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News: Church and Mets agree to Deal
By Matthew Cerrone - Feb 7, 2008 7:40 pm

The Mets and OF Ryan Church avoided arbitration and agreed to $2 million contract for 2008.

BallHype: hype it up! Digg!
Posted in Ryan Church on February 7th, 2008
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64 Responses to “News: Church and Mets agree to Deal”

  1. GravediggerHebner says:
    February 7, 2008 at 7:48 pm

    Excellent. So contingent on Ollie Perez the streak of the Mets not going through the full process since 1992 continues.

    • mussi says:
      February 7, 2008 at 11:10 pm

      lets sign craig wilson.it wont cost us anything and he is two yrs removed from 29hrs 85 rbis. he plays !B and the corner OFs.he has also played 3rd as well.He is a lifetime 300 hitter agst lefties and a great pitchhitter.

      • circelli17 says:
        February 8, 2008 at 1:06 pm

        Wilson isn’t worth a spot on the roster assuming everyone stays healthy during Spring Training. If they got him to agree on a Minor League deal he would be a decent guy to bring up whenever Alou or Beltran inevitably get banged up. There’s no way I would give him a guaranteed contract though

  2. JefJarrett says:
    February 7, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    How many of them were Boras clients?

    • GravediggerHebner says:
      February 7, 2008 at 9:44 pm

      Well I really did want to answer that question for you (bored waiting for Celebrity Rehab) but I just can’t find that info. I’m probably just not searching for it properly.

      Throughout the course of my looking I did find this largely unrelated but fascinating quote which I’ll share:

      “We plan absentee ownership. We’re not going to pretend
      we’re something we’re not. I’ll stick to building ships.”
      - Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, 1973

  3. Joe Bacci says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    Watch out for Ryan Church this year. I think he is going to be something special… ala Valentine of ‘06.

    I’m glad to see we settled that and kept the streak alive.

    • breadclock says:
      February 8, 2008 at 7:37 am

      You know you’re a Met fan when you hear or see the word “Valentine” and the first thing that pops into you head is: Ellis or Bobby?

  4. General Millz says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:13 pm

    Although I was one of many people who were down about the Milledge trade, I’ve become very optimistic about Church. I forget where it came from, but it was suggested in a post on Metsblog that Church would prosper since he’d be in a low pressure spot in the lineup. I’ve got to agree with that sentiment.

    Allowing guys who are not quite at their peak like Maine, Perez, and Church could really pay off for the Mets this year.

    I wish tonight were March 30!

    • BSMITTYFDNY says:
      February 7, 2008 at 9:40 pm

      I had mentioned that in one of my posts but that doesnt mean it wasnt someone elses post you remember. I believe that Church will excel in the Mets line-up especially as the number 7 hitter. No pressure in that spot. On the Nats I’m sure he felt the need to always try to force something to happen. With our line-up he just needs to get his bat on the ball and get it in play. He needs to run the bases well and try to swipe some when necessary or the opportunity arrises. Its nice to have a player with some speed in the seventh hole this way if he swipes second the next hitter (Schneider) can knock him in with a single or can be intentionaly walked which helps in that it clears the pitcher spot.
      My optimistic projections for Church this year if given over 500 bats as a regular which Omar suggested he would at the Johan press conference is as follows:
      Church= 565 AB’s .285 BA, 25 HR’s, 85 RBI’s, 80 Runs, and 20 SB’s. I also expect a .365 on base percentage. I dont think that is a crazy projection and I would sign for that right now out of him. Anyone agree?

      • GravediggerHebner says:
        February 7, 2008 at 9:54 pm

        Inspired by your post I just went to look and see where the Nats batted Church last season, and it looked like for the most part 6th. So in a better lineup one spot lower I have to agree with the less pressure theory.

        One thing that I hadn’t realized: Church batted 4th for 26 consecutive games starting April 30 2007.

        As far as projections I don’t like to even try until a player has more of a history to base it on than Church does, but I could not honestly suggest that yours are crazy. Perhaps optimistic, but what do I know? I’ll be happy if he remains consistent with his ‘07 production.

        • BSMITTYFDNY says:
          February 7, 2008 at 10:02 pm

          Thanks for not calling me crazy. I probably am just optimistic overall right now because of getting Johan and everything. I just really feel like Church hasnt reached his full potential yet, and on a winning team he will prosper.

      • stickguy says:
        February 7, 2008 at 10:04 pm

        Certainly in the realm of possibility. I do expect him to have a much better year than a lot of people expect.

        It was also interesting that, before last year, he did quite well against lefties. So don’t discount the idea of him being a solid everyday player. I’m sure he will get the occasional day off against a real tough lefty like Hamels, but that’s normal rest anyway.

