Daily Archives: April 23, 2009
Update, 8:10 am:
Adam Rubin in the Daily News reports, ‘coaches may be on the firing line,’ as well, citing a ‘team insider.’
Also, Rubin adds that if the team is to make a change in the starting rotation, it could come at the expense of Oliver Perez or Mike Pelfrey, ‘who can be optioned to the minors without passing through waivers.’
Original Post:
Following today’s game, Jerry Manuel told reporters that he will use his current set of pitchers one more time through the rotation, and if things do not get better, he will make a change.
“It’s not rocket science,” he 
explained. “If they ain’t pitching, then you’ve got to find somebody who will.”
Manuel also said he would like to add an additional relief pitcher to the bullpen for this weekend’s series against the Nationals.
…well, i am not sure who from the bench will get the axe, to make room for manuel’s pitcher… i do think this statement is telling, though, since it would suggest he is not happy with the roster that has been given to him… i’m thinking, if manuel gets his way, it could mean a demotion for Jeremy Reed, or the end of Gary Sheffield, who is hitting just .111 and was 0 for 5 against the Cardinals…
By the way, if you have yet to do so,
click here to vote in today’s MetsBlog Fan Confidence Rating.
As a final recap on today’s game, SNY’s online, post-game call-in show, The Happy Recast, took to the air.
During tonight’s show, we recapped the day’s game, discussed the myriad issues surrounding the Mets, interviewed SNY’s Ted Berg, and recapped the night’s minor league action.
To listen to the show on demand, click below:
In case you missed it from earlier today…
Last week, I was able to sit down and talk with Omar Minaya for a few minutes while in the Mets dugout in Citi Field.
There is no point in discussing with 
him past decisions and trades, because he has given that interview to a dozen other places in the last few weeks.
So, since the MLB Trade Deadline is less than three months away, and it will be only a matter of time before you and I start drawing up mock trades, I decided to ask him about the job of the GM, how trades are made, and how he deals with fan criticism and suggestion.
To watch the six-minute interview, scroll down and click play below – otherwise, you can read the transcript here:
Matthew Cerrone: If you could, walk me through a typical trade, who contacts whom, how does it happen?
Omar Minaya: Well, a typical trade is when one party, or two parties, though sometimes you may have three or four, and one party reaches out to another party and will say, ‘I have interest in so-and-so player,’ or, ‘What are your interests, I may have something you need.’ Usually there is dialogue that goes on, and we say, ‘Hey, we do have interest in that guy, what will you be looking for?’ Sometimes you say, ‘That’s too rich for me, we see this guy like that, what 
about this guy instead,’ and you go back and forth, you exchange names, and in the end you try to make a deal that works for both teams. But, really, trades are more about needs. One team will have a need, and what both teams try to do is fill each other’s needs in trading these players.
Matthew Cerrone: So, do you know that going in? I mean, let’s say for the sake of argument you need a starting pitcher and there is someone on another team that you identify as someone you have interest in, but you know that other team doesn’t need anything you have, then what happens?
Omar Minaya: Well, sometimes there are different types of needs: there are major-league needs and there are minor-league needs… Every team is always looking for young prospects. That being said, you still approach a team because you just don’t know what may happen by having dialogue. You may find out that the guy you have at the major-league level the other team doesn’t need right now, but there may be a guy in the minor leagues that you say to yourself, ‘You know what, this guy is someone I may want,’ and they say, ‘Hey, by the way, we do need a minor-league pitcher or outfielder,’ or something like that.
Matthew Cerrone: What percentage of your typical day is spent focused on finances as opposed to focused on talent? I know coming from your scouting days you probably enjoy the talent side more, but what’s the percentage?
Omar Minaya: It varies different times of the year. There are some times during the year, like during the winter meetings, where it’s mostly about talent, but there are also contract negotiations with finances. On the whole, I would say that with the way the game is today you have a third of the day that’s going to be focused on finances, a third of the day that’s going to be focused on talent, and a third of the day that’s going to be focused on communication with the media, your owners and your staff.
Matthew Cerrone: OK, so, you reach out to the other team, there’s a fit, and you start talking. I assume at that point you need to go back to ownership or look at payroll and go through that entire process. I assume the other team also goes through all that? How long does it take from the time you make that initial call to the time the deal is completed?
Omar Minaya: It varies. I have been in situations where trades can take up to six, seven months, sometimes even up to a year. I have also been in situations where trades can get done within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Matthew Cerrone: Is that like at the winter meetings?
Omar Minaya: Yes. Some things happen real quickly, and some things you’ve been working on. I mean, there are some guys I’ve been talking about for a while, trying to get, and it’s just not the right time, but you keep your eyes on him and keep your focus on him. You place a call and say, ‘If you ever want to trade this guy give me a call.’
Matthew Cerrone: Are you a fan of any other sports?
Omar Minaya: Oh yeah, I’m a fan of most sports. You know, I enjoy basketball and I enjoy football.
Matthew Cerrone: What are your favorite teams?
Omar Minaya: Well, I grew up in New York so I’m a Knicks fan. In football, I used to like the Raiders, believe it or not. Over the years I began to like the New York teams because I became friends with guys like Mike Tannenbaum from the Jets, and, living in New Jersey, my kids became fans of the Giants. Right now I’m rooting for the Jets 
and the Giants, but if the Raiders are good I’m probably going to be back on the bandwagon.
Matthew Cerrone: OK, so, being a Knicks fan, do you look at the Knicks’ transactions and look at their GM like Mets fans look at you? Do you find it’s a similar thing, or do you understand his job more because of what you do and cut him some slack?
Omar Minaya: I do try to understand…
Matthew Cerrone: But do you ever think, ‘Oh, what was he thinking?’ Do you ever have that emotional reaction like a fan would?
Omar Minaya: No, I don’t. I could tell you, it’s because I don’t have enough knowledge of the insides of what happened in a situation. Like with Plaxico Burress, why was he released? I don’t know that. I get a chance sometimes to talk about the draft with some of the GMs and how much they cost and their salary cap. I like to be a fan, but… I realize there are some things I just don’t know enough about.
Matthew Cerrone: That’s interesting, because, I think that happens in our culture in general. People assume a ton about things and just voice off with their opinion. Do you think fans assume a lot about your job and overlook things that you are aware of, and then are maybe a little too critical sometimes, or maybe not critical enough?
Omar Minaya: I think that happens but I think that’s good. I think fans should be fans. That’s what they are for. I think it’s good that fans have passions and opinions about what I do and all that. That part doesn’t bother me. I think that’s good for the game. That’s healthy for the game.
Matthew Cerrone: Do you ever think, ‘If they only knew…’
Omar Minaya: (Smiling) Well, sometimes you think about it, but what can you do? There are times when I do things that they don’t know about, and I’m not going to reveal those things because sometimes they are personal things, strategy things, or organizational things. That’s for the fan’s imagination and there’s nothing wrong with that. I enjoy it. I think they should voice their opinions and their passion. Sometimes it’s funny when people say things and they don’t know what they’re talking about, but I try not to embarrass them; and at the end of the day I want them to continue to care and have an opinion.
Tagged Omar Minaya |
MetsBlog reader Bobby K points out in an e-mail, the Mets are 0-5 in the final game of a series this season, during which they could sweep, be swept, or win the best of three.
So, given the end of the last two seasons, do this group of players have a problem with finishing strong? Are they capable of ending with a win? Or, like so many people ask me in emails, “Where is their killer instinct?”
Personally, I believe emphasizing heart, passion, killer instincts, etc., among baseball fans is over blown.
However, there is certainly something to the idea of ‘finishing strong,’ since coaches in every sport, including Jerry Manuel, speak about it constantly.
In the end, the Mets are a just not playing good baseball right now, and when they do, the wins will come – regardless of the size of their hearts.
The question is, when they do start playing better, and winning, will thos specific group of players be able to close the deal?
The Mets lost to the Cardinals by the score of 12 to 8 in St. Louis today.
For a full recap, boxscore, go to SNY.tv.
The least you should know:
- Livan Hernandez allowed seven runs on nine hits, three of which were home runs, two from Albert Pujols, in just five innings. Sean Green followed in Hernandez’s footsteps, giving up five runs in two innings of relief.
- The Cardinals totaled eight extra base hits, drove in 12 runs and looked like the team leading their league in runs scored, which they are.
Random Thoughts:
- First, let me say, I am glad to see the Mets fight back in this game, scoring two runs on a Ryan Church home run in the seventh, as well as three more runs thanks to a Carlos Beltran home run in the eighth inning. Eventually, though, it will have to take more than a home run to score runs; a sustained, multi-hit rally would be nice.
- That said, the Mets bullpen, and Hernandez, looked to be throwing batting practice – just meatball after meatball over home plate – and the Cardinals put on a hit parade.
- In the middle of the sixth inning, I ran a poll on MetsBlog.com, in which 96 percent of people who responded said they did not believe the Mets would come back to win the game when down four runs at the time.
- David Wright hit a single the other way, with one out, to drive in Jose Reyes during the fifth inning.
- Gary Sheffield is looking better at the plate, despite hitting in to an inning-ending double play during a fifth-inning rally. He also would’ve had a double earlier, had it not been for an amazing Superman-type catch from Rick Ankiel and his costume-grade mustache.
- Carlos Delgado, if you’re going to dive for the baseball, you may also want to stick your glove out and try to catch it.
- No matter who played second base this series for the Cardinals, he has looked like a Gold Glove infielder.
- Carlos Beltran is hitting the ball ‘right on the screws,’ as they say.
- Pujols is an animal. It’s just not fair.
- Starring in the role of Haywood today, Mr. Jason LaRue.
- Alex Cora would likely have pulled in LaRue’s line drive during the fourth, ending the inning, but a hit and run pulled him toward second base to cover, and the ball sailed just short of his glove. Instead, the inning continued.
- The seven, eight and nine hitters for the Cardinals had three straight, two-out RBI hits against Hernandez. Thankfully, a running, reaching catch in the gap from Ryan Church ended the rally.
- And so, today alone, I have been sent 27 e-mails about the team’s perceived lack of ‘passion,’ ‘urgency,’ etc., and 11 e-mails suggesting Dan Warthen and/or Howard Johnson be fired. I can’t believe we are already at his point, just 15 games in to the season; but here we are.
The New York Mets: Johan Santana Edition take on the Nationals tomorrow, in Citi Field, for the first game of a three-game series.
Today’s Game:
The Mets (6-8, 3-5 Road) look to avoid the sweep of their three-game series against the Cardinals (10-5, 7-2 Home) today at Busch Stadium in St. 
Louis, Missouri, starting at 1:40 p.m. EST.
On the Mound:
RHP Livan Hernandez (1-0, 4.63 ERA) will start for the Mets. Hernandez earned the victory in his last start on April 17 against the Brewers, allowing four runs on seven hits, while striking out three over 5.0 IP. He is 5-5 with a 4.33 ERA in 16 career starts versus St. Louis.
RHP Kyle Loshe (2-0, 2.57 ERA) will pitch for the Cardinals. On April 18 against the Cubs, Loshe allowed four runs on five hits and two walks, while striking four over 5.0 IP. Loshe is 1-2 with a 5.57 ERA in six career starts against the Mets.
At the Plate:
- Jose Reyes, SS
- Alex Cora, 2B
- Carlos Beltran, OF
- Carlos Delgado, 1B
- David Wright, 3B
- Gary Sheffield, OF
- Ryan Church, OF
- Omir Santos, C
- Livan Hernandez, RHP
Today’s Broadcast:
Today’s game will be broadcast on SNY and WFAN.
In-Game Chat:
To chat live with fans during the game, go to the MetsBlog.com Bullpen, here, or voice your comments below.
Enjoy, and as always, Let’s Go Mets!
Tagged Mike Nichols |In a report for ESPN.com, Jerry Crasnick takes a look at 11 remaining free agents, including Pedro Martinez and Ben Sheets.
According to Crasnick, Martinez is still waiting for the perfect opportunity to return to action, while Sheets still remains several weeks away from beginning a throwing program, in follow up to off-season elbow surgery.
Crasnick points out that a team singing 
Sheets must still surrender compensatory draft picks; however, compensation is not required if he is signed after the June draft.
Sheets will be looking to sign with a team on which he can make 10 to 12 starts, explains Crasnick, which he can use as a springboard in to the off-season, free-agent market.
Crasnick also provides an update on free agents Frank Thomas, Luis Gonzalez, Jim Edmonds, Mark Grudzielanek, Dave Roberts, Paul Byrd and Jay Payton.
…i know most fans will look to the trade market, but, it’s way, way too early to assume a team will dump a player in trade… for instance, from what i can tell, people in baseball are split on whether the Blue Jays will deal Roy Halladay, especially since they are in first place… that said, his name, along with Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt, and a collection of other pitchers, will certainly be talked about…
In fact, Danny Knobler of CBS Sports believes the Indians could look to trade RHP Cliff Lee, should they fall out of the race.
…in short, there will be teams who look to dump salary, because, if tickets sales are down, given the economy, cutting payroll will be the best way to save cash… plus, there were a lot of one-year deals signed this past off-season, meaning a lot more players will be eligible for free agency…
Tagged Pedro Martinez |Like he suggested to reporters last night, Jerry Manuel will use the following lineup for today’s game, which will start at 1:40 pm EST:
Jose Reyes, SS
Alex Cora, 2B
Carlos Beltran, OF
Carlos Delgado, 1B
David Wright, 3B
Gary Sheffield, OF
Ryan Church, OF
Omir Santos, C
Livan Hernandez, RHP
Granted, it is a day-game after a night-game, so I assume much of these changes can be attributed to that, but, either way, it’s nice to see something different when following three straight losses.
The Mets starting lineup has six of eight players hitting over .300.
That’s impressive, but it means nothing to me if they are each getting their one hit in different innings. I mean, at some point, they are going to need to deliver a string of hits, in a row, to score a string of runs, in a row. Right now, the Mets are not a ‘cohesive unit,’ as Walt Frasier likes to say.
What’s worse, the Mets are hitting just .254 with runners in scoring position, while striking out roughly 20 percent of the time.
Prior to yesterday’s game, Jerry Manuel explained to reporters that his team must do a better job adjusting to pitchers late in the game.
“We’re not making adjustments to the adjustments that are being made against us,” Manuel said. “I think it’s good to a degree that it’s happened so we can recognize and identify it and say, ‘Why is this happening?’”
There is something to this, because the team is hitting the ball hard, the ball just keeps ending up in the glove of the opposition.
I know this is is a very Willie-esque excuse, but that doesn’t make it any less true. I mean, either Brendan Ryan is psychic, or the Mets are really unlucky, because the kid seems to be in the exact spot of every ground ball hit to the right side. The thing is, if this is the case, like Manuel said, he and his team must adjust.
Ordinarily, this would not be such a big issue, except that, at the same time, three of team’s five starting pitchers are working through mental or physical issues and are struggling in their performance on the mound.
In other words, if the Manuel’s hitters do not start working together, if they do not change their approach at the plate, and adjust to the adjustments, all while picking one another up, when coupled with the struggles of Maine, Pelfrey and Perez, a 6–8 start could quickly spiral in to a 10–20 start - and, while not the end of the world, in a division with three other contending teams, that would be bad.
John Maine, Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey have a combined 7.83 ERA in eight starts.
In fact, the entire staff, minus Johan Santana, is 3–4 with a 6.89 ERA through 51 innings, during which opponents are batting .274 against them.
Maine is looking better. He is making good pitches, ‘they’re just missing by a hair,’ as he says, or he’s not getting the call. The discussion about Maine has actually switched from concern over his shoulder to concern over his confidence. In the end, I trust he’ll be fine.
Pelfrey is working through forearm tendinitis, and told reporters he intends to pitch on Saturday. He still has the ability to be a top starter when healthy, so I prefer to see how he recovers before rushing to judgment on where he stands today.
Perez is Perez, though I do feel he suffered a major set back by how he pitched and practiced in the World Baseball Classic.
I wanted the Mets to sign Derek Lowe, but it is quite clear at this point, despite Lowe having interest in New York, and the Mets having interest in him, the team was never going to give him four years, and the Braves were never going to be outbid after losing John Smoltz to Boston.
Perez, like Pelfrey and Maine, should work back to form, but even when he does, he is still a 50–50 proposition at best.
In short, I believe in Maine and Pelfrey. I have never been shy in my fear of Perez. Nevertheless, I trust all three of these pitchers will turn it around before the season ends. However, this type of pitching cannot go on forever. I hope it ends soon, because the longer it goes on, the bigger hole this team will have to crawl out of to win this division.
Speaking of pitchers…
According to the Daily News, though Nelson Figueroa cleared waivers, he plans to refuse an assignment to Triple-A Buffalo and declare free agency.
…i like nelson, and think he’s an ideal fit to be a long-man and a relief pitcher for the Mets… but, truth is, the long-man spot has always belonged to Tim Redding, who will likely return to the Mets in May… so, i don’t blame nelson for wanting to look around the league for a new job…
Tagged Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez | ← Older posts
