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Ryan Church will likely play in a rehab game for Single-A Brooklyn this week, with the hope of returning to Shea Stadium this weekend against the Yankees.
Meanwhile, prior to yesterday’s game, Jerry Manuel told reporters that, while Moises Alou could eventually return to action, he is approaching the rest of the season as though Alou will not be back.
Also, Manuel said he will continue to sit Luis Castillo, who is not ‘100 percent,’ suggesting that the second baseman could eventually end up on the disabled list.
“I don’t see Luis moving as well as I’d like to see him moving right now,” said Manuel, adding, “We’re going to do what we can to keep him fresh.”
Speaking of second base, according to Anthony Di Como of MLB.com, though he has not officially retired, Jose Valentin told the Mets he is ‘done playing for the season.’
…lastly, from what i can gather, Angel Pagan is still working hard in St. Lucie while recovering from a shoulder injury…he can throw and catch, and is still working to hit from both sides of the plate…
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wow, a plethora of good news. only birght spot is church against yanks. he did well last series. so long moses!
Ok, who would you guys like at 2B?
Damion can’t be there every day and lets figure Luis can’t play, is there anyone you guys want?
Ruben Gotay.
Oh, wait. Damn.
you mean the Ruben Gotay who has one homerun and a .235 Batting Avg??? Come on, I was as big a Gotay fan as anyone when he was here. but lets get over it. hes not that good. Your still bringing it up, like it compares to trading away Kazmir.
Gotay is in a strict pinch-hitting role. We have no idea how good he would be if he played more often, or even full games.
its quite doubtful he would be a super-star.
We don’t need a superstar. If he OPSed in the .750 range he would cheaper and more effective than Castillo.
He’s not on the team anymore. Let it go.
“Gotay is in a strict pinch-hitting role. We have no idea how good he would be if he played more often, or even full games.”
Yes, if only he was good enough to play more we’d find out if he was good enough to play more.
Heh-heh. Well said, “ridethesnake.”
Look, it was probably stupid for the Mets to trade Keppinger for Gotay, without giving Keppinger much of a chance. And it was definitely stupid to DFA Gotay this past spring, when they could have put him on the DL with a bad ankle. And perhaps, together with other similar moves (for example, trading Heath Bell and Royce Ring for Ben Johnson and Jon Adkins, and trading Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens for Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick), there has been a negative effect on the team. But that’s with *all* of these minor moves taken together. The isolated move of losing Gotay to the Braves when he didn’t actually have to be DFA’d is *not* going to be the difference between the Mets making, or not making, the playoffs. And thre is no reason to believe that Gotay would have been their long-term answer at second base. If Luis just needs a couple of weeks off, Easley (and maybe Marlon, on occasion) should be adequate. And I would presume that Anderson Hernandez would be called up from AAA–or perhaps Abraham Nunez or Argenis Reyes (I think I’d prefer option #3, based on his spring, but I don’t like making judgments based on spring training stats).
I don’t know that a better option is out there for the Mets to get. Just because they have a need does not mean it can get filled. Think back to the offseason after 2006. The Mets were desperate for an ace-type innings eater, but the only one who was available was Zito (who turned out to not fit the bill anyway, but that’s another story). Clearly, the Mets would have been crazy to even *try* to compete with the Giants’ absurd offer to Zito, so they didn’t get him, or any other ace to fill their need. But what could they do? If it was not possible, it was not possible. Same thing here. If there are no better options for the Mets at second base than what they currently have–even if their current options aren’t much–they shouldn’t make a move just for the sake of making a move.
The Braves have middle infield depth only about 100 times better than the Mets do. But way to be brilliant.
Not exactly sure what that is supposed to mean, but the Braves infield depth has nothing to do with Gotay, but with prospects like Lillibridge. Gotay is nothing more than a stopgap. Hell, he’s replacing Pete Orr–not exactly high standards.
Is there anyone even worthwhile available?
