Monthly Archives: October 2004
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
Three Things Mets Fans Can Learn from the Red Sox…
By Matthew Cerrone, of Metsblog.com
Over the next few months, fans of the New York Mets will be strapped in for an undoubtedly rocky ride along the Hot Stove roller coaster. Names such as Beltran, Ordonez and Pavano will go streaking by, with inconceivable dollar signs trailing in the wind. Even the search for a manager will be bumpy – never once lacking in controversy. Fans, however, can learn from the success of the Red Sox, realizing that ultimately what wins championships are not necessarily names, but motivation, cohesion and a whole lot of luck.
Player Relations…
On July 23, 54 percent of the fans at RedSoxNation.net were calling for the head of their four-month old manager, Terry Francona. Today, those fans would erect a statue of him atop the Old North Church if they could.
On Halloween 1995, in an article titled Below Average Joe, Mike Lupica of the Daily News referred to the Yankee management as a “confederacy of dunces” for hiring Joe Torre. Lupica further added, “an organization that actually seemed to be heading in the right direction as recently as the spring has once again become a laughingstock.”
Along their ride to the winner’s circle, neither of these managers were heralded for their mastery of the game’s x’s and o’s. In fact, both were ridiculed for a bevy of questionable calls. Mike Scioscia and Jack McKeon, as well, both recent World Series winners who were also criticized for their on-field judgment, share the same successful glue that bonds Francona and Torre: player relations.
While Torre’s 1996 Yankees were never down on their luck mid-season like Scioscia’s Angels, McKeon’s Marlins and Francona’s Sox, all four managers were called upon to inspire, organize and lead their team to victory, much like a general in battle.
In each manager’s case, fans and journalists questioned whether or not they were the right men for the job – before the march, after the march, and in the case of Francona, during the march. Yet in the end, they each succeeded.
The ability to harness a team’s desire, motivate his troops and keep them focused is a quality that cannot be fully measured until the mission is accomplished, let alone before the battle even begins. Therefore, as Mets’ fans mull over why or why not Willie Randolph, Rudy Jaramillo, or even Terry Collins, will or will not make a good manager, the quality that will most likely determine their success will at last be decided on the job, and will never truly be recognized by a fan, or even a journalist, before the fact.
Cohesion…
What do Jason Varitek, Derek Lowe, Trot Nixon and Pedro Martinez all have in common? They are all amongst the heart of their team, have been starting for the Boston Red Sox for more than six years, and were each younger than 25-years-old when they joined the roster.
The point: champions are not born overnight.
In his fourth full season with the Sox, with the responsibilities of a closer, Lowe sputtered going 5-10 with six blown saves. His team didn’t trade him. Instead they converted him to a starter.
At 29-years-old, in his fifth season behind the plate for Boston, Varitek hit just .266 with 10 home runs and 60 runs batted in. The Sox didn’t move him to first, or rush up a rookie to take his place. Instead, they put faith in his abilities.
At 25-years-old, in his fourth full year in right-field, Nixon struggled, hitting just .276 with 12 home runs and 60 runs batted. The Sox, however, didn’t trade him to sign a big-hitting, free agent coming off of surgery. Instead, they stuck it out with the young, fan favorite.
See the pattern?
As with the Angels, Marlins and Yankees, the key to the Red Sox success was a core of once-young players – maybe home grown, maybe not – that learned to play alongside one another, learned to respect one another and learned to win with one another. The concept of a universal team chemistry is somewhat overrated. The concept of cohesion, isn’t. Collectively wanting to win is one thing. Wanting to win for each other is something entirely different.
The Bounce…
The roll of a manager and the bond between players is only as good as the bounce of the ball. Just ask Tony Clark. Had his ninth inning double in Boston not skipped and gone out of bounds, Ruben Sierra would have scored with ease. Instead, the score remained tied, and the Sox continued their winning march to a ring, avoiding elimination.
In every winning season there are countless calls, bobbles and bounces that act as x-factors in a long list of reasons why a team wins and loses. Talent is a major factor in success, but so is luck. Unfortunately, though, you can’t buy luck – even the Boss would have to agree with that.
