eMailbag: Quick Q’s, Quick A’s and Video
Shyra J: “What time do you get up in the morning? You must have a crazy schedule. What is your typical day like?
Matthew Cerrone: I get up at 6 am, and start writing and organizing information and sending and reading e-mails as I begin compiling posts for the day. I take the train to New York, work from my laptop, then plug in at SNY, work on their other blogs and video, then pick back up on MetsBlog after I hear back from people who can help provide context and background information for posts I had been working on since the morning. I head home in the late afternoon, do more work on the train, and then watch that night’s games, assuming it’s baseball season, all while relying on help from my outstanding group of associate writers. Then, repeat as necessary.
Jason K: “Are the Mets at all interested in signing Nomar Garciaparra? If Luis Castillo falters at second, who takes his place? Yes, Nomar is injury prone, but he can still produce when he’s healthy and I think he may come cheap.”
Matthew Cerrone: Like I said this morning, from what I understand, Garciaparra has yet to decide if he will play in 2009, which suggests to me he’s not yet willing to accept a minor-league deal. I also do not believe the Mets are looking to guarantee anyone a contract for the bench right now. Also, I have never heard his name linked to the Mets, which is disappointing.
By the way, Alex Cora will slot in to replace Castillo. I know a lot of people took issue with signing Cora for $2 million over David Eckstein, who signed in San Diego for $600,000. However, I believe Omar Minaya’s goal was to find an inexpensive middle infielder, who was capable of being an everyday second baseman, but who would be patient and be a back-up while Castillo is given the chance to succeed. Cora obviously was willing to accept this role, and I assume the extra money helped make that decision for him. Eckstein, on the other hand, wanted to be a starter.
Mark in NYC: “I have been an avid reader of your blog 
for over three years. How come I am not hearing anything about a potential trade for Jermaine Dye, who is inexpensive from a Mets stand point and the White Sox are looking to unload him.”
Matthew Cerrone: I do not think Dye is inexpensive from anyone’s point of view, let alone the Mets, as he is due to earn $11.5 million in 2009, plus a $1 million buyout for 2010. The Mets would not spend big money on Ramirez, so I assume they have no interest in spending almost-big money on Dye, plus parting with prospects to get him.
That said, I’m not so sure the Sox are trying to trade Dye. I believe the Mets checked in on him before the Winter Meetings, as did other teams, and if the Sox ever had a partner a deal would have happened by now. Plus, any team looking to acquire Dye will likely pony up half the money and sign Bobby Abreu or Adam Dunn, or at least wait to see where they sign first.
Bow 2 Da Best: “Fernando Martinez looks great as a baseball player, I think he’s major-league ready. I think 
the Mets are babying him too much.”
Matthew Cerrone: I think it’s pretty clear that, as of now, the Mets are not blocking left field long term because they still have high hopes for Martinez, as they should. From what I understand, Martinez will likely start the season at Triple-A.
I bet he is promoted to the big leagues at some point this season, much like the team did with Lastings Milledge and David Wright, when they essentially said, ‘This is a short-term fix, the kid will only be here for a week or two, no pressure, have fun.’ His window is now and the next season or two, so it’s time he starts to produce some consistent numbers and remain healthy.
To watch my latest video mailbag for SNY, during which I talk about why the Mets will not sign Manny Ramirez, and why the Mets may not be better than last season, despite upgrading the bullpen, click play below:
