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eMailbag: Quick Qs, Quick As, Citi and Bench

by Matthew Cerrone on March 11th, 2009 at 11:58 am

Gyro: Will Citi Field still open the gates at 4:40 pm for night games and will you still be able to go anywhere during batting practice?

Matthew Cerrone: From what I understand, Citi Field will operate just like Shea Stadium in this regard.

Mark NYC: Hi Matt, You shot done my last trade idea so here’s a new one… Mets trade Fernando Tatis to the Yankees, along with a reliever, maybe Eddie Kunz, for the Xavier Nady?

Matthew Cerrone: Tatis would actually be a good pick-up for the Yankees.  However, I think there is a better chance they go with a young, in-house guy, or just sign Esteban German, to fill in during Alex Rodriguez’s absence, before looking to trade Nady, who they could have moved last month and didn’t.  The Mets are not ready to give up on Kunz, either, nor should they.  Plus, these two teams rarely make a trade like you are suggesting.

Adam B: There are still a lot of available free agents, especially quality relievers.  Do you see the Mets signing a player or two that is still looking for a team?

Matthew Cerrone: No, I don’t, considering they just cut Duaner Sanchez a week early to save $1.4 million.  Will Ohman is the obvious target, but, according to recent reports, he’s still looking for $3 million and a guarantee.

Larry C: If tomorrow was Opening Day, what do you think the bench and bullpen would be?

Matthew Cerrone: Right now, I’d bet on the bench being Fernando Tatis, Alex Cora, Ramon Castro, and Marlon Anderson, and either Bobby Kielty, Cory Sullivan or Jeremy Reed. 

I have a feeling Reed is leading for that last spot, but if Kielty shows power from the right side, he could get the nod.  Of course, Sullivan is signed to a major-league deal, so I’m sure that will impact his destination as well, since Reed and Kielty can both be sent to Triple-A. 

In other words, I’m not sure yet.

Regarding the bullpen, it will depend on whether Tim Redding is the fifth starter.  If Redding is a starter, the Mets need to bring on three relief pitchers – if Redding is in the bullpen, there is room for just two relievers. 

Brandon Knight is out of options, so he has to be a strong favorite.  Darren O’Day seems like a strong possibility, because he can be a ‘cross-over guy,’ and has a different look as a side-arm pitcher.  Ron Villone is in good position, too, because he is strong against left-handed hitters, and can pitch multiple innings.  

In other words, I’m not sure yet.