The Moon and the Stars…
This off-season, Mets’ fans will probably be forced to moan and groan about losing out in the high-priced, free agent sweepstakes. Marquee managers will remain with their clubs, and a semi-no-name will end up at Shea. Things will most likely look down before they look up. What will create a new winner at Shea, though, in addition to smart maneuvering by the team’s management, will be a series of risks, rolls and relationships that will all bounce the right way – something that fans and media alike will have no way of judging until it happens.
All we can do is have faith.
I guess that’s what the Amazin’ part is for.
###
Matthew Cerrone is the lead writer and creator of Metsblog.com. When he is not writing content for Metsblog, he is looking for paid writing work, studying for a journalism degree, or eating Sour Patch Kids.
Note: If you would like to write a Fan Editorial for Metsblog, click here: I Want to Write!
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The Managerial News…
David Waldstein of the Star-Ledger reports that Willie Randolph will get a second interview later this week, and could be announced as the new Mets manager next week. Adam Rubin of the Daily News counters by writing: Though Randolph appears the front-runner, Mets insiders insist that Jaramillo also could be selected.
Though Jim Leyland’s name continues to make the papers as a possible candidate, it appears he is more interested in pursuing the vacant position in Philadelphia as opposed to Queens.
If Willy is hired, the Daily News reports that his preferred batting coach would be former Yankee teammate Chili Davis. Why not Jaramillo? The paper adds that Jaramillo is more likely to return to the Rangers as hitting coach if he isn’t named the Mets’ manager. The Star-Telegram of Dallas reports that the Rangers have offered Jaramillo a five-year, $2 million contract to return to home. However, the Journal News believes the Mets are prepared to make Jaramillo “one of the highest-paid coaches in the game,” in an effort to make him the team’s hitting coach, assuming, again, that Randolph is the manager.
According to Newsday, the Rangers have given the Mets a November 8 deadline to make a decision on Jaramillo.
Player News...
Jon Heyman and David Lennon of Newsday, two writers notorious for their ability to spread rumors, believe the Mets have interest in acquiring either Manny Ramirez or Sammy Sosa. The two reporters suggest that Mets officials have explored a Sosa for Cliff Floyd deal. The Chicago Tribune believes a deal for Sosa is a “fallback position” for the Mets, assuming they cannot land a free agent or Ramirez. Also of note, the Newsday duo suggests that the Mets, “for the first time”, are willing to entertain offers for Jose Reyes.
Mo Vaughn filed for free-agency yesterday, officially removing him from the Mets 40man roster.
Free agents can begin negotiating with other teams on November 12.
The Under the Radar News…
Tony La Russa does not have a contract for next year. However, it is widely believed, based on his strong relationship with Walt Jocketty that La Russa will inevitably re-sign with St. Louis.
The Legal News…
Cablevision’s request for a temporary restraining order against the Mets’ plans to form their own network was denied yesterday by Justice Helen E. Freedman in a state supreme court hearing in Manhattan
Other Player News…
The Arizona Republic reports that the Diamondbacks have offered Richie Sexson a three-year deal, “likely in the $9 million-per-season range.”
Metsblog.com’s Take…
On Managers...
Willie Randolph
Don Zimmer
Chili Davis
What happened?
Why not just switch our team colors from blue orange to navy and white.
At this point I am passionately pulling for Jaramillo, which is bizarre seeing as I know nothing about him. I mean, that’s what it has come to: rooting for a mystery.
Hi Tony La Russa! Come on, I mean, what’s so great about St. Louis?
Ugh!
On Sosa…
A clause in Sosa’s contract makes active another guaranteed year at $18 million if he’s dealt. Counting buyout money, the Mets would be forced to pay him $39.5 million over two years. Subtracting Floyd’s $12 million over the same period, and the Mets would be paying $13.5 million per year for the Cubs’ once heralded slugger.
That’s a tough call. He’d be an attendance draw, and his reputation alone would certainly provide protection for the middle of the lineup. If all went south, and his numbers continued to drop, as they have each of the last three seasons, it would not be an impossibility to trade him, with cash, at the start of next season. The thing is, making this move falls in line with the Steve Phillips regime, not what fans envisioned to be the new way of business at Shea.
