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In a post to Kiner’s Korner, Gene breaks down 
the pros and cons to signing Manny Ramirez.
Howard Megdal of the Observer looks at The Pedro Feliciano Project.
Chris from MetsGeek takes a look back at the last year.
Lastly, the Denver Post writes, “The first NFL team to lead a division for 16 weeks and not make the playoffs (is the Denver Broncos). To commemorate the event, they will officially change their name to the Mets.”
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Sorry the Denver Post didn’t notice that the Mets led the NL East for about 3 weeks this season.
Unlike Mets fans, the Denver post hasn’t pushed 2006 and 2007 out of their memories.
2006 wasn’t a choke.
2007 and 2008 are not out of my mind as a Mets fan. In fact, it’s a scorching endorsement for signing MANNY RAMIREZ!!! THAT’S the ONLY thing that would make me turn the page, and look forward to this upcoming season with unbridled optimism.
You so correct it amazes me we are not looking at Manny at the moment..
What do you think we’d get out of LF with our current options? Honestly? .270 12 65…if that?
Ouch.
I chuckled. No need for thick skin. These Mets have shown what they are until they prove otherwise.
That is true.
Amen. Heads in the sand got us Willie in ‘08 and no bullpen changes to speak of . . . unless we really thought Wise was going to be the missing piece.
Uncalled for.
Why? It was funny.
Remind me again why Omar got a 3 year extension? This is now what the entire country thinks of this team cause he was too stubborn to get some help at the deadline last year.
Crazy
See Offseason, 2008.
So after two years of watching his bull pen collapse he finally gets 2 good arms for the bull pen?
And really ony 1 since he would never of signed K rod if Wagner wasn’t hurt?
We still have a gaping hole in LF, terrible starters at 2nd and Catcher, and 2 spots to fill in the rotation.
Very impressive work by Omar.
he’s a GM not a miracle worker. It’s not like you can pluck all stars from the tree…
you are right, all stars dont grow on trees, but right now manny ramirez is dangling out there
I still don’t understand what you think he was stubborn about.
He didn’t do ANYTHING for a team that needed help.. if there was ever a time to make sure your team makes the playoffs.. isn’t it after the 07 season?
From easy pick ups to a guy like Aurther Rhodes (check out his stats with the Marlins 2nd half last year) or Aubrey Huff (cleared waivers)
To yes a big move like making a play for Manny.. he sat on his hands.. brought in Ayala (from his days with the expos) and watched the team implode.. again.
And this is rewarded with a 3 year contract extension? I need job security like that.
How do you know he sat on his hands? As far as we know 1. The Wilpons likely wouldn’t have ok’d it considering they won’t okay Manny now. 2. We didn’t have enough to get it done.
Although I will say I agree with you for the most part. I definitely don’t think Omar deserved a 3 year extension and as happy as I am about the upgrades to the bullpen I don’t think it’s enough to finally address something thats been a problem for two years to have a successful off-season. There’s still a lot of holes that need to be addressed.
Is anyone worried about Feliciano? I’m not, but I think the Mets would be best served by adding another lefty to the pen.
Considering Johan is the only sure thing lefty in the rotation as well.. esp if we sign Lowe.. yes.. we need another solid left handed in the bull pen…
They should just bite the bullet and lock up Ollie and Lowe.. Lowe prob wants 3 years.. Ollie is in his 20s so giving him a longer deal wont kill you..and then you have the best starting rotation in the NL unless the cubs get Peavy.
Lowe doesn’t “probably want 3 years,” he wants 5 years and boatload more money than the Mets have offered. I still think that we’ll get him, but it’s gonna take a bunch more money.
As far as the bullpen is concerned I do think we need another lefty. My first choice would be Joe Beilmel, his stats are just too good. I’m also a fan of Eddie Guardado. He’s linked with Putz from Seatle and fits th profile of our needs.
For the rotation I like Lowe, but considering the need of another lefty, we won’t we able to afford Perez after Lowe. I like the combo of Sheets and Perez. Mabe if Lowe comes you try to find lightning in a bottle in a young lefty D-train(eh worth a shot to mention what you think?) ect.
Beilmels ERA is good probably from being a sort of fly ball pitcher and playing in that park, the rest of his stats are terrible I’d rather have Ohman.
Agreed. It’s a miracle that Beimel manages to keep his ERA below 7. He is due for some bad luck.