        Might not go quite that high on HRs, but the rest of the numbers are certainly realistic.

        And man, if he hits your projections, a nice deal for 2 million.

        • BSMITTYFDNY says:
          February 7, 2008 at 10:10 pm

          Gotta say you and I normally agree on most things stickguy. I enjoy posting back and forth with you. My HR numbers may be high but I think while Shea is by no means a HR hitters park it is still easier to hit one out there as opposed to RFK especially for lefties. He is at the breakout age (we call it that in fantasy baseball which means nothing in real life) of 27 yrs old. Most hitters as well as pitchers tend to break out at 27 yrs old if they are ever going to.

        • darkstar73 says:
          February 7, 2008 at 11:02 pm

          I think Church is probably around a 20 HR guy, but the key with him is his gap power. If he’s hitting 7th, he should have guys on base in front of him, so hitting doubles will be big, he should still put up pretty good RBI numbers, somewhere around 75-80 would be pretty nice I think, but we’ll see. I do think people will be pleasantly surprised though, he’ll be a solid hitter, and more then that, we won’t have to worry about him out in right. He’s more than capable, after 2 straight years of holding my breath every time a ball gets hit out there (minus endy playing out there) we’ll all be thankful for his solid D. Hitting 7th should help him too, no pressure, other big bats in the line up, he can just concentrate on his gaps, going the other way, no need to try and drive home runs. I really think we’ll all be pleasantly surprised.

        • m00kie says:
          February 8, 2008 at 6:58 am

          I can think of 2 or 3 games we lost last year soley because of bad RF defense, and countless others that were certainly affected by a flop here or there…Nothing demoralizes a pitcher like not getting an out he thought he had off the bat. Having a steady presence out there in all 3 positions (Alou may not be quick, but he’s steady and goes all out) is going to pay dividends. Green’s bat as a slap hitter was definitely a plus last year, but Church I think will give us a little more oomph from that spot in the lineup, as well as a little stronger personality last year when asked what he thought of the Mets personality, Green said something along the lines of a big fuzzy likeable dog — I’m thinking that dog should have been a little less likeable, a little more ferocious…I digress, but my point is I agree, we’ll all be pleasantly surprised with Church, and playing in a supporting role, as opposed to trying to push a team should serve him well.

        • Nate W. says:
          February 8, 2008 at 8:05 am

          do we think that Schnieder will effectively protect Church? or will teams just pitch around Church to get to the outs from 8-9?

          I agree that his OBP should be high, he’s in a spot to get walks and he takes them.

        • GravediggerHebner says:
          February 8, 2008 at 10:41 am

          Depending on two things I love the idea. If Johan Santana is pitching, and there are none or one outs, then when they walk Church, Schneider bunts him over and Santana drives him in!

  5. johnstearns says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:20 pm

    I want to say he was one of the best things about those laughable games with the Nationals but I really don’t remember anything spectacular. But yeah, he has Valentin potential. So for that matter does Valentin.

    • Joe Bacci says:
      February 7, 2008 at 8:27 pm

      Valentine has zero potential to be 29 years old.

      • Crooked Numbers says:
        February 7, 2008 at 8:54 pm

        Bobby?

        • gipper913 says:
          February 8, 2008 at 2:49 am

          LOL. It amazes me how ‘fans” of a team where the players’ names are literally written on their backs in every game for every fan to see routinely misspell their names on Metsblog.

          How often do you see “Mane” or “Main” for John Maine? Or, the ubiquitous “Valentine” for “Valentin”?

  6. Gary Coleman Is My Father says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Matt, why did you not mention the presser today with billy joel? they said the concert will be on july 16 08 which kinda sucks i thought it was going to be something like after the season ends the last song

  7. Cheese says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    He’s overpaid.

  8. BBmetsfreak36 says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:33 pm

    matt or billy joel???

  9. BBmetsfreak36 says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:34 pm

    i thought he’d cost more than 2 mil so thats great just i’d be nice to find a partner to take a few starts from him………

    • MrMetsChild says:
      February 7, 2008 at 8:42 pm

      As long as it isnt Shawn Green

    • BSMITTYFDNY says:
      February 7, 2008 at 9:55 pm

      Matt posted that we are looking at Wilson right?