Ultimately, this is not a move we would have explored – but, as deals go, this is not the end of the world. It’s probably a moot point anyway, as I’d put the likelihood of this happening at around 50-to-1.
The Confidence Rating...
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The Bad News…
The Associated Press reports that Wally Backman has pulled out of the New York Mets’ managerial hunt to focus on his bid to get a job with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
I’m speechless.
The good news is that they didn’t waste our time by offering him a low-ball incentive laden contract that insulted his intelligence…so I guess these guys are getting better in their negotiation tactics.
The bad news: the next manager of the New York Mets will be one of the following: Willie Randolph, Rudy Jaramillo, Terry Collins, and maybe, maybe, Jim Leyland.
Help me Bobby Valentine, you’re my only hope…
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The Bizarre News…
WCBS Radio reports that Mets LHP John Franco’s name has turned up in a variety of FBI documents dealing with high level investigations into the Banano mafia crime family, dating back to a “sit down” in Montreal in 1995. The report allegedly accuses Franco of having a “cozy relationship” with the the supposed crime family centered around free tickets to Mets games. Jerry Capeci, Gangland columnist for the New York Sun suggests that, although the allegations are not of a criminal mature, the Mets lefty could end up on the witness stand in Federal court. Major League Baseball has a strict rules against associating with organized crime.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
What a day!
Bada-bing
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The News…
Cablevision sued the Mets yesterday in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, accusing the team of breaking its existing contract by announcing it will start a new network in 2006. According to the NY Times, the Mets claim the suit is “entirely without merit” with “allegations that have no factual support.”
David Lennon of Newsday writes the following: One baseball official suggested yesterday that Wally Backman’s candidacy is the direct result of mass e-mailings and talk-radio chatter from Mets fans hungry for a taste of past glory. Backman, who along with Bob Melvin, is a leading candidate for the Diamondbacks’ job, will interview with GM Omar Minaya in St. Louis today.
“If [Jim Leyland's] interested, he’s a name I’d have to consider,” Mets GM Omar Minaya told Lee Jenkins of the New York Times, yesterday. There have been no published reports indicating that Leyland, currently working for the St. Louis Cardinals scouting department, is considering the Mets, however. Cards GM Walt Jocketty told The NY Post yesterday that the Mets have not asked for permission but said, “If Jim was interested, I would [grant it].” Leyland is scheduled to interview with the Phillies on Monday
Dodgers’ bench coach Jim Riggleman interviewed for the Mets vacant managerial position yesterday. However, from the sounds of it, Riggleman called the interview, which was granted by his friend Fred Wilpon, simply to express his passion about managing again. It is widely believed throughout the media that if Riggleman ended up with the Mets at all, it would be a coach, and not as manager.
A second round of interviews with the team’s top candidates are reportedly set for the next several days, and a final decision is expected by the end of next week.
Note: If you would like to submit a question for our monthly mailbag, send us an email to mailbag@metsblog.com
The Disturbing News...
According to the Daily News, if Willie Randolph lands the Mets’ manager job, he’d like to have Don Zimmer as his bench coach.
The Quote…
“I think Wally would be a great choice because he fits that team in a lot of ways. He’s a New York guy, having played there. He’s fan recognizable. He’s got a lot of energy, and he’s got that fight in him that fans love. He’s not going to back down from a challenge. That’s something managing the New York Mets is going to be – a huge challenge – and it’s going to take somebody who is going to be able to stand up. He’s got that kind of personality that players would want to go through a wall for him.” – Howard Johnson, as quoted by the Daily News
In Other News….
According to the Philadelphia Daily News, a rumor circulating out of the celebratory Boston locker room last night talked of Pedro Martinez signing with the SF Giants, as their closer. Interesting!
The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are receptive to guaranteeing the 2006 and 2007 seasons of Mike Lowell‘s contract “to keep him from becoming a free agent.”
Note: If you would like to write a Fan Editorial for Metsblog, click here: I Want to Write!