Kaz Matsui? haha…
Are we going to get criticism for not DLing Castillo right away and eating up a roster spot? I know that’s been a criticism in the past, not that we even have anyone worthwhile to replace him with.
i’m sure he can be DLed retroactive to 2 days ago since he hasn’t played since
How about promoting Argenis Reyes, the 2B from AAA, until Castillo is “100%”? He’s a switch hitter who hits for virtually no power, but has gotten on base at a decent clip (.355). It’s not an ideal solution, but he’ll bat 8th, give you decent defense at 2B, and will allow Easley, Anderson, and Tatis to remain available to come off the bench. It’s not an incredibly attractive solution, but it’s not like we’ve got a ton to work with here.
I was thinking the same thing. I would bet that either Abraham Nunez or Anderson Hernandez would be the first call-up, but neither of them are worth the paper their call-ups would be announced on. Let’s give this Argenis Reyes a chance. At least he’s been an on-base guy in AAA (though maybe he is considered old for the level–not sure). We know neither Hernandez, nor Nunez, are capable of that in the bigs any more. Maybe Reyes will have more success.
I did just check, and Argenis Reyes is not on the 40-man roster, which would require a corresponding move other than putting Luis on the 15-day DL. Anderson Hernandez, on the other hand, is already on the 40-man roster. That didn’t stop them from bringing up Nunez over Hernandez before, but who knows what they’d decide now.
Well this is pretty much the reason that Castillo got that ridiculous deal from Omar. 2nd base is a very shallow position in terms of depth in the majors, and even more so when you consider players that are obtainable (i.e. factor out guys like Utley, Uggla, Cano, Pedroia, etc). Omar couldn’t risk losing Luis, so that was the impetus for that awful deal.
There just isn’t talent available, at least not until The O-Dawg Orlando Hudson is a FA at season’s end.
You’re right but what kills me is four years..ouch!!! Kinda wonder if Omar could have done deal with someone for a shorter term til someone is ready or available. Four years with bad knees is tough to swallow. And I do like Omar, not really knocking on him as much as that one deal.
There was no one else, so he gave the extra years to get the best (at the time) available guy.
THANK YOU!!!!
ive been preaching that to omar bashers for a while now about the castillo deal. Im sure nobody in hell would give castillo 4 years but as i heard it houston was giving 3 years as well as omar was giving 3 years. As you said at the time he was the best available so he had to throw in the extra year to secure the deal imo.
I know but its still the thought of having a guy with bad knees for four years just irks me. Don’t get me wrong I’m not bashing Omar, I realize that there was little to no choice, but now there’s a balky knee, aging 2B blocking the way for any real improvement. I guess I wish there was a better option at the time. That’s all.
I heard that they needed to get Castillo in order to get Johan. They’re best friends, blah blah blah…
If it took a 4 year deal to get Castillo, to get Johan, then so be it. They’ll look for solutions in the offseason. It’s not like the 2b position is that productive to begin with…
Sometimes you have to overpay to get what you need. And, frankly, it was better to overpay for Luis to the tune of 4 years, $25 million than it would have been to overpay for David Eckstein (who would be playing a new position, to boot) to the tune of 4 years, $36 million. I was actually excited about Luis’ deal when I first heard about it because it meant not signing Eckstein to the rumored absurd deal. Of course, the more I thought about it, it hit me that the years were too many. Still, at least the dollars were relatively good–$6.25 million per year is pocket change these days! And I also do not think that it is enough money to handcuff the Mets. I’m sure they’d rather not throw it away but, if they really wanted to get Hudson, or someone else, I think they might be willing to bite the bullet–perhaps trade Luis and eat some of his salary to clear the roster jam. Maybe I’m wrong about that, but it’s more likely than them doing so with Eckstein at $9 million per year.
We all saw this coming, but it’s a shame about Alou. He really was a difference maker in that lineup protecting Beltran, who in turn protects Wright, which in turn takes some pressure off of the aging Delgado at the 6 or 7 slot. Good news re Church however.
Absolutely. Delgado is clearly on the decline, and seems to often kill rallies, but it all seems so much more glaring when he is hitting 5th. In a perfect world (at least, as it pertains to this roster), we’d have Church 5th, Alou 6th, and Delgado 7th. But with Alou constantly hurt, it is more and more likely that Delgado ends up hitting in a more important spot in the lineup than he should.