    • Nate W. says:
      February 8, 2008 at 7:48 am

      First time going to arbitration, just like Heilman they dont get that much. (I typed ‘munch’ guess I should get some breakfast, or I’m seeing Kevin Mench’s name too often here)

      Hopefully Church is worthy of a 3-5 year extension and the Mets make that happen after the season. Seeing as Church is a ’super two’ this year he will have three more years of arbitration coming his way. No need to go through this silly routine three more times…

  10. Benny Blanco from da Bronx says:
    February 7, 2008 at 8:45 pm

    So much for him making less money than Lastings Milledge…

    • nyr2k2 says:
      February 7, 2008 at 9:05 pm

      Who thought he’d be making less than Milledge?

      • Benny Blanco from da Bronx says:
        February 7, 2008 at 9:16 pm

        I certainly didn’t think so but that’s what alot people thought and said to be positive when Church was first traded to the Mets.
        That was an argument and now it has officially been proven wrong..

        • m00kie says:
          February 7, 2008 at 10:41 pm

          never heard that once .. I heard he’d be getting more hits than milledge, and starting less fights than milledge, but nothing about making less moneys

        • darkstar73 says:
          February 7, 2008 at 11:03 pm

          yeah, never heard that either, and anyone saying that to make that point that the trade was a positive didn’t know what they were talking about. There were plenty of other reasons to like the trade.

        • cyclone says:
          February 8, 2008 at 6:54 am

          You mean somebody on Metsblog didn’t know what they were talking about? Shocker….

  11. CaseStreet says:
    February 7, 2008 at 9:22 pm

    This guys is doing pretty well in NY. He already has a Street named after him and he got a pay raise, all without stepping on the field.

  12. guierllNO MOta says:
    February 7, 2008 at 11:19 pm

    and who was that bum we signed before 2006 and paid a couple million to…he turned out to be a dud just cause we as mets fans didnt pay attention to him when he played elsewhere…what was his name…andy chavez or something

    • mussi says:
      February 8, 2008 at 12:18 am

      lets sign craig wilson.it wont cost us anything and he is two yrs removed from 29hrs 85 rbis. he plays !B and the corner OFs.he has also played 3rd as well.He is a lifetime 300 hitter agst lefties and a great pitchhitter

      • BSMITTYFDNY says:
        February 8, 2008 at 12:34 am

        Wilson would be a great fit. We need a righty OF/1B pretty badly. Didnt realize he had those good of numbers two yrs ago. That would be really nice even if close to that.

      • BSMITTYFDNY says:
        February 8, 2008 at 1:28 am

        Great pinch hitter?, plays 1B and OF?, hits lefties well while Church may not?, makes sense for me to bring him on on the Mets. Omar says he is finished making moves and this is the team so we will see if he was telling the truth.

    • breadclock says:
      February 8, 2008 at 7:51 am

      Chavez was a cheap pickup at $500K.

      Perhaps you’re thinking of Julio Jorge.

  13. edwin nieves says:
    February 8, 2008 at 12:34 am

    Seems the signing of JS everyone’s outlook is a lot rosier. All we need to do now is keep Pedro away from the cock-fights.

  14. gem779 says:
    February 8, 2008 at 12:59 am

    I believe $2 million is solid for a a player of Church’s caliber. I know that’s an about average abitration number (maybe more cuz of him being super 2) but still….I just feel like it needs to be said that Church at $2 million is very nice!

    • FBones24 says:
      February 8, 2008 at 10:25 am

      I agree…$2 million for 43 doubles and over 70 RBI’s in 470 at bats is not too bad for $2 million.

  15. gipper913i says:
    February 8, 2008 at 1:04 am

    2 million dollars for church seems a little bit much. He can’t hit left handers.

    -Mike

    • BSMITTYFDNY says:
      February 8, 2008 at 1:24 am

      As stickguy stated in his post way above Church did hit lefties well the year before last. Maybe he can go back to doing that again. I f Omar sees he cant be an everyday player I’m sure he will make a move to bring in another OF who can platoon with him. Church will be much easier to watch everyday in RF than Shawn Green was. Green played a terrible RF. No more hat flying off his head on every ball to RF. Always thought that was funny and interesting.

      • gipper913 says:
        February 8, 2008 at 2:53 am

        I lookf orward to seeing what the guy does. Batting from the seven hole,. he could end up being very helpful.

        –The original Gipper913

  16. BSMITTYFDNY says:
    February 8, 2008 at 1:46 am

    Hey guys what about Sammy Sosa on a minor league non roster invitee contract? I mean he is just sitting out there unsigned and didnt he have over 90 RBI’s last year? He is a right handed power bat. He can play OF and 1B as well. Great to have off the bench as a pinch hitter as well. He can platoon in RF with Church if Church proves he cant hit lefties well. Not a bad risk/reward in my opinion. We all know Omar loves him. Always loved his charisma and personality.