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The Manager…
Wally Backman will interview with GM Omar Minaya for the Mets’ vacant managerial position on Thursday in St. Louis. Backman managed Arizona’s Class-A Lancaster club to an 86-54 record this season and was named minor league manager of the year by Sporting News. Adam Rubin of the Daily News, who broke the story yesterday regarding the team’s interest in their former 2B, believes Backman is a “longshot” to be hired, and that Randolph and Jaramillo remain the front-runners.
While Jim Leyland – the former Pirates, Marlins and Rockies manager – will interview with the Phillies on Monday of next week, there are no current reports that the Mets have received permission from the Cardinals to do the same. “I had a casual conversation with Omar [Minaya] on Monday],” Leyland told MLB.com. “But it was casual and Walt [Jocketty] hasn’t mentioned anything about [the Mets] asking permission to speak to me.” David Lennon of Newsday refers to Leyland as a “fringe candidate.”
Multiple reports indicate that Willie Randolph is slated to meet with the Mets again next week.
The Long Quote…
“It’s a great feeling to be talking to the Mets. That way Omar gets to know what I’m all about, especially on the field. It’s a good thing to be able to meet with him like that. You’d like to say with my years there, they need the winning ways to be brought back to that organization. Not being in the organization for as long as it’s been, it’s hard to describe what the organization is all about now.” – Wally Backman, as quoted by MLB.com
The Other News…
In an effort to revamp their medical staff, a move that is long overdue, according to the NY Post, “rumblings” are that the Mets may be parting ways with team physician Andrew Rokito.
The Mets are tentatively scheduled to open the 2005 season on April 4 in Cincinnati.
According to Newsday, baseball officials believe “only the Yankees can afford” to pay OF Carlos Beltran the seven-year, $100 million-plus deal he will be in search of. Peter Gammons writes, in his most recent ESPN.com column, that “the Cubs will make a huge run at the superstar center fielder.”
The Palm Beach Post quotes 3B Mike Lowell on Tuesday as being optimistic about returning to the Marlins. “We’re definitely moving in the right direction,” Lowell told radio station WQAM. “I think something is really going to get worked out so hopefully we’re headed toward a big future.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Braves’ officials are considering moving John Smoltz from closer back to the starting rotation. Russ Ortiz and Jaret Wright are both free agents.
Note: If you would like to submit a question for our monthly mailbag, send us an email to mailbag@metsblog.com
Metsblog.com’s Take…
*Sigh*
Here’s the thing, and I hate to say this, and hope I am wrong, but my guess is the Mets are simplky interviewing Backman as a way to appease the fans. If they had a legit interest in him, they would likely have jumped on him weeks ago, when this interviewing process began. Randolph and Jaramillo were flown to Shea and both met with Minaya, VP Jim Duquette and other members of the team’s upper management. Backman, on the other hand, is meeting with just Minaya in St. Louis, in what appears to be a last minute, rushed get-together.
Could this be because the Mets don’t want to wait, fearing that the D-Back’s will scoop up Backman before a Mets-meeting can occur? Sure. But I’m skeptical by nature, and can’t help but recall the way the Mets brushed Backman aside two years ago, as a well as a few weeks ago. This all seems to calculated, like most of the failed public relations attempts.
If this is the case, I’d just as soon not have them interview him at all.
Let’s hope I’m wrong.
Note: If you would like to write a Fan Editorial for Metsblog, click here: I Want to Write!
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The Manager News…
Adam Rubin and Bill Madden of the Daily News write that, according to team insiders, Willie Randolph aced his interview with Mets GM Omar Minaya and VP Jim Duquette yesterday. In an interesting twist, however, Rubin and Madden identify the two mystery candidates from last week: Jim Leyland and Wally Backman.
The two writers also provide a pro’s and con’s list of the Mets top managerial contenders:
WILLIE RANDOLPH…
Pros: Winning pedigree as Yankee player and coach working under Joe Torre, Brooklyn product familiar with landscape and scrutiny, and would surround himself with experienced staff.
