Daily Archives: March 18, 2008
Orlando Hernandez threw a four-inning, 80-pitch 
simulated game this morning at Tradition Field.
Following the ‘game,’ he told reporters he is scheduled to start in a real game on Sunday at home against the Cardinals.
For more on Hernandez’s day, during which he topped out at 81 mph, check out blogs from Lisa Kennelly at the Star-Ledger, John Delcos at the Journal News, and David Lennon at Newsday.
Tagged Orlando Hernandez |
In his latest mailbag for MLB.com, Marty Noble discusses questions about the Mets’ depth and injury issues.
He also addresses concerns about Carlos Delgado, writing:
“There are few alternatives [to Delgado] at the moment. Damion Easley is one, but he may be needed in the outfield and on the left side of the infield. The injury to Jose Valentin has created a problem. The clubhouse is quite impressed with the swing of Olmedo Saenz, but his defense would compromise the entire
infield. I’m sure the Mets are trying to import a right-handed-hitting player with some first-base experience.
I sense the Mets will give Delgado every opportunity. Their financial commitment to him can’t be discounted. He is owed $20 million — $16 million in salary and $4 million in buyout — at this point, and it’s not that he has become inept. He could match his production of last season, but it’s when that production comes that is the question. There are enough weak-sister pitching staffs in the league that an experienced hitter can produce numbers. And those games must be won. Whether Delgado can be the hitter to beat John Smoltz’s slider or Jake Peavy’s fastball in a critical instance is another question.”
…i was a strong delgado apologist all of last season, despite seeing him as an aging player on the decline who was battling numerous injuries and clearly wasn’t himself…
…but i also know him as a knowledgeable, elite hitter and looked for him to bounce back…
…while i don’t put too much stock into spring training numbers, i’d be lying if i said i wasn’t a little concerned…he’s an important part of the offense, even more so when alou is out of action…so, hopefully he finds his swing and gets some confidence back early in the year or it could be painful to watch as, unless they acquire someone, willie will almost be forced to stick with him regardless…
…added to by Matthew Cerrone…
…that will be a painful situation, chris, no doubt…as i have said before, my concern does not stem from a lack of faith in delgado’s ability to make the necessary adjustments to his swing…
…i worry because i fear he’ll always be in recovery from an injury, or ache or pain, and will never have the breathing room to get in to a productive rhythm…
At the Hardball Times, John Walsh lists Five 
Questions surrounding the Mets as we are less than two weeks from opening day.
…thanks to Peter Wade for the link…
…in response, in my opinion, Johan Santana is meaningful; Billy Wagner will be good, but not as great as we want him to be; Jose Reyes will do what’s next for a young, 24–year-old superstar who is still learning how to play the game; and while the Mets are fragile, and lack depth in a few positions, they do not lack depth at every position, like you would think from reading some reports…
According to the team, Ramon Castro has a strained right hamstring and is listed as day to day.
The results of his MRI were negative.
According to eyewitnesses, Castro did some catching this morning in an advance of Orlando Hernandez’s simulated game.
Tagged Ramon Castro |
If you purchased tickets to the Mets-Phillies game in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 19, please send an e-mail with the subject Phillies to: mattcerrone[at]metsblog.com.
…i’m trying to get a list of people together, in my efforts to help a fellow reader organize a massive tailgate…thanks…
The Mets are off today. No game. No practice.
In the Journal News, John Delcos talks with David Wright, Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran, John Maine and others, about what they’ll be doing on their day off, which include everything from going to Disney World to a petting zoo to hanging by the pool.
Tagged MetsBlog |In a report for the Star-Tribune, Joe Christensen profiles Twins RHP Phil Humber, who will make his first Grapefruit League start today following five relief appearances, during which he did not allow a run in nine innings.
…according to Joe Christensen…the Twins…in the Star-Tribune…ah, good times, good times…
In Newsday, the happy-go-lucky Wallace Matthews takes a closer look at the businesses behind Shea Stadium – and what the future holds for them in the wake of Citi Field.
MetsBlog reader Jack S attended yesterday’s game in Viera between the Mets and Nationals, and he has posted a terrific photo album from his day, which you can access by clicking here.
…lastly, as i have mentioned before, a few weeks ago, i purchased the Rotoworld Draft Kit…i already finished my fantasy draft, but, if you are still preparing, i highly recommend it…
To purchase the Rotoworld Draft Kit, click here.
…i was able to keep Ryan Church from last season…i drafted Luis Castillo as a back-up second baseman…meaning i have two Mets…which i try to avoid…that said, go church and castillo…
Orlando Hernandez is scheduled to throw a simulated game in 
Port St. Lucie today, complete with batters, base runners and defense.
…from what i understand, assuming all goes well following today’s game, the next step will be for el duque to pitch in an actual spring training game, during which he’ll most likely only pitch an inning or two…which is why most people continue to believe he’ll start the year on the disabled list, building up his strength just in time for mid April, when the Mets will first need a fifth starter…
…by the way, it would be only fitting that both el duque and Moises Alou will start the season on the disabled list…i mean, it’s almost too perfect, considering how much we all joke about how fragile they are…unreal…
Tagged Orlando Hernandez |
As noted yesterday, Jose Valentin is sidelined with a pinched nerve in his neck.
For more on Valentin’s future, which could include retirement, sooner than later, check out Newsday, the Journal News, the Star-Ledger, and the Bergen Record.
…the word in New York is that results from Ramon Castro‘s MRI will be announced as ‘negative,’ leaving him simply with a tight right hamstring and out of action through the next few days…
Meanwhile, Brian Schneider is expected to return to action at some point before the end of the week.
Tagged Ramon Castro |According to the Daily News, Newsday, the 
Star-Ledger, the Bergen Record, and the New York Times, Nationals C Paul Lo Duca still has an axe to grind with the Mets.
In the reports, Lo Duca insists he was never contacted by the Mets during this past off-season – and at no point did he demand a contract worth three years, as the Mets suggested, because contract talks never, ever began.
…the news here is, did the Mets use a bit of inaccurate, but effective spin to frame lo duca as greedy and unreasonable, so that when he was not retained, it would be an easier sell to a fan base who was clearly in his favor…or, has lo duca spun it as such, so that he can remain a sympathetic figure…
…at any rate, i liked lo duca, but it’s 2008…so, enjoy dc, paulie…eat at CityZen or Capital Grille, do well, but not that well, and now let’s all move on…
Tagged Paul Lo Duca |
