Daily Archives: March 13, 2009
What appeared to be Josh Anderson’s job in center field has suddenly 
become a competition among Atlanta Braves outfielders.
On Thursday, Bobby Cox said the position was “wide open.” Challenging Anderson are Gregor Blanco and top prospect Jordan Schafer.
J.A. Happ is making an impression with the Phillies in his battle for the 5th starter spot in the Philadelphia rotation. Happ has a 2.45 ERA (3 ER in 11 innings) in three outings this spring.
“He looks like he’s got a purpose out there,” pitching coach Rich Dubee said. “He looks like he belongs there.”
Florida Marlins utility man Alfredo Amezaga sprained his left knee while 
playing Sunday for Mexico in the WBC. Amezaga is expected to be out for four to six weeks.
Reports today also indicate that Florida has released 1B/OF Jay Gibbons. Gibbons was trying to make a comeback after admitting to using steroids.
And lastly, the Seattle Mariners last night signed former Washington Nationals closer Chad Cordero to minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
For more news, notes, analysis and statistics from around Major League Baseball, be sure to visit Baseball Daily Digest.
Tagged MetsBlog |
Freddy Garcia allowed two earned runs on two hits, including a solo home run to Adam Everett, while striking out one and walking one in 2.1 innings today against the Tigers.
According to eyewitnesses, Garcia’s fastball topped out at 84 mph.
…if you ask me, the fifth starter job is looking more and more like it belongs to Livan Hernandez with every day that goes by…
If you are unable to afford a ticket to Citi Field, Get Mets Tickets will hear your case and give you free tickets if you’re worthy.
Johan Santana is 30 years old today.
Michael Ganci of the Daily Stache lists 13 things that are on Santana’s birthday wish list.
Sam Borden of the Journal News thinks the Mets should think twice before declaring that their bullpen is cured.
Andrew Beaton of Hot Fot wonders if Angel Pagan’s injury is a blessing in disguise for the Mets.
Matt Tracy wonders, with the WBC, if World Champions is the wrong name for MLB’s World Series winner.
Lastly, the Long Island Mets Fan asks, “Are The Mets More Brooklyn Dodgers Or NY Giants?”
The Game:
The Mets (5-7-1) continue their Grapefruit League Schedule against the Tigers (4-8) today at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, starting at 1:05 p.m. EDT.
The Lineup:
- CF Cory Sullivan
- 2B Jose Valentin
- DH Daniel Murphy
- 1B Nick Evans
- RF Bobby Kielty
- LF Jeremy Reed
- 3B Andy Green
- C Santos
- SS Ruben Tejada
The Pitchers:
Freddy Garcia (0-2, 20.25 ERA) makes the start for the Mets. Ron Villone, Robert Parnell, Casey Fossum, Darren O’Day and Rocky Cherry are also schedule to pitch.
Edwin Jackson is scheduled to pitch for the Tigers.
How To Catch It:
Tagged Mike Nichols |Today’s game will not be broadcast locally However, you can follow the live GameDay boxscore, by clicking here.
Andrew Marchand of 1050 ESPN Radio talked 
with a GM who believes Pedro Martinez could receive an offer similar to Tom Glavine’s, i.e., a $1 million base with a $2 million more in incentives.
The GM does not tell Marchand of a specific team with interest.
Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com said Martinez is still seeking a guaranteed, one-year contract worth $5 million, plus incentives.
Rosenthal believes the Dodgers are only interested in Martinez if he will accept a low base salary with incentives.
According to Rosenthal, “The Dodgers fear, the Mets fear and every interested team’s fear, is that Martinez, 37, will again break down.”
Tagged Pedro Martinez |
…hat tip to Mike Nichols, for finding these images, which i think are awesome, and a great, great idea…
Gary Dunaier took the following photographs, courtesy on Flickr, of Citi Field, which will feature cut-out, silhouette designs of key players and moments above the entrances in to the stadium, as you can see here, of Ron Swoboda’s catch; here, Endy Chavez’s catch; and here, Tom Seaver.
…nice, touch, for what was starting to feel like a Dodgers memorial…
To watch a video of Citi Field from NY1, which takes a quick tour around the ball park, showing all sorts of amenities, click here.
Billy Wagner has been shut down by the Mets, 
for fear that he is recovering too quickly from Tommy John surgery, reports Adam Rubin in the Daily News.
Rubin, who also details the plan forward for Wagner, says he expects to be with the Mets for September of this season.
…i have heard the same from people connected to the team, who feel, if wagner sticks to the program, he could join J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez in their bullpen for the final stretch of the season…
Wagner had Tommy John surgery last September.
Freddy Garcia will pitch for the Mets today against the Tigers in Lakeland at 1 pm.
Garcia let up five hits and four walks in his previous two appearances, during which he has a 20.25 ERA.
Last night, Tim Redding let up nine runs in two innings against the Marlins.
He has let up 14 runs in two appearances, one of which was against the Univ. of Michigan.
Meanwhile, Livan Hernandez is scheduled to pitch Saturday.
In three appearances, Hernandez has a 4.70 ERA, he’s let up nine hits, struck out three and walked three.
Jon Niese will next pitch in a simulated game against minor-league hitters.
Niese has a 9.00 ERA in two appearances, during which he struck out four, walked four and let up four hits.
…if this continues, i think it’s safe to say livan will get the fifth starter’s spot, though he will not immediately travel north with the team, as Adam Rubin of the Daily News has suggested… meanwhile, garcia will be cut, or stay in extended spring training, redding will be the long man, and niese will resume his career at Triple-A, where he should be…
…by the way, i see no evidence the Mets are considering Pedro Martinez, so long as he’s asking for a guaranteed contract…
[poll id="225"]
Tagged Pedro Martinez, Tim Redding |The Mariners signed free-agent Chad Cordero to a 
minor-league deal, according to the Seattle Times.
…from what i can gather, a) cordero was looking to find the best shot at being a closer, and seattle is now that, no doubt, and b) the Mets expressed interest, but backed off once they acquired J.J. Putz and Sean Green from the Mariners…
The Mets sent Rob Mackowiak, Eddie Kunz, Valerio de los Santos and Josh Thole to minor-league camp following last night’s game.
…i.e., the final bench spot is now 
between Nick Evans, Jeremy Reed, Cory Sullivan and Bobby Kielty…
Yesterday, Adam Rubin of the Daily News projected Evans and Reed would be on the bench for the first five days of the season in place of a fifth starter, adding, “Evans can be optioned to the minors and is already on the 40-man roster; Kielty would need to clear waivers once being added to the 40-man roster.”