CARDINALS GET - Luis Castillo, Carlos Muniz
CARDINALS GIVE - Adam Kennedy
TORONTO GETS - Adam Kennedy, Nick Evans
TORONTO GIVES - Scott Downs
METS GET - Scott Downs
METS GIVE - Luis Castillo, Nick Evans, Carlos Muniz
There’s our lefty, we rid ourselves of Castillo, and then they can trade Schneider to Baltimore for Ryan Freel and Brian Burres. Freel as a Second Base option is nice to have. Then we give Texas what it wants outside of F-Mart for Saltalamaccia or Teagarden. Of course sign MANNY, and fill out the rotation. Butter. No more cracking wise about the METS EVER AGAIN!!!
Remind me why the Cards want Castillo instead of Kennedy?
He’s an upgrade for them…OBP of .350+ in front of Pujols isn’t terrible….he can still run a bit, switch hitter, and I think he and Tony LaRussa would mesh well.
Castillo can’t run anymore… which is why no one wants him, including the Mets. His speed was the key to his OBP, and without that speed, his OBP and his worth in general are shot.
Castillo stole 17 bases last year and was only caught twice. 17 bags in under 300 AB’s. If healthy, and he’s already vowed to come into camps strong; he can score 100 Runs leading off for the Cardinals in front of Pujols and company.
Castillo wouldnt bat second for them. He shouldn’t bat second for any team. You don’t just want obp in the 2 hole you want an all around good bat. Not to mention Kennedy plays out of this world defense. He could obp .320 and probably still be a better option than Castillo who has on range anymore.
I don’t know why my reply didn’t go through, so I’m gonna send it in increments.
Kennedy wanted to start last year.
Said so publicly, and that led to a breakdown in his relationship with the Cardinals.
I never said Castillo would bat second for them. I said he’d lead off; where OBP is as important if not more so than any other stat/attribute.
Castillo still plays a respectable Second Base defensively. He did win 3 Gold Gloves at the position. Compared to Kennedy’s? I’ll give ya a hint…it rhymes with hero.
He played a respectable 2nd base until last year where he was absolutely horrible. Unless the Cardinals have a time machine I don’t see why it matters that Castillo won 3 gold gloves years ago. Kennedy right now is worlds better defensively and now considering miles is gone I think it’s safe to say he’ll be starting.
Kennedy had a .321 OBP last year compared to Castillo’s .355 OBP in what was an absolutely horrible injury plagued year for him. Batting lead off for the Cardinals would maximize his offensive skill set, and he could very well score 100 Runs for them next year. Do you see Adam Kennedy scoring 100 Runs for St. Louis next year? Kennedy has never scored 100 Runs in a season in his entire career.
If Castillo is so great… keep him.
Besides, St. Loo is not in the business of paying crickety old knees for another three seasons.
I do think Castillo can bounce back and play well this season. But I wouldn’t trade for all three years of his remaining deal.
I’d rather have Scott Downs, and implement the rest of my plan of trading Schnieder of for Freel and Burres, and then giving Texas what it wants for Saltalamaccia or Teagarden…
Toronto might have interest in Chin-huh Lu from the Dodgers. Maybe if the Mets can scoop him up, it would facilitate a deal for Downs.
MARINERS GET - Juan Pierre, Marlon Anderson, Dylan Owen, Connor Robertson
MARINERS GIVE - Carlos Silva, Endy Chavez
DODGERS GET - Carlos Silva, Endy Chavez
DODGERS GIVE - Juan Pierre, Chin-Huh Lu
METS GET - Chin-Huh Lu
METS GIVE - Marlon Anderson, Dylan Owen, Connor Robertson
Chin-Lung Hu…who? Yeah, I knew I should have checked it….
Chin-Lung Hu… Yeah, I knew I should have checked it….
