News: Mets sign Livan Hernandez

February 14, 2009 at 10:20 am · 314 comments

by Matthew Cerrone

Update, 12:35 pm:

The Mets have issued an offical statement announcing Hernandez signed a minor-league deal, just as Manuel said.

Original Post:

The Mets have signed free-agent RHP Livan Hernandez to a minor-league deal, according to Jerry Manuel, while speaking to reporters earlier today from Tradition Field in St. Lucie.

According to the Daily News, Hernandez could earn $1 million if he is added to the roster.

Manuel also said he will consider batting Luis Castillo lead-off at times in an effort to get him going.

Manuel also envisions using both Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy as a platoon in left field, ad expected.

Lastly, Manuel says he will speak to his team about the collapse, but not until later in camp, when the team is back from the WBC and begining to form its Opening Day roster, during which he plans to emphasis the idea of team over the individual player.

{ 314 comments }

Number57 February 14, 2009 at 10:25 am

Absolutely zero expectations.

gogomets February 14, 2009 at 11:13 am

take away krod and putz: this off season is a complete OLD joke. omar needs to re-sisgn el puque and alou to complete the disaster.

BaltimoreMets February 14, 2009 at 11:14 am

if you take away any team’s two biggest signings – then their offseason would be a joke

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 11:27 am

You could say the same thing about any other team….

Oh, and don’t watch if you aren’t expecting anything.

Number57 February 14, 2009 at 12:46 pm

I was making reference to the signing of Livan Hernandez, saying I have no expectations from him as a player.

dave27 February 14, 2009 at 11:34 am

I don’t want to be mean, but this may be the stupidest comment I’ve ever read on here.

How many impact acquisitions do you want per offseason? Six? Eight? 20? You’re aware its a 25-man roster right? and that we had an ace, and 4 all-star caliber starters coming in, right?

How’s the Yankee offseason looking if you take away their top 2 acquisitions? Serious?

I think Livan is just Omar doing the guy a solid – letting him get some innings to audition for another team. Unless osmeone is hurt, or he agrees to go to Buffalo, we won’t see him.

Besides, the guy has been rumored to be a Met for 12 years…I think they just wanted to get it out of the way and give him a uniform.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:29 am

LOL! I guess all there is to do when you post your idiotic, anti-reality, anti-brain-having nonsense is to laugh at you…

I saw your post at Yankeeblog–without the CC, Tex, and Burnett signings, the Yankee offseason was a joke….

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 10:25 am

SIGN MANNY!!

jws366 February 14, 2009 at 10:26 am

I like this signing. The question is, what happens if he doesn’t make the rotation? I’d love to have him waiting in AAA if thats possible. Huge upgrade over bums like Jose Lima….

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 10:34 am

Did you call up the fan yesterday, and upon deliberation decide that Fernando Tatis should get the nod over Cleon Jones? After of course endorsing Felix Milan over Luis Castillo at Second….Jose Lima hasn’t been in the Mets organization for a while now….

jws366 February 14, 2009 at 10:49 am

Ok, how about I list all the other losers that we had starting for us because of our horrible depth:

Brandon Knight
Tony Armas
Claudio Vargas
Nelson Figs
Brian Stokes
Dave Williams
Chan Ho Park
Brian Lawrence
Geremi Gonzalez
Victor Zambrano
Jose Lima (2006….not that long ago you POS)
Alay Soler

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 10:52 am

Well, Uhhhhh, if you talk in the present tense, one’s likely to glean that you imagined that Lima was still on the team….

jws366 February 14, 2009 at 10:57 am

Dear POS,

I deeply regret any confusion that I could have caused by speaking of Jose Lima pitching for the Mets in the present tense. I hope I didn’t ruin your day. Please go on and post a-hole comments in response to other positive posts. I’m sure its people like you that boo(ed) at Shea (past tense).

Enjoy your Valentines day you debbie downer,

Someone much happier with their life than you.

jws366 February 14, 2009 at 11:02 am

FYI to Cerrone,

Its comments like that that prevent positive posters like me from being active in the comments section — thus dumbing down the site (or at least the comments section — you do a great job).

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 11:05 am

Mimimi mimamami….

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:27 am

minor league deal. he has to report to the AAA

he wont make the team, hes just meant to be depth.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:27 am

If u look up Old and Washed up veterans the Hernandez brothers pictures are the first ones u see!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:28 am

livan is not that old.

metsfan227 February 14, 2009 at 10:29 am

David Lennon said that Hernandez is “supposedly only going to turn 34 next month.” I’m not sure that anyone really believes that.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:28 am

washed up but not old

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:33 am

Yea right, 34 my behind! according to what Doctored Birth Certificate! lol Who cares if he pitches 250 innings if he has ab ERA over 6!!!!!! hello Omar What ru doing!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:39 am

depth. man. depth

Razor Shines February 14, 2009 at 10:29 am

Omar is really building a powerhouse pitching staff. If somehow he can hang onto these extra guys (hopefully Livan goes to minors for a month in case of injury) we have quite the depth, with a bullpen like we’ve never seen before. I think Putz transforms this team into a real winner.

I just hope Manual lets Big Pelf know he is 100% safe, not to consider these extra starters as competition, because it’s usually the first spring training as a starter that young pitchers really grow, because they can maybe learn a new pitch, or master one they were uncomfortable with in the past, without fear of losing their job.

Razor Shines February 14, 2009 at 10:30 am

And yes, *I* understand that Big Pelf is safe, I just want Manual and/or Omar to tell him that, so *he* knows.

QueenzMet88 February 14, 2009 at 10:31 am

werent we on the verge of signing will ohman?! what happened to that?

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 10:34 am

He was supposed to sign by Wednesday or Thursday, and supposedly he didn’t receive an offer from the Phils or Mets…

Considering the quotes from his agent, and the fact he hasn’t signed yet…. I call BS on those reports about the Mets not even making an offer…

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 10:34 am

the mets have no money for gauranteed contracts…

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:37 am

Last I heard it was miss reported that the Mets had actually made him an offer.

hbrill61 February 14, 2009 at 12:53 pm

Dear Chem

Maybe you miss remember.

V/R

Roger Clemens

StrawGooden February 14, 2009 at 10:33 am

Yup another mid-30’s+ latino but I really like this signing. As a matter of fact I’d rather have Livan Hernandez than Freddy Garcia at the #5 spot..if he makes the team of course.

“I Love You Miami!”

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 10:33 am

if Livan pitches like he did in every year except 2008 then thats fantastic for a #5 starter…

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:36 am

He hasn’t had an ERA under 5.9 since ‘06! He redefines washed up!

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 10:37 am

you sure about that he had a 4.93 ERA in 2007 and pitched 200+ IP

thats exactly what u want from a #5 SP

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:40 am

my bad, I miss typed,I meant 4.9! What good is having a pitcher pitch 204 innings if you are down 3 or more runs when he exits?

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:42 am

as a spot starter, if he gives you 6-7ip && gives up 4 runs, your happy because he didnt tax the bullpen && the team is probably still in it at that point.

DEPTH my friend

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:50 am

Agony, I get the depth thing man I really do, and I think Omar has done a good job obtaining depth, but my god how much do we need???? Redding, Garcia, Niece, Parnell, another wash-up Elmer Dessens, Stokes, Eddie Kuns…….and the list goes on and on! There is a difference between depth and overkill!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:06 am

too much is not a bad thing loll

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:13 am

chemtek

yes there is a difference between depth and overkill. Perhaps Omar has in mind the fact that the ‘08 Mets used 11 starting pitchers, not to mention 12 left fielders.

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 10:43 am

so that means that the mets will score 1 run per game?

if Livan goes 7+ IP 4 R, then the Mets will most of his starts.

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 10:44 am

win most of his starts

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:44 am

im with you OLEO

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:52 am

need I remind you of our colossal ineptness in scoring runs after the 7th inning?????? I’m not trying to be a pessimist here, I’m being a realist!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:59 am

so our starters cant give up any runs at all over 7 ininnings?