Cons: No managerial experience at any level, primarily an American League background, and he’s a Yankee.
RUDY JARAMILLO…
Pros: Considered one of the top hitting coaches in MLB, endorsements from who’s who of players, including Alex Rodriguez and Jeff Bagwell, strong relationship with Omar Minaya, dating back to 1985, when Minaya was a coach on Jaramillo’s staff at Single-A Sarasota, and bilingual.
Cons: No major league managerial experience, has worked for 10 seasons as hitting coach in Texas, leaving him unfamiliar with — and untested in — New York media market, and might be willing to come to New York as CEO of hitting, his expertise.
JIM LEYLAND…
Pros: Earned World Series ring with 1997 Marlins, bringing back managers has become vogue, like Jack McKeon in Florida, Leyland is only 59, and has remained involved as Pittsburgh-based Cardinals scout.
Cons: Said in recent months he wasn’t interested in return to managing.
WALLY BACKMAN…
Pros: Fiery personality would inject energy into clubhouse and has ties to ’86 Mets.
Cons: Received 10-game suspension this season at Single-A Lancaster for bumping umpire, and perceived off-the-field issues have turned off Mets brass in past.
For further pros on Randolph, our friend Old Backstop lists five reasons why the Mets will be fine with Willie.
The East Valley Tribune ranks Bob Melvin and Wally Backman as finalists for the Arizona Diamondback’s vacant managerial job.
Ken Rosenthal of the Sporting News chimes in with his two-cents, regarding the Mets managerial search, stating: Unable to hire Lou Piniella, the Mets should be looking for the next Mike Scioscia, a manager with presence, leadership skills and in-game smarts. Alas, such a candidate might not be available. He sure doesn’t appear to be on the Mets’ shortlist. My guess is the Mets will hire Yankees bench coach Willie Randolph, satisfying owner Fred Wilpon’s craving for fan and media approval. My hunch is Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo would be a better choice. Frankly, each would be better off if his first major league managing job were in a smaller, less intense market. But who else is there?
The Quote…
“He’s got all the credentials. He was not just an outstanding player, but he was an outstanding thinking and winning player. He knew exactly what was going on at his position and the other positions offensively and defensively, and he’s had all the preparation. He’s had as good a university as possible – all the pressurized situations – and a really good opportunity to watch Joe [Torre] and others work. All he needs is a shot.” – Cardinals Manager Joe Torre, as quoted by the Daily News.
Note: If you would like to submit a question for our monthly mailbag, send us an email to mailbag@metsblog.com
The Other News…
In a separate article, Rosenthal claims that the ‘industry-wide assumption’ is that the A’s will look to trade RHP Barry Zito and/or LHP Mark Redman, in an effort to create payroll flexibility so to re-sign Tim Hudson.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies made a contract offer LHP Eric Milton, 14-6, 4.75 ERA. According to the Inquirer, Milton’s agent, Casey Close, says his client prefers to wait and see how the Phillies managerial search shakes out before making a decision. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Philadelphia Daily News reports the team will also look to retain RHP Cory Lidle, who was 5-2, with a 3.90 ERA, in ten starts for the Phillies.
Orber Moreno had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Thursday, and should be ready to play by spring training.
SS Wilson Delgado, OF Gerald Williams and RP Vic Darensbourg were declared minor league free agents yesterday.
Metsblog.com’s Take…
My guess is that the Mets would like Leyland to be the team’s new manager, with Terry Collins as his bench coach, and Rudy Jaramillo as the team’s “CEO of hitting”, to compliment the pitching guru, Rick Peterson. This would be a great staff, particularly if the next few years will truly be a rebuilding phase.
If Metsblog had the helm, however, we’d offer Backman the bench coach position, and tell him he is the heir-apparent to the aging Leyland, who would likely retire as the Mets begin their push to the next level of success.
Question: if Willie Randolph is the next great manager in baseball, with several other clubs looking to fill vacant positions, why are the Mets the only team interested in him?
Note: If you would like to write a Fan Editorial for Metsblog, click here: I Want to Write!