Someone is going to volunteer to take Silva??
any way we could throw in reed and get Endy back i miss him already make it look like
MARINERS GET - Juan Pierre, Marlon Anderson, Dylan Owen, Connor Robertson
MARINERS GIVE - Carlos Silva, Endy Chavez
DODGERS GET - Carlos Silva, Jeremy Reed
DODGERS GIVE - Juan Pierre, Chin-Huh Lu
METS GET - Chin-Huh Lu, Endy Chavez
METS GIVE - Marlon Anderson, Dylan Owen, Connor Robertson, Jeremy Reed
I think you continue to be worried about the Denver Post dising their team by calling them us,
Doesn’t Woody Paige work for the Denver Post?
yes
I LOVE THIS NEW MLB NETWORK WHICH STARTED ON 1-1-09. THEY SHOWED DON LARSENS PERFECT GAME FROM THE 1956 WS. ITS GREAT. BLACK AND WHITE. NO FOOLING AROUND. NO REPLAYS. BATTERS DONT STEP OUT AFTER EVERY PITCH. WOULDN’T YOU KNOW IT, MIKE FATCESSA FROM THE WFAN HAS BEEN KNOCKING IT TODAY. IM SORRY BUT HE IS A DICK HEAD.
Yeah , except they’ve ran it like 6 times
since yesterday.
Because there’s nothing going on right now.
As painful as the memories of 2007 are for me, that statement by the Denver Post is still pretty funny.
HOW is that Funny? I hope Denver has an Earthquake.
Good sport you are. Wish for people to die. What is wrong inside your pathetic mind.
Uhh, did I ever mention a loss of lives? I just said I hope they have an Earthquake…as if they were being smote for their lack of consideration to what could and should be the best fan base in all of sports.
You’re right, I’m not a good sport about the transpired events. I HATE IT!! I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT STAND WHAT HAPPENED!! AND THEN TO HAVE COLE HAMELS OPEN HIS BIG MOUTH AFTER THE PHILLIES OF ALL TEAMS WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!? YEAH, EXCUSE ME IF I HAVE TROUBLE LAUGHING IT UP!!!!!!!!!
SIGN MANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well played, Denver Post. Well played.
Having a sense of humor is the only way to survive being a Mets/Jets fan right now.
Reyes es el reyes…go to the lake of fire.
I am glad I am not a Jets fan (no offense)
I think the degree that context makes a difference within things like this is amazing. There is certainly a notion among baseball fans in general that the Mets pulled some sort of big-time choke job last year, but I don’t think that would be the perception had it not been for 2007 and people weren’t already primed for something like that to happen again. This is a team that was in first place for a total of 39 days and as low as third or fourth for a total of 67 days. The team’s winning percentage in August and September (.574) was actually significantly higher than the rest of the season up to that point (.537). This wasn’t a team that led all season and stumbled at the end- this was actually a team that made a great late push to get to the top of the division but couldn’t quite stay over the hump at the very end. Considering that the Phillies spent more than twice the number of days last season in first place (79) than the Mets did and were in first or second almost all season, I don’t see how you can single out the Mets as “choking” and/or the Phillies as “coming back” at all- it was set up the other way around all season.
Interesting article about Feliciano but doesn’t go into the kind of detail it really should. There was a season summary of Feliciano on Mets Geek that was really, really good.
It seems to me that he just needs to throw a lot more fastballs and changeups to righties.
It’s not really funny as much as it is reality. I still do not understand why people get so defensive when people point out/joke about the Mets past few seasons
As someone mentioned, the Mets have something to prove. Until they do, other fans, teams, and media will continue to “disrespect” them. The Mets need to take their lumps because they’ve certainly earned them, not so much for 2006 but definitely in ‘07 and ‘08.
Time to toughen up peepz.
I agree that they deserve the disrespect, but it’s not a matter of toughening up. If you don’t feel a sick feeling in your stomach every time you think about the two collapses something’s wrong with you.
The only Mets thought that makes me feel as sick as the last 2 season finishes is the thought of trading Lenny Dykstra for Juan Samuel.
How about the thought of having to watch Luis Castillo as the starting second baseman for the next three years?
I can’t see it happening, if for no other reason than I really doubt he can stay healthy (maybe even ambulatory!) for that long.
I think the champagne is sweet enough now.
Only if you drink it at home
stilltheEWM,
I’ve been echoing (with my blogging on here) what you’ve been saying for months. Problem is not enough Mets fans are as up in arms as we are. It’s unacceptable. All the talk at the end of ‘08 was about finding a few team leaders and upgrading the offense (in addition to the pitching), but as it stands now idiot Omar is bring back the EXACT same starting lineup that withered and crumbled down the stretch yet again. Yes, the bullpen was putrid but that was only half the problem in my mind. I thought it was imperative to upgrade 3 out of 4 of 2B, C, LF, RF (Church hurt the team bad in September- I think he was about 1 for 40 in the last few weeks). But looks like Omar and cheap Freddie are going to basically stand pat and “maybe” sign one more decent starter. Now they are pinny penching with Lowe. Unacceptable- this team will not get any of my hard earned money. Why can’t the Mets go out and SET the market for once instead of pinching pennies and acting like a small market team? The Mets payroll is not reflective of the enormous revenues they are bringing in, revenues which are ever increasing. There is no reason this team can’t have a payroll in the 150-170 million range. Unacceptable.