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:10 am

3 runs or less sure, no problem, 4 once in awhile fine, but the man had an ERA of 6.05!! I dare say thats more than 3 or 4 runs a game over 180 innings!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:41 am

I <3 Jerry

except that i think Murphy should be given the chance to win the job outright, which im sure is still in the cards && i understand that he cant just come out && say Murph yis the fulltime LF

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 10:46 am

if Murphy is hitting the ball like did in August and early September then yes he’ll play almost every day but if he’s hitting like he did in late september then he might not even make the team

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:47 am

i think we kinda know for sure he’ll be on the team…but i get what your saying

if he starts out really bad he’ll lose more && more opportunitys to TATIS

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 10:57 am

if Murphy really struggles then he’s going to AAA at least until he gets back on a hot streak.

i dont expect that to happen…

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:00 am

oleo loll i know your like me && wishing this kid the best

for us Met fans there is nothing better than watching a farmhand blossom

but your right, its a wait && see

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 10:55 am

Agreed! Did any guy we ever bring up
look better than Greg Jefferies?
How’d that work out?

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:17 am

I’ll take “horribly” for $1,000 Mr. Trebek.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:04 am

Murphy will be just fine, I think he should have LF all to himself, but that’s just me. I like Tatis too, but u gotta love Murhy’s bat and plate dicipline

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:07 am

im with you, i just dont think itd be healthy to just give the job to the kid, let him win it on his own, Jerry made the right move saying what he said

i<3dmurph

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:11 am

I agree Agony, let him earn it. That said I don’t think Murphy will have any trouble doing so.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:15 am

i compared his swing && approach to nick johnsons! && its crazy how similar they are!!!

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 10:45 am

Another Omar contribution to the WULPRF!
He’s a slick guy this Omar!
If Daddy Wilpon won’t let him give 50Million
to Manny, He’ll keep on throwin’ a few hundred thou here a Mil there to Washed Up
Latino Players for Their Retirements.
Nice!

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:53 am

I can’t argue with you there fongul!

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 11:00 am

Cuidado! Don’t agree w/me too much!
According to some(mostly those w/no sense
of humor) I’m a 9 y/o who knows nothing
about baseball.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:13 am

lol, hey the only knock i ever said on you was that u needed a support group to deal with the non-signing of Manny! lol

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:36 am

I like you a lot fongul, but you do realize that you are drawing a following of severe numbskulls on here….

mbreuer February 14, 2009 at 10:47 am

I’d rather have Pedro as insurance. I think Pedro will win 12 games for someone this year. I hope its not the Braves, Phils or Marlins!

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 10:49 am

Agreed! But more likely we’ll next see
the signing of Rabbi Alou.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:01 am

Man if Omar were to resign Alou I would have to call for his head! Hernandez is bad enough!

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 11:07 am

Well he is the Capt of the DR team in the WBC.You dont think if they win it and he
gets a few ABs theres no chance?

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:15 am

position players haven’t even fully reported to ST and Alou is probably already rehabbing something!!! lol

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:49 am

ship has sailed..

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 10:52 am

Meaning what my friend?
It’s a done deal?

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 10:54 am

i dont think they want pedro, i really dont

if they did he’d be signed already no?

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 10:56 am

Oh, thought you were talkin’ ’bout Alou.
Yeah, Pedro ends up a Nat.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:02 am

lmao ALOU is going to retire, i think he has too much pride to take a minor league deal

lcs487 February 14, 2009 at 11:08 am

I’m done with Pedro. Done with his excuses and his fragile and overpriced body and ego. I love the guy, don’t get me wrong. He is definitely a hall of famer but he’s done.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:09 am

hes not done. yet. but i just dont want him on this team because hes going to get by with his name alone && thats not what we need right now.

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 10:51 am

This is getting ridiculous. Is Omar going to sign all his retired cousins next, just in case? In the meantime they can have a siesta.
Murphy should start, not platoon with a washed up fossil.
Minaya stinks.

reillys5 February 14, 2009 at 11:09 am

Washed up fossil? Did Fernando Tatis show you any signs of slowing down? All he did was show the most heart and pas-sion during the time he played. Oh my sorry, he got hurt…DIVING FOR A BALL !!!!

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:39 am

LOL! Thank you reilly5!!

Man, I thought I would take a quick look on here this morning, and it is like the prison for fools with no baseball knowledge opened their gates, and everyone came here.

reilly, please keep it up, we need you and your kind more than ever.

How can anyone not be willing to give a Murph/Tatis the benefit of the doubt after what we saw last year??

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 12:31 pm

What I saw last year was a desperate attempt of an old ballplayer trying to resurrect his career, then get injured as old ballplayers are apt to do.
A World Series team with Tatis in Left and Castillo at 2nd?
Please, that is just a freaking joke.
The Mets need youth, hustle, and health. You don’t get that by trodding out overaged players like Tatis, Alou, etc.
The Mets are turning into a bad joke.

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 12:33 pm

desperate attempt???

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm

Yeah, you are right, we have no youth, hustle and health.

Johan, Pelf, Wright, Reyes, Beltran, JJ, Krod–no youth, hustle and health there. And Maine, Ollie, Murphy, and Niese and FMart and more coming up.

Pssst—you cannot have a young stud at every position–NO ONE has that. No one.

Your posts are a bad joke, as are the posts of the folks with similar arguments.

reillys5 February 14, 2009 at 12:58 pm

Exactly Kingman. I’m just glad I found this site. I had to deal with the two collapses alone, with Yankee fans all around me. Terrible experiences !

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 10:52 am

Errr, did all of you miss the Jerry may hit
Luis Aches&Pains leadoff at times quote?
What the hecks the point of that?

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 10:59 am

I did miss it, lol nice catch! It’ll be funny watching Reyes lap Castillo on his way home! lol

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 11:08 am

Or wasting add’l ABs.

apple_outta_da_hat February 14, 2009 at 11:10 am

lol… yeah, but slappy will need to get on base first.

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:21 am

It makes the bottom half of the lineup better while detracting from the top half. I’d like to see it for 3 or 4 games in spring training before I completely pan it.

I see the very concept as a way to light a fire under Castillo.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:08 am

i hope steve333 burns in hell

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 11:23 am

Thats rough! especially since hes only
half-evil.

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Gee, thanks!

reillys5 February 14, 2009 at 11:08 am

Washed up fossil? Did Fernando Tatis show you any signs of slowing down? All he did was show the most heart and pas-sion during the time he played. Oh my sorry, he got hurt…DIVING FOR A BALL !!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:12 am

Tatis is a perfect role player in that hes gonna bust his butt everyday!

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Then get injured.
He’s old! Enough with the old farts already

dominicanboy08 February 14, 2009 at 11:09 am

so manuel is considering batting reyes 3th in the lineup.

castillo
murphy
reyes
wright
delgado
beltran
church
schneider

could this work? reyes will certainly have more RBI. manuel is thinking outaide the box.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:10 am

pretty sure Reyes would hit second…

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:20 am

I agree, you gotta swap out Murphy and Reyes in that line up, but if Castillo could get somewhere near old form that line-up would be killer, produce alot of runs!

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:22 am

Per Ed Coleman on the fan, the concept is indeed Reyes batting 3rd.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:31 am

Reyes batting 3rd huh, who gonna strap the rocket to Murphy’s back when Jose hit his signature triple??

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:42 am

supposedly Murphys been ripping his teammates in sprints

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 11:33 am

so, the point is to NOT give our 4 best hitters
The 2 Carlos’,Reyes&Wright the maximum
# of ABs? And this makes sense how??

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:40 am

Wright will neevr bat anywhere but 3rd.

SantanaClause February 14, 2009 at 2:14 pm

he batted 5th in 06 and then cleanup when manuel changed the lineup at the end of lastyear

reillys5 February 14, 2009 at 11:11 am

Wow. On paper that is intriguing. But our strength last year was scoring in the 1st inning. Our greatest strength becomes a weakness. Unless Castillo comes back to old form and Murphy is hitting, then it could be quite dynamic.

dominicanboy08 February 14, 2009 at 11:15 am

yes, castillo have to get on base or this lineup wont work. reyes with 90-100 RBI will be nice.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:16 am

Reyes will never hit 3rd in this lineup.

