Monthly Archives: May 2008
According to Joel Sherman in the New York Post, Willie Randolph was empowered by the Wilpons on Monday.
Sherman explains, “The Wilpons, according to people familiar with the meeting, made the message simple to Randolph: Just win, baby. They told him not to worry about benching players with big salaries (think Carlos Delgado) or publicly demanding better 
efforts from players performing poorly (think Mike Pelfrey ). They told Randolph all they cared about were results: wins.”
…which is why, from what i understand, his job hinges on wins as well…all is nice now, as it should be…but, if the team hits another slide like the week before, he’s going to be in serious trouble…
According to Whats Hoof, Randolph is no longer the team’s manager anyway, as he’s been replaced by his alter-ego, Bill R., a man who is joking with reporters in press conferences, arguing with umps, pumping up his team on the bench and, most importantly, winning baseball games.
…that’s pretty funny, and pretty clever…i’ve noticed people using Bill R. when referring to the new willie in the comments section on MetsBlog.com as well…nicely done, guys…
Tagged Willie Randolph |
According to Dan Graziano in the Star-Ledger, citing officials 
with three major-league teams, ‘Mets GM Omar Minaya has been calling around this week to gauge the availability of players he thinks could help the Mets improve,’ such as O’s 1B Kevin Millar, and Pirates OF Jason Bay and Xavier Nady.
Graziano compares the Mets to the position Boston found themselves in while stumbling around in 2004, after which a ‘radical July makeover’ propelled them to a World Championship.
To see a list of other potential outfielders who could be available on the trade market, check out MLB Trade Rumors.
Speaking of the trade market, in his video blog for ESPN.com, Buster Olney explains how the bounty of quality, young pitching around MLB could result in a team trading a pitcher like Ben Sheets or C.C. Sabathia in exchange for two Grade-B prospects.
Speaking of acquisitions, though the Mets have ‘some interest’ in 1B Scott Hatteberg, as Newsday recently wrote, the Mariners appear to be his biggest suitor, according to the Seattle Times.
Tagged Xavier Nady |
In nature, there is what’s known as a “pack animal” (ex. dogs and wolves). Every pack has a leader, known as the alpha animal, who has the strongest personality and leads the other members of the pack.
Obviously, baseball teams are not comprised of dogs, but there is something to the concept that applies. For example, each World Series champion has at least one position player who could be described as an “alpha”, or pack leader.
Back in 1986, the Mets had Keith Hernandez and Ray Knight. In 1969, it was Jerry Grote and Bud Harrelson — as well as Tom Seaver. The last great Yankee teams of the 1990s had Paul O’Neill, among others. The 2007 Red Sox were led by Jason Varitek. The “alpha” may or may not be the best player on the team, but his actions and words transcend statistical value — and causes teammates to follow his lead.
Looking at the 2008 Mets, who is the “alpha dog”?
David Wright could be, but his youth makes it difficult with so many aging veterans on the club. But then, none of the veterans seem to have a strong enough personality to lead the team. Maybe Jose Valentin can fill the role, but it’s doubtful he’ll play every day – generally you want the team leader to be a regular.
If no one takes charge, the question is: can a team without an on-field leader find their way to the post-season?
In an article for the Journal News, Sam Borden speculates what might have been if the Mets had replaced Willie Randolph with Joe Torre when he departed the Yankees’ organization.
Borden writes:
“Clubhouses are Torre’s domain. His style with players has, more often than not, resulted in overachievement and his smoothness with the media succeeds in keeping distractions away. The question, of course, is whether things would be different under Torre.”
…i am not one to dwell on ‘what ifs’, and have grown weary over all the buzz around willie’s job security…that being said, willie did learn much from joe, so having the teacher in our dugout as compared to the apprentice certainly makes some sense if this had been an option last fall…
…overall i feel that torre is a good manager who was blessed with talented yankees teams, similar to the chicago bulls squads whom phil jackson led to several nba championships…
[Poll=109]
Tagged Regis Courtemanche, Willie Randolph |
In his latest installment of Rumblings & Grumblings on ESPN.com, Jayson Stark discusses how the Mets clubhouse sorely misses Jose Valentin. 
Stark quotes a baseball insider as explaining:
“Not having Jose Valentin might be the biggest difference between this team and the 2006 team … He not only played well. He’s a tough guy. He kept other players in line. And he added to the toughness and the winning attitude of that team. You look around that clubhouse now, and there’s not one guy like that.”
In regards to Carlos Delgado, Stark reports that two different NL scouts said it is time for the Mets to give up on reviving him, and one scout went as far as calling Delgado “sad.”
On the trade front, Stark lists a large number of starting and relief pitchers to possibly become available in the trade market.
The list includes the following: Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Bronson Arroyo, Daniel Cabrera, Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, Miguel Batista, Jarrod Washburn, Brian Fuentes, Huston Street, Chad Cordero, and Jon Rauch.
According to the New York Post, though Carlos Delgado did not have a problem with sitting out Tuesday and Wednesday against left-handed starters, ‘a platoon situation would not go over well with the veteran first baseman.’
Last night, Delgado was 2 for 4 in his return to the lineup, and also made an impressive full-extension, diving grab on a ground ball hit behind first base.
SNY snagged a nice shot of Willie Randolph pumping his fist to 
Delgado, looking happy and impressed by the play.
To read more about Delgado’s defense, including video, check out MLB.com.
Meanwhile, in a recent report in El Nuevo Dia, Delgado is quoted as criticizing reporters for creating a ‘soap opera,’ regarding the team’s recent struggles and situation involving Randolph.
According to Delgado, he and Carlos Beltran support Randolph, but, he says, the press is trying to make a small situation bigger than it needs to be, picking out only the bad stories and making it too big of a deal.
…thanks to Sam H for the link, and translation…
Scott Schoeneweis will be a guest today at 12:15 during WFAN’s mid-day show.
Schoeneweis has not allowed a run 20 of his 23 appearances this season.
…i’m happy for schoeneweis…this is a tough town, as it should be…we expect a lot…he struggled, the fans booed, but he took it on, shook it off, and is now pitching well…so, good for him…
Tagged Scott Schoeneweis |
Following last night’s game, SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt asked Willie Randolph, “It seems like all the things that were illing this club…it’s like they’ve all come together, is it just timing,” to which Randolph smiled, laughed and asked, “Illing? Is that like the hip-hop term, illin’. You’re illin’, man.”
Burkhardt, clearly embarrassed, and speaking up over his fellow reporters, who were all laughing as well, said with a smile, “I’m trying to be a rapper at the same time, what can I tell you.”
Randolph, ready to answer the question, continued by saying, “Uhh, well, yeah, we been illin’ for a while,” which was followed by even more laughter from reporters.
…great moment…in fact, burkhardt should be complimented for accidentally lightening the mood…nice work…
…at any rate, what a difference a few days make, right…
…oh, and kevin, peace…and word to your mother…
To listen to the quick back-and-forth between Burkhardt and Randolph, click play below:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Tagged SNY, Willie Randolph |
Please answer the following question, while considering the team’s ownership, current management, talent, minor-league system, new stadium, network, etc.:
[Poll=108]
Tagged Poll |
Mets Triple-A RHP Adam Bostick underwent season-ending knee surgery on Tuesday and will be out for the year.
In case you’re wondering, 29–year-old RHP Matt Lindstrom has a 2.75 ERA in 23 appearances for the Marlins this season, during which he has struck out 12 batters and walked eight in 19 innings pitched.
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