170 is pushing it. But I agree we should be around 145-150. Especially since we have another 33 million coming off the books next year.
I believe the luxury tax threshold for ‘09 is $162 million. I don’t think they’re going over that. If you find that unacceptable, fine, you’re entitled to your opinion but I disagree.
I also don’t think they’re going to get very close to it either, if for no other reason than it would preclude them from adding salary at the trade deadline should that prove necessary/desirable.
[Reposted with edits to "as-sess"]
Thoughts for the new year:
It is widely (or at least should be) understood that the Mets’ most critical needs at this point are in the starting rotation. It is also widely (albeit untrue) that the Mets’ can’t/won’t increase the payroll this year. So with all that being said, what I believe is possible, and should be done is the following:
Solidify the rotation first. Lowe or Sheets is a must for the #2. For the #5 we will have options.
Secondly we need another corner outfielder. So my whole point of this post is to promote the Mets signing of Rocco Baldelli. He would provide a very solid bat and glove for a reasonable price. The guy is only 27 and used to be (perhaps still is) drunk with potential. Also, presuming he is over his illness, he should be opportune to a (relatively speaking) breakout year. We could live with starting two of the four (Church, Tatis, Murphy, Baldelli) for the first half of the year. At the trading deadline we could as-sess our situation further.
Third we need to finish out the bench. The bench is far more important than shipping Castillo out for nothing. His OBP will be over .350 and as long as his hands remain quick, he is very effective at turning the double play. I, for one, am willing to give Castillo another shot - at least for a couple months of ‘09.
Lastly, if we can upgrade at 2B or C we should.
There is absolutely no reason to sign Manny for big time dollars if we aren’t going to fill everything else out first, and raise the payroll.
In conclusion, the Mets should sign Rocco Baldelli.
Reply
It’s short sighted and silly to be stubborn and only address your needs “one at a time.” There is no reason a big market team like the Mets can’t fight a war on multiple fronts and pursue multiple players simultaneously. I mean, if you wait 3-4 weeks to see what happens with Lowe, you might lose every other available player out there. It’s just silly, and I can’t understand it. They are probably secretly hoping they lose other players like Hudson, Dunn, Perez, etc. while they wait for Lowe- that way they don’t have to spend anymore money. I’m sick of it.
Did you ever think that Omar and Boras have arranged for Boras to check in with Omar before Perez signs elsewhere?
Don’t you think Boras would give the Mets the opportunity to beat any offer?
wadehead9 -
mistermet is right, Mets can address multiple needs simultaneously of course with the understanding that some moves require the resolution of others 1st before moving on.
Efff Denver.
And you wonder why people hate the Mets…..
but it’s ok for fans in other cities to say “eff New York”? I understand your point that fans of other teams think the Mets and their fans are arrogant, but ProudMetFan’s comment is totally appropriate when being poked for no reason by some out of market journalist.
Not being arrogant doesn’t mean getting kicked and thanking them for it.
They started it!
And Believe me, it is hard saying that considering I have a cousin who lives there. Also I happen to like the Denver Nuggets.
Why do we wonder why people hate the Mets?
sell the team
sell the team to who? you act like the team has a low payroll and all of the other GMs in the league are clamoring for Manny.
Also Im cool with it if someone says Eff New york or Eff Jersey, but only if they have a good reason. I have a good reason.
How bad you think the Astros want out of Tejada’s contract?
ASTROS GET - Luis Castillo, Nick Evans, Jon Niese
METS GET - Miguel Tejada, Hunter Pence
the yankees need a CF, Torre likes Matsui and i’m a mets fan and i want Pujols so i’ll make up a trade to get him
CARDINALS GET - Danny Murphy, Jon Niese, Dodgers Prospect
DODGERS GET - Hideki Matsui
METS GET - Albert Pujols
YANKEES GET - Andruw Jones
I don’t like including the yankays in my proposals.