MAYBE 2nd MAYBE

even though we are better off with him leading off && murphy hitting second.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:29 am

we are better off with jose leading off, but I think it’s a mistake pushing Castillo out of #2 because while he can get on base(allegedly) he’s a slap hitter at best, singles mostly, doubles occasionally. Then we have to depend on Schneider and the pitcher to drive him in, and that’s clearly not a recipe for success. Atleast with Murphy/ Tatis at 7th you have a better shot at hitting a double or a HR so we wouldn’t have to rely on 8 and 9 so much too drive them in.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:34 am

lineup should be

reyes
castillo
wright
delgado
beltran
church
murphy/tatis
schneider

&& maybe occasionally switch reyes && castillo

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 11:20 am

Pls. someone tell Jerry to Stop!
If this was Bobby V, He’d be accused
of tryin’ to “re-invent the Game”.
Jose is the best leadoff man in the game
and you want you’re best 3or4 hitters to
hit 1through4 because they’ll get the
most ABs.

dominicanboy08 February 14, 2009 at 11:26 am

like I said, this lineup will only work if castillo gets on base and muphy is hitting. our lineup wont be that weak at the botton and reyes will drive in a lot of runs.

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 11:10 am

You notice how Omar is willing to throw a couple of million around here and there for all this crappy so-called depth. But, if he was smart about it, he could have signed Ohlman and Abreu and came out even. Idiot. The first Affirmative Action GM who has GED for a diploma…leave it to the politically correct Wilpon shills who named their veranda after a non-Met instead of the great Gil Hodges.

reillys5 February 14, 2009 at 11:12 am

Too far man, too far.

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 11:17 am

IT’S A MINOR LEAGUE DEAL YOU STUPID F–K.

Also, I’m positive Omar’s IQ and baseball knowledge far outweighs yours….racist twit

fongulalou February 14, 2009 at 11:21 am

Wow!, Why all the hate??

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 11:24 am

It’s just incredibly annoying to see Omar get murdered for doing something every other GM in baseball does…

It infuriates me further when tools like this insist he’s only a GM because he’s Latin… The man wouldn’t be in baseball if he wasn’t knowledgable about it.

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:24 am

I would ask that question of wrightistoopc, but I think you and I pretty well established our positions yesterday on the washed up players and their nationalities issue.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:43 am

Why all the hate?

Because the couple of dozen us of us who used to love the wit, perspectives, and humor here are disgusted by the racism and absolute IDIOCY which has overtaken this site.

NOT targeting you fongul, but come on– every day, the same drivel!

mistermet, alex, fiya, and more and more, with the SAME anti-fact, unrealistic, and often racist idiocy.

Wright is NOT a choker, the Mets are NOT all-Latin, Omar is NOT an idiot, the Wilpons are NOT cheap, we DO need pitching depth, these signings have NOTING to do with affording MANNYMANNYCOUPONS, etc etc etc.

These fools need to be called what they are. Sylar was being NICE.

Moses Magnum February 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm

You know i never liked all the Omar/Latin remarks people made BUT you have to wonder why he gave a contract to Garcia who can make upto 8 million and has been fighting an injury the last 2 years. When he could of signed Garland for that much. Not to mention Brad Penny or Smoltz. It makes you go hmmmm.

Maybe its not a latin thing but a loyalty to some of the players he’s worked with before, because that is a reason he Schneider was brought over.

Hazmet February 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

Concise and well stated rebuttal Mr. Fongulalou. There’s some serious rage going on out there today. Alot of fans getting this fired up over a minor league deal that adds organizational depth to pitching on the second day of spring training, I can’t wait to see what the season’s gonna bring.

As for Matts post, I just find it interesting that Jerry’s trying to find away to get Castillo fired up before he even reports to ST. What’s up with that?

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 11:52 am

You call it depth. I call it dumb…and I could care less what you call me as well.

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Better to be blindly stupid than to admit you’re wrong, I suppose

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:27 pm

wrightistoopc, by your name and your comments, you are most likely a blind racist along with being ignorant of how baseball and baseball contracts work.

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 12:40 pm

Wow, my title name is too ‘un-pc’ for you…how ironic! Trying to censor me only after three hours.

I’ve been a baseball fan for 40 years so I have seen the marketing, sportmanship, and ethical nature of this game generally decline. Just maybe, based on experience, it is not I who is the blind one.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 1:13 pm

I didn’t say your name was too un-pc….not even close. Your comments are nonsense. Incredible you could watch for 40 years and know so little. Omar didn’t throw virtually anything at Livan or The Chief or Dessens or Valentin, etc. They only get the “millions” if they make the team, and hence, are doing well and contributing.

But I am guessing that you liked the complexion of the game a lot more 40 years ago.

And yeah, Jackie Robinson is a really rotten choice to name something after.

Not too hard to figure out where you are coming from.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:18 am

omg you are retarded. you idiot. these players have to actually MAKE the team to get paid. && the chances of that are nill

ITS CALLED DEPTH you moronic idiot

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm

Prepare to get ripped for what you originally posted, but you are spot on.
Omar is mediocrity defined.
The Mets will never be a top tier team until they get a top tier GM.
Prepare for more lost seasons.

reillys5 February 14, 2009 at 11:16 am

Is the Jerry press conference going to be put up? I would like to see it. That would be awful ‘gangsta’ of you Matt.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:17 am

Jerry didnt say much.. just saying

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 11:22 am

Hey, dude – are you down there? If so, can you share any tidbits you heard? Or did he truly have nothing else to say? Just curious….

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:30 am

i live in florida, 11 miles from port st. lucie

&& im planning to go down this week

but from everything ive read everything matt wrote is pretty much all jerry said loll

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 11:46 am

Thanks. And lucky you….

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:49 am

well, my dad is going to NY to watch opening day at citi WITH….my brother…. its his turn this year =’[!

SantanaClause February 14, 2009 at 2:20 pm

opening day in the regular season or Apr8th with the first game (exhebition) vs Redsox

Fiya Minaya February 14, 2009 at 11:23 am

El Puque must have told Livan about the excellent benefits package that Omar gives away. Livan will see the major league roster at some point this season… book it.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:30 am

its not foreign for a teams 7th or 8th starter to have a spot start or two

Fiya Minaya February 14, 2009 at 11:32 am

Right, so I imagine as soon as Livan does, he’ll earn a substantial amount of Wilpon cash.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:35 am

1 mill? IF he makes the team? thats alot? for a guy thatll probably give you 6-7ip 3-4 runs as a spot starter who wont burn out a bullpen

mets9268 February 14, 2009 at 11:30 am

Livan is an absolute awesome signing. The signed him to a minor league deal so he has to earn a spot in the rotation. He will only earn $1 million if he makes the team and if not they can send him back down. If he does make the team he’s not a top of the rotation guy anymore but he is a guy that can pitch in the 3’s ERA and eat a lot of innings. That’s perfect for the back of the rotation or someone to stick in the minors and call up if we get any injuries. Plus adding him gives us a lot of flexibility for trade bait during the season when everyone is looking for SP and we have a few good SP’s that we’re not even using.

Santana, Pelfery, Maine and Perez are a lock for the rotation.
Garcia, Redding, Neise and Livan can compete for the 5th spot. Garcia used to be pretty dirty and a guy that a lot of Mets fans wanted when the rumors started a few years ago with trade talks. Redding one 10 games last year with a hurt foot and the worst offense in the league. Neise looks like he is going to be pretty solid. I don’t see him as a 1 or a 2 but I do see him being a solid 3 once he is MLB ready. And Livan used to be pretty good and in is better than what a lot of teams are using as their 3 or 4 guys so if he makes it as our 5 guy thats pretty good.

Santana
Pelfery
Maine
Pelfery
Garcia, Redding, Livan and Neise

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:31 am

our rotation will be solid, if not for the main fact that our BP will relieve alot of the pressure.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

THANK YOU!