The Poll…
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
We’ve added this link for no other reason than to provide a quick resource, or cut and paste opportunity, for spelling ‘Doug Mientkiewicz’ in your future Metsblog comments.
However, it appears that many in the Mets community would like to see Mientkiewicz manning 1B for the NY Mets in 2005. Therefore, if you would like to toss in your brief two-cents as to why you think the team should trade, or not trade for him, add to the comments section below – note: try and keep the discussion centered around Mientkiewicz’s pros and cons, and not other preferred 1B.
Some info on Mientkiewicz…
Last name pronounced: Mint-KAY-vich
2004 Salary: $2.8 million
2005 Salary: $4.2 million, free agent after the 2005 season
Four-year Average: .272 AVG – .363 OBP – 36 2B – 10 HR – 65 RBI – 73 BB – 76 SO – 3 SB – 5 Errors
Gold Glove Winner in 2001
Comments from Stats Inc.,…
A line-drive hitter with gap power, Mientkiewicz lacks the home-run pop desired of a corner infielder. Yet he’s one of the toughest outs in a free-swinging lineup, exhibiting excellent patience and knowledge of the strike zone. Mientkiewicz was the only Twins regular who had more walks than strikeouts last season. He has a quick bat and hits well against both lefthanders and righthanders.
Mientkiewicz’s greatest asset is his defensive work at first. He has a superb glove, quick reflexes and gets down the line on foul balls with quickness that belies his actual running ability. He makes it extremely difficult for a Twins infielder to be charged with a throwing error. On a team founded on pitching and defense, Mientkiewicz and center fielder Torii Hunter are the core position players. Mientkiewicz’ running speed is average, at best, but he’s a heady player who knows when to take the extra base.
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The News…
GM Omar Minaya received
permission from the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday to interview their
bench coach, Jim Riggleman, who managed the San Diego Padres from 1992
to 1994 and the Chicago Cubs from 1995 to 1999. Riggleman has a 486-598
record as a manager, and has never finished better than second place.
He will likely come to Shea in the middle of next week, though no
specific date has been scheduled as of yet.
Mark Hale of the New York post quotes a Mets sources as saying that Willie Randolph, who interviews later today, “is supposedly candidate 1-A, 1-B and 1-C.”
Jon Heyman of Newsday
reports that the Mets have told Mike Piazza he will be used primarily
as a catcher next season, and that they very much want him to retire as
a Met.
Heyman also notes that
“Mets people” are considering free agents Richie Sexson or Troy Glaus
as the team’s potential first baseman.
According to the Chicago
Tribune, Arizona has offered Richie Sexson only one guaranteed year
with a vesting options for future seasons.
Free Agent Pitchers…
We’ve
received a ton of emails asking for a list of pitchers eligible for
free agency. Metsblog plans to provide a list in a few weeks of all
free agents, hitters and pitchers, with basic stats listed, as well.
However, in the meantime, here are just the names:
Troy Percival, rhp
Aaron Sele, rhp
Omar Daal, lhp
Curtis Leskanic, rhp
Derek Lowe, rhp
Pedro Martinez, rhp
Ramiro Mendoza, rhp
Scott Schoeneweis, lhp
Scott Elarton, rhp
Bob Wickman, rhp
Esteban Yan, rhp
Dennys Reyes, lhp
Brad Radke, rhp
Esteban Loaiza, rhp
Tanyon Sturtze, rhp
Chris Hammond, lhp
Jim Mecir, rhp
Ron Villone, lhp
John Halama, lhp
Valerio de los Santos, lhp
Matt Mantei, rhp
Antonio Alfonseca, rhp
Russ Ortiz, rhp
John Smoltz, rhp
Jaret Wright, rhp
Paul Byrd, rhp
Matt Clement, rhp
Glendon Rusch, lhp
Todd Van Poppel, rhp
Paul Wilson, rhp
Armando Benitez, rhp
Chad Fox, rhp
Billy Koch, rhp
Josias Manzanillo, rhp
Carl Pavano, rhp
Rudy Seanez, rhp
Ismael Valdez, rhp
David Weathers, rhp
Elmer Dessens, rhp
Jose Lima, rhp
Hideo Nomo, rhp
Odalis Perez, lhp
Paul Shuey, rhp
Kris Benson, rhp
Ricky Bottalico
rhp; Mike DeJean, rhp
Cory Lidle, rhp
Kevin Millwood, rhp
Eric Milton, lhp
Jose Mesa, rhp
Chris Carpenter, rhp
Cal Eldred, rhp
Steve Kline, lhp
Matt Morris, rhp
Antonio Osuna, rhp
David Wells, lhp
Robb Nen, rhp
Note: If you would like to submit a question for our monthly mailbag, send us an email to mailbag@metsblog.com
Metsblog.com’s Take…
On Sexson…
Sexson
was traded from Milwaukee to Arizona last off-season, and then missed
the majority of the year due to an injured left shoulder. In the three
season’s proceeding the trade, the 29-year-old, six-foot eight-inch
first baseman, averaged 40 HR, 110 RBI, and a .276 avg. While his power
numbers are strong, he also has never struck out less than 130 times in
a season. Though, it should be noted that his walks have increased, 60,
70, 98, in each of the last three years.