A’s GET - Carlos Delgado, Nick Evans, Jon Niese, Bobby Parnell
A’s GIVE - Matt Holliday
CARDINALS GET - Matt Holliday, Daniel Murphy, Eddie Kunz
CARDINALS GIVE - Albert Pujols
METS GET - Albert Pujols
METS GIVE - Carlos Delgado, Nick Evans, Jon Niese, Bobby Parnell, Daniel Murphy, Eddie Kunz
Would you even do it?
This is among your worst proposals yet.
I was referring to the Hunter Pence.
But now that I’ve read the Pujols one, I stand corrected.
do you think other teams existed solely to a$$ist the Mets?
As far as the Tejada one goes…the Astros hate that he’s on their roster and owe him 13 million….they can slide Matsui over to Shortstop, plug in Castillo….Niese is a nice piece for them as they need pitching….I did preface the proposal with “How bad do the Astros want out of Tejada”….
If you’re the Cardinals…you wouldn’t trade Pujols for Holliday, Murphy, and Kunz? Ya gotta remember now that when Pujols hits free agency in 2011, he’s likely gonna command 200+ million easily….Holliday can be re-signed this off-season/or this year even at around I’d say about what Teixeira did….Murphy can play First, and Kunz is a young back of the bullpen guy….I dunno…that’s a tough one….Don’t front on Murphy…
Oakland gets their one year slugger in Delgado that they would have had in Holliday, and a bevy of young talent….Ok, know what…I’ll even throw in Jeffry Marte to St. Louis…done and done…In all honesty, I don’t even think I’d do that if I were the Mets….that’s a lot to give up…
I can say with absolute certainty that St. Louis would not trade Albert Pujols for one year of Matt Holliday (or 12 years for that matter) and two prospects, one of whom lacks a clear position and the other of whom hasn’t even proven himself in the minor leagues.
that was funny Denver Post, we deserve it…
No, We DESERVE A CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
SIGN MANNY!!!
Mets’ Payroll is not high enough. It does not reflect the ever soaring revenues that they are generating. Our payroll should be close to the Yankees than it is to the Phillies or Braves. Not acceptable.
I don’t believe new ownership would change that. There is no other team in MLB that is close to the Yankees, and I think that they are an aberration. I don’t see a reason to believe new ownership would use the Yankees’ payroll as a yardstick. They would probably use the Red Sox.
I also don’t think new ownership would equal Manny. Clearly a lot of ownership teams out there have been scared off by his price plus his baggage. He doesn’t have a job yet, does he.
I’m not saying any of this is correct. I just don’t believe that things would change that significantly and that much extra would be spent if there was a new ownership group.
I couldn’t care less how high the payroll is. I just want the best team out there, preferably at their market value. I also think there are reasonable arguments going both ways on signing Manny. He’s by far the best hitter available and plays the position we need to fill, but he’s also on the wrong side of 35 and an established head case. Do you really want to spend 20+ million a year on a multi-year deal for that?
Re:Denver Post…
Witty barb from an oxygen deprived half-wit, snow blind to his Rockies’ 74-88 2008 season.
It’s kind of funny that in evaluating 2008, people look at the struggle in September and treat it as if it was the only month of the freaking season.
This team was 34-35 and 6.5 games out of first when Willie got fired. They played the best baseball of any team after that point to even make it a race in September. Maybe they wouldn’t have that “choker” label if they’d just rolled over after 69 games.
Maybe I’d like to see Cole Hamels say what he said again after the Mets sign Manny, and take care of all their other needs.
Even if all that happened, you know what he’d say?
“Great, their moves look great on paper, but lets see them prove it on the field.”
That’s not what he’d say…he’d say - “WHO’S GOT A CHANGE OF PANTS!?, MANNY OWNS ME!! Ohhh miiiooo diiiooos”
to quote another username here, that was a tough kick to the Metsticles
If the Mets sign Manny Ramirez, will it be the next Mo Vaughn signing? There may be a curse on the Mets since 1986 if they sign any former Boston Red Sox players.
That is my only concern with getting Manny. His numbers speak for themselves. But so did Mo Vaughns! I can just see it happening again but at 10 times the cost to the organization and the fans.
Is he worth the risk? Just look at Brett Farve and the Jets. Maybe that is your answer.