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 12:41 pm

Pitch in the 3s?
That lard butt is lucky to pitch under the 6s.
Have you seen his record?

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:34 am

I may be mis-remembering, but the way I thought Eddie C and Evan said the lineup experiment would go is:

Castillo
Beltran
Reyes
Delgado
Wright
Church
Murphy/Tatis
Schneider

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:37 am

its pure speculation on Eddie C’s part

because wright will never bat anywhere but 3rd

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:42 am

It is somewhat speculation, yes. The way I understood it the only things Jerry had “thrown out there” to Eddie was 1) Reyes 2) Beltran 3) Reyes, Eddie and Evan speculated on the balance of it.

I don’t hate it. I don’t like the best hitter on the team (Wright) not batting 3rd, but I’m intrigued by the much, much better balance of the lineup (and I don’t mean lefty/righty balance, I mean good hitter/poor hitter balance. This way, every 3rd inning is not an automatic 1,2,3 for the opponent.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:44 am

problem is REYES creates runs on his own. if his job is to drive them in, we LOSE MORE than we gain in my opinion.

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:49 am

Fair point ag0ny, but part of the discussion was Jerry Manuel’s attempt not only to light a fire under Castillo, but also to accelerate Reyes’ maturation process. The theory is to increase his responsibilities, and the methods mentioned were A). batting him 3rd; B). he will be calling the infield defensive signals.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:54 am

ugh, i guess thats why we love baseball, theres os much into every little detail

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:47 am

Grave, I agrre I don’t hate it but it doesn’t makes sense to put delgado before Wright. The balance is better, but if Castillo doesn’t get on, then Beltran efectively becomes the lead-off man …..not exactly his strong suit.

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:54 am

I agree. To me the 2 issues are Wright is not batting 3rd, and Castillo is leading off. Basically Castillo has to regain roughly 90% of his pre-Met form. If he does, I think everything else falls into place nicely.

In my opinion Jerry is just trying to motivate Castillo and give Reyes more responsibility. Jerry doesn’t really even ever have to enact this stuff, just be talking about it it puts the bug in Castillo and Reyes’ ears, the rest is up to them.

Elastic February 14, 2009 at 11:40 am

Can opinions be expressed here without name calling, insults and profanity?

Batting Castillo leadoff makes no sense.
Livan Hernandez is a wate of time.

jaydh February 14, 2009 at 11:46 am

I think it becomes difficult when people say things like “Livan Hernandez is a wate of time.” when Livan was signed to a MLC.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:48 am

Can you make a rational case for why signing Livan is a “wate of time”…guessing you mean “waste”??

Why is it a “waste”??

It is a virtually cost-free deal, for a guy who has proved he can pitch decently, and a LOT of innings, and who, to me, seems to be an excellent low-cost move as insurance, especially considering the last few years’ injuries, and especially considering that a guy like Livan could probably do well on a high-scoring team with a potentially great bullpen.

Can you refute that intelligently, or is it just fun being able to post that it is a “wate of time” and you don’t want anyone refuting this brilliance??

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 11:50 am

‘Can opinions be expressed here without name calling, insults and profanity?’

For most, yes. There’s a half dozen or so that revel in name calling, insulting drivel. And they know who they are….

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:59 am

MetsFan4, you are among the very last people on here I would ever want to offend, but I stop by for a quick glance before heading out, and I cannot believe the nonsense.

The racism especially galls me, as not only is it untrue that all we have is Latinos, but EVERY team has loads of Latin players today. And how can anyone call the offseason a failure getting KRod and JJ? And how can people criticize Omar’s GREAT job in accruing piching depth?

Sorry if I am being harsh, and I know the battle against the mistermets, fiyas, alxes, etc is a non-winnable one, but it really galls me to see what this board has become.

I know I need to try and brush it off like you and grave and the true grownups on here do. Sorry if my responses are too harsh.

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 12:11 pm

I wasn’t including you in those ‘half a dozen or so’ posters. Anyone can see you come here to debate and not criticize. You’re one of the optimists – just like me -lol!

I don’t like to get on anyone but the last post put up this morning – had one poster who really is getting on my nerves. Never discusses baseball, never has an independent thought – ALWAYS takes a couple of comments and throws out insulting drivel to those folks. He just went over the top this morning. I think that dude could use some anger manage-ment therapy…..

On to more important things like I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THE GAMES BEGIN !!!!

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 12:25 pm

Just to ask… is this referring to me?

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Thanks MetsFan4, I appreciate that. And I certainly am proud to be included with you in the optimists!

I just have to try harder to ignore the nonsense, but when the racism is brought in, it is VERY hard for me to ignore. I really, really hate that, and I guess I think racism always has to be opposed, even in the sometimes childish manner in which I do it.

Thanks again MetsFan4, and thanks for being here.

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 12:41 pm

Sylar: Can’t post below your question, but absolutely not you. So for he’s not shown on this post, he’s on the last one and several yesterday. I’ve refrained from commenting back at him but I don’t if I’m gonna be able to help myself much longer – lol. He truly is one insulting, unintelligent person. The only reason I’ve ignored him is I truly think he’s a kid who obviously is on the immature side….

Fiya Minaya February 14, 2009 at 12:40 pm

Brock- You are delusional. When have I ever made a ‘racist’ post? Lumping me into that category is insulting. Lay off the koolaid for a a few weeks and you might clear your mind. Jeez.

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 12:47 pm

Its funny that folks who throw around the ‘racist’ canard think they are above the fray.
Omar makes many questionable moves and its a valid topic, especially when after he was hired he pretty much explicitly said he was going to seek out latin players. If a White GM said he was going to seek out white players you can imagine the reaction.
Anyway, hopefully the Thought Police around here won’t detract those with opposing viewpoints from posting.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 1:20 pm

Fiya—I DID NOT say you made racist posts. Nor did I suggest alex does. I just think almost every post you make is the same exact negativity. Always. Every post. Why follow the team if it just makes you negative and angry? I apologize if you thought I called you racist, but i didn’t. Just ceaselessly negative and repetitive. I am sick of reading and seeing it. Stop posting the same negative drivel and think of something constructive to say. Or funny. Or new. Then you would be crtiticized less, and not used as a bad example around here. And I hate kool aid.

As for you Steve, you are just a chilish fool. Omar never said he was going after Latinos, as this latest idicoy of yours suggests. You want to think that, of course.

JJ, Reed, Green, Redding—all white guys, no?

Opposing Livan on his numbers is sensible, but the Latino nonsense IS nonsense.

Elastic February 14, 2009 at 12:00 pm

I’ll elaborate. I prefer that our minor leagues be primarily used to develop our players for the major leagues. If Livan doesn’t make the team but stays in AAA, that is one less spot for one of our pitchers to face AAA / AAAA bats.

Sure you need a few older veterans laying around for depth, but an entire team of AAAA talent does not help develop our kids.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:02 pm

OK, but nowadays, most top prospects spend most of their time at AA….many, many teams have guys like Tatis and Livan at AAA as active, ready-to-go depth. Which we sure have needed the last two years.

But thank you for at least not being one who only is against it because Livan is Latino and 35….

Elastic February 14, 2009 at 12:13 pm

I’m just a believer that the strength to any organization is a strong minor league system with kids playing at all levels. If 4/5 pitchers in the AAA rotation are ’seasoned” depth, where is the room for our kids to pitch and learn at that level.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:23 pm

Certainly cannot argue with that logic….but I would guess that if, say, Niese is not ready, he will surely be found a regular spot in the AAA rotation.

There is just no way they would have Niese miss starts, or pitch below the level he needs to be at, in order to have Livan or Dessens or whover pitching at AAA.

I really think after Omar watched the rotation’s injuries in 2006, and then watched Humber pitch a huge game at the end of 2007, and the parade of awful pitchers–including the awful Figueroa, Omar is determined to have serious starting depth this year.

Personally, I am one of the folks who feel that job one was improving the pen, which was done amazingly, and I think depth in the rotaion will help too….

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 12:24 pm

For the record I don’t care that he is supposedly 35 and I care even less that he’s latino, it the 6.05 ERA I take issue with!

