention. Sure, they’re only five games back, but the way they’ve been playing, they might as well be twenty games back.
Their lineup resembles a solid baseball team, with a mixture of power hitters and speed. Their starting pitchers are amongst the league’s best in ERA. On paper, their defense is extraordinary. The outfield of Cliff Floyd, Richard Hidalgo and Mike Cameron is the best Shea has seen in decades, maybe ever. When they play, though, it’s like watching the first 20 minutes of The Bad News Bears.
Why the discrepancy? Management.
Art Howe was considered for the Mets top job only after Lou Piniella went to Tampa Bay – hardly a reasonable compromise. Though Bobby Valentine may not have been perfect, and there were often disputes on and off the field, he was a very good in-game manager and was able to motivate his players to perform. I’m sure Art’s a nice guy, but it appears he is unable to light a fire under his team.
After every lose he quips on how the Mets are still contenders and need to keep “battling.” He’s so sugary sweet. He also can’t seem to learn from his mistakes. For example, Mike Stanton and John Franco should never be brought into a game where the lead is less than five runs. They have lost more then they’ve won. Statistics clearly predict what will happen when Howe calls upon either of these guys. What about trying Dan Wheeler in a big spot? He may end up being as ineffective as the others, but at least it isn’t the same old script.
Frankly, Mets fans have had enough. I know that Howe has two more years left on his contract, but keeping him is a huge liability.
Therefore, it is time to start selling. This way, in the off-season, the Mets can make deals for quality free agents and have a solid team in 2005. In other words, the Mets should clean house, making only Jose Reyes, David Wright and Cliff Floyd untouchable.
The Mets starting rotation has one more year before it becomes too old to compete. Now is the time to sell.
I’ll still watch every remaining game this season, of course – but only because I love this team and the game, not because I’m holding out for some irrational belief that the Mets are going to win.
I’m tired of throwing stuff at my television every time Howe screws up another fine outing from one of his starters.
I’m tired of getting mad every time the Mets strand a guy on third base with zero outs.
I’m exhausted from yelling at every fielding miscue.
In short, I’m just tired.
This Thursday, after the Expos sweep the Mets, I’m not going to get upset in the least. No, instead, I’m going to dream of what can be in 2005: new players and a new manager.
Ah, dare to dream.
John Yembrick is public affairs officer and a transplanted Mets fan living in Houston, TX. He rarely misses a game, however, thanks to the brilliant invention of inDemand’s MLB Extra Innings.
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