Im surprised the Mets dont use Marlon Anderson at 2nd. he used to be a 2nd baseman and would be a decent platoon with Easley. I guess the Mets dont think Marlon has the range anymore.
Would keep the bench guys fresh at least..It’s not like Easley is a great 2B anyway.
We’ve been playing without him, whatever. Church good to hear, Castillo, w/e. not like the guy hits, he just walks.
Give me Dunn…go make that trade.
No…bad move.
Why a bad move..this gives us a legit cleanup hitter. sure his avg sucks, but i’ll take the 40 hrs that Delgado is NOT hitting.
Cost. We don’t have many pieces and Dunn will probably be in high demand at the deadline.
agree on that, but if it was possible then i like it. Mets need a cleanup hitter, bad.
Yea, but the best option is waiting in free agency.
And the Yankees will be all over that.
I agree with Ceetar. Although 2,500 strikeouts a season is an impressive stat, it’s the bad kind of impressive.
A guy who strikes out 1 in every 3 at bats and according to JP Ricciardi has no love for the game? No thanks.
I would also like to decline on Dunn. I cant imagine watching him and Delgado back to back in a lineup.
I don’t know how Ricciardi would know about Dunn’s “love for the game,” or lack thereof. Still, I don’t know that Dunn is the answer. For one thing, it would make the Mets’ lineup even more lefty heavy. Also, I think he might command a lot more than he’s worth at the deadline–if it’s just for a rental, too, then it’s a *very* bad idea.
Apologies for being off topic, but does anyone know where Kevin Burkhardt has disappeared to? Thanks.
last i heard he was on vacation. I know, the sub is horrible
He actually did play by play for one of the Brooklyn Cyclone games….
Oh and The Daily News is saying that Pagan might require season ending shoulder surgery as he can only hit comfortably from the left side
Gary mentioned during the one of the games over the weekend that Burkhardt was on vacation
Thanks!
I believe he also said it was just for the weekend, too. So, maybe he is back today.
Guesses on the callup to replace Castillo (assuming he’s DL’ed)?
Probably Church will be due to come back as soon as castillo goes.
Get pagan back and give me a pagan/nixon platoon in Left with Church in Right.
Reyes
Castillo
Wright
Beltran
Church
Delgado
Pagan/Nixon
Schneider/Castro
with pagan getting a couple of starts a week in BOTH left and right, to help keep churchie fresh
I did not realize Alou’s hammy was that bad.
Velvet, it’s really more that whenever Alou DOES come back from the DL, it’ll take approx 5 1/2 minutes for him to cough too hard or something and injure himself again.
It’s just less painful to consider him out of the picture entirely.
I am sure he will be back, but Manuel is smart not to count on him.
For a laugh, where’s El Duque?!
Taking up his permanent roster spot in Port St. Lucie in extended Spring Training! :)
How about that kid we just got from the draft????? Doesn’t he play second base?????…;0)
i thought of that, but still he just got drafted no way is he ready for the bigs.
also is there any rule that a guy who gets drafted during this season can’t play until the following season. surious
I don’t think there is such a rule. The only example I have is from many, many years ago but the 1978 Braves drafted Bob Horner out of college and he immediately was on their team, no minor leagues at all.
I believe Olerud also went straight to the majors (though, did eventually play in the minors at the end of his career).
“anditsouttahere,” I think there *is* a rule about trading a player who was just drafted, though I cannot swear to it. Perhaps that is what you were thinking of.
we really got screwed as our two best players from the beginning of the year (pagan and church) have been out for a while……..as a typical mets fan, i fear when they come back they won’t be the same…..
The Argenis Reyes idea is interesting. Adam Rubin reported in his blog that Anderson Hernandez is not hitting at all and may be not long for the Mets organization. It’s too bad the ’stache is down, but maybe this should open up the opportunity for someone younger, like A. Reyes?
(Gary, Howie and everyone else would have fun with that Reyes to Reyes to Delgado, double play!)
too true. Reyes Squared!
Howie?
When was the last time you watched a game?