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:39 pm

OK–who should we be signing right now for added, inexpensive, experienced, starting pitching depth?

A few names??

NewYorkMetfanatic62 February 14, 2009 at 11:47 am

greetings from port st. lucie.

i had the chance to meet Ryan Church, Daniel Murphy and John Maine this morning. all were very nice guys and stopped to talk with fans while signing autographs.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:48 am

il be down there this week!

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:49 am

Did K-rod finally show up?

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:53 am

Yeah, and he read the idiotic posts on here today, and sped away in the opposite direction….

NewYorkMetfanatic62 February 14, 2009 at 11:54 am

K-Rod is in camp. I have heard that he has been in Florida for about a week.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:55 am

bout time! lol

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 11:49 am

Tigers may make a major trade?

TIGERS GET – Jake Peavy, Luis Castillo, Chris Duncan, Brian Schneider
TIGERS GIVE – Miguel Cabrera, Norm Robertson

PADRES GET – John Maine, Wilmer Flores, Eddie Kunz,.Rick Ankiel
PADRES GIVE – Jake Peavy

CARDINALS GET – Placido Polanco, Norm Robertson
CARDINALS GIVE – Rick Ankiel, Chris Duncan

METS GET – Miguel Cabrera
METS GIVE – John Maine, Wilmer Flores, Eddie Kunz, Luis Castillo, Brian Schneider

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 11:50 am

^ that’s not the rumored trade, that’s just what I’d like to see happen….the rumor is just that they might make a major trade, and Norm Robertson or Dontrelle Willis might be a part of it….

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 11:55 am

1)SS – Jose Reyes
2)CF – Carlos Beltran
3)LF – Miguel Cabrera
4)1B – Carlos Delgado
5)3B – David Wright
6)RF – Ryan Church
7)C – IVAN RODRIGUEZ
8)2B – Daniel Murphy

Johan, Pelfrey, Perez, PEDRO, Garcia

Castro, Tatis, DURHAM, Castro, EASLEY

F-Rod, Putz, OHMAN, Sanchez, Feliciano, Green, Redding

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm

4 team trades only happen in the NBA

the Mets are done with the MLB roster.

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 12:46 pm

Why do you think the Mets are done with their Major League roster? Because Omar said so? Omar has often played coy before busting out a big move…what’s a GM supposed to say if he’s trying to get a deal on a player like Manny when he knows he’s got an aggressive counter-pursuer in Colletti?

steve333 February 14, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Man, that would be lousy. Better stick to Ponzi Schemes!

jaydh February 14, 2009 at 11:50 am

what a waste of timing reading that.

Hazmet February 14, 2009 at 11:56 am

I stopped reading at Maine & Flores. Please give me a break. After F-Mart Flores is there top postional prospect. Can’t see him going anywhere.

Have a great weekend all, I’m outta here.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:51 am

OMG. way to much activity in there.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:52 am

why would we give up Flores when hes our future CAbRERA anyway! ;]

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 11:56 am

Cause I want to win NOW!!! I’d rather just sign Manny…

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:59 am

&& i want to see this kid become the greatest baseball player of all time!

seriously though, hes going to be a phenom

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 12:03 pm

We’re all in love with him, but for Miguel Cabrera….I make that trade….

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 12:21 pm

Oh wait….we can get an outstanding bat just like that by signing Manny, and not trading away all that talent….we could still clear Castillo and Schneider in trades in my opinion….

ANGELS GET – Paul Konerko
ANGELS GIVE – Reggie Willits, Robb Quinlan, Jeff Mathis, Sean Rodriguez

WHITE SOX GET – Luis Castillo, Reggie Willits, Robb Quinlan, Nick Evans

METS GET – Jeff Mathis, Sean Rodriguez
METS GIVE – Luis Castillo
—————————————————————–
ASTROS GET – Norm Robertson, Marcus Thames, Brian Schneider
ASTROS GIVE – Miguel Tejada, Fernando Nieve

TIGERS GET – Miguel Tejada, Fernando Nieve, Brian Stokes
TIGERS GIVE – Norm Robertson, Fernando Rodney, Marcus Thames

METS GET – Fernando Rodney
METS GIVE – Brian Schneider, Brian Stokes

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:23 pm

how bored are you?

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 12:33 pm

Actually not very, I’m doing a few other things right now, and that’s why I forgot to include Ramon Santiago going to the Astros….

ASTROS GET – Norm Robertson, Brian Schneider, Ramon Santiago, Marcus Thames
ASTROS GIVE – Miguel Tejada, Fernando Nieve

TIGERS GET – Miguel Tejada, Fernando Nieve, Brian Stokes
TIGERS GIVE – Norm Robertson, Marcus Thames, Ramon Santiago, Fernando Rodney

METS GET – Fernando Rodney
METS GIVE – Brian Schneider, Brian Stokes

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Or maybe JR Towles goes back to Detroit too…something is there though…something is definitely there….

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:40 pm

there is nothing there dude… im sorry loll its not realistic at all

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 12:47 pm

You’re entitled to your opinion….regardless of how wrong it may be….

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:52 am

Your name should be “joke” madoff, although jerk works too.

Why not throw a few more players in for a guy who has a rotten attitude, a worse contract, and who cannot play a position we would need him to play.

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 11:56 am

He can play Left this year, maybe move to First next year if Delgado doesn’t come back….

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 11:59 am

Looks suspiciously like a AnotherTypicalMetFan post to me. Things that make you go “Hmm…”

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm

LOL! What was your first clue, the ALL CAPS, the format of the message, or the comical content??

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 12:10 pm

It was a three-way tie photo finish.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 11:52 am

Jerk, where was this pipe dream formed??

Jerk Madoff February 14, 2009 at 11:56 am

Formed out of the obvious need for offense this team has.

mouserdz February 14, 2009 at 12:09 pm

Or rather, what was he smoking in that pipe

SantanaClause February 14, 2009 at 2:45 pm

I understand the impact of Cabrera’s bat. But to me we are giving up a lot for someone who couldn’t handle 3rd base and became a 1st baseman last season to play in the extensive outfield in Citi Field and take a way a spot from our prospects.

Wilmer Flores is rated by some the best prospect in our system.
John Maine is a solid #3 starter
and
Kunz was flatout dominent in the minors until he got called up to early and got rocked around a little bit.

If Cabrera plays LF this year and moves to 1b next year then where is daniel murphy going to play? And if he stays in LF where does FMart play? I know we are playing for this year but to completely ignore the future is just plain as$inine.

I would try to substitute either Maine or Flores with Delgado with us paying for some of his contract. This way Cabrera goes to first base from the begining. Murphy would play LF this season and could work more at 2B during winter ball or in AAA FMart is ripping the cover off of the ball down there.

Also if we lose Maine our rotation becomes
Santana
Pelfrey
Ollie
and 2 out of Garcia, Redding, Livan, Neise, and Parnell

In this situation the detriments seem to out weigh the benefits.

jws366 February 14, 2009 at 11:51 am

Castillo
Reyes
Wright
Delgado
Beltran
Church
Murph/Tatis
Schnieder

or

Reyes
Castillo
Wright
Delgado
Beltran
Church
Murphy/Tatis
Schnieder

OR

Reyes
Beltran
Wright
MANNY
Delgado
Church
Murphy/Tatis
Schnieder

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:52 am

the second one is what we’ll see all year && the 3rd one is what you’ll see in my edition of MLB the show 09

dominicanboy08 February 14, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Do you play the show online?

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:03 pm

yeahh =]

dominicanboy08 February 14, 2009 at 12:06 pm

I’m beatmonty….

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:07 pm

omeniin0d0ri0

im adding you!

garfios February 14, 2009 at 11:54 am

I’ll sign Beimel over Ohman, and Hernandez is 34, not 54 like his brother, he defected when he was on the Junior team, just like Ordoñez. You should had see his father play(the original Duque), he will pitch 9 innings today and play the infield or centerfield the next day while batting second or fifth, the guy was really good, but drink too much.

