Daily Archives: February 20, 2009
On February 24 at 11:00 pm EST, as part of the 30 in 30 series, MLB Network will air an in-depth look at Mets spring training in Port St. Lucie.
In conjunction with the series, MLB Network will provide a virtual experience for fans visiting the Mets spring training facilities on February 23, where you will have the opportunity to be virtually interviewed by the network’s MLB Tonight team.
For more information on the virtual experience and complete schedule of 30 in 30, click here.
Tagged Mike Nichols |
To watch video of my interview with John Franco, during which we talk about his new role with the Mets and rumors about his involvement in the Scott Kazmir trade, click play below:
Tagged Scott Kazmir |
Among some random notes from today is Jerry Manuel saying that he expects Brian Schneider to catch most of the games this season, with Ramon Castro filling in when Schneider is fatigued such as when there’s a day game after a night game.
Manuel also said he is looking to get Schneider a lot more at bats, but this doesn’t mean that if Castro gets hot he won’t put him in.
Darryl Strawberry was in camp early today for the team meeting, but left very quickly afterward.
John Franco, who will be in Mets camp as a special instructor, spoke to some of the team today.
The intrasquad schedule has been released, and at the first game next Monday, Mets’ VP of Media Relations Jay Horwitz may manage one of the teams.
Jerry Manuel notes that Fernando Tatis seems to be in surprisingly good shape with no limitations.
Manuel, on his 80-pitch drill, feels that repetition is important, and wants his players to get strong. Each player will go through the drill 3 times each. The next step for the hitters is learning plate discipline.
Lastly, the infielders do a sort of “kamikaze” drill which seems similar to the hitting drill.
…with no time to think, your head can’t get in the way, i dig it jerry…
Tagged Ramon Castro, Regis Courtemanche |
Here is a video of Mike Pelfrey taking batting practice with other pitchers. The coach, who is feeding the machine, was barking out situations to him, such as, ‘Hit and run,’ or, ‘Man on third, what do you do?’
Next is a video of Ryan Church, Daniel Muprhy and others doing ‘lower-body speed drills,’ as the coach put it – after which a new group cycles through, while Murphy and Church sign autographs for fans waiting by the cage:
MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that free-agent Orlando Hudson has “agreed in principle with the Dodgers, pending a physical.”
Update, 3:33 p.m.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports that the Dodgers have signed Hudson to a one-year contract worth $3.4 million with an additional $4.6 million in possible incentives.
Hudson also cost the Dodgers their first-round Draft pick in June.
…one-year, so that means i have to be ready for next winter’s buzz surrounding the Mets and hudson once again…
Tagged Orlando Hudson, Regis Courtemanche |Gregg C: “I was wondering where you got that new white 86 Mets t-shirt that you had on at Duffys during your video diary. Really cool shirt. Thinking about picking one up myself. Let me know 
where I can scoop one up.”
Matthew Cerrone: It’s made by Red Jacket. They do amazing work. However, they sell such limited edition items that it’s tough to track down their products when you something you like. My cousin got me this shirt from a flea market in Florida some place. I have never seen it sold online, but maybe some one can find it through an online search. I have this one too, which seems to be their only retro Mets item right now.
Matt H: “What is security like at camp? Are a lot of people hanging out with coolers watching the practice? Are there food and beverage rules? Just curious to see the fan atmosphere at Spring Training.”
Matthew Cerrone: I believe people are allowed to bring a bag lunch, but probably the standard no-glass rule, etc. Fans get here early, and are able to walk around the complex, which has walk ways throughout the fields. They’re roped off, of course, from certain spots, so players and go to and from each field while working out. It’s busier and busier every day. Yes, there is a large concession stand in the center of the complex, where you can buy hot dogs, burgers, soda, water, etc.
Mr. Slideshow: “What’s with all the errors? Nothing you’ve been putting up is so urgent that you can’t spend a minute going over it to make sure it doesn’t go on your site looking like a 3rd grader typed it.”
Matthew Cerrone: It’s not a matter of speed. It’s technology. I’m doing most of those live posts from my iPhone, and so the spell check and my shaky hands tend to create all sorts of problems on the keyboard. I’m hoping most readers will understand, and be patient, and enjoy the immediate update until I have time to get back, sit down, and edit.
Of course, Jerry Manuel is driving a long, white Lincoln Town Car, while leaning back with his sunglasses on as he pulled out of the parking lot.
Too perfect.
Tagged Notebook |
Adam Rubin at the Daily News discusses the culinary choices at Citi Field and breaks down the intrasquad schedule for next week.
David Lennon welcomes back John Franco over at Newsday, and notes which pitch Bobby Parnell is working on with J.J. Putz.
And Marty Noble of Mets.com shares David Wright and Johan Santana‘s feelings on the current roster.
Tagged Regis Courtemanche |
I just finished talking with Nick Evans, for an interview I will post for SNY and on MetsBlog.com tomorrow morning.
I asked Evans about the flat-screen TVs, the hitting drills, how th veterans are responding to it, and his thoughts on his first ever major-league camp.
On my walk back from the dugout, I noticed Carlos Delgado staying late, after most players have left, taking extra batting practice in the batting cages, with Howard Johnson watching on.
He was working on hitting to the opposite field, which seems to be the big directive from Jerry Manuel, to all his players, this spring.
Tagged Notebook |Here is Episode 3 of my video diary for SNY, during which I watch Luis Castillo turn double plays with Jose Reyes, the pitchers goofing around on the sidelines, while working on bunting drills, and other items from the first half of the day.
