Daily Archives: December 26, 2008
Last month, NPB Tracker said the Mets are the front-runners to sign Japanese free-agent LHP Ken Takahashi, who was 8-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 21 games last season for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
According to the report, Takahashi hopes to 
sign with a new team by the end of the year.
Today, also on NPB Tracker, Patrick takes a closer look at Takahashi, detailing his ‘mechanics and stuff,’ and what’s next for the relief pitcher.
In the end, Patrick writes, “Given that Takahashi will be 40 next April and will have to adjust to a full-time relief role in the America, I think he’s in for a little bit of an uphill battle. Still, he had a nice string of successful starts at the beginning of last season, is left handed and seems to have a couple of decent breaking pitches, so if he’s in the right role and environment I could see him being a useful pitcher.”
In the New York Post, Mike Vaccaro says, “The Mets should start acting like they belong in the varsity league by addressing their lingering needs with the most tried-and-true method possible… By spending their money.”
I dislike this argument. Yes, i agree with it. But, I think it’s very easy and presumptuous to haphazardly spend some one else’s money, from a check book we do not have access to.
I mean, sure, I would love for the Mets to just cut Luis Castillo, eat his $18 million, trade for Jason Marquis, sign Orlando Hudson, Derek Lowe and Manny Ramirez, and be done with it.
However, like it or not, I know this will not be happening. I wish it would, but it isn’t, for whatever reason – whether because of roster space, logistics, character issues, or available cash, it just isn’t in the cards.
So, instead of writing easy, emotional op-eds about what the Mets should do, I am far more interested in why the Mets do what they do. Why are they opposed to spending like the Yankees?
I understand why they had to spend less 10 years ago. But, now the Mets also have a successful regional sports network, they also have a new stadium, they also play in New York City, and also charge a fortune for tickets and hot dogs.
So, what is it? What’s the difference? Is it a lack of capital, is it outside forces we are unaware of, is it the team’s minority owners, is it personal preference?
The thing is, I’m fine with any answer, because it’s their answer, their money and their decision. I won’t argue against it, judge or criticize it, because what do i know.
However, as a fan, as a customer, who spends a ton of time and money helping to support their business, spending money on tickets and TV time, popcorn, pretzels and parking, only to drive myself crazy every fall, I believe you and I have earned some sort of response.
SNY will replace Matt Yalloff with Chris Carlin as host of the Mets Pre– and Post-Game Show, 
reports Neil Best of Newsday, who adds that Bobby Ojeda will likely replace Lee Mazzilli, who the network has already decided not to re-sign.
…ojeda…really…i actually know nothing about him, in terms of on-air skills, but am interested to see what he’s all about…
…as for yalloff and mazz, i wish them well…they were always supportive of me and MetsBlog.com, and did their best to make me look more competent on air…
Speaking of television…
Best also reports that SI.com’s Jon Heyman will join the MLB Network as a ‘baseball insider.’
…i hope this doesn’t impact his role on SNY and WFAN, since i enjoy hearing his take locally on the Mets, as opposed to only news about the entire league…
So far, Barry Larkin, Dan Plesac, Al Leiter, and Harold Reynolds, among other former players, have already been announced as part of the MLB Network team.
…it’s funny, every time i put the MLB Network on, it’s some in-depth retrospect about the 2004 Red Sox, which inevitably makes my Yankee-fan wife sigh, shake her head and walk out of the room…
Tagged SNY |Kat O’Brien of Newsday talked with Mets GM Omar Minaya and reports that, while he is in talks with Scott Boras, who represents Derek Lowe and Scott Boras, nothing is imminent.
On Wednesday, the Boston Globe said the Mets appeared to be closing in on deal for Lowe, worth either three– or four-years and for worth roughly $14-16 million per season.
…well, these days, imminent and closing in are rather subjective in baseball…from what i can tell, neither of the above reports are false…i bet things pick up next week, prior to new years…i hope…
Speaking of pitchers…
Relief pitcher Joe Nelson signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Rays, according to the Miami Herald.
