Daily Archives: January 28, 2010
According to Scott Lauber of the News Journal, the Phillies still have interest in free-agent RHP Pedro Martinez, who is looking to pitch a full season and earn more than $5 million.
Martinez made his first appearance of the year last season on August 12, and was 5–1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts for the Phillies, during which he struck out 37 batters in 44 innings pitched.
He pitched more than five innings in just four of his nine starts.
By the way, in a post to his blog for the News Journal, Lauber says the Phillies already have $135 million committed to just 15 players for 2011, which is likely to be there entire payroll for 2010.
Bob Nightegale of USA Today says the Yankees will soon hire former Padres GM Kevin Towers.
In December, during the Winter Meetings, Towers told ESPN he intended to meet with the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Mariners about being hired as an advisor.
“I’d like to align myself with a winning organization, someone I trust, someone I like working with,” Towers said, according to FoxSports.com. “To be honest, preferably an American League team, just to become more familiar with that league.”
…in December i wrote the following:
…i can’t see towers coming to the Mets… i get the feeling Omar Minaya is already being micro-managed, and is surrounded by advisers and bosses, and people shaping the direction he is going… and, to bring in yet another person like this, someone with a lot of clout and who could easily take his job, it just doesn’t make sense… plus, the Mets are not in the American League, nor a winning organization if you only go by last season… actually, the Mets version of towers right now is Wayne Krivsy…
In a post to his blog for ESPN.com, back in December, Buster Olney said, “Given his longtime friendship with Brian Cashman, it figures that he will wind up working for the Yankees.”
The off season is getting closer and closer to being a memory, with pitchers and catchers set to report to Tradition Field in less than four weeks.
The Mets acquired Jason Bay, Gary Matthews Jr., Kelvim Escobar, R.A. Dickey, Ryota Igarashi and Henry Blanco, among others, this off season.
So, this week’s MetsBlog poll, presented by McFadden’s, which will soon be opening a new bar in Citi Field, accessible from the street and from inside the ballpark, is as follows:
[poll id="342"]
[poll id="342"]
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com says the Mets, Orioles, Dodgers, Red Sox and Giants are among teams interested in 34–year-old, free-agent Japanese LHP Hisanori Takahashi.
According to Crasnick, “Takahashi, who’s looking for a major league deal, could be an alternative to Jarrod Washburn and Noah Lowry,” and, “He also expressed a willingness to pitch out of the bullpen.”
The 34-year-old Takahashi had a 2.94 ERA in 25 games last year in Japan, while striking out 126 batters in 144 innings.
In a post to MASN Sports, Roch Kubatko said of Takahashi:
- His best pitch is a screwball.
- He won’t eat up a lot of innings, which is why he’s better suited for the bullpen.
- Lefties hit .300 against him last season.
To see video from of Takahashi pitching to former Mets prospect Craig Brazell, click here.
Smoltz’s agent told David Waldstein of the New York Times, a) Smoltz has not received a contract offer from the Mets, who b) is a team he would definitely consider.
“Smoltz is close to the former Brave and current Mets right fielder Jeff Francoeur, who has been trying to convince his friend to join him in Flushing,” says Waldstein.
Original Post at 8:50 am:
Adam Rubin of the Daily News believes free-agent RHP John Smoltz could choose to wait beyond Opening Day, instead of signing with the Mets.
According to an ‘insider,’ Rubin writes, “he 42-year-old Smoltz could follow the route Pedro Martinez went last season – wait and sign mid-season.”
Jesse G sent in an e-mail to Toby Hyde of Mets Minor League Blog, which points out that Ike Davis at 22 years old, last season, put up the same numbers that Ryan Braun did when he was 22, both of whom played 100 or so games between Double– and Triple-A.
Hyde responded by writing:
“Basically, your comparison of Davis to Braun is an absolute best case scenario for the Mets and their fans. I don’t think Davis will be able to equal Braun’s offensive production in the big leagues, because Braun’s swing is cleaner and his power is a little more natural. On the other hand, Davis has shown more patience in the minors, so while I expect him to hit for a lower average, he should get on base plenty. Also, Davis’ potential defensive edge could help narrow the gap.”
For a more detailed comparison of Braun and Davis, check out Toby’s post, here.
By the way, minor-league expert Jonathan Mayo of MiLB.com published his list of the Top 50 Prospects in baseball, and while no Mets ranked on his list, Mets 21–year-old Jenrry Mejia missed the cut by two spots.
…my guess is mejia is still a bit green, in mayo’s view… for instance, Rangers 1B Justin Smoak missed mayo’s list, but is now ranked No. 9 overall…
For what it’s worth, Braves OF Jason Heyward is Mayo’s choice for the best prospect in baseball, while Marlins 1B Mike Stanton checks in at third overall; the Marlins also have the 25th best prospect in 1B Logan Morrison; the Phillies place with OF Dominic Brown at No. 14, and RHP Phillippe Aumont at No. 47.
Jon Niese and Fernando Martinez are no longer considered prospects, according to Mayo’s criteria.
To see video and notes for each Top 50 Prospect, check out Mayo’s report, here.
“The deal should become official within days,” says Adam Rubin in the Daily News.
In a report this morning for the New York Post, Mike Puma says acquiring Tatis would likely eliminate the possibility of Carlos Delgado returning next season.
Original Post at 7:15 pm:
Mike Puma of the New York Post says the Mets are close to re-signing Fernando Tatis.
According to Puma, GM Omar Minaya has told Tatis he would be used in a platoon with Daniel Murphy at first base.
…i just don’t like the idea of tatis in a platoon at first base with murphy…he was outstanding in 2008, and was fine last year despite the double plays, and i think he will be what is expected of him in 2010…and not that bringing back Carlos Delgado was tops on my list either, but this move, once again, questions ownership’s declaration they are seeking to build an organization around pitching and defense…
…i feel as though bringing in, say, Ryan Garko, is a more effective move towards obtaining power at a power position and getting younger at the same time…he can probably be had for less money than tatis and he is a more versatile player as he can play first base as well as the outfield which provides the depth which cerrone spoke about earlier…it would also bring in some new blood which i feel this club desperately needs right now…otherwise, i think the Mets should just roll the dice on murphy and see if he can hit lefties…
Puma says Tatis is seeking a contract similar to the $1.7 million deal he signed with the Mets last season, and the Rockies and Mariners have also expressed interest.
Last year, the 35 year old Tatis hit .282 with eight home runs and 48 RBI in 340 at bats, grounded into 13 double plays, and hit .278 in 133 at bats against left handed pitching.
With the Indians and Giants in 2009, the 29 year old Garko hit .268 with 13 home runs and 51 RBI in 118 games, he hit .308 in 117 at bats against left handed pitching, and earned $446,100.
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