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 11:58 am

Beimel 2008:

1.45 WHIP

32/21 K/BB ratio

Lefties hit .278 against

Batters hit .270 overall

Will Ohman 2008:

1.24 WHIP

53/22 K/BB ratio

Lefties hit .200 against

Batters hit .230 overall

Ohman is definitely better than Beimel

mouserdz February 14, 2009 at 12:06 pm

All Middle relievers scare me. They can be great one year, crappy the next. See Heilmann and Schoe as examples.

jaydh February 14, 2009 at 12:06 pm

anyone who prefers biemel over ohman loses all credibility.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:07 pm

we’re not getting either so why bother?

Sylar February 14, 2009 at 12:12 pm

What makes you say that?

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:14 pm

because we are at the point where we only need 1 more lefty specialist (no more crossover guys) && the ones on the market are demanding too much at the moment && Omar is very content with the leftys hes put in camp && he is positive one will pan out && win that job

Fiya Minaya February 14, 2009 at 12:44 pm

I’m sure the Hernandez father is on Omar’s radar.

metsman69 February 14, 2009 at 11:56 am

Livan Hernandez, huh? Here we go again, gang, getting younger and fresher by the minute.

Hey, Omar, how much longer till Lima Time again?????????

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Yes, ignorance and repitition love company, don’t they?

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 11:58 am

duque to livan…uh.. we did get younger just saying && healthier =]

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 12:02 pm

okay, okay, so he’s not that old, ……but he is washed up!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:03 pm

loll he is washed up, but what 7th or 8th starter isnt? loll =P

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 12:21 pm

Good point! lol…..We could get lucky… but let’s face it since Kieth, the name Hernandez has not exactly been synomonous with success in a Met uniform!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:25 pm

loll duque was great when he was healthy

&& incredibly funny to watch !

but yeahh your right “Hernandez” will always be cursed until we retire his number loll

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:25 pm

#17 that is

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Amen to that and it’s looong overdue!

whatdatmean February 14, 2009 at 12:34 pm

1. Castillo batting leadoff makes a ton of sense…I dont know why they didnt do it sooner. As long as he can run & steal a few bags, the lineup would benefit. Castillo is still a professional hitter and is a very capable leadoff hitter. He takes a ton of pitches, can walk, and, except for last year, is a .300 hitter, with a very good OBP. With him on base, Reyes will get better pitches in the 2 or 3 hole. Reyes is a very good RBI guy…lets give him more opportunities.
Castillo, Reyes, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Church, Tatis/Murphy, Schneid/Castro
thats a much deeper lineup
still a little heavy with lefties…but thats what we have to deal with.
2.Since Omar took over, the biggest issue has been not having a #5 SP….not we have a very deep rotation
Santana, Pelf, Ollie, Maine, & Garcia
plus Redding, Stokes, Livan, Niese, & Parnell
3. The Mets have rebuilt their BP, improved their rotation, & have a very solid lineup without losing any key players in the minors. Now niese, parnell, fmart, murphy, evans, + kunz have no pressure to develop and mature 1 more year.
—-
I for one am pulling for Castillo’s comeback… he has said all the right things and has the desire to perform. Even if he cant, we stil have Cora, Valentin, Murphy, Anderson, & Argenis for depth.
These are the best Metropolitans we have seen in a while…a killer BP, an aggressive rotation, same power offense from last year, a deep bench, and a deeper minor league system.
LETS GO METS!!!!!

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 12:38 pm

To Whom this news Concerns,

Livan Hernandez is the New York Mets seventh starter at best. It can be argued that he is the team’s ninth starter, if you put Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Freddy Garcia, Tim Redding, Jon Niese, and Bobby Parnell in front of him. This is a good move that provides organizational depth at very little or no cost. Anyone who disagrees with this move because Mr. Hernandez is Latino or because they think it’s more useless money down the drain clearly does not know much about baseball.

This is not a time to be upset. Baseball is here! Celebrate! You can be upset if we lose three in a row, or get routed by the Yankees, i.e. something that actually warrants anger. Signing Livan Hernandez to a minor league contract is not the end of the world. Please, pipe down, so we can try and bring back some semblance of civility to this site.

Thank you,
nymgb44

P.S. LETS GO METS!!!

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 12:40 pm

Thank you very much.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:41 pm

loll every sane mets fan knew that already =]

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 12:43 pm

I was addressing the insane ones.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:50 pm

lmao i know =]

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 12:52 pm

Well said.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 12:52 pm

Well said, well said nymgb44, and I agree totally.

jws366 February 14, 2009 at 12:47 pm

This is a great deal because even though he might “only” be our 7th starter, we need to face reality in that 1) Johan just had knee surgery, 2) Maine consistently falls off in the second half and has injury problems, 3) Pelfrey just came off his first full season, 4) Neise is unproven, 5) Ollie is Ollie, 6) Freddy Garcia has only started 14 games in the last 2 seasons….

so the way I see it, this is a much needed insurance policy. The guy can go out there and give us more innings than any 7th SP can in all of baseball and with more productivity than any 7th SP in baseball can give to his team. Great pick up and I hope we don’t need to see him all year long, although its not the end of the world if we do.

jws366 February 14, 2009 at 12:55 pm

I also just read this comment on mlbtraderumors.com which I think is hilarious. Apparently Livan Hernandez is one of only four pitchers to have 10+ wins every year of the new millennium…

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 12:57 pm

…which makes the signing even more solid!

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 12:56 pm

what bothers me is that given all the bargains this offseason the Mets came away with only Putz and K-Rod.

that was a great start but so much more could have done.

instead of signing Redding, how about Garland for a tiny bit more

instead of signing Sullivan they could have had Abreu for 4 million more

instead of Cora they could have had Nomar or Eckstein or Uribe

instead of Fossum or some other no name we could have had Ohman or Beimel at a tiny bit more

and all of that could have been done while still being well under the luxury tax

that right there could have been the difference between 88 wins and missing out and 92 wins and making the playoffs…

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:00 pm

First of all, I’ll take Alex Cora and his .371 OBP over any of the hacks you mentioned. Next, the Mets are already pretty good. There’s a good shot that they could collapse again, especially with so many players participating in the WBC, but let’s be optimistic here. Putz and K-Rod is ridiculously good. While I do believe we need another lefty reliever, we’re pretty much set. Every team has questions. We’re gonna have to deal with it.

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:05 pm

but why do we have to settle for less when better players were available.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:15 pm

because with injuries && unexpected events we would require the felxability to make moves mid season.

thats why we havent maxed out our budget NOW. because we’re gonna need it later on in the year.

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:29 pm

You can actually tell that Omar is pulling a Donnie Walsh, saving money and stocking up on players in an attempt to pull the trigger on a Holliday deal. This July should be very interesting…

Also, an article out of Detroit says that the Tigers may be willing to trade Justin Verlander or Armando Galarraga before the start of the season. I’m sure the Mets would have interest in both, especially Galarraga, who would cost much less and would solve our fifth starter problem. Marcus Thames or Ryan Raburn, also mentioned in the article, could be even better fits.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:01 pm

oleo, we are not an 88 win team.

we are the best team in the NL.

all those moves COULD have made us better

but we are a very good team now with some flexability to make future moves that can fill future holes. where as your moves would leave us with no room to breathe if a big injury happens…

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:03 pm

The Cubs are clearly better than we are, and the Phillies probably have more in terms of overall team chemistry. But we’re certainly in the mix for the World Series.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:11 pm

cubs gutted important parts of their team… you have to agree that they made some strange moves….

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:26 pm

They did, but I personally believe their overall talent is still better than ours. You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, though.

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 12:56 pm

Gonna throw an opinion out there….

For those of who think we haven’t done enough to address perceived offense problems, is it possible the majority of you are the younger fans, who have only watched baseball during the current steroid era?

For those of us who have been watching much longer, it was pitching, and all about pitching, that won games. You scored 4 runs, you expected your pitching to hold that to a win. There wasn’t these HRs popping off every other bat coming in to save the game.