Sexson did play at
hitter friendly Miller Park. However, his road average and home
average, as well as home runs per at-bats, are roughly identical. What
baseball people like best about Sexson is that he can hit any pitch
thrown to him and will go to all fields. Defensively he is better
than he appears – not great, but not nearly as bad as his awkward form
tends to make him look.
In addition to the shoulder problem that
arose last season, Sexson also has a history of knee problems. He will
likely seek a three- or four-year deal averaging $7- to 8$ million per
season.
Would we sign him? Probably not. Though we believe
Sexson to be a solid player, and would be happy to have his bat in the
lineup, for the money, injury risk and propensity for strike outs, we’d
pass on him. This money could be better spent upgrading an outfield
position and a slot in the rotation.
On Glaus...
Glaus
missed nearly 100 games this past season due to rotator cuff surgery,
and missed the last 70 games of last due to the same injury as well.
Whether or not the 28-year-old, 240 pound, third baseman can shift to
first and provide the defense needed at Shea remains to be seen. In his
best season, 2000, Glaus hit .284 with 47 HR, 102 RBI, 163 SO and 112
walks. In the following two seasons, 2001 and 2002, his average, homers
, on base percentage and walks all declined. Over the last two seasons,
while nursing injuries, in a combined 526 at-bats, he hit .250, roughly
his career-average, with 34 HR, 92 RBI and 125 strike outs.
Glaus
is not known for getting on base, though. His m.o. is driving in runs,
and more specifically, driving in runs in big spots.
Would
we sign him? Last year the Mets had countless number of players at
first base that weren’t first baseman. That experiment must end. Gluas
is a good player, and can be great at times, but to “hope” on another
injury prone player switching positions is not in the cards for this
club anymore.
Plus, we want Mientkiewicz.
Note: If you would like to write a Fan Editorial for Metsblog, click here: I Want to Write!
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
Note: If you would like to receive an email when Metsblog is update, email us at: updates@metsblog.com
The Very Little News...
As we reported yesterday,
MLB.com reports Willie Randolph’s interview with the Mets GM Omar
Minaya and VP Jim Duquette will be postponed until Monday, allowing the
Yankees bench coach more time to prepare. The report also indicates
that Minaya claims he may have one or two more candidates to interview,
but that it requires “calling their respective clubs and getting
permission.”
The Star-Telegram reports that Rudy Jaramillo (Hair-Uh-Me-Oh) has been invited back to Shea Stadium for a second interview.
Joel Sherman of the NY Post
suggests that A’s GM Billy Beane has told friends he will trade one of
his big three starters to create payroll flexibility, allowing him to
re-sign two of the three pitchers that he keeps.
Fans of the Houston Astros have banned together at KeepBeltran.com, in an attempt to pledge money as assistance for the Astros to retain OF Carlos Beltran.
Note: If you would like to submit a question for our monthly mailbag, send us an email to mailbag@metsblog.com
Have a great weekend.
For more Mets news, check out SportSpyder.com