    • PDubs says:
      February 8, 2008 at 2:01 am

      Sammy Sosa is the last thing this team needs. Sammy is all about himself, he would be a terror in the clubhouse. Sammy Sosa is the last thing our young latin players need as an influence.

      There is no way he can play first and even his outfield play is questionable at best.

      Sosa needs to just go away.

  17. gem779 says:
    February 8, 2008 at 1:58 am

    I’m really worried about all these OF possibilities that we might bring in plus our deep bench already that this is going to hurt my beloved Endy’s playing time… I know it’s for the better of the team but I don’t want Endy to be negatively affected by this. Either way, let’s hope he stays healthy.

  18. Tapeball45 says:
    February 8, 2008 at 1:59 am

    Well whoever it is they cant be as bad as Burnitz…

    I miss Derek Bell…

    • mussi says:
      February 8, 2008 at 4:30 am

      wilson is not looking for much more than a minor league contract. i think we can afford him.especially when we just resigned ben johnson.wilson is low risk high reward.not being a pig but we need a better backup then pagan and johnson. especailly when they dont play 1b..

  19. Nate W. says:
    February 8, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Church (and Sosa too) took less than the mid point between what they were asking for and what the Mets were offering. A little unusual but I guess with all the money going to Johan they realize the Mets need those nickles and dimes… ;)

  20. stickguy says:
    February 8, 2008 at 8:48 am

    If they can get Wilson on a ML deal, that is a no brainer. They still have the problem of space for him on the 25 man, but it is entirely possilbe an injuery before 4/1 will take care of that problem.

    They way the bench is now, the guy that Wilson would really be replacing (functionally) is Easley. RH power bat off the bench, but he actually can play D in the places they need it (1B and OF). If the mets have anything, it is an abundance of guys that can play 2B!

    Another thing about Church.After Castillo, he is the most logical guy on the team now to hit in the 2 hole. LH bat, good OBP (must be able to work counts and take walks) and solid gap power. Plus good speed. Sounds like a prototypical 2 hole guy to hit behind Reyes.

    Wonder if they go that way on days that Gotay spots Castillo. Or would you plug Gotay into the 2 hole?

    • Nate W. says:
      February 8, 2008 at 10:31 am

      re: order

      If its against a lefty starter I would put Church 2nd to give him less to worry about. If its a righty I would probably use Gotay, but he is so much better from that side it might be a wash.

    • GravediggerHebner says:
      February 8, 2008 at 10:44 am

      The impression I got from the “incident on the FAN” the other day when Mike F., Chris R., and Willie Randolph all couldn’t come up with the name of the backup secondbaseman was that Ruben Gotay’s chances of being on the major league roster are slim and none, and slim is packing his bags.

      • m00kie says:
        February 8, 2008 at 11:09 am

        lol I caught that too Willie said something like “he’s going to have to bust it this spring” .. hopefully we can get something (another middle reliever to throw on the pile? A backup 1b/rf who hits lefty?) for him while his stock is high, but he doesn’t even seem to be in the plan right now.

  21. Charlie says:
    February 8, 2008 at 11:17 am

    Is it spring fever or maybe hope springing eternal that I have a feeling Ryan Church is going to surprise us (like Nady surprised us in 2006)?

  22. Santanaman says:
    February 8, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    I’m pulling hard for Church and I’m optimistic. More concerned about Schnieder.

    The posts above reflect the Santana effect. With such a tremendous talent, everyone will be determined to be an assett and step up their game. Adding to this, is the talent & experience up and down the lineup. This is a perfect recipie for confidence breeding confidence….

    Great to be a Met fan at this point in time. Do you think I’m rediculously optomistic or what. Still can’t stop smiling.

    On a side note, It was just announced that Pedro just lost his endorsment for Kentucky Fried Chicken:.)

  23. metsdude says:
    February 8, 2008 at 4:36 pm

    Not sure if anyone else noticed the glaring mistake from this article written by another brilliant journalist from from the NY Post…

    METS GO TO CHURCH
    By BART HUBBUCH

    February 8, 2008 — The MetsNew York Mets moved one step closer yesterday to clearing their deck of arbitration-eligible players by signing outfielder Ryan ChurchRyan Church to a one-year, $2 million deal.
    Church, obtained from the Senators this offseason as part of the Lastings Milledge trade, is pegged as the Amazin’s starting right fielder going into spring training. Church hit .272 with 15 homers and 70 RBIs with Washington last year.
    Church’s signing leaves pitcher Oliver PerezOliver Perez as the Mets’ last arbitration-eligible player. They haven’t faced an arbitration hearing in 16 years.

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