Just a thought. Not picking on anyone – just an observation from reading here all winter.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:58 pm

The Rays are an example of how baseball was meant to be played.

&& its how we should model our team.

pitching, speed, defense, pitching, teamorriented offense, pitching, && pitching

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:01 pm

are you willing to stink it up 10 years in a row to develop the farm system

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:02 pm

did i say it had to be homegrown players?
jesus man, im saying we should focus on getting players that fit that build.

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:00 pm

you make it seem as if the steroid era is in the past

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:01 pm

It is. The Steroid Era was from 1993-2003.

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:02 pm

if thats what you think

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 1:02 pm

You know there are guys still juicing. With over 200 types of steroids out there and not enough blood tests, some are still taking that chance and slipping through the cracks. Might not be as widespread, and might be less, but it’s still going on….

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 1:01 pm

No, I’m realistic enough to know that’s not so….

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:04 pm

there willl ALWAYS be cheaters in baseball

fact of life.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 12:57 pm

Johan is a horse.
Maine, consistently? hes only had one full year in the majors… how does he consistently break down second half.
Pelfrey was actually handled pretty well last year in terms of use. unlike HAMELS
Ollie was better under Warthen
Niese is only going to get better
Gracia still showed some nasty stuff end of last year

then again, depth never killed anyone

optimism!

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Agony I agree!

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Common misconception: Ollie was in fact WORSE under Dan Warthen. Sure, he was absolutely dominant in July, but how much of that was Warthen? In September, when it counted, Ollie had a 5.79 ERA and 21 walks in 32 2/3 innings.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:13 pm

Ollie wasnt consistent until warthen got him to bend foward before every pitch because it help him maintain a steadier arm angle with better balance

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:17 pm

I agree, no question Ollie was better under WArthen!

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:32 pm

so what about September, do we forget about that?

larousse February 14, 2009 at 1:00 pm

I love the idea of having four guys (Livan, Redding, Garcia, and Niese) battling for one position because it forces someone to step up and prove that they deserve the spot. Last year we really didn’t have any pitching depth, when Pedro and Maine went down we didn’t have too many viable options, but this year we have four guys, all of whom could be a guaranteed fifth starter on any other team. Only one of these guys will have the fifth spot but that means we have three other guys for spot starts and/or bullpen help, which at some point during the year you know we are going to need. I know these guys are not aces and we can’t expect them to carry us into the post season but an excess of starting pitching can never be a bad thing. Teams are always looking for pitching and hopefully we won’t need all the guys that we have but some team will and that just might give us the leverage we need to make a meaning full trade for a power bat or any other specific need that arises during the season. But please remember that pitching wins championships. At some point during this season we are going to need a few spot starts and we should feel lucky to know that we have three viable options.

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Here’s some food for thought: who would you rather have competing for the fifth slot: Garcia/Redding/Niese/Hernandez (Mets) or Park/Happ/Kendrick/Carrasco (Phillies)?

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:03 pm

you forgot the almighty EATON

MetsFan4Decades February 14, 2009 at 1:06 pm

I’m of the opinion that the Phills have bigger question marks in their rotation than we do. Time will tell…
But really, they’ve got the kid Cole who pitched more innings last year than anyone in the NL, the old man (and a two year contract no less?), Meyers who had a split year, and heck, I don’t even know who their 4th and 5th guy are….

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Blanton is a rock at the 4, but their fifth guy is up in the air.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:08 pm

I agree on the question marks on phily, especially the ageless wonder.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:04 pm

Just throwing this out there……… Since we are in the depth adding phase why not take a flyer on Sheets for the second half?

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:07 pm

sheets will get paid a crapload to go to the yankees in august so Joba can go to the bullpen for the playoffs

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:14 pm

no othert akers for Sheets??

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:17 pm

if the Yankees want him they will get him. We dont have enough money to sign a reliever let alone an ace

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 1:05 pm

The problem with Omar is that while his thinking might be justified in saying that Putz/K-Rod will close the gap between the Mets and Phils, the real question remains:
Will the Mets same “choke” offense sustain the improvements of the other three teams?This division is clearly improved–the Mets might be slightly better and still have less wins than last year. They needed another impact bat to overcome the overall increased level of play.

nymgb44 February 14, 2009 at 1:09 pm

That’s not true. Adding the reigning single-season save king and the best closer in baseball on Opening Day 2008 is a much bigger improvement than Raul Ibanez, Willingham/Olsen, or Lowe/KK/Vasquez. Plus, we brought back Ollie.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:11 pm

absolutely, what were the phils thinking paying twice as much for Ibanez when they coulda had Burrel back for 16 million????

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:24 pm

burrell = streaky
ibanez = consistent

i think phillies got better on that one.

whats going to hurt the phillies is there bullpen. i have a feeling its going to fall apart without romero because no way in hell is lidge going to be perfect again.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:28 pm

maybe, but for 16 million less I could deal with a little streaky ness! not too mention he raked against the Mets, that alone should be worth something to the Phils I think.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:30 pm

oops, I forgot I also agree that not having J.C. romero for the first 50 is gonna hurt them big time. Hope fully by then we’ll be long gone!

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 1:22 pm

You’re looking at “improvement” as strictly from a trade standpoint. The Nats and Marlins will be better because they are maturing and a year older. I expect Zimmerman and Milledge to be better this year as well as the Marlin’s pitching staff.

TACOS February 14, 2009 at 1:06 pm

ANOTHER TACO GOOBLED UP BY OMAR!

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:15 pm

K-Rod and Putz were amazing moves but we need to have the lead going into the 8th inning.

and if Delgado returns to normal (.260 30 HR 100 RBI) and Pelfrey doesnt repeat then we’ll have a lot less leads late in the gam

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:20 pm

This is Delgado’s contract year, if he’s healthy he gonna rake, and rake big! Pelfrey’s gonna be a stud, the kid has got it figured out!

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Pelfrey is only going to get better. idk why he would be considered a question mark at all.

“comeback down to earth” WTF if that

his earth is SOLID #2 starter

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:21 pm

if delgado hits 30hr with 100rbi

hes done his job.

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 1:23 pm

That RF deck is going to be mighty inviting for Carlos.

0h the ag0ny February 14, 2009 at 1:25 pm

i can see beltran hitting 35+ with that RF porch

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Beltran and Delgado both should hit many out there!

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:26 pm

Pelfrey was awful up until this season. Its possible that he’s just as good or better and its also possible that he’ll struggle.

If Pelfrey goes out and gets 15+ W and an ERA under 3.75 then we should be set for the playoffs as long as everyone stays healthy and Ollie doesnt implode in september again…

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 1:34 pm

How can you say Pelfrey was awful before??? true he struggled at first in ‘07 and beginning ‘08 but you seem to forget he was still pitching colege ball in ‘06 if u ask me (and a ton of others) Pelfrey has done far better than expected so soon!

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:40 pm

because he had a career ERA in the high 5s until may of 2008.

In my opinion this team is going to need Pelfrey to at least repeat what he did last season if they want to be true contenders

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 1:37 pm

Pelfrey is the key to the Mets this year…if he doesn’t take the next step as a consistent #2, we’ll be in for another underwhelming season. On offense, I’m going to take a different route and say the key is David “I think we should have signed Manny, but Omar told me to shut up so I changed my postion in an effort to maintain my spotless image for Madison Avenue” Wright actually goes up to the plate with an idea of what to do with men on base.

oleosmirf February 14, 2009 at 1:46 pm

i agree 100%

imagine how good wright would be if he could hit a slider from a righty…

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 2:10 pm

Pelf, is gonna be just fine this year and I expect even better. The bullpen improvements alone are going to help him relax and be better. He’s got it figured out.

chemteck29 February 14, 2009 at 2:12 pm

Also, I do have to respectfully disagree with you on Wright being the key on offense, wright will still be his stellar self, but Mr Delgado is going to be the real key in ‘09 on offense!