Reese Havens 2b?
lol, is our farm system that bad that we need to promote a just-drafted?
Reese is already a “true Met”….he’s hurt before his first Cyclone game (sore shoulder)….missed the first 5 games already
lol starting off in true met fashion lol
This is the kid who never missed a game in four years of college ball.
we start them young.
Argenis Reyes deserves a shot. If you look at his MiLB bio, you see he’s been a MiLB all-star at several levels in low minors; he’s not hitting the cover off the ball at AAA, but his OPB (.355) is solid. If his glove work is like it was in Spring Training, he’d stay about the Mendoza line.
The first need for a move is when Church is ready — the likely choices are sending Tatis down (if he has options – I”m not sure…) or DL’ing Castillo. Either way, that would leave them light on depth in the IF. So, if Schneider is healthy, Cancel goes; if not, then maybe Schneider goes back on the DL and AReyes comes up.
I’d look to see if Cancel gets a start vs Seattle; that would indicate Schneider is hurting…
Perhaps we should give A. Reyes a shot but how bad could Easily be at 2nd? I know he’s not the best fielder but he can hit.
But I have to disagree with you LA, I do not want to see Cancel start. I know he got the big hit in the second game of the double header but let’s be honest, that was a miracle. (Last MLB hit 9 years ago)
If Schneider is hurt I’d imagine Castro getting the start every night until he needs a break or if there’s a day game after a night game. And personally I would like to see Castro get more starts against lefties when Schneider is back.
Well, if Schneider goes down, Cancel gets at least 1 start vs the Yanks this weekend; maybe 2. I’d rather play him against Seattle, and let Castro play 3 of 4 vs NYY, than play Castro all 3 vs SEA and have to split the Yanks.
Jerry already made clear that he’s big on resting people…
Let’s not forget that Church can DH Friday afternoon vs. the Yankees, so he can be eased back into it….
If he’s good enough to hit, he should be good enough to play the field. It’s not like he had a lower body injury. I’d wanna have him in right if he can go.
When he first got hurt, he said he could hit, but not field–something about the running around was a problem. Hopefully he is having no more symptoms, though, so it won’t be an issue.
With the millions that he has already earned, Alou should(IMO)man up and retire. Give the Mets a break on the remainder of the salary and allow them to trade for some LF whose team is looking to salary dump for low end propects. I havent looked around closely to see who would be available but I’m sure there must be some team looking to unload a salary.
And as for Castillo, that’s a huge problem. In his first year of four and he’s having this many problems with his knees. It doesn’t give much confidence for the next three years, does it? Omar has look at strictly short term solutions at this point. I second thr notion of bring up AReyes. Why not see what the kid’s got.
I must temper my emotions with reality. The thing is i agree with the way alou has been this year my emotions just say to call it a career..sucky way to go out but its getting rediculous at this point. But the reality is that nobody on the mets can do what alou does at the plate offensivly. The guy doesnt miss a beat and im sure omars move to get nixon is his way of addressing the alou situation.
I dont think we will see areyes for a while. Hes doing good in the minors but i dont want to rush him. Let him get his AB in the minors. We got marlon who has been hitting better and easly who is hitting better as well to platoon at 2b. Castillo to his credit had a long strech where he stayed off the injury bug..
And the reality is that no one, including myself, would just give up on 4 or something million dollar paycheck. Alou is in deed a great hitter but at some time or another he does have to realize the body cannot and will not withstand the sport. Now putting emotions aside and looking at reality, it may just be a good thing that Alou is out now, at this point of the season. Hopefully the team makes that push to stay in the race and Alou comes back healthy enough when the team needs that final punch to take the Phils out. The glass is half full outlook!!!!!
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that nobody would give up $4 million. Also, I think that if he misses most of the season, like he seems to be doing, insurance pays his salary, not the Mets.
Can someone please fill me in on Angel Pagan? Matt just said that Pagan has been working out in St. Lucie while other reports have stated that he might need surgery. What is the deal here?
Is Angel Pagan seriously hurt or what?
perhaps now, Valentin will exercise his real contribution to this team, and that is as a coach of some sort. i’d love to see him fulfill that role and to have him around again.