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In honor of today, 09.09.09, Mets by the Numbers looks at every player from the Mets to wear No. 9.
In a post-game recap for Mets Today, Joe Janish discusses Josh Thole’s defense, talks about SNY’s Silent Sixth Inning, and slips in the following, which made me laugh:
“Jerry Manuel mentioned Buddy Bell during the SNY postgame interview while describing Tim Redding’s performance. Then I realized he said “but he battled”, not “Buddy Bell”. I always liked Buddy Bell … he was a solid hitter who hit in the clutch and was an excellent defender at the hot corner. Not much of a manger, though. Ah, I digress.”
The Mets debuted the Plum Room in Citi Field yesterday, dedicated to five-decade Mets employee Jim Plummer, who died last year.
For more on the dedication, and Plummer, check out MLB.com.
Doc Gooden is now a Senior Vice President of the Newark Bears – for more, read Mike Silva of NY Baseball Digest.
Kerel from On the Black asks, “Have we seen the best of John Maine?”
Mike of Mike’s Mets breaks down the problem, noting, “The Mets have never been able to follow an organizational plan for any length of times since Frank Cashen.”
…if you’re not working with a plan, you’re not working…
…i’ll say it again, for those who some how missed me saying it the last week or so:
The Mets need to determine who they are, what they’re about, and what type of team they want to be, what are their goals, what’s the plan to get there, and then get the best people possible to make it happen.
In a report for SNY.TV, Howard Megdal asks, “Has Mike Pelfrey regressed?”
Lastly, Will from Mets Fans Forever relays a quick exchange with Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News about Tobi Stoner.
I have alway sliked Maine, and still think he can finally put it all together, and have a full season like some of his very good stretches.
I also liked the piece from Janish (linked off the article matt linked to) about his mechanics. Very basic stuff, and it also illustrates how a small change can make a big difference with a pitcher.
“The Mets need to determine who they are, what they’re about, and what type of team they want to be, what are their goals, what’s the plan to get there, and then get the best people possible to make it happen.”
I’m not sure this is all that difficult and they haven’t already done so. I mean, as a rule, you look for young, cheap talent, preferably in positions you need first, and even in positions you DON’T need as a secondary option.
I think following a strict plan is exactly what has gotten them into trouble. The plan was to go out and address their needs, and they did. What they were not able to handle was what they had not planned for: Injuries to guys they expected to be healthy.
So, I think the plan is not to have a plan. Instead, look at players the same way you would look at investments. Compile good investments, as many as possible and at all levels – within your defined financial budget. Try to stock the farm and retain prospects. Try to get rid of bad contracts and bring in young healthy talent with upside. If it means having 4 possible starting OF options, then so be it. If it means you have 2 possible setup men, then great.
Plan for the unexpected by not planning anything specific.
When you start to try and plan too much (like by filling certain needs, or by “adding grit”, or by adding “speed and defense”), you minimize the marketplace, lessen your options and move to a position of weakness.
Remember, these guys play half of their games on the road, in small parks, parks in high altitude, parks with different dimensions, different turf, different infield dirt, and so forth. Bring in the most talent you can. Omar had it right initially, before he started “planning”. He was amassing talent, and well-rounded players. Beltran, Pedro, Delgado, Wagner. It’s when he started following a specific plan that things began to unravel.
That’s my take anyway.
That list of #9’s is pretty brutal. Besides a few years from Jefferies and Hundley there isn’t much. They sure seem to like to give it to catchers and future managers tho…
I think we have seen the best of Maine, but that doesn’t mean he can’t come close to that again. Expecting him to take a leap forward at this point is probably foolish.
“…i’ll say it again, for those who some how missed me saying it the last week or so:”
Any time you want to stop saying it, please do.
gotta agree here