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 2:22 pm

No disrespect either, but Wright was FAR from stellar last year. His miserable 9th inning at bat with Murphy on third and nobody out was critical to the Mets elimination. It was UNFORGIVABLE because it was so pathetic…he was lost and clueless with no plan. His 124 rbis although rather “meaty” at first glance was weak and “girlish.” His mental toughness with men on base was pathetic and abysmal.
He cost us the season as much as that bullpen.

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 2:51 pm

You are certainly entitled to air your views, but I consider it myopic and shortsighted to hold one at bat against the best position player on the team, perhaps the best position player the franchise has ever developed. I hope it will take something less than steroid using robots who bat 1.000 to make you appreciate a great player.

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 2:57 pm

I’m not being myopic…Wright hit .237 with runners on…that doesn’t translate into stellar.

The last at-bat was icing on mud pie.

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 3:03 pm

I’m not sure to what you’re referring when you say Wright batted .237 with “runners on.” In 2008 with “men on base” he batted .290.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 3:06 pm

Well, grave, Wright is an insincere, girlish, pathetic choker. If he knew what to do with men on base, he would have–and SHOULD have–had 278 RBI last year, like most of the league leaders did.

Don’t you know that is a fact that cannot be disputed?

This guy is almost certainly F-u-r-i-o-s-o/D-W-r-U-n-c-l back yet again. Which means he will be gone soon.

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 3:08 pm

runners in scoring position and two out, perhaps? I clearly remember the BA as .237 in some clutch scenario. However, you define it, his approach to clutch hitting was indefensible.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 3:14 pm

We know that facts have little to do with arguments like yours.

In 2006 Wright hit .358 w/runners in scoring position and 2 outs.

As he will this year, when every game does not come down to needing hits like this in the late innings, with our dramatically improved bullpen.

You can learn a lot on this site, as many of us do constantly.

Try it.

Cactus February 14, 2009 at 3:20 pm

What about his double clutching on most of the 9th innning grounders hit to him the last 3 years?

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 3:21 pm

Gee, lets bring up a stat from 2006! Talk about twisting the facts to augment your position.

Please verify what he did in this exact scenario in 2008, Einstein. You know, like lkast year which is more relevant. I’m sure you won’t get back to me like you couldn’t dispute the other facts so you took up this little dispute in your smarmy little arrogant way.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 3:31 pm

Arguing with people like you is ridiculous, and I need to grow up some and realize that…and I am only smarmy when dealing with the unreasonable folks on here, and you have rocketed to the head of the cla*s with impressive speed. I am actually usually pretty upbeat and often try to be funny, but the ignorant and the racist do make me childish and angry pretty quickly.

Last year, Wright hit .302/.390/.534 and was in the top 5–10 in just about every category.

He hit 33 HR, 42 2B.

115 R, 94 BB.

124 RBI.

And won a Gold Glove.

Those are facts, but I know, you seem to remember him hitting .237 in some situation, so yeah, you win the argument.

Have a nice day and enjoy your short time before being banned for the 4th time.

Cactus February 14, 2009 at 3:20 pm

Is Charlie Hough available for a minor league contract?

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 3:27 pm

wrightistoopc, you might be surprised but at least on some level I am going to agree with you. David Wright, at least in the context of batting average, is not particularly good in “2 out RISP” situations. His career numbers beginning with his first full season are .227, .358, .200 & .247.

However, in the context of the infamous AB with Murphy on 3rd with no one out, Wright is actually a phenomenal hitter with runners on 3rd and less than 2 out, but he had a bad ‘08 in that category. His career numbers “runner on 3rd, less than 2 out” are .500, .485, .559 & .259 last season. So yes, he had an off year. Does that make him “girlish?” I think not, and his career pattern so far suggests that 2008 was an anomaly in that situation.

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 3:44 pm

I used the word girlish to exagerrate his timidness and lack of aggressiveness in those situations. Straw commented on the FAN his inability and poor mental approach in these situations as well….although I didn’t need Straw to tell me that. Harsh words, yes. Fair? Probably not. But, I’m not ready to backtrack either. As the number three hitter he did not come through in SO MANY critical situations last year…too many to count. The infamous Murphy at-bat was very symbolic on his entire season. The stats were much more prolific than the actual contribution. Jose/Church/Murph were on base a ton of times in front of him. I would venture without looking at the stats he led the league or #2 or #3 at the very least in runners LOB. To somewhat detract from my bias of David, I though he played a great 3B.

ASod1975 February 14, 2009 at 4:01 pm

Straw would know about a poor mental approach in big situations as he struck out just about every other at bat in the 1986 NLCS and World Series. He did slam 3 big homers, though….

metsin080910 February 14, 2009 at 4:25 pm

This is probably just to motivate Garcia and Redding, I’m sure Omar wants Garcia to be healthy and win the spot, so he is lighting a fire under him.

GravediggerHebner February 14, 2009 at 4:44 pm

wrightistoopc, I can’t locate any stats regarding LOB so I’ll keep an open mind about that, but I can’t be definitive either way without some concrete evidence.

Offensively, by the fairly straightforward measures of BA, OBP, SLG and OPS, David Wright was the 3rd best 3rd baseman in MLB last year, and the 2 guys with better numbers where the fragile 36 year old Chipper Jones, and the self-acknowledged cheating 32 year old Alex Rodriguez. I think it’s reasonable to expect the 25 year old David Wright to improve and to cut him some slack, while appreciating just how good a hitter he is. But if you prefer to isolate some numbers and use them to hate on him, it’s your prerogative.

I appreciate your debating with me reasonably. It’s nice to be able to disagree without expletives.

Airfeet February 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Jerry Manuel is an awful manager.

Jaxsonhype February 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

Just to play devil’s advocate, Wright was pretty bad down the stretch last year with RISP. On the year he hit .243 with RISP and .247 with 2 outs and RISP. On top of that, when it came to hitting with men on base in ‘late inning pressure’ situations (any at-bat in the seventh inning or later where the batter’s team trails by three runs or less) he hit .212. Don’t get me wrong, Wright isn’t the problem, but the Mets don’t have anyone that was able to hit in the clutch and have done nothing to correct that. Abreu would have been nice, for comparison he hit .382 with RISP and 2 outs and .414 in late inning pressure with men on.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 11:33 am

Thanks for the good sense phuk, and of course you are right. How could anyone who has ever watched baseball and who has a brain (granted, those two qualities probably only are possessed by about 9% of posters on here lately) think that guys like The Chief and Livan are not monumnetal improvements over guys like Lima and Figueroa?

The idiocy on here lately is not a good omen for what it is going to be like here when the season starts.

gipper82475 February 14, 2009 at 1:07 pm

Very well said, Brock!

gipper82475 February 14, 2009 at 1:10 pm

But, at the end of the day, you live in a fourth-rate “city” and have such a pathetic life as to spend your time trolling on other team’s blogs.

Philadephia – where nothing of consequence has happened since 1787.

gipper82475 February 14, 2009 at 1:11 pm

*Philadelphia – stupid sticky “l” key.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 1:28 pm

Thanks Gip!

And thanks for this amazing quote, which is sure to be the new one the Philly visitors center adopts, as it is TOO perfect:

“Philadelphia – where nothing of consequence has happened since 1787.”

LOL!!

wrightistoopc February 14, 2009 at 2:13 pm

I meant Original Kingman.

Brock Landers aka The Original Kingman 26 February 14, 2009 at 2:53 pm

Not sure what this refers to, nor do I care, but with the incredibly comical nonsese and ignorance you display on this thread, being criticized by you is clearly something any rational adult would look at as a compliment.

Your comments about Wright being girlish, about him censoring his speech, not knowing what to do with men on base, and the topper of them all–judging him on one at bat, etc, are meaningless. Just idiocy.

But I am starting to think you are just the latest re-incarnation of F-u-r-i-o-s-o.

Saying Wright was equally responsible for last year as the pen was may be the single stupidest thing ever posted on the internet, let alone just this site.

ASod1975 February 14, 2009 at 3:53 pm

I suppose this guy would rather have a stiff like Pedro Feliz manning the hot corner…29 blown saves, enough said. However, do you think Omar is going to do something else to upgrade the bench? The bench needs a righty bat with some pop, some decent options